Life is too short to drink bad coffee, and with coffee shops on every corner of Hoboken and Jersey City, it’s no surprise that it’s a competitive market where only the best survive. This long-time favorite of Hobokenites actually started in New York City {at the cross streets of 41st and Ninth Avenue} in Hell’s Kitchen, but we’re giving you the lowdown Empire Coffee‘s Mile Square shop. Here’s a peek inside this local coffee shop in Hoboken off-the-beaten path:
What to Expect Inside
In Hoboken, the corner-space {at 338 Bloomfield Street} is conveniently tucked away off of the main Washington hustle, for a perfectly convenient and set-back location. The storefront gives major “General Store” vibes and even has pre-made gift baskets and locally-made treats for purchase, along with a freezer section with ice cream pops and cold drinks for a hot day. A side perk is that Empire also sells coffeemakers and mugs to service all coffee-drinking needs.
While there’s only one small table inside to sit, Empire has an entire outdoor seating area for customers to enjoy. Not being on Washington Street, its super relaxing {and most of the time, quiet}, to sit outside while enjoying your delish coffee.
The Menu
Most importantly, this trans-Hudson caffeine cafe carries 70+ varieties of whole beans on top of 30 loose teas with an assortment of green, black and herbal flavors {including the UK brand PG Tips and Numi Organic}. The beans are roasted by the owners in Upstate New York and then transported to their two locations — which makes this “hole in the wall” hotspot a unique and established Hoboken favorite.
READ: A Guide to the Coffee Shops of Hoboken
Their specialty drinks are out of this world — a special shout-out to their ‘Mexican Spice Coffee’ which can be ordered iced or hot and is made with cinnamon cocoa powder and regular {or hazelnut} coffee and a unique blend of spices. For tea-fanatics, their iced “sexy” hibiscus tea is also always a crowd pleaser.
Fresh Coffee Beans, To-Go
Their slew of flavored {read: NOT flavored syrups, but actual coffee beans} are available in ground or whole and line the wall in big burlap sacks making this also a step above any other coffee selection in town. To take some home, simply ask a worker for help — they will get you your beans, grind them up for you {if needed}, and package them up for you.
^^ Just SOME of the fresh coffee bean flavors
^^Freshly-ground French vanilla coffee to take home!
The Staff
The staff is knowledgeable and patient {which can be hard to come by in the coffee world when there’s a long line and 1000 choices, let’s be series} in helping customers order from the extensive menu, and their trusted expertise is surely appreciated. The owner, Abbe, who runs the shop with her husband, is a familiar and friendly face for coffee-shop regulars. She typically sits on one of the outdoor benches and greets the morning crow, coffee in hand, of course.
Pricing
Prices range for smalls {hot $1.50/iced $2.50} to about $5 for a large flavored latte: of course depending on if you substitute soy, almond, or oat milk. Their prices are comparable and somehow still cheaper than newer and more convenient competitors {ie. Joeboken and Bluestone Lane} but they do carry every flavor and milk to create whatever magical caffeinated concoction one can imagine. PSA: don’t forget to snag a loyalty punch card!
See More: Your Guide to Buying Loose Leaf Tea in Hoboken and NYC
Do you get your caffeine fix at Empire Coffee? Share your favorite order in the comments below and tag us in your coffee pics on Instagram @HobokenGirlBlog + #HobokenGirl
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