Coffee Cluster: A Primer on Morristown's Multitude of Java Joints

Strolling down South Street headed toward the Green, passersby will encounter no less than six coffee-centric establishments, ranging in emphasis from bakery to bistro, pizza place to ice creamery.

But, where to go, what to choose? Many people have a favorite spot, a favorite coffee, but if you're new to the area, or looking to broaden your coffee palette, Morristown has plenty of options to consider.

Swiss Chalet Bakery has been in business for over 32 years, and their expertise is evident in their confections: pretzel-shaped glazed doughnuts, chocolate-covered apple strudel, elaborate petit-fours and other treats fill glass cases and wall shelves. The coffee offered at Swiss Chalet is a variety of blends by Law Coffee, a brand founded in 1909 in Dunellen, Middlesex County.

Best for:  Drinking while picking up fancy breakfast treats on Sunday morning.

South Street Creamery, at 146 South St., offers savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches, and of course, ice cream, shakes and other frosty treats.  The Creamery is also home to a gourmet coffee bar featuring Illy Café, a popular Italian roast. Espresso-based coffee drinks are also on the menu.

Best for: Eating a savory ham and cheese crepe with a side of cafe au lait and pretending you are in a European cafe.

Just a few steps past The Community Theatre is the vibrant pink awning of Tart & Tufo, a recent addition to the neighborhood, which boasts a diverse menu from salads to sweet and savory stuffed waffles.

"I love the frozen yogurt," said Dana Miller of Morristown.  "I'll come here with my girlfriends and get coffee and eat the frozen yogurt."

A poster on a bulletin board across from the counter indicates that the coffee being served is by Counter Culture Coffee, a New York City-based sustainable company founded in 1995. "Our coffee sets us apart from the pack," said employee Chris Montemuro, of Morristown. 

Best for: Foodies looking for an ice cream alternative, theater patrons who want to indulge their sweet tooth over espresso post-show.

Only two doors down from Tart & Tufo is Smartworld Coffee, a "green" coffee franchise started by Denville native Dave Walters.  "Our coffee is organic, shade-grown and fair trade.  We also only use hormone-free milk," said Diana Davino, employee and Denville resident.

The store is sleek, dark and muted, and filled with customers serenely tapping away on their laptops, or chatting in small groups with friends.  "Our customers are people that care about the environment, people who want to stay healthy," said Smartworld employee Jack Kephart, of Morristown. 

"I really enjoy the free wifi," said Sandy Peterson, of East Hanover. "The coffee here tastes fantastic and it's a really comfortable environment."

Best for:  Eco-conscious coffee connoisseurs who want the classic coffeehouse vibe.

Zebu Forno, has recently reopened under new management.  The store is much larger inside than it appears from the street–the high ceilings and industrial fixings give it a clean, hip feeling. With food options from gelato to pizza, the store's food business is bustling, but employee Nolan Osorio, of Jersey City, said, "in the morning, it's all coffee."  Zebu Forno serves a proprietary blend of 100-percent Arabica beans, Osorio said.

"I love the way the place looks inside, it's very hip, and I love the espresso and the pizza," said Natalie Williams, of Morristown.

Best for: Big groups gathering for book club over lattes and sandwiches.

Greenberry's Coffee and Tea's simple white façade hovers over a comfortable outdoor seating area, directly across from the Green. Inside, the shop is a more classic, preppier version of Smartworld's coffee shop–comfortable armchairs mixed with traditional tables and chairs form small islands of coziness where patrons gather on their laptops. 

Greenberry employee Jessica Stamelman, of Randolph, said this is an intentional part of the shop's charm. "The store has a good feel, it's warm and inviting because we hope our customers will stay and enjoy their coffee," she said.

Greenberry's customer Kate Millington, of Chatham, agrees. "I come to Greenberry's because I can relax and look at the park while I drink coffee and get work done," she said. "It's an oasis in the center of town for me."

Employee Lindsay Stavres, of Morristown, said 100 percent Arabica beans are roasted in Charlottesville, Va., every day and delivered to each Greenberry's location throughout the Northeast. Greenberry's special blend is available for purchase in the shop.

Best for: having a wrap and coffee after the movies with friend.

Despite the sheer number of stores offering coffee in Morristown, the businesses insist they are dissimilar. "We don't really compete with anyone else," said Stavres, of Greenberry's. "All of the others have their business, we have ours." 

Davino, at SmartWorld, shared similar beliefs. "We have our own niche," she said. "We don't need to worry about the other businesses."