There seems to be a decent amount of "Espresso in [location]" threads floating around.
I haven't seen one dedicated to NJ.

I frequently travel all around NJ, and would be interested to hear if anyone has had a good shot anywhere specific.

I stopped by a place in Belmar, forget the name- a block from the train station and got a 200 degree latte- the milk was burnt and disgusting. Scalded my mouth worse than I've ever experienced.

I've stopped by Cafe 360 in Freehold, a friend of a friend owns the place. I've never had a better shot that I haven't pulled myself, and I'm not just saying that. Their blend that they were using was super fruity, very specific of berries.

It is a little far from Freehold, but if you're in the Bergen County area:

http://www.Ridgewoodcoffeecompany.com

I was there this morning and they are making excellent stuff.

Dave

Here is my staple place, in Lambertville. I am there weekly, and even had my 50th birthday there.

http://www.rojosroastery.com/

If you're on the northern Jersey shore, check out America's Cup in Asbury Park. They roast their own coffee. The beans are good, but not fabulous (it ain't Seattle, after all.) They have a 2-group Astoria with matching grinder. Quality in the cup depends on which barista is on duty. Best shots I've had were made by the brunette with major tats on her arms. She does better microfoam than her co-workers, but even hers is overstretched.

Food is good, too. They have the most amazing Kobe Beef hot dogs , and make a mean lox and bagel platter. The pastries look good, though I've not indulged.

Atmosphere is first rate. Great place to sit and surf the web on their free Wi-Fi.

Bottom line, while not in the league of the best coffee shops in the country, this place is a lot better than any of the other coffee shops in its area. I go there every morning when I'm visiting relatives nearby.

Rojo's and Ridgewood are your two best bets. Ristrettoed shots on La Marzocco or Synesso. Rojo's roasts his own and sources some great stuff; Ridgewood gets their beans from an assortment of roasters including Intelligentsia, Caffe Pronto, Novo, and ourselves.

Other than those two places, you'll be hard pressed to find anything worth mentioning. Maybe the Lazy Bean in Teaneck? They use a Clover, but I don't know about their espresso.

sweaner wrote:Here is my staple place, in Lambertville. I am there weekly, and even had my 50th birthday there.

http://www.rojosroastery.com/

Nice, I was just talking to the woman about taking a trip to New Hope. Now I have another reason to cross the river.

Two more great cafes in the Jerz: Dames (in Hoboken) serves Counter Culture (Aficionado) and The Warehouse Cafe (in Jersey City) serves Intelligentsia (Black Cat).

No Ordinary Joes in Red Bank is good. Jersey Shore Roaster on 36 in Leonardo roasts their own and is very good. A couple new ones just opened that I need to check out still.

Yup, Rojos is awesome!