environment 10/10: this coffee shop is on the smaller side and has limited seating (not suitable for big parties) but i loved the open kitchen concept and overall has a millennial vibe to it parking 8/10: there is a parking lot next to it but it is for highland park residents/has street parking so just be cautious! menu 8/10: a simple but unique menu, there were a bunch of unique items and there was a small variety of bakery items but they were limited as well (probably because i went a little latter in the day). in addition, their coffee was good but not anything too special. price $ read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - blueberry scone, hot vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

I keep coming back here for the great drinks and amazing service. This time around I got a hojicha latte with maple syrup and it was so good, it kind of reminded me of an horchata, so if you're into that this drink is a must try! They also have outdoor sitting up and running again perfect to welcome spring and those warmer days! read more

Once my boyfriend and I walked in, it was slightly busy, but we were greeted as soon as we walked through the door. We couldn't decide between the socrates and hypatia drinks, so we got one of each and tried them both. We liked them both. Their croissants looked absolutely delicious! There was plenty of seating to do your work or enjoy your coffee and croissant. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Inside Penstock - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

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I haven't been in a while but this morning I was around the area and decided to work from the cafe for a bit. It was busy for a Friday morning, I arrived at 9:10 AM and I was able to snag one of the last tables. I was excited to see hojicha latte in the menu and apparently they are able to make hojicha and matcha into an Americano style. This time I just got tea but I'll have to get that next time. I even got a coffee cake muffin which was really yummy and rich. It was like a cinnamon roll in muffin form. read more

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Cool spot. Gets cramped inside, especially when a line forms. Workers were nice. They seem to have a lot of regulars from what i noticed. Coffee is ok, nothing different than most coffee shops. Blueberry scone was ok. A bit dry. Was hoping for more bakery options, we visited around 9 and the only thing they had were the scones, cookies and a carrot cake muffin. Nice neighborhood. Still on the hunt for a great coffee shop. read more

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Finally made it to Penstock Coffee in Highland Park and it lived up to the cozy vibe I imagined. We sat outside at first, but it was colder than expected, so we ended up waiting a bit until a table opened up inside. It was worth the wait though. The space inside feels welcoming with its soft light, warm wooden tones, and thoughtful little details. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to curl up with a book and stay awhile. I ordered the Socrates iced latte and my boyfriend got Hypatia. Both were solid choices. Smooth, creamy, and not too sweet. We also shared a carrot cake muffin. He liked it more than I did, but I'd still come back to try the other pastries especially the croissants, which were already gone by the time we arrived. I loved how the place buzzed with life without feeling too loud. Everyone seemed either deep in conversation or tucked into their own little world. It's the kind of café that feels like it belongs in a movie. Giving it 4 stars for now since I still want to come back earlier and try more things. read more

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A cozy cafe perfect for *solo* remote work, a nice coffee and a lite snack. After doing a bit of a search on Yelp for cafes in the area, I made my way to Penstock. Everyone behind the counter was so sweet, friendly and helpful! Truly all smiles and it made my day better just chatting with them. It was my first time stopping in and I heard that this was a great cafe to take out your laptop and get a little work done, and it is! The only caveat is that it's best for just one person, not a duo or a group. The space is big but most tables are small. It would be difficult to fit two laptops, let alone two laptops and two coffees and two pastries. They had plenty of seating along the wall (counter style), 4 or so tables that would be better for two people, and the rest were a bit small. Just something to keep in mind if you need more space! I got my go-to oat milk latte and an apple walnut muffin and my coworker I was meeting got one of the delicious looking seasonal pumpkin drinks. My latte was great, but a little heavy on the milk and I wish it was served hotter. The muffin was also great, but unfortuantly they couldn't toast it for me and that would have turned it into a 12/10. All in all, a great spot that I am sure I will find myself at again when I need a caffeine fix in the area. read more

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This coffee shop is super cute! It's very cozy and inviting and the staff is always really nice! The cafe is on the smaller side with smaller tables so it can feel a little cramped in there and it can be difficult finding a place to sit if you want to stay, but they also have some seating outside. The coffee and pastries are delicious!! read more

had a wonderful experience during our first visit that it gave a very good impression. First off I loved that there is both street and public parking which made it so convenient. Inside is bright and spacious but if you like the outdoors, there is ample seating options there too. The staff are friendly and know their coffee beans well! they have seasonal flavors too and was happy with my Honey Vanilla Black Sesame latte. Although the pastries are limited, I loved that each one was just fresh and delicious! As simple as a plain and chocolate croissant was still enjoyable. The zucchini bread was amazing too! glad I got one as it was still fresh, moist and delicious! I see a good number of people with their laptops and were comfortable working there. People with pets and baby strollers were in and out too so the place really caters to a lot of people and are well enjoyed. Too bad though that its a bit far from me but the good experience we had will sure have me revisiting again. read more

