Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in York

Share This Post:

York is a charming city steeped in history, but it’s not just ancient architecture that draws visitors. The city boasts a vibrant café culture with an array of cosy spots to grab a cuppa or enjoy a tasty treat.

My love of coffee means I’ve really enjoyed exploring York’s café scene and I can’t wait to share my top picks with you.

In this article, I’ll guide you through 9 of the best cafés and coffee shops in York. Whether you’re after a quick espresso or a leisurely brunch, this guide should help you find the perfect spot.

Our Favourite Place To Stay In York

The Lawrence offers comfortable, well-equipped apartments ideal for both short and long stays.

The comfortable bed, luxurious waterfall shower, and spacious yet cosy living area give it the ‘home away from home feel’ we love.

Its central York location means all our favourite cafés and coffee shops are only short stroll away.

To see more of our top places to stay in York click here or click the link below to check rates at The Lawrence Apartments.

1: The Perky Peacock

This quirky café is in Barker Tower, a 14th-century building that once collected tolls from visitors entering York. While walking the city walls, we spotted The Perky Peacock and decided to stop, it has a cosy atmosphere inside and lovely outdoor seating next to the River Ouse.

Cosy Cafe in York Walls

Not only was the setting unique, they also had a wonderful selection of coffees and teas, and the cakes and snacks on offer looked delicious.

What sets The Perky Peacock apart is its transformation into a bar in the evenings. They serve wines, spirits, and cocktails with their signature cocktail being an Espresso Martini, what could be better than coffee in a cocktail.

The café offers its ‘dungeon’ for private functions which is a quirky, intimate space that would be perfect for a celebration.

The friendly staff and relaxed vibe make this spot a true gem in York’s café scene.


Location: Barker Tower, North St, York YO1 6BE
Contact: 07780 616381
Website: Visit Website

2: Brew & Brownie

On Sunday morning we noticed Brew & Brownie due to the huge queue forming outside. This charming café on Museum Street is definitely a favourite spot for breakfast and I can see why.

Brunch at Brew & Brownie York

The food at Brew & Brownie is simply fantastic. They have a seasonal menu, which changes to make the most of fresh, local ingredients. The free-range eggs from Johnson’s of Terrington play a big part in many of the breakfast dishes, alongside the meat from M & K butchers.

The coffee was fantastic and they have a great range of cakes and pastries fresh from the kitchen of the bakeshop.

Brew & Brownie place an importance on sustainability. I noticed all their takeaway packaging was eco-friendly, which meant you don’t have to feel guilty about grabbing a coffee to go.


Location: 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT
Contact: 01904 647420
Website: Visit Website

3: Coffee Culture

Coffee Culture is close to Goodramgate, and the cosy café has a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for an hour or two.

Coffee Culture York capuccino and canoli

The coffee here is simply outstanding. I tried their flat white, and it was perfectly balanced with a rich, smooth flavour. They source their beans from quality roasters, and it really makes a difference.

The staff are always happy to chat about their latest brews and offer recommendations. I was particularly impressed when they suggested a single-origin Ethiopian coffee that was my perfect cup.

The café also offers a tempting selection of homemade cakes and pastries. I couldn’t resist trying their lemon drizzle cake, which was moist and zesty.


Location: 41 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS
Contact: 01904 630325
Website: Visit Website

4: Gatehouse Coffee

Gatehouse Coffee is tucked away in the historic Walmgate Bar, this charming café offers a unique setting that blends medieval architecture with modern coffeehouse vibes.

View out of the window from Gatehouse Coffee in York, the perfect stop while walking the walls

As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The baristas are skilled and friendly, crafting each drink with care.

The café’s interior is cosy and inviting, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams adding character. I found a quiet corner to sit and soak in the atmosphere while enjoying my coffee and a delicious homemade pastry.

Gatehouse Coffee is more than just a pit stop for caffeine. It’s a place where history meets contemporary coffee culture, making it a must-visit spot for anyone.


Location: Walmgate Bar, Walmgate, York YO10 2UB
Contact: 01904 464050
Website: Visit Website

5: Partisan

Partisan is a charming coffee shop and restaurant on Micklegate, only a stones throw from where I was staying. This cute cafe caught my eye with its welcoming atmosphere and artistic decor.

Partisan Cafe York and Art Space

The menu at Partisan is a real treat. They pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients, they even grow their own herbs and flowers on a nearby farm, adding a unique touch to their dishes.

I was impressed by the daily specials, which offered a creative twist on classic meals. The homemade cakes and scones were simply irresistible and I noticed that they cater to different dietary needs with gluten-free and vegan options.

Partisan is not only a cafe but also an arts space. During my visit, I enjoyed browsing the exhibition of local artists’ work and think it’s a brilliant way to support artists in the community.


Location: 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
Contact: 01904 629866
Website: Visit Website

6: The Pig and Pastry

The Pig and Pastry has been a local favourite since 2008, and it’s easy to see why.

