5 Underrated Cafes in Harlem, New York NY Worth Trying
Updated 29 September 2026 · 20 cafes in Harlem, New York NY considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list highlights five cafes in and around Harlem, New York, NY, that earn strong Google ratings without huge review counts. Only places rated 4.4 or higher with fewer than 400 reviews qualified, and twenty were considered. They are ranked by Google ratings weighted by review count. The guide is for locals and visitors who want a neighborhood coffee stop, a pastry or a quiet table, and every entry sticks to the cafe's listed details and what its reviewers mention.
#1
Sojourner Coffee
★ 4.9 (223 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Sojourner Coffee, at 137 W 116th St, is a Black-owned, LGBTQ+-owned and women-owned small business. Reviewers mention an iced oat vanilla latte made with house-made syrups, cold brew, a guava croissant and a lightly roasted Ethiopian coffee. The cafe is tiny, so reviewers suggest arriving early for a seat. It opens at 7:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, closing at 3 pm daily, and offers Wi-Fi.
Best for: House-made syrup lattes
- Address
- 137 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–3 pm; Mon 7:30 am–3 pm; Sat 8 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 7:30 am–3 pm; Tue 7:30 am–3 pm; Wed 7:30 am–3 pm
#2
The Townhouse Cafe
★ 4.9 (202 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Townhouse Cafe is at 1669 Lexington Ave and is open daily, from 7 am on weekdays and 7:30 am on weekends. Reviewers mention strong, bold coffee, pastries such as baklava, rose loqum and an orange loaf, and a cozy room that suits journaling or working. The listing notes Wi-Fi, a restroom, outdoor seating, dogs allowed outside and a good fit for kids. Reviewers describe a friendly owner who enjoys conversation.
Best for: Laptop work and Turkish sweets
- Address
- 1669 Lexington Ave Store, New York, NY 10029, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–6 pm; Mon 7 am–6 pm; Sat 7:30 am–6 pm; Sun 7:30 am–5 pm; Thu 7 am–6 pm; Tue 7 am–6 pm; Wed 7 am–6 pm
#3
Union Cafe
★ 4.9 (91 Google reviews)Cafe
Representative photo, not of this business.
Union Cafe is at 115 W 142nd St and is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. Reviewers mention a caramel-like plantain latte that is not too sweet, a date latte and tasty pastries. They describe a cozy, local feel with decor they enjoyed, and note a mini market next door run by the same owners. One reviewer said service was slow because the cafe was newly opened.
Best for: Plantain and date lattes
- Address
- 115 W 142nd St, New York, NY 10030, United States
- Hours
- daily 8 am–6 pm
#4
Featuring The Cafe
★ 4.9 (42 Google reviews)Cafe$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Featuring The Cafe, at 236 W 135th St Store #5, is Black-owned and women-owned, open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Reviewers mention seasonal homemade syrups, organic coffees and teas, croissants, s'mores bars and banana pudding. They describe owners who greet regulars warmly and a community feel. The listing also notes beer, wine, cocktails, brunch and vegetarian options, along with fast service.
Best for: Community vibe and banana pudding
- Address
- 236 W 135th St STORE #5, New York, NY 10030, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8:30 am–4 pm; Mon 8:30 am–4 pm; Sat 8:30 am–4 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8:30 am–4 pm; Tue 8:30 am–4 pm; Wed 8:30 am–4 pm
#5
PABADE CAFE AND BAKERY
★ 4.8 (352 Google reviews)Cafe$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Pabade Cafe and Bakery is at 135 E 110th St and opens at 6:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends. The women-owned bakery offers delivery, catering, and vegan and vegetarian options. Reviewers mention fresh, high-quality pastries, including an assortment ordered for a work meeting, plus spiced chai and matcha. They describe friendly baristas and a cozy space, though seating is limited. The listing notes full wheelchair access.
Best for: Pastries and early coffee
- Address
- 135 E 110th St, New York, NY 10029, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6:30 am–5 pm; Mon 6:30 am–5 pm; Sat 8 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 6:30 am–5 pm; Tue 6:30 am–5 pm; Wed 6:30 am–5 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 20 cafes in Harlem, New York NY with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, PABADE CAFE AND BAKERY opens at 6:30 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
Sojourner Coffee ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 223 reviews. The Townhouse Cafe is second at 4.9 from 202 reviews.
Which cafes in Harlem, New York NY are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is The Townhouse Cafe, at 6 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Sojourner Coffee $1–10; Featuring The Cafe $1–10; PABADE CAFE AND BAKERY $1–10. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Sojourner Coffee.
Run a business in Harlem?
Get a fast website with your hours, menu, location and reviews. If your business is listed here and something is wrong, tell us and we fix it.
Email support@pagenearby.com