Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

Working remotely became a big thing during the pandemic. Folks who were lucky enough to keep their jobs started working from home and had to adjust to the new normal.

Nearly 3 years later, not everyone was ordered to go back to the office. Plenty of folks were told to keep doing what they do from the comfort of their own home office.

For those looking for a change of scenery while still being able to keep up with the demands of the job, wandered out of the boring confines of their home office to find work friendly spaces with good coffee, good food, and likeminded people.

Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the home office to clear your head and search for better coffee than that brewing machine you have at home. It’s so much faster and easier to have someone else to whip up a vanilla mochaccino and offer up a variety of sandwiches, croissants, and pastries.

Enter, the local café, and it doesn’t have to be a Starbucks. For heaven’s sake, there’s a Starbucks every few miles in Monmouth County! Feel free to go there if you wish. Hey, I’ve been known to people watch at the Starbucks located inside Barnes & Noble in Brick.

Truthfully, I’d rather give my money to the local businessperson who I feel will be more eager to please. Good will, good service, and a good product are paramount to keeping patrons coming back.

Plus, a comfortable atmosphere and friendly people help a lot when you have a nice space to do your work.

Have laptop will travel. In my case, have book will travel. In the Winter, I love to sit in a café with my caffeinated beverage and read.

Let’s travel Monmouth County to check out cafes and coffee houses that people love.

  • Turnstile Coffee Roasters - 1607 NJ-71, Belmar, NJ 07719

    Doug “The Promo Rat” stopped here on a daily basis when he worked at the RAT. Turnstile is right around the corner from us.
    This Rustic-chic coffeehouse featuring beans roasted on-site is run by a very passionate owner who cares about the way the coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, brewed and presented. They sell beans and coffee from their small retail space and on the website. Great selection of hot & cold beverages, croissants, bagels, avocado toast and more. The atmosphere is chill and the patrons and employees are friendly.

    My only gripe, they close at 3pm, that’s when I get off the air.

     

     

  • The Perfect Perk Cafe - 300 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720

    This is the place I meet up with my friend Zisa, who lives in the area.

    Such a chill place with a huge variety of hot and cold beverages,  All Day Breakfast menu, and a nice selection of baked goods and premium teas.

    The baristas are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. I love the option of being able to sit at the tables with regular wood chairs, or sitting on the couches/love seats. I really like this place.

     

  • Busy Bee Roasters and Coffee Shop - 71 NJ-36, West Long Branch, NJ 07764

    The locals tell me they do a great pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich. Oh, and Busy Bee is in a gas station. Some of the best places are located in gas stations.

    This isn’t your ordinary coffee shop, it’s also a bakery. This hidden gem has incredible Brazilian food and pastries, the cheese bread and the custard cream buns are absolute standouts. The bread, cake, and pastries menu is enormous.

    The coffee is roasted on site and the beverage selection is good.

    The caramel macchiato gives you a great buzz according to Madaline who works nearby. They have plenty of seating should you decide to stick around to work. Nice people, friendly atmosphere.

  • Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Co. - Asbury, Holmdel, Fairhaven, Red Bank, Monmouth Beach & Middletown

    I’ve been to the Flagship store in Asbury Park many times. They’ve knocked it out of the park every time. They ship their own, custom roasted coffee with a loyalty program in place. They also cater to folks with dietary restrictions, vegan , gluten-free…etc.

    The baked goods are fresh, and the breakfast sandwiches are exactly what you need to start your day.   I love the vibrant atmosphere and the friendly service.

    On a nice day, you can sit outside and get your work done and people watch.  I’m going to check out one of their newer locations in Middletown by the Shop Rite on 35 & Kings Hwy.

     

     

  • Cafe Volan - Steinbach Building, 510 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

    I found out about this place from their roasting business, Maiden Coffee Roasters in Neptune.

    Cafe Volan has a cozy, laid back vibe.

    Good pastries, a nice variety of toasts, including avocado and raspberry mascarpone, and a ricotta toast that I must try. It’s whipped ricotta with hot honey, and pepitas on a thick slice of sourdough.

    Open everyday from 7am to 5pm.

     

     

  • Kava Coffee House - 6791 US-9 N, Howell Township, NJ 07731

    I love the lighting here. Kava’s atmosphere is warm and inviting. They have a fireplace that makes it feel homey and comfortable.

    The menu is extensive, you can order everything from omelets, hash browns, acai bowls and bagels, to quesadillas, crepes, a variety of pastries, and buffalo bites.  Everything is made fresh daily.

    The drink menu has everything you expect at a coffee hose from cappuccino to frappucino to milkshakes, and specialty drinks.

    If you’re not looking to hang around, this Kosher coffee joint has a drive thru window.

     

     

  • 1st Cup Coffee - 96 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

    A nice cozy place with a pleasant atmosphere. The staff gives off good vibes and the coffee, tea, smoothies and specialty beverage menu has something for everyone, even the kids. The baked goods are from the French specialty bakery, Antoinette Boulangerie in Red Bank.

    Live acoustic music can be heard here on occasion. Grab a delicious Nutella latte, and chill in this lovely little cafe.

     

  • Green Planet Coffee Co - 78 Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736

    This sweet little coffee shop on Main street has a positive group of local fans. Indoor & Outdoor seating available while you drink your favorite latte and munch on one of their yummy scones.

    If you’ve been here a few times, chances are the baristas have memorized your favorite beverage order. Friendly staff and a cozy friendly vibe make this place a favorite among the locals. Nice selection of hot & cold drinks and baked goods. Check out their “Seasonal Sips” selections. Right now love is in the air with : Love Me Latte: Raspberry White Mocha.

     

     

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