A great cup of coffee can turn a dull Wednesday morning into an exciting Friday night.
Okay, maybe not. But the cold days are lingering in New York City, and it's hard to remember that spring is around the corner -- or even believe it will ever be warm again.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, these coffee shops offer the comfiest couches and tastiest espressos.
1. Caffe Reggio
Manhattan: 119 MacDougal St.
Caffe Reggio claims to be the place where the first cappuccino was served in the United States: "Cappuccino first became popular in Italy at the beginning of the last century, and soon after was introduced in America by the original owner of Caffe Reggio, Domenico Parisi."
The cafe's original espresso machine, made in 1902, is on display so you can get a taste of history while you sip your caffeinated beverage.
Brooklyn: 1603 Cortelyou Rd.
This little French cafe located in Ditmas Park has a welcoming atmosphere, and the breakfast sandwiches come highly recommended.
#avocadotoast #ditmaspark #cafemadeline #poachedeggs #weekendbrunch #brooklynA photo posted by Cafe Madeline (@weloveditmaspark) on Oct 10, 2014 at 8:43am PDT
Tables are often occupied by locals on their laptops, and it's easy to see how you could spend a few hours here, whether working or just taking a break from the cold.
Midtown Manhattan: 155 E 52nd St.
Ground Central prides itself on being a refuge for New Yorkers.
A perfect day for #coffee. #coffeeeee #groundcentral #newspaperA photo posted by Ground Central Coffee Company (@groundcentral) on Oct 10, 2014 at 8:10am PDT
The cafe offers a (warm) break from the energy of the city, and is designed to help you sit back and relax while you enjoy a cup of coffee.
4. Iris Cafe
Brooklyn: 16 Columbia Place
Iris Cafe is a hidden gem in Brooklyn.
Their Peppermint tea or Mao Jian green tea will go perfectly well with the gloomy weather. With an ambience that has been described as "warm" and "cozy" by several customers, Iris is a great place to eat lunch by yourself or have brunch with a group of friends.
Manhattan: 155 E Broadway
12 Corners' staff will make you feel like they've known you for longer than five minutes.
Early bird gets the cappuccino and bagel&cc #goodmorningnyc #latteart #coffee #latte #6oz #espresso #drink #12cornersA photo posted by 12 Corners (@12cornersnyc) on Jan 1, 2014 at 5:09am PST
Besides indulging in their delicious coffee, sandwiches and pastries, 12 Corners is also a great place to study, do some work and enjoy their complimentary wifi.
Manhattan: 2194 Frederick Douglas Blvd.
They might have the best espresso in Harlem but you'll have to pop in to find out. Double Dutch is loved by both coffee and tea lovers in the neighborhood.
Let our baristas cheer you up on this gloomy day. #harlem #nyc #latte #coffee #doubledutchespressoA photo posted by Double Dutch Espresso (@doubledutchespresso) on Jun 6, 2014 at 7:52am PDT
The Hibiscus tea, which includes rose petals, lemongrass lavender and cinnamon, comes highly recommended for cold, windy days. There's free Wi-fi and a patio in the back (for when it warms up).
6. MUD
Manhattan: 307 E. 9th St.
This cozy East Village cafe invites you to try their drip coffee, sourdough french toast and iced chai latte.
#eastvillage #mudcoffee #jimpowers #tileman #astorplace #themudtruckA photo posted by mudpeople (@mudpeople) on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:42pm PDT
The room at the back is filled with sunlight and gives you the feeling of being in a private, little garden. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a place with great vibes.
Manhattan: 14 W. 14th St.
Bourbon Coffee is a spacious cafe in Greenwich Village with high ceilings and a lot of seating space, a rare commodity in NYC. You can stop in for the surreal and abstract art on its stone walls or for a Macadamia nut Mocha -- or both.
The store is finally OPEN!! #nyc #bourboncoffee #coffeeshopA photo posted by Bourbon Coffee US (@bourboncoffeeus) on Sep 9, 2014 at 9:51am PDT
The iced green tea and espresso comes highly recommended.
Astoria: 30-04 30th St.
In Queens, Astoria Coffee is a great option. The Matcha Latte is delicious, and the Apple Cider is a must.
The Perfect Mocha A photo posted by @brettwhysel on Jan 25, 2015 at 2:04pm PST
The owners are all about creating a comfortable space with great food, coffee and tea for their customers.