If there’s one thing that the beautiful Garden State of New Jersey isn’t short of, it’s a rich and vibrant coffee culture. Whether you’re looking for an invigorating shot of espresso to kickstart your morning or seeking a cozy spot to wind down with a delicious latte in the afternoon, New Jersey has got you covered. Let’s pull back the curtain on some of the state’s finest purveyors of espresso.
Espresso is more than just a caffeinated beverage; it’s an art form that requires careful precision, quality beans, and the right equipment. In order to appreciate the excellence of New Jersey’s coffee scene, understanding the nuances of espresso preparation is beneficial. So, if you’re curious to know more about the equipment used in brewing espresso, you can learn more here.
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Rook Coffee, Multiple Locations
Rook Coffee has become a New Jersey coffee legend with multiple locations spanning across the state. Their unique approach to roasting beans in small batches ensures optimal freshness and flavor. As for their espresso, it’s dark, intense, and just the right side of bitter. Take it as a shot, or try one of their espresso-based concoctions. Either way, you’re in for a caffeinated treat.
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OQ Coffee Co., Highland Park
OQ Coffee Co. in Highland Park is a boutique, artisanal coffee roaster and shop that prides itself on its farm-to-cup ethos. The hand-pulled espresso shots here are brewed from ethically sourced, single-origin beans. Each pull is carefully calibrated to reveal the beans’ inherent flavors, producing an espresso that’s as nuanced and complex as a fine wine.
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Black & Brass Coffee Roasting Co., Haddon Heights
Haddon Heights houses the charming Black & Brass Coffee Roasting Co., a snug little coffee shop where espresso is treated with a near-reverential respect. Espresso lovers will appreciate the careful balance of acidity and sweetness that comes with each cup, thanks to their specialty roasting process. Don’t leave without trying their signature honey-cinnamon latte.
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Modcup Coffee Company, Jersey City
Over in Jersey City, Modcup Coffee Company serves up espresso that is fresh, vibrant, and anything but ordinary. Their philosophy is to purchase the best, seasonal, specialty-grade green coffee and roast it in a way that emphasizes the natural fruit-like sweetness and acidity. Their espresso has an amazing brightness, allowing the true character of the coffee bean to shine.
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Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Co., Asbury Park
Booskerdoo, located in the hip seaside town of Asbury Park, boasts a stylish, laid-back ambiance and killer espresso. All beans are freshly roasted on-site, producing bold and rich espresso shots. Pair your espresso with one of their mouth-watering, freshly-baked pastries for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
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Rojo’s Roastery, Lambertville and Princeton
Rojo’s Roastery, with locations in Lambertville and Princeton, is a gem amongst the coffee-loving community. A pioneer in the artisan coffee movement in New Jersey, Rojo’s uses vintage manual lever espresso machines to create the perfect extraction. The end result? Rich, creamy, and truly remarkable espresso that leaves a lasting impression.
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Hidden Grounds Espresso Bar, New Brunswick
Hidden Grounds Espresso Bar in New Brunswick, a quaint and homey coffee shop, has garnered quite a reputation for its top-notch espresso. Its baristas are artists in their own right, preparing exquisite espressos that offer an experience of pure, unadulterated coffee bliss. Also, their cold brew is not to be missed.
These espresso havens are but a small selection of the fantastic coffee experiences awaiting you in New Jersey. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a discerning aficionado, the Garden State’s coffee scene is sure to keep your caffeine cravings well satiated. From the unique taste profiles of single-origin beans to the precise art of pulling the perfect espresso shot, New Jersey is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for every coffee enthusiast.