Cancel

Open app

Search

Picky Barista

4.0 (111 reviews)
ModerateCoffee & Tea
Open • 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Picky Barista Photos

Business Info

PICKY BARISTA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Picky Barista

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

'Medium' iced latte

Latte is 12oz and that's medium apparently? Overpriced.I don't understand why businesses are charging for ICE but yes I paid for the ice in my cup. The syrup brand is mid at best but didn't even taste the flavor I asked for. For the price, I expected house made syrups. The espresso itself is decent but again, over price. Probably won't recommend.

Catt S.

This place had a very cool vibe. There was literal coffee stains on the wall for the perfect over all effect of being in a café. There was even a hat display on the wall as well. The people there are very nice. I got an ice latte although I didn't have non fat milk. They offered me with 2%. Overall not bad, but would definitely like to see non fat milk added to the menu in the future.

Macchiato. Tiny but mighty.
Mardory V.

Absolutely in the higher pricepoint, but these are the times we find ourselves in on the UWS. Unfortunately for my purse I love their, tiny yet perfect, machiatto the most. The cookies aren't bad; tend to be fresh and that's a nice plus. Peaky's atmosphere is inviting, cozy and loads better than that national coffee chain that meddles with your ability to use words like large. They offer many variations of dairy and non-dairy mixing options as well as varying sweeteners. The place itself is pretty well maintained. The service is relatively fast and they seldom mess up orders. If you're a regular they will remember you. There's a total potential for a scene here if they would stay open late. Go check it out when you're in the mood for something worth forming an opinion on.

Clean and comfortable. Taken 11/08/21
Marianne W.

Peaky Barista is another of my accidental finds walking through the neighborhood. It's family owned and has a bohemian vibe. I really fell in love with the decor. They serve one of my favorite brands, Stumptown Coffee. Prices are typical for this neighborhood and business type. If you want a seat get there early because it's popular with people that settle in their seats for hours. They have delicious pastries to nibble on while you enjoy your coffee and the cool decor. There were a lot of customers but I believe you will get the feel from my photos. I plan to return as soon as I get a warmer day. I'll definitely get there early!!

Nutella roll
Mahsa N.

I love finding new coffee places close by, and Peaky Barista is a great friend in the UWS neighborhood. I had an enjoyable experience here and would come back again! Pros: - quality service. There is a maximum 1 hour limit for sitting in during COVID but I never felt rushed to leave - bright and colorful atmosphere - good coffee (they use stumptown coffee) - wide selection of sweet and savory pastries, and some Balkan ones too. All looks delicious, I got the Nutella roll and it was perfect Cons: - wobbly table made it a tad difficult to balance my food/drink!

Counter and seating area.
Kylie L.

I don't see Balkan coffee in many shops so thought I'd try it. The barista asked me if I knew what it was, I said no. She told me and I changed my order she was really pleasant! I decided to get an iced latte, she asked which syrup I wanted. I chose lavender and it was so good! A bit sweet but very good. I also got a nutella pastry. It was ok, a bit hard at the edges and I found it to be too dry. Not overly sweet tho. There are signs all over saying to limit seating time to one hour and to show proof of vax if staying inside but i havent seen anyone show their vaccination card (i wasnt checked either). There's no wifi :( Cute interior and the music isnt distracting. The tables are a bit small and they swivel! Smart design to allow guests to squeeze into the bench seat since the tables are set so close to each other. I'd come back for the coffee. This would be a good place to do work when i dont need internet access, perhaps a nice spot to read or do some journaling.

Vanilla latte
Rahel N.

The service was really great and they made our drinks pretty quick. The cafe is pretty small but it was good and quick.

Decor and weird swively table
Jingwen Z.

3.5/5, rounded up for Yelp. I had an iced latte, which was certainly delicious and smooth, and the shop is very well-decorated and provides a comfortable environment. There were a few issues. First, there was some new artwork going up on the walls, which was wonderful except they did the loud drilling and hanging the artwork right in the middle of the day when a lot of people were sitting and enjoying the cafe. Second, the size of the drinks is small for the price; the food there (which I did not order) also looked pricey (more so than some other cafes in NYC). Third, some of the furniture is a bit weird, i.e. small oblong desks that rotate with very little force/pressure, making them impractical. They have outlets but no wifi and no bathroom. Depending on what your needs are, this may or may not be the cafe for you.

Menu
Angela L.

DRINK/FOOD: 1.) fresh lemonade = ooh sour haha but one packet of Splenda did the trick I appreciate they have cocktails, alcoholic libations, and food too! SERVICE: Order and pickup from counter. They offer free wifi, that's always good. Has bathroom too. They have a self serve water thing too! ATMOSPHERE: Great atmosphere, cozy, modern good number of seats and people working on their laptops. Even their bathroom is nice! That's how they you know about a place. Cute bicycle wallpaper.

Molly T.

