Caffe Amouri

Between cappuccinos, americanos, and espressos, Caffe Amouri truly curates that “small town” atmosphere, with charming decor and seasonal menus with items such as pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint mochas. It’s the perfect spot to get to know or spend time with someone you love over a cup of coffee with maybe a pastry or two. If you’re not looking for your typical coffee shop date, Caffe Amouri also hosts open-mic nights on Saturdays from 6:45pm – 9:45pm, where you can watch performances such as music or poetry, and maybe even sign up to host yourself!

Kiln & Co

Looking for something more unique? Kiln & Co combines ceramics and custard shakes with quite the variety of options. You and your date can choose from a variety of bowls and sculptures to paint, or enjoy Kiln n Co’s wide range of custard flavors and crazy custard shakes.

“As an employee, I’d say Kiln n Co is a really nice place to chill out and spend time with others painting and having our frozen custard,” Sophia Alodah(‘24) said, “my favorite custard flavor is mocha!”

Magnolia

Sitting right on the corner of the bustling Maple Ave. and Nutley intersection, Magnolia can be quite busy at times, being a small establishment, but it’s certainly worth the traffic to try out. The only reason Magnolia hasn’t been ranked higher is due to prices that may be slightly over-budget for the average highschooler, but if you have the money to spend, Magnolia offers a wide variety of food and drinks that have never disappointed. Some of my personal menu favorites include their green tea honey toast and fizzy “Magnolia sparkles.” But if neither are quite your style, Magnolia also offers cakes, waffles, crepes, lattes, coffees, teas, and really anything you could think up for a coffee shop date, but slightly more upscale.

Honorable Mentions: Bear Branch Tavern, Sweet Leaf Cafe. Sushi Yama, Maple Ave, Bubble Mochi, Donutchew, Sushi Yoshi, Crepe Amour, 29th Parallel Coffee, Akai Tori, Lily’s Chocolate and Co, Pazzo Pomodoro