Third Rail Coffee

Located in New York, New York

Address: 240 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Phone: +1 646-580-9416

Rating: 4.2

Services

Identifies as Latino-owned
Small Business
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Breakfast
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Coffee
Organic dishes
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Breakfast
Dessert
Seating
Toilets
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
LGBTQ+ friendly
University students
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-10-06 - Rating: 5)
Third rail is the best coffee in the Island. I have been to every coffee shop probably. Or at least 5. And this is great. I also use their beans to make cold brew. It is not decaf. I also bring bagels here. But not pop up bagels. That is not allowed.

Review 2 (2023-01-05 - Rating: 5)
One of the best places for a quick coffee in the NYU neighborhood. They don’t allow people inside since covid but still worth stopping by for a quick brew. My favorite is their cold brew and the iced latte. Add some oat milk in there if that’s your style.

Review 3 (2020-07-12 - Rating: 5)
What I like about the Third Rail Coffee on Sullivan is the vibe. It has a very neighborhood feeling and more importantly, not the rushed feeling you get from many coffee houses in NYC. However, it is very small and seating can sometimes be a premium. The coffee is very good. I ordered latte and found the baristas knew what they were doing. Also, interesting place to people watch if you have the time.

Review 4 (2024-10-31 - Rating: 5)
I love it !

Review 5 (2024-11-25 - Rating: 5)
Nicest staff. Great coffee. Great vibes.

Review 6 (2024-06-11 - Rating: 5)
Great food and experience!

Review 7 (2023-07-25 - Rating: 4)
Awesome coffee, I absolutely loved the overall vibe. Was actually pleasantly surprised how you can get such a good coffee just around the corner. There were a couple of small benches and tables infrint of the shop where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee.

Review 8 (2018-08-03 - Rating: 4)
Very cute and comfortable coffee shop. Good and strong coffee. No Wifi available nor bathroom. Surprisingly there were 3 people working in this very very tiny coffee shop.

Review 9 (2022-09-02 - Rating: 4)
The coffee is good and this place has good prices in general. The only thing I didn’t get is the pumpkin-banana bread. The pumpkin bread itself is good and the banana thing is just not right.The venue is not so cool and it’s somewhat dirty outside. Also, the service could improve a lot.

Review 10 (2022-02-10 - Rating: 5)
Just walk right up and get your cuppa coffee! Beautiful spot right off the park!

Review 11 (2024-06-09 - Rating: 5)
Yummy always a oat and honey latte

Review 12 (2018-07-01 - Rating: 5)
Absolutely one of the best lattes Ive had in the city. It was so smooth and rich tasting (I had mine with almond milk) and just the right temperature.The barista was friendly and prompt. Im not in this area too often, but I wouldnt hesitate to return to 3rd Rail.

Review 13 (2016-11-18 - Rating: 5)
I love third rail, it is fairly expensive but my drinks are always awesome. I love their Mocha and get it all winter long. In the summer their cold brew and iced coffees are good, also an iced mocha is delicious. They have a cute atmosphere in the shop itself, and the crowd is always interesting inside with a wide variety of people from NYU students doing homework to local writers typing away on their laptops. Its so close to Washington Square Park that getting a coffee and walking over to sit by the fountain is a great year round activity!

Review 14 (2024-07-18 - Rating: 5)
This café is one of the best places for a quick coffee in the NYU area. Even though indoor seating is no longer available due to COVID-19, its still a great spot for a fast caffeine boost. I especially recommend their cold brew and iced latte. For an extra touch, you can add oat milk.

Review 15 (2023-05-21 - Rating: 5)
Just popped in on way to Washington square park. Best flat white I’ve had in the city. I’ve been searching for a good one. Highly recommend. Great taste and service ✌️

Review 16 (2016-10-03 - Rating: 4)
Pretty small. Looks like a really good coffeeshop for the neighborhood. There are a lot of regular customers and the staff is really nice. I got a flat white. It was okay. If you can find a spot sit, a bit loud though during the day.

Review 17 (2017-11-21 - Rating: 4)
Exceptional coffee and baked goods (I really like their ginger/cinnamon cookie and almond bear). Tiny space with neither WiFi nor restroom. Loud background music and stylish people chatting...so not ideal for studying. Good for Instagram though if you’re into that.

