From flat whites to cortados, we’ve created a list of the best cafes in Jersey City in 2023. We’ve visited these Jersey City cafes multiple times in search of the perfect cup of joe. Whether you’re looking for a cozy hangout or searching for the perfect pour over, here are the iconic Jersey City coffee houses every coffee lover must visit.
Best Cafes in Jersey City
Cafe Tabarka
Cafe Tabarka is one of downtown’s newest cafes. Operated by the same team behind Cafe Dolma, Tabarka offers a small, but delicious mix of coffees, lattes, and teas. Pastries are made fresh each day and range from butter croissants to strawberry cheese danish. The space is chill, roomy, and usually quiet with plenty of seats and power outlets for the work from home crowd. 18 Erie
Froth on Franklin
From Nutella Lattes to Choco-Mint Cold Brew, Froth on Franklin is a coffee lover’s dream come true. The cozy space, which came recommended by multiple JC Upfront readers, is tucked away on an otherwise sleepy corner of the Heights. Pastries are decadent and run the gamut from jelly-stuffed donuts to berry-filled muffins. Froth on Franklin is a true neighborhood cafe in that they also frequently host local artist showcases. 85 Franklin @FrothonFranklin (IG)
Galeria Cafe
For authentic Colombian coffee and treats, you’ll want to head to Galeria Cafe in the Heights. The family-operated cafe offers arepas, empanadas, and hayaca — a tamal-like dish made with cornmeal dough or cassava. You’ll also find traditional egg-and-ham breakfasts priced at a fraction of what you’d pay anywhere else. 110 Hutton
Prato
Strong coffee, an excellent focaccia/sandwich menu, and some of the best “cantucci” we’ve ever tried make Prato one of the best cafes in Jersey City. The Tuscan cafe has locations in the Village and the Powerhouse Arts District. Must-have dishes include their Portofino sandwich (pesto, buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes) and their Nutella-filled cornetto. 371 Fourth Street + 150 Bay Street www.pratobakery.com
Canard Cafe
Located inside the sprawling Jersey City Urby lobby you’ll find newly opened Canard Cafe. The cafe was founded by Sebastien Muller, Director of Operations for Le District in New York’s Brookfield Place. It offers French-inspired sandwiches, crepes, and pastries that range from macrons to a croque madame. (Try their nutella crepe). 200 Greene (at Urby) www.canardcafebar.com
O Kafe
From pastries to lattes, family-run O Kafe offers a relaxed environment for anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. Open 7 days a week, the Hamilton Park-based cafe also offers a hearty menu of food including classics like avocado toast as well as signature sandwiches like the Aaron Burr (our favorite) — which consists of a toasted brioche bun with cheddar, Hamilton Pork smoked brisket, eggs, and sriracha mayo. 230 Pavonia Avenue https://okafe.business.site/
Cafe Madelaine
Operated by the team that opened New York’s Cafe Gourmand, Cafe Madelaine is a French cafe, eatery, and bakery. The cozy space offers salads, quiche, and savory viennoiseries. Their almond croissants and beignets are among our favorite in town, but don’t miss their sandwiches, which are served in perfectly crisp baguettes. 34 Coles Street
Clo Coffee
Despite its sleek, modern interior, Clo Coffee is one of the most laid back and welcoming coffee shops in Jersey City. Originally based in North Edison, NJ, Clo Coffee opened its first Jersey City cafe in the spring of 2021. The spacious cafe specializes in espresso-based drinks, but you can also get lattes, teas, and a few seasonal drinks. Clo Coffee just opened its third coffee house (their second cafe in Jersey City) just a few blocks away from the Path train at 28 Cottage Street. 97 Newkirk Street https://www.clocoffeecompany.com
Hidden Grounds
With two locations in downtown, Hidden Grounds is one of the best cafes in Jersey City. Baristas take the utmost care in preparing your drink and all sandwiches are made-from-scratch while you wait. Both locations are also great to work from, with power outlets and free Wi-Fi. 148 First Street + 276 First Street https://thehiddengrounds.com
Dames Coffee
Located on Jersey Avenue, Dames Coffee is a legend amongst downtown coffee lovers. The tiny cafe serves Counter Culture coffee along with teas and pastries. There’s also a sun-drenched backyard for those lazy spring/summer months. 581 Jersey Avenue Follow @DamesEspresso
Hybrid Coffee
