Montclair is home to so much more than just mansions and Montclair State. It’s also packed with cafés, coffee counters, and neighborhood spots.
Whether you’re passing through Montclair for errands, meeting up with friends, or just looking for something new in the area you’ve long called home, there’s almost always a coffee stop within a few blocks.
At Blue Oak, our very favorites include the following Montclair coffee shops.
1. Paper Plane Coffee Co.
Paper Plane Coffee Co. traces its roots to a family coffee-growing tradition in Colombia that spans five generations.
What began as a Brooklyn coffee project in 2015 found a permanent home in Montclair in 2019, bringing specialty coffee and house-roasted beans to North Fullerton Avenue.
Today, the cafe serves everything from straightforward drip coffee to carefully crafted espresso drinks, with a story behind the beans that stretches far beyond New Jersey.
- Address: 61 N Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 7 minutes / 2.1 miles
2. The Water Bar
Don’t let the name fool you: The Water Bar on Valley Road near Bloomfield Ave offers so much more than just hydration.
Powered by Thought in Motion, The Water Bar serves coffee brewed with extra-clean water that it extensively filters, then infuses with crystals to support charging your mind and body.
Alongside cafe classics such as cold brew, The Water Bar offers CBD coffee and keto coffee, transforming a standard daily beverage into a cup of enhanced wellness.
Inside this coffee shop, the decor blends vintage charm, European tile, Buddhist sculpture, and modern neon lighting for an ambiance unlike much else you’ll find in Montclair.
- Address: 127 Valley Rd Ste B, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 8 minutes / 2.4 miles
3. Eagle Rock Cafe
Eagle Rock Cafe blends neighborhood coffee shop charm with a coworking-friendly setup in Upper Montclair.
Located on Bellevue Avenue near the Upper Montclair train station, this cafe serves Intelligentsia Coffee alongside pastries from New York’s Balthazar Bakery.
High ceilings, large windows, and communal and individual seating give the space a bright, relaxed feel whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or settling in with a laptop for the afternoon.
- Address: 202 Bellevue Ave #1B, Montclair, NJ 07043
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 7 minutes / 2 miles
4. Sankofa Cafe
Sankofa Cafe is a Black- and women-owned coffee shop on Orange Road that doubles as a community gathering space.
Named after a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol associated with learning from the past, this South End cafe was founded by former clinical social worker Jessica Troupe with a focus on connection, culture, and conversation.
Along with ethically sourced coffee and locally made baked goods, Sankofa regularly hosts community events.
- Address: 319 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 10 minutes / 3.3 miles
5. Coast Cafe Montclair
Coast Café Montclair is a newer spot that brings a breezy, coastal-inspired feel to downtown Montclair.
Known for its coffee drinks and Argentinian-style empanadas, sandwiches, and pastries, it offers a simple yet distinct menu that leans more snack-forward than traditional cafe fare.
With its relaxed setup and mix of grab-and-go and sit-down options, it fits easily into a quick stop while moving through Montclair.
- Address: 354 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 9 minutes / 2.2 miles
6. La Fontaine Cafe
La Fontaine Cafe brings a touch of European cafe culture to downtown Montclair.
The woman-owned spot on North Willow Street serves specialty coffee alongside pastries, homemade crepes, and Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches.
We love the cozy atmosphere and unfussy charm. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger a little longer than planned.
- Address: 12 N Willow St, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 8 minutes / 2.1 miles
7. Honey Brewed Cafe
Honey Brewed Cafe leans into its name with a warm, easygoing feel.
Known for its coffee drinks and simple cafe menu, you can expect morning regulars and casual catch-ups over espresso.
Tucked just off Montclair’s main stretch, Honey Brewed Cafe fits neatly into the neighborhood rotation for anyone drifting between errands and work obligations.
- Address: 150 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 8 minutes / 2.3 miles
8. Red Eye Cafe
Red Eye Cafe is one of Montclair’s go-to breakfast and coffee spots.
Located on Walnut Street, it’s known for its relaxed, slightly eclectic vibe and a menu that goes beyond the usual cafe basics.
There’s also a small outdoor alley seating area that feels a bit tucked away from the main street, adding to Red Eye’s low-key neighborhood charm.
- Address: 94 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042
- Distance from Blue Oak Dispensary: 6 minutes / 1.8 miles
Pairing cannabis with coffee
Pairing cannabis with coffee is one of those modern rituals that can swing from perfectly dialed-in to a little too energetic if you’re not paying attention.
This is why you should start low with both caffeine and THC. This is a “less is more” situation.
Pay attention to the time of day, too, so that you’re not struggling to sleep when nighttime rolls around.
For a deeper look at how cannabis and caffeine interact (and how to combine them in a way that suits your needs), check out our blog on pairing cannabis and caffeine.
Where can I get the best coffee in Montclair, NJ?
Montclair’s coffee scene is pretty dense for a small town, and “best” usually comes down to what you’re in the mood for.
We love all the Montclair coffee shops on this list, though Paper Plane Coffee Co. pulls double duty in that it’s also in our guide to the best Montclair restaurants.
What are the most popular coffee shops in Montclair?
The most popular coffee shops in Montclair include many on this list!
Each spot varies in how busy it is over the course of the day too. Some places are morning staples, while others are known for weekend brunch or long, laptop-friendly afternoons.
It’s easy to find what you’re looking for whether you’re seeking a quiet moment or a buzzy spot — and there’s another stop you should make before or after.
Wrapping up your Montclair coffee stops
Cannabis and coffee may make a natural pair for focus, energy, and creativity.
Head slightly into Bloomfield from Montclair to shop premium cannabis at Blue Oak Dispensary, an easy final stop to pair with a coffee run.
Here, you’ll find something to round out the day and keep the same relaxed pace going before heading home or continuing through Essex County.
Our location is exceptionally discreet, and we operate with a medical mindset and a focus on actively listening to our shoppers’ needs.
Visit Blue Oak Dispensary near Holsten’s and Brookdale Park for personalized, compassionate guidance that puts some pep in your step.
