The Caffeine Capital of the World.

New York City drinks seven times more coffee than the rest of the country. It’s basically the caffeine capital of the world, which explains a lot about the constant hustle—and probably all those sleepless nights.  In a famously coffee-loving city, 62% of adult New Yorkers drink coffee, and 42% need coffee to start their days and power the early morning commute.

If there’s one thing that fuels the sleepless energy of New York City, it’s coffee. From the corner bodega to third-wave espresso bars, New Yorkers don’t just drink coffee – they depend on it. In fact, NYC has more coffee shops than any other U.S. city, each one contributing to the city’s unique rhythm, flavor, and culture.  

New York has an estimated 3,500+ coffee shops spread across its five boroughs — from the grab-and-go counters in Midtown to artisanal roasters in Brooklyn. Manhattan alone is home to hundreds of cafés per square mile, making it one of the most densely caffeinated areas in the world.  According to ApartmentGuide, there are 9.1 coffee shops per 10,000 people in New York City. That’s an amazing 764 total coffee shops 2.5 per square mile, which is way more than any other US city.  

One of the most enduring symbols of NYC’s coffee culture is the Anthora paper cup, the blue-and-white vessel that once defined the city’s to-go coffee. Created in the 1960s and emblazoned with the phrase “We Are Happy to Serve You,” it remains a nostalgic touchstone for New Yorkers.