PROOF Coffee Roasters

Prefacing this review to say that I actually really like the flavor of their espresso. That being said, something is up with the management of this placeI’ve stopped by probably 10 times over the past month because I work nearby and 80% of the time, I’m disappointed. A few times they’ve run out of oat milk by 8:30am. Once they didn’t have espresso beans at all and wouldn’t have any for 1-2 days. You get one stamp on the stamp card per order, even if you order multiple drinks. On top of that, they’re short staffed and often will only have 1 barista behind the bar during the morning rush. Sometimes they have a staff member working who isn’t yet trained on the espresso machine so the menu is limited to non espresso drinks.I ordered a large iced latte with oat milk and a flavored syrup and it was $9. Nine. I mean I clearly paid it but damn that’s expensive especially considering the issues above. The staff are generally nice and friendly.I’ve literally gone out of my way to another cafe to get coffee because I just didn’t want to be let down by Proof again. It’s a shame because there’s potential there

Proof Coffee consistently delivers top-notch beans. Their espresso and Peru single-origin beans are rich, smooth, and never bitter. Their customer service team is responsive and always provides excellent customer service.Ive been purchasing Proof Coffee beans for nearly 5 years and highly recommend them to anyone who appreciates high-quality coffee.

Excellent espresso in an airy space perfect for doing a little work or catching up with friends. I got my usual cappuccino and it was well made and perfectly textured. The almond croissant was warmed and very tasty.

Wanted an Irish crème latte and was given very brash, rude customer service by barista Spencer. He made my drink not only wrong but it tasted so horrific I think there may have been something other than coffee in that cup. The place was pretty clean but I will not be back. I wouldn’t recommend either location.

Small cafe but good vibes. So kind staffs and dark roasted coffee. Could get toasted croissant as well.

Some of the best coffee and pastries I’ve had in New York! And the service was absolutely fantastic, will most definitely be back!

PROOF is a coffee spot —kinda, sorta hidden in a quiet part of Kips Bay/Murray Hill area. the interior has a good amount of seating, is a clean brightly lit space, and gives off a friendly vibe. the coffee menu has beverages for even the pickiest of caffeine-heads. there’s also a nice display of baked eats as well as bottled drinks.stopped into PROOF on a dreary winter day for a coffee pick-me-up and the mission was accomplished. ordered an iced Americano, “BIG BEAR” (16 oz). coffee, itself, was flavorful and had a nice clean caffeine kick. tbh, 16 oz of Americano was a lot, so i’d probably opt for a “little cub” (12 oz), next time. as an iced coffee addict year round, PROOF serve up a good chill brew. BIG BEAR iced Americano, $5 + tax + tipstaff is friendly and focused on providing a quality product and experience.

A nice, small, neighborhood type cafe with tables and outlets. The perfect place to study. The iced matcha latte was perfect on a hot, humid summer day.

The corrado was good, but the Americano was fine, but a bit weak and didnt have interesting notes. I wish you could get a pour over to try the filter coffee that they roast themselves and sell at the shop. The seating area is nice, very quiet on a weekend.

There is a funny line written on the door about how this place has the best coffee in NYC. The line is good, the coffee was not.I asked for an 8 ounce flat white. I got very mediocre espresso with hot steamed milk in an 8 ounce cup filled up to 3/4.See photo. It’s taken seconds after I got the cup. I’m not interested in latte art, but I’m not interested in milk frothed as soap foam either. Obviously, there is something wrong with the crema, but at this point that’s a detail.However, the people who served me were great! Thus, +1 star

I used to enjoy this coffee shop, especially the friendly staff they had before. However, my recent experience was quite disappointing. When I mentioned my milk preference for my coffee, the person behind the counter slammed the milk container down in frustration. Their overly exaggerated facial expressions added to the rudeness. It’s unfortunate to see such behavior in a place I once liked. Please teach some manners to this person.

Cute little cafe near NYU langone. I tried their vanilla latte which was strong and delicious. I also trie their chive cheddar biscuit which was served warm and it was soft

Very nice little coffee shop tucked up a quiet side street near NYU Langone. On the morning I visited the two people working were both great and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Coffee was very good. Almond croissant was tasty. There are some small tables and chairs outside too which are nice at this time of year. Good coffee, good food, friendly staff, fast service. Definitely recommended.

