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    The Caves

    4.0 (745 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Order The Caves Takeout or Delivery

    The Caves Photos

    THE CAVES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Intimate
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - The Caves

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    Cilantro Chicken Quesadilla
    Yuna C.

    It's been 9 years since I came to Cafe Archetypus (former name) and it was and still is popular for their indulgent desserts, but I was pleasantly surprised by the savory/main dish options. The portions are large, so definitely leave room for dessert! As the theme is caves, the interior will be dark but each table has some candles to help with the lighting.

    Briana F.

    We were traveling from out of town and were running late. The owner was able to accommodate us close to closing time and that's the reason I love this place!! Every time I come to visit NJ I always try to make it out to the caves. The food is great and the service is wonderful.

    She A.

    Came here on a late Friday night with a friend for dessert and some vibes. We didn't have a reservation so we had to wait twenty minutes or so for a table for 2. We had the option to wait by door or the first room which had tables and chair. There is metered parking on the street. This place is very unique. Its dimly lighted with some nice vibey music. So it would be perfect for a date night. We got seated at a booth-like table that had a had sculpture in the front of the table while the table faced the towards the front of the restaurant. All the tables were very private and you can definitely hold conversations without being drowned out by the music. We only came here for dessert and coffee, We tried to ordered the Scarlet Witch but they ran out, So instead w3e opted for the Dark Desire and cappuccino. OMG.... This desert is so delicious and decadent. it was soo good, The ice cream and cake were both tasty. The service was wonderful and the ambiance was out of this world. Would definitely come back for more.

    Dessert and beverage menu as of 06.23.2023
    David Y.

    Came here on a Sunday night, pretty late too. This is the first time I been here since it was formally Archetypus. Same vibes with great dessert and coffee options. Got the zelorella sundae ($15.95) which had Kit Kat in it and was good. Also got the tiramisu delight ($19.95) which comes with ice cream and it was really good. I highly recommend the tiramisu delight. If you want late/date night with good dessert and coffee, I highly recommend this spot. * Open late for dessert * Street parking

    Chicken Gyro Platter
    Shurida L.

    You can bring your own bottle which I love. The hummus was sooo good. I ordered the gyro platter with chicken, very delicious. The service was amazing, the waiter was very attentive. This place is perfect for a date night, lots of privacy, low lights. I would definitely come back.

    Cheesecake
    Bea R.

    Cute concept, poor execution. 1.) It's called Cafe Archetypus, but it's not a traditional cafe environment. This is not the type of place you come to for a coffee or to do work. It operates like a full restaurant. 2.) The romantic, dim, cave-like ambiance realllllllllly carries most of the weight here. It's the main attraction. Honestly? It is too damn dark in there... They have candles on the table, but you're most likely going to have to use the flashlight on your iPhone to even see the menu. 3.) The food is comically overpriced for what they serve you. How can I describe the quality of the food here? It's like high school cafeteria food. Mass produced and most likely bought at your local grocery store to be reheated later... They have Mexican and Mediterranean dishes on their menu, but they lack any type of flavor... Premium prices for poor quality food? Be forreal LOL. $18-$20 for a "deluxe" brownie dessert... $14 for a "truffled potato chips appetizer".... that are actually RUFFLES Original... STOPPPP LOL $7-$10 for non-alcoholic drinks... (it's BYOB) Not even sure if it's worth coming here just for the cave experience. If anything, SKIP the food and just go for drinks. Not worth the $$$ and calories.

    Lava Chocolate
    Maria C.

    The food is always amazing. I've been here a couple of times and can say that the food is always great. The service is good. The ambiance is nice to go on a date, with friends or just to try something different. Love the setup of the place.

    Late night cravings.
    Jose P.

    Cafe Archetypus was, once again, outstanding. Their unique cave sitting areas are amazing.  The service is very good, every item comes in large portions, and all....delicious..... especially the desserts. We ordered Chicken Quesadillas, The Mediterranean Platter, and the Orion Sundae. The Chai Latte and Mixed Berry Smoothie were just as good as the entrees. If you've never been here.....VISIT, SOON.  You will enjoy their unique environment and great service.

    Cave rules
    Caterina V.

    Very romantic, clean, low lighting, smooth music, and good food and service. Have been going to this place for years!

    Santo Jordan wrap

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    17 days ago

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    4 months ago

    The environment is nice, dark and cozy. The food was good, and the price was reasonable, so I might go there again.