Oh my, what a delightful addition to the neighborhood. It warmed my heart to see a storefront like this on a block that has seemingly been in decline for years. The Starbucks is atrocious, the Marrakesh hotel is as skeevy as it comes and there's a very depressing Gristedes that is always empty and always expensive. Enter Peaky Barista, a true shining light of wellness and happiness and sunny vibes. I had the pleasure of walking in here on Opening Day. My gym is on 105th St. and I'm there 5-6x a week, so anything new in the vicinity immediately stands out--especially when it's a place that's so very green in every way. Walking by, there was good energy coming out in waterfalls and I floated on over to the door, mesmerized by the novelty of it all. I peered in eagerly, attempting to read the drink menu through the glass door. I liked what I saw, but did I need a coffee? No, but I found myself inside anyway. The owners beckoned me in, noticing my leering eyes from behind the barista counter. How could I say no to that? It's rare to find employees of any cafe or restaurant attempting to shepherd new customers in with true, genuine eagerness. Something was different here. So yes, I found myself inside. Inside, it turns out, is even more idyllic. It's small but feels spacious: it's very well-lit and seating is plentiful. Fun artwork on the wall and plants for days. I found myself professing my love for a particular marble Pothos, an admission that was received quite well by the owners. The owners at Peaky Barista contribute tremendously to the overall charm of this place. A young couple from Serbia (though they've been in the States for some time now), beautiful and friendly and somehow not jaded by doldrum-esque coffeeshop smog that tends to pollute many of the chains up here. I was shocked to hear they had been in the city for a decade, because they seemed so gosh darn optimistic. Am I thought much of a cynic? Anyway, like I said, their energy feels authentic and importantly, of course, they know what good presentation and good execution looks like. Though a fairly small operation, Peaky Barista has the goods. I can't speak to the food here but the drinks are great. Great cold brew, a solid cortado AND they have tea lattes. I often hold my breath when walking into a new coffee shop--to matcha or not to matcha? There aren't any other cafes in the area that offer matcha, so I was happy to find that they serve it here. And while I haven't tried it, they have a turmeric latte on the menu, which is my all-time favorite winter drink. And don't worry, like any good new cafe, they have plenty of dairy milk alternatives. Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, maybe a few other kinds I'm forgetting. Turmeric lattes are best with nut milks anyway, so rejoice! I'm thrilled to see Peaky Barista thriving. It's only been open for 10 days at this point but it's already been more trafficked since my first visit. I see myself spending way too much money here for the foreseeable future, but self-care is expensive as all hell these days so I might as well self-soothe with coffee, tea and plants instead of booze, compulsive shopping and ice cream, right?

Wall of hats
Tiffany T.

Stopped here on a recent trip in NYC and I loved that it was related to Peaky Blinders, love that show. I got a caramel iced latte and it was just okay. The caramel had a weird taste to it, and it was pretty expensive. The cafe itself is so cute and has pretty decor. I love the hats hanging on the wall and all the plants. On weekends you can't work on your laptop so keep that in mind.

No laptops or iPads on Saturday and Sunday!
Phil O.

No food besides some pastries. Fast service. The place is tiny (seating for around 20 people. No Computer Zone every Sat and Sun.

See all

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

No bathroom at location at all, huge inconvenience. Matcha was $8 and was served in a small cup.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 53
Thanks 0
Love this 56
Oh no 1
Photo of C.M. C.
180
95
89

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Molly T.
1008
758
2505

7 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Phil O.
211
116
123

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Maro Y.
159
42
21

2 years ago

Very chill and great coffee. Loved it and went daily while in town. Good pastries but a little pricey

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Y S.
1
149
145

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Great coffee, simple service without all the fuss, great atmosphere. Great food. If I had time to sit and read, I would!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Erika H.
113
33
350

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

My fav coffee shop ever. Staff is so nice and customer friendly, coffee is always made with love.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ivan G.
169
12
15

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 3

Ask the Community - Picky Barista

Is Peaky Barista allowing indoor seating?

Yes!

Is Peaky Barista still open for takeout?

Yes, they are!

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Picky Barista

“Peaky Barista got me through the worst of the pandemic, and now I believe I am their biggest fan.”