The Guatemalan single origin light roast is some of the best coffee I have ever put through my espresso machine. Brewing it perfumes my kitchen with such a comfy aroma... the flavor is a great balance of nutty, chocolatey, and fruity.Proof is like SEY quality without the posh gatekeeper vibes. The staff is super welcoming AND they always have great indie/emo/mathrock playing on the aux. AAAAND its only a block away from where I live which is a personal bonus.

Very small coffee shop kinda hidden away in a small courtyard of sorts. Pretty good decaf and they have a selection of fresh roasted beans as well.

PROOF in Kips Bay is one of my go-to spots for good coffee when I am at the office in the city - their lattes are strong and delicious which is just what I need to start my day! The staff is always friendly and the store is always clean. They are tucked into 1st Ave in a quiet spot which is also a nice way to hide from the noise and traffic while you enjoy your coffee!

Very cute small coffee shop. Close to NYU and the hospitals.A great place to chill having a very well done cortado.

A great work spot! Decent seating and fast wifi — I arrived around 8:50 AM, and had the seating area all to myself. The baristas are also super fast — I was continually impressed by how quickly they whipped out everyone’s drinks. Latte was tasty as well. Will be back on my WFH days! (Side note — they have an NYU discount!)

The staff working here were absolutely so friendly and welcoming! I had a lovely time chatting with a friend here for almost an hour; the atmosphere is very cozy. Also, the decor is very cute! I had a almond-milk chai latte (I really appreciated that there are several dairy-free milk options for the drinks) and an almond croissant. They warmed up the croissant for me which was lovely. My latte was also good.

I love there iced coffee and hot coffee as well. Way better than Dunkin donuts and Starbucks in my opinion. I highly recommend this spot.

Location can’t be beat. Tucked away on a side street away from busy city life. There’s a beautiful park nearby. The staff is warm and friendly. And, most importantly, the espresso is strong and delicious and the pastries look tempting. It’s a laidback coffee shop- not too fussy or sleek with space to sit and work or sip and go. It’s everything a coffee spot should be. Tables were sticky and the dust on the cool lamps hanging from the ceiling was pretty thick. A good scrubbing and PROOF would have 4 stars from my first visit. Can’t wait to come back.

Love the Whole milk Lattes here. I often come here with my friends and it feels peaceful and I enjoy my latte. The waiters are friendly and its nice place to work as well.

I visited this place for the first time among the three branches that I run now. Its good to meet great quality coffee at a reasonable price.This is a peaceful place to enjoy coffee. There is some outdoor space outside the store and there are some benches. If there are not many people, it would be good to drink coffee there for a while.And the reason why I give 4 stars is because a staff was not kind.

Lovely little cafe, tucked away in the courtyard that is 27th St & 1st Ave. I came here when visiting a family member at the hospital, it was a sad cold dreary winter day and PROOF was a bright spot in it. The barista made me a delicious latte! The coffee and milk interacted and integrated exactly as they should. (I have very high latte standards!) Ill be back next time I am in the area!

Great espresso. Make sure to try it if youre around Kips Bay!

I loved the Oatmilk iced latte. Was there on multiple occasions to work in the morning and the environment is very good. The staffs are nice. Highly recommend.

I love this place! i work at the hospital across the street and get coffee here a couple times a week. the coffee is always good and the staff are always friendly.

I was just passing through this small resting park, one person sat alone at the table, just enjoying the weather. 🌡️ And it seems nice but also quiet & just listening to the sounds of beauty of Nature. 😌 (PS) inside of that Proof Coffee ☕ Roasters Shop, the Smell of the aroma coffee in the air was SO TRULY MOUTH WATERING!!!! SO OVERWHELMING that it just MAKES ME want to BUY A CUP!!!! 🤤😋 When KNOWING FULLY WELL UNFORTUNATELY I Can No Longer Drink coffee ☕ because it MAKES ME FEEL VERY SICK 🤢 afterJUST HAVING ONE CUP, Regardless whatever Flavor, I LOVE IT ALL!!! 😔🥺 And lastly, I ACTUALLY just stepped inside of that coffee shop in order to make a VERY IMPORTANT phone 🤳🏼📱 call so I could hear 👂🏼 better than when Im outside. (Also PROOF Coffee Roasters was VERY CLEAN!!!!!!!)👍🏾👍🏾😉👃🏼☕☕🤤😋

The iced cold brew with cream I ordered was, simply put, sublime. At its price I cant imagine a better cup of cold brew. Every flavor note was balanced, paired with the Correct™️ amount of cream and ice. I genuinely was afraid to add even a single pack of sugar to it, fearful that Id mess up the spell that held this feat of coffee alchemy together.

