Birch Coffee

Nestled on the Upper East Side at 134 1/2 E 62nd St, Birch Coffee stands out as a cozy, inviting coffee shop where quality and community blend seamlessly. This charming spot, though intimate in size, offers an impressive array of expertly crafted beverages and delightful pastries that keep both locals and visitors coming back for more.

Birch Coffee’s menu is a curated celebration of coffee culture, featuring refined choices like the robust Espresso ($3.00), smooth Cortado ($3.75), and velvety Cappuccino ($4.00). For those who crave a layered flavor experience, the Flat White and the seasonally spiced Spiced Latte are exquisite options. Fans of iced drinks will find favorites such as the Cold Brew, Corey Iced Cortado, and the subtly sweet Vanilla Iced Latte, allowing each sip to be perfectly refreshing with every visit. Pastry lovers are equally catered to, with delectable treats like their renowned Almond Croissant and the famously loved Rosemary Honey Butter Biscuit, adding a comforting, buttery touch that complements the coffee’s richness.

What truly elevates Birch Coffee is its atmosphere — intimate and quietly welcoming, inviting patrons to savor their drinks in a relaxed yet buzzing environment. As one reviewer noted, the space feels more like a quaint neighborhood nook than a bustling cafe, fostering an authentic charm. The staff enhances this feeling, delivering warmth and expertise in equal measure, ensuring every encounter feels personalized and pleasantly memorable.

While the spot is undeniably popular and sometimes comes with a line, customers agree that the wait rewards their patience. Tom L. praises “one of the best cups in the city,” emphasizing the depth and care in each expertly pulled coffee shot. YS ___ appreciates the “delicious coffee and cozy atmosphere” and the genuinely friendly nature of the staff, making Birch Coffee feel like a welcoming escape from the city’s endless rush.

True aficionados will notice Birch’s attention to detail in specialty offerings such as the Ej Ethiopia Kyoto pour-over-style brew and unique iced concoctions like the Lauren Iced English Breakfast Latte — though it's worth noting that pure pour-over coffee isn’t always available, as Supakij Khomvilai experienced. Still, the variety ensures there’s something for every type of coffee lover.

Birch Coffee also embraces convenience and modern demands, accepting credit cards and maintaining a valued loyalty program, which Olga Egorova highlights as a nice bonus alongside the delicious fare. Whether you’re grabbing a quick pick-me-up or settling in with a book, this coffee shop encapsulates the soulful essence of New York coffee culture — intimate, expertly crafted, and genuinely welcoming.

For anyone exploring the Upper East Side or in search of a coffee experience that feels both refined and unpretentious, Birch Coffee invites you to discover their thoughtfully brewed coffee and satisfyingly handcrafted pastries. Just remember to bring your patience — great coffee is always worth the wait.