PROOF Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in New York

March 2025: I’m updating my previous 2 star review from October 2024 below. I’ve given equal (if not more) visits and amount of time to make sure the improvements were consistent over time. Haven’t had issues with shortages of espresso or milk as I did before. No issues with stamp cards. Staffing was still touch and go for a bit but seems lately there’s much better staffing.

Appreciate the business taking action to rectify the issues noted. Still great tasting espresso. I actually look forward to visiting now!

From October 2024: Prefacing this review to say that I actually really like the flavor of their espresso. That being said, something is up with the management of this place

I’ve stopped by probably 10 times over the past month because I work nearby and 80% of the time, I’m disappointed. A few times they’ve run out of oat milk by 8:30am. Once they didn’t have espresso beans at all and wouldn’t have any for 1-2 days. You get one stamp on the stamp card per order, even if you order multiple drinks. On top of that, they’re short staffed and often will only have 1 barista behind the bar during the morning rush. Sometimes they have a staff member working who isn’t yet trained on the espresso machine so the menu is limited to non espresso drinks.

I ordered a large iced latte with oat milk and a flavored syrup and it was $9. Nine. I mean I clearly paid it but damn that’s expensive especially considering the issues above. The staff are generally nice and friendly.

I’ve literally gone out of my way to another cafe to get coffee because I just didn’t want to be let down by Proof again. It’s a shame because there’s...

Smaller than it looks in the photos. WiFi wasn't working. Lemon bread was mediocre. Staff was nice.

EDIT: Adding one star because Jeff took the time to respond to my review. Jeff, my frustration wasn't misguided but reflective of the experience I had in your shop. The wifi wasn't fixed in 1-hour as you suggest (I was there longer than that).

To elaborate, what you see online does not match the vibe of this shop in-person. The pictures look much better than the experience I had in real life. It wasn't spacious. The pastry selection was a struggle. I expected a 4.7 star experience. What I got was less than 3.

However, I can fully appreciate a locally owned business that supports their community. It doesn't change the experience, but I respect the passion and commitment to the empowerment of people through the creation of jobs and Proof's 5% charitable donations.

Maybe it was just a rough day. Will update if I return and have a...

PROOF is a coffee spot —kinda, sorta hidden in a quiet part of Kips Bay/Murray Hill area. the interior has a good amount of seating, is a clean brightly lit space, and gives off a friendly vibe. the coffee menu has beverages for even the pickiest of caffeine-heads. there’s also a nice display of baked eats as well as bottled drinks.

stopped into PROOF on a dreary winter day for a coffee pick-me-up and the mission was accomplished. ordered an iced Americano, “BIG BEAR” (16 oz). coffee, itself, was flavorful and had a nice clean caffeine kick. tbh, 16 oz of Americano was a lot, so i’d probably opt for a “little cub” (12 oz), next time. as an iced coffee addict year round, PROOF serve up a good chill brew. BIG BEAR iced Americano, $5 + tax + tip

staff is friendly and focused on providing a quality product...