Review 18 (2018-02-16 - Rating: 5)
This is still my favorite espresso in NYC, hav Ebsen going there for years now. Very consistent always have a rotation of guest roasters. Amazing peanut butter cookie. Other pastries are also good. A must if you are a coffe lover.

Review 19 (2018-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Loved this coffee shop so much. The tea was excellent and the sun shines through the large windows, making the small space seem so much bigger. The view is actually nice with brick church and other nice architecture. Staff was super friendly and prices were very good. Wonderful vibe. It felt spacious, a great spot for reading or journaling or relaxing. Can’t wait to go back!!!

Review 20 (2017-03-24 - Rating: 5)
Cool little spot. Impressive amount of seating for such a small place -- I dig that this is well executed. Add good coffee on top of that,and Im sold!

Review 21 (2019-09-17 - Rating: 5)
Cute place, great quality coffee. $3.25 for a medium size drip coffee. Not much seating but good option for to-go on the way to work.

Review 22 (2017-10-16 - Rating: 5)
Great coffee, friendly atmosphere, and knowledgeable baristas--what more do you need to know? This is my favorite coffee shop in the city, and I try to stop in whenever Im close by!

Review 23 (2024-02-16 - Rating: 5)
Oat milk Cortado… yummy

Review 24 (2016-03-11 - Rating: 4)
Tiny espresso shop with some pastries. enough space for 5 or 6 people to sit in the shop. The cappuccino had a great flavor and was the right temperature.

Review 25 (2023-06-21 - Rating: 5)
Coffee is delicious, they treated the almond milk perfect. Not much to offer more than coffee though.

Review 26 (2017-10-03 - Rating: 5)
The most wonderful espresso. Friendly staff, cozy interior, and once again, great coffee.

Review 27 (2021-07-25 - Rating: 5)
Such a sweet hipster coffee shop on the way to Washington square park. I got my regular oat milk latte and loved it . While waiting I had nice chat with the barista .

Review 28 (2014-02-10 - Rating: 5)
Hands down the best espresso and drip in Manhattan. Opens early at 7:00am. Its small, but grab something an walk a block up to the park.

Review 29 (2017-03-21 - Rating: 4)
Excellent coffee, a very cute and chill place to go for an inbetween class coffee break! Not a lot of space, so be prepared to take your stuff to-go.

Review 30 (2017-05-30 - Rating: 4)
I love their coffee but you cant sit down anywhere because of the tiny size of the shop!

Review 31 (2022-08-26 - Rating: 5)
Great coffee!pickup only

Review 32 (2016-12-31 - Rating: 4)
Great coffee. I would go with the cappuccino instead of the latte. Not sure what coffee to water ratio is used but you probably can tell the barista your preference

Review 33 (2024-04-30 - Rating: 4)
My usual coffee treat to myself but today the latte was disappointing 😔. The expresso just didn’t taste as strong or “clean,” for a lack of a better term.I love the latte art from this place which is why I come here a lot and that often makes my days, but yeah for some reason these past two trips, yesterday for a cold brew and today for a latte (12oz) the coffee has not been as strong or tasty.

Review 34 (2016-04-13 - Rating: 5)
This is one of the best coffee shops in the city. Small and cozy, very talented baristas and tasty brews.

Review 35 (2016-11-19 - Rating: 5)
Great little independent coffee place near NYU. Worth a visit for the peanut butter and jam doughnuts alone!

Review 36 (2011-06-04 - Rating: 4)
Had a gorgeous cappuccino but on a return visit got served an over-extracted, bitter espresso (which looked more like a caffe lungo).

Review 37 (2016-09-08 - Rating: 4)
Coffee is great, but the space is very tiny - which can be quite good, if you can get a table.

Review 38 (2019-01-07 - Rating: 4)
Lovely place with nice interior, relaxed atmosphere, and good espresso. Furthermore you get nice sweet and salty delights, a pretty fast service, perfect latte art, mainly charming staff, no wifi, and high prices. In total: not a bad choice for a short coffee break, but there are better and less expensive stores just around the corner...

Review 39 (2017-01-17 - Rating: 5)
Hidden coffee shop with a homey and ambiant feel. Its really small so come off peak hours and enjoy this tiny space

Review 40 (2012-09-28 - Rating: 4)
Very very good coffee... u may want to try it black here. Costa Rican is awesome

Review 41 (2023-11-20 - Rating: 5)
Small coffee shop with some small seats. Coffee was decent. Some power outlets for a quick charge if you need it. Was very warm inside too which I appreciated.

