The best cafes in Essex County

18 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 18 places · showing the latest additions first

Forum Coffee brings European cafe vibes to Livingston, pouring house-roasted, 100% USDA certified organic coffee with standout single…

256 S Livingston Ave (Livingston)

“Forum Coffee brings European cafe vibes to Livingston, pouring house-roasted, 100% USDA certified organic coffee with standout single origins from Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Sumatra. Decaf drinker? Their Swiss Water process keeps the flavor, so you can sip at 3 pm and still sleep.”

From the Staten Island newsletter, October 8, 2026

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When you’re up for a quick hop over the bridge, The Twisted Tulip is a calm little haven to switch off and actually enjoy your coffee.…

277 Eisenhower Pkwy (Livingston)

“When you’re up for a quick hop over the bridge, The Twisted Tulip is a calm little haven to switch off and actually enjoy your coffee. Expect specialty brews, friendly trained baristas, a Monday-rotating Drink of the Week, and house-made treats plus locally sourced snacks that hit just right.”

From the Staten Island newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Cafe for brunch staples, desserts and sandwiches, plus milkshakes and creative coffee drinks with picture-topped foam.

358 Passaic Ave (Nutley)

“Cafe for brunch staples, desserts and sandwiches, plus milkshakes and creative coffee drinks with picture-topped foam.”

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Cozy shop offering bubble tea in a range of flavors, plus ice cream, donuts, and other sweets.

255 Franklin Ave (Nutley)

“Cozy shop offering bubble tea in a range of flavors, plus ice cream, donuts, and other sweets.”

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Shi's Cakes’ Coffeehouse is the kind of neighborhood spot where coffee meets craveable treats, all baked with that "sweets & love for…

85 Franklin St (Belleville)

“Shi's Cakes’ Coffeehouse is the kind of neighborhood spot where coffee meets craveable treats, all baked with that "sweets & love for community" energy. African-American woman owned, they keep it cozy and make life easier with online ordering for pickup or delivery.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. is that dependable downtown Montclair spot for properly roasted coffee, those legendary cinnamon-sugar…

49 Church St (Montclair)

“Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. is that dependable downtown Montclair spot for properly roasted coffee, those legendary cinnamon-sugar “monuts,” and a new breakfast-and-lunch lineup with gluten free and vegan options. Easy place to meet before errands or after school, then leave happier than you arrived.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Cafecito Shop pours locally sourced, freshly brewed coffee and plates scratch-made baked goods in a space that runs on island hospitality…

255 Main St (West Orange)

“Cafecito Shop pours locally sourced, freshly brewed coffee and plates scratch-made baked goods in a space that runs on island hospitality and real community spirit. Come for the latte, stay for the conversations that somehow turn strangers into cousins.”

From the East Orange newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Paper Plane Coffee Co. keeps it simple with a Montclair cafe that pours the good stuff, plus mobile ordering and subscriptions for days…

61 N Fullerton Ave (Montclair)

“Paper Plane Coffee Co. keeps it simple with a Montclair cafe that pours the good stuff, plus mobile ordering and subscriptions for days when caffeine needs a flight plan. Hosting something small?”

From the West Orange newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

15 Bloomfield Ave (Montclair)

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

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For a quick caffeine fix or a sugar-laced pit stop, Swirla Cafe turns out solid lattes, made-to-order crepes and waffles, plus other sweet…

105 Washington Ave (Belleville)

“For a quick caffeine fix or a sugar-laced pit stop, Swirla Cafe turns out solid lattes, made-to-order crepes and waffles, plus other sweet or savory treats that scratch the midweek itch. Easygoing vibe, plenty of options, and close enough to make flaking on grocery coffee entirely reasonable.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Chashni Cafe in nearby Montclair channels Pakistani-American brunch energy, pouring handcrafted chai and specialty coffee with parathas,…

349 Bloomfield Ave (Montclair)

“Chashni Cafe in nearby Montclair channels Pakistani-American brunch energy, pouring handcrafted chai and specialty coffee with parathas, omelettes, and the fan-favorite Gulabi Waffle.”

From the West Orange newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Whether you need a quick caffeine jolt or a slow sip situation, Cafe Mama (Jersey Gourmet Eatery) is pouring freshly brewed coffee, smooth…

560 Main St (East Orange)

“Whether you need a quick caffeine jolt or a slow sip situation, Cafe Mama (Jersey Gourmet Eatery) is pouring freshly brewed coffee, smooth espresso, and specialty teas with an eco-friendly touch. Pair it with a flaky pastry, claim a cozy corner, and let your morning actually behave.”

From the East Orange newsletter, October 12, 2026

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When you're running on Newark time and need a reliable pick‑me‑up, Morochos Coffee brings the classic pan y café vibe to life with smooth…

1352 Springfield Ave (Irvington)

“When you're running on Newark time and need a reliable pick‑me‑up, Morochos Coffee brings the classic pan y café vibe to life with smooth cups and just‑sweet‑enough bites. Swing by this week for a low‑key recharge that tastes like a proper break, not a chore.”

From the Newark newsletter, August 18, 2026

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Jersey Gourmet is the East Orange eatery, market and café for cravings that refuse to pick a lane, serving a world of flavors under one…

560 Main St (East Orange)

“Jersey Gourmet is the East Orange eatery, market and café for cravings that refuse to pick a lane, serving a world of flavors under one roof. Swing by for a quick bite, a casual catch up, or a grab and go that actually feels like a treat.”

From the East Orange newsletter, October 6, 2026

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Neighborhood nook with sweet/savory pastries & sandwiches, plus fresh-pressed juices & a coffee bar.

115 Grove St (Montclair)

“Neighborhood nook with sweet/savory pastries & sandwiches, plus fresh-pressed juices & a coffee bar.”

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Catfé Montclair is a cozy cat cafe with a relaxed lounge vibe and plenty of feline supervisors. Settle in with the resident purr machines,…

356 Bloomfield Ave #5 SECOND FLOOR WALK UP, 356 Bloomfield Ave Ste 5 (Montclair)

“Catfé Montclair is a cozy cat cafe with a relaxed lounge vibe and plenty of feline supervisors. Settle in with the resident purr machines, decompress from the day, and walk out lighter, furrier, and convinced that spreadsheets read better with a tail flicking across them.”

From the West Orange newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Blueprint Cafe Lounge brings serious brunch energy to your week, with comfort classics, vegan-friendly plates, and a vibe that makes…

369 Raymond Blvd (Newark)

“Blueprint Cafe Lounge brings serious brunch energy to your week, with comfort classics, vegan-friendly plates, and a vibe that makes lingering a sport. Grab a table for Sunday Brunch Specials or plan your next get-together here, then thank us when everyone asks where you found it.”

From the Newark newsletter, October 7, 2026

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When your weekday brain needs a lift, hit Sihana Cafe this week for espresso to cafe con leche, plus poached-egg avocado toast, house-made…

71 Ferry St (Newark) · ✓ checked Aug 13

“When your weekday brain needs a lift, hit Sihana Cafe this week for espresso to cafe con leche, plus poached-egg avocado toast, house-made pancakes, and cozy shakshuka. Grab a pastel de nata for the road… future-you will absolutely approve.”

From the Newark newsletter, October 3, 2026

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