For many people, coffee is more than a morning caffeine fix. It can be the start of a beach day, a meeting spot with friends, a quick stop before work or a reason to slow down and enjoy a quiet morning.
Around the South Jersey Shore, local coffee shops and cafes have created their own personalities. Some are known for creative specialty drinks, while others offer hearty breakfasts, baked goods, smoothies or a place to sit and work.
I am always on the lookout for a good local coffee spot, especially one that offers something beyond the traditional cup of coffee. From creative matchas to seasonal lattes and waterfront views, these 10 spots offer different ways to enjoy your morning caffeine.
Holiday Coffee became widely known after its “Fluff on the Beach” latte went viral. The drink put a fun spin on the classic childhood peanut butter and fluff sandwich, turning a nostalgic combination into a specialty coffee.
The creativity has continued, with the shop introducing new drinks inspired by current trends, including its “Dot Cake” latte this summer.
The line can be long, but there is a reason people keep coming back. Inside, the atmosphere has a welcoming, laid-back feel. Outside, there are seating options, a photo booth and the shop’s iconic cart, “Mona.”
As a matcha lover, I especially enjoy the matcha selection. Guests can order a traditional matcha or choose flavored options such as strawberry or blueberry. There are also more playful combinations, including banana pancakes.
The menu gives visitors plenty of reasons to try something new each time they stop in.
Tucked just off Asbury Avenue on 8th Street, Swell Cafe has the cozy feeling of a neighborhood coffee shop.
One of my favorite things about Swell is its monthly specials. The menu changes with the season and overall monthly theme, giving regular customers something new to look forward to.
The cafe offers creative lattes along with smoothies and banana whip. My personal favorite is the strawberry short banana whip. It has the right amount of sweetness without feeling overly sweet.
One specialty that stood out to me was June’s “Chocolate Coconut Affogato,” which featured an espresso shot poured over Jersey Cow’s coconut ice cream and served in half of a coconut.
The specialty menu rotates, so there is always some curiosity about what will appear next.
Traditional cafe drinks are also available for those who prefer a familiar order.
Just off the shore in Linwood, sits Jessie’s of Linwood near the walking and bike trail, making it an easy stop for people on the go or those looking for a place to settle in.
The stand-alone building has become a meeting place for friends catching up, a quick stop for coffee or a place to open a laptop and get some work done.
I personally enjoy working from Jessie’s. My usual combination is a Longport Toast and a specialty latte.
The local artwork displayed throughout the space is another detail I enjoy. The walls feature beach-inspired pieces from local artists, giving the cafe a connection to the surrounding community.
It is the type of place where you can stop for 20 minutes or stay much longer without feeling rushed.
Ventnor Coffee brings a more eclectic atmosphere to the local coffee scene.
The shop has a hip, creative feel, with live music and different styles of artwork throughout the space. It is the type of place where you can sit for a while, enjoy your coffee and simply take in the surroundings.
My dad and I have gone there together and sometimes lose track of time sitting and talking.
The menu includes handcrafted lattes and teas, giving customers plenty of options beyond a traditional cup of coffee. For anyone who enjoys a coffee shop that feels like part cafe, part creative gathering space, Ventnor Coffee is worth a visit.
Located in a brick corner building in Ventnor, Ventnor 7311 is another popular stop for specialty drinks and baked goods.
There can be a line, especially during busy mornings, but the selection makes it easy to understand why people are willing to wait.
I especially enjoy the matcha.
Their baked goods are also hard to ignore while waiting in line. Customers can see the selection displayed behind the glass, with everything looking tempting enough to add something sweet to the order. The baked goods live up to the display. They are fresh and pair well with a morning coffee or matcha.
Located along the bay in Margate, Bay Buzz Coffee & Snack Shack combines coffee with a waterfront setting.
The location alone makes it a fun place to grab a drink and a snack. Guests can sit near the bay, watch the boats pass and enjoy the scenery while having their morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
The menu includes cold brew creations and signature beverages with different flavor profiles.
Whether you prefer something nutty, fruity or on the sweeter side, there are options to explore.
The waterfront setting makes Bay Buzz especially fitting for a shore morning when you are not in a rush and want to enjoy the scenery along with your drink.
Located on New Road across from the high school, Somers Cafe offers more than coffee.
The local cafe and eatery serves hearty, nutritious options including wraps, sandwiches, acai bowls and other meals made with a variety of ingredients.
That makes it a convenient stop when coffee alone is not going to hold you over until lunch.
Guests can sit down for a full meal with their drink or stop in for something quick if they are simply looking for their daily caffeine.
For anyone who likes having breakfast and coffee in the same stop, Somers Cafe offers plenty of choices.
In Brigantine, SIPS by CharCANteria offers a unique option for coffee drinkers who want something convenient to take along.
The cafe offers canned drink options, making it easy to grab a beverage before heading to the beach or packing it into a cooler for later.
The selection of lattes and specialty drinks adds plenty of variety. My personal favorite is the Cookie Butter Latte, topped with cookie crumbs.
The canned format is especially convenient during the summer. You can take it with you and save it for later while spending the day on the beach or out on a boat.
Located in the Central Square Shopping Center in Linwood, Barista’s Coffee House offers a comfortable sit-down atmosphere along with a full food menu.
Guests can choose from salads, breakfast specialties, wraps and other dishes, making it a place where you can enjoy a full meal alongside your latte.
The drink menu is also worth exploring. Plus, the cozy local atmosphere makes it easy to settle in for a meal or simply stop by as part of your daily routine.
For someone looking for a traditional coffeehouse experience with plenty of food options, Barista’s offers a little bit of everything.
Right at the corner of Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue in Ocean City, Positively 4th Street has become a popular morning meeting spot for both locals and visitors.
During the summer and other busy periods, a line can stretch out the door. The popularity is easy to understand once you see the menu.
Inside, the space is filled with artwork and funky decor that gives the corner location its own personality. The menu includes toast, bagels and a variety of other breakfast dishes.
My personal favorite is the Godfather bagel. The combination of cream cheese and pesto is one I recommend to friends when they visit Ocean City, and it has become a favorite among them as well.
The specialty latte menu offers plenty of choices, and I often find myself switching up my order because there are so many options to try.
One of the best things about the South Jersey Shore coffee scene is that there is no single definition of a good coffee shop.
Maybe you want a creative latte that looks as good as it tastes. Maybe you want a matcha, a smoothie or a sweet treat. You may want a waterfront view, a place to work from your laptop or a full breakfast to start the day.
The local coffee shops around Ocean City, Linwood, Ventnor, Margate and Brigantine each bring something different to the table.
For me, the best coffee stops are the ones that become part of your routine. They are the places where you start recognizing the people behind the counter, run into someone you know, sit down longer than you planned or discover a new drink you end up ordering again.
At the shore, there is no better way to start a morning than with a good cup of coffee, something to eat and a little time to enjoy where you are.
