Keeping up with Kay

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I have a soft spot for cozy coffee shops and the perfect latte. Whether it’s a spot to catch up with friends, grind out some work, or just enjoy a quiet moment with myself, cafes have a way of shaping the feel of my day. So, I thought it’d be fun to start a running series where I share the coffee shops I’ve tried in South Jersey, what I loved (and maybe didn’t), and how each one measures up; from the drinks to the atmosphere to whether it’s a good study spot. Think of this as a little caffeine-fueled tour, with me as your guide.

Driftaway Cafe

Address: 947C E Gibbsboro Rd, Lindenwold, NJ 08021

Instagram: @driftawaycafecoffee

Tucked into Lindenwold, NJ, Driftaway Cafe is one of the most charming spots I’ve ever visited; the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. The cafe itself feels like a wraparound porch dream, housed in a colonial-style building that immediately feels welcoming. It quickly became more than just a coffee stop for me and my friends: after every quiz or exam, we would head straight to Driftaway, and even though we occasionally branch out to try new shops, this place has always been our home base. Somewhere along the way we even started calling ourselves the Driftaway girls – not in a corny way, I promise. And honestly, every friend group deserves a coffee shop that feels like a home base, no matter what else changes.

Coffee: 7/10

Ambience: 8.5/10

Food: 7.5/10

Study spot: 7/10 (weather permitting)

Trouble Brewing Coffee House

Address: 514 Station Ave, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035

Instagram: @troublebrewingcoffee

Trouble Brewing Coffee House in Haddon Heights has that classic coffee shop feel, but with personality in every detail. The highlight for me is the wall decor: an eclectic, eye-catching collage that turns the space into more than just a stop for caffeine. Founded by Tom and Cat, who left careers in mortgage banking to chase their passion, the cafe carries La Colombe coffee and radiates the kind of cozy, local vibe that makes you want to linger. It’s the perfect mix of good brews, good people, and a setting that sparks conversation.

Coffee: 8/10

Ambience: 7/10

Food: 8/10

Study spot: 8/10

Common Grounds

Address: 205 W Clinton Ave, Oaklyn, NJ 08107

Instagram: @cg_coffeehouse

When I first started school, Common Grounds became one of my original study sanctuaries, and even now, it still holds a special place in my rotation. With exposed brick walls, wall plants, and an ambience that feels warm without being overdone. The music always hovers at the perfect volume, and they consistently have a playlist that feels like the ideal coffee-shop backdrop. On rainy days, there is nothing better: the oversized window gives you a front-row seat of the street while you sip your coffee, making it hands down the best spot to be when the weather turns gray.

Coffee: 6/10

Ambience: 9/10

Food: 8/10

Study spot: 9/10

Brown Dog Cafe

Address: 120 W Merchant St, Audubon, NJ 08106

Instagram: @browndog_cafe

Brown Dog Cafe has quietly become one of my new go-tos for studying, and it is not hard to see why. Their specialty drinks are always a delight, and I’ll give huge props to whoever dreams up that rotating menu; I’ve never had a bad cup. The space feels roomy and calm, with simple decor that lets you settle in without distraction. Whether I need to hunker down or just grab a slow coffee break, Brown Dog has consistently earned its spot in my rotation.

Coffee: 9/10

Ambience: 7/10

Food: 9/10

Study spot: 9.5/10

Koupa Espresso Bar

Address: 24 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township, NJ 08108

Instagram: @koupaespressobar

Located on Haddon Ave, Koupa Espresso Bar is perfectly positioned in the midst of the neighborhood energy: plant shops, nail salons, and weekend markets. With its bright, inviting interior and specialty drinks that feel like little experiments in flavor, Koupa reminds me of summer even in the middle of winter. The staff are warm, the ambience is cheerful, and the name Koupa (which means “cup” in Greek) hints at the inspiration behind it all: a place where community, creativity, and a nod to Mediterranean charm blend into your daily latte.

Coffee: 8/10

Ambience: 7/10

Food: 8/10

Study spot: 8/10

Terry’s Cafe

Address: 101 Woodcrest Rd, Cherry Hill Township, NJ

Instagram: @terryscafenj

Tucked into a corner of the atrium inside the Woodcrest Corporate Center, Terry’s Café greets you with all the familiar hum and energy of a classic coffee shop the moment you step in. Even though it sits inside an office building, it gives off none of the sterile vibes. Instead, there’s a welcoming buzz, backed by a sprawling menu of specialty drinks and dozens of flavor options. What makes it extra special is that the public can use the atrium seating, turning a corporate lobby into one of the more unique study spots around. Whether you’re escaping cubicles or just looking for a peaceful place to plug in your laptop, Terry’s feels like a well-kept secret with serious coffee cred.

Coffee: 8/10

Ambience: 7/10

Food: 9.5/10

Study spot: 8/10

Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books

Address: 26 N Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ 08012

Instagram: @renscoffeenj

Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books is that rare kind of spot where caffeine and page-turners meet in perfect harmony. Their menu features hand-crafted drinks made with beans from a local roaster, and their bookstore corner blends new and used books, local author finds, and quirky bookish gifts. The space leans into a delightfully fun dinosaur theme (without tipping into kitsch), giving it charm and character. They even host local book clubs and reading groups, which makes it feel more like a community hub than just a coffee stop. My only gripe? Seating is limited, so it’s more of a grab-and-go gem than a long-study hideout, but honestly, that just makes your time there feel all the more special.

