The Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in New Jersey 2022

Some can’t start their morning without it, while others just enjoy the social aspect of a daily coffee run. But beyond coffee, many cafes and coffee shops offer teas and other specialty drinks. With so many choices for where to get coffee, the important question becomes, where is the best coffee? Best of NJ is here to help with a list of The Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in New Jersey.

From lattes and cold brews to pastries fresh out of the oven, New Jersey raises the bar for coffee shops. In fact, some even have larger breakfast and lunch menus, packed with options like burgers, eggs, waffles, and more. From quiet spots great for getting work done to coffee houses with live music, this list has it all.

Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the Best Cafes & Coffee Shops near you.
North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey

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North Jersey

The Airport Cafe

Location: 36 Lambert Rd, Blairstown
Details: As the name implies, the Airport Cafe is inside the Blairstown Airport. This means the meals here come with a unique view, as planes and gliders take off outside the window. This spot serves hearty breakfasts all day, in addition to lunch favorites. For example, they offer sandwiches with homemade corned beef, pastrami, prime rib (their most popular), and more. Their breakfast orders — omelettes, egg wraps, pancakes, waffles, and more — come with a choice of hash, including harvest hash. They also serve made-to-order Eggs Benedict as well.
Why I like it: Desserts here include tasty homemade pies and cakes, in addition to ice cream floats.
More info: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.

Cafe Bubamara

Location: 263 Parker Ave, Clifton
Details: This rustic, cozy spot has a welcoming feel to it, and serves Turkish coffee, bites and desserts. Their online menu includes pictures of every delicious dish they offer, making it perfect for browsing. Some highlights include their signature Bubamara Club Sandwich with beef prosciutto, grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella; as well as their Greek wrapped omelette with spinach, tomato, and feta wrapped in a crepe. Their coffee bar is brimming with espresso, latte, and tea, in addition to their Turska Kafa (Turkish Coffee).
Why I like it: This cafe offers outdoor dining in their backyard garden whenever the weather is nice.
More info: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.

The Daily Bean

Location: 516 County Rd 515, Vernon Township
Details: The Daily Bean occupies a cozy little cottage next to a babbling brook; it sounds like something out of a fairy tale, but this hidden gem coffee shop really exists. The extensive menu includes both hot and cold drinks, everything from the classic Caramel Macchiato to Italian Cream Soda. Meanwhile, they serve breakfast foods like waffles and lunch choices such as paninis and vegan bean bowls. But the real star of the show isn’t on the menu, it’s wandering around the cafe; keep an eye out for unofficial mascot Bean the French bulldog.
Why I like it: Don’t miss their seasonal specials like the Polar Espresso, matcha with peppermint and white mocha.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Lackawanna Coffee

Location: 140 Bay St, Jersey City
Details: Lackawanna Coffee is a trendy, upscale coffee shop that is quickly expanding across Jersey City; with three locations currently open on Bay St, Grove St, and Warren St. The large menu includes that classic combo of drinks and pastries. Guests can sip on hot, iced, and cold drinks like Au Lait and Americano or Japanese-Style Iced Coffee. They also serve caffeine-free options like their iced Organic Pink Latte. When it comes to pastries, Lackawanna isn’t lacking; with cookies, muffins, scones, croissants, waffles, and donuts.
Why I like it: Kiss plain latte flavors goodbye with choices like wildflower honey, turmeric, black sesame, and more.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

The Mindful Cafe

Location: 183 E Main St, Ramsey
Details: The Mindful Cafe is more than just a coffee shop. In addition to being a full-service cafe with an outdoor patio, they have space for rent; in particular, a private back room and three private offices are available for daily, weekly or monthly rentals. Otherwise, patrons will be more concerned with their coffees, teas, and smoothies; all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of a relaxing egg chair in their outdoor lounge area. Their full breakfast and lunch menu features favorites like Avocado Toast, Apple Walnut Salad, and their Burrito Rice Bowl.
Why I like it: They offer many other unique and tasty salads, such as the Kale & Quinoa Salad.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

The Order

Location: 50 W South Orange Ave, South Orange
Details: The Order promises brunch and good vibes, and embodies the expectation for a neighborhood cafe. Their staff provides a comforting and welcoming atmosphere, and always shows a genuine appreciation for their customers. As for the menu, they offer all the coffee, espresso, and cold brew staples; but what sets them apart are their signature and experimental flavors such as the Chagalatte and Chagaccino. These are lattes and cappucinos that are mixed with a serving of Chaga mushrooms. They also have a Cardamom Latte, too.
Why I like it: During certain months of the year, The Order offers a traditional Afternoon Tea service by reservation.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Pierogi Cafe

