Little Key Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Little Key Coffee
Location: Hightstown, NJ
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Hightstown might be the first town that I put on my list of places to visit solely for coffee purposes. The year was back in the early 2000s and I had a good friend that always raved about a local shop and their coffee. Several years later, I finally was able to stop by and found the cafe utterly disappointing. A decade later said cafe closed its doors and Hightstown became but a sad memory of coffee disappointment.

But if one fast forwards to the cusp of COVID, that is when Hightstown found its redemption. Little Key Coffee, captained by a long-time NJ coffee pro, opened their doors in a beautiful sea green store right when all of the lock downs came in effect. But excellence persevered through the thick of it, and I have been able to stop by on several occasions to try out the wares. Little Keys resides within a handsome strip of shops complete with large windows and outdoor seating. Inside, the cafe has a couple of cozy seating options surrounding their counter.

As for my coffee the last visit, I ordered an espresso and drip of a single origin Mexico. The espresso, pulled short/medium with brown crema, smacked of chocolate, cream, raspberry, pretzel, apple, ginger and snap peas, proving sweet and bright. The drip also set off fireworks, with delightful notes of nougat, rye bread, artichoke heart, cream, croissant and a little arugula.

Redemption is a sweet story and I hold Hightstown as one of my favorites. If you are ever in the area or happen to be passing around Exit 8 on the Turnpike, take a detour over to Little Key Coffee for some excellent beverages.