Four Underrated Coffee Shops for the Fall

Morningside is home to more than just Starbucks and Pret.

In a city that never sleeps, coffee is indispensable, fueling interviews, dates, late-night studying, and more, especially at Columbia.

While many share a Club Pret subscription and pray that their QR code works, or scour Joe Coffee for an open table, Morningside Heights hosts local alternatives that provide both better coffee and better study spaces. Out of the pure kindness of my heart, I have brewed up a list of cafes not enough Columbia students seem to know about.

1. Kuro Kuma, Broadway and La Salle St.

While the small, minimalist shop may feel cramped inside, it’s peaceful and boasts ample outdoor seating on quiet, idyllic La Salle Street. About halfway between the Manhattanville and Morningside Heights campuses, the cafe is a worthy escape from the hustle of university life.

2. Sipsteria, Amsterdam Ave and W 122nd St.

Established in January, Sipsteria is one of Morningside’s newest and coziest coffee shops. Alongside the amazing coffee served in mugs with saucers, the cafe offers a variety of mismatched, cushioned seats and couches that make you feel like you’re in your grandmother’s living room. The dim lighting, homey decor, and view of vibrant Amsterdam Avenue make it an amazing place to get work done just north of campus.

3. Double Dutch Espresso, Frederick Douglass Blvd and W 118th St.

Speaking of cozy, just on the east side of Morningside Park lies Double Dutch Espresso, providing more than just a warm and inviting space to get work done. The walk through the fall foliage of Morningside Park and the charming side streets of South Harlem is worth the voyage alone. While the shop may be as quiet as a library at times, I’ve found their cold brew to be the best in the city.

4. Monkey Cup, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and W 118th St

If you enjoyed the trek to Double Dutch, The Monkey Cup is also worth a stop. Tucked away past blocks of charming row houses in the heart of South Harlem, dozens of light bulbs hanging from the ceiling illuminate this charming shop. While the coffee is superb, the cafe, owned by a couple from Venezuela, also serves fantastic arepas.

---

Mr. Baum is a sophomore in the joint degree program between Jewish Theological Seminary and the School of General Studies. He is a staff editor for Sundial.