This coffee shop gives back to the community in ways that show incredible results. Whether it be employing people from the neighborhood to equip them with skills and knowledge to succeed outside of the cafe, or the way in which they provide affordable food and drinks to an area that has largely been overlooked, this cafe knows how to foster good relationships and warm smiles. Will continue to be a patron here for many years to come, and am so thankful for the work that they do! read more

New City Cafe & Roastery - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

Absolutely not!! 441 Ministries operates New City Cafe and a commercial coffee roasting operation under the same nonprofit. Coffee roasting produces smoke, fine particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds that can affect air quality if proper ventilation and emission controls are not fully in place. They operate and have been polluting the neighborhood and emitting harmful toxins into nearby homes . Despite known compliance and equipment concerns, roasting has continued -- including during periods when youth programming is happening. Exposure to roasting emissions can impact both environmental air quality and human health, particularly for children and individuals with asthma or respiratory sensitivities. An organization serving teens and families should prioritize strict environmental compliance and transparent safeguards. Until proper controls and full regulatory compliance are clearly demonstrated, i cannot recommend supporting this location. read more

New City Cafe & Roastery - You can see the residue the smoke leaves behind on the snow and the permanent blackness on the trees and surrounding buildings - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Good drinks, passable food, minimal human interaction. The café was surprisingly spacious. You enter through the ordering area on the right, which opens up to additional seating on the left. Interactions with staff were purely transactional, no small talk or pleasantries, unlike what others have experienced. My drink was ready within a few minutes, while my food took 15. Maple Cinnamon Chai: autumn in a cup. The spices added a cozy warmth to the chai, and the balance of tea to milk was just right. The maple syrup was subtle, leaving a light, sweet aftertaste. Lovely seasonal option. Beechwood Bowl: customizable bowl with your choice of protein, cheese, and sauce. The base comes with two eggs, potatoes, onions, and peppers. I went with sausage, vegan mozzarella, and sriracha mayo. The to-go version came in a paper box with utensils. The portion was on the smaller side, but the potatoes and veggies were well-seasoned and nicely cooked. The eggs were soft but a bit bland. The sausage was finely chopped and on the salty side. The vegan mozzarella added a creamy texture. The sriracha mayo had good flavor, but the drizzle was too light to carry through the whole dish. The standout was the crispy potatoes, everything else was just okay. I wouldn't return for the food, but the drinks were memorable. I'd definitely come back for their coffee or tea. read more

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Introduction to Western NY experience: Another out of town Yelp review for alphabet series representing the letter N for N is for New City Cafe & Roastery. Last April 2024, we had gone on 2 trips, which is highly unusual. Rochester, NY was a planned trip, and the M is for Moxie 33 in Virginia was an unplanned trip 2 weeks later. There was a Total Solar Eclipse across America on April 8, 2024, which was the catalyst for my friends doing a love ceremony in the groom's birth city of Rochester and us going there in the first place. Rochester had its pluses & minuses like any place, but one of the pluses was a couple of the great local businesses we tried including Chai Guy & New City Cafe. Also, the day after the solar eclipse we enjoyed the close proximity to Niagara Falls & Buffalo. The day after that on Wednesday, April 10 was our last day staying Rochester before hitting the road later in the afternoon to get back to Maryland, which we visited New City Cafe around midday. Also, interestingly, my girlfriend & I got back from a Canada trip in early June 2025, which included overnights in Niagara Falls, ON, Toronto, & Syracuse, NY and stopping in Buffalo on way, Kingston, ON on northern route on way to Syracuse, & the Finger Lakes area after leaving Syracuse, but we ended up avoiding Rochester this time around. New City Cafe Experience: A group of us from our trip ate brunch & coffee here around lunchtime on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The staff was friendly, and the egg breakfast sandwich I got was delicious and big portion as was the Matcha Latte. My g/f & I had to go back to the Chai Guy for a Chai since we enjoyed so much the morning before; so we split the Matcha Latte. One friend in the group got their Kombucha, which he let me try, but the flavor wasn't my cup of tea, but it was still a good quality. We sat on a long bench which accommodating for our large group. The place was well decorated with various local Rochester flair. As it turns out, this was a non-profit, church ministry to help people in the local community with jobs and to serve the community with friendly customer service, providing great food/drink, & a community gathering place. We didn't know about this as a church ministry as we were just picking a brunch place within close proximity to where a lot of the people's AirBnB as they just checked out, but that's kind of cool. If I'm ever in Rochester again, I'd definitely consider coming back to New City Cafe. read more