Coffee: 8.5/10

Ambience: 9/10

Food: 7/10

Study spot: 4/10

Rise N Grind Coffee Co.

Address: 41 Clementon Rd, Berlin, NJ 08009

Instagram: @rngcoffeeco

If you’re looking for over-the-top indulgence and serious caffeine options, Rise N Grind Coffee Co. is your go-to. Parked outside the Berlin Farmer’s Market, this coffee truck turns grabbing a drink into an experience. Marshmallow-topped s’mores lattes? Check. Energy drinks alongside espresso? Also check, it’s a medical student’s caffeine dream come true. The theme is playful, the menu is bold, and though seating is limited (really more of a grab-and-go vibe), there’s something fun about sipping while watching the market hustle. Just know it’s weather-dependent, but the best part of this spot is that if the sun’s out, it’s serving up something special.

Coffee: 7/10

Ambience: 5/10

Food: 7/10

Study spot: 1/10

French Press

Address: 2 E Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057

Instagram: @a.frenchpress

Step into French Press in Moorestown and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a little Parisian hideaway. The café leans fully into its inspiration, with a cozy, elegant ambience and a menu centered around quality over gimmicks. Their partnership with La Colombe ensures a dependable, delicious brew, and you’ll find more mouthwatering French pastries than flashy specialty drinks, after all, classics are classics for a reason. Whether you’re settling in for a quiet moment or grabbing a sweet pick-me-up, French Press is a spot that lets you taste Paris without leaving Main Street.

Coffee: 7/10

Ambience: 10/10

Food: 7/10

Study spot: 7.5/10

Hallowed Grounds Coffee Co.

Address: 177 S Center St, Merchantville, NJ 08109

Instagram: @onhallowedgrounds

Hallowed Grounds Coffee Co., tucked into Merchantville and paired with Thyme Kitchen, strikes a beautiful balance between cafe and culinary cozy. The interior is adorable and packed with charm, though on busy days the order area can feel tight (they compensate with an outdoor seating area). Their specialty drinks are playful and bold, and the food side (especially the breakfast sandwiches) consistently impresses. While classic coffee orders still hold their ground here (sometimes “less is more” really is true), this spot also brings the creative flair that makes you want to keep exploring the menu.

Coffee: 6/10

Ambience: 6/10

Food: 10/10

Study spot: 2/10

Evermore Coffee Roasters

Address: 1 E Pearl St Suite A, Burlington, NJ 08016

Instagram: @evermorecoffeeroasters

If my cafe ratings didn’t already give it away, Evermore Coffee Roasters has quickly become my obsession; the kind of place I tell everyone about. From consistently excellent classic brews to creative specialty drinks, it hits every note I look for in a coffee shop. The food menu stays local and authentic, the seating is ample (a rare and precious commodity), and the decor has small touches that are deeply tied to the area. For me, Evermore is the kind of cafe that sets the standard for all the others.

Coffee: 10/10

Ambience: 10/10

Food: 9/10

Study spot: 10/10

Four Green Cats Cafe

Address: 118 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054

Instagram: @fourgreencatscafe

Perched right off Creek Road in Mt. Laurel, Four Green Cats Cafe feels like the kind of place you wander into on a rainy day and instantly forget the world outside. It is attached to a charming antique store, so every visit feels like part cafe, part treasure hunt. The menu leans into European and Czech flavors, think kolaches, hearty pastries, and open-faced sandwiches. While the cafe does a beautiful job creating that grandma’s-living-room ambience, I will admit, it is not the strongest spot if you need steady Wi-Fi. But for grabbing something delicious and soaking up cozy surroundings, it does not disappoint.

Coffee: 6.5/10

Ambience: 9/10

Food: 6/10

Study spot: 5/10

Colonial Cafe

Address: 14 White St, Mt Holly, NJ 08060

Instagram: @colonialcafe_mountholly

Colonial Cafe feels like stepping into a charming time capsule with a modern twist. Housed in a colonial-style home, each room has its own personality, blending period charm with playful pop-culture nods to the Founding Fathers. It’s one of those spots that gives you instant fall vibes with the creaking floorboards and autumnal color scheme. The coffee always hits the spot, whether you’re in for a quick pick-me-up or a long study session. The cafe is as cozy as it is quirky, and it has become one of my favorites for getting work done.

Coffee: 8/10

Ambience: 9/10

Food: 6.5/10

Study spot: 7.5/10

Hens and Honey Shoppe

Address: 95 Woodstown Rd, Swedesboro, NJ 08085

Instagram: @henshoneyshoppe

If you walk into Hens & Honey Shoppe, you’ll probably need a moment to take it all in — the Halloween decorations are next-level, and the fall/spooky-themed menu is the perfect match. They’ve even created an insane Halloween coffee flight that goes way beyond the basic pumpkin spice latte. This is more of a sit-down café than a quick grab-and-go or study spot, and it’s got personality woven into every detail. The mother-daughter duo who run the shop also host their own podcast, Boss Babe Brew, which they record right there in the café’s studio space, making it as much a creative hub as it is a coffee stop. If you want a spot that feels seasonal, fun, and full of energy, this one is worth lingering in.

Coffee: 7/10

Ambience: 8.5/10

Food: 8/10

Study Spot: 2/10