For coffee lovers, a hot cup of joe warms up the soul on a chilly day. Conversely, a large iced coffee hits the spots on bright, sunny days. No matter the time of year, coffee lovers need to know where they can get their fix. Nutley, New Jersey is a great spot for a variety of coffee shops. Keep reading on for coffee shops in Nutley, New Jersey depending on the vibe.
I want an Italian cafe that also sells items I could find in an Italian market. Caffe Rosalba | 120 Franklin Avenue
This cafe is located near the corner of Franklin Avenue + Harrison Street. The inside is small and comfortably holds about six small tables. Upon entering, there is a bar to the right where customers can order and ask questions. This is also where Italian pastries and breakfast items are displayed. In addition to serving coffee and pastries, this space also sells Italian-made items like pasta, tomato sauce, and breadsticks, among other things. There’s also a gelato station available with over half a dozen flavors. Consider stopping by for an espresso and an Italian croissant.
Read More: The Best Coffee Shops in Passaic County, New Jersey
I need a go-to cafe that is open seven days a week. Chestnut Cafe + Eatery | 338 Passaic Avenue
Located near the corner of Passaic Avenue + Chestnut Street, Chestnut Cafe + Eatery is a spot for coffee, breakfast, brunch, + lunch. Patrons can’t miss this location as its light green exterior is welcoming and hard to forget. Small and medium-sized tables with chairs are available for diners as well as some booth seats. If looking to stop by for breakfast, try the Banana Bread Pancakes. For lunch, try the ham + brie panini (sliced ham, brie cheese, mixed greens, + honey mustard). If looking for a sweet cafe treat, order an affogato (shot of espresso poured over a small scoop of ice cream).
I’m looking for a cafe with breakfast empanadas. Cubita Cafe | 234 Franklin Avenue
This storefront has its origins in a two-car garage and is now located on Franklin Avenue. Here, the team serves creative coffee drinks, empanadas, sandwiches, shakes, + other items. Try ordering the chorizo, egg, + cheese empanada or the El Cubano (sliced roasted poker, ham, swiss, mojo, + pickle). For drinks, try the Cubita Cold Brew (24-hour cold brew, tres leches milk, whipped cream, + dulce de leche drizzle), or the Coquito latte (double shot of espresso topped with virgin coquito). For those who love Cubita Cafe, swag is available for purchase in the establishment.
I’m looking for a vibe that’s freshly brewed coffee combined with an art gallery. Cupily Coffee | 339 Franklin Avenue
Located on Franklin Avenue across from Nutley’s High School’s football field sits Cupily. This cute and cozy cafe has bars with stool seating and a coffee table with couch seating. In addition to the seating, art hangs on the walls of the coffee shop, adding to the decor. Art items are also available for purchase. Cupily has an extensive coffee + tea menu, and also serves treats (located at the counter), as well as brunch-style foods. Visitors should try a caramel latte. Tea lovers should try the Golden Milk Latte. For treats, order the UBE brownies, or the matcha white chocolate chip cookies.
I need a cafe spot that gives work-from-home vibes + has all-day breakfast. Groundworks Coffee | 217 Franklin Avenue
Groundworks Coffee is a women- + minority-owned business that sits near the corner of Franklin Avenue + Centre Street. This coffee shop brings a variety of drinks in the coffee, bubble tea, smoothie, and frappe categories. Food options allow diners to order all-day breakfast. There’s also plenty of space inside to dine or have a WFC (work-from-cafe) day. Try ordering the strawberry cheesecake crepe (white chocolate, strawberries, + cheesecake), a classic grilled cheese, or build-your-own-omelet or egg bites. For drinks, try the matcha latte or an iced cappuccino.
My two favorite things are ice cream + coffee. Kubo Coffee + Creamery | 226 Franklin Avenue
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Kubo Coffee + Creamery combines two things loved by most: coffee + ice cream. Located on Franklin Avenue, this establishment has tables and chairs available inside, as well as some neon-light decor. Kubo has unique options like ube cinnamon rolls and matcha sundaes, among other dishes. For beverages, try the pistachio latte (espresso blended with milk and infused with a distinct pistachio flavor, finished with a layer of foam), or the brown sugar ube espresso (ube soft serve with brown sugar + a double shot of espresso).
