It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Subway6, E, F to Lexington Av/53 St, 4 min
- Address57 2nd Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
I discovered Kona Coffee Roasters innocently enough. Drawn in by a sign advertising the Waikiki Matcha (pineapple puree, milk, coconut cream, matcha), I knew I had to pop in to escape the heat for a bit. Well, it turned out to be one of the most memorable matcha drinks I’ve had in NYC, I was really impressed by the balanced concoction.
So much so, I returned a few days later with my laptop in tow to get some work done. I started the morning with an. Both drinks were great which makes sense, considering the beans are sourced directly from Hawaii. No wonder Kona Coffee Roasters serves some of the best coffee in the East Village.
Stumbling upon Kona Coffee Roasters turned out to be a pleasant surprise, I had no idea it was billed as one of the best laptop-friendly cafes in NYC. Communal tables, natural light, wifi and public restrooms, this a prime workspace for an afternoon. While coffee prices lean towards the steeper side it’s worth the occasional splurge because the beans are imported directly from Hawaii.