ZipPicks Awards
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Zelma's Caffe
7.5
A small local coffee stop that works best as a quick reset—solid espresso drinks, a few pastries, and a cozy vibe that rewards short visits. Pet-friendly access makes it a convenient grab-and-go choice when you’re walking the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Latte, Almond croissant, Breakfast sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: A compact neighborhood caffeine stop that’s best kept simple.
Who should go: Coffee walkers with a dog
When to visit: Early morning for fastest service
What to order: Latte, croissant, breakfast sandwich
Insider tip: Keep it quick—seating is limited at peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable early morning but tight during weekday rush hours.
Dress code: Very casual—walk-in friendly, athleisure and dog-walk gear totally fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet early, light hum during peak coffee runs.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime coffee stop.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; brief line possible during morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pastries and simple breakfast items available.
Vegan options: Limited—usually plant-based milk options for drinks, pastries vary by day.
Gluten-free options: Limited—occasionally packaged or naturally gluten-free items, but not a focus.
Best For
Better for: Fast espresso, neighborhood convenience, and low-friction coffee stops with a dog.
Skip if: You want to linger, work for hours, or need a full breakfast menu—larger cafes nearby handle that better.