I want a cafe that operates just like me: opens late, closes late. Kurly Kürtösh Café | 74 East Passaic Avenue
Kurly Kürtöch is located near the corner of East Passaic Avenue + Milton Avenue. This cafe is unique to others on this list for two reasons: its hours + its “kurls.” Opening in the afternoon each day this cafe opens and closes later than most on this list (at 9:30PM on some nights), making it the perfect time of day to try something new like a Hungarian pastry. Chimney cakes, something between a doughnut + a hollow churro, are this pastry chef’s specialty. Grab a locally roasted coffee to sip while enjoying an Oreo Kurl (“America’s favorite cookie” crumbled to add an American twist to this popular Hungarian pastry) or a Kurly Cone with gurney ice cream.
I want a cafe that has a cute + colorful atmosphere. Sugar Tree Cafe | 358 Passaic Avenue
Sugar Tree Cafe is located on Passaic Avenue and is a hot spot for all things Instagram. Many photographable moments are here like the giant tree in the middle of the store, velvet seats and booths, and comfy couches in an area that resembles a small library. Sugar Tree serves breakfast, lunch, + coffee items from morning until midday. Enjoy the atmosphere with a flat white + the deep-fried cinnamon toast (four pieces of Brioche bread dipped in house-made cinnamon batter, deep fried until golden, tossed in cinnamon and sugar, plated with whipped cream, mixed berry jam, fresh berries, house-made hazelnut cream cheese, and drizzled with house-made maple honey syrup) or the mac n’ cheese bites ( crispy mac and cheese bits served over house-made marinara sauce). Finish it off with a Funfetti milkshake (vanilla ice cream with rainbow icing, jelly beans, gummy bears, and fruity pebbles, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles).
I’m looking for Thai Iced Coffee. Thai Market Cafe + Dessert | 185 High Street
Thai Market Cafe + Dessert is located near the corner of High Street + Bloomfield Avenue and is a relatively new addition to the Nutley area. Opening its doors in the spring of 2024, the cafe serves coffee, tea, Thai coffee, and bubble tea drinks as well as bakery items. Drink options diners should try are the Thai Iced Coffee, the caramel macchiato, + the matcha bubble tea.
See More: A Guide to the Coffee Shops of Hoboken
I like to shop while I sip my caffeine. Urban Leaf Cafe | 182 D Kingsland Street
Urban Leaf Cafe is located in a shopping center on the corner of Kingsland Street + Franklin Avenue. The cafe serves loose-leaf teas, bubble teas, + coffees, as well as snacks + treats. This cafe also has a unique shop in the front of the store with pins, plushies, swag, and other collectible items. For drinks, try the coffee mocha bubble tea, the green Tea lemonade, or the sweet peach loose leaf tea. For food, try ordering customized bubble waffles or the mango delight (frozen mango puree with diced mangoes, mango pop boba, and mango ice cream).
Date Ideas for Dry January in Northern New Jersey
After the indulgence of the holiday season, many people choose to participate in Dry January as a way to start the year on a cleaner note. Luckily, cutting out alcohol doesn’t mean sacrificing your dating life, as there are plenty of great date activities in the Montclair area that can be enjoyed booze-free. Whether you’re participating in Dry January or are just looking to spice up date night sans alcohol, we have you covered with options that are unique, fun, and either get you moving or get your creative juices flowing. Read on for our list of date night ideas in Northern New Jersey for Dry January + beyond.
Candle + Fragrance Making at Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair
Playing with scent is one way to cozy up, and Alchemy Scent Bar is the perfect place to do it. This scent shop provides the unique experience of creating custom candles and fragrances. Guests start by choosing their favorite scents from the candle wall, then head to the fragrance bar where one of the alchemists will help craft a custom-scented creation. In addition to being a great bonding activity, guests also get to take a memento home with them — to be burned or spritzed later in remembrance of the shared experience.