Location: 18 E Prospect St, Waldwick
Details: Despite the name, this charming little cafe is more than just delicious pierogies! For example, they offer crepes and Polish delicacies like kielbasa and golabki (stuffed cabbage). But as far as the namesake, they serve a variety of handmade pierogies with all sorts of fillings; ranging from veggie and meat pierogies to sweet dessert ones. The classic pierogi (potato and onion) is always a fan favorite, but we recommend trying some unique options; like the Potato, Bacon, and Cheddar meat pierogi, or the Spinach & Feta vegetarian pierogi.
Why I like it: Their sweet pierogies — like strawberry, blueberry, and apple cinnamon — pair great with cappuccino or espresso.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Sunday Motor Co. Cafe

Location: 27 Kings Rd, Madison
Details: This popular place tends to get crowded, so our advice is to go early! The drink menu boasts favorites like drip coffee, London Fog lattes, hot chocolate, and Peppermint Lemonade. For something different, check out their signature Cafe Tonic; it’s a refreshing blend of tonic water and espresso, topped with an orange slice. Meanwhile, the food selection includes sandwiches, salads, and a variety of Toasts. That’s right, a whole menu section for toasts like Herbed Avocado and Lemon Ricotta. But our favorite is the Heirloom Tomato.
Why I like it: Sunday Motor Co. is all in on the theme, housing a vintage Porsche inside the cafe.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Central Jersey

Boxwood Coffee

Location: 17 Beechwood Rd, Summit
Details: Like any good business story, Boxwood Coffee started off roasting coffee beans in a garage. Flash forward to today, and the brewers behind Boxwood run three locations in Summit, Westfield, and Florham Park; complete with kitchen and full roastery. They reward frequent patrons with rotating seasonal flavors like Peppermint Mocha and Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Otherwise, they regularly serve coffee, teas, steamers, and lattes which frequently feature artful foam decor; plus pastries, donuts, and other ready-made snacks.
Why I like it: Boxwood uses sustainable and ethically grown coffee from small farms and co-ops around the world.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Café Seventy-Two

Location: 72 W Upper Ferry Rd, Ewing
Details: Breakfast, lunch, brunch, and (of course) beverages are all on the menu at Cafe Seventy-Two. The impressive breakfast menu includes pancakes, French toast, omelettes, and Benedicts, plus all sorts of toppings. They even have a number of breakfast sandwiches, like the B.E.C. (two eggs, a choice of meat, and cheese). Plus dining at this spot comes with the added benefit of spacious indoor and outdoor seating options; which makes Cafe Seventy-Two a perfect spot for mid-morning brunch with friends and family in the fresh air.
Why I like it: It’s French fry heaven with regular fries, funnel cake fries, sweet potato fries, and pecorino truffle fries.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

The Coffee House

Location: 931 Amboy Ave, Edison
Details: There are a few ways to enjoy a trip to The Coffee House. The first is to take a hot drink and some breakfast to one of their dining tables. Second, they offer comfortable couches where patrons can relax with a drink. Finally, the cafe has meeting tables ideal for getting work done. In particular, The Coffee House prides itself on its drip coffee, a tri-blend Sumatra they roast in small batches. They use this to create signature drinks such as the Red Eye, which includes a single shot of espresso; or the Black Eye with two shots of espresso. Bagels, toast, croissants and sandwiches are also served here.
Why I like it: They host live music and open mic events, but can also accommodate business meetings.
More info: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.

Factory Fuel Coffee House

Location: 2 Stangl Rd, Flemington
Details: The vibe at Factory Fuel Coffee House is an eclectic mix of art, music, motorcycles, and of course, coffee! Artisanal teas — like their Organic Iced Berry Tea or Chai Latte — and kombucha are also on the menu; as are steamers with milk and homemade syrup and pastries in both sweet and savory flavors. In particular, customers rave about the Honey Goat Cheese Scone, one of many delights from the in-house bakery. This coffee shop is no stranger to frequent live music, and they post their schedule of upcoming events online.
Why I like it: Factory Fuel is a great place to hang out, meet up with friends, and get coffee.
More info: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.

