Coffee Wars in Hackettstown

Who doesn’t like a good cup of coffee before a long day of classes? A recent poll by The Cyclone Chronicle staff shows that 58.8% of Centenary Students definitely do! Lucky for us Centenary University students, we have easy access to Starbucks. However, who doesn’t want a little change? 

On September 5, I drove around Hackettstown with Tanner Sullivan, a recent graduate and former executive managing editor of The Cyclone Chronicle, to see which coffee place has the best coffee, specifically the best pumpkin spice latte.

Sweet Bite Delights

The first spot we visited was Sweet Bite Delights, located at 199 Main Street (check out how it was founded). I ordered a pumpkin spice latte with almond milk and I was impressed! 

I thought the latte was really good, however, I found their pumpkin syrup to be too sweet. I prefer a “spicier” pumpkin syrup rather than a super sweet one. I had my drink in the store, so they served it in a beautiful cup. 

The latte was $8, with only one size available, which was honestly pretty steep for what I am used to. Although, I did add almond milk, so it was an extra charge of $1. 

Sweet Bite Delights has a comfy seating area where you can sit and enjoy your drink and pastries, with the option to work on schoolwork with its access to free WiFi. There is even outdoor seating!

Overall, I would give Sweet Bite Delights a 3.5 out of 5 stars!

AROMA Horno y Café

The next spot we went to was AROMA Horno y Café, located on 205 Main Street, which is right next to Sweet Bite Delights. AROMA is a coffee shop that offers assorted pastries and empanadas (which are to die for). 

They sadly did not have a pumpkin spice latte available, so I ordered a regular iced coffee with cream. I am not sure what it was, whether it was the coffee or cream, but there was an interesting taste that I can’t point out. A taste that was not a pleasant one. It could be user error because I didn’t get any sugar, but I do like my coffee with just cream most of the time. 

My iced coffee was $3.50, which was by far the cheapest drink I got for the day.

There are a few tables to sit down and rest with some outdoor seating as well. 

I would give AROMA 2 out of 5 stars.

Patagonia Coffee House

Patagonia Coffee House is the newest coffee shop in town and is located at 269 Main Street. The entrance is a little hard to find (look across from Harper’s Bakery), but once you do, you’re met with a beautiful sight.

The coffee at Patagonia Coffee House was amazing! I ordered a small “Fall For Me” drink, which is cold brew mixed with vanilla syrup and cinnamon, topped with pumpkin spice cold foam. 

The drink was $7 even though it was a small. When I tell you it was small, it was extra small. I can only imagine how much a large would be. I'm just glad they gave me a cute cup. 

This was honestly my favorite drink. I was able to sit down and just enjoy my coffee with my friend. The only thing that deterred me was the price.

The inside has multiple places to sit and work on homework. This includes couches and regular tables. The couches and chairs are super comfy and make it easy to work on homework. 

Patagonia is getting a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me

Greene’s Beans Cafe

The last place on this coffee tour/war is Greene’s Beans Cafe located at 313 High Street. I was able, once again, to get a pumpkin spice latte for $6 and it was phenomenal. 

It wasn’t too sweet, which I appreciated after all of the sweet coffees I consumed in the last hour. I also loved all of the cinnamon. 

Greene’s Beans is primarily a takeout coffee shop, so there is nowhere to sit, even outside. 

I am really happy with the taste and price, so Greene’s Beans is getting a 5 out of 5 stars!

Which Coffee is the Winner?

I am pleased to say that the winner is Greene’s Beans Cafe! Patagonia is a close second, with Sweet Bite Delights coming in third. AROMA comes in last, but I would definitely go for the empanadas.

“All of the places were good in their own way,” said Sullivan. “However, Greene’s Beans is my favorite. As a hot coffee drinker, I love that you can pick your own brewed coffee flavor.”

If you ever are in the mood for a nice cup of coffee, Greene’s Beans Cafe is the place for you!