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Met brother and nephew for Friday morning coffee. Located in a Community oriented neighborhood, New Cityis a non profit and as a result coffee prices are very affordable. I did not try any of the numerous "goody" items but they looked delicious and too, were priced reasonably. Coffee is stout and many other drink selections available to start your day. Recommend New City for a positive feeling at the beginning of your day. read more

Went here for Coffee and Breakfast sandwiches. Both were very good. Parking is on the street. Lots of choices in sandwiches. Don't pass this quant little spot up. read more

Stopped into New City Cafe for a latte this morning. Good coffee, pleasant service and atmosphere. Recommended. read more

New City is the BEST! A neighborhood gem with great coffee and practices, I love stopping in here for a quick cup or snack when I am out and about. I live about a mile away and am grateful this community minded spot exists. I've never taken the opportunity to enjoy the food here but the breakfast sammies do look great. You can get any kind of milks you desire in your lattes and coffees, and the staff here (neighborhood teens specifically) is always super helpful. The block and art is a product of Reconnect Rochester's street beautification program, and has had measured results in making the street safer for pedestrians and cars alike. Happy sipping! read more

Great restaurant and great atmosphere! Very welcoming and friendly staff. The breakfast sandwiches and coffees are ALL 10/10 for a great price! One of those places where you discover and become a regular customer. Location is super nice too and hope to see them expand a little more into other parts of Rochester. My new everyday breakfast spot read more

A new type of latte that's fire! A CINNAMON BUN latte, absolutely bomb!! It's a must get!! but if u don't like heavy cinnamon i would recommend getting half cinnamon. read more

New City Cafe & Roastery - iced coffee with a straw - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

This is a great coffee shop that is super community driven and really cares about the community. A great safe space for people to gather and a great addition to the neighborhood. Upon walking in, you are greeted with such a warm welcome. The employees are very nice and accommodating. The prices are SUPER REASONABLE. I mean... breakfast sandwiches were $5 and delicious! Probably one of the best I've had in Roc. And the lattes were only $3! That is unheard of anywhere! We had the breakfast burrito and Greeley sandwiches. Both were soooooo goooood! The lattes weren't the best, a little too burnt for my taste. Next time around, I'd go with a coffee or smoothie. read more

Again, such an awesome spot for food and beverages. I had the peppermint latte yesterday, and the breakfast burrito today and 5/5! 10/10! However you want to rate it, its worth it! And they have reasonable prices too, not like other cafes that charge much more for less and subpar food and drinks. Their peppermint mocha made me feel cozy on a cold day. read more

Honestly out of all the coffee shops I've been to this is definitely one of my favorites. One of my favorite parts of it is it is such a community driven coffee shop that does a lot of work in the community and has meetings and activities in the cafe for community members. It is extremely down to earth and insanely inexpensive ($1 for a small coffee). Their specials are always solid and in the fall they have this pumpkin vanilla latte which is excellent and in the spring the honey lavender latte is great as well. Food is great too and they do have a vegan breakfast sandwich. read more

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I had an inadequate sandwich, but that's not my main problem. I was here 3 times (I live nearby). The first two times I was accosted by a woman with a big bible in her hand, that "just wanted to talk". The third time - the straw that broke the camel's back -- the cafe had invited an anti-abortion group to bring their van up on the sidewalk in front of the cafe and try to recruit to their cause. I just want coffee and a decent sandwich! Don't use your shop to push your religion on others. read more

