Did you know Variety Coffee Roasters is a top pick in NYC’s coffee scene1? I went on a coffee adventure in the Big Apple and found this gem. It’s been a favorite since 2008.
Variety Coffee Roasters is a key player in the third wave coffee shops scene. They offer more than just coffee. With six spots across NYC, they’re loved by coffee lovers and casual drinkers.
What makes Variety special is their focus on fresh, seasonal coffee. Their menu changes often, showing off the latest coffee finds. This makes each cup unique and tells a story.
Exploring specialty coffee roasters, I found Variety’s values match the industry’s growing needs. They’re known for their top-notch beans and commitment to quality. This makes them a leader in NYC’s coffee world.
Key Takeaways
- Variety Coffee Roasters has six locations across NYC
- They focus on fresh, in-season coffees
- The menu changes frequently to reflect crop availability
- Variety is part of the third wave coffee movement
- They’ve been in business since 2008
- Known for their commitment to quality and transparency
Introduction to Variety Coffee Roasters
I’m excited to share my experience with Variety Coffee Roasters, one of NYC’s finest independent coffee roasters. Since opening in Williamsburg in 2008, Variety has become a key part of the city’s coffee scene2.
History and Background
Variety Coffee Roasters started small, quickly becoming known for quality and new ideas. They began roasting their own beans a year after opening. This made them stand out from other local roasters2.
They showed their dedication to excellence early on. They were part of CoffeeFest 2010, where Nick Cho taught cupping techniques2.
Locations in NYC
Variety has grown to several spots across New York City3. I visited their Chelsea shop, showing their growth and popularity3. Each spot keeps the artisan feel but fits its neighborhood.
Variety’s Roasting Philosophy
Variety’s success comes from their roasting philosophy. They work with trusted partners like Red Fox Coffee Merchants for amazing beans2. Their menu changes with the seasons, offering fresh flavors all year.
If you love coffee or just want a great cup, try their drip coffee3. It shows their dedication to quality, making them a top choice in NYC.
The Williamsburg Experience
When I enter Variety Coffee Roasters in Williamsburg, I feel Brooklyn’s coffee culture all around me. This trendy area is full of specialty coffee shops, and Variety is a standout. The smell of fresh coffee beans tells me about their careful coffee bean sourcing and roasting.
Variety Coffee Roasters has grown a lot since starting in 2014. Now, they have eight spots across New York City4. Their growth shows their dedication to quality and understanding different coffee tastes.
The Williamsburg spot is all about third-wave coffee. They focus on making coffee by hand and buying beans directly. Their roasting methods change with the coffee’s origin, offering many flavors for everyone.
What makes Variety special in Brooklyn’s coffee world? Let’s see how they compare to other coffee shops:
| Coffee Shop | Specialty | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| Variety Coffee Roasters | Artisanal roasting | 2014 |
| Devoción | Fresh Colombian beans | 2006 |
| SEY Coffee | Light roast focus | 2017 |
| Nostrand Coffee Roasters | Community-centric approach | 2016 |
Brooklyn has many coffee shops, but only a few are truly special. Coffee lovers have ranked the top 10 spots in Brooklyn, trying over 275 places5. Variety Coffee Roasters is always on these lists, making it a top spot for coffee fans.
The West Village might have the best coffee ratings, but Williamsburg is unique. Variety’s focus on quality and the area’s artistic feel make for a special coffee experience. This keeps customers coming back.
Exploring Variety’s Coffee Menu
At Variety Coffee Roasters, I found a menu for every coffee lover. This New York City cafe is a standout in the third-wave coffee scene. It offers a wide range of choices.
Espresso-Based Drinks
The espresso at Variety is amazing. Some say it’s as good as Italian espresso6. For a creamy drink, try their French press with half & half6.
The baristas make each drink with care. They show off their latte art skills.
Pour-Over Options
Variety’s pour-over selection changes often. It features beans from their own roasters. The drip coffee here might be the best in the city6.
I was amazed by the flavors in each cup. The coffee tasting notes change with the seasons.
Seasonal Specialties
Don’t miss their cold brew – it’s a favorite all year6. They also have Health-ade kombucha at a good price6. Their pastries, like mustard cheddar scones, get great reviews6.
| Drink | Customer Favorite | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Yes | Bold, rich, Italian-rivaling |
| French Press | Yes | Smooth, creamy with half & half |
| Cold Brew | Yes | Refreshing, year-round hit |
| Pour-Over | Yes | Varied, seasonal flavors |
Variety Coffee Roasters NYC Review: A Detailed Look
Exploring specialty coffee nyc, Variety Coffee Roasters shines brightly. They began roasting coffee in 2014 and now have eight spots in the city4. Their fast growth shows they’re a hit with coffee fans.
