You kids today, you don’t know how good you have it.
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When I moved to downtown Rahway in the early 2000s, there was barely a decent coffee shop to be found. Now, there’s any number of options. So, here’s our monthly reader poll for April, sponsored by the Rahway Arts & and Business Partnership:
Loading ...Even though there are three Dunkin’ franchises, and a Wawa, in Rahway, national chains are not included in the poll. You might be wondering why Sticks Cigars is in the poll. They serve espresso – I’ll allow it. Now, I also didn’t include just any place that offered coffee (obviously, most restaurants). I was looking for places that you can sit and enjoy some java while social distancing or pop in and grab a cup of joe on the go during the pandemic.
The Coffee Box and Melao Cafe & Creamery both got shout-outs in this 2019 post from Union Daily Voice about the top five coffee cafes in Union County. Of The Coffee Box, which also has a location in Plainfield, they said: “With pour over specials and beans to go as well as drip coffee, the Coffee Box is known for its Americano. Friendly service, cozy atmosphere and a good selection of food go along nicely with your cup of joe.”
And about Melao Cafe & Creamery: “While the homemade ice cream is a winner, plenty of Facebook reviews praise the java as “Best. Coffee. Ever.” A relaxing and friendly atmosphere promises you’ll be back for a second cup.”
An early poll on the blog (darn near pre-historic now) asked readers what they would like to see downtown. At the time, I was jonesing for a good coffee shop and while there were some options, for awhile, it seemed like many came and went over the years.
The top selections were a grocery/specialty food store (44%), brewpub-style bar/restaurant (32%), and coffeehouse/bagel shop (20%). Well, downtown has a majority of those things now, and one could make the case that it has a grocery (if small) or specialty food store, if not a supermarket. Wet Ticket fits the brewery bill, and now there are more than a few coffee and/or bagel shops. But it wasn’t always like that, so take advantage, grab a brew and cast your vote.
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No Flynn’s?
My favorite coffee is at Corner Gyro.
Thanks, I’ve added them to the poll as an option!
I think of Flynn’s as a bar or restaurant, and I didn’t include any in this poll initially. If you’d like to vote for Flynn’s, I’ve added them as an option – thanks!