Best coffee shops, study places in the FiDi

Financial District, NEW YORK—The Financial District in Lower Manhattan may not be known for its coffee, but that doesn’t mean excellent coffee shops don’t exist down here. There are a few precious hideaways that make the Financial District feel more like home. Whether you're a King's student living in the Fi-Di, or just hanging around campus in between classes,  there are options available for those of you looking for that perfect cup of coffee, ideal study spot--or both!

Study time—If you just need a change of environment when you're trying to get some work done, here are a few options:

Bean & Bean

71 Broadway

New York, NY 10006

Between Exchange Alley & Rector St.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sat/Sun 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Rush hour around lunchtime and 5:30 can get busy, but mornings (not too early or you’ll be waiting in line behind everyone grabbing coffee before work) and mid-afternoon work best for quiet studying.

Best known for: Organic coffee. For a sweet treat, try the honey latte. You won’t regret it!

Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee

222 Front St.

New York, NY 10038

Hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat/Sun 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee is back! They opened the doors of their South Street Seaport shop at the beginning of this past December for the first time since Hurricane Sandy. Jack’s provides a warm environment and enough space to find a table during the day for some studying.

Fun Fact: Voted America’s Best Coffee!

Best known for: Besides their coffee, Jack’s Stir Brew is known for the milk they use--Hudson Valley Fresh--which is exclusively from local cows that graze green pastures in nearby Columbia and Dutchess counties.

Starbucks

55 Broad St.

New York, NY 10004

This Starbucks underwent renovation a few months back and is newly opened with lamppost lights and wall décor that make it feel like you’re outside at a park. The seating is plenty, although it can fill up quickly.

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Coffee and Conversations—Need a cup of coffee before class but don’t want it from Starbucks or Cafe UFT? Looking for a new place to grab coffee with a friend (More than a friend? We won't tell!)? Here are a few other options:

FIKA Coffee

66 Pearl St.

New York, NY 10004

Hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat/Sun CLOSED

FIKA is simple and quaint on the outside with a more modern structure inside. It has a similar feel to an espresso bar, with furniture you’d find at IKEA. It’s great for catching up with a friend or taking a break between classes.

Fun Fact: “Fika” is Swedish for “taking a coffee break.”

Best known for: Cappuccino.

Bluestone Lane

30 West Broad Street (enter on New Street)

New York, NY 10004

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun CLOSED

Bluestone Lane is an Australian owned coffee shop, and yes, the employees are Aussie (accents!). The location is perfect for a quick pick-me-up in between classes because it is right outside King's backdoor.

Best known for: Flat White (developed in Australia; similar to a cappuccino or latte, but with a higher proportion of coffee to milk, creating a more velvety consistency). Read more about how Bluestone Lane started and what their most popular menu items are HERE.

Blue Spoon Coffee

90 William St.

New York, NY 10038

Hours: Mon-Thurs 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun CLOSED

The Blue Spoon on William St. is a 12-seat café, great for a quick lunch or coffee break, and they serve Intelligentsia brand coffee--one of the best.

Best known for: Intelligentsia brand coffee.