If anyone has ever met me, you already know I love to drink. Most of the time, it’s hard to find me without a glass of merlot in my hand. However, I’ve also learned about another drinking scene that took me by surprise: coffee.
My home state of New Jersey is filled to the brim with cool coffee shops that raise the middle finger to the status quo that is Starbucks. I could say it’s a hipster thing, but it’s really not. Everyone kind of goes there, either for a date or for a place to just chill out.
Drinking coffee, as a foodie, has many benefits. First off, it is a great way to gauge a place’s wares without worrying about a DUI. Second, it’s easier on the wallet. Third, coffee actually doesn’t make me pass out.
Where Should You Get Your Coffee?
So far, I’ve noticed a couple of popular joints around the Garden State. These are my faves near me…
Rook Coffee, Multiple Locations
Rook Coffee is a chain that’s mostly based out of the Jersey Shore area. They are a favorite among college kids as well as NYC commuters. I’m a fan, even though their coffees tend to be a bit potent. The Rook sticker can be seen everywhere in Monmouth County.
Cafe Angelique, Tenafly
Cafe Angelique isn’t just a coffee hotspot. It’s also a majorly beautiful cafe with outdoor seating and some of the best avocado toast that money can buy. I love their foamy, sculpted coffees. They are just the perfect amount of creamy and earthy!
Brasserie Tenafly, Tenafly
So help me, almost every restaurant in Tenafly seems to serve amazing coffee. But, Brasserie Tenafly is another restaurant-cafe that is worth talking about. I wrote a whole article on it, but I really want to emphasize how wonderful their coffee is.
Roast’d Coffee, Multiple Locations
My friends took me here once, and oh my god, the coffee is great. They have a bunch of places, including one in Fort Lee that is the bomb. Service is prompt and there’s always some cool stuff to visit nearby.
Jefferson Coffee, Hoboken
Are you looking for some cute places to get an Instagram-worthy shot? This is a great place to go. Baristas here know to make cute coffee leaves, and they have tons of differnt mixes to enjoy. Yum!
Bottom Line? Drink Up, New Jersey!
You don’t have to be an alcoholic to enjoy a drinking scene in New Jersey. The coffee scene alone is enough to bring a smile to your face. Got any suggestions for me? Hit me with the details, and I’ll give them a try.
