Some coffee shops simply wake you up, but this tiny East Village gem turns your morning cup into a full-blown experience.
Tucked along East 5th Street, Coffee Project New York has spent years charming caffeine lovers with clever drinks, house-roasted beans, and a menu that feels like a playful coffee lab.
Grab a seat, because your usual latte order is about to get a serious upgrade.
How Coffee Project New York won locals’ hearts
Coffee Project New York opened in 2015, founded by coffee professionals Chi Sum Ngai and Kaleena Teoh, and it quickly became a beloved part of the East Village.
Chi Sum Ngai is a Q grader and roasting championship competitor, so expertise runs deep in every cup poured here.
The shop is proudly minority women-owned, and that mission-driven spirit has helped it grow into a true community hub.
Its early calling card was the Deconstructed Latte, a drink that broke a latte into its parts and turned a simple coffee order into a tasting adventure.
Word spread fast, and curious coffee fans started lining up to try a latte served as sparkling water, espresso, steamed milk, and a finished latte.
Beyond that showstopper, the team roasts its beans fresh at its own Long Island City roastery, which keeps flavors bright and lively.
Seasonal single-origin coffees are brewed by hand, giving regulars a reason to come back and taste something new.
One visitor raved about an anaerobic Colombian coffee that tasted jammy and funky yet still light and sweet.
That same guest credited a barista’s suggestion for steering them toward the better pick, which shows how much the staff cares.
Reviewers often praise the lovely staff and terrific ambiance, two things that keep neighbors returning day after day.
Signature drinks like the Ube Delight, Strawberry Matcha, and Black Sesame Hojicha arrive topped with elaborate latte art worth photographing.
The company also runs an SCA-certified premium coffee training campus, proving its passion goes well beyond the counter.
All of this has turned a compact corner café into a destination that coffee lovers across the city happily travel to visit.
Food Highlights
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Deconstructed Latte: This famous tasting flight serves a latte in its separate parts and all together, with extras that enhance the experience. Visitors call it incredibly unique, and it remains the signature order for first-timers. ☕
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Nitro Cold Brew: Unsweetened cold brew gets infused with food-grade nitrogen and served without ice for a wonderfully creamy texture. It is a smooth, refreshing pick for anyone who loves their coffee cold and bold. 🧊☕
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Ginger Elixir: Ginger syrup is stirred into sparkling water, topped with a shot of espresso, and garnished with candied ginger. This zesty, fizzy drink surprises guests in the best way possible.
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Happy Drink: The café’s take on a coffee cream soda combines simple syrup, sparkling water, espresso, and whipped cream. True to its name, it is a fun and bubbly treat that brightens any afternoon. 🥤
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Kickass London Fog: House-made Earl Grey syrup with raw turbinado sugar is stirred into espresso and turned into a latte. Tea lovers and coffee fans both find common ground in this cozy, fragrant cup. 🍵☕
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Nitro Float: Nitro Cold Brew is served with two scoops of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that doubles as a caffeine boost. It is the perfect pick for anyone with a sweet tooth and a busy day ahead. 🍨☕
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Avocado Toast or Croissant: Thick-cut toast or a croissant is topped with avocado smash, Feta cheese, cherry tomato, black sesame, and red chili flakes. It makes a satisfying, flavor-packed partner for any drink on the menu. 🥑🥐
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Quad Cheese Croissant: Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, and Parmesan are toasted together on a fresh-baked croissant. Cheese lovers will find this warm, gooey bite impossible to resist. 🧀🥐
Atmosphere
This compact café feels cozy and artisanal, with a thoughtfully designed space that makes every visit feel personal.
Comfortable indoor seating creates a pleasant spot to sip slowly, while the outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching on East 5th Street.
Friendly baristas and a relaxed neighborhood energy make it easy to linger over that second cup.
Bottom Line
Visit for the iconic Deconstructed Latte, fresh beans roasted in Long Island City, creative house specials, friendly and knowledgeable baristas, and a cozy East Village setting that makes every coffee break feel special.
Address: 239 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003
📞 (212) 228-7888
🕔 Open Mon-Tue 7:30 AM–3 PM | Thu – Fri 7:30 AM–5 PM | Sat-Sun, 8 AM–5:30 PM