I love this place! I don't know how many times I've walked by it without knowing it even existed! The look is sort of industrial/modern/loungey. I came here on a Friday night and the crowd was interesting...mostly older but very friendly folk. The music was dark house. Although it was a very tame/small crowd I had a great time. The vibe is really laid back here and I definitely think I'll be frequenting this place more often during the day when I go back to school. Their peach and ginger tea was also A+.
Review Source:When seeing this cafe one would think its a small little place to get a cup of coffee or tea. When you walk in you see its much bigger than it appears with an upstairs dining area, a TV area, and a big room for the music events (Open mics, DJs, local artists). I enjoy the fact they show love to their local artists. Gives people a chance to see the talent that's in their own city.
I've only been for the music events which all turned out wonderfully. Everyone was vibing out, enjoying each others energies. The music was good and the overall atmosphere was friendly and electric. The artwork on the walls are a plus.
I used to go to this place all the time when they first opened up. I mean all the time. Whenever i was downtown Newark I would somehow find myself here .... especially if they had an event ... especially after Sound of the City at NJPAC during the summer for house music all night. Anyhow i hadn't been there in about 2 years so I was pleasantly surprised by all the changes ... the food (paninni and soup) was great! Only disappointing thing is that John did not remember me ...
Review Source:I came across the place the first time I was heading over for some sushi...and passed it right by. Â Three or four more trips for sushi and I still passed by this place each time...
What was I thinking? Â The smells emanating from this little cellar location should have been enough to bring me in...Epic Fail on my part (it really is a hidden gem). Â I finally stopped in one day after picking up my sushi because I wanted some soup to go with it. Â They seem to have new soup specials each day-which is nice-so I asked for a recommendation on the soup, told them I just wanted something without peas and I took a big cup back to the office with me (it was a chicken soup, I think he told me Senegalese). Â Soup was fantastic. Â I mean excellent-with just the right amount of seasoning without being overly salted, it went very well with my sushi. Â I've only been back one other time and had a tortilla soup which was also excellent. Â Yes, I love soup, so finding a place like this was great for me. Â Â
Not the place I would normally go to check out one of their events, but I will keep going back as long as their soups are still this good. Â I will say that parking around here sucks, but parking in the area for ANY place to eat sucks.
One of the things I love about Newark are those unexpected hidden gems that you find. The Coffee Cave was one of these for me.
This place is on Halsey St near to some other cool spots (27 Mix, Elbow Room, ArtKitchen, etc.). I have always been able to find metered parking, even during the day. Park on New St if you have coins and Halsey St if you want to use a credit card (you can use coins too).
This is kind of an interesting spot. You have to go down some stairs to enter so it is kind of hidden. There is seating both upstairs and downstairs.
The vibe was quiet and low key, but calming. The owner (I think) was helpful and offered me a sampling of the Sengalese chicken peanut stew/soup. Boy was it delicious. Seriously, that itself is reason to come back. He offered me some bread which turned out to be a whole wheat flatbread of sorts, grilled and topped with pesto Yum!
The chicken peanut stew was awesome. I got the smallest size which was perfect and actually really filling (chicken and peanut butter I guess). If you like peanuts/peanut butter in your food (think thai food for example), try this. At least ask for a sample!
I sat upstairs for several hours and did some work. They have a few outlets as well as wifi. Soft music played and it was just a good environment- calm and very chill. I had a latte which was good- it was sweetened so I couldn't really judge the quality of the coffee but it seemed okay.
I will definitely be back. A hearty $4 cup of soup, nice atmosphere to work,and supporting a local business? Win on all counts in my book. I think they have music or shows or open mics at night. Not sure which; maybe all of the above. There is also a big screen TV.
Stopped in for a latte before playing a concert at NJPAC and it was seriously one of the best cups I've ever had, (and made by a seriously good looking guy.)
Great vibe, cool dance floor in the back. How I wish this place were in my neighborhood in Manhattan. You guys are lucky to have this place in Newark.
Excellent!
As a local student I've heard about the coffee cave since it first opened up a few years ago. Fortunately, I finally got my lazy butt down there tonight with a friend. We got there about 3pm and it was empty, but I left quite satisfied.
Why I gave this 5 stars: a break down
Staff: There was only one barista, a young woman who was super friendly. She was patient while we decided what to order. She explained each dish and even let us sample their new macaroni and cheese soup for free. I wouldn't really consider it soup, but it was Mac and cheese with a kick. I really liked it, but my friend was thrown off by it not having a "soupy" texture. Those kinds of things don't bug me as long as they taste good. Since we both ordered paninis, she offered us to add soup for only $4 more, regular $6. I thought it was a kind gesture. She later delivered our food and drinks to our table upstairs.
