Mourning Coffee Lists His Top 10 Java Joints in New Jersey

As a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Mourning Coffee is a force unto himself. The Morristown, New Jersey artist has been steadily climbing lately, thanks to some nice single and EP releases finding an audience. This is a relatively new songwriting project, with Mourning Coffee previously focusing his attention on being the frontman of the indie band The Foxfires. He didn’t start this solo endeavour until about two years ago, and in that time has been remarkably productive. His latest single release is “Saving Grace,” a song about showing gratitude to the people and things that inspire him.

Mourning Coffee has been particularly active this year, with various releases, including his Above and Below EP. His sophomore EP was the follow-up to his self-titled debut from August 2022. The release of Above and Below led to the dual single release “Cancer/Capricorn” on Mother’s Day, which then led to a summer of touring. Now, he is busy readying his third EP release titled Within and Without. Expanding and further developing his indie-folk sound, the EP will be released early in the new year.

Based on his artist name and the laid-back nature of his music, it made almost perfect sense to talk coffee with Mourning Coffee. He joins us today for a Top 10 list of his favourite coffee shops in his native New Jersey.

1. Cedar Beans Coffee Joint (Cedar Grove, NJ)

“Cedar Beans is so community-based and supportive of the arts that it’s earned my #1 spot. Not only did they host a record release show for Above and Below, but my inner child comes alive every time I see the numerous Godzilla decor.”

2. Boonton Coffee Co (Boonton, NJ)

“Not only was BCC my last barista job before the pandemic hit and changed my life, but there’s something truly magical about this place. The atmosphere, the food, and, of course, the coffee. They roast their own beans! Not to mention, they have a killer poetry/music series that’s worth checking out.”

3. Cozz Coffee (mobile)

“Although this is a list of my favorite coffee shops, Cozz Coffee puts too much care into their craft not to list them here. Visit their site or catch the mobile bus at a farmer’s market sometime, and you’ll truly be impressed with the creativity and effort on display.”

Mourning Coffee ‘Saving Grace’ album artwork

4. Sweet Vinyl Cafe (Denville, NJ)

“This is the most unique coffee shop in New Jersey. Not only do they have a full barista bar, but a whole record store! In addition to that awesome combo, they also host live music! Nothing can beat that.”

5. Ridgewood Coffee Co (Ridgewood, NJ)

“This little shop holds a special place in my heart for hosting one of the best open mics in the 2010s. Although those days are now behind us, RCC still dishes out top-tier coffee and pastries. My favorite being their Kyoto drip cold brew!”

6. Hug-a-Mug (Pompton Lakes, NJ)

“A recent discovery of mine, Hug-a-Mug is just as much a home for the arts as it is for great coffee. From pottery classes to an epic monthly open mic, this shop really has it all. Plus, they’re a woman-owned business, which I think is pretty amazing.”

7. Van Gogh’s Ear Cafe (Union, NJ)

“Another old favourite of mine, Van Gogh’s Ear, is aesthetically charming as hell. Old bookshelves, beautifully painted walls, and a very lived-in feel. Not to mention, the food and coffee are incredible. I highly recommend visiting this shop if you’re ever in the area, and they also have live music on occasion!”

8. Lokl Cafe (Morristown, NJ)

“Being from Morristown, I couldn’t leave out our best coffee shop in town: Lokl! On top of great coffee and food, this shop is the perfect spot to just sit and talk to someone. Deep conversations are always welcome here.”

9. Java Love (Montclair, NJ)

“This shop feels like home every time I step in. Aesthetically, it echoes a lot of the shops I used to work in while living in New York, and the staff is just beyond awesome. Not to mention, their coffee’s just incredible.”

10. Paper Plane (Montclair, NJ)

“Another gem from Montclair, Paper Plane, has great coffee and monthly specials. Plus like Java Love, this place is filled with the coolest staff ever!”

Mourning Coffee, photo by Aley Anuzzi