Grumpy Bobas

Location: 72 W Main St, Somerville
Details: Grumpy Bobas is the spot to try bubble tea. These tea-based drinks are made with chewy balls of tapioca at the bottom, but can be customized many ways. So far, popular drinks include the Jasmine Green Milk Tea, the Strawberry Matcha Latte, and the Coffee Cloud Latte; the latter comes with whipped non-dairy coffee foam on top. Regulars can expect to find a rotating list of new drinks added to the menu seasonally, if not monthly. For something different, try their sweet and tart Probiotic Kefir drinks (which do contain dairy).
Why I like it: Grumpy Boba is all-in on branding, complete with merch like beanies, shirts, and more.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Queen City Coffee Roasters

Location: 200 Court Pl, Plainfield
Details: Queen City Coffee is a local gem in Plainfield the customers can’t get enough of. In addition to their in-store menu, they have an online shop for ordering coffee to keep at home. The in-store menu features all the classics like Americano, Cappuccino, and Espresso, but they’ve also got a few surprises. For instance, their Spanish Latte is a blend of cinnamon, espresso, and condensed milk, with a choice of additional milk. There’s also a Tumeric latte, and all the health benefits that come with it. Light menu bites include danishes and croissants.
Why I like it: For those not sure what to try, they offer a three coffee sampler for just $15.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Jersey Shore

Beach Plum Bakery & Cafe

Location: 484 Perry St, Cape May
Details: The Beach Plum Bakery & Cafe is only open Friday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is because they focus on complimenting the business hours of Cape May’s West End Garage; a collection of 50 artists and vendors offering everything from antique jewelry and artisan crafts to food products. The bakery side is popular for making pies, scones, breads, and more using Beach Plum Farm herbs, eggs, and produce. As for the cafe, they serve all the classic coffee options, with a detailed Espresso menu guide for beginners.
Why I like it: They make all drinks using La Colombe coffee, including the Draft Latte available on tap.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Hayday Coffee

Location: 155 South New York Ave, Atlantic City
Details: The owners and friends behind Hayday have a strong connection to Atlantic City, each growing up nearby; after years working on the boardwalk and in the casinos, the friends eventually left for different cities. But now, they are reunited at AC’s only independent coffee shop, named after the world-famous boardwalk rolling chairs. Their menu includes all the coffee shop staples, plus unique options like the French Toast Latte; a classic latte with maple syrup and cinnamon. Signature drip coffees include the Costa Rican and Brazilian Santos.
Why I like it: The shop’s baked goods are provided by local gluten-free bakery, Kizbee’s Kitchen.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

How You Brewin’

Location: 8 N Long Beach Blvd, Surf City | 14 W 19th St, Barnegat Light
Details: Customers think How You Brewin’ is so nice, the owners opened it twice! That’s right, this coffee shop has two locations on Long Beach Island in both Surf City and Barnegat Light. Open year-round, they serve a perfect blend of popular favorites and original concoctions; the Best of NJ crew’s personal coffee picks here are Almond Biscotti, Banana Nut Bread, and Coffee Cake. But they always offer new special blends every month. Meanwhile, the food menu includes bagels, pastries, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more.
Why I like it: Long distance patrons can order bags of their coffee (beans or ground) shipped to their home.
More info: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to call (Surf City | Barnegat Light).

Revolutionary Lounge and Cafe

Location: 1256 Indian Head Rd, Toms River
Details: “Say no to corporate coffee” at Revolutionary Lounge and Cafe. As they say at this Toms River cafe, there are no microwaves or deep fryers here; instead, they focus on fresh food with local roots and fair trade coffee. They offer a number of house specials, such as The Jersey Devil; a chocolate and cherry latte served with a cinnamon stick. In addition, their frozen specialties like the Arctic Latte — an iced latte blend with whipped cream — are refreshing. Hot drinks, cold drinks, smoothies, and specialties are all on the menu at Rev.
Why I like it: They support specialty diets by offering vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options on the menu.
More info: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.

Turnstile Coffee Roasters

Location: 1607 Highway 71, Belmar
Details: The Turnstile Coffee Roasters crew is serious about coffee, from how it’s grown to how they present it. With this in mind, they pay special attention to how they harvest, roast, and brew their coffee; whether patrons are buying retails bags of whole beans or stopping by the cafe to drink in person. The menu offers cold brews, espresso, lattes, cappuccino, and more, with a focus on signature roasts like their Kenya Kirinyaga; a light/medium roast with notes of juicy orange, fresh kumquat, and red berry. But their are dozens of in-house blends.
Why I like it: They offer an app customers can easily use to pay ahead for contact-less coffee pickup.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

South Jersey

Cafe el Colombiano

Location: 3118 River Ave, Camden
Details: The name says it all for this spot, Cafe El Colombiano serves coffee and authentic Colombian food. This downtown Camden cafe offers freshly brewed Colombian coffee and a wide array of meal choices. Popular picks include the Arepas (with chicken, eggs, cheese, and other options), Empanadas, and their Colombian Sandwich; the latter features ham, cheese, egg, salami, lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup, and garlic sauce on fresh bread. They also serve drinks such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and some bottled and canned beverages.
Why I like it: Cafe El Colombiano has fruit juices and Colombian sodas, in flavors like manzana (apple).
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Colonial Cafe

