With the abundance of local and unique coffee shops New York City has to offer, I always wonder why anyone would choose to go to Starbucks. Almost everywhere you turn in the city, there is a local coffee joint just waiting to be tried. My personal favorite so far is probably OK Café in Astoria. Though slightly farther away than the average traveler roams, there’s plenty to do nearby (and fewer tourists!)

The coffee alone is worth a trip to Queens. Of course, they have regular hot and iced coffees, cappuccinos, etc. They also have a decent list of carefully crafted coffee and tea-based beverages. One of my personal favorites is called the Lavender London Fog, made with Earl Grey, foamed milk, and lavender and vanilla simple syrups. They even have an espresso soda, which is my favorite summer pick me up! This is my favorite place to stop and grab a coffee on my way into town or on my way just down the street to visit Astoria Park and walk along the river!