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    4 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Love this place! Came on a late Sunday night and parked easily across the street. The desserts were great. I'd definitely come back. 8/10

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    6 months ago

    Amazing food, great guest service, and open late. I had a wrap and I highly recommend it.

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    Page 1 of 19

    Ask the Community - The Caves

    Do I jusy show up with a small cooler with beer and wine or no small cooler allowed?

    Would you say this is a place one could do some work on a laptop on a friday evening?

    I wouldn't suggest working on a laptop here. The lighting is super dim - it's not your typical cafe.

    Do they have vegan desserts?

    I dont remember seeing any vegan dessert on the menu but you can always call and make sure because i could be wrong

    Where is parking? is it free?

    Theres a parking lot across the st and you can park there for free its probably like a block away or so from the restaurant

    Maybe 25 years ago I went to a place called Cafe Enigma? Is this the same place or location?

    I think the old name was The Cave

    BYOB?? Do they sell alcohol?

    It is a BYOB, wines. No hard liquor like vodka, or tequila.

    Hi I would like to take my girlfriend out tonight? Do you have any openings for a 7 or 730 reservation?

    I dont think they do reservations

    Can someone please help me out , 1st can i get my own champagne , 2nd will the worker in cafe help…

    Yes and yes

    Is this BYOB?

    Hello Deanna, Yes, we are BYOB... NJ recognizes Wine & Beer as acceptable bottle, no hard liquor...

    Do I need to call to make reservations for a party of 4? For tonight like 830pm?

    I don't think they do reservations. It's first come first serve is what u was told

    Do they serve any halal meat here?

    I dont remember seeing that on the menu but you can always call and ask i could be wrong

    How is the food here if I take my 15 year old daughter and a couple of friends for her birthday?

    The food is great for teens. I recommend the quesadilla and their desserts.

    Hi, I'm trying to plan a birthday night out with some of my friends. I was thinking about coming here right when it opens to avoid waiting. I was wondering if this place would be ok for a group of 7 or 8? Thank you in advance for answers. :)

    Probably not, unless they have a separate area for parties! The whole place is meant more for dates I would say. Everyone is quiet and the ambience isn't exactly friendly for people to talk across the table or be super loud at all. The lighting is… Read more

    View All 14 Questions

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    Maison Pickle - 24 Layer Vanilla Confetti Cake

    Maison Pickle

    4.2(2.2k reviews)
    1.7 miUpper West Side
    $$$

    I don't ordinarily choose to go to typically popular (social media-wise) places. However, I now…read moreunderstand why this place gets the kind of love that it gets. First of all, the service is terrific. I walked in as a "one" and got to sit in this adorable little solo seat up on the second floor, which had a great view of all of the goings on down below me. Then I ordered a Classic Bloody Mary and their Deluxe French Dip from a friendly and competent server. When the Bloody Mary came out, it looked almost pink, which had given me the false sense that it might not be all that flavorful. Boy, was I wrong. It was an incredibly tasty cocktail. It honestly might have been one of the best I've ever had! The Deluxe French Dip was insane. It was a vision of beauty. I just couldn't even figure out how I was going to eat it without making a complete mess of myself. I even asked the waiter if he had a recommendation. He just told me, "You just have to own it" and brought me a stack of napkins. And "own it" I did. It was so delicious and decadent. It involves so many deep flavors. I particularly loved the horseradish sauce. Being a native New Yorker I often scoff at these madly, popular eateries that draw large crowds of people taking selfies while they're eating, but between the service, the food, the decor and the overall vibe, I honestly believe I understand why this place is so wildly popular. And you should go check it out too.

    My friends and I came here for a burlesque/live music show on a recent Friday evening and it's…read morereally a great place for a show. I had fun and the performers were excellent. It was supposed to be a dinner show type of vibe but if you're plant-based/vegan, there's nothing for you here, which is a bit of a disappointment. I'm not expecting anything earth-shattering at a place that's known for French dip and steak, just one option that isn't grilled asparagus. So I split a bottle of prosecco with my friends and enjoyed the show. The band plays from the balcony above, and the burlyQ performer made her way through the tables and bar. Great sightlines and a fun atmosphere overall. Our server was very nice and attentive. I just left hungry. So I couldn't see myself returning without getting dinner somewhere beforehand.

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    Pull Apart Honey and Butter Bread was the Beyoncé at the table.

    The Caves - coffee - Updated May 2026

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