: 
I hate Starbuck's. There, I said it. I think their coffee tastes burned, the monikers for the cup sizes are ridiculous, and (hello?) does anyone else think it's absurdly over-priced? But you guys are going to need all the coffee you can get. Luckily, here in the Village, we have some fantastic local coffee establishments. Some are legendary, like Caffe Figaro, while others are just warm and welcoming and make a good cup of' joe.
J
& B Coffee (123 West Third Street) makes a fine cup of coffee
at a reasonable price, but gosh darn it, Jimmy, the kid who works the counter,
is the reason so many of us keep going back there. He's the nicest person
you will probably meet in New York City, so why not see him every day? And
tip him well because anyone who can be so nice to so many people, while
remembering their regular orders, deserves it.
Caffe Reggio (119 MacDougal Street between West Third and Bleecker Streets) has been around since the 1920's and it looks like it. But that's part of the appeal, as are the fair prices and great cappuccino.
Joe, the Art of Coffee (148 Waverly Place between Sixth Avenue and Gay Street) is a place in spite of the name. I generally steer clear of anything other than an art gallery who claims to be "the art of" anything. But it's a cozy place with a tiny outdoor seating area, and has what many consider to be the best coffee in the City.
Mudtruck (the orange van parked by the Astor Place subway stop): This place is as good for its kitsch appeal as well as its flavorful coffees. I particularly admire their "stick it to Starbuck's" philosophy.
Oren's Daily Roast (Waverly Place between Washington Square East and Greene Street) is the polar opposite of service from J and B. More often than not I get the distinct impression that I am interrupting the pierced and tattooed staff from having their coffee. The product makes up for the service, though. This is Professor Dworkin's top pick.
Jack's Stirred Coffee (138 West Tenth Street, between Greenwich Avenue and Waverly Place) is right around the corner from Joe, and each has its loyal following. Jack's claims that their stirring method makes for a better brewing process. You be the judge.
Jon Vie Pastry Shop (492 Sixth Avenue between West 12th and West 13th Streets) has been a Village staple for 42 years. Just looking in the window at the array of cookies, pastries, and cakes is a nostalgia trip. They have great coffee that goes incredibly well with their excellent palmiers and Danish.
I don't drink coffee but I would heartily recommend a croissant from Claude's on West Fourth Street to go with your coffee.
I am not a coffee purist--I just want it to taste good and keep me going--so I have no true preference.
Professor Stephen Gillers' top pick for coffee:
For coffee, try Le Pain Quotidien at Eighth Street and Fifth Avenue. The first Le Pain opened on Madison and 85th a few years ago and now there are 5 or 6 in Manhattan (plus Brussels and Paris). The coffee is very good as is the bread and muffins, and the lattes and the like. It's a great place for brunch although this one is small and you may have to sit at a large table with strangers (some people like that). They bake their own baguettes and other breads including a wonderful multigrain.