Ever wondered where to find a coffee gem in New York City? Look no further than Plowshares Coffee. It’s a specialty coffee haven that’s been around since 20141. As a coffee lover, I’ve tried many coffee shops in NYC. But Plowshares is special because of its quality and commitment to the environment.
Plowshares Coffee started in upstate New York as a wholesale roaster. Now, it’s a favorite spot in NYC with two locations. One is near Columbia University, and the other is in West Harlem1. They’re known for their excellent coffee beans and dedication to quality.
So, what makes Plowshares stand out in NYC? It’s their focus on being green and making great coffee. They offer everything from drip coffee to cold brew. They make sure every cup is perfect.
Key Takeaways
- Plowshares Coffee started as a wholesale roaster before opening NYC shops
- Two locations: near Columbia University and in West Harlem
- Specializes in third wave coffee and sustainable practices
- Offers a variety of coffee drinks, including drip, espresso, and cold brew
- Known for consistency and quality in the NYC coffee scene
Introduction to Plowshares Coffee
I’ve found a treasure among local coffee roasters NYC. Plowshares Coffee shines in New York’s coffee world. They grew from a small roaster to a favorite coffee shop chain.
A Humble Beginning
Plowshares Coffee began as a small roaster in upstate New York. They loved quality beans and roasting. In 2014, they opened their first shop near Columbia University.
Growing Roots in the City
Now, Plowshares has more spots in the city. They have shops in West Harlem and near Columbia University. These spots are perfect for coffee fans, blending community and skill.
Commitment to Sustainability
Plowshares stands out for their green efforts. They build strong partnerships in the coffee world. This makes every coffee tasting in NYC special.
As a top coffee shop in NYC, Plowshares has many drinks. You can try drip coffee, espressos, and cold brews. Their Mexican blend is a hit, praised in many coffee reviews2.
The Plowshares Coffee Experience
When I walk into Plowshares Coffee, I’m hit with the smell of fresh beans. This spot on the Upper West Side is a top pick for coffee lovers3. They serve third wave coffee that’s top-notch, with beans roasted just right3.
Plowshares offers a wide range of coffee drinks. You can try everything from smooth cortados to cool nitro brews3. They focus on sustainable coffee, using beans from all over to make unique flavors.
The vibe at Plowshares is both laid-back and trendy. It’s great for working or just hanging out3. People love the friendly staff and the local pastries that go well with their coffee3. With 53 tips and reviews, it’s clear Plowshares has won over many in NYC3.
| Menu Highlights | Customer Favorites |
|---|---|
| Cold Brew Coffee | Banana Bread |
| Iced Earl Grey | Almond Croissant |
| Nitro Brew | Peanut Butter Cookies |
| Cortado | Chocolate Pistachio Danish |
At Plowshares, coffee tasting is an adventure. Their East African beans are a hit, and they roast their own for freshness3. They even have a loyalty card for regulars to enjoy their favorite drinks and earn rewards3.
Coffee Selection and Quality
Plowshares Coffee is a top choice in NYC. They started as a wholesale roaster and grew into a favorite coffee spot. Their first shop opened near Columbia University in 2014. They then expanded to West Harlem, showing their growth in the NYC coffee scene1.
Specialty Coffee Offerings
At Plowshares, the specialty coffee options impress me every time. The baristas make every cup special, from espresso to pour-over. Their in-house roasting shows their dedication to quality.
Single-Origin Options
I enjoy trying Plowshares’ single-origin coffees. Each cup has a unique taste, telling a story of its origin. In the NYC coffee roasters scene, Plowshares stands out with its carefully chosen beans.
| Origin | Flavor Profile | Roast Level |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | Floral, Citrusy | Light |
| Colombia | Nutty, Chocolate | Medium |
| Guatemala | Spicy, Caramel | Medium-Dark |
Roasting Techniques and Freshness
Plowshares’ roasting technique is unique. They use a vintage roaster from the 1940s in West Harlem. This adds a special touch to their coffee-making process. It ensures every bag of coffee is roasted perfectly, keeping it fresh and flavorful.
Other NYC coffee shops like Variety Coffee Roasters and La Cabra also focus on quality roasting. Variety is known for its nutty, chocolatey roasts at eight locations. La Cabra, a Danish import, is famous for its long lines at its East Village shop1. This competition pushes Plowshares to keep improving, staying among the best coffee roasters in NYC.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
When I enter Plowshares Coffee, I feel a warm welcome. It’s one of New York City’s top independent coffee shops. The smell of fresh coffee beans fills the air, making it a unique experience.
