Saltwater Coffee

345 E 12th St, New York, NY

★★★★★4.5(399 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

This thoughtful espresso bar excels at both the classics and creative interpretations, with baristas who genuinely care about craft—one reviewer praised their matcha whisking technique with such specificity it's clear they take every drink seriously. The space itself feels like a natural gathering spot, complete with jazz in the background and shelves of books to browse, though experiences vary depending on when you visit and how busy the staff is managing the room. If you're seeking a reliable flat white or willing to request something off-menu, Saltwater delivers warmth and skill in equal measure.

What to expect

Specialty drinksEspresso focusedMatcha & teaMeetingsSlow sitSignature drinksTraditional drinks

Google Reviews

paradise engineer
★★★★★a month ago

Definitely a new go to spot, solid flat white that caffeinated me :) , really nice jazz music playing when I went in not too loud, they have a really good selection of books to thumb through while you sip your coffee, it's right near the L train so I'm definitely gonna stop here on my way from now on! Decent amount of comfortable seating but it's not a very big place

Kismette
★★★★★2 months ago

I love their matcha latte!! The barista is incredible - he has tattoos and a mullet. he whisked my matcha to perfection - aerated the flavors with accuracy. Very friendly and answered all the questions I had about the bean flavors they had to offer. Cafe is quaint and has a spot to sit next to an outlet when I need to do work.

Stephanie Rodriguez
★★★★4 months ago

Stopped by Saltwater Coffee and asked for a rose chai latte that wasn’t even on their current menu — I’d seen it on an old menu online. Fully expected a “we don’t do that anymore,” but the barista didn’t blink and just made it anyway. Respect. The drink? Really good. Balanced, fragrant, not overly sweet, and actually tasted like chai instead of hot milk with a memory of spices. The rose was subtle, not perfumey, which is exactly how it should be. The barista had that monotone, low-key cool energy — chill, not rude, no performative friendliness. Just did his thing and did it well. Ambience could use some love, but honestly? When the drink hits and the service is quietly solid, I’m not mad at it. Came for a long-shot order, left impressed.

Isabella Grandic
★★★★★9 months ago

Will not be coming back. Decent coffee, nothing outstanding, no good seating, zero vibes in the coffee shop, employees were very loudly talking to each other and taking up all of the tables. Please for the employees, play some nice music and don’t gossip so loudly. Seats have no backs / are not particularly comfortable

Brandon LaRouche
★★★★a year ago

Solid coffee. Quick and friendly service. My wife and I tried the maple latte (hot) on a chilly morning. Not my favorite coffee in the city, but it helped to warm us up! The store was very cute as well. It’s small but quiet and cozy for the few tables in front of the barista counter.

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