New York/ Food & Drinks
Published on November 20, 2019
Jersey City's 5 best cafes (that won't break the bank)Photo: La Unica Bakery and Cafe/Yelp

Looking to try the best cafes in town?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable cafes in Jersey City, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.

1. Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato

Photo: Tsan T./Yelp

Topping the list is Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato. Located at 150 Bay St., Bucket & Bay is the highest-rated budget-friendly cafe in Jersey City, boasting 4.5 stars out of 427 reviews on Yelp. In addition to house-made frozen desserts, this spot serves up breakfast, brunch and fresh baked goods.

We looked to Yelp for an overview of Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato.

"Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato makes small batches of gelato completely from scratch," the business states on Yelp. "We use only the finest ingredients, such as local 100%-grass-fed cow's milk, raw sugar, farmer's market produce and organic stone-ground chocolate. Our flavors are modern and creative, stirred by a passion for travel, cooking and adventure."

2. Tea NJ

Photo: Teanj j./Yelp

Next up is Tea NJ, situated at 262 Newark Ave. Stop in to Tea NJ for a full array of specialty tea drinks, as well as cafe eats like salads and sandwiches. With 4.5 stars out of 235 reviews on Yelp, it has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an affordable option.

If you're hungry for more, we found these details about Tea NJ.

"Along with your tea, you can have a sweet and delicious treat, one of our now-famous sandwiches and salads or even a soup! Also, we are vegan- and vegetarian-friendly," Tea NJ notes on Yelp. 

3. La Unica Bakery and Cafe

Photo: La Unica Bakery and Cafe/Yelp

And the Heights' La Unica Bakery and Cafe, located at 454 Central Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the budget-friendly spot 4.5 stars out of 42 reviews. In addition to homemade cookies, tarts and cakes, this bakery and cafe offers coffee, tea and light lunch fare.

If you're looking for more, we found these details about La Unica Bakery and Cafe.

"After successfully serving Union City since 2000, La Unica opened its second store in Jersey City Heights with its fresh coffee and unique cake, bread and sandwiches," according the business' Yelp profile.

4. Vogue Café

Photo: Sean R./Yelp

Vogue Café is another much-loved, cheap go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 200 Yelp reviews. This casual spot specializes in French treats and snacks, like croissants, quiche and sandwiches made on baguettes. Head over to 177 York St. to see for yourself.

Yelp has more information about Vogue Café.

"Vogue Café is a French cafe and patisserie located in beautiful downtown Jersey City, New Jersey," the business notes on Yelp. "Vogue Café's signature offerings include a variety of sweet and savory croissant dishes, pastries and a full espresso bar."

5. Bwè Kafe

Photo: Yeraldine S./Yelp

Last but not least, check out Bwè Kafe, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 131 reviews on Yelp. Bwè Kafe, which means "drink coffee" in Haitian Creole, serves pour overs, Japanese-style slow-drip cold brew and a full breakfast menu daily. Dig in by heading over to 140 River Drive South.

Yelper David P., who reviewed Bwè Kafe on Sept. 20 wrote, "Hands down, the best coffee in Jersey City."

And Michelle O. noted, "Love this place and their generous-sized and affordably priced lattes and salads! The olive spread on their rustic bread is absolutely amazing. The couscous and feta salad had such a generous amount of delicious feta and the vegan avocado salad had to have a least half an avocado in there, maybe more!"


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.