Read More: A Cozy Winter Activity: Candle Making in New Jersey
Coffee + Browsing the Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
The Montclair Art Museum is an amazing piece of history and culture, and with the opening of its Cornerstone Café, this is an all-in-one date option for a Friday afternoon. Open only on Fridays, the cafe serves coffee from Java Love Roasting Co along with other drinks and snacks. The museum itself features rotating exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection, which keeps things fresh for frequent museum-goers. For those who are feeling extra artsy, the museum has classes and workshops for adults such as collaging, painting, and pottery.
Gaming at Hometown Arcade | 85 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Hometown Arcade is a family-friendly spot in Bloomfield where guests can play all sorts of games, including retro ones like Donkey Kong, Frogger, Asteroids, and Pac-Man. The arcade also partners with local food businesses like Six Points Pizza for patrons to enjoy a bite.
Get a Couple’s Head Massage at Aura Head Spa | 28 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Aura Head Spa in Montclair specializes in Japanese-style head massages. At this spa, visitors can choose from multiple massages, all of which can be done with a partner. The Classic Head Spa treatment can be for 50 or 75 minutes and comes with a face cleanse, scalp exfoliation, scalp massage, shampoo cleanse, aura shampoo massage, and more. The Head Spa with Mini Facial + Jelly Mask package comes with face exfoliation, gua sha, scalp exfoliation + massage, neck + shoulder massage, and more.
Indoor Rock Climbing at Gravity Vault | 8 Seymour Street, Montclair
A climbing gym is the perfect backdrop for mixing up your dating game, especially for the sporty types. Gravity Vault Montclair is a bouldering-only climbing gym (a form of rock climbing that is done on shorter walls that are scaled without ropes or harnesses) that caters to all abilities and experience levels. Navigate through countless climbing patterns (clearly labeled with the difficulty level) for a fun and challenging experience (plus a killer workout). Day passes are $28 for adults.
Live Music Shows at Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint | 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
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It’s all about community at Cedar Bean’s, giving the patrons of Essex County a taste of small-town charm that feels reminiscent of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls. This quaint local coffee shop welcomes patrons in for live music performances. Cedar Bean’s has an extensive menu of both caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages (even non-alcoholic beer), with many seasonal options.
Mystic Pizza at Paper Mill Playhouse | 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn
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Paper Mill Playhouse is one of the leading theater destinations of the tri-state area, and is widely recognized for its showings of world-class musical theater. The production that we’re eying for January is Mystic Pizza, a musical adaptation of the beloved 1988 rom-com that starred Julia Roberts. The show is playing from January 29th to February 23rd. See more information about tickets here.
Partake in a Craft Class at The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The Eclectic Chic Boutique is a collective of different local artists, makers, and small businesses. Guests can shop for handmade, original products — and there is even a chance to make some yourself. The Eclectic Chic Boutique hosts different craft classes and workshops like crocheting, candle making, or creating a collage. The boutique updates its events frequently on its website here.
Play Darts at DartsGood Social House | 293 Glenwood Avenue, Bloomfield
This dart arena in Bloomfield can make for a great date, especially for competitive couples. While guests are welcome to bring their own darts, the business provides them. DartsGood has games such as 501, 301, cricket, Around the Clock, High Score, and more.
Play a Round at Montclair Indoor Golf Club | 369 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced golf connoisseur, Montclair Indoor Golf Club is home to two virtual golf bays for members to use. The courses are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. This indoor golf simulator brings the outdoor setting of an actual golf course indoors — without having to bear with the January weather.
Pottery Class at Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, 409 Main Street, Boonton + 6 Main Street, Madison
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Look no further than Mud Clay Studio if you want to make your date a “claydate”. With locations in Montclair, Boonton, and Madison, and a robust programming schedule of Creative Clay Nights, Couples Nights, and more, Mud Clay Studio has an array of options for taking your date to the wheel. Classes begin with a quick introduction to hand-building with clay, then move to the potter’s wheel for the creation phase, and end with folks picking their glaze colors for the final product.
See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Test Your Skills at Amazing Escape Room | 281 Liberty Street, Bloomfield
The Amazing Escape Room is home to several themed rooms that each have interactive puzzles and riddles to solve. Couples can make it a group date-night kind of situation, to make the escape room experience more lively. Adrenaline will be at an all-time high but once customers complete the escape room, photo ops with signs are available to show off your win.