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Incredible coffee and incredible service I come here every year and each year it gets better and better The baristas are extremely knowledgeable, patient, passionate about the art and happy to share their personal favorites I've had multiple pour overs from here and recently indulged in the black forest latte which was fantastic If you're looking for a great place with excellent ambiance then look no further! read more

Plenty of seating areas inside however it can be crowded on both weekdays and weekends due to people working or studying there! The space inside is clean. The coffee tastes great and will come back again in the future. read more

This review is for the New Roselle locations. Macchiato so good my nipples are hard. This place is a must, locally roasted beans, excellent service and opens at a great time for the morning rush! The baristas are very nice and seem knowledgeable of their craft! The ambiance is not f&@!ng around coffee. Love it. read more

For Central Jersey, I have 3 spots that I go to for my matcha fix and it has to be ceremonial grade. And this coffee place makes it perfect every single time. The art of matcha has been around the Japanese culture since the 8th century. Only in recent years has it gained popularity here in the U.S. Unlike coffee, matcha slowly releases a cleaner caffeine high into your body to give you that energy throughout the day. It has tons of health benefits also. I prefer it hot without any sugar or honey because I want the slight bitter nuttiness to come through. It is said that it can boost your metabolism as well. The space is small with tables mostly for 2 people. I always try to have my drink inside vs to-go because it seems like I get more when it is a mug service. I haven't tried the other drinks here but my companions gives it a thumbs up. Service is excellent. read more

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Their London Fog is a perfect beverage for a cloudy, outdoor conversation. While Highland Park can get a little busy on weekends, this spot is tucked away with ample parking around back. This has been my go-to for catchups with friends between Edison and New Brunswick. Stellar service too! read more

They no longer serve breakfast food, aside from pastries and cookies. Also if you come during warmer weather, bring a sweater or hoodie. The AC here is constantly blasting and so cold. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Vegan avocado toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

This place continues to suck. Their hours are ridiculous - not café friendly! They run out of their paltry selection of food all the time. And it takes 4 people behind the counter 20 minutes to make a drink, if they even can get it right. They aren't very friendly. Are they all stoned? Actually, no, stoned people know what makes a good cafe. ;-) Oh, and try to get a seat - too many RU types with their laptops and one cup which they bought hours ago. I've had repeated bad experiences here. I won't go there anymore! If I could give them NO stars I would. Fortunately, they are no longer the only game in town. Ellinikon on Raritan at 2nd is terrific, friendly, smart, and delicious. read more

Great place to study, read, or catch up with friends. It's a peaceful atmosphere that's quiet, but not so quiet that you can't have a conversation. I've been here multiple times to meet people for projects/talking for over an hour over coffee/tea/matcha. You can tell they really care about their crafting of quality drinks. Although a bit pricey, I feel for their quality of coffee/matcha it's worth the price. I did try their rose matcha and although a great matcha latte, I didn't really taste the matcha. I always like to return and try their seasonal drinks! read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - rose matcha + regular matchas - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

Penstock Coffee Roasters is such a quaint and cozy spot tucked away in Highland, NJ. The atmosphere is bright and a wonderful spot to get work done! They have a great selection of craft coffees and beverages to choose from. Since they roast their own beans, you can taste the excellence in quality of their coffees! I tried their seasonal fall menu and their homemade sauces are excellent! read more

I live in Hillsborough and make the 30 minute drive at least once a week for a cup of coffee at Penstock. This coffee shop roasts their own beans, making it reallt easy to taste a difference in quality compared to other shops. Some of my personal favorites are the spro-j (orange juice with a shot of espresso and cardamom syrup), cappuccino and an iced latte with cardamom. No matter what you get, you can't go wrong. The interior is very warm and inviting. There's ample seating and you'll often see people working or studying here. It's a great place for remote workers or just stopping in for a quick cup. Tha baristas are always very friendly and they always create beautiful latte art if you order your drink for "here"! read more

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This is the best testing latte I could find, less than a 20-minute drive from where I live (South River). The latte is flavorful, "smooth," and is not bitter even without sugar. Some individual preparations, from time to time, could feel a bit more "watery," but it is rare. I found the service to be courteous, friendly, and accommodating. The ambiance is clean and minimalistic. Teachers and students often use the place to work on their laptops, which adds to the atmosphere. read more

While Penstock it is a nicely decorated coffee shop, I personally find the coffee and pastries to be underwhelming. The coffee isn't cheap (you're going to be forking over at least $7-8 for a 12oz latte) and their espresso has more of a bitter taste. I've also tried their biscuits, which depending on when you go can taste stale if they've left them there all day. The double cheese biscuit also has A LOT of pepper in it. From my experience of coming here several times, the service can be a hit or miss here...most of the time I end up waiting for a bit even if I preordered. Overall, I'm glad I tried it but it just wasn't for me. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