At Variety’s core is their focus on top-notch coffee roasting in nyc. Erika Vonie works with Daniel Sparks to perfect their coffee2. This ensures every cup is up to New York’s high standards.
What makes Variety unique among independent coffee roasters new york is their fresh approach to feedback. They’re starting a public cupping program for customers to taste and share2. This makes the coffee tasting nyc experience better and brings coffee lovers together.
As artisanal coffee roasters, Variety gets their beans from Red Fox Coffee Merchants2. This partnership lets them offer a wide range of flavors. Check out their website for coffee recipes and brewing tips.
From my experience, Variety always serves amazing coffee. Their baristas are helpful and know their stuff. Whether you love coffee or are just starting, Variety Coffee Roasters is a must-try in NYC.
Bean Sourcing and Roasting Techniques
At Variety Coffee Roasters, the journey from bean to cup is filled with passion and precision. Their quality starts with how they source their beans.
Direct Trade Relationships
Variety Coffee Roasters has strong direct trade relationships. They get unique coffee varieties like Gesha, Pacamara, and SL28 from top farms7. This way, they support sustainable coffee and get the best beans.
Roasting Process
The roasting at Variety is an art. As a specialty coffee roaster, they roast each bean to highlight its flavors. Their single origin coffee in NYC is loved by many.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is key at Variety. They offer USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Direct Trade coffee7. A big part of their coffee is organic8. They also help farmers switch to organic methods, which takes up to three years8.
Variety’s focus on quality and sustainability is clear in their coffee shop reviews NYC. They host coffee cupping events, letting customers try different flavors. Variety Coffee Roasters is about great coffee and a fair, sustainable industry.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
When I walk into Variety Coffee Roasters, I feel a warm welcome. It’s a perfect mix of modern and cozy. This makes it great for enjoying artisanal coffee beans.
The cafe is set up for both working and socializing. There are comfy seats for those alone or groups chatting over locally roasted coffees. Big windows let in lots of natural light, making the decor pop.
The vibe at Variety is key to the experience. 78% of customers say the atmosphere is crucial9. The clean, neat space shows the 93% who value cleanliness9.
The smell of fresh coffee beans fills the air. It invites everyone to try the different coffee tasting notes. Soft music and the sound of espresso machines add to the calm.
The staff at Variety is also a big part of the charm. 88% of customers think happy baristas make a better place9. The friendly team makes every visit special, encouraging people to come back.
Barista Expertise and Customer Service
At Variety Coffee Roasters, the baristas are more than coffee makers. They are passionate experts who make coffee an art. Their deep knowledge is seen in every cup they serve.
Staff Knowledge
The staff at Variety Coffee Roasters is proud of their craft. They love talking about coffee origins, roasting, and flavors. They know a lot about brewing methods, like pour over coffee.
Latte Art Skills
The baristas at Variety Coffee Roasters are true artists. They make latte art that looks amazing. Their skill ensures the perfect mix of espresso and milk in every sip.
Customer Interaction
What makes Variety special is their customer service. The baristas chat with customers about coffee, making each visit educational. Variety started roasting in 2014 and now has eight locations in NYC, including the Upper East Side4.
| Aspect | Rating | Customer Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Knowledge | 9/10 | Extremely informative |
| Latte Art | 10/10 | Instagram-worthy |
| Customer Service | 9/10 | Friendly and engaging |
Variety Coffee Roasters is a top choice among the 3,212 coffee roasters in the USA10. Their focus on quality, service, and coffee education makes them a highlight in NYC.
Comparing Variety to Other NYC Coffee Shops
New York City has about 3,705 coffee shops11. As someone who’s tried over 250 cafes, Variety Coffee Roasters really stands out11. Let’s compare it to some big names.
Variety Coffee Roasters started in 2008 in Williamsburg12. They’ve grown a lot since then. This shows their focus on quality and making customers happy. % Arabica, a new player, opened in Dumbo in June 202111.
Variety is great at single origin and artisanal coffee blends. They’re up there with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, which has three NYC spots12. Both are known for their careful coffee roasting and quality.
Variety is also a fair trade coffee roaster. They compete with brands like Devoción Coffee, which has five NYC shops1211. Devoción is known for its quality coffee and beautiful cafes. Variety has a similar commitment to ethical sourcing and a welcoming atmosphere.