Coffee was pretty good. The service was on point.

Its just a fake shop with overly roasted cheap coffee beans.You cant call yourself a specialty store if you dont even know what you are serving. Its some kind of blend of S.American beans is not an answer, and, btw, it wasnt even S.American blend, it had notes of Ethiopian coffee.Lying is BAAAD!And 2nd, all self respecting specialty storees do pourover coffee!Its best lying stop in NY, not best coffee shop... 😒

Nice new coffee shop. Tables were available during lunch time. Iced americano was good. Barista was very nice. We ordered using Ritual app. Order was ready in 2 min and pick up was easy.

This location fell off a cliff in every way. Was closed for a while for health code violations, then re-opened worse than ever. Staff look like they just rolled out of bed and refuse to even say hello to you. Some of the worst service in a city known for bad service. Always dirty. Badly in need of management intervention. Stay away.

Excellent drip coffee, friendly baristas, and lots of interesting prepared drinks to try out. Its also a very relaxing place to work or study (when there arent city-wide indoor seating restrictions due to Covid).

PROOF is the place to be for coffee and getting work done. I come here every morning and receive consistently great coffee and service. Damian especially brings the energy, ensuring your day is off to the right start. Highly recommend to anyone dropping by for a quick cup and for anyone needing a place to meet or work.

Fantastic coffee, tea, snacks. Wonderful, friendly staff. The owner, Jeff, clearly cares about quality, and offers some of the best cold brew Ive ever had. Id give more than 5 stars if the option were available.

I used to love this place but the woman barista is rude and messed up my order twice. Also , she was rude on TWO OCCASIONS. i ordered matcha on both occasions and it tasted so bad. I should’ve took it as a sign not to patron the is coffee shop. I am no longer a customer there. I work to hard to give my money to a company that doesn’t appreciate me

They only serve dark roasted coffee, if you like barbecue then you will love the taste of this dreadful coffee with some notes of coal

I usually get a cappuccino, but have had lattes and regular drip coffee. All the beverages taste good and the staff is always pleasant. I would recommend this establishment to anyone in the area.

Delicious coffee and pleasant experience! Staff were super nice (stopped by around 1240PM). It was fairly empty as well, with a good amount of seating. Will be back!

I won’t mind to travel to that great store, It feels comfortable because it’s quiet and clean. Workers are always smiling and welcoming. They have different roast, And all are high quality. Thanks for making my experience memorable.

Love this hidden coffee place! Don’t forget to ask for an NYU discount.

Looking for a great study spot? Proof has it. Looking for the best almond crescent around? Proof has it. Looking for a solid cup of coffee? You guessed it, proof has it. Proof is the best part of Kips Bay and Damian will always brighten your morning.

Love Proof and love the discount for hospital workers! The barista/baristo (that feels like not a word) always has a great attitude and makes excellent recommendations. Great space for seating if youre looking to read, get some work done, or chat with a friend. If youre looking to branch out... might I recommend the Macadamia Nutella latte...

Really good quality coffee. A bit pricey tho

Really good coffee!!

Rad staff. Impeccably brewed coffee. A slice of hidden paradise. Wholeheartedly recommend!

Excellent coffee shop ever I see. Great place to sit and enjoy. Bought coffee to take home and brew as well!

Great place for a espresso or latte. My personal favorite is a Maple Oat Latte. They do an excellent job the flavor and sip is smooth and not overly hot. Espresso extraction is great and they use a really good oatmilk blend/froth.There is of course sugar in this, but nothing over the top. I highly recommend. Location is random on a nearly empty alley, but hey it is what it is.Give it a try!

Had a delicious macadamia latte here. The coffee shop was busier than usual but totally worth it for the price and quality.

I think this coffee is one of the best Ive tried in NYC because the beans are ground instantly but only if you want a coffee because then it doesnt have any sandwichs or hot food .. it only has some desserts .. I think they should invest more in food since if coffee is very good! also the location is a bit hidden!

