When hunger strikes in the midst of appreciating art at a museum, the nearest café becomes a beacon of hope. However, with admission fees soaring in New York City’s cultural institutions, the cost of a post-show snack can quickly add up. To help you navigate the museum café scene, we have compiled a list of 10 establishments across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, highlighting the most and least affordable options for coffee, sandwiches, and other treats.
- The Morgan Cafe at the Morgan Library and Museum
The Morgan Cafe offers a selection of delectable options, including the $25 Morgan Smashburger, inspired by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin’s favorite food. Other items on the menu range from Saratoga mineral water for $5 to a pastry for $8. The café also serves a variety of coffee options, such as iced or hot coffee for $4.50 and espresso for $4.75. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm, and Fridays until 7:30 pm. - The Brooklyn Museum Café
Recently revamped with a new menu by local restaurateur André Hueston Mack, the Brooklyn Museum Café offers a $4 standard coffee and reasonably priced muffins and sandwiches. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 am to 5:30 pm. - Espresso Bar at the Museum of Modern Art
Located near MoMA’s gift shop, the Espresso Bar offers a range of beverages and pastries, with prices starting at $4 for a cookie and $5 for a croissant. The café is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 7 pm on Fridays. - Café Rebay at the Guggenheim Museum
Café Rebay offers a selection of coffee, tea, and pastries, with prices ranging from $4.65 for black coffee to $7.75 for a latte. The café also features a prix fixe menu and is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, and weekends from 11 am to 5 pm. - The American Wing Cafe at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The American Wing Cafe offers a cafeteria-style dining experience with options like a $21.50 sushi combo or a $10 peanut butter jelly sandwich. The café is open from 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays through Tuesdays and until 8 pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays. - Cafe & Bookstore at Amant Foundation
Located in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, the Cafe & Bookstore at Amant Foundation offers a range of snacks and beverages, including espresso for $3.60 and salads starting at $16. Open Mondays through Wednesdays from 9 am to 2 pm, and Thursdays through Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm. - Unisphere Cafe at the Queens Museum
Offering some of the lowest prices, the Unisphere Cafe features a variety of beverages and snacks, with prices ranging from $1.85 for seltzer water to $12 for Japanese fried rice. The café is open from 12 pm to 5 pm on Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. - Mon Amour Cafe at the Museum of the Moving Image
Mon Amour Cafe at the Museum of the Moving Image offers affordable options like a $2.75 cup of coffee and $3.25 cup of tea. The café is open Fridays through Sundays during museum hours. - International Center of Photography Café
Visitors to the International Center of Photography can enjoy espresso or coffee for $3, with pastries priced at $2.50 and under. The café is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and until 7:30 pm on Thursdays. - Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney Museum of American Art
Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney Museum offers a range of bakery items and beverages, with prices starting at $4.25 for black coffee and $6.00 for a latte or cappuccino. The bakery is open daily, with varying hours throughout the week.Exploring the café scene at museums can be a delightful addition to your cultural experience, so be sure to check out these establishments for a satisfying and affordable bite to eat.
