HILLSBOROUGH: it's not that it's a hidden cafe is really that hidden, there is just so much around…read moreit that makes the small shopping center potentially easy to miss. Look for the Domino's Pizza, pull in, and drive to the back for the main entrance to the cafe. its a hidden cafe is a calming oasis of a space, beautifully designed with fun features, and a great owner churning out delicious drinks from a simple menu. Don't let the menu fool you, there is plenty to choose from and each caffeinated beverage is prepared with the utmost care and attention. Through the Yelp Elite "For Latte Lovers @ it's a hidden cafe" event, we got to enjoy a complimentary latte and I was so excited to see peanut butter as an option for flavor, which is one of 10 flavor offerings. Coffee, espresso, tea, hot chocolate, and more plus dairy free milk options are available. There is quite a robust instant ramen selection available to pair with your beverage. There is also colorful artwork, an old-school Nintendo system & box TV for some retro nostalgia, and an art station make it a perfect way to escape and relax. The owner encouraged us to say hello to other Yelpers enjoying the experience and it was a wonderfully friendly crowd. Best of all, leashed and friendly dogs are allowed inside!

The food & stale flavors is the main reason I have to give this cafe a 3. The pastries are NOT…read morefresh/baked in house, the apple turnovers are the same as Shoprite's but were unfortunately much staler than the ones in store and its texture and taste seemed like it were from the day prior. It's completely okay for the pastries being outsourced but at the end of the day, it either tastes good or doesn't and unfortunately, for its a hidden cafe it was one disappointment after the next when it came to the food. Also, the cost of one shoprite apple turnovers from the cafe buys you the whole case at shoprite which is *actually* the same exact food. The breakfast sandwich was the most unflavorful and bland breakfast sandwich I've ever had, counting both outside and even at home. It was difficult to take a third or fourth bite of any of the food. The coffee also did not stand out to me in any way. Coming in very hungry, I was excited and while food typically tastes better when hungry, I just couldn't enjoy it. with this experience, I have to give the food a 2/5 If you're looking for a spot to hangout or get some work in, I'd say it's worth visiting. It is decorated nicely and has board games and a decent amount of seating and some mini tables. It looks like a feel good place people can stop by to sit and relax for a little bit. Service is fine, the owner is chill and nice to talk to.

It's not what you see in pictures. Fake pictures !!…read more I drove 15min to get an affogato and they don't have ice cream, and not affogato on the menu.

It took me five years to check out this coffee shop. The lack of Yelp photos and reviews deterred…read moreme from wanting to visit. I don't know if it's the location, but y'all need to check out this coffee spot. It deserves more positive reviews. Trust me, the drinks are amazing. Banana lattes always catch my eye. Most times I am disappointed but I still go for it when I see it on a menu. And I am so glad I did because this one was the best one I ever had. Every sip, I can taste the banana flavor along with the espresso. My girlfriend enjoyed her pistachio latte. And the best part, the prices are lower than other coffee in the area. The cashier/barista was very helpful. The interior space has an eclectic mix of chairs and tables great for studying or doing some work. I plan to come back and try their matcha latte.

Chapter 2 Coffee in Piscataway is a great little spot that gets the basics right. I ordered a latte…read moreand was seriously impressed--smooth, rich espresso with perfectly textured milk and a clean, balanced finish. You can tell there's real attention to detail here. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, making it an easy place to stop in and unwind. Simple, well-executed coffee done right. Definitely worth checking out.

You know what my biggest pet-peeve is when I get flavored lattes? When I can't taste the flavor(s)…read moreI ordered. After having my first peanut butter latte in Tucson that blew me away I was super excited to see a PB Banana latte here at Chapter 2. Unfortunately, the peanut butter was subtle and I think they forgot the ripe banana because I couldn't detect any. The espresso came through nicely though. We also got their almond crossiant. The cashier asked if I wanted it warmed up and I said yes. We waited and waited and by the time we were halfway done sipping our coffee, I had to go up to ask about it. The young girl actually gave me a straight face and acted like they didn't forget and when they served it to us it was not heated up. At that point I'm like why bother asking again. All-in-all it was okay. They do have a very exciting menu with interesting flavor combo lattes. Maybe I ordered the wrong drink? Probably won't return since I was not wowed on this first visit. Onto Chapter 3 of my coffee adventures...

This is a really quiet pretty location. We had egg sandwiches and they were perfect before a sports…read moreevent!

Great prices and neighborly vibe. Fast service and solid pork roll egg and cheese and latte. Will…read morebe back more often

Another day, another coffee shop! This time I visited Safwa Specialty Cafe. I had seen them on…read moresocial media several times and decided to finally check them out, and I am so happy I did. The inside was warm and cozy, with plenty of seating and adorable decor. I saw many people chatting or typing away on their computers, so it is clearly a welcoming place no matter the occasion. They have a solid food menu alongside classic coffee and tea selections. While they offer fun specialty coffees and refreshers, my favorite part was their seasonal menu. This time around, I tried a bit of everything. I ordered the raspberry almond shortcake matcha as well as the sticky toffee pudding latte from their winter menu, and then added the Spanish latte from their specialty lineup! Of course, we needed even more, so after being stuck between the smoked salmon toast and the hummus toast, I opted for the latter. I was so happy with my choice! It was a light, refreshing homemade hummus topped with a Mediterranean salad of cucumber, onion, and tomato. The balance between the cheese, the creamy hummus, and the crisp salad was amazing. To finish, because a sweet treat is essential, we got one of their pastries: the cheese danish. The food was great, the drinks were even better, and the staff was super friendly. This is a must-visit spot and I can't wait to be back!

