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As anyone who has lived through the nineties (or at least has a Netflix account today) will tell you, Friends was perhaps one of the best sitcoms in television history. Okay, we might be a little biased here, but there are very few shows out there that have had such a profound impact on their viewers, let alone an entire generation.

To this day people still talk about Rachel’s haircut, Phoebe’s quirky style, Monica and Chandler’s relationship, all of Joey’s embarrassing acting jobs, and of course, whether or not Ross did a bad thing while they were “on a break” (the answer: he did). You can also find yourself watching Friends episodes over and over again just to understand a familiar joke a little differently or simply pick out a detail in Monica’s apartment that you haven’t seen before.

But seeing how this fab six lived a pretty comfortable life in New York City, you’d think that they would check out some other coffee shops in the Big Apple, right? With so many places to choose from, they always stayed loyal to their Central Perk. With that being said, here are 20 different coffee shops in New York City we think the Friends gang could hang out in today.

Ninth Street Espresso

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As we are sure many huge Friends remember, there were many confessions made on “that couch” in the middle of Central Perk. But the only problem was that those confessions were made in a very busy coffee shop, where just about anything could be overheard. Thankfully, there’s a café called Ninth Street Espresso that provides much more privacy for their customers. Thrillist says, “There was a sad, decaffeinated time before NYC was flooded with serious, for-real, great espresso and coffee shops, and it was right then that Ninth Street Espresso arrived, changing the landscape of this sleepy, weeping willow corner at 9th St and Avenue C forever.”

Birch Coffee

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After awhile, everyone just gets tired of drinking the same brand of coffee every single day, right (except for the Friends cast, apparently). Well, you can’t get tired of drinking your daily caramel macchiato from this place, because a lot of people would agree that Birch Coffee is the best place to get your caffeine on in the Big Apple. According to Eater, “This cafe has high energy, yet a relaxed vibe with accompanying tunes. Birch usually has a formidable line of young people from the office spaces nearby, despite prices that are typically 25 cents higher across the board than elsewhere. The standout offering here is the Kyoto drip iced coffee, which is tremendous.”

Jack’s Stir Brew

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When you are a New Yorker, the last place you want to be caught in is a chain store or coffee shop that sells green straws (we are not naming any names, but we are sure you know what we are talking about). This is especially true if you’ve got plenty of mom-and-pop coffee shops in your neighborhood that are not only better, but make you feel like you are right at home, too. Refinery 29 writes, “A unique and family-run chain, Jack's coffee shop sources fair trade beans and tasty vegan baked goods. Stop by for a cup of the specialty stir brew, stay for the friendly community vibes.”

Maman

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We know that coffee is very important in our lives, but what’s more important are the meals that we tend to eat them with. You can’t have coffee on the run without fueling with the right kind of protein in the mornings for breakfast or for lunch. Luckily, Maman is a great place to get caffeinated while grabbing a bite on the go, too. Town and Country writes, “Maman has some of the best bites around town, all of which perfectly complement their rich coffee. This hidden gem is special because tiny details of French influence add up to make it feel like a snug oasis.”

The Queen’s Kickshaw

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Not only does the name of this place sound super cool, but it’s also got an eclectic menu that’s worth trying with your morning cup of Joe. Plus, it’s quiet enough that you can spend a relaxing hour in it, but busy enough that you know the place is definitely worth trying (in other words, it’s got the best of both worlds). Thrillist writes, “Perhaps only in Queens might someone pair craft coffee with... grilled cheese! [...] But there you have it at The Queens Kickshaw. The spacious, wood-filled room is a calm break from the bustle of crowded Broadway around the corner.”

Toby’s Estate

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Again, we don’t want to name any names, but many of the chain coffee shops and restaurants offer the same menu, all year long. There isn’t much variety, and if there is, it’s your run-of-the-mill “pumpkin spice” or “peppermint” on top of everything. Toby’s Estate is not like that at all. Town and Country says, “One of the store's buyers travels to multiple coffee growing regions three months out of the year in order to create a diverse and seasonal menu. The company also has a brew school, which provides an accessible learning space for coffee novices and experienced baristas alike.”

Box Kite

via: gothamista.com

When you first arrive at Box Kite, don’t be put off by its small space. After all, things that are mighty usually pack a pretty strong punch, right (and a lot of us agree that if there’s something we like strong, it’s our morning coffee). Luckily, Box Kite makes up in quality what it makes up in square space. Eater puts it this way: “The digs at the UWS location of Box Kite are small, but the team here is big on serving some of the best coffee to the neighborhood. Arrive during off-peak times since it's tough to land a seat.”

Pietro Nolita

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Here’s a place that Phoebe, Monica and Rachel would definitely love, especially during their girls-only breakfasts and brunches. As a matter of fact, Pietro Nolita might as well change their name to Phoebe Nolita because it’s got her name spelled all over it (maybe not, but the décor sure screams it). Just think of the happiest place you can drink your morning espresso. Town and Country writes, “Pietro Nolita's trendy all-pink interior creates a cheerful atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon pick me up. As far as their best drinks go, the vanilla bean latte mocha is a standout.”

Bibble & Sip

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With a name like Bibble & Sip, there’s no doubt that this coffee shop has everything someone like Phoebe would enjoy, too. In fact, the decor looks like it came straight out of the late 1990s (and we mean that in the best way possible). Also, there’s a dessert menu that you have to try while you are there, too. Coffee plus ice cream in one sitting? Yes, please. Refinery 29 says, “On top of tasty brews — the lavender latte is a subtly sweet must — this West Side spot also shells out unique cream puffs filled with flavors ranging from earl grey to matcha.”