This place is awesome! Not only is this a great addition to the neighborhood, the staff is friendly, the coffee (and chai!) is delicious, and the atmosphere is welcoming. This spot is more of a community space than a cafe. I found people of all ages coming through during my most recent visit - from youth group meetings, to friends grabbing coffee, and folks getting work done. Fridays are chai Fridays, and when the barista mentioned it, I had to go for it. My 16oz. chai was $3, which uses local blend from The Chai Guy. I opted for almond milk and it hit the spot. They also have soy and oat milk if that's your style (plus all the regular milks too). I snagged some beans for home too. Their mix of roasts are some I haven't seen around and was pumped to try their Zambia roast. They have some light food options too like bagels, muffins, wraps, breakfast sandwiches, etc. So I'll be back to try a breakfast sammie and coffee for an upcoming coffee shop workday. They've got it all! Can't wait to go back again soon. read more

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Came here on a whim one day from work. They have plenty of space and light music. Staff is nice too. I ordered chai latte and grilled cheese. Both were pretty good. They have a some tables near outlets for those doing work. Overall I liked and would recommend. read more

I truly don't have enough great things to say about this place. From the coffee and food to the staff and community engagement, New City is exactly what this city needs at this time. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the neighborhood!!! read more

New City Cafe & Roastery - Cold Brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

Straight up 5/5 on all accounts. Super service, very clean, well laid out and bonus great music! Espresso served with water, the way it should be! read more

I love this coffee shop! The employees are great and so is the coffee! Definitely would recommend!

I came this morning after visiting my doctor that's located nearby. I asked the office if they went there often, and they said that they did. My nurse said that she liked the fact that they mentor neighborhood kids. When I got there, I was met with friendly staff and fast service. I even got to have a brief chat with the owner! The iced mocha I ordered looked and tasted great! Overall, a positive experience. read more

New City Cafe is an amazing local neighborhood non-profit business, welcoming place to all, training young adults, offering delicious food and very good fresh coffee. I've been here about 6 times over the last three months and it is consistently high quality food and service. I should have posted a review sooner! Generously spaced tables make New City Cafe a perfect place to meet or bring some work to do with a sandwich & coffee. Keep doing what you're doing and inspiring all of us to give a little more back yo our community. Thank you! read more

So their "$1 coffee!" sign totally worked and I stopped in for just that. The 8 oz coffee to go is what's $1 but that was all I needed. The barista knew where the beans are from and was able to articulate why they chose that roastery. Awesome flavor and they have alternative milks (soy, almond, coconut, and oat!) for no additional cost! I spilled some of my cup onto the condiments bar and they of course offered to refill it immediately. Inside is cute, community-oriented, and prices are reasonable. I will definitely be back! read more

New City Cafe & Roastery - Look at that gorgeous Pittsford Farms Dairy butter pecan ice cream in my affogato! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

Met a friend for breakfast on Friday and had such a good experience returned on Saturday with my husband. This feels very much like a neighborhood cafe and staff a super patient and friendly - I felt not just welcomed but like I belonged there. The food is delicious - I tried the bacon, egg, and cheese and then the sausage burrito the next day (at another customers recommendation). The burrito definitely lived up to the hype! The drip coffee is a different varietal than I've encountered at other local coffee shops, a little bit brighter than my preference, but still enjoyable! Looking forward to future visits there! read more

this place is superb!! literally freaking out, sandwiches are mind blowing. talk about worth it??? prices are good, the menu is spectacular. finishing up my delicious cookies & cream frappe right now legit mad because its gone. oh, i'll be back!!!! idc where you live get here now!! read more

Love this place! The coffee is excellent, and the servers are genuine and awesome. They have these vegan/GF cookies made with beans that I am in love with! I have yet to try their extended menu (fairly new), but will hopefully make a trip in tomorrow. I love that they have vegan food and dessert options, and work with other local business. Last time I went there, they had some board games for those who wanted to hang out. Of course there is only pickup right now (not sure about delivery?), but their site has COVID updates. There is street parking across the street, and I have no trouble finding a spot. read more

I go here often to work. The staff is friendly and the beverages and food delightful.

