6 Independent Coffee Shops In York You Need To Visit

There’s no doubt that York is a wonderful city. With many tourist attractions to enjoy, and narrow lanes to get lost in, you’ll likely be on your feet a lot when visiting York. So what better way to relax and have a break for half an hour, than by enjoying one of the many independent coffee shops in York?

There are so many places to grab a drink or two in the city but here are some of my favourite places for a coffee, and even a bit of cake, in York.

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Coffee Culture

Not only can you get a good coffee at Coffee Culture, with their house blend created by York Emporium, but you can also get a loose leaf tea, boozy hot chocolate or a fresh smoothie!

Nestled on Goodramgate, this locally owned coffee shop is a great stop in between visiting York Minster and heading for some retail therapy! Relax with a coffee, grab a slice of cake and then enjoy the rest of your day in York.

Coffee Culture
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: 10.30am to 4.30pm

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Rise

Primarily a brunch place, Rise is a great place to stop for a mid-morning bite to eat. However, if there’s a long queue to sit inside, why not grab a coffee to takeaway? 

There’s a full menu of your regular coffees as well as a vanilla chai latte, Spanish latte, mocha, hot chocolate and plenty of loose leaf teas. You can also get a smoothie here if you fancy a fruity, thirst-quenching drink. The orange juice is also so fresh and delicious. 

If you do want a coffee to enjoy inside though, the potential queue is worth the wait to sit in the warm. There’s also more choice of coffee and hot chocolate if you sit inside – I hugely regret not getting the S’mores hot chocolate! It sounds AMAZING.

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Rise
Opening Times:
Monday to Sunday: 7am to 12am

Fossgate Social

Opposite Rise is Fossgate Social, a firm favourite of mine for an afternoon tipple – Espresso Martini please!

For a non-alcoholic drink though, you can enjoy a leisurely coffee in one of the window seats, at a table outside, or in one of the cosy nooks inside. Open on Fossgate for 7 years, Fossgate Social serves up speciality coffee that is worth the visit on your day in York. Just don’t go too early. This place opens at 11am so who knows, that leisurely coffee might easily turn into that afternoon Espresso Martini after all…

Fossgate Social
Opening Times:
Monday and Tuesday: 6pm to 12am
Wednesday to Sunday: 11am to 12am

La Bottega

La Bottega for me is a great place to get a giant slab of locally sourced cake. Specifically a big piece of Battenberg. But, with cake you have to get a coffee so why not perch yourself in the window or on one of the tables and enjoy a good pit stop while enjoying York.

La Bottega calls itself an independent authentic Italian coffee house with coffee roasted in Naples – so you know it’s going to be good. Try and get a place where you can people watch while drinking a cup of coffee.

La Bottega
Opening Times:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday and Wednesday: 9.30am to 3.30pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.30pm

Nice To See You

I’ve stopped into Nice To See You a couple of times. It might not be one of the most aesthetically pleasing independent coffee shops in York but it’s charm is that it’s family run and serves up a quality cup of coffee. Or if you have a sweet tooth, try out the Belgian hot chocolate. It’s so thick and sweet – the perfect pick me up on a cold day.

Nice To See You
Opening Times:
Monday to Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Partisan

Another place that is primarily a brunch stop and a great place to eat  – one that you should definitely try out for food, but why not pop in for a coffee?

Opened by Florencia in October 2016 after holding a lifelong dream, Partisan has become a bustling hub of Micklegate where locals and tourists visit for good food and coffee.

Partisan

Opening Times:
Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 3pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 3pm