An Accidental Movie Star.

Every paper coffee cup believes it's headed for greatness. Most end up in the recycling bin. The lucky ones end up in a movie. No disposable cup has enjoyed a more remarkable acting career than New York City's iconic Anthora paper coffee cup. Introduced in the 1960s with its unmistakable blue-and-white Greek-inspired design, the Anthora quickly became as much a symbol of the city as yellow taxis and subway grates. For filmmakers, it was the perfect visual shorthand. Place one in an actor's hand and audiences instantly knew they were on the streets of New York. Whether a detective hurried to a crime scene, a Wall Street executive rushed to the office, or two friends strolled through Central Park, chances were someone was carrying an Anthora.

Watch almost any movie or television show set in New York during the 1960s, '70s, '80s, or beyond, and you'll likely spot the familiar cup making a cameo. It appears so often that it's become one of cinema's most recognizable props, quietly stealing scenes without speaking a line. Unlike countless movie stars, the Anthora never changed its look to stay relevant. Decade after decade, it remained exactly the same, becoming a comforting symbol of everyday New York life. Not bad for a paper coffee cup that was designed to be thrown away after a single use, but somehow earned a permanent place in American popular culture.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the iconic Anthora coffee cup – a true symbol of New York City’s street culture, corner delis, and daily rituals – NY Coffee Cup celebrates its enduring design, cultural significance, and place in coffee history, both in NYC and beyond.