Under Line Coffee

“You can select cheeses and bread combinations for a picnic box to take directly upstairs onto the Highline.”

“Friendly baristas, and a great overall experience– highly recommended for a quick stop while strolling the High Line or Chelsea.”

“It was a good cup, not bitter or burned like many other cold brews I have tried.”

Under Line Coffee

Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Accepts Apple Pay: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Working: Yes

Price range.

$$ Price range Moderate

8 reviews

  1. Under Line Coffee
    NY Manhattan Chelsea
    12:30pm Thursday 24th September 2015
    Four Stars

    As the name suggests Under Line Coffee is located directly below the High Line on 20th. This narrow hallway of a shop has 3 two-top tables, a four person bar counter at the front, and 7 person L shaped bar counter at the back. The East wall is white brick and the West Wall is blue brick. They have assortment of quasi matching lighting fixtures.

    The reason I came here was because the Cups App had a food special today. So I came to try their mashed avocado toast ($2 instead of $5) plus a cold brew ($2 instead of $3.75). If you haven't downloaded the app and use my code "25pn5" and we both get free coffee.

    The coffee was served in a clear plastic cup with crescent ice. The color was cloudy brown with a sheen of oil. The taste was slightly bitter with tangy acidity and notes of caramel. The texture lingers on your tongue. The caffeine was mild.

    The 3.5 cm thick multigrain bread was freshly toasted and covered with large chunks of ripe avocado. The bread had delicious crunchy bits of  grains and seeds, the inside had an airy texture, and finished with a hint of sweetness. The seasoning had a spicy kick. However, there was no olive oil or salt on top. Luckily they have salt packets.  

    I think they concentrate more on the espresso than anything else. According to their social media barista  Rich Cummins won the East coast Coffee competition. I saw a beautiful Iced Cappuccino with scooped foam on top.

    Next time, I will try The Chelsea (an iced latte with anise infused shots of espresso and maple syrup) and SL28 Fizz (grapefruit juice, tonic and espresso). Also their house made almond milk.

    Note they don't have a restroom.

    They do have wifi: ul coffee; ulcoffee511

  2. Tucked behind the Highline in Chelsea is Under Line Coffee.  Space is cute and quiet.  Plenty of table space to bring your computer and do work or sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend.  Coffee was okay, didn't blow me away.  Staff was friendly and welcoming.  I got a 12 oz Latte and it was $4.25

  3. I spotted their sign while strolling down the High Line park, and since it was a super-blustery day the thought of a hot beverage was irresistible. It's a cute little place, with a warm modern-but-rustic decor. I wanted a vanilla latte but I was informed they don't have flavors so I just got a latte. I asked if they had a restroom but alas, not open to the public. The coffee was good and I'm sure it's a nice place to hang out, but I had to look for a place with a bathroom, lol.

  4. Nice little coffee shop located under the High Line. It's the only location in town.

    Today I ordered their house brew which is a light brew and is fruity with a light tea texture. It's soft tones give it a light body. For $2.25 for a small, it's a great deal.

    Great coffee house for a quick pick up!

  5. Cozy shop located directly under the Highline. Came in here for some iced coffee and toast on a hot summer day. I got the avocado toast and boyfriend got the caprese. The toast is thick and they don't skimp on the avocado. The chili powder topping is a nice touch and gives it a little kick. I didn't taste the caprese (not a fan of tomatoes) but he said it was delicious. The staff is very friendly and service is quick. There isn't a ton of seating but it's never so busy that you can't find a place to sit (at least not when I've been there). They do have outlets, which was especially welcome that day since my phone was dying. Great option for a pick-me-up after walking the Highline!

  6. Have passed by this cute little gem many times visiting high line park and today finally made it a try! While their pastry option was a bit limited, their espresso selection was definitely extensive.

    The best way to enjoy would be to grab a small cup and sip inside the park! Creamy and balanced cappuccino, well done!

  7. Do you fancy a coffee while walking the High Line? Then avoid this place, as you'll better served elsewhere. For Under Line Coffee has all the superficial aspects of an independent cafe, with none of the delivery.

    Yep, it looks cute alright. A small space in one of the many former warehouses in the area. A variety of brewing methods, including Aeropress, filter and most strikingly, manual espresso machines. A couple of young guys who when they're not enthusing about their coffee are earnestly exchanging jazz anecdotes with each other.

    The coffee, however, is nowhere near as convincing. The latte I had was weak and the milk slightly burnt. Coffee enthusiasts rave about the potentially excellent shots manual espresso machines can generate, but here all they had succeeded in churning out was a couple of duds (my girlfriend's coffee included).

    Ouch. There have got to be better cafes around. Failing that however, you'd likely be better off ordering a coffee to go from any one of the restaurants in the area.

  8. The sign beckoned from Highline, so we bypassed Chelsea Market and snuck down to check Underline out.

    Small, simple decor.  I like the flow of the place, with to go orders made at a little podium away from the coffee bar.

    So why three stars?  The nickel and dime prices.  Almond milk was an extra dollar, making my forgettable cappuccino $4.75.  
    And before you say "it's an expensive area, dude" – Billy's Bakery, Doughnut Plant, Ninth Street Espresso in Chelsea Market and Stumptown at Ace Hotel ALL sell a more memorable drink for cheaper.

    I'd like to give you another chance, Underline – but I'll wait till you price check yourself (before you wreck yourself).

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West 20th Street 511
New York 10011 NY US
Get directions
Monday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm