Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters in Long Island City started as a tiny café. Their site says the goal is simple: be the best espresso bar possible. There's punk rock memorabilia and exposed brick, with couches, window stools and café tables. There's a laptop area with free wifi and outlets, and a record room in the back where vinyl's playing and screens stay away.

The Vietnamese-style coffee is a signature, and the "Rocket Fuel" cold brew is a hot-day favorite. The pastries are house-made, including vegan blueberry coconut scones and raspberry oat bars. The carrot cake has a following.

It gets busy at peak times, but the different areas keep it comfortable.