October’s colder weather is the perfect sign to start ordering some warmer drinks, and I know just the place.
Here are three more places where you can catch some coffee (or some chai – if you’re into that sort of thing) this fall!
1. Rook Coffee, Little Silver: To say I am obsessed with this coffee spot is by far an understatement. Besides their brilliantly bold coffees and incredibly well-crafted cold brews, this location is a train station! Or at least it was one – same thing. This adorable coffee shop is one of 11 stores in Jersey owned and operated by two N.J. coffee lovers – including their original location in Oakhurst (which is definitely worth a visit).
While here, be sure to check out their pumpkin-flavored cold brews – arguably one of the best in the state – but do it soon. These seasonal drinks aren’t around for long.
2. Eagle Coffee, Eatontown This one is a hidden gem for sure. Tucked away, right off of Route 35, is this cozy coffee shop that is way too easy to miss. This Eatontown eatery is a perfect place to grab a muffin while catching up on some last-minute homework as it, unlike most busy coffee shops, is typically quite enough to get some work done. Also unique to Eagle are their incredible pour-overs. This quick technique for getting a fresh cup of coffee is one of my personal favorites. Unfortunately, most coffee shops tend to get it wrong – whether by flooding the beans or going a little too light on the grounds – but not here.
At Eagle, you can choose from 13 different options, ranging in flavor, boldness, and strength. As a dark roast girl myself, I’d recommend the Costa Rican Tarrazu, which, as always, is best when in its purest form (no milk or sugar), but I’d forgive it if you need a sweetener.
3. Antionette Boulangerie, Red Bank: Cold weather calls for warm treats – and I know just where to find them. The next time you stop by Red Bank to enjoy the new Halloween decorations going up, stop by this adorable French bakery. At Antionette’s, you can find anything from freshly baked bread to their famous artisan cakes. But even if you’re not too much of a pastry person, you can admire the delicacy of their desserts from the other side of the case while ordering one of their espresso options. I’d recommend a classic caramel latte (hot this time of year) and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, their almond croissants are the best around.
One thing I will say is this is not the ideal place to study. Due to their limited space, there is rarely anywhere to sit down, let alone a place to charge a laptop. However, if you really need to get some work done, the Red Bank Library is just a few blocks over.