Great quality coffee and inventive milk alternative drinks. Definitely recommend.

Amazing coffee cafe in manhattan! Superior service and food and coffee. Had one of the best pour overs here :) Great place to do work as well

Good coffee but the inside is small and cold. There is no bathroom. Its best to take it to go, although for a to go cup its pricey.

Unfortunately been here twice and both times coffee was horrible :(. Mixed up the order and we asked for coffee to be extra extra hot, but it came luke warm. Friendly people but otherwise no good :(

My new favorite cafe. They have a huge selection of coffee and it feels like they really put care into their work.

The people here are the sweetest, actually. Great customer service and their chai tea latte is delicious! (They also have every milk alternative that exists)

The inside of the cafe was very cute and bear themed. The coffee was also great!

Very nice and unexpected find. Cortado was yummy. So close to work.It’s a little hidden but when people find it, they will be super happy! :)

Excellent coffee! ☕ Great pastries and great service! Who could ask for anything more?

Smaller than it looks in the photos. WiFi wasnt working. Lemon bread was mediocre. Staff was nice.EDIT: Adding one star because Jeff took the time to respond to my review. Jeff, my frustration wasnt misguided but reflective of the experience I had in your shop. The wifi wasnt fixed in 1-hour as you suggest (I was there longer than that).To elaborate, what you see online does not match the vibe of this shop in-person. The pictures look much better than the experience I had in real life. It wasnt spacious. The pastry selection was a struggle. I expected a 4.7 star experience. What I got was less than 3.However, I can fully appreciate a locally owned business that supports their community. It doesnt change the experience, but I respect the passion and commitment to the empowerment of people through the creation of jobs and Proofs 5% charitable donations.Maybe it was just a rough day. Will update if I return and have a better experience.

Solid atmosphere for studying or hanging out. Friendly staff. Good coffee for pretty cheap.

Its a chill place with definitely nice music 👍 The staffs are friendly and polite and good coffee!

They have macadamia milk which I havent seen before.It was pretty tasty in the latte.Good service.

Ok cappuccino. Beautiful space and very kind staff. Id come back but maybe get an Americano instead :))

Good coffee, but overpriced. After 10 cups of coffee youll get a $2 rebate. Lol

The coffee is amazing

The iced coffee is the best around. My friend got the Nutella Latte and loved it.

A bit of a forlorn place, full of student types working on overdue assignments in a concrete wasteland. Coffee is decent, snack options are quite limited though.

I love the coffee here but was totally frustrated this morning when they weren’t open despite posted hours from 7am-7pm.

Checked their Google and website and verified they close at 7pm. Walk thirty minutes there to see they had a sign up saying they close at 3pm

Staffs are very nice and friendly. Its good place to get your work done 👍

Coffee itself was fine. But for some reason I was charged a higher price than the one that appears on the menu (which is very prominently posted on the wall).When I raised said issue, the guys were “our price has changed”. Well cool, then update the menu. Or charge the posted price. Doing otherwise is literally illegal.

Really great coffee. Worth the price. Nice people.

Fantastic cold brew, super friendly service, and warm, welcoming ambience. whats not to love?

Great coffee, cool location.

Hardy house brew; limited hours for afternoon IV drip caffeine users.

Really good coffee in a nice quiet place.

Coffee was very good. Almond croissant was tasty.

Great little coffee nook. Best espresso in the area, well dialed in and rich.

Great spot across the street from Bellevue hospital. Really cute ambiance and wonderful setting. However the coffee is really hit or miss depending on the barista. I used to be able to reliably get a great latte from Proof, but its been disappointing recently.

My favorite coffee shop in the area, maybe even the city! its so nice and comfy, I feel bad when I have to leave after picking up coffee, the baristas are so friendly. The coffee is great too, the nutella latte is my favorite. Only complaint is that theyre not open later on weekends, but its a great spot to get some work done and enjoy the coffee.

10/10 recommend! Came in for the second time today and was greeted by their amazing baristas who talked me through the blends and offered samples, and helped nudge me to my first time trying macadamia milk. Will definitely be returning as a regular in the future!

I visit often. Great coffee and snacks.

Never been to a coffee shop that consistently pulls great shots and foams milk just right like this one. My go to stop during coffee breaks at work. Their outdoor tables are a nice touch to enjoy your coffee outside.

