Brewing coffee is a finely honed craft

at these five local independent shops.

By Alina Makhnovetsky

The jury may still be out on who is directly responsible for the coffee renaissance, but the countrywide rebirth of the mom-and-pop coffee shop is fairly obvious, nonetheless. Except now they are no longer notoriously serving up a muddy cup-o-joe but are instead boasting the most exclusive and sophisticated blends from around the world, brewing flavors previously unmatched and filling the air with bountiful aromas, far beyond the county limits.

Rojo’s Roastery
243 North Union Street, Lamberville, NJ
609-397-0040; www.rojosroastery.com

To say David Waldman is a coffee connoisseur would simply be a disservice to him. This studio musician-turned-coffee aficionado has single-handedly stirred roasting into a delicate science, using a vintage, custom roaster dating back to 1956 (which he re-built himself) with modern technique and an elite compilation of beans ranging from Ethiopia to Northern Italy. Rojo’s Roastery, dutifully named after Waldman’s once long, red locks, has been winning over its neighbors by unmasking itself as a dual business. On one hand, a café, complete with eclectic and wisely chosen tunes, comfortable lounge and an elaborate drink menu, and on the other, the seller of a highly edited and prestigious line of equipment, which Waldman tests and stands by himself. Each barista is also trained to customize the machines for his own palate. So to get the finest espresso here, first make sure you have chemistry with the person behind the counter.

Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ
609-924-4377; www.smallworldcoffee.com

Nestled in the heart of Princeton, NJ, is the prime example of the modern coffee shop, and one that has become a haven for the arts for its community. With its bright yellow walls, steel detailing and exposed brick décor, the spaciously welcoming Small World Coffee has carved a necessary niche, merging its multi-room establishment into a delightful lunch spot and a coffee enthusiast’s dream. At this second location (the original is mere steps away, on Nassau Street), co-owners Brant Cosaboom and Jessica Durrie feature a local and organic menu and an array of imported, roasted and blended specialty coffee drinks. The daily homemade Tough Chai, infused with black tea, fresh organic ginger and a spoonful of other rare spices, lives up to its name. And if it doesn’t put hair on your chest, it will undoubtedly supply the morning jolt. After all, the Small World slogan is “Sleep is for the Weak.”

Lynn Coffee Bean & Teas, LLC
32 South State Street, Newtown
215-860-5655; www.lynncbt.com

If you’re comfortable brewing your own, Lynn Coffee Bean and Teas, operated by a husband and wife duo, is an ideal stop. With an extensive background in coffee and tea purchasing, Rebecca and Leopold Ntab transitioned seamlessly from New York to the historic brownstone that houses their business. The shop maintains an astounding assortment of beans and teas from all over the world. On the left, the boutique is outlined by gargantuan sacks filled to the brink with coffee beans, and on the right, the collection of loose teas is just as impressive. The store also has a vast variety of dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, cocoa and even houseware. One trip here and your high tea afternoons will be a sure hit.

Lambertville Trading Company
43 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ
609-397-2232; www.lambertvilletrading.com

“Coffee, as good as ever, still happens to be here,” says Lisa Stephens, for whom the bean business has been a family affair with husband Dean for the last 27 years. Now, even their children, Jake and Gabe, are part of the operation. Perfectly perched on route to New Hope, the Lambertville Trading Company features an assortment of treats and pastries with a keen sense and respect for its regular customers, who start their day with a Colombian or Costa Rican blend each morning. Encouraging the familial atmosphere is a long hightop in the middle of the space, which instantly prompts a meet-and-greet with other patrons. Most of the shop is also dedicated to a choice selection of porcelain mugs and scrumptious confections. One of the Stephens is also always on hand to build a custom gift basket for an ideal present for the tea, chai or coffee addict in your life.

Coffee & Cream
6 East State Road, Doylestown
215-348-1111

Fitting right in with the charm of Doylestown’s center, Coffee & Cream has remained virtually unchanged since it first opened in 1987, and that’s a good thing. Sharon Eisele took over the modest coffee and ice cream parlor in 2000, but the old-fashioned wallpapered walls, wooden benches and retro goodie jars have remained untouched. Eisele handpicks the vast selection of baked goods on the premises and roasts a premium selection of coffee beans in the shop. Step into this time capsule after an evening at the County Theater or before a day of shopping downtown.

1. great article on a great subject!

   Posted by Joe | March 12, 2009, 3:29 pm