Cool coffee shop that offers lots of specialty menu items. Inside has plenty of seating and it's…read morequiet. Service was good, staff was patient and attentive. We tried a few pastries, all were good. The brown sugar shaken espresso was made really well with a balanced flavor. The latte cup for dine-in was a special, high quality mug, we appreciated the detail. Overall a good shop, glad there're more options for good coffee in the area.

Excellent staff and great coffee everytime! They are fast amd efficient and always seem chipper.read more

Stumbled in here during one of the coldest days of the year, primarily just to warm up. Had no…read moreexpectations because, like I said, it was cold, they were the closest place to take shelter and I saw a coffee bar. Anyway, since then I've been back 3 more times; once for breakfast and twice for brunch. And while I'm confessing, the two times for lunch were on subsequent days. Yeah, they're that good. Actually, their chicken salad on a croissant is the best I've ever had and in my advanced years I've had a crapload of chicken salad. The have a nice sized coffee bar, decorated beautifully with some pretty delicious looking pastries. I'm on an anti-sweet phase so I'm basing my opinion on only on appearance. Then there's a seating area when you can eat, served by a friendly attentive staff and an adjacent boutique area where you can purchase housewares, clothing and other cool stuff. I'm not in Maplewood all that often, generally when I'm shopping at the equally awesome City Workshop but when I do, I always make sure to hit up Perch. You should too. 1/2 star deduction because they don't offer fake sugar, just that Stevia crap which is gross.

Whenever I'm in Maplewood, I always stop into Perch Home. It's a quaint Cafe surrounded by…read morebeautiful merchandise (jewelry, apparel, home decor), historical furniture, and very good coffee. The wall frames and Christmas decorations are gorgeous and there are tables, with comfortable seating, on one end of the Cafe. I ordered the following: Matcha White Hot Chocolate (a traditional matcha latte blended with white chocolate sauce), Snickerdoodle Latte (A traditional latte, blended with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla syrup). Both of these were served at the perfect temperature, were richly creamy, and served in large mugs. I also ordered a Carrot Cake Muffin and it was very good. It was moist, each forkful had a decent amount of walnuts, and the frosting was exquisite. Once you're finished with your food, don't forget to stroll through the entire cafe. You'll probably find something that will pique your interest. Either way, try to make time to enjoy it all.

I keep coming back here for the great drinks and amazing service. This time around I got a hojicha…read morelatte with maple syrup and it was so good, it kind of reminded me of an horchata, so if you're into that this drink is a must try! They also have outdoor sitting up and running again perfect to welcome spring and those warmer days!

Once my boyfriend and I walked in, it was slightly busy, but we were greeted as soon as we walked…read morethrough the door. We couldn't decide between the socrates and hypatia drinks, so we got one of each and tried them both. We liked them both. Their croissants looked absolutely delicious! There was plenty of seating to do your work or enjoy your coffee and croissant.

Admittedly, I'm a bit spoiled having grown up in Southern NYS where independent bakeries of all…read moretypes were seemingly on every corner. Central Jersey has some independent shops but it's largely Wegmans and ShopRite wearing the baker's apron. In that dessert desert we now have Paris Baguette filling the void. Their cakes and pastries are very good... they should be as they are as the Parisians like to say... hors de prix. In a desert, the thirsty can't be too choosy. Five stars for being there.

I wish I lived closer to this bakery/cafe. They have an astonishing array of pastries and breads…read more I came here when I was visiting Jersey and ohhh mannn I fell in love. The man stocking the serve yourself pastry shelves was very knowledgeable of all the products. There were no labels out yet because I arrived early and they were still stocking, so i had lots of questions. They are a little pricey here though I must say $$. Pretty upscale quality food though, so I guess it is worth it in the end. Inside is pretty spacious with a good amount of seating. There is not too much decor, it was pretty modern in here. I would come back when I am in town and I would recommend dropping in and trying a delicious pastry or 2 ! :)

Stopped here one morning on the way for work! The outside looks like a house and there's ample…read moreparking out back. It's cozy on the inside and they're one of the coffee shops in the area that's open pretty early and not a chain. They don't have a lot of flavor options and the menu is pretty straightforward. They have a good amount of sandwich and bakery items as well. The services was quick and good and she even added more flavoring to my coffee when asked

The owner of the place is rude. I have been there many times but today's coffee was not right. I…read moremade a comment to make next time better. She refused to accept any comments and said she didn't care whether I come again or not. Blew my mind. NOT Going back to that place.