You’re so caffeine-addicted that you get withdrawal headaches when you haven’t had your caffeine by 9AM {at the latest}, and if you could take your lattes intravenously, you would. We get it, and so does Jersey City. Hoboken’s sister city {totes just made that up} has plenty of great non-chains-like-Starbucks spots that will leave your tastebuds happy and your mind charged for the day {they even have normal names for their cup sizes too}. Starbucks jokes aside, here are our favorite local coffee shops in town:
1. Short Grain {183 Montgomery St}
An unassuming neighborhood cafe with a small menu that packs a big taste, Short Grain brews Counter Culture Coffee here and turns it into cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes, and good old-fashioned drips. For those who don’t do coffee, their matcha elixirs and chais are pretty awesome too. Enjoy sandwiches like the the coconut curry chicken made with pickled vegetables and cilantro, and don’t ignore the avocado toast — complete with feta, lemon and pickled red onion. Sweet tooth? Grab an almond croissant {baked by the famous Balthazar).
2. Sam A.M. Café {112 Morris St}
This charming Paulus Hook cafe may not be the biggest place on this list, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in product and ambiance, serving up delicious cups of Stumptown coffee and tasty breakfast and lunch sandwiches from their seasonal menus. Like they say, “its hard to beat a cappuccino made with coffee, roasted this week, and milk that was milked the day before from battenkill cows!”
3. Smith & Chang General Goods {230 Pavonia Ave}
This comfortable Hamilton Park spot is a great neighborhood “coffice”{coffee shop office} offering free wifi and plenty of seating. They use La Colombe coffee keeping the coffee game local to the boroughs, and what they turn out is amazing. Our vote: try their latte and/or cappuccino first! Aside from their delish caffeinated beverages, they pride themselves in making homemade food and pastries for you to enjoy. To top it off there’s even a shop for you to peruse in the back {this used to be a housewares shop}, and they’ve got everything from spoons and teapots to bath soap and lip balm.
4. Modcup {479 Palisade Ave}
Coffee is a science in this cozy Jersey City Heights cafe, and most of their menu items are brewed to order! The baristas are extremely knowledgeable and friendly — offering to help you choose your coffee brewing method {thats right, there are different methods} and your flavor profile to concoct a beverage that will be sure to jump start your day. If there is a line, don’t mind the wait, handcrafted, artisan coffee usually takes a while {as it should}.
5. Lackawanna Coffee {295 Grove St}
Outdoor season is here, so go enjoy this coffee shop’s awesome patio, where you can drink delicious freshly brewed drinks {think: cafe au laits to organic matcha lattes} and nibble on pastries while soaking up the sun. Even if you can’t get outside, the indoor aesthetic is perfect for a relaxing afternoon sipping a cup of joe — minimalism at its best.
6. The Grind JC {360 Communipaw Ave}
For the coffee-connoisseur, this specialty coffee shop in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood serves La Colombe Coffee. They are also the exclusive carriers of Doughnut Plant donuts {or spelled doughnuts, if you’re a stickler} in Jersey City {to die for, seriously}. If cappuccinos are more your thing, get excited — this place has super-skilled {and friendly} baristas that definitely make the best ‘cinos in town. Their cold brew is also something to write home about…just sayin’. A welcome addition to this area of JC!
We know you’re jonesing for your next cup, so where will we see you grabbing your fix in Jersey City?
See More: 4 Hoboken Coffee Shops for Your Latte Fix
