Devocion Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Devocion Coffee

Location visited: downtown Brooklyn, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

If people had told me a decade ago that a roaster could have a steady, dynamic roster of excellent coffee from only one country, I would have thought the roaster overly ambitious and foolhardy. But where some roasters have fallen short, Devocion Coffee has succeeded. 

Black Fox Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Black Fox Coffee
Location visited:  550 Madison Ave, Manhattan, NY
WiFi?: not sure actually
Rating: 6+ [see key]

For all of the traffic nightmares I have getting into New York City, I genuinely love the cafes that the city fosters. There are postage stamps espresso bars, old print-shops-now-coffee-shops and sometimes coffeehouses so pretty and idyllic, their existence defies belief.

The Kitchen Table Cafe

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: The Kitchen Table Cafe
Location: Callicoon, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

The land along the northeast edge of Pennsylvania that borders New York is both a pretty and curious area. Dotted with many quaint towns, I found the region to be an odd mix of bucolic scenery juxtaposed with herds of day-trippers (mostly) from the surrounding metropolitan centers. 

First Village Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: First Village Coffee
Location: Ossining, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Everyone has heard of Sleepy Hollow, but not many people traverse the once-sleepy-now-insanely-populated hamlet just over the Tappan Zee bridge (and before you correct me, that will always be the bridge name). Dotted with plenty of cute towns, one particular area stood out to me not for its affinity for pumpkin skulls, but instead for its quality coffee.

The Walk In

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: The Walk In
Location: Livingston Manor, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Good coffee rarely exists alongside good food. I know I say it a lot, but it's worth repeating since there is no excuse I'm willing to hear. Most eateries that dish quality meals still, even in this age of great coffee options, serve sad java to their patrons. Conversely, many coffee shops that serve excellent drinks (can) rarely serve a solid full menu. It is the great coffee-food conundrum. 

Lake Life Cafe

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Lake Life Cafe
Location: Bemus Point, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

After traversing most of Upstate New York during my years as a resident, I thought I had seen all the lakes but it turns out I missed a great one. Situated all the way by Erie is Chautauqua Lake, a moderately-sized body of water with an assortment of towns dotting its shores. Happening upon the lake on my way east from Ohio, I quickly pulled off the highway to check out Bemus Point and stumbled on a promising coffee shop called Lake Life Cafe. 

Character Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Character Coffee
Location visited: Utica, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Despite not living far from Utica for several years, I think I only passed through the city once. Sadly, I did not do the area much justice in local exploration but all these years later I am happy to make up for lost time. On one recent jaunt to the area, I was even further motivated to stop in the city when I found a coffeehouse of great repute called Character Coffee. 

Nomad Coffee & Crepes / Knockabout Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Nomad Coffee & Crepes / Knockabout Coffee
Location visited: Ballston Spa, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Many trips have I made to the mountains of New York, and every time I try to find a new coffeehouse. So far the vastness of the state has made that goal fairly obtainable, and on my last trip I was blessed to visit the lovely town of Ballston Spa to check out the beautiful town and visit a place called Nomad Coffee & Crepes.

Salt City Coffee

 Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Salt City Coffee
Location: Syracuse, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

Every city has its nicknames, some more obvious than others. Living in Syracuse, NY one finds out that before the town was known for its orange pride it was known for its salt industry. And while there aren't many vestiges of the salty days, small nods remain in small things like business names, such as Salt City Coffee.

SkyTop Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: SkyTop Coffee
Location: Manlius, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When I lived in Syracuse, I definitely did not take full advantage of the many nearby towns and attractions. One such nifty nearby town was Manlius. While I made a few trips over for dining or to take in some history, it sadly lacked a good coffeehouse in my days upstate.

Forty Weight Coffee Roasters

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Forty Weight Coffee Roasters
Location: Ithaca, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I have seen many farmer markets in my travels, but none exactly like Ithaca. Most markets are set up in a grid and consist chiefly of tables but the Ithaca Farmers Market has an ambiance, electricity and variety that is hard to find elsewhere in the region. When I lived in Syracuse, I had gone to the market a few times but since I moved away a decade ago, I had not set foot. Thankfully I recently got the opportunity to visit again to check out the wares and grab some coffee. 

Peaks Coffee Company

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Peaks Coffee Company
Location: Syracuse, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I worked at Syracuse University for three tremendous years from 2007-2010, living right on-campus in Watson and Haven Halls, respectively. While it was a beautiful place to live, (except during the gloomy weeks) there was no quality coffee within walking distance. Naturally, after my departure the coffee scene grew and bloomed, and as of the past few years, the geography around the university has become a far better place to find good coffee.

Amity Coffee Co.

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Amity Coffee Co.
Location: Penn Yan, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

For the three long years my wife and I spent in Syracuse, we tried to make the most of our geography and visit all of the nifty towns in the area. Looking back, we failed quite deplorably, as we only went for the crowd favorites like Ithaca and Watkins Glen. Now I look at the map of New York and see so many intriguing spots we've had to make up since we moved south.

Public Espresso

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Public Espresso
Location Visited: Downtown Buffalo, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

The first time I went through Buffalo, it was cold, dreary and I could not find a good cup of coffee. The last time I was in Buffalo, it was sunny, mild and I found numerous coffee stops. One of my favorites as of late is a place called Public Espresso.

Overwinter Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Overwinter Coffee
Location: Buffalo, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Buffalo failed to make a solid impression when I first visited back in 2007. Maybe it was because I expected a better Anchor Bar experience, or the fact that I visited in winter may have had a role to play, but the real disappointment really lay rooted in the lackluster coffee adventures that turned up few good cups of coffee.

Second Wind Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Second Wind Coffee
Location: Johnstown, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

Driving south out of the Adirondacks truly jolts you back to reality. One minute there abounds mountain majesty as far as the eye can travel, and the next it's nothing but rolling farmland and less majestic vistas (though it is still pretty of course by Jersey standards).

The Shop

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: The Shop
Location: Binghamton, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

Back when I lived in Syracuse, I used to go back and forth from Philly all the time, passing quite often through the city of Binghamton, New York. Circa 2008, the area held few places to stop for good coffee, so rarely did I visit the city of Binghamton during my travels.

Kru Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Kru Coffee
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While Saratoga springs is known best for its horses, the area also possesses a beautiful history and lovely town. I recall my first visit over a decade ago while driving through the area and ever since have desired to make a detour when traveling nearby.

Steamworks Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Steamworks Coffee
Location: Lockport, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

If one spends any time in Upstate New York, the Erie Canal must come up at some point. When I lived in Syracuse, there were markers and signs everywhere, showing where the waterway once played so prominent a role in the city life. Sadly (or fortunately depending on your opinion) the canal has largely been covered over in places like Syracuse, but for folks looking to see what used to be, there are still a few towns that have kept their canal heritage and charm, and if you had to pick just one to visit, I would suggest none other than Lockport.

Highwheeler Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Highwheeler Coffee
Location: Fort Plain, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Back when I lived in Upstate New York, trips on I-90 were all too frequent. Usually I had places to go and there were few good coffee stops in the passing towns, so I would often bypass the many historical villages for the sake of expediency. But as of late, the coffee scene of New York has been improving and thankfully given me more reason to stop and explore the hidden gems off the NY State Thruway.