The Grind Shop

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Michael C

Lackawanna Coffee is a gem. I tried the dirt iced chai, and it was absolutely delicious—perfectly balanced and refreshing. Tom provided excellent service, making me feel welcome right away. The shop’s layout is fantastic, with two floors that give you plenty of space to relax, hang out with friends, or get some work done.

thomas berg

I am a barista at this Lackawanna. I love working here, I love our guests and I work hard to keep everything tasty, safe to consume and presentable. Working here has really softened my heart and it makes me smile to see my regulars. My managers Ben and Aurelia treat me fairly and respectfully and they make me laugh. My co-baristas Leila, Ish, Laura and Tre are awesome too. Introduce yourselves next time you’re here. ❤️

DOLLHAUS II

“Snob, Not Nerd: A Love Letter to My Local Café” “Confessions of a Certified Coffee Snob (Without the Pretentious Baggage) Let me start with a confession: I’m a certified coffee snob. Not just by my own account. I've taken the online quizzes, checked the boxes, and yes, I qualify. I care deeply, almost absurdly, about a good cup of coffee. But let me be clear about something else: I am not, nor will I ever be, a coffee nerd. You know the type. They talk with an unearned sense of authority, waxing poetic about ratios and terroirs, with a tone that says you’re clearly not worthy of this brew. They take the simple joy of coffee and turn it into an exclusive club. Me? I just want damn good coffee, made by decent people in a space that doesn’t make me feel like I’m walking into a pretentious gallery of bean elitism. Which is why finding that café—that rare, perfect coffee spot—is a borderline spiritual experience. The Snob's Criteria Here's what I look for: 1. Exceptional coffee, obviously. Life’s too short for average espresso. 2. Genuine, friendly humans behind the counter who know how to handle the morning rush with grace and a little humor. 3. A space that feels calm, clean, and thoughtfully designed—not sterile or overly curated, just intentional. 4. No whiff of snobbery toward customers. If I feel judged or condescended to, no matter how good the flat white is, I’m out. You can’t bribe me with crema. There’s a place...my place, that nails all of it. Brutalist design meets quiet pockets of solitude in an industrial-height space with a private mezzanine that somehow still feels intimate. The flowers, the art, the artifacts? Minimal but deeply thoughtful. Nothing screams “Instagram backdrop,” but everything whispers: someone cared when they made this. And the people? A damn delight. A rotating crew of fascinating, kind, slightly weird (the best kind) individuals who just get it. No unnecessary small talk, unless the moment calls for it. No airs, no scripts. Just good energy. They know my drink. They remember my name. One of their experimental concoctions—some wild alchemy that should’ve been too fancy for my taste—became the only thing I order now. I still don’t care for fancy smamchee brews. But they got me. Somehow, they got me. It’s not just the beans or the barista’s pour technique. It’s the feeling of belonging without needing to prove yourself. It’s the fact that I can walk in, take a deep breath, and think, yes, this is where I’m meant to be this morning. If you’ve found a spot like that...hold onto it. Cherish it. Let them know they’re rare. Let them know they’re valued. To the sexy team at you-know-who-you-are: You have all my money and all my respect. Signed, A proud coffee snob who finally found their home.

Morgan Kelly

My favorite coffee shop in Jersey City! The coffee is high end and delicious (so are the croissants and pastries), but I also love the vibe. The staff is so nice and friendly, shout out to Tom who always remember my order :) Sometimes they have a DJ playing soft jams on the weekend, but it’s also a great place to work. It’s my go-to stop in the morning. Highly recommend!