Discover Stella & Fly: A Cozy Coffee Shop and Vibrant Wine Bar in NYC's Upper East Side in New York, New York

Gathering with friends is all about finding a place that offers more than just a seat—it's about sharing an experience that sparks connection, enjoyment, and relaxation. Stella & Fly, located on the Upper East Side of New York City, is an ideal destination for your next meetup because it blends cozy comfort with lively energy in perfect harmony. This venue boasts a 4.7-star rating from nearly 400 reviews, reflecting its popularity and quality. It combines the inviting atmosphere of a coffee shop with the sophisticated charm of a wine bar, appealing to diverse tastes and moods. Whether you're early risers looking for great coffee or night owls eager to enjoy cocktails and live music, Stella & Fly caters to your entire social spectrum. The space is designed to be accessible and accommodating, welcoming groups with warmth and style. With attentive, fast service plus options like dine-in, takeout, and curbside pickup, it offers flexibility that fits any group's needs. Above all, its combination of casual coziness and vibrant entertainment creates an environment where friendships thrive and memories are made.

Stella & Fly is not just a place to eat or drink; it’s a hub of social activities perfect for groups. For daytime meetups, the venue’s specialty coffees and quality teas provide a relaxing backdrop for intimate conversations, study sessions, or casual catch-ups. The cozy interiors invite lounging with friends over a laptop or a paperback, while the ambient décor enhances the comfortable vibe without distraction. Transitioning into evening, the place transforms with a lively cocktail menu that includes beer, hard liquor, and wine, allowing you to unwind with your favorite drinks. Food options, including tasty meat and cheese platters, perfectly complement your beverages and are ideal for sharing among friends. The venue also features live music and live performances, which add an engaging, dynamic element to any gathering without overwhelming conversation. Together, these offerings make Stella & Fly a versatile space that supports quiet moments and celebratory ones alike.

One of the standout features of Stella & Fly is how well it serves groups, whether you’re meeting for brunch, hosting a casual dinner, or celebrating a special occasion. The seating arrangements accommodate both small and larger groups comfortably, encouraging intimate chats or broader socializing. Its layout fosters easy interaction among all attendees, fostering that essential sense of togetherness. Accessibility is also thoughtfully addressed with wheelchair-accessible entrances, ensuring everyone in your group feels welcome. The venue’s extended hours—from early morning until late at night—offer unmatched flexibility, making it easy to find the perfect time slot for your meetup, no matter your schedule. Friendly, attentive staff ensure smooth service during busy group visits, enhancing the overall experience. Furthermore, its calm yet lively environment means you don’t lose the intimacy of your circle even when the energy ramps up with live entertainment.

Situated at 1705 1st Avenue on New York’s Upper East Side, Stella & Fly enjoys a prime spot that is both accessible and charming. The neighborhood is known for its safe, welcoming atmosphere which makes the venue an inviting destination for locals and visitors alike. Its proximity to residential areas means it benefits from a community feel, making your gatherings feel more personal and comfortable. The Upper East Side is also well connected by public transportation, so your friends and family can easily reach Stella & Fly without hassle. For those driving, the area offers parking options nearby, reducing logistics stress. Plus, the surrounding neighborhood provides an appealing backdrop for pre- or post-meetup strolls or sightseeing, making your time together even richer with urban exploration possibilities.

The ambiance at Stella & Fly strikes a fine balance between cozy and chic, crafting an environment that invites relaxation while still feeling special enough for celebrations. Thoughtfully designed décor with warm lighting and comfortable seating creates a welcoming vibe that immediately puts guests at ease. The interior is visually appealing without being ostentatious, making it a perfect canvas for friends and family to focus on each other. Whether you want to engage in lively conversation or enjoy quieter moments over drinks and food, the mood here adapts effortlessly. Live performances add an extra layer of atmosphere without overpowering the space, offering a backdrop that enhances your meetup rather than detracts from it. The mix of casual comfort and sophisticated touches makes every visit feel like a mini-escape from the everyday.

Stella & Fly’s menu is thoughtfully curated to cater to a wide spectrum of tastes, ensuring every member of your group can find something to enjoy. For coffee lovers, they offer a range of specialty drinks to energize your day, from rich espressos to creamy lattes, along with teas that soothe and refresh. When the sun sets, the menu gracefully transitions to include a superb selection of alcoholic beverages, including a well-regarded wine list, cocktails, beer, and hard liquor, satisfying casual sippers and connoisseurs alike. Pairing these drinks is a varied food menu, featuring shareable items like meat and cheese platters that are perfect for group dining and enhance the communal vibe. The presence of happy hour specials further sweetens the deal for meetups on a budget without sacrificing quality. Overall, the menu’s flexibility supports everything from light snacking to full meals, satisfying different appetites and preferences easily.

Excellent service is a cornerstone of the Stella & Fly experience, especially when hosting groups. The staff are known for being attentive and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in. This professionalism ensures that your group’s needs are met quickly and with a smile, from drink refills to food recommendations. The fast service option is particularly appreciated by those on tight schedules or wanting to keep conversations flowing without long pauses. Additionally, the team’s experience managing group visits means they handle orders smoothly, reducing wait times and minimizing any stress. Their local knowledge also helps guests navigate the menu and venue offerings effortlessly, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your visit.

Live music and performances at Stella & Fly provide a unique layer of enjoyment that can elevate any social gathering. These live events create a vibrant atmosphere that energizes the room and sparks conversation while maintaining a cozy environment. The variety of performances ensures there is often something new to experience with each visit, keeping your meetups fresh and exciting. Live music is also a great icebreaker, giving friends new shared experiences to bond over. Moreover, the venue strikes a perfect balance, making sure the volume and type of entertainment complement rather than compete with your group’s interaction. For those who appreciate cultural and artistic experiences alongside their food and drink, this feature makes Stella & Fly an exceptional meetup choice.

Stella & Fly prioritizes making all guests feel safe and included, an essential factor when gathering with diverse groups of friends and family. The venue is wheelchair accessible, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and equal access. Its staff are trained to be polite and respectful, creating a welcoming environment regardless of background or identity. The neighborhood itself is known for being safe, adding peace of mind to your meetup plans. Additionally, Stella & Fly adheres to health policies diligently, important especially in current times, therefore supporting the well-being of visitors. This dedication to safety and inclusion cultivates a stress-free space where everyone can relax and fully enjoy their time together.

Stella & Fly offers extremely accommodating hours that cater to nearly any meetup schedule. Opening from 7 AM and staying open until as late as 2 AM on weekends and Thursdays, it provides options for early morning coffee runs or late-night celebrations. Weekdays see closing times around 1 AM, providing ample opportunity for after-work socializing or cozy evening hangouts. This wide window means that groups who have varying availability can still find a convenient time to rally here. Early risers can kick off the day with freshly brewed coffee, while night owls have a welcoming spot to wind down or energize. Such flexible hours make planning gatherings easier, reducing conflicts and enhancing the overall feasibility of your meetups.

Across nearly 400 reviews, Stella & Fly consistently receives high praise for its ambiance, service, and quality of food and drink. Patrons highlight the cozy yet vibrant atmosphere as a major reason they return, appreciating the unique blend of coffee shop calm with wine bar excitement. The staff regularly receive compliments for their friendliness and efficiency, contributing to the venue’s reputation as a customer-oriented spot. The variety of activities—such as live music, exceptional drink menus, and group-friendly seating—are also frequently noted as standout features. While a few reviews point to minor areas for improvement, the overwhelming consensus is that Stella & Fly delivers a reliable and enjoyable experience. This strong positive feedback underscores why so many choose it as their go-to place for meetups and celebrations.