The Pumpkin Spice Latte Life

This is the season that Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) fanatics have been waiting for. Finally, after months of waiting, Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts are rolling out their long-awaited cups of fall goodness. These PSLs are great, and satisfy a craving that no other drink can, but sometimes the taste can be overwhelming, usually from being far too sugary. This is because most of these big box coffee shops use extremely processed purees that might taste good, but are not healthy. Many small independent coffee shops however make their own purees, and offer a much more flavorful cup of PSL. It’s no secret that I enjoy to read, preferably with a hot beverage in-hand. So when I was planning my trip to New York I thought it would be a great challenge to find the best PSL in NYC!

Pumpkin Spice Latte and Fall in New York City

The end of October is when colors of autumn are the most vibrant and the crisp evening breeze is just cool enough to be refreshing. Yes, fall is gorgeous in the countryside with rolling hills and towering trees, but there is something to be said about fall in the city, especially in New York City. Sure it is not exactly quiet, however there is something unmistakably magical about being in this city during the fall. I do not know what it is exactly, but all your senses are stimulated in just the right way where you cannot help but ‘fall’ in love with your surroundings.

My Kind of Trip

I was on a mission to find the best PSL in New York. Also, I was looking for any place that would lend to my love of fall and would add to my relaxing getaway. Specifically, a calm place to sit, with a warm cup of PSL nestled in my hands. As I am sure most of you know, New York is filled with coffee shops, from national chains to local mom-and-pop cafes, making it is very easy to be overwhelmed with your options. I know I was. So if you are looking for a different take on the PSL, or are just curious on what a non-Starbucks one taste like, here are a few of my favorite finds.

12 Corners (Lower East Side, 155 E Broadway): If I were to describe this café in one word it would be “quaint.” Though it is not a large space, it definitely does not feel cramped. The décor is warm and homey to the point where it was reminiscent of drinking coffee in a friend’s den. The pumpkin spice lattes here may have been my favorite in the city. It was perfectly sweet, with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus a robust pumpkin taste that most other PSLs lacked. Also, their latte art is beautiful, something I really did not see elsewhere.

Grounded (West Village, 28 Jane St.): Definitely a lot more packed than 12 Corners. Grounded is a unique coffee shop in that it makes you feel like you are in a rain forest. It’s full of plants and quirky patio furniture the space, which makes it a curious combination of rustic coffee shop mixed with urban botanical garden. This is made especially true with the oversized skylights (very rare in New York) that made reading here a blast. Oh and the PSL? It was terrific. Rich and well-spiced, this is the latte for someone that wants a decadent treat.

Kahve (Hell’s Kitchen, 774 9th Ave.): Two things make this coffee shop stand out from the rest. They specialize in specialty drink such as PSL, but if you are not feeling like coffee they also have a terrific wine list. The café is narrow, but well lit and has a whole wall exposed red brick. I would not say this is the best place to just hang out, but something on their menu really piqued my interest – the pumpkin spice chai latte. I have never thought of, let alone seen such as creation and so I had to try it. I am happy to report that the combination of fall spices along with exotic chai spices works splendidly. Kahn was also one of the only coffee shops that advertised their syrups as being made in-house.

Bonus, other PSL-based treats

The PSL has taken on a character of its own, becoming its own subculture. As one of my friends likes to say: “PSL is not just a drink, it’s a lifestyle!” With its notoriety, has come other delicious treats inspired by pumpkin spice. Here are just a few I was able to try:

Pumpkin Donuts at the Doughnut Plant

Pumpkin brownies at Fat Witch Bakery

Pumpkin Loaf at Locanda Verde

Pumpkin Gelato at Il Laboratorio Del Gelato

If Pumpkin Spice Latte and Fall in New York does not sound right for you, maybe a trip to Boston is right for you! Check out my other article on amazing places to see fall foliage in New England.

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