10 Charming South Jersey Coffee Shops You Must Visit —
By: Amy Petrie
Tags: South Jersey, Small Business, Main Street, New Jersey, Jersey Shore

Myself & friends at Brenner’s Brew in Bridgeton in the early 2000’s. I had evolved past JNCO Jeans at that point.

Growing up, local coffee shops were the center of my universe. Even beyond my love of strong coffee, I think the culture of coffee shops are far more a part of me than my addiction to sweet, sweet caffeine.

As a brooding teenager in the 90's, Brenner’s Brew in Bridgeton was where you’d always find me. Whether it was a poetry slam or band night, I was there in my JNCO Jeans or a GAP hoodie (I know.), hanging out with some of the most diverse and interesting folks. I could show up alone & be instantly accepted by strangers as a friend. Do you know how important that was to my development? It allowed me to be outgoing and love what made me unique.

I would also frequently ride my bicycle out to Perk and Pantry, a coffee shop that sat in Dutch Neck Village just outside of Bridgeton. I would buy a blended iced coffee, grab a few apples from the orchard, and ride off into the sunset with my very best friend. As a young adult, this place became ‘my coffee shop’, along with Beans in Woodstown. Those places are long gone, but my love of independent coffee shops remain. The smells that greet you at the door, the personalities of the employees, & the special drinks I associate with each shop — it takes me to my happy place.

Nothing is more quintessential to a downtown district than an inviting coffee shop. We need these wonderful places to meet friends (old & new) or to reconnect with our surroundings, work remotely, or just take a breather. It’s imperative that we keep these places alive; they literally keep downtowns — and people like me — going. Support them!

With that being said, here’s some of the most charming coffee shops (in no particular order) that I’ve visited in South Jersey. If there’s more to add, please let me know! I feel like there’s so many wonderful coffee shops & I’m always looking for a great new stop in my adventures.

Woodstown Bakery & Coffee (17 N Main St Suite B, Woodstown, NJ 08098) — Full of personality & wit, owner Drew brings hilarious quips and delicious baked goods to Woodstown’s quaint atmosphere. A mega recommendation: BUY THE BUTTER CAKE, but save some for me.

Fun Fact: They’re working on a cookbook!

Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery (212 Bellevue Ave, Hammonton, NJ 08037) — A staple when I’m adventuring in the Pine Barrens. I will walk out of the shop, double fisting their iced Vanilla Chai Latte, with a big fat grin on my face.

Honestly, everything they make is delicious. I always feel like I’m treating myself when I get a chance to stop by. And they line their walls with local art, so there’s always a reason to slow down and look around.

Magic Beans Coffee Shoppe (161 W Broadway, Salem, NJ 08079) — Nestled in Historic Salem City, Magic Beans recently opened (in the midst of a pandemic) to a warm reception of community members & supporters. Jen, the owner, is quite the talented baker and has come up with some fabulous treats! I also heard some ramblings of a cake batter latte, so I’m super excited to try that!

Endgrain Coffee (10 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ 08071 & 13 Fern Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108) — Endgrain in Pitman was my reentry into my love of local coffee shops. The fresh, clean atmosphere and how much cooler every person who works there is than me makes me feel cool just being there. But don’t mistake their vibe for unfriendly, they’re a super great bunch! And they’ve just opened second shop, ‘The Outpost’, at The Factory, which is a super cool spot for creatives.

Crescent Moon Coffee & Tea (141 Bridgeton Pike # D, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062) — This coffee shop feels like I’m in my most comfortable clothes watching reruns of Friends. I will always buy two iced Full Moon Lattes because one will be sucked down before I leave the parking lot. Also, everyone there is incredibly friendly & makes you feel special and beautiful every time you walk in. I instantly feel better about myself every single time I leave.

Beach Plum Café (484 W Perry St. Cape May, NJ, NJ 08204) — Beach Plum Café, an extension of West End Garage, is the ‘personification’ of an early June bike ride — warm breeze in your face & a bike basket full of sunshine. Such a perfect Cape May café.

Grooveground (647 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108) — Now, this place is cool. Feels like you’re at an old school record store! Such a great vibe & they sell local artists’ goods — nothing is better to me than a business lifting up other businesses.

Hayday Coffee ( 155 S New York Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401) — Situated in the very trendy ‘Orange Loop’, the name Hayday was inspired by the original Boardwalk rolling chair, introduced in the 1880s by William Hayday. The only independent coffee shop in Atlantic City, it definitely combines iconic AC with an updated feel.

Death of the Fox Brewing Company ( 119 Berkley Rd Unit B, Clarksboro, NJ 08020) — Two things I love, coffee & delicious craft beer, are combined in this spot. If I lived closer, I’d probably work from there all day & night, fueled on coffee & dark brews. I feel like I’ve said this quite a bit in this listicle, but they are some of the friendliest people. Maybe there’s something about coffee shop people being a kinder breed? Maybe it’s the caffeine?

Coffee Lovers Cafe (16 N Virginia Ave, Suite D, Pennsgove, NJ 08069)

Recently opened, Coffee Lovers is a hot spot for local coffee lovers. Nestled in a small retail strip, they are worth the drive (and wait for parking). The taino gave me so much energy, that I literally went home refinished my kitchen cabinets! Their blended lattes & smoothies & my go-to & their friendly faces & adorable handwritten inspirational quotes on each cup will start your day on the right foot!

What’s your favorite coffee shop in South Jersey & why? Where should I visit next?

(Disclaimer- some of these photos are not mine. I took them from the business’ social media accounts or websites. Kudos to them for the awesome photos.)