Mentioned in 16 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Hungarian Pastry Shop - Mocha Cake

Hungarian Pastry Shop

3.9(969 reviews)
0.4 mi•Morningside Heights
•$$

I stopped by the Hungarian Pastry Shop on a rainy Sunday afternoon, knowing I would be in the…read moreManhattan Valley area. Despite the foul weather, the bakery was packed to capacity with a small line forming outside waiting to order to go like me. The line moved efficiently and I was positionrd to order within about fifteen minutes. I ordered the baklava, apricot hazelnut cake, and the cherry cheese strudel, the latter seemingly drawing lots of attention, but accompanied by some disappointment in the reviews I read. Whole standing there, I noticed the fruit tarts on the left in the display case and ordered a plum and an apricot tart. If you're Guyanese or from the Caribbean, you know well the pine (pineapple) tarts. The young lady wrapped them individually in parchment paper and within a box constructed with seasoned hands and this string that is dispensed from an overhead spool that looks like an overhead hanging light without the light. It seems rather ubiquitous, but I don't recall ever seeing such. The apricot hazelnut cake is the most refined of all these treats. The top layer is a type of merengue or whipped cream and the apricot forms the bottom layer with a thin layer of hazelnut in between and hardly makes its presence known. It's not a sweet sugar bomb and would be accompanied well by some Earl Grey tea. The baklava I had two days later and this is the one best consumed the same day or the next day at the latest. The thin flaky layers of phyllo dough are presumably only accomplished by butter like a croissant and this must be experienced fresh. The nuts and other filler are very good, but you should experience the phyllo counterpoint afresh. This could be the best of everything had I had it fresh. The baklava is made for coffee. The cherry cheese strudel was great. I don't know why there are some mixed to disappointed reviews, but I found it delicious and definitely would order this on repeat. It's not too sweet and the balance between the cherry compote and creamed cheese seemed just right. Coffee or tea would pair well. The apricot tart was better than the plum tart. The plum tart had a grainy plum filling, but the apricot filling was on point. The triangle pastry is a bit large in pastry with relatively little filling, but the balance is still pretty good. Tea accompanies these fruit tarts nicely. I appreciate immensely that nothing was overpoweringly sweet. Sugar is often used as a substitute for real baking expertise and you can count on the Hungarian Pastry Shop to deliver treats a mature palate will recognize and appreciate. Service was good and the place was packed when the weather was bad. 4 quality stars and very return worthy!

Finally made it uptown to The Hungarian Pastry Shop. The block is actually quaint and across the…read morestreet from St. John's Cathedral. Got there around 1 PM on a weekday, they were just starting to run out with some items. The pastries were very fresh & delicious in a comforting way. Got a Cardamom Bun (mild flavor, with light layer of apricot jam in the layers) & the Sacher Torte (Excellent! Austrian hazelnut flour torte, raspberry jam). I'm not familiar with a lot of the items & wish they were labeled. Would have ordered more. The cafe was *very crowded & kind of loud. The ambiance didn't seem enjoyable compared to the calm UWS streets. The outdoor tables looked calmer even though a short line blocked the front of it. There's only a line because the counter is close to the front door and little space to wait. The 2-3 counter staff was very nice & patiently answered questions (labeled & priced pastries - with ingredients/nut disclaimer still would have helped & move the line along) . Took the treats to the community garden on the corner. Keep exploring NYC y'all!

Photos
Hungarian Pastry Shop
Hungarian Pastry Shop - Cherry and cheese strudel

Cherry and cheese strudel

Hungarian Pastry Shop - Poppy Seed Strudel - left with a bitter aftertaste.  Not a fan.

See all

Poppy Seed Strudel - left with a bitter aftertaste. Not a fan.

Cloud Touch - Matcha Latte and Egg Sandwich

Cloud Touch

4.6(53 reviews)
0.3 mi•Manhattan Valley

Cloud Touch is a comfy and convenient cafe spot on the Upper West Side. The indoor space is cozy…read morewith a long bench, and there are a few smaller tables outside with umbrellas for shade. The menu has a nice variety of drinks, egg sandwiches, mochi donuts, and other snacks. Everything I have tried has been tasty overall, and the egg sandwiches come in really, really generous portions. They definitely hit the spot when you're craving something savory earlier in the day. My favorite drink is the Matcha Strawberry Latte, but it is definitely on the sweeter side. To-go orders are also packed well and stay warm. The staff are always friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend stopping by for a filling breakfast or an afternoon drink if you are in the area!

Cute egg sandwich place. Loved the interior and design choices; it's very aesthetically pleasing…read more It's tiny inside and no bathroom (basically just a bench to sit on while you wait for your food), although there's an outdoor seating area, so it's best to grab and go. No phone orders either. It's about $9 for a sandwich, so not cheap, but there's lots of seasonal/combo promos and sales, and 10% off for paying in cash. They also sell Korean corndogs, katsu sandos, mochi donuts, and coffee/drinks. We got a pork sausage/cheese egg sandwich, and while I loved it (it's thick, fluffy, savory and very filling), it tasted basically like an elevated Egg McMuffin - no disrespect either since I consider it a compliment lol. Not the most spectacular food nor the best value, but it'll do in a pinch for a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch! I'd return whenever I'm hungry and in the area.

Photos
Cloud Touch
Cloud Touch - Avocado Egg Sandwich

Avocado Egg Sandwich

Cloud Touch - Outside  seating and front of the business.

See all

Outside seating and front of the business.

Picky Barista - coffee - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...