Since 2019, The Coffee Box in Rahway has been serving customers their cafe menu of drinks, breakfast, and more. Adjacent to the train station, this local independent, community-based shop is an NJ certified LGBTQ+ owned small business. Though the cafe itself is relatively new, the building itself dates back to the 1840s.
The Coffee Box can seat 25 guests inside. Outside, there are seats available – weather permitting – for up to 20 patrons, plus city-provided outdoor tables. Owner Jeff Spelmen describes the space as having “warm wood tones with an industrial vibe.”
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Breakfast, Lunch, and Baked Treats
The cafe menu at The Coffee Box includes breakfast favorites such as waffles, avocado toast, and pastries baked onsite. In particular, popular items include the fruit and cream waffles (with choice of fruit) and avocado toast with smoked salmon. Likewise, they serve paninis, soups, and salads for lunch. The avocado panini and salad with goat cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts are current top sellers. However, Jeff loves their signature baked goods like the homemade sea-salt chocolate chip cookies and gluten-free walnut brownies. He also recommends their vegan banana bread.
Of course, The Coffee Box is no stranger to specialty coffee and espresso. Their daily drip coffee is an organic blend from Africa and Central America. Single-origin coffees are made individually in Chemex. They also have a large assortment of loose-leaf teas from Kilogram. Other options include lattes, cappuccinos, and matcha tea, as well as hot chocolate made with cocoa from Ghana. But Jeff’s drink of choice is the cortado, with equal parts Brazilian espresso and steamed milk. The cafe sources their milk from Battenkill Valley Creamery, a fifth-generation family farm in the Hudson River Valley. In addition to cow’s milk they have oat, almond, and soy milk.
Live Music, Events, & More
The Coffee Box loves to host events that involve the community. For instance, local musicians regularly perform in the space and they host weekly open mic and music jam sessions. The cafe also partners with local schools and nonprofit organizations. Not surprisingly, they are also the city center for Pride events.
Visit The Coffee Box at 1465 Irving St in Rahway. Look for them online to learn more.
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The Coffee Box FAQs
No, they do not accept reservations.
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
The Coffee Box offers vegetarian options yes.
They do offer takeout, yes.
Yes, they offer delivery via Uber Eats & DoorDash.
No, they do not serve alcohol.
They do not have a kids’ menu, no.
All Photos: © The Coffee Box