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TLDR: my favorite coffee place in the area. Every time Im nearby I just have to grab a coffee and a fresh pastry. It's been part of my weekly routine for the past several months to pick up a date tart and a cold brew. I've had several of the drinks and I promise everything will be of quality. In addition to the great drinks, the pastries are fresh and probably some of the best in the area. My absolute favorite is date tart, which is buttery, crispy, sweet, and I would eat them 5 times a day if they were unlimited and I didn't gain any health complications. My partner loves the strawberry mascarpone cruffins but honestly all of the pastries are delicious. Service is always friendly! I just hope the date tart comes back soon read more

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Coffee and thumprint cookies were delightful. Service was wonderful. Staff was very friendly. Nice chill vibes in there. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Cortado, Raspberry Thumbprints - One Pair, socrates coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

This cafe is an adorable hidden gem to check out. The atmosphere is very calm, relaxing, and intimate. The space was so small that it resembled a cute living room, complemented w/ wooden furniture and plants. The workers are all very friendly and helpful, and the coffee was great. I just wish there was more seating / the tables were a little bigger. read more

TLDR - cozy space, perfect place to study/ grab coffee with friends, delicious croissants and coffee! This place is my go-to coffee spot to grab some coffee, do some work or reading, and catch up with friends. I've enjoyed everything that I've gotten from this place from lattes, matcha lattes, and a standard drip coffee. I've also gotten a few bags of coffee from here too and they can grind the coffee for you on the spot! Vibes: The moment you walk in, you can smell freshly ground coffee and baked goods. There's usually a good amount of people coming in and out, but the sound of people talking and drinks being made is never too loud. I actually enjoy the hum of busyness around me. There's just enough seating inside and you can find extra seating outside as well. Food/coffee: I finally came in early on a Thursday and tried their croissant! They only have them from Thurs - Sun and they do run out quickly. The croissant was beautifully flaky, buttery and just pure simple goodness. I also got a cold brew that had a pretty strong coffee flavor, which is perfect for me. The total cost of my croissant and cold brew was $10.50, which is a bit pricey but worth it! I'll definitely be coming back again! I saw some cruffins cooling in the back and they looked so tempting! read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Croissant Muffin (Cruffin) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

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Penstock coffee is a must stop for coffee lovers in highland park. Amazing service and quality brew. The baristas helped recommend a drink and it exceeded expectations. Make sure to stop by earlier in the morning for their baked goods, they were sold out by the afternoon (looking forward to trying them on my next visit). Great atmosphere for getting some work done, student friendly. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - lavender honey latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

It was my first time coming here - I came on a Wednesday after eating sushi during a rainy afternoon. The interior is rustic, modern, and minimalist and makes for a great date spot or study spot! There are many tables and the atmosphere is a steady quiet with the classic cafe noises in the back - slight music, coffee roaring machines running, the hum of noises! Although it was my first time coming here, my friend names this place as her holy grail. So from an experienced person, we parked nearby: There is street parking but around the corner there is also a mini parking lot! Food wise - I got the chai latte here - they have two versions of sweet and spicy. I opted to get a non-coffee drink so I got the hot sweet chai with oat milk. It wasn't too sweet (which is to my taste) and has a strong cardamom flavor (my fav kind of chai) The drink came out pretty quickly and the line was short! read more

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A kind staff, great vibe, and delicious coffee make this spot a must try imo. i normally grab a vanilla latte and rate coffee shops on the texture of the milk they steam, the taste of the espresso, and the taste of the drink as a whole (i.e. too much/too little flavoring, harsh acidity, etc.) the employees at Penstock really know what they're doing, with a delicious vanilla latte with perfectly steamed milk that held its texture throughout the 20 minutes I sat and drank it, espresso that played great with the sweetness of the milk, and a subtle vanilla hit that tells me they know what makes a great drink. additionally, daily pastries, seasonal specials, and in-house roasted beans complete with traceability back to the coffee farm, tasting notes, and brew recommendations make this shop an easy recommendation to anyone into third-wave specialty coffee. Penstock definitely takes pride in what they do and that makes it easy to take pride in supporting them. cheers to penstock and definitely give it a try next time you're in the area! read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Bar area with a beautiful blue La Marzocco machine. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

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Neighborhood jewel with excellent coffee and tasty, fresh baked goods for snacking. Plenty of seating and super helpful and friendly staff. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

A pretty hip cafe with open mic nights which is awesome. A decent amount of both indoor and outdoor seating, with many people often studying or working inside. I'm surprised that such a progressive shop could have such wasteful cups, straws, etc. Really hoping they can work on replacing their current cheap to-go cups with nice, eco-friendly alternatives. If they do, it would be an awesome place I'd continue to try out. All in all, their coffee is very strong so if you're looking for a bold taste, check Penstock out. read more