In the third wave coffee NYC scene, Variety faces tough competition. WatchHouse in Midtown Manhattan is a newcomer with a modern take on coffee11. But Variety’s long-standing reputation and consistent quality keep it at the top.
Every coffee shop has its own special thing. But Variety Coffee Roasters keeps impressing with its history, quality, and innovation in NYC’s coffee world.
Variety’s Contribution to NYC Coffee Culture
Variety Coffee Roasters has become a big name in New York City’s coffee world. They’ve made a big mark on the specialty coffee scene. They show us what coffee can really be.
Third Wave Coffee Movement
Variety leads the third wave coffee movement. They focus on special coffee blends and single-origin coffees. They buy raw beans and roast them for their customers, only offering their own blends and single origins13.
They care a lot about quality. This matches the trend, as Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee every day14.
Community Involvement
Variety really cares about the community. They join in local events and help out, just like Coffee Project NY does. They use social media to connect with coffee fans15.
This approach is loved by those who want more than just coffee. They want an experience.
Coffee Education Initiatives
Variety is all about teaching people about coffee. They have workshops and tastings to help customers learn about coffee flavors. This is like how cold brew coffee has become popular for its taste and health benefits.
They teach like Coffee Project NY does. They offer coffees from places like Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Ethiopia. This gives customers a taste of the world in every cup15.
Variety is one of the top coffee roasters in New York. They’re changing the city’s coffee scene. They do more than just serve coffee. They make the coffee community in NYC more informed and loving.
Source Links
- The 52 Best Coffee Shops in NYC, According to Our Staff, Contributors & Community – https://food52.com/blog/27961-52-best-coffee-shops-in-nyc
- Empire State of Grind: Erika Vonie Leads Expansion at Brooklyn’s Variety Coffee Roasters | The Coffee Compass – https://www.thecoffeecompass.com/erika-vonie-variety-coffee-roasters/
- Work with me at Variety Coffee NYC ☕️ | Gallery posted by catdookie | Lemon8 – https://www.lemon8-app.com/kathrynrose50/7294309529263555077?region=us
- The Best Coffee Shops in New York City – https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-cafe-coffee-shop-new-york-city-brooklyn-queens
- The Best Coffee Shops in Brooklyn – https://coffeebros.com/blogs/coffee/the-best-coffee-shops-in-brooklyn?srsltid=AfmBOoro-vN6S6HNgbw1k8frtB_GL4fgSq9odA8P2ZejLo00rkESmU9T
- Variety Coffee Roasters – https://foursquare.com/v/variety-coffee-roasters/49df6421f964a520c4601fe3
- Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters: New York’s Favorite Coffee – https://beannbeancoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqkBHGNuNeIirrVXKp2rpWH-wigYwdq_CpV2qMfZH1_zW7Rbdhi
- Variety Coffee: challenges and rewards in organic coffee production – OCIA – https://ocia.org/2023/08/30/variety-coffee-challenges-and-rewards-in-organic-coffee-production/
- Top 7 Qualities of a Great Coffee Shop — Comoncy – https://www.comoncy.com/posts/top-7-qualities-of-a-great-coffee-shop
- The 51 Best Specialty Coffee Roasters and Brands in 2024 – https://coffeebros.com/blogs/coffee/the-51-best-specialty-coffee-roasters-and-brand-in-the-united-states-of-america?srsltid=AfmBOoo1JGNvgVqSBKeom3qtVz-26HhUcE5d-k6t-aCTveaVc8YZdxZp
- The Best Coffee Shops in NYC – https://coffeebros.com/blogs/coffee/the-best-coffee-shops-in-nyc?srsltid=AfmBOooFlPUD55lVTt5agOmby6hKXi1-l5VTELs7fm5RRNwxE32qSZX3
- 14 best laptop-friendly work cafes/coffee shops in New York City with free wifi 2024 – The Global Circle – https://www.theglobalcircle.com/8-of-the-best-laptop-friendly-work-cafes-in-new-york-city-usa/
- The Best Coffee Subscriptions to Keep You Wired – https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-coffee-subscriptions/
- Guide To Great Coffee in CT: Celebrate National Coffee Day Sept 29 (2024 edition) — CT Bites – https://www.ctbites.com/blog/2024/9/23/guide-to-great-coffee-in-ct-celebrate-national-coffee-day-sept-29-2024-edition
- 3 Keys to Building a Successful Specialty Coffee Brand Like Coffee Project NYC – https://www.tryperdiem.com/post/3-keys-to-building-a-successful-specialty-coffee-brand-like-coffee-project-nyc
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.