The menu is a foodie’s dream. I tucked into their famous Eggs Benedict, which lived up to its reputation. The bacon sarnie my husband had was equally mouthwatering, packed with crispy local bacon.

The Pig And Pastry Cafe York

They have daily changing specials so if you fancy returning (which I think you will) there is always something different to try. Their home baking is not to be missed either – the pastries are simply divine.

The café can get busy, and it’s a bit snug inside. But the friendly staff and fantastic food more than make up for it. I’d go back in a heartbeat for one of their incredible milkshakes alone.


Location: 35 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
Contact: 01904 675133
Website: Visit Website

7: Spring Espresso

This cosy café boasts two locations in the city, but I popped into the Fossgate shop for a quick cup of coffee.

Gorgeous in-house roasted coffee at Spring Espresso York

You can tell the baristas take their craft seriously and their attention to detail was evident. I ordered a flat white, and it was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Spring Espresso actually source their own coffee beans and roast them in-house.

I visited just as they launched their winter menu, and I couldn’t resist trying one of their new dishes. The food was just as impressive as the coffee, with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.

Spring Espresso isn’t just about grabbing a quick coffee. It’s a place where you can settle in for a leisurely brunch or catch up with friends over a slice of cake. The warm atmosphere and friendly staff made me feel right at home.


Location: 45 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF
Contact: 01904 633998
Website: Visit Website

8: Bruks

This charming café on Peter Lane exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the coffee here is top-notch.

I tried their avocado toast, which was a simple yet delicious treat. The bread was freshly baked and the avocado perfectly ripe. It’s clear they take pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients.

The café’s interior is cosy and stylish, with plenty of seating options. It’s no wonder this place has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike.


Location: 1 Peter Ln, York YO1 8SW
Contact: 01904 863822

9: Cafe Fleur

This purple café stands out and brightens up Micklegate. As we walked in we received a warm welcome from the staff and were quickly shown to a table for two in this pretty little café.

Cafe Fleur Micklegate York

The café serves good coffee, using beans roasted by York Emporium, and great value food. I ordered avocado and feta on sourdough with bacon as an extra and was blown away by the portion size when it arrived. My husband ordered a sausage bap (and doubled up on sausage) and even he couldn’t finish it all!

Location: 42 Micklegate, York YO1 6LF
Contact: 07452 964392
Website: Visit Website

History of Coffee Culture in York

York’s coffee scene has deep roots and a fascinating evolution. The city’s love affair with coffee spans centuries, from early coffeehouses to today’s thriving independent cafés.

Early Beginnings

Coffee first arrived in York in the late 17th century. The city’s first coffeehouse opened in 1669 on Coney Street. These early establishments were hubs for gossip, news, and political debate.

York’s coffeehouses played a key role in the city’s social life. They were popular meeting spots for merchants, scholars, and politicians. Some even had subscription libraries.

By the 18th century, York boasted several coffeehouses. The most famous was Tom’s Coffee House on Ousegate. It was a favourite haunt of local gentry and visiting celebrities.

Modern Evolution

York’s coffee culture experienced a revival in the late 20th century. The 1990s saw a boom in new cafés and coffee shops across the city.

Today’s coffee scene in York is thriving. The city is home to dozens of independent cafés, each with its own unique character.

Many of these cafés focus on quality and sustainability. They source beans from ethical suppliers and roast them in-house. Some, like Spring Espresso, have won national awards for their coffee.

York’s coffee culture now attracts visitors from all over. The city’s cafés are known for their cosy atmospheres and quality brews.

Unique Coffee Experiences in York

York’s coffee scene offers some truly special experiences for caffeine lovers. From artisan roasters crafting small-batch beans to fun events celebrating all things coffee, there’s plenty to discover.

Artisan Coffee Roasters

York is home to several brilliant artisan roasters creating amazing coffee. The Harlequin Coffee and Tea House roasts their own beans in small batches, ensuring peak freshness and flavour. Their single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is a must-try for its bright, citrusy notes.

Another gem is Spring Espresso, which has two locations in the city centre. They source high-quality green beans and roast them in-house. I love their rotating selection of single-origin coffees – last time I visited, I sampled an amazing Kenyan peaberry with hints of blackcurrant.

For those who fancy taking some freshly roasted beans home, York Coffee Emporium offers a wide range of blends and single-origin coffees. They even do roasting demonstrations if you want to learn about the process.

Specialty Coffee Events

York hosts several exciting events for coffee enthusiasts throughout the year.

The York Coffee Festival is a highlight. It brings together local roasters, cafes, and baristas for a weekend of tastings, demos, and workshops.

For a more hands-on experience, check out the monthly cuppings at Bootham Coffee.

These informal tasting sessions let you sample different coffees side-by-side and learn about flavour profiles. It’s a great way to train your palate and discover new favourites.

Some cafes also host periodic barista workshops.

Laura Mills bio pic
Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.