Workhorse of the American Diner.

Walk into almost any classic American diner and you’ll find it waiting for you: a heavy white china coffee cup, circled by a simple green stripe. It’s not just a vessel – it’s a piece of working-class Americana. Born out of practicality in the mid-20th century, this design was favored by restaurant-ware makers for its durability, standardization, and no-nonsense good looks. Companies like Shenango China, Buffalo China, Mayer China, and Syracuse China all produced their own versions, making replacements easy to source and ensuring the look became a near-universal standard. The green band was just enough decoration to add warmth without fuss, while the thick walls kept coffee hot and resisted chips, cracks, and spills through years of round-the-clock service.

Over time, this humble cup became more than a utilitarian choice – it became a cultural shorthand for authenticity. Much like the Anthora paper cup is to New York street coffee, the green-striped cup became a visual emblem of diners everywhere: unpretentious, reliable, and timeless. Even today, reproductions are made for restaurants and nostalgic home kitchens alike, carrying forward the same sturdy, heat-retaining charm. One glance at that familiar green ring, and you can almost hear the clatter of plates, smell the bacon on the griddle, and feel the comfort of bottomless refills.

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.