Best coffee in NYC. Nice and cozy coffee shop located at a quiet corner of the building. Quick service and friendly staff. Clean place makes you feel like spending some time here. Definitely recommend the COLD brew.

Cool spot! Good table space for group work and a lot of bar space for standing or stools. The cold brew was great but pricey for sure ($4.90 for 20oz I think). Lots of lighting and a nice ambiance.

Perfectly balanced coffee and the staff is always very nice and helpful!Seriously one of the best coffee places in NYC.

The Proof Coffee location at 119 E 23rd street has a Barista named Joanna. She was very friendly and informative when I asked for vegan options. She ended up making me a delicious macadamia latte which I recommend to anyone looking for a lightly sweet coffee taste beverage. I will definitely go here again.

The coffee is amazing. Damien is the best. He’s a very friendly and great person and always remembers your name and orders

I wouldnt say my flat white was expertly poured but the taste was very good! My standards are sky high. Id go back. That means they passed the test. The food offerings are totally standard coffee shop fair.

Fun coffee shop, good espresso I had there. Batistas were friendly and quick, nice to have this cozy spot to enjoy.

The shop is a bit hard to reach on a street without car access. The place is beautiful inside and the coffee is solid. The pastries are from Colson bakery and theyre delicious. I recommend the spinach quiche!

Coffee lovers rejoice! Blends and roasts lined up for endless selection and fun browsing. Ground to the serving preference on premises. Reasonably priced.

Hands down the best espresso in the area and the best iced matcha latte which goes great with the macadamia nut milk! Lou the barista is lovely and makes the best drinks

Great place to get work done: We went during lunch hour on a Wednesday, and it was not crowded.Matcha latte had a great balance of not too grassy and not too milky.

There are not a ton of coffee options in the area but PROOF is the best Ive found. The staff was friendly, the cold brew was smooth yet strong, and the ambiance was on point!

Good coffee. Friendly staff. Not too crowded. Nice atmosphere.

Ok coffee, decent service. The place itself is dark and looks like it needs a deep clean service. Not necessary my favorite in the area.

Very solid flat white in an otherwise coffee dead zone. Cute interior, nice comfortable space inside and outside on the 27th St. “patio” Will definitely be back when I need a coffee pick-me-up in the neighborhood. Minus one star for the very subpar (burnt and flat-tasting) drip coffee though.

Best in the neighborhood- everything from iced to hot drinks and pastries with a side of charming staff to start off the mornings well and end the day right

Ordered 2 mochas w almond milk. Barista was attentive and clearly loved making delightful coffee art. Tip...give the mocha a roll between sips.

Great service! Love the coffee

Wonderful customer service, excellent first experience at a coffee shop 10/10 will come back 😁

Staff is super nice. Best cup of coffee in an area that is lacking good options

Lovely cafe with great coffee!

I love the coffee that Drew makes here, its strong , delicious and beautifully designed.

Nice and cozy coffeeshop with a very friendly and attentive staff.They will go out of their way to deliver an exceptional customer service.I had a great experience and will definitely make it my go to spot.

Great coffee and they have macadamia milk!

Very good coffee, good and friendly service. Pleasant atmosphere.

Nice, quiet lil coffee and espresso shop.

Excellent coffee and team!

Friendly staff and great coffee, very clean !

Had an amazing experience at proof! Coffee is delicious :)

Damian is great. Perfect cup everytime.

Delicious cappuccino, thank you!

Nice tasty morning roll and great coffee

Hidden gem. Try the Ethiopian pour over.

Everyone here is always super nice!

Thanks for your response. Just for you five stars.

Good customer service. Good coffee

Great coffee and service from the manager

Great place

The coffee was strong and delicious

Inexpensive.

My go to for a cup Java

Best matcha lattes!!

Incredible staff and drinks!

Coffee is pretty pretty pretty thay good

Great little coffee shop!!!

Great place and staff

The best coffee. Period.

Very good coffee

Great service 👌

A hidden Gem!

Good place

The owner is very kind.The iced latte is also savory and rich.(As delicious as Stumpttown Coffee)

The coffee tastes good. Unlike other coffee houses in the area, the surroundings are quiet and have a park-like atmosphere. The staff are also friendly.

Very delicious coffee.