Drinks: My friend ordered a chai tea I believe it was $4 for a 16oz. That's cheap for a chai tea. She described it as being heavenly. I had a regular cafe americano. The barista made sure to ask how I liked it, you know the works, cream or milk and how many sugars. This is a plus in my book because Dunkin tends to put me into a diabetic coma with their coffee. A 16oz americano was $2.
Food: We both ordered the $5 turkey jerk panini. The turkey was a strange texture, something Similar to a turkey burger patty but Oh my my...I fell in love at first bite. There was a synchronized "MmMm" at our table. So glad the barista recommended it to us. Chunks of peppers and onions and jerk seasoning and a1 sauce on whole wheat panini bread.....mouth watering. Simply delish.
Atmosphere: It's very artsy and modern. It looks tiny, but has an upstairs that is sort of a loungey feel with a few tables and chairs and two white cushioned bench seats. They have a speaker system, lights and local art for sale. I know they have a lot of events there like open mics, small bands, poetry slams and they hosted an LGBTQ event with RU last year. On the bottom floor is where they host the events. There was a dark room behind the kitchen area that was accessible by a hallway next to the bathroom. It looked spacious and cool. I'd definitely go back for a show. Tonight they played jazz music and it was relaxing and quiet, perfect for our studying. I will definitely be back, even of it's just to hang around and sip on some
Joe.
I'm posting this because other Yelp reviews led me to have certain expectations that this place would be a good study spot, with the free wifi and comparisons to the West Village or Brooklyn cafes, complete with cozy couches. Â But there weren't any couches, and there was loud club/dance music playing that seemed weirdly inappropriate in the middle of the afternoon (and distracting). Â That said, none of this is the cafe's fault--just other reviewers not giving the most accurate representation.
The staff was super friendly and I'm sure it's a good event space. Â I'll file it away in my mind as place for good food, but wouldn't choose it as a place to chill with my laptop and coffee. Â Still, I'm glad a place like this exists in Newark.
A gem of downtown Newark. I discovered this great underground café by accident as I was riding down Halsey. There are a few places being renovated and the north end of Halsey is starting to look like the beginnings of a West Village.
As you walk down the stairs into the basement the tiny storefront opens up into a two-story space with an inside balcony on the 2nd floor and tables along a large window overlooking the street below. The interior is pretty cool and hints of 70's urban punk replete with metal fences and homey couches. The space is large but the number of places to sit are limited, which kinda adds to its charm. The best seat in the house for sunworshipers or outdoorsies is the lone French bistro table with chairs on the sidewalk right in front. This is what lured me in in the first place.
Coffee Cave Also hosts resident house/edm dj's on certain days. The owner is young and friendly. Plus you can tell how seriously they take the music: the Pioneer mixer and dj setup when you first come in, the professional flyers for their events, and the fact that the owner himself sometimes spins.
It's not like Newark has tons of cool places like this. Coffee Cave is def worth checking out.
This has become one of my favorite spots for lunch. They let you try their soup without hesitation. My favorites are : curry chicken chowder, shrimp corn chowder, Mexican tortilla, and New England clam chowder. Their mushroom panini is also very good and the person behind the counter is always friendly.
Review Source:Went there and server was involved in some heated conversation about her man troubles and barely bothered to get off the phone. Â Apparently pissed off at the world she proceed to slam cabinets for the rest of the time that I was there and flung the food at me as If I was the one bogarting her apartment without paying rent. Â I guess leaving it at home and keeping it professional was not happening that day. Â The food was good and cheap but could have done without the drama rama and the negative energy.
Review Source:Went here for the first time today after hearing about it since starting school around the corner. Bottom line- I really liked it. The service was excellent, the decor was very modern and cool, and the food was delicious. I would give the Coffee Cave 4 1/2 stars if I could because the place is great but the soup was a little pricey.
I had the Senegalese Chicken soup (peanut/ mafe sauce) and it was good. I ordered a medium size, which was way too big since the soup was quite hearty and it came with a roll. I ate in peace upstairs while nice jazz music played downstairs.
I will definitely return and have already recommended it to my peers.
John the owner is a great guy! Very invested in the community and has intentionally created a space for Newarkers and university students alike!
