I'm so in love with this coffee shop that I probably *WOULD* sleepwalk my way to it in the middle of the night.
Sleepwalker Coffee is quickly approaching its one year anniversary at the end of the month. In less than a year, it's already become a neighborhood favorite for a much-needed caffeine fix. Once you stop by, it'll make perfect sense. It's tucked away on Bergen Street, right in the heart of Englewood.
I've been here 5-6 times in the past month! The menu includes pour-overs, espresso beverages, cold brew, teas, and a limited selection of light bites like toast and pastries. Their coffee is proudly sourced from Maiden Coffee Roasters, a local roastery in Central Jersey. I've tried a good mix of their menu, so I have a solid sense of which items are hits and which are misses, based on my personal taste.
HITS:
*Hot Latte with flavored syrup [~$6] - These are some of the best lattes I've ever had! The espresso is aromatic, bold, and full of flavor. The steamed milk is silky and velvety with that signature frothy layer. And the ratio of espresso to milk? ON POINT!
The flavored syrups enhance the coffee without overpowering it. I've tried the strawberry (fruity notes), lavender (floral notes), and caramel (toasty & buttery notes). One of my pet peeves is lattes that are *WAY* TOO SWEET. That's definitely not the case here! They use syrups made with more natural ingredients, and even make some of their flavors in-house. Every sip is perfectly balanced - smooth and rich with the right amount of sweetness.
*Avocado Toast (avocado, everything seasoning, lemon pepper, & olive oil on sourdough bread) [$7] - Simple ingredients that really hit the spot for a light snack! Creamy avocado paired with savory & zesty seasonings on crispy bread? SAY LESS!
*Danishes (cranberry & apricot) [$5] - My favorite pastry to have with my coffee! The dough is flaky and airy with sweet cream cheese and fresh fruit in the center!
MISSES:
*Iced Matcha Latte ($6.50) - I prefer my matcha earthy, bitter, and grassy. This was too sweet and milky, and the matcha flavor wasn't strong enough.
*Seasonal Lattes [~$6]:
~Banana Bread [latte with banana & cinnamon syrup]
~Horchata [latte with vanilla, cinnamon, & spice]
The espresso was strong in both drinks, but the flavors barely came through. The cinnamon was overpowering, so it tasted more like a cinnamon latte.
So yes... the coffee is amazing and the small bites are delicious! But what really makes this coffee shop stand out is its service and atmosphere.
The owner and staff are incredibly welcoming, warm, and personable. The baristas remember your face and your order, and they really know how to connect with customers. Every time I visit, they treat me like a friend :') They have a ton of regulars here and it's easy to see why! Service like this is getting harder to find, unfortunately.
And the ambiance? Cozy and full of character with a genuine sense of community that makes you feel right at home! It's a laid-back spot to unwind, get some work done (free wifi +outlets!), or meet with friends.
The decor is eclectic and reminds me of a stylish living room. They definitely have a "sk8r boy" vibe going on here *fire emoji* There's a small corner with books and games, vinyl records, pop culture wall art, and vintage wooden furniture. Seating is limited to 6 tables, a sofa, and a small bar along the front window. So if you pop in during peak hours, you may not be able to find a seat.
If you're in the Englewood area, Sleepwalker Coffee is a must visit! Cheers to more years of success - one year down and many more to go!
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