How do you decide what makes the list?

We independently research businesses using verified public reviews, local reputation, consistency over time, and real-world enthusiasm from New Jersey residents. Every business is evaluated on merit, not payment.

Do businesses pay to be included or ranked?

No. Best NJ Food is independently curated. No business can pay to be included, ranked, or featured. All listings are earned through quality, reputation, and community support.

How often is this guide updated?

This guide was last updated in October 2025. We regularly re-check businesses and update our recommendations to ensure accuracy and freshness.

Can I suggest a business for inclusion?

Yes! We welcome suggestions from the community. While we cannot guarantee inclusion, we review all submissions based on our editorial standards. Contact us through our website to share your recommendations.

☕ 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 Best NJ Food, 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 Best NJ Food 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 Best NJ Food for menus, hours, and directions — then map a route and bring a friend.

Your next cup awaits! Visit Best NJ Food 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 Best NJ Food'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.

Best NJ Food celebrates authenticity, craftsmanship, and community — one cup at a time.

How We Choose

Best NJ Food is independently curated. No business can pay to be included or ranked. Picks are based on local reputation, public reviews, consistency over time, and real-world enthusiasm — especially from people who actually live in New Jersey.

Best Coffee Shops in New Jersey