The Marriage of Cup and Lid.

For many fans of practical design, the apotheosis of the coffee-cup lid came about in 1984, when Solo filed the patent for the “Traveler” lid which combined a sleek, functional look with a lid domed enough to accommodate specialty drinks, a protruding rim that helped cool coffee before it reached the drinker's mouth, and even a depression in the middle so the drinker wouldn't have to smush his nose against plastic every time he took a sip. (In 2005, the Museum of Modern Art added the Solo Traveler lid to its permanent collection.)

Today, the iconic Anthora paper coffee cup embraces that same spirit of practical ingenuity with the addition of the “Traveler” lid. The marriage feels inevitable: New York’s most recognizable coffee cup paired with the lid that perfected coffee-on-the-go culture. Together, they reflect the rhythm of modern city life—fast-moving, hands full, coffee essential—while proving that even the smallest everyday objects can achieve timeless design through usefulness, comfort, and a touch of quiet brilliance. 

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.