Where to Find the Best Cold Brew In New York

by Natasha Wolff | June 26, 2013 12:00 am

Cold press coffee has been on the rise[1] for years now, with even the most modest java drinkers preferring the stronger brew over the standard iced option these days. The “toddy coffee” process steeps freshly ground beans in room-temperature or cold water over an extended period of time (about 12 hours). The liquid is then filtered, and the result is a sweeter, less acidic and, of course, ice-cold sip of java. Just in time for summer, we round up our favorite refreshing cups of cold brew in New York.

Brooklyn Roasting Company
25 Jay Street
DUMBO, Brooklyn

The space is fitting for its DUMBO location—soaring ceilings, large factory windows and an industrial vibe. It’s common to hear the hum of the roaster here while waiting for the baristas to whip up your order. (A favorite blend is BQE, since it’s always under construction.) Known for their sustainable approach to coffee, the team has been serving cold brew since the roaster began selling cups at the East River Ferry a few years ago. The seasonal treats (there’s also a decaf blend) have added fruit for a complex taste. The company is currently constructing a new roasting and café facility at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. brooklynroasting.com[2]

La Colombe[3][4]
319 Church Street
+ locations in SoHo and NoHo

The largest operation of the bunch with a host of roasteries and cafés in three American cities and Seoul, Korea, La Colombe’s cold brew comes bottled. Sold in twelve-ounce amber glass bottles, La Colombe’s approach allows devotees the ease of simply uncapping and enjoying. It can also be blended with your favorite spirit for a cocktail with a zippy kick. Labeled Pure Black, the java is cold pressed, steeped for 16 hours and filtered twice. The result is a smooth, strong coffee with hints of sweet cocoa and not a trace of bitterness. lacolombe.com[5]

Joe Coffee
131 West 21st Street
+ 7 more Manhattan locations

A respite from the chain stores, fast food restaurants and Duane Reades in Midtown Manhattan, the Grand Central location of Joe Coffee sits in a cube of a space in the Vanderbilt Passageway. Here the cold brew is a delectable sample of the family-owned company’s various roasts. (There are a total of eight shops in Manhattan and one in Philadelphia.) There may not be much space, but the shop does have two sugar and milk areas. Displayed below the counter are the beans on sale and above it, a small selection of baked goods. Classes on brewing, barisita-ing, steaming milk and other coffee-making arts are held at the Joe Pro Shop, the main outpost on West 21st Street. joenewyork.com[6]

Grumpy’s Cafe
193 Meserole Avenue
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
+ locations in Park Slope, Chelsea and LES

If this Greenpoint roastery feels familiar, it’s probably because it’s made an appearance on HBO’s Girls. Opened in 2005, the coffee company—which also has shops in Park Slope, the Lower East Side and Chelsea—has been cold brewing coffee for more than three years. The roast selection changes daily. The reason the team cold brews? “We like the fact that the method brings out a mellow brightness and smooth sweet, almost liquor-like quality of each selection,” they say. Prior to that, Grumpy’s made cold Joe“Japanese style,” which is brewed directly over ice. In late summer, the chainlet will welcome a Fashion District shop. cafegrumpy.com[7]

Stumptown Coffee Roasters
18 West 29th Street
+ Greenwich Village location

When this West-Coast favorite opened shop at the Ace Hotel in NoMad in 2009, cold brew aficionados celebrated with lines that weaved into the hotel’s lobby. The brand, which opened a sister location on West 8th street this spring, has long embraced the cold-press method. The team double filters and steeps the freshly roasted blend for 12 hours. In addition to offering the iced goodness with a deep chocolate finish at its bars, Stumptown bottles the brew. It’s available in 12 ounce servings, growlers and kegs. Events such as cupping (it’s akin to wine tasting but with java) are held throughout the year. stumptowncoffee.com[8]

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