Review 42 (2024-03-16 - Rating: 5)
I loved their cold brew. Must try. Very cheap and best coffee around the corner

Review 43 (2011-01-29 - Rating: 4)
Right near Washington Square park. Small but cozy. You can usually grab a seat. They sell Stumptown and Intelligentsia beans

Review 44 (2013-10-17 - Rating: 4)
The best place to get cheap Stumptown coffee in Greenwich Village. We love the baked goods too!

Review 45 (2024-03-19 - Rating: 5)
Caroline is the best! She’s super friendly and makes the best coffee!

Review 46 (2013-11-03 - Rating: 5)
As a picky Brazilian/Italian I think I have some espresso-reputation. this is one of the best, creamy, macchiatos Ive had in New York

Review 47 (2019-01-23 - Rating: 4)
Small place, but warm.

Review 48 (2016-09-01 - Rating: 4)
Great little place serving Counter Culture Coffee. Latte was tastee.

Review 49 (2021-07-31 - Rating: 5)
Excellent zucchini muffinDrip coffee was delicious without any bitterness

Review 50 (2022-10-30 - Rating: 5)
One of the greatest 3rd wave coffee shops in New York.

Review 51 (2017-06-18 - Rating: 5)
Awesome coffee for a fussy Australian. La Marzocco and two types of beans.

Review 52 (2021-06-26 - Rating: 5)
Quick service, great coffee, close to WSP. Cant go wrong!

Review 53 (2016-01-24 - Rating: 5)
Great, strong coffee. Metallic interior, not a place to hang, but good for a pickup

Review 54 (2023-01-13 - Rating: 5)
10/10 Espresso.

Review 55 (2024-04-02 - Rating: 5)
Favorite coffee shop in the city.

Review 56 (2019-03-10 - Rating: 4)
Nice their wave coffee! Cortado and mocha are great !

Review 57 (2023-09-18 - Rating: 5)
Love, love, love this place! Came in for an Americano and a baked good item, got to get a common social experience I guess Im not usually privy to. All seats taken, but one, and after about fifteen minutes, about six more people came in. Maybe three made chit-chat. Lana del Rey plays faintly in the background as the two experienced baristas talked shop.Behold, a casual regular, an NYU undergrad, wearing a hybrid of pajamas and streetwear, shot the breeze about the weekend with our Brewmasters. Went by too fast, and just stayed around the house, vibes as Lana sings, All the special times... in the background. Nice kid; off to a class with a teacher who is an old lady from Brooklyn.Door shuts as our co-ed customer pal exists; baristas with observable vocal fry lament that they couldnt imagine just staying around the house for the weekend and certainly did not miss the boring life of the under 21 class.The Americano was pretty good btw. A buck for almond milk, however.

Review 58 (2020-03-02 - Rating: 5)
Small spot draws serious caffeine lovers with wide selection of brews & baked goods.

Review 59 (2023-04-29 - Rating: 5)
Traveling from out of state and wasn’t too picky on where to get some coffee but this place was by far superb. Loved it all from the coffee to the treats.

Review 60 (2013-03-29 - Rating: 4)
This is a nice little coffee shop. Very good mocha

Review 61 (2014-02-08 - Rating: 5)
Great roast in the late and service very friendy and laid back. Would recommend!

Review 62 (2016-01-05 - Rating: 5)
Cold brew will keep you awake for hours. Excellent spot.

Review 63 (2016-09-16 - Rating: 4)
Amazing capuccino! They know how to serve a great coffee.

Review 64 (2023-06-22 - Rating: 5)
The almond croissant was really good. Great service!

Review 65 (2023-10-16 - Rating: 5)
The drip coffee is very tasty.

Review 66 (2019-01-17 - Rating: 4)
Good coffee near NYU

Review 67 (2023-02-22 - Rating: 5)
Absolutely the best espresso I haveHad in nyc. I weNot to much higherRated places which don’tCompare

Review 68 (2020-07-25 - Rating: 5)
Hi awesome foods, simple and price good ... great to me.

