One of the best parts about exploring a neighborhood is getting the chance to try some local eats and drinks. Luckily for us Hudson County residents, we have our fair share of great mom-and-pop businesses to choose from. Head north to West New York and Union City, and you’ll find yourself sampling a smorgasbord of locally-owned and operated cafes that are serving up some unique pastries and sandwiches. Many of these coffee shops are relatively new, and each have their own unique vibe, so depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll feel right at home at any of these spots for a caffeine fix. Here are a few coffee shops you must explore:
Park Cafe {6001 J F Kennedy Blvd E}
Nestled on the corner of 60th Street and Boulevard East, this cafe boasts a lot of different items, from paninis to soups to the homemade croissants that are just the right amount of flaky and soft. On a nice day, this place gets busy, thanks to the fact that it’s right across the street from a stairwell that takes you to {and from} the West New York Waterfront. Which means the views of the city are fabulous! It’s also cozy and has plenty of seating and wi-fi if you need to make it your home-office.
HG Recommends: Any and all of the baked goods {the croissants are HUGE and made fresh daily}
3D Cafe {6703 Park Ave}
Just a quick jaunt down the street and around the corner from Park, you’ll find 3D Cafe, a spacious and cheery spot that serves up a variety of pastries and big sandwiches with its coffee and tea. 3D is new to the neighborhood, only open for a few short months, but it’s inviting atmosphere, ample seating and perfectly brewed coffee make it a great new addition. There’s free wi-fi and some fantastic tunes on the house Pandora station, featuring all the best R&B from the ‘90s and ‘00s {D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and more}.
HG Recommends: A plain ‘ol cup of joe. Nothing “plain” about it, though, because it’s brewed to perfection.
READ: Hoboken Police Officer Opens Uptown Coffee Shop: Hudson Coffee
Parker {6504 Park Avenue}
Parker is another newer kid on the block {only open for a few months} but it’s quickly becoming a home away from home for many of the locals. It was co-founded by a local West New Yorker whose passions are good coffee, good pastries and giving back to his community. Michael makes a mean iced latte, and he also is looking to partner up with local nonprofits and after-school programs in the area. Michael’s business partner is also affiliated with a group called ALIA, a non-profit organization that helps Latino immigrants use their education and work experience to get jobs and network in the U-S. Parker also boasts some locally sourced pastries and beverages from Hoboken and Jersey City.
HG Recommends: The sweet plantain doughnut! To. Die. For.
See More: Vogue Café: Bringing A Taste of France to Jersey City
Do you have a favorite coffee shop in Union City? Share with us in the comments below!
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