Discovering Coffee Excellence at Stumptown on West 8th Street, Greenwich Village

Stumptown Coffee Roasters holds a revered position in the US coffee landscape and internationally, celebrated for both its exceptional roasting practices and its collection of iconic coffee shops. During a recent trip to the United States, visiting Stumptown was a priority. While Stumptown boasts locations across the West Coast in cities like Portland, Oregon, Seattle, and Los Angeles, its East Coast presence is anchored in New York City. For this exploration, the West 8th Street location in NYC became the natural and highly anticipated destination.

Venturing into Greenwich Village, just north of Washington Square Park, I sought out Stumptown’s second New York City establishment, nestled on West 8th Street. Since its opening in May 2013, this West 8th Street coffee shop has garnered attention for its stunning interior, arguably one of the most visually captivating coffee spaces one could encounter. While Intelligentsia at the High Line Hotel lobby presents a strong contender, Stumptown West 8th Street offers a unique and compelling aesthetic. The location is cleverly designed as two interconnected areas: an exquisitely furnished espresso bar situated on the corner of West 8th and MacDougal Streets, and a more secluded and cozy brew bar, accessible via a separate entrance on MacDougal Street.

Exterior view of Stumptown Coffee on West 8th Street at the corner of MacDougal Street, showcasing its corner location and entrance to the espresso bar.

As expected from a roaster of Stumptown’s caliber, the coffee selection is extensive and impressive. A remarkable array of eleven single-origin beans are offered, alongside three distinct blends and two decaffeinated choices (comprising one blend and one single-origin). Adding to the customization, it appeared that every coffee option could be prepared using six different filter brewing methods, as espresso, or as cold brew, presenting a truly bewildering yet exciting range for any coffee aficionado visiting West 8th Street.

Interior of Stumptown West 8th Street's espresso bar, highlighting the counter, La Marzocco espresso machines, and available coffee merchandise.

Having previously experienced Stumptown’s original NYC location within the Ace Hotel on West 29th Street during a 2013 visit, where I had the pleasure of meeting Greg Cohen of CoffeGuru App, a return to the Ace location was considered. However, the allure of Greenwich Village and the positive buzz surrounding the West 8th Street store made it the more appealing choice. Initially, approaching from MacDougal Street, the first impression of Stumptown was modest, resembling a quaint coffee shop akin to Everyman Espresso in Soho, rather than the grand establishment anticipated. It was only upon reaching the corner of West 8th Street that the true scale and presence of Stumptown became apparent. The initial view was of the brew bar entrance, a more understated facade compared to the main espresso bar.

The primary entrance, located prominently on the corner of West 8th Street, exuded a much grander and welcoming ambiance. Stepping inside the espresso bar revealed an even more impressive space. The entire left side of the espresso bar, stretching from the large windows, is dominated by a magnificent, lengthy counter. Featuring a sleek marble worktop and custom-designed wooden paneling behind, the counter is a visual centerpiece. It houses two sophisticated three-group La Marzocco Strada espresso machines, a display case showcasing tempting pastries, and a few strategically placed spots for patrons to sit and observe the baristas’ craft. Towards the far end of this expansive counter, a smaller, more intimate bar area provided a perfect vantage point for my visit.

Close-up of the La Marzocco Strada espresso machines at Stumptown West 8th Street, emphasizing their polished stainless steel and the barista workspace.

The area near the entrance is thoughtfully designated for customers waiting for takeaway orders, ensuring a smooth flow within the bustling space. The right side of the espresso bar is furnished with a series of communal tables, reflecting the shop’s popularity and encouraging interaction among coffee lovers. During my visit, the shop was lively, with patrons readily sharing tables. Further into the space, a larger six-person table with elevated chairs offers additional seating, and beyond this, two bookshelves are stocked with Stumptown’s signature coffee beans and a curated selection of coffee brewing equipment, all available for purchase, enhancing the retail aspect of this West 8th Street location. The interior design features exposed brick walls, adding a touch of urban chic, while the floor is adorned with a beautiful herringbone parquet pattern, bordered by elegant tiles. The only minor design element that felt slightly less cohesive was the ceiling, which, while impressively high at the front, became noticeably lower towards the back of the espresso bar.

In contrast to the grandeur of the espresso bar, the brew bar, accessible through a somewhat inconspicuous corridor beyond the main counter or via its separate entrance on MacDougal Street, presents a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. It’s worth noting that the brew bar operates during limited hours, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entering from MacDougal Street, a small takeaway service station is positioned to the right, leading to a wooden-topped counter that extends along the right side of the brew bar. On the left, a stand-up bar provides a casual space for enjoying coffee, and at the far end, towards the left, lies the corridor connecting back to the espresso bar. Despite describing it as less grand, the brew bar possesses its own unique charm. The exposed brick walls continue here, complemented by a ceiling that I found more aesthetically pleasing than that in the espresso bar. Interestingly, even within the brew bar, a compact one-group La Marzocco espresso machine is available, catering to those who prefer espresso-based drinks without venturing into the main espresso bar.

Interior of the brew bar at Stumptown West 8th Street, showing the stand-up bar, brew equipment, and connection to the espresso bar.

Regarding the coffee itself, unfortunately, my personal experience was limited. I ordered a Bolivia Buenavista prepared using the Bee House pour-over filter, a brewing method I was trying for the first time. However, having been unwell that day due to a previous meal, I was only able to take a couple of sips of the meticulously prepared coffee before nausea overcame me. Regrettably, I had to retreat to the bar area, where I remained, disappointed, until I felt well enough to return to my hotel, unable to fully appreciate the coffee offering at Stumptown West 8th Street on this occasion. Despite this personal setback, the sheer variety of beans and brewing methods, coupled with the evident skill of the baristas, strongly suggests a high-quality coffee experience awaits visitors to this West 8th Street gem.

Explore more of New York City’s exceptional coffee scene with the Coffee Spot Guide to New York City.