Review 69 (2013-05-31 - Rating: 4)
The coffee is amazing. Cash only. Small.

Review 70 (2016-03-26 - Rating: 5)
Small, friendly place with excellent coffee and croissants.

Review 71 (2016-09-06 - Rating: 4)
Probably one of the best coffee places in NYC.

Review 72 (2022-06-15 - Rating: 5)
Got a takeaway coffee, small size. Very nice. Good staff. Served at door. There are regularly people here

Review 73 (2023-04-01 - Rating: 5)
A little small coffee shop.Good coffee :)

Review 74 (2021-10-15 - Rating: 5)
I got 12 oz of drip coffee for under 4 bucks.Coffee tastes good and the price is impressive. Would definitely come here to get my second dose of caffeine every day!

Review 75 (2016-11-13 - Rating: 5)
Great neighborhood coffee spot. Used to be cash only, now taking cards. Small seating sections and cozy. Very talented baristas. Try the tasty mocha. Not uncommon to see the neighborhoods celebrities in the shop. They also serve outsourced but excellent pastries. Check it out.

Review 76 (2018-11-25 - Rating: 4)
I came in for my latte craving, it was good. It was, however, lukewarm. On a cold day, you’d like for ya latte to be pretty hot... at least, I do. I wouldn’t go back unless I was in the area and hadn’t already had my fix. Also, service was lackluster. It’s a small place, so it’s be nicer for the interactions to be more pleasant.*** UPDATE 11/24/18 *** The owner personally reached out to me via email to get a more in depth explanation so he could better the experience for us all. I really appreciate that, changed it to 4 stars, and would def go back for another latte. Thanks H!

Review 77 (2017-10-18 - Rating: 4)
Just a coffee snob, but this place was pretty darn good. Their pour-over was great but I have had better. Could have just been the beans that I wasnt used to. Regardless, the flavor was good. Not sure if their recent roasts were a little burnt or not though. Will be back to try more of their menu though.Great little place to come chill to, that is if you can find a table. With very limited seating here, you may just have to enjoy your cup of whatever outside. Come winter, this may be an issue.

Review 78 (2016-02-04 - Rating: 5)
Small and really nice relaxing coffee place for students

Review 79 (2016-06-16 - Rating: 4)
A cute little coffee place with tasty sweets!

Review 80 (2015-06-13 - Rating: 5)
Great service, espresso drinks and pastries.

Review 81 (2014-10-23 - Rating: 4)
If your looking for a real local feel coffee shop, this is the spot! Its a very small store front type of store with a very homey feel when you come in, on top of the fact that they only accept cash, it completes the hometown, local feel. Ive had iced and hot drinks here and they were both well made and tasted high quality. They even have real spoons for you to stir with! Really cool place to get a quick cup of joe and not crazy expensive either.

Review 82 (2021-09-08 - Rating: 5)
Great coffee and location, friendly staff

Review 83 (2016-12-22 - Rating: 4)
Great coffee, but pricy.

Review 84 (2018-04-02 - Rating: 4)
Chill small place. Music isnt loud but present and enjoyable. Coffee is good. I got the latte and it wasnt overpowered by milk. Very good.

Review 85 (2011-04-10 - Rating: 5)
Coffee brewing is an art form here, and the staff is anything but snobby about it. Good people, cozy vibe. Just wish I could afford it more than once a month, considering its half a block from my apt. Anyway, highly recommended.

Review 86 (2019-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Good coffee and really nice staff.

Review 87 (2014-12-15 - Rating: 4)
Cozy storefront that served up single-origin espresso from Counter Culture during my visit. Didnt mind that the shop only takes cash or that seating is limited, especially when given such great coffee, but I was a little uncomfortable with the volume that the staff used to gossip with a customer (I learned a lot about their roommates). I havent read any other reviews with similar complaints, so this may have been an anomaly. Still, it was a little difficult to hear my wife, though Im easily distracted. All in all, great shop to stop in for coffee and warmth on a cold December night.

Review 88 (2019-11-22 - Rating: 5)
I had a couple of natural processed, Ethiopian pour overs here. Quaint little spot with only a few seats, but I overheard interesting conversation all around each time I went.

Review 89 (2020-10-18 - Rating: 5)
Found this little gem and have been back 3 times this week. Great coffee !