I recommend the salmon wrap and a raspberry-lime Italian soda, delicious! The soups are always great, and you can do a test taste to be sure you like the crazy concoction that is cooked up. Your order can take a little while, especially when they're busy, so call it in or just sit back and chat it up.
Still a fan.  I feel like the longer this place is around, the better it gets.  Wish there were a local joint like this for me to visit more often, instead of just when I'm in town.  I don't understand  how some people rate it a 3* but then say they like the food and everything, but, they didn't taste something else.  Initially it might have fooled me, but, I'm definitely a fan!!!
Nice Artist vibe! Â Very L.A. meets the village!
I'm a nomad. Â I mean that I'll leave a place in the middle of my food experience if it's not good. Â But I will have to admit that The Coffee Cave is making a believer out of me, that Jersey has some winning points.
1- Loose tea! As a former coffee drinker I must admit that I've become a bit of a tea snob...and these folks deliver and in high tea style! Amazing variety, and they are fresh! Jasmine & Earl Grey & Oolong..
2- Light fare..Often when you are a nasher, like I am I want to go to a coffee shop, cafe and try a few things like their amazing Chicken tortilla soup, or the veggie Panini that I had today.
3- Atmosphere/Location...Literally a stone's throw from the Path, and the Light Rail these little spot is not so little I discovered.
Known on Halsey as the live performance venue, the location has a capacity for 182 and the space to have a fly event. Going to check out their live music tonight! Be sure to visit this great gem in Newark. Â From a BK native, I would have to say that I am very happy to have landed my laptop in The Coffee Cave.
PS I've not tried the Red Velvet Cake yet, but I hear good things!
Definitely walk over The Coffee Cave, you will emerge with a full belly and a smile!
It depends what you want.
if you're after haute cuisine, Starbucks-style sterility, or an expert, posh cup of cappuccino, with the foam swirled into perfect hearts or portraits, go elsewhere.
But if you enjoy an extraordinary beautiful work of art within an interior space, hearty (cheap!) paninis, caffeinates, and soups, with wifi and the warm, open hospitality of owner John and Christal, this is your place.
Especially intriguing is the second-floor balcony that looks, exceptionally, slightly down at the outside sidewalk, with a view of both the Newark Corporate Giants -- Prudential Insurance et al -- and the community-artists' murals, with urban rubble and abandoned buildings as the almost too-obvious counterpoint.
Personally, I'll take the beauty, warmth, and company. Â The rest of you keep out of our way at Starbucks, or maybe Denny's.
I ordered a panini (eggplant marinara) and soup (shrimp corn chowder)
I did not enjoy the eggplant panini at all- the eggplant tasted like it came out of a can and the sauce DID come out of a Bertolli's bottle of sauce... and the panini had like an awkward herb-like taste that I usually enjoy, but the herbs in this one was not an enjoyable experience- also I thought it be a little cheesier, but the whole pannini was an awkward taste experience
on a POSITIVE note the soup was absolutely delish... I hear good things about their soups generally and because the law school I attend has 6 daily soups updated in our cafe, I don't leave much to get soup from elsewhere. IF I do just want to get some air, I'd walk over to Coffee Cave (in its hidden, obscure, downstairs location which is a hidden artistic gem when you do enter it), and order some soup...
The place has a great environment and a great idea of showcasing local artists and hosting music and other forms of live entertainment. In a area of Newark that is largely devoid of any night time entertainment it is nice change. Â The space is modern and clean with two floors and sufficient seating. Â Plus during the warmer months there is a patio outback that is shielded from the street. Â But alas the two star review is because the service can be slow even without a line of people waiting for drinks. Â On a number of occasions I had to wait for espresso drinks as the barista had technical difficulties pulling a proper shot of espresso or generating a enough steam for milk. Â One other minor annoyance was recently they were out of drip coffee and without asking just substituted a cafe americano, not that I minded but they should have asked if cared about the substitution none the less.
Review Source:hey went here friend invited me ...i mean for newark this is a step up in the right direction..its got that whole west village feel with sprinkles of brooklyn...alas your in newark..good place to meet up with friend have a drink ...it has 2 floors and a backyard....and steps from mix 27 ....halsey st in newark is coming up
Review Source:Very nice little place with an art centric theme, (The Ice Gallery) including art for sale. Nice (if small) sandwiches with a nice selection of hot and cold beverages. Great little seating area out back where there is music on Thursdays and Open Mic nights on Mondays. I think I heard someone say there was also music on weekends, but nothing on their website.
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