Bar Italia

Soho's (and possibly London's) defining coffee bar is as close to New York City as London gets, though inspite of that and its big-screen Italian sports coverage, continental pastries and no-nonsense Italianness, you still know that you are sipping your double espresso in a historical landmark in central London. The coffee is pricey but excellent, the buzz is relentless, the outdoor seating is convenient (if scarce) and the proximity to Old Compton St. is, well, handy. Open late, early, always.