Met someone here for coffee and WOW. The best Dirty Chai I have ever had, made by the friendliest and warmest baristas. They were so sweet the moment I walked in, immediately greeting me and further welcoming me when they found out it was my first time there. It's refreshing to meet such nice people and find a place with such a strong sense of their community. The place is also super clean and offers a selection of breakfast sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and bottled drinks like apple cider. Stop by, they'll treat you like family! read more

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I spent a few hours there after work to get some studying done. This place is warm, welcoming, and very community centered - - I saw the owner greet several people that lived and worked right around the Cafe. The prices are very reasonable and the Chai tea I got was delicious. The owner was very accommodating to my preferences (nice strong brew with a dash of milk and sugar) and seemed very knowledgeable about his craft. There were some board games available, so I'll definitely come back with a friend! In terms of parking, I did not have difficulty finding free street parking around the Cafe. read more

Place is a hidden gem, coffee is great, smoothies are great, food is great. Staff is friendly. Affordable coffee + food. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our meal here. Will definitely be coming back read more

Very polite baristas! Messed up my drink order and I wasn't going to say anything, the barista insisted on remaking my drink and both were delicious! Would recommend the pumpkin spice latte in the fall! Side note -- Great music playing! read more

New City Cafe & Roastery - You can tell the coffees good when you have this many mugs! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

Went for the first time and loved absolutely everything about this cafe and even more so because it's a not for profit with a mission to employ teens from the neighborhood and to better their community overall. Plus they carry Chai Guy & Amazing Grains breads and treats. Love, Love Love!!!!! read more

The coffee is consistently amazing--the baristas are meticulous and intentional about furthering their craft-- and the atmosphere is obviously all about being a warm, welcoming place in Beechwood. We love stopping in for a cortado or cappuccino and working on our laptops or striking up a conversation with whoever is sitting nearby. read more

This little cafe is in a pretty crappy area, so it's SO refreshing and cute! There's always a couple people sitting with their laptops and coffee, and it gives the atmosphere a safe, homey kind of feeling, despite the location. The coffee is actually pretty good and the prices are awesome. They offer punch cards that get you a free coffee after maybe 10 or so. The staff is extremely friendly and it's always clean and tidy. Cute place to stop by if you're in the area! read more

Excellent, fast, friendly service. Grilled cheese and ham is delicious. They source their chai from Chai Guy (the best!), ice cream from Pittsford Dairy, and doughnuts from Donuts Delite read more

terrible . grilled cheese that was stone cold ( seemed liked cold ham and cheese placed on toasted bread ) ..it was never grilled cream of broccoli soup was beyond description bad staff were indifferent Go any where else read more

Wonderful little cafe tucked into the city! Friendly staff & good vibe, they offer a lot more than coffee & tea! Delicious breakfast sandwiches & waffles & a nice array of lunch sandwiches and wraps compliment their large selection of imported coffees and teas. They have many vegan options, using a local vegan butcher for their "meat." They also have a coffee service with subscription & delivery available! Love this little gem in the heart of NE Rochester read more

Super cute little coffee shop with excellent customer service. Great coffee with an excellent atmosphere sure to make you a regular.

My boyfriend and I went for breakfast and got two iced coffees and donuts. The donuts were a little small but they were good- chocolate chai flavored! We really enjoyed our iced coffees. Inexpensive and probably the best iced coffee I've had in a long time. We also had to buy a scone as we left because they looked SO delicious. The owner was nice and made conversation with the customers... if you want a cup of coffee and a pastry or two, this is the place to go! The only thing that would make it better is if they had a few more food options for breakfast. read more

This is by far my favorite coffee shop in the city. The service is warm and welcoming and the refreshments are extraordinary!! I highly recommend New City Cafe! read more

Just opened up. I had their iced coffee and it was VERY good - some of the best I've had in Rochester and definitely the best in the immediate area. Interior is classy and brand new; seating is available if you want to hang out or bring your laptop. Plus, they do good work within the local community and the owner seems like a stand up guy. Highly recommended! read more