CC: Jersey Java

Subject: Jersey Java and Tea
Location: Haddonfield, NJ
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]


Haddonfield contains tons of rich history, ranging from it's gorgeous colonial architecture to the discovery of the first almost complete dinosaur in 1858. And with the manner in which New Jersey constantly seems to wreck and redevelop, the town has fortunately maintained a picturesque stratigraphy of the past few centuries.

In regards to coffee history, for as long as I can remember, the town has always had a local coffee spot on Haddon Avenue, just outside the main street. In elder days it was called 3 Bean, but for the past five years it has been known as Jersey Java and Tea. The building itself is a gorgeous single-level establishment with a fantastic patio, huge bay windows and a cute fireplace, but Jersey Java has also made excellent use of the space, equipping it with a fancy array of furniture and color.

The coffee comes from Square One Coffee out of Lancaster, a roaster becoming more common in the regional coffeehouses. In my most recent trip, I ordered an espresso (I believe it was a custom blend) and a drip of Burundi Teka. The espresso, pulled short with a light brown crema, distributed notes of ginger, beef bullion, birch beer, a little sage and some pipe tobacco, proving to be hearty, bright and a touch sour; overall not a bad pull. The drip blasted out blueberry, caramel, slight minestrone and nutmeg amidst a medium body, proving to be a lusciously rich and juicy coffee. 

Jersey Java has certainly been a coffeehouse growing in forward progression, having developed greatly in quality through the past five years. As one of the only good coffee spots of the southern portion of NJ, definitely make a stop in when you're in the area.

CC: Three Beans Coffee Company

What's a Coffee Commentary?

*Closed
Subject: Three Beans Coffee Co
Location visited: Haddonfield, NJ
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 4+ [see key]


*CLOSED*

The areas right along the Patco line to Philly have really begun to embody what a small town should feel like: a nice main street area with some nice stores, local bistros, and minor recreation for those nice days where one can walk around. Haddonfield's main street (Kings Hwy) has a lot going for it as it has some beautiful history, architecture, and nice places to meander with the only real element lacking is a decent, local coffeehouse.

Fortunately around the corner sits Three Beans Coffee Co, a local operation that has been going strong for some years now. It's located in a largely suburban stretch of road with ample parking all around. The outside has a very nice architecture while the inside holds a bit more of a run down yet tremendously roomy space with full-size kitchen tables (my fiance's loves larger tables) and even a pool table.

The coffee is La Colombe (*yawn*) which delivers a predictable, sub-par taste all too common in the Philly area (tragedy). At the least, the coffee tastes fresh as the baristas keep it moving.

The espresso has been random here as sometimes I'll get an espresso that is pulled well and other times where the shot comes out lousy. My last time (only a week ago) came out decent, with the espresso having a (surprisingly) full body and decent flavor. I forget what tea they serve.

I'd have to say that overall Three Beans stands a decent establishment in the Haddonfield area (though they could still improve in some areas...). As Haddonfield puts on a lot of festivals and decent things to do, make sure to grab your java around the corner when you're in town.