Flora Coffee

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Here’s another coffee shop that is so popular with the locals, they try to keep it a secret from seasonal tourists. Flora Coffee has everything you need, from the sticky to the sweet and of course, the best tasting coffee in the neighborhood. Plus, the interior is too cute not to check out. We can see Monica popping in here after work for dessert. Eater says, “It’s smaller than Flora’s main dining room, but there’s plenty of room for an expert cup of coffee, provided by Counter Culture. It’s also where pastry chef Natasha Pickowicz is selling out of her can’t-be-missed sticky buns.”

Black Fox

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When you are one of the biggest daytime television actors in the entertainment industry like Joey Tribbiani, you go to all of the places where you will be seen (rather than the places you need to be seen in). The Black Fox just happens to be one of them. It’s so popular, that you are bound to run into at least one familiar face while grabbing your coffee to go. Town and Country writes, “Black Fox opened in downtown Manhattan in 2016 and has become one of the city's most popular coffee joints since. The simply designed space and savory snacks will help you unwind after even the most stressful of days.”

Bluestone Lane

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The Bluestone Lane is the kind of café that Rachel would pop in to grab her coffee before making her way to work at her prestigious office job at Ralph Lauren. That is, until she made her way up the fashion ladder and took an even better job with Louis Vuitton (we always knew Rachel Green had it in her). It’s also where all the models hang out. Thrillist describes Bluestone Lane this way: “This Aussie-run cafe has two separate sides – the public compartment, and the compartment for those who work in the office building. Each side is entitled to excellent flat whites and lamingtons.”

Padoca

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The problem with a lot of cafes and bakeries in New York City (and elsewhere in the country, for that matter) is that they simply don’t have the extensive menus that a lot of people are looking for when they order their morning coffee. Fortunately, Padoca has every breakfast menu option you can think of, plus more. Eater says, “This shop can feel a little too much like a Panera bakery, with Oasis playing on the speakers and a too-corporate vibe. The staff is still figuring out the menu somewhat, but all is forgiven with an espresso dispensed from the stylish Modbar sheer aluminum fittings.”

Little Collins

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If you’ve noticed that there are plenty of Aussies that are running coffee shops all over the Big Apple, don’t worry; we thought the same thing, too. After all, Joey Tribbiani does have a thing for beautiful Australian models, right? (We do remember his roommate). Little Collins might be a place to meet another cute Aussie. Eater says, “The Aussies running this Midtown shop have provided a getaway for a neighborhood otherwise filled with Starbucks and Le Pains. Alongside flat whites and pour overs the shop serves sandwiches, salads, and a behemoth of toasted banana bread with ricotta, berries, honey, and almond brittle."

Ludlow Coffee Supply

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When Chandler finally quit his boring day job in search for his dream job instead, he never in a million years thought that he would end up working at an internship with other interns that were half his age. Luckily, Chandler was always a guy that was young at heart, even if he didn’t always keep up with the crowd. Ludlow Coffee Supply is a place where Chandler would definitely meet up with his co-workers for coffee and a game of hacky sack. Refinery 29 described it as a “hip LES gem serving up rich coffee brews, flaky pastries, and other inventive breakfast goods — with a barber shop in the back to boot.”

Two Hands

via: hyhoi.com

Remember when Rachel and Chandler ended up on the floor of their apartment building to eat the last piece of what was supposed to be the best cheesecake in the world? They didn’t have to go to such an extreme, now did they? That’s because Two Hands offers some of the best coffee and cake in their neighborhood, too. In fact, it’s so good that there are long lines at the café on almost a daily basis. Town and Country writes, “Order the ricotta hotcake, which is made with macerated blackberries, cashew ricotta, and honeyed pecans, to go along with your espresso.”

Culture Espresso

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If there is a great place that Ross could go to with his professor friends after a long and tiring day at New York University (after all, he did have a lot of rollerblading to do in between classes), it would be Culture Espresso. It’s where all the intellectuals hang out in between classes and it’s also a place that Ross could meet cute university professors and teacher assistants, too. Eater says, “A solid cortado and drip coffee anchor the menu of this stylish coffee bar near Bryant Park. It’s a much stronger choice for coffee than the several chain stores closer to the park.”

PAPER Coffee

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The Friends gang were all about style, right? Well, if anything should ever happen to the Central Perk (like a fire that was accidentally set by Gunther after hearing that Ross and Rachel have gotten back together yet again), it would be PAPER Coffee. It’s hip, it’s cool, and it’s so 2018 with great coffee, a cool vibe, and the kind of atmosphere that the gang would love. Plus, there’s also a dessert menu that’s too good not to try. Eater says, “Paper serves up Devocion coffee and pastries in a warm space. Look for drink specials like a vanilla bean latte and hot buttered Americano.”

Hungry Ghost

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As we all know, Phoebe definitely believes in the afterlife, and thinks that a lot of people from her past are still keeping tabs on her to this very day (this includes her family members and yes, all of the rats that used to live in her apartment with Mike Hannigan). So what better place to enjoy a sip of the strong stuff than the Hungry Ghost, right? It would be a perfect place for Phoebe and Mike to hang out in. Thrillist says, “Hungry Ghost's second full cafe – the first is in Prospect Heights – is a pioneer in Fort Greene. Stylish and slightly austere decor fills this corner of Fulton St, while Stumptown-fueled drinks flow from the bar.”

Bakeri

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Last but not least, we’ve got Bakeri on our list. It just happens to be in one of the trendiest neighbhorhoods in Brooklyn, but it would be well worth the trip for someone like Monica, especially with her undeniable sweet tooth. Bakeri would also be a great place for Monica and the girls to stop by in after getting her perfect wedding dress from the nearby outlet store that sold the one dress she just had to get her hands on. Refinery 29 says, “If you find yourself traipsing around Williamsburg, stop in for one of their lavender shortbread cookies or a vanilla coconut custard pastry.”