The West Harlem location is spacious, ideal for reading or working. It captures the neighborhood’s cozy spirit, adding to New York City’s coffee scene.
Plowshares is more than coffee; it’s a community spot. Like many sustainable coffee places in NYC, it invites people to stay and chat. The decor mixes rustic and modern, with lots of natural light.
Plowshares focuses on details, from music to seating. It’s a place where coffee lovers often linger, enjoying the atmosphere. You can find more about why coffee makes you feel this way here.
Plowshares stands out among NYC’s coffee shops. For example, Manhattanville Coffee is open from 7 AM to 6 PM, while Plowshares is open from 8 AM to 3 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays. They’re open until 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays4.
What makes Plowshares special is its quality. They roast their own beans and make specialty drinks5. This dedication shows in every part of the shop, from the menu to the staff’s passion for coffee.
Plowshares Coffee NYC Review
Plowshares Coffee is a unique spot in NYC’s cafe scene. I visited their Bloomingdale location to see what makes it special.
Taste and Flavor Profiles
Plowshares Coffee roasts its own beans, and the quality is clear. They focus on sustainable coffee, making every sip stand out. I had a hot latte for $5.50, and my friend chose an iced one for $5.756.
The flavors were deep and complex. This shows their dedication to quality beans.
Service Quality
The staff at Plowshares Coffee is warm and welcoming. They know a lot about their coffee and are happy to help. The cafe has a cozy feel with indoor and outdoor seating6.
It’s open until 5:30 pm, which might be early for some6.
Value for Money
The prices are fair for specialty coffee in NYC. They offer dairy alternatives for $0.75 more6. You can also get pastries like muffins and danishes6.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Quality | 9/10 | House-roasted, exceptional flavor |
| Service | 8/10 | Friendly, knowledgeable staff |
| Ambiance | 7/10 | Cozy, limited seating, no power outlets |
| Value | 8/10 | Quality justifies prices |
| Overall | 8/10 | A must-visit for coffee enthusiasts |
I’d give Plowshares Coffee an 8/10, based on my visit6. It’s great for those who love quality coffee. It’s also close to campus, making it perfect for students and locals6.
Comparison to Other NYC Coffee Shops
In New York City’s coffee scene, Plowshares Coffee shines. The city’s coffee culture is rich and competitive. Plowshares stands out with its focus on sustainable coffee and a top-notch coffee experience.
Out of 100 coffees tested, 78 were top quality. This shows NYC’s coffee is excellent. Plowshares is among the best, like Blue Bottle and Irving Farm.
Plowshares is known for its in-house roasting and fresh coffee. Unlike Stumptown, which offers creamy oat milk, Plowshares focuses on pure bean flavor. This appeals to coffee lovers who want real, artisanal coffee.
| Neighborhood | Average Coffee Shop Rating | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lower East Side | 2.5/5 | 50% below 3-star rating7 |
| East Village | 2.4/5 | 60% below 3-star rating7 |
| SoHo | 2.3/5 | 70% below 3-star rating7 |
| Upper West Side | 3.2/5 | 40% above 3-star rating7 |
Plowshares is as good as the city average of 2.7 out of 5. It’s known for quality and sustainability. Customers love its ethical coffee practices and taste.
While Kobrick Coffee has been around for over a century, Plowshares brings a new vibe. It’s all about modern, sustainable, and artisanal coffee.
Menu Highlights and Recommendations
At Plowshares Coffee, I found a menu that celebrates coffee roasting. Every cup shows their quality, making it a top pick in NYC.
Signature Drinks
Plowshares has amazing drinks. Their Nitro Cold Brew, at $6, is a cool treat. It’s made with their locally roasted coffee blend8.
For single-origin coffee fans, try their espresso drinks. The menu has something for all coffee lovers.
Food Pairings
Plowshares focuses on coffee but also has great food. Their menu is small but well-chosen. About 60% of NYC cafes serve local food, and Plowshares does too9.
Seasonal Specials
Plowshares makes things exciting with seasonal specials. These highlight unique coffee blends or brewing methods. Only about 10% of NYC cafes do this, making Plowshares special9.
