☕ New Jersey's Best Artisan & Family-Owned Coffee Shops

October 9, 2025 By Editor Tags: coffee, espresso, roastery, small batch, New Jersey

Celebrate New Jersey's independent coffee culture — from cozy neighborhood cafés to small-batch roasteries — with local stops loved for craft, community, and consistency.

A great cup is about more than caffeine: it's roast profiles, milk texture, and the people behind the bar. These shops keep things personal — the kind of places where the regulars know the baristas by name.

At BestFoodNJ, we read real reviews and visited community favorites to spotlight coffee shops that roast in-house or partner with local roasters — the kind where the line on a busy morning is part of the ritual.

Below are some of New Jersey's most-loved artisan and family-owned coffee shops — praised by locals for craft, consistency, and community.

Be sure to explore our full, filterable coffee directory on BestFoodNJ.com to discover even more great spots near you.

☕ North Jersey

Beanbury Coffee — Succasunna, NJ ⭐ Featured
Beanbury Coffee & Kitchen pairs craft coffee with a full breakfast-and-lunch menu in a warm, modern setting. Seasonal lattes and careful espresso prep make it a local favorite.
Try: Heartache Meditation (chocolate-covered strawberry latte) or Lavender Vanilla Latte.

"Great coffee shop! My go-to is their bananarama!" — Yelp reviewer
"My wife loves the coffee here." — Editor

Local Coffee — Montclair, NJ
Creative, arts-forward ambiance with specialty roasts, latte art, and rotating blends in a neighborhood setting.
Try: 14-hour steeped cold brew or Signature espresso blend.

"Loved this coffee and the people who served it. The flavor of the coffee was delicious throughout. I will be back again and again!" — Yelp reviewer

Roast'd Coffee — Fort Lee, NJ
A no-nonsense coffee bar built around fresh, locally roasted beans and clean extractions.
Try: Single-origin pour-over or House mocha.

"My wife and I were heading into the city for a weekend outing and wanted to kick it off with a great cup of coffee. Roast'd certainly got the job done!" — Yelp reviewer

Red Kettle Coffee House — East Rutherford, NJ

"Great little cozy place! Quality coffee — the chai tea lattes are delicious!" — Yelp reviewer

The Order — South Orange, NJ

"Piping hot beverages, perfectly prepared; generous portions and friendly staff." — Tripadvisor reviewer

☕ Central Jersey

Penstock Coffee Roasters — Highland Park, NJ
Small-batch roaster with precision-driven espresso and rotating single-origin offerings in a calm, study-friendly space.
Try: Seasonal espresso or House pour-over.

"No matter what you get, you can't go wrong. The interior is very warm and inviting. There's ample seating and you'll often see people working or studying here." — Yelp reviewer

Black River Roasters — Whitehouse Station, NJ
Artisan roastery-café focusing on organic, fair-trade beans with on-site roasting and a minimalist, quality-first café.
Try: Single-origin pour-over or Drip of the day.

"It has a very relaxing atmosphere. I had the drip coffee, which was very good, bright and fruity. My husband had the pour over, very smooth." — TripAdvisor reviewer

Priscilla's Pantry — Basking Ridge, NJ
Cozy café-bakery known for brunch comforts, strong coffee, and a steady selection of gluten-free pastries.
Try: Latte with a gluten-free muffin.

"Staff is friendly, and regulars line up for casual café favorites." — NJ Monthly

Coffee Culture Roastery — Berkeley Heights, NJ

"Hazelnut iced latte was incredibly delicious and strong — made with love." — Yelp reviewer

Queen City Coffee Roasters — Plainfield, NJ

"The coffee is legit — well roasted, smooth, bursting with flavor." — Yelp reviewer

☕ South Jersey

Evermore Coffee Roasters — Burlington, NJ
Riverside roastery with beans roasted on-site, a cozy café feel, and a tight menu of espresso and small bites.
Try: House-blend espresso or Drip.

"The Staff here is always pleasant, their breakfast burritos are yummy and big enough to share. Coffee is always delicious." — Yelp reviewer

Crescent Moon Coffee & Tea — Mullica Hill, NJ
Family-friendly café offering classic coffeehouse drinks, teas, and pastries in a welcoming small-town space.
Try: Latte or Chai.

"A very welcoming warm atmosphere. Food is always fresh … the service is well above average. Coffee is excellent and well worth the added cost." — TripAdvisor reviewer

Out There Coffee — Cape May, NJ

"A must-visit for coffee lovers in Cape May — delicious, high-quality drinks." — Yelp reviewer

Hayday Coffee — Atlantic City, NJ

"Bright, happy vibe with fresh coffee — recommended over the chains." — Tripadvisor reviewer

Koupa Espresso Bar — Haddon Township, NJ

"Welcoming service and excellent Greek coffee — cozy neighborhood spot." — Yelp reviewer

🏆 Why These Shops Made the List

Locally roasted or strong roasting partnerships for freshness and character.
Independent and community-loved; owner-operated with consistent local praise.
Consistent quality across visits and seasons.
Inclusive options (plant milks, dietary-conscious bakes) when available.

🗺️ Plan Your Coffee Crawl

Explore each listing on BestFoodNJ for menus, hours, and directions — then map a route and bring a friend.

Your next cup awaits! Visit BestFoodNJ.com for the full directory of New Jersey's favorite local spots.

❓ FAQ

What's the best coffee shop in NJ?
Recommendations vary by region — try a few per area and find the one that fits your taste.

Which shops roast their own beans?
We highlight cafés with on-site roasting or strong local roaster partners (e.g., Penstock, Black River Roasters, Evermore).

Are vegan/dairy-free options common?
Yes — many shops offer oat, almond, or soy milk; several carry vegan or gluten-free bakes.

How did you choose these shops?
Local reputation, verified public reviews, and alignment with BestFoodNJ's focus on craft, consistency, and community.

📝 Editor's Note

All shops are evaluated using official websites and publicly available customer reviews. Quotes may be lightly edited for length and clarity.

BestFoodNJ celebrates authenticity, craftsmanship, and community — one cup at a time.

New Jersey's Best Artisan & Family-Owned Coffee Shops