Despite the many yummy coffee shops in town, we can’t help but get excited when a new one emerges — especially one that just screams “local”. Hudson Coffee, owned by Hoboken Police officer {+Hoboken native} Justin DePascale, is officially open at 1100 Maxwell Lane. They are celebrating their grand opening this Friday, May 4th with half priced coffee and beverages. All proceeds will benefit the PBA, who will in turn purchase safety equipment for Hoboken High School — which gives you even more of a reason to treat yo’self a latte on your way to work or after your workout. We checked out {+ enjoyed} Hudson Coffee, and we’re sharing our visit with you, so read on for all the deets on the Mile Square’s newest coffee spot:
How Hudson Coffee Was Born:
Owner Justin DePascale never truly liked or drank coffee, until he began working crazy hours as a police officer. Eventually, coffee became a necessity and rewind today, he is now the owner of two coffee shops. Justin shared:
“It’s surprising that I went from disliking coffee to having a real passion for it now,” said DePascale. “I tasted some really bad brews during my years on the police force, so when I discovered truly good coffee, everything changed. I began to seek out specialty coffees and wanted to try different beans from around the world. I wanted to learn and understand more and became somewhat of a coffee connoisseur.”
^Owner of Hudson Coffee, and HPD Officer, Justin DePascale
The Atmosphere:
DePascale is commited to preserving the rich history of the Mile Square, being he is a Hoboken native himself whose family has deep roots in the community. Hudson Coffee boasts a chic interior with a combination of uptown Hoboken’s industrial past and the modern-day evolution of Maxwell Place. Throughout the coffee shop are nostalgic images of the old Maxwell House plant, Hudson waterfront shipyards, and other elements of Hoboken history. Some of the photos on the wall were actually taken by DePascale himself.
We loved the bright, inviting, and spacious atmosphere at Hudson Coffee and think it’s the perf space to either meet up with friends for a latte, or to spend the day working.
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The Coffee + Treats:
We enjoyed a variety of coffee, lattes, iced coffees, and treats — and loved them all. While nowadays, it’s deemed important for your food and drinks to be insta-worthy, they should taste delish, too, and thankfully, Hudson Coffee’s items have both of those qualities.
Hudson Coffee, although paying homage to Maxwell House, is very different from the popular brand. Hudson Coffee offers premium, artisanal-style coffee that is made from the highest quality beans from all over the world. The coffee is ground locally and served fresh {as early as two days after being roasted}.
Menu items include cold brews, fine teas, latttes, espresso, capuccino, hot cocoa, pastries, cookies, muffins, and more.
^^Can you even deal with those huuuge cookies?!
^^ Insta-worthy and good — told ya!
Future Plans:
“We’re committed to serving first-class coffee in a friendly, comfortable environment”, said DePascale. “We’re a local establishment that also wants to be a neighborhood gathering place.” To that end, Hudson Coffee will host entertainment, open mic nights, and other events for the public.” We can’t wait!
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Plans to expand Hudson Coffee are already underway, and its second location is set to open in Jersey City at 70 Hudson Street soon. Each of DePascale’s locations will employ about 15 people and will offer management opportunities to other police officers as the business expands.
Grand Opening:
Hudson Coffee’s grand opening will take place Friday, May 4th {they will be open 6:00AM-9:00PM} with a ribbon cutting at 10:00AM with Hoboken mayor Ravi Bhalla. Half-priced coffee and hot beverages will be offered, and all proceeds will be donated to the Hoboken PBA to purchase safety equipment for Hoboken High School, where DePascle serves as a School Resource Police Officer.
For more information about Hudson Coffee Company, visit www.HudsonCoffeeCo.com or call: 201-656-0033.
