I'm a coffee-addicted college student-- if I have to study for an inordinate amount of time, coffee is the way for me to stay awake and focused. In this series, I bring to you coffee shops that are perfect for studying and offer high-quality brew throughout New Jersey!
1. Location
Nestled subtly on a corner in Trenton, Trenton Coffee House and Roaster looks almost like an underground club to which you must know the password or secret knock to enter. It's easily accessible, being one turn off of Route 1.
2. What makes it unique
This coffeehouse has a very interesting origin story. It is a family-owned business and I am friends with the owner's son who told me that it all began with his father, riding a bicycle throughout Trenton distributing his roasted coffee beans. Eventually, he decided to open an amazing hole-in-the-wall coffeehouse, which roasts its own beans and sells records. It has an interesting visual theme which is reminiscent of Soviet Cold War propaganda and general punk rock anarchy.
3. Atmosphere
Adorned with antiquities, local art, posters, maps, and other such visuals from near and far, this shop is very appealing to the eye. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming, and it's very easy to lose yourself in a book over a cup of coffee there. Time isn't real when you enter the coffee shop.
4. Prices and payment
Trenton Coffeehouse is essentially cash-only, but they just recently began accepting PayPal as well. I don't fault them for this, as they are a small, family-owned business. Their prices are comparable to the standard local coffee shop.
5. Quality of coffee
The menu at Trenton Coffeehouse is very minimal, but I think this is part of the reason they're so good at what they do. They have perfected simple drinks, which is no small feat. Their coffee is excellent, and if their barista, Mohammad, is in, you can order a latte featuring his beautiful latte art.
6. Aesthetic
This place gets a 10/10 for aesthetic. It's cool without even trying. The art, the mismatched furniture, the books, the records, the murals. It's so aesthetic, you won't know where to look first. It is VERY punk rock.
7. Service and hours
The service is always great, but maybe I just think that because I'm friends with one of their baristas. Everyone who works there is polite and kind. They are open daily from 7:30 AM to 4 PM, which appears to be appropriate coffee shop hours.
8. Community
Trenton Coffee House and Roaster hosts all sorts of events-- the ones I have been most intrigued by are the ones featuring local live bands and also their movie nights. They usually screen esoteric movies that I have never heard of, such as Antigone. They showcase art from local artists as well, which contributes nicely to their eclectic, coffee shop look.
9. Recommendations on what to order
If Mohammad is there, you really should order a hot latte. Not only are the lattes a high quality, but Mo is very good at latte art. Additionally, you should buy a bag of their coffee beans, which they roast in-house.