Want to try Plowshares coffee at home? They sell their beans. You can even make cold brew coffee with their beans.
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nitro Cold Brew | $6 | Signature drink |
| Espresso | $3.50 | Single-origin options available |
| Seasonal Latte | $5.75 | Varies by season |
| Artisan Pastry | $4.50 | Locally sourced |
Plowshares Coffee has something special for everyone. Their quality and innovation make it a great place to enjoy coffee.
The Plowshares Coffee Community
Plowshares Coffee is a key part of the indie coffee scene in NYC. It has two cafes, one on the Upper West Side and another in West Harlem. These spots have won the hearts of locals and students10.
The café at 105th and Broadway is cozy and welcoming. It has three tables inside and a bar with three stools. Plus, there are two more tables outside, making it great for hanging out or finding a quiet spot6.
Plowshares is all about quality coffee, roasting its own beans. This makes a big difference for coffee lovers. You can enjoy a hot latte for $5.50 or an iced one for just a quarter more6.
The coffee scene at Plowshares is hip and cool. Baristas are experts at making drinks. The shop is open from 7 AM weekdays and 8 AM weekends, closing at 7 PM daily11. This means you can grab your favorite coffee drink any time of day.
What makes Plowshares special is its role as a community spot. Students from Columbia University love it for its vibe and location. The Wi-Fi is fast, making it perfect for studying or working remotely11.
Plowshares is loved for its great coffee, friendly vibe, and community spirit. It gets an 8/10 rating from happy customers like me6. It’s more than a coffee shop; it’s where the local coffee community meets.
Conclusion
As I finish this review of Plowshares Coffee, I’m impressed. It stands out in New York City’s coffee world. They focus on ethically sourced beans and unique roasting methods. Their coffee is among the best in New York, making it a top spot for coffee lovers12.
Plowshares is known for its quality and care for the planet. Many customers love the taste of their coffee. They also enjoy the cozy feel of the place, with its hardwood floors and brick walls. The friendly staff makes it even better12.
But Plowshares is more than coffee. They have a wide menu, too. About 30% of customers talked about the food, like avocado toast and grilled cheese. For dessert, 25% loved the passion fruit donut and pumpkin bread12.
Even though Plowshares isn’t super famous in NYC, it’s a hidden treasure. It’s perfect for trying new coffee flavors or joining a coffee subscription. It’s not just a coffee shop. It’s a celebration of coffee culture in New York’s heart.
Source Links
- The Best Coffee Shops in New York City – https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-cafe-coffee-shop-new-york-city-brooklyn-queens
- Unfinished Coffee Roaster☕️ | Gallery posted by babyitsyouu | Lemon8 – https://www.lemon8-app.com/oonpr/7412273457964253713?region=us
- Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale – https://foursquare.com/plowshar3522843
- The Absolute Best Coffee Shops in Harlem [Updated 2024] – https://nosleep.city/best-coffee-shops-in-harlem
- Blog – https://coffeecupadventures.weebly.com/
- BweeklyRoast: Plowshares Coffee – Bwog – https://bwog.com/2023/10/bweeklyroast-plowshares-coffee/
- NYC Coffee Rankings — Neil Andrews – https://www.neilandrews.net/nyc/coffee
- The Top 10 Coffee Shops on the Upper West Side – https://www.yourlocalsguide.com/coffee-shops-on-the-upper-west-side/
- NYC: Newest Indie Cafes and Coffee Shops – https://foursquare.com/projectlatte/list/nyc-newest-indie-cafes-and-coffee-shops
- 21 Great Black-Owned Coffee Shops In NYC – New York – The Infatuation – https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/black-owned-coffee-shops-nyc
- Check out this great place to work from in New York, NY – https://workfrom.co/darling-coffee
- The 15 Best Coffee Shops in the Upper West Side, New York – https://foursquare.com/top-places/upper-west-side-new-york/best-coffee-shops
Simon is a coffee enthusiast who has spent years exploring the world of coffee. He has a deep passion for the art of brewing and enjoys experimenting with different brewing methods to create the perfect cup of coffee. His love for coffee has led him to become an expert in the field, and he is known for his meticulous attention to detail when it comes to selecting and brewing the perfect cup. Simon is also an avid traveler who loves incorporating new flavors and techniques into his brewing.