Owned and operated by Jersey City native Evan Santiago, Hybrid Coffee is the perfect cafe for any day of the week. The relaxing environment, friendly service, and made-from-scratch pastries are just part of this cafe’s charm. While enjoying your latte or coffee, make sure to try popular items like the loaded avocado toast or the Hybrid waffle. 398 Manila https://hybridcoffee.square.site/
Modcup
You can’t call yourself a coffee fan without making a trip to Modcup. The independently owned cafe started off roasting coffee from a garage and now they’ve expanded to multiple brick-and-mortar locations throughout Jersey City. Modcup highlights single origin coffees while showcasing the dynamic range of flavors coffee has to offer. Whether you’re a coffee newbie or connoisseur, Modcup is a must visit for anyone looking for the best cafe in Jersey City. www.modcup.com
Dulce de Leche
Located along the Height’s bustling Central Avenue is Dulce de Leche, an Argentine bakery/cafe that offers some of the city’s best pastries and cakes. Yes, the coffee is strong (and drinks great black with no sugar), but you’ll want to make sure to try some of the cafe’s excellent pastries, which include everything from Nutella-filled churros to sweet and flaky palmeras. 376 Central Avenue www.dulcedelechebakery.com
Dream Vista
Part cafe, part urban oasis, Dream Vista is a hidden gem tucked away on a sleepy corner of York Street. It’s great for a solo cup of coffee or as a place to catch up with friends. The kid-friendly cafe even has a playhouse in its spacious backyard. We’re fans of their Turkish coffee, but do yourself a favor and try one of the cafe’s many baked goods or lunch specials. They may change seasonally, but options we’ve liked include the almond croissant, baklava, and chickpea avo toast. 177 York Follow @Dream Vista IG
Choc-o-Pain
From almond croissants to lemon pistachio cakes (pictured), Choc-o-Pain is so much more than your typical cafe. The locally owned cafe/bakery offers an always changing menu, but top-notch options that are always available include their lemon pistachio cake, almond croissants, and petit kouign. 330-332 Palisade Avenue/530 Jersey Avenue https://www.chocopainbakery.com/
The Grind
Nestled along Communipaw Avenue, the coffee at The Grind is stellar. But don’t miss this coffee shop’s full menu. Season lattes and pastries help make this neighborhood cafe one the best cafes in Jersey City. Heads up — you can also get coffee from The Grind at newly opened Power Plant Cafe at 50 Columbus. 360 Communipaw Avenue https://grindcoffeejc.com/
Rabble & Lion
Their cafe may be new (it opened in November of 2021), but Rabble & Lion has been a staple at Jersey City farmers markets for years. (You can find them at Saturday’s Van Vorst market). Their new cafe serves the same, excellent cup of coffee you’ve come to expect from R&L. The cafe also offers vinyl records for sale as well as pastries from Whealth and donuts from The LoDG. 156 Brunswick https://www.rabbleandlion.com
Cafe Esme
If you’re looking for a cozy cafe that’s off the beaten path, you’ll want to visit Cafe Esme. The sun-drenched cafe is located on 8th street just off Marin. It offers a mix of coffee, fresh juices, teas, and made-from-scratch meals. On warmer days, the cafe opens out to Marin Green, a spacious park with tables, a children’s play area, and a small dog run. 485 Marin https://cafeesme.com/
9 Bar Cafe (permanently closed)
Italian coffee is the specialty at 9 Bar Cafe, which is one of the few coffee spots where we recommend ordering your coffee black with no sugar. The coffee shop also offers a light menu of pastries and sandwiches. Both their Urby and Erie Street locations have permanently closed. https://9barcafenj.com/
Froth on Franklin has the best Americano in town.
Definitely need to try that!
Dames in Hamilton Park has amazing beverages and a cozy backyard as well.
Actually came here to post about Froth on Franklin not making the list and I see that I’m not alone
FROTH ON FRANKLIN is a must. It was left off the list again so I will add it to the comments. The owners are the nicest people, and the coffee is very good. Nice selection of baked goods is offered as well.
There was a time where you could not go 2 to 3 blocks in J.C. without hitting a bar/ tavern. Now it’s like you can’t go 2 to 3 blocks without hitting a coffee shop/cafe.
Coffee shops/Cafe’s have become the new gathering places for socializing in neighborhoods throughout J.C. an amazing change of the times.
I know the West Side isn’t usually covered here but Treehouse Coffee on West Side Avenue needs to be on the list next year! My favorite go-to spot for coffee and snacks.
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