Rockn’ Joe’s Coffeehouse and Bistro

 

One of life’s little pleasures is time spent sitting in, or just outside of, Rockn’ Joe’s Coffeehouse and Bistro in Cranford. The shop’s front windows/doors open wide up to create blended indoor and outdoor seating, and allow for the most wonderful view of the center of town.  The interior walls are decorated with memorabilia from music legends like Kiss and Jimi Hendrix, (hence the “Rock” in “Rockn’ Joe’s”), and rock’s greatest hits play in the background . . . loud enough to be enjoyed, but not so loud as to interfere with conversation.  The atmosphere is casual, family friendly, and delightfully relaxed. The employees are efficient, friendly, and very, very helpful to “newbies” who may be overwhelmed by the choices when ordering for the first time.

            Kevin Brennan, who founded the first Rockn’ Joe’s at 5 Eastman Street in Cranford, right beneath the town clock, did so when he saw an opportunity.  Having visited the then-growing coffeehouse market in California in the late 1980’s, he wanted to create a place here in NJ where people could get together in a relaxed setting, and enjoy each other and a great cup of coffee.  The business was welcomed with open arms in Cranford, and has become a well known hot-spot since.

Rockn’ Joe is fairly consistently voted the best or one of the best coffeehouses in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine year after year, and with good reason.  They have their own special blend of coffee.  Brennan wanted to find a “happy medium” to the milder (some might argue “weaker”) coffee of Dunkin Donuts, and the “makes the hair stand up on your head” strength of Starbucks coffee.    He developed for his business a deeeeelicious Arabica beam, full-flavored coffee that Rockn’ Joe’s has come to be known for.  They also have a full breakfast and sandwich/salad menu.  And the baked goods . . . . OY!  What is not to love about pumpkin cheesecake, or a brownie bottom mousse cake?  Couple that with a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or a Nutty Irishman Coffe, and sit back and enjoy the view of Cranford bustling past, for you have just purchased yourself a slice of heaven!  Can’t stay?  They do coffee on the go, too.  But make it a point to come back and enjoy the atmosphere some time when you CAN stay.  It’s a special experience and a wonderful way to wind down while you java up!

And check it out!  Their website, complete with menu, is just as cool as the place itself!

http://www.rocknjoe.net/