It was 5 degrees outside and I needed a place to chill for an hour while I waited for a friend. Lit Cafe was close by and looked really nice so I headed inside. Lit Cafe's name has a double meaning that I appreciated. The obvious meaning aside, the "Lit" also refers to many items for sale on several shelves distributed throughout the cafe. These items range from reusable cups to cocktail infusions to special jam from the MET. This gives it an air of being more than just a cafe but also a place of culture. The interior of the cafe is beautiful. Light wood, beautiful sunlight pouring in from the large windows running along one side and gentle lighting that instantly made me feel comfortable and welcome. I ordered a Dirty Chai and a scone. The staff was super nice and efficient. After my items were ready I headed to sit down and chill. I was really surprised that after about a half hour the staff didn't try to rush me but to be fair, there was plenty of seating that early in the am so I was able to spend about 45 minutes there (to be fair, it took me about a half hour to finish my scone and drink). Also points to the cafe for playing super chill music that created a great vibe and a volume that didn't make my skull rattle. Also, while I did not use it I am pretty sure I saw another customer using a rest room so I think there is one for customers (but you may want to double check for yourself if you visit). I loved my visit to Lit Cafe and look forward to going back during my next visit to Montclair! read more

Lit Cafe - Interior seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Ordered: Vanilla Latte (~$6) Carrot Cake Slice (~$5) Aya's take: Tucked away on beautiful Church Street, Lit Cafe is a minimalistic cafe with a clean aesthetic and classy interior. There's a few tables and can probably seat 10 people comfortably. They were out of lavender so I opted for the Vanilla Latte. It was creamy (almost fluffy), the espresso was bold and balanced, and the latte was soothing and lightly sweet. I also got the Carrot Cake Slice which was a good try but didn't stand out. Sadly, I was not served in one of their cute cups; mine just had a sticker on it (not sure why since they did have them). Nonetheless, good try and I'd come back if I'm back in Montclair. read more

See all

Cute location and great aesthetic. The coffee is okay, very limited selection. The service was fine. this is a very niche cafe, not really a standard one for the area. It's still nice! But just have that in mind if you visit haha read more

Lit Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

cute new addition in downtown montclair and good location to with other nearby restaurants and shop. However street parking is always hard unless you are in luck. Not to worry though as it is a short walking distance to a parking garage. Anyway, place had a minimalist feel serving good coffee. Menu isnt too extensive and with limited food option. More on snacks and small bite really. There are chocolates for sale as well as tea and beautifully scented candles. Limited seating so not the best place to linger. Just enough to enjoy some nice coffee or maybe even tea. read more

See all

Might be the most peaceful coffee shop I have been to in such a long time. Other reviews recommended to get your coffee to stay instead of to go. Now I know why! Not only is the coffee shop beautiful...it smells incredible! Baristas were sweet and spoke to us a little bit about the cafe and the owner. I got coffee to go during my break but I need to come back and grab the Santal candle and look through their little shop wall because everything smells and looks so nice. Aesthetics are so calming and pretty. The place really makes you want to stay. Outdoor seating is a great option as well since the street is not too busy. read more

Lit Cafe - Beautiful! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

See all

Pros: - Efficient service and kind staff - Cute little minimalistic shop with a decent amount of seating - Great drinks- my friends got a cortado and loved it and I got a maple latte at the recommendation i the staff (suuuuper good) Cons: - Only con for me is that they didn't have caramel flavoring which I feel like is a pretty common flavor to have for a coffee shop read more

Lit Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

See all

Very cute, clean, and inviting with plenty of seating. Good coffee paired with a calm playlist and a balanced assortment of sweet and savory pastries (which should be toasted). The menu is simple -- offering just a couple seasonal drinks in addition to the usual suspects. Nothing overwhelming. Can't wait to visit again and linger awhile longer! Ordered: Latte and a chili cheese pastry read more

See all

A really beautiful cozy cafe, well decorated in Montclair's downtown area. We stopped to get a coffee. We got a lavender latte and a cappuccino both are delicious . They also sell some fragrances , candles and tea that you can purchase. It is clean and beautiful , about 10 seats inside and a few outdoor seats as well. The service is fast and friendly I will be back !! read more

See all

Very cute cozy coffee shop on Church Street. Not a ton of tables to sit but what they do have is very clean and minimal feeling. Delicious Masala Chai with a great presentation...but they do charge extra for oat milk. read more

Lit Cafe - Masala Chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Best matcha I've found in the area. Truly, I'll drive 20-30 minutes for their matcha. The staff is kind and the decor gives off museum vibes. HUGE bummer is no bathroom for customers ‍ read more

Excellent independent cafe downtown. We tried the matcha as well the chai. Both were excellent. Prices are reasonable staff are friendly. Comfortable seating. Will be back. read more

Lit Cafe - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

See all

My husband and I stumbled across Lit Cafe today and decided to give it a try. Staff was friendly and greeted us when we arrived. We ordered the golden milk and matcha latte. The Golden milk was yummy but the matcha was my favorite. My husband and I both agreed it is definitely the best quality matcha we've had in Montclair. The color of the matcha speaks for itself. Lit Cafe was a pleasant surprise and we will definitely be back! read more

See all

Amazing coffee, and beautiful vibes! My only area of improvement is that I wish there were more outlets. I want to come here to study/work but there are only 2 outlets at the tables so if it's crowded you may be out of luck. :( read more

Lit Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Coffee was good. Service was alright. Street parking. Nothing tells me to go check this place out again.

A food boutique with high end classy people as clients. Carefully cultivated items on display like art. Friendly young people run the place. Calming atmosphere for coffee and contemplating. No rush attitude. Stay and use the net. Clean beyond belief. read more

I have actually never had better matcha I was going to put in a photo but I drank it in two seconds im not even joking this place is so good. read more

The person preparing my coffee had shockingly poor hygiene, their long nails were caked with visible dirt and grime, which made the lack of gloves even more off putting. I get the appeal of a certain aesthetic, but cleanliness should never be compromised, especially in food service. The whole experience felt completely at odds with the image this place is trying to project. On top of that, the coffee was weak and underwhelming. Honestly, you'd be better off grabbing a cup at just about any of the other nearby spots. Java Love, Cafe Giotto, Sweet Kitchen, etc. read more

One of my favorites in Montclair. Reliable cup of coffee, and lots of fun espresso drinks. The shop itself is so well-curated, very fun to poke around the different aromas. I recommend the 'french exit' room spray! read more

Such a good addition to Montclair! Lovely ambiance. Great drinks and pastries from Balthazaar. Highly recommend.

If you like a sterile environment, uncomfortable seats and luke warm lattes, this is the place for you. The owner barely acknowledged me after fawning over a much younger customer. I can barely muster up giving it one star. read more