Paid $8 for a tiny cup of basically just milk :/ flavorless chai :( really wanted to like it but it wasn't even worth drinking. Think they gave me just a cup of almond milk honestly. read more

I stopped by this cafe with my friend because we just got our nails done a block away. Although the cafe is a bit small, it has a lot of seating areas for you to study or have a chat. The environment of the cafe is comforting and relaxing. The lights are dim, and there is sweet lo-fi music playing in the background. The cafe is also aesthetically decorated and very Instagram worthy. I ordered the Apple Maple Latte, and my friend ordered the London Fog. The Apple Maple Latte had a design on it which made it very pretty. However, taste-wise, I thought it was alright. I wish the apple maple flavor was a bit stronger compared to the actual latte. Although I was able to taste hints of the apple maple, it was a small amount. Overall, I loved the vibes of the cafe and would definitely be back. I probably won't order the Apple Maple Latte again, but I will want to try something else. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Apple Maple Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

These guys know their coffee AND their beans are great quality. You can't go wrong between their hot coffee drinks, pour overs, or seasonal orders. I got their Pythagoras (similar to a hot oat latte with cinnamon) and it was amazing. I always appreciate a brief menu as it focuses on quality over quantity. Their baristas are knowledgeable in case you need some guidance on what to order. I have to say, their baked goods also won me over. Their cheese biscuit sandwich was made to order and you can actually see the in house baker make it from scratch. Needless to say it was simple yet amazing. I also got their vegan salted chocolate rye cookie to pair with my coffee and it was great. Its a bit crunchy outside by chewy in the middle. Surprisingly for a Monday it was pretty packed but there was plenty room and we were able to get a seat to enjoy our food. Service was quick and I love that they are dog friendly. Look forward to trying out one of their coffee classes in the future. Best coffee shop in the area! read more

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Good coffee. I got the flat white and it was spot on. Nice ambiance. But the space is small. Good service!l overall.

Get: The Lavender Lemon Cream Cruffin Updating my review for 2021! It's been a whiiile since I've been to Penstock Coffee Roasters. I would come here more often but its often crowded if you don't get there early. This time though I came right at opening buuuut it was outdoor dining only (i think they have reopened indoor dining since this visit). I got a nice spot outside and the weather was just perfect. I ordered an oatmilk latte with honey. It was good! Well balanced. The toast I got though was a winner. The bread was thick and milky and elastic..bouncy almost. The jam was beautiful with the ricotta and had a bit of lemon to brighten it up! Yummm I would definitely get this again! The barista was nice but not much interaction here...pretty standard order and go thank you!. Next I got the matcha oatmilk...too much milk to matcha ratio..but their cruffin is legit! It had the perfect amount of sweetness and buttery goodness. Powdered sugar was really nice on top and just flaky. I got it with the lavender lemon cream. Its actually one of the stand out pastries I've had thus far on my café hunt. Don't sleep on this! read more

We here with a colleague since he saw great reviews. This place was phenomenal. The service was spot on. They were busy but acknowledged us than took our order. The ambiance inside was quaint. The tables were all taken so we opted for outside dining under one of the canopies. The coffee was excellent. They put in the cream and sugar but made it perfectly. The coffee was archimedes and has a nice taste. The scone was unlike any scone and tasted excellent. Not dry and not too moist. It had a different texture. I recommend this place and will come back when in the area. read more

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Found this place while running a work errand. Pleasantly surprised they had maple syrup so I was able to order my go to maple latte with almond milk. Espresso was smooth and perfect amount of maple. The medium seemed a little on the small size but the latte was good so that would be my only complaint. read more

Cannot sing high enough praise for this coffee shop! The coffee is incredible (also have beans roasted on site for great at home brews), the service and management is wonderful, and the shop a lovely space to catch up with friends or get work done. Pro tip: get in early on Thursday-Sunday mornings to get great pastries made in-house. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey

The coffee here is excellent. They know their stuff and produce terrific espresso drinks. The service is generally friendly though it takes quite a while to get a drink so plan ahead. It's worth the wait but you need to keep that in mind. The one major flaw is the garbage cans surround the outside seating. It's a real ick factor and needs to be addressed. read more

Got a iced Tahitian vanilla latte. Was very smooth and delicious, a nice subtle sweetness. The people working were very nice and quick. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because of the price. $5.25 for a 10 oz iced coffee is pretty steep. This will probably be a "once in a while" kind of place since the value isn't the greatest. But will probably return. read more

Penstock Coffee Roasters - Half consumed Tahitian vanilla iced latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Highland Park, New Jersey