Do you drive in New York City? One major plus of driving in Manhattan is that your coffee break can always be excellent. Distinctive cafés offer a welcome breather from the traffic, and bold brews can be had in every neighborhood. In Manhattan, the coffee is as buzzy as the crowds, an affordable luxury that reminds you why so many people want to be here in the first place.

Financial District

Nearly hidden in the narrow alleys off Wall Street, Bluestone Lane is a refreshing contrast to the area’s many chains, serving Australian classics like flat whites and lamington cake. The cozy wooden space at the base of an Art Deco building invites lingering with Aussie newspapers for your perusal. 30 Broad Street, enter via New Street

Tribeca

For a break from the chaos of Canal Street, turn onto Church Street and duck into La Colombe Torrefaction, whose dark, rich brews are the favorite of top chefs like Daniel Boulud. Stick around for a creamy latte, or grab a bottle of cold brew coffee to go. 319 Church Street

Lower East Side

Roasting Plant looks as much like a science lab as coffee shop, with clear pneumatic tubes that whoosh raw coffee beans to be roasted right in the store. Choose from a dozen fresh-roasted varieties for your ideal cup. 81 Orchard Street

Soho

In the morning rush hour, extricate yourself from Holland Tunnel traffic and get a jolt of caffeine at Everyman Espresso, a cheerful nook on the southern fringe of Soho. Friendly baristas serve strong cortados and cappuccino, which pair nicely with the Underwest Donutsfor sale. 301 West Broadway

Greenwich Village

Stumptown Coffee, based in Portland, OR, has taken New York by storm, becoming the go-to roaster for many in the neighborhood. See what all the fuss is about at its bright Greenwich Village location, a charming corner spot where you can try pour-over coffee, espresso drinks, and cold brew, plus local pastries. 30 West 8th Street

East Village

A neighborhood staple since 2001, Ninth Street Espresso offers sweet relief just off the FDR Drive. Its two relaxed Alphabet City locations serve straight-up delicious coffee without pretentious nomenclature: brewed coffee, iced coffee, and espresso. 700 East Ninth Street and 341 East Tenth Street

Midtown West

A playfully designed space near Bryant Park, Culture Espresso is a savior for workers craving something more refined than Starbucks. It sources beans from a changing roster of roasters, serves carefully-prepared cups, and makes addictive chocolate chip cookies in-house. 72 West 38th Street

Central Park South

When Midtown traffic gets the best of you, nip into the tiny Zibetto off 56th Street for a shot of continental civility. In the Italian fashion, it serves espresso in ceramic cups at a marble counter, which you can pair with a square of chocolate or shortbread. 1385 Sixth Avenue

Midtown East

Little Collins has a fancy coffee maker and nerds out on the details of the perfect brew, but unlike many of its peers, the Australian café is also warm and welcoming—a rare combination in Manhattan. It also has a great kitchen cooking typical Melbourne brekkies like avocado smash. 667 Lexington Avenue

Upper West Side

Plowshares is a small-batch roaster in upstate New York whose sole café puts a changing selection of beans to delicious use. You can keep it simple with a drip coffee or try the nitro cold brew for a particularly smooth and strong drink. 2730 Broadway

Upper East Side

Based in Brooklyn, Oslo Coffee has roasted its own beans for over a decade, crafting robust, balanced brews. Its only Manhattan outpost, just off the FDR, serves java-starved Yorkville and is by far your best option in the neighborhood. 422 East 75th Street