Beaches and (Cold) Brews: Best Coffee Spots in Long Beach Island, NJ

The first thing I think of when I wake up each morning is usually the coffee that I will be drinking that day. When I’m home in South Jersey I roll out of bed and head straight to the Keurig that sits next to my kitchen sink, pick a mug, and indulge in my morning coffee on the couch. Chances are I’ll want a second cup later on, and I’ve decided that my second cup of coffee most days is going to be the fun one. This means that I’ll probably leave the house, take a 20 minute drive to Long Beach Island, and find some coffee there, since it’s my favorite place in the world. Based on the years I’ve been driving to Long Beach Island for caffeine and my self proclaimed coffee expertise, here’s my official list of the top coffee joints in Long Beach Island, NJ.

The Local Market & Kitchen - Ship Bottom, NJ

The Local Market & Kitchen is the coffee shop that started my quest to find the best coffee shop on Long Beach Island. When you walk in you’ll see both a deli and a bakery, and the bakery is where you’ll find some interesting coffee. There is something for everyone at The Local; while I usually indulge in a churro iced latte, piled high with whipped cream and churros on top, my best friend always gets a simple cold brew with milk. The Local is best known for their sweet drinks, like my usual churro iced latte, and their homemade bakery items. When I’m feeling extra peckish you can find me with a Cuban sandwich from their deli in addition to my coffee, The Local will satisfy any craving. When you leave the building with your coffee, be sure to take some time to explore their outdoor seating area. Their seating is covered with a tent to keep you out of the sun, and in the winter the area has heat lamps- truly perfect for all seasons! If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to hear some live music, see a pop up vendor, and if you go during the winter holidays, you might even have the chance to take family photos with Santa. The Local Market & Kitchen might be one of my favorite coffee shops ever, not just on Long Beach Island. I’m already planning my next trip back there!

“How You Brewin?” - Surf City, NJ

“How You Brewin?” might be one of the biggest tourist attractions in Surf City, NJ, and it’s obvious why. Like the rest of the items on this list, “How You Brewin?” is located on the main drag of Long Beach Boulevard, it’s between some fun shops and steps from the beach, making it a great place to spend the day. I’ve seen some of my friends from Bergen County make day trips down to Long Beach Island just to get a taste of their coffee and hang out in their restaurant-esque area for a couple of hours, so I joined them a few summers ago to see if it was just as great as they said. I was surprised when I first stepped into this coffee shop and saw what looked like restaurant seating. I hadn’t realized that this shop also had endless breakfast and lunch options.  I always order my old reliable: a large iced coffee with room to add cream and sugar from their extensive selection, and a bacon egg and cheese on an english muffin, but there are definitely some more extraordinary options, such as their banana foster iced latte and a variety of decadent pastries. During the off season many locals choose “How You Brewin?” to be their daily hangout spot, where they use the calm, beautiful atmosphere to get some work done, or just to sit and catch up with friends. After visiting the shop a few times, I completely understand why so many people make the trip to this place.

Ship Bottom Ice Cream- Ship Bottom, NJ

No, Ship Bottom Ice Cream is not a coffee shop, but it is certainly worth a mention on this list. The small business is owned by family friends of mine, and Tom, who both owns the shop and makes the ice cream, is in the running for the biggest coffee fan on earth. Ship Bottom’s homemade coffee ice cream is sure to please coffee lovers who come to the island, and I know that their coffee ice cream is without a doubt the best I’ve ever had. If you’re not in the mood for ice cream but you’re still craving a sweet treat with the taste of coffee, be sure to try their coffee floats- just like a root beer float, but with iced coffee! Located on Long Beach Boulevard, you can’t miss this shop. The shop glows when the sun sets as their twinkle lights turn on after dark, and you can always find families, both locals and tourists, sitting out front at their picnic tables, playing cornhole, and enjoying their sweet time with their sweet treats.