Could we be any more excited?
The moment fans have been waiting for is finally happening: Central Perk is opening a permanent coffee shop in New York City.
Yes, the fictional café where Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe spent countless hours is getting its very own spot in Times Square, set to open in late fall 2025. After years of themed pop-ups, trivia nights, and rewatch marathons, fans can now step into a real version of the iconic hangout.
And honestly? This is the perfect excuse to plan a trip to NYC.
A coffee shop straight out of your favourite sitcom
If you’ve already made the pilgrimage to the Boston location, you’ll know this isn’t just another “TV-themed café.” Central Perk Coffeehouse is designed by food, beverage, and design experts, including eight-time James Beard Award winner Tom Colicchio.
So, what can you expect?
- A menu that goes beyond lattes and muffins, with elevated café classics.
- The Orange Sofa Room — a cosy space inspired by the iconic sofa.
- Insta-perfect design that balances nostalgia with a modern New York vibe.
Basically, it’s your chance to sip coffee and feel like part of the gang without having to awkwardly perch on Gunther’s turf.
The spirit of Friends lives on
According to Warner Bros. Discovery, the NYC opening has always been the plan. “When we launched the first Central Perk Coffeehouse in Boston, our goal was always to expand to New York City, where fans and friends alike could create their own stories in the city where the series was set,” said CenPer Holdings executive Paul Landino.
The release also promises that while the café is updated for 2025, the “unmistakable spirit of Central Perk lives on.” Translation: plenty of nods to the show, but with coffee good enough to rival your local third-wave spot.
Why fans are freaking out
Central Perk isn’t just a set — it’s practically a seventh main character. From Rachel’s terrible first days as a waitress to Phoebe’s unforgettable “Smelly Cat” performances, the café has always been at the heart of the show.
And let’s be real: if you’re in NYC, you’ll want to pop in for at least three things:
- The selfies. You know your feed needs that orange sofa shot.
- The menu. It’s not just gimmicks — Colicchio’s involvement suggests legit good food.
- The vibes. This is nostalgia-meets-modern-New-York energy at its best.
Central Perk, then and now
When Friends first aired in 1994, no one could have guessed that Central Perk would become such a cultural icon. But nearly three decades later, it’s still the ultimate symbol of friendship, laughter, and caffeine dependency.
The Boston café proved that fans are still eager to experience the magic IRL. Now, with the NYC flagship arriving, it feels like Central Perk is finally coming home.
Planning your visit
The Times Square location is set to open in late fall 2025. While exact dates aren’t confirmed yet, here are some tips if you’re planning to visit:
- Book ahead. Expect queues — this is Friends, after all.
- Time it right. Weekdays might be less crowded than weekends.
- Bring your crew. Central Perk is best enjoyed with your own Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe.
And yes, you’ll definitely want to wear your best ’90s-inspired outfit.
Final thoughts
A permanent Central Perk coffee shop in New York City is more than just a café — it’s a slice of TV history you can now step into. Whether you’re a diehard Friends fan or just someone who wants a killer flat white in Times Square, this opening is set to be one of the biggest pop culture moments of 2025.
So, get ready to claim your spot on the orange sofa. Could this be any more exciting Planning a trip to New York? Don’t miss our guides to unique cafés in NYC and top TV-inspired experiences around the world.
