Manhattan - Midtown East

MANHATTAN ESPRESSO CAFE
Coffee Served: Illy

144 E. 49th St., between Lexington and 3rd Avenues
TRAINS:
51st/Lex
53rd/Lex

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I just stumbled upon this place recently, and I love it...adorable girls behind the counter. I always order a cappuccino, and it's always delicious (on the wet side, but skim, and I don't ask for it dry, either). They also have great paninis during the day (by late afternoon, usually gone..) and a nice selection of pastries, cookies, etc. A little more expensive than Starbucks, but so much better--coffee, sandwiches/pastries, and atmosphere.
Even though it's a very small shop, it has a bar and stools along one wall that feel comfortable rather than claustrophobic, and it's a great place to sit and read if you don't want to hurry back to the office.

Citysearch review of Manhattan Espresso Cafe

RIEU CAFE
Coffee Served: Illy

550 Madison Avenue, between 55th and 56th Streets
TRAINS:
5th Ave/53rd


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This is an Illy coffee cart within the Sony Atrium. I believe they're open Mon-Sat..have to double-check..


Citysearch listing for Rieu Cafe

JUAN VALDEZ CAFE
Coffee Served: Colombian Coffee / Cafe de Colombia

245 Park Avenue at 46th Street
TRAINS:

Grand Central - 42nd St.


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Good, solid coffee...This location doesn't have a warm atmosphere at all, but it's very clean with lots of life. I haven't been here yet when it's been crowded. And when the weather is decent, there are tables to sit out on the terrace (office building, midtown cement terrace) outside--and I don' t know of any other outdoor seating anywhere nearby.

NY Mag review of 57th St. location