Ahhh fall: pumpkins, football, leather boots, blazers, amazing weather. Did I miss anything? Oh, maybe the switch to red wine. And pumpkin spice lattes.
It’s the time of year when I reignite my love for coffee (well, lattes) and go a little pumpkin crazy. While I’m not actually a huge fan of coffee (caffeine makes me a little cray cray), I do love me a nice decaf pumpkin spice (usually soy) latte in October.
Let’s be clear, I like coffee when it’s sweet. I’m not a diehard coffee fan, and so my feelings about these Hoboken coffee shops are based on my own taste buds. You might feel completely differently. Or, it might just be a different barrista with a different pour on a different day. Regardless, I love shopping local, especially in Hoboken — so here are a few coffee/latte hot spots for you to peruse:
1. Empire Coffee & Tea Pumpkin Spice Latte
Presentation: I like a garnish of pumpkin and spice on top, so I’d say presentation was fair. Definitely passable, but I could go for more of a drizzle.
Ambiance: Empire Coffee & Tea is small, but it has a delicious aroma that you can smell from a block away. Lots of open coffee bean sacks that are chock full of amazing smells (see above). It also has a very fun, green exterior!
Taste: I didn’t taste a ridiculous amount of pumpkin, but the latte was sweet, and it hit the spot on the early morning that I ordered it.
Price: $4.25 for a Medium
Additional Deets: You can order decaf and soy in place of caffeine and milk. That’s what I did!
2. Maroon Cafe Pumpkin Spice Latte
Presentation: Loved the spice atop the foam. That’s big in my book, and it’s definitely present at Maroon. Would have liked a drizzle of sorts, but I’ll take the garnish of spice.
Ambiance: Maroon is a great little cafe a bit off of the beaten path of Hoboken. It’s never super busy, but never empty (and relatively small). I love to go there when I’m editing photos or blogging. Great for people watching!
Taste: Flavor was good. I tasted pumpkin and coffee.
Price: $4.25 for a small (the only other option is large).
Other Deets: I ordered decaf with soymilk, which may account for the pricey cup o’ joe. The barrista did tell me that the pumpkin mix that they use for the latte isn’t dairy-free. Booo. I tried it anyway. It’s research, after all! They also have pumpkin tea scones if you’re in the mood for some more pumpkin. And don’t forget bubble tea!
3. Ganache Cafe Pumpkin Spice Latte
Presentation: While Ganache lacked the pumpkin spice, it made up for it with some drizzle. I loved the look!
Ambiance: While I’ve never hung here (it’s farrr uptown for this midtown girl, in the Hudson Tea Building), it seems like a great place. Super spacious, free wifi, and really nice staff.
Taste: I didn’t taste much pumpkin at ALL, but the coffee was good. Decently sweet, too!
Price: $3.96 for a small (with soymilk replacement, per usual).
Additional Deets: Fun pumpkin cookies were on display to go with your latte if you’re feeling extra fall-esque.
4. La Bouche Cafe Pumpkin Spice Latte
Presentation: Um, AWESOME. But, coffee in a mug is always awesome. With orange pumpkin drizzled on top.
Ambiance: La Bouche is an adorable little French cafe with yummy breakfast food. There are fun vintage-like decorations with colorful chairs. Super cute.
Taste: It was fair. It looked a lot better than it tasted, and for pumpkin drizzled on top, you’d think I’d taste more pumpkin!
Price: I was charged $5.00 for a decaf/soy pumpkin spice latte SMALL. I thought that was rather pricey – maybe it was a mistake? I was with a group of people, so that’s a possibility. Even Starbucks can easily compete with that price.
THE VERDICT?
For ambiance, I’d say Ganache Cafe is the most comfortable and warm as far as a place to go and sit, drink coffee, and perhaps do a little work on your laptop.
For pumpkin taste, I’d say Maroon takes the cake. I actually tasted the pumpkin I’d been craving after a Maroon visit!
For presentation, Maroon wins by a nose, but Ganache Cafe is a close second.
For delicious coffee smells and photo opps, go to Empire Coffee and Tea. I love the green sign & walls outside!
For cute decor (and brunch to add to your latte), head to La Bouche Cafe.
For price, Ganache Cafe wins by a teeny tiny bit. $3.96 (but that’s with all of my bells and whistles).
Don’t forget – if you’re going Dairy Free, make sure to ask for a soy latte instead of regular. The only place you can’t go dairy free for pumpkin spice is Maroon! BOO.
___________________
Ahhh pumpkin. How I love you. Writing this post makes me want to head over to one of these cozy and delicious spots for some toasty and pumpkin spicy goodness. I’m thinking I’ll make the trek back to Ganache for the wifi, soy latte aspect, spaciousness, and drizzle. But that’s just my opinion today.
What is your favorite spot for a dose of pumpkin spice latte?
Where should I test out next?
I’ve never been to Ganache Cafe! I will definitely have to try it out this weekend.
An alternative fall beverage to the pumpkin latte is a soy chai. It falls in between a regular latte and a decaf latte in terms of caffeine level and tastes like fall in a cup
Ahh thanks for the tip! I will definitely have to try a soy chai. Fall in a cup is fantastic anyday in my book.
What a great post! Loved your tour around the city. I agree, more dairy free beverage/food options are needed in town. Cheers to pumpkin season!!
Hope you are having a great week.
Wow, just saw this and love it!! Thank you so much for your kind reviews.
If you ever want us to tweak your latte with more pumpkinee drizzle and cinnamon we will do that for you! And mugs are always there on your request. Xoxoxo
Have a beautiful fall Hoboken girl! Ask for Steph and get a choice of a pumpkin muffin, pumpkin biscotti, or your next latte on the house.
Stephanie@ganache
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