Some people have coffee to wake up, and others wake up to have coffee. There’s something special about finding a great coffee spot- the kind where it seems your calendar revolves around your next visit. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a coffee connoisseur, this is a list of six “must-try” North Jersey coffee places.
Who says spooky season is only in the fall? At Catfight Coffee in Boonton, NJ, spooky vibes circulate all year round. From life-size alien statues to prosthetic human leg vases, Catfight is sure to deliver eerily delicious coffee with a side of spook. Store Owner Acey Slade has rocked through several bands, including the Misfits, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and more. While on tour, Slade was fortunate enough to visit coffee shops all around the world. While it was nice to sit and enjoy a drink, Slade, without realizing it, was noting how he’d craft Catfight, “What I found was that very few coffee spaces reflected the communities and events we came from—music, film, and alternative culture. And when they did, the coffee often felt like an afterthought, or the aesthetic felt gimmicky and unwelcoming. Authenticity was the missing piece. From that point on, authenticity became central to everything we do. That includes not just the look and feel of the shop, but the coffee itself—down to visiting our farmers in Asia and Latin America, with a trip to Africa planned for this spring.” The culture Slade experienced inspired him to deliver quality coffee along with a welcoming environment right here in NJ.
With over 80 flavors available, Cozie Cafe in Fairlawn, NJ, is appealing to a coffee-lover and intimidating to an indecisive mind. Even with such flavor options, there are pre-made menu listings that are suitable for anyone. Coffee connoisseur and barista, senior Sofia Villegas adds, “You’d think it’s overwhelming to have so many flavor options, but in reality it’s quite fun to experiment with different combinations. If I’m in the mood for more of a basic drink, then I’ll opt for one of their pre-imagined recipes. If I want a fun drink, then I’ll make my own combination.” Visitors can choose any of their syrups for the smooth coffee base, and for the thick, fluffy cold foam, providing the opportunity to create the coffee of their dreams.
The Spot Cafe in Randolph, NJ, is the spot to go for coffee with a side of a sweet treat. From their Dubai chocolate latte to their strawberry matcha latte, Spot has fun drinks that are delicious and unique. Many of their lattes come with toppings such as crushed strawberries, small bars of chocolate, or a vanilla biscuit with their tiramisu latte. If coffee inclusions don’t satisfy the sweet craving enough, Spot also has exquisite gelatos available all day long.
Half delicious coffee plus half aesthetically pleasing hair salon equals East Coast Organic Coffee Bar. East Coast offers a coffee bar within its hair salon that offers a variety of house-made syrups with absolutely zero artificial flavors or coloring, gums, or fillers, and only uses clean, organic ingredients. If that’s not enough, the atmosphere is beautifully decorated with palm lanterns and boho accents that are sure to make it feel like a coffee in the middle of a beachy paradise.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” When it comes to Saucy Cup in Wayne, NJ, patience is bitter, but its coffee is sweet and delicious. Although the line tends to be long, Saucy Cup has a listing of unique coffee flavors delivered in a beautiful display that makes every second worth it. In addition to their delicious coffees, such as their tiramisu latte and Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte, they have a large food menu sure to trigger one’s appetite.
From basic coffees to craft cocktails to seasonal specials, Beanbury in Succasunna, NJ, has it covered. Each cup has the perfect balance of delicious flavoring to perfectly-brewed coffee for an affordable price. Beanbury also offers a variety of healthy menu items such as an acai bowl, yogurt parfait, and elaborate toasts. According to Beanbury’s website, their goal is to make the cafe a place to “‘work from home.’”
Since the 17th century, coffeehouses have been social pubs to make new friends or connect with old ones in front of a delicious beverage. To this day, visiting a coffee shop with a friend or family member is an exciting and satisfying excursion. These “must-try” coffee shops offer unique options with a side of beautiful ambiance.