Location: 14 White St, Mount Holly
Details: Colonial Cafe has three items in particular that patrons can’t get enough of. The first is their rich and chocolatey house blend coffee, Iron Works. Second, perhaps no surprise for a coffee shop, is their avocado toast on 7-grain bread. This also comes with their homemade pickled onions, microgreens, and red pepper flakes with a balsamic drizzle. Third, but not least, is their classic, made-to-order egg and cheese breakfast sandwich; which has optional protein add-ons like bacon, pork roll, sausage, and even veggie sausage for a complete meal.
Why I like it: They serve a S’mores Latte with espresso, milk, mocha, marshmallow syrup, and graham cracker crumbs.
More info: Click to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.

Endgrain Coffee Roasters

Location: 10 Pitman Ave, Pitman
Details: Artisan drinks crafted by expert baristas is the Endgrain Coffee Roasters claim. In order to provide high-quality coffee roasts, they focus on a concise drink menu. For instance, they serve Drip Coffee and Pourover options on their basic menu; while their Espresso menu includes lattes, cappuccinos, espresso shots, and Americano. Their three specialty drinks are hot tea, hot chocolate, and green/chai latte. Finally, their cold options are Nitro, Cold Brew, Iced Latte, and a Cold Brew Slushie. They also have a rotating menu of pastries and snacks.
Why I like it: Their Cold Brew Slushie is a unique way to cool off on a hot day.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Jersey Java & Tea

Location: 140 N Haddon Ave, Haddonfield
Details: The menu is always changing at Jersey Java & Tea, because their approach to coffee is a little different. They want to roast and brew coffee harvests in their prime, and that means taking a seasonal approach. Of course, they have a few menu mainstays including teas, hot cocoa, and specialty coffees; but they also have some unique drink options like their Auburn Road Wine collection by the bottle. Meanwhile, the baked goods section of their menu boasts cookies, scones, muffins, crumb cake, pop tarts, and more.
Why I like it: They have healthy snack items like house-made granola, oatmeal, and organic yogurt parfaits.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Koupa Espresso Bar

Location: 24 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township
Details: Koupa Espresso Bar owner Eleni Anastasopoulos is on a mission. She wants to bring the relaxing, positive vibe of European coffee shops to New Jersey. In particular, Eleni grew up in Greece frequenting her grandfather’s coffee shop. Now she owns her own business, and is bringing experienced baristas from her homeland to serve fresh coffee and more; they also offer blended drinks, as well as a full Greek Breakfast menu and some lunch bites. Koupa’s signature Greek coffee is a strong brew served with foam on top and grounds at the bottom.
Why I like it: Their award-winning Grandma’s Oven Spanakopita (with feta and spinach) is a must-try.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

Magic Beans Coffee Shoppe

Location: 161 W Broadway, Salem
Details: Magic Beans Coffee Shoppe is constantly expanding their menu. In fact, they have already grown beyond a breakfast destination and now offer a lunch menu as well. Their breakfast options include platters, bowls, and monthly specials such as Chicken N Waffles. Likewise, lunch includes specialty bowls like Buffalo Mac n Cheese and Tortellini Alfredo. But for something even more filling, try one of their cheesesteaks or burgers like the Triple Bypass Burger; which, yes, comes with three patties, eggs, lettuce, tomato, and more.
Why I like it: Of course, Magic Beans also serves plenty of coffee, teas, lattes, cappuccino, and more.
More info: Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.

Wildflower Vegan Cafe

Location: 501 N High St, Millville
Details: This all-vegan establishment (which also uses mostly organic and local ingredients) is a rare gem in South Jersey. As a cafe, bakery, and catering business, the robust menu features food, drinks, apparel, and more. They serve organic smoothies in addition to coffee, tea, chocolate milk, Nitro Cold Brew, and other options. Meanwhile, the food menu primarily includes salads, a soup of the day, and wraps like the Blazin’ Buffalo Tofu wrap. They also offer desserts like the Peanut Butter Power Bar, Chai-Date Bites, Parfaits, and cheesecake.
Why I like it: Even pets can order something here, as Wildflower Cafe carries V-Dog vegan dog kibble.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.

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Top Photo: The Coffee House / Website
Other Photos (in Order):
The Airport Cafe / Facebook
Factory Fuel Co. / Instagram
Revolutionary Lounge & Cafe / Facebook
Colonial Cafe / Facebook