Review 90 (2015-06-26 - Rating: 4)
Great cortado. Counter Culture coffee. I like that the espresso take out cup had the little handles. Not sure if everyone had the hand-drawn rainbow though :-)

Review 91 (2019-12-04 - Rating: 4)
Very cute and comfortable coffee shop.Good and strong coffee.Surprisingly No wifi available.

Review 92 (2017-09-09 - Rating: 5)
Great coffee, intimate space, good crew

Review 93 (2019-11-16 - Rating: 5)
Very cute shop with good coffee. Don’t expect much seating though.

Review 94 (2017-12-19 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic espresso and cortado. Personal service. Owner operated. Third wave. Coffee gem near Washington Square and NYU in the West village.

Review 95 (2024-02-02 - Rating: 5)
Very sweet spot :)

Review 96 (2016-03-30 - Rating: 4)
Small and friendly coffee place, great to grab a latte with a heart on it. Really good baristas and a nice vibe. They dont have decaf.

Review 97 (2020-02-21 - Rating: 4)
I went in simply because of the name. LOL But it was good.

Review 98 (2018-02-19 - Rating: 5)
A long time ago, when I was much younger, there used to be a café in this part of the Village that I would hang out all night and study. The coffee was mediocre, but you could be there forever. Well, this isnt really that kind of place. This is really small, which I guess is appropriate for Manhattan. It has like three tables, and when the line gets long, the place fills up quickly. I dont think there is WiFi. I have come here and read or worked for an hour or so, but I dont think you can plan on that.But what I like about the place is that the coffee is good. I dont think there are too many good coffee places in this neighborhood (on closed last year). It is not so fancy as Caffè Dante, which is probably a good thing. I always order the espresso They usually give me glass of water, too. The croissants are pretty good. So the bottom line is if you are looking for a good coffee this is a good option. If you are looking for a place to rent a table for a couple of dollars, I wouldnt recommend it.

Review 99 (2018-04-19 - Rating: 5)
Third Rail is in a cool part of town (close to NYU) and is a small, inviting space with good coffee.

Review 100 (2016-07-19 - Rating: 4)
Great little place serving Counter Culture Coffee. Latte was a bit bitter for my taste.

Review 101 (2023-06-21 - Rating: 5)
Great coffee!

Review 102 (2013-05-18 - Rating: 5)
One of my all time favorite coffee places in the city. Great americanos, limited spacing, but really worth it if you can grab a seat by the windows.

Review 103 (2016-11-28 - Rating: 5)
Taste of home! Great coffee and the small and cosy feel to remind us of Melbourne.

Review 104 (2016-08-03 - Rating: 5)
Relaxed and friendly staff who are quite articulate about the fine points of every origin they offer as pour over preparations.

Review 105 (2017-03-10 - Rating: 5)
Smallish but great coffee and none of those feral flavourings (because they make good coffee!!!!) Well done guys!!!

Review 106 (2017-06-07 - Rating: 4)
Small joint. Good coffee and warm atmosphere for meeting with someone, but like other reviewers have said: dont plan to do work here. No Wi-Fi.

Review 107 (2017-01-01 - Rating: 4)
Great coffee. Small space, so not much room for meeting people, doing work, etc.

Review 108 (2014-09-27 - Rating: 5)
Quickly served pour overs, not much space to sit, but good if youre passing by or taking your dog to the park a block away.

Review 109 (2019-05-31 - Rating: 5)
We will definitely go again very soon

Review 110 (2016-04-18 - Rating: 5)
Probably one of the best coffee places in NYC

Review 111 (2019-02-20 - Rating: 5)
Really enjoyed the matzo ball soup.

Review 112 (2018-10-11 - Rating: 5)
Excellent coffee. Super nice baristas!

Review 113 (2020-03-02 - Rating: 5)
The Americano coffee is great and there green tea is delicious

Review 114 (2016-10-26 - Rating: 5)
Great Lattes at this small spot.

Review 115 (2014-03-31 - Rating: 5)
Stumptown esspresso and new roaster every month. Very knowledgable staff laid back and artistic approach to espresso. Had the Guatemalan on a warm day and was impressed!

Review 116 (2017-06-24 - Rating: 4)
Great coffee shops for hot espresso based drinks. Their cold drinks are seriously underwhelming and I would find another place if you wanted a cold brew.