Yes, Starbucks may be “over” the PSL because they were called out for putting chemicals in them {PSL = pumpkin spice latte abbreviation for newbies}, but we’re definitely not. Maybe it’s because the local shops are serving them and not a chain, or maybe because pumpkin just tastes so damn good and being a “basic bitch” doesn’t phase us {more to come on our thoughts about this term later, FYI}. So, we sent some of our contributing authors and caffeine lovers {Tiffany and Sam} to taste test some coffee hot spots and give us the scoop. We’ve broken it down for you with decaf, milk alternatives, price, and our overall thoughts. Regardless of how you like your lattes, here are a few of the early birds of the pumpkin spice latte game that remind us that fall is here {in a cup}!
1. City of Saints Vanilla Cinnamon Latte
City of Saints has a fall beverage but they aren’t entertaining the pumpkin craze. Proud of their locally roasted Madagascar vanilla coffee beans, their Vanilla cinnamon latte is the seasonal treat du jour. This is a nice {and delicious} alternative to those who want something more flavorful than their usual coffee but don’t want the spice of pumpkin.
Price: $4.25 for a small
Decaf Option: Yes
Alternative milks: Almond, soy
Latte Art: City of Saints does a nice job of their latte art. Nothing super fancy, but latte art nonetheless!
Tiff’s Notes: Obviously not pumpkin-crazed, but still a delicious spin with some traditional fall flavors. A tad expensive compared to the other options below, but still very delicious. This is a quick in and out spot/coffee bar {it’s very small inside}, so definitely good for the PSL-er on the go.
2. Ganache Pump-kat Latte
Who doesn’t love a good dash of spice in your morning beverage come this time of year? Ganache’s Pump-Kat latte, truly tastes like fall without the syrupy aftermath. This latte doesn’t forget its roots and is careful to not overpower the double shot of espresso that caffeine lovers will be looking for.
Pump-Kat Latte’s Ingredients:
Pumpkin
French vanilla
Regular Milk
2 espresso shots
Cinnamon
Price: $3.85 for small
Decaf option: Yes
Alternative Milks: Almond, soy
Latte Art: Ganache doesn’t do latte art per say, but they do a nice job of adding whipped cream and delicious spices!
Tiff’s Notes:
Not too sweet. Tastes like fall. Has a bit of spice but doesn’t overpower the caffeine taste which is enjoyable. A great spot with free wifi to do some work!
3. Bwe Kafe Fall Spice Latte
This mid-uptown spot is proudly serving pumpkin spice, and it’s really ridiculous melt-in-your-mouth fall situation, FYI. bwe is the perfect spot to hang out and read a book or bring a computer to get work done. The music is great, the smells are energizing, and the coffee is fantastic.
Price: $ for a small
Decaf Option: Yes
Alternative milks: Almond, soy
Latte art: +1 for being pretty: bwe kafe definitely knows their latte art! They take such care in making their lattes – they always turn out beautifully, so it’s just a plus when they happen to taste amazing too. Gorgeous!
Sam’s Notes: When they started serving their fall spice latte, I used it as an excuse to post up and spend the morning there. I am not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had. It’s a heavenly combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other amazing fall flavors. Just the right amount of sweet and indulgent. I’d recommend stopping by and grabbing one (or two).
4. Empire Coffee & Tea Pumpkin Spice Latte {Iced or Regular}
Empire Coffee & Tea takes the ambiance of a coffee shop to a new level. This local shop has a huge variety of fall coffee bean flavors – pumpkin, cinnamon, salted caramel, hazelnut, butterscotch, and graham cracker, just to name a few.
Price: $4.00 for a small
Decaf Option: Yes
Alternative milks: Almond, soy
Latte art: None to speak of, but that doesn’t mean the taste is at all affected :)
Sam’s Notes: For my first cup of the season, I went for the traditional pumpkin — and because I’m not willing to give up summer just yet, I got it iced. It was really tasty and although I wish it had a tad more pumpkin flavor, it got the job done. Next time I’ll ask for a pump of pumpkin flavoring – but trying it the natural way {pumpkin spice infused in the beans} was really great. {Editor’s note: this is actually just a pumpkin flavored bean, but empire’s pumpkin spiced latte is quite amazing as well!}
A major thank you to our coffee taste-testers, Tiffany and Sam! Part Two Coming Soon.
What is your favorite local jaunt for a PSL?
Pumpkins forever,
HG
Pakistani-American Fusion Restaurant, Khokha, Opens in Jersey City
Contrary to popular belief, 2025 has brought more than just congestion pricing and the end of a much-anticipated holiday break. The new year has come with an abundance of new restaurants and cuisines in the area, including the up-and-coming Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City. Khokha is a Pakistani-American fast-food restaurant that opened its doors at 60 Sip Avenue, Store 2B in Jersey City on December 20th, 2024. This new spot, with a halal menu of burgers, sliders, paratha rolls, lamb chops, and more, is a foodie's dream come true. Read on for more about Khokha's recent arrival in Jersey City, New Jersey.
About Khokha
Khokha is a Pakistani-American restaurant that opened in Jersey City at 60 Sip Avenue, Store 2B on December 20th, 2024 with its official grand opening. This is the restaurant's second New Jersey location, with one in Piscataway at 1358 Centennial Avenue being the first.
View this post on Instagram
According to the franchise's website, Khokha means "kiosk" in Urdu. Within Pakistani culture, this word typically refers to a local eatery where people can find "delicious and comforting food along with unique and hilarious artwork." Khokha hopes to bring that same upbeat and comforting vibe to its Northern New Jersey communities.
Read More: Mexican-Inspired Coffee Shop, Cafexico, Opens in Hoboken
The Hoboken Girl team has reached out to the business and this piece will be updated with any further information.
The Menu
View this post on Instagram
Khokha serves up a completely halal menu of fast-food favorites like burgers, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and more. Patrons can find signature items like wagyu beef burgers, topped with chimichurri, jalapeño aioli, and romaine, as well as Pakistani-inspired options like the paratha rolls, which can be made with crispy chicken, pulled beef, or plant-based meat.
This restaurant is a great spot for plant-based folks. The menu includes options like The Modern Burger, made with a plant-based patty and topped with cheddar cheese, grilled tomato, the signature Khokha sauce, and mint chutney, and the Anda Shami, which comes with a chicken + split chickpea patty topped with omelet, cabbage, masala, ketchup, garlic sauce, and tamarind sauce.
The menu also features grilled cheese sandwiches, wings, milkshakes, desserts, and housemade drinks like the Desi Mint Margarita and Lassi, which is a yogurt-based beverage. While the restaurant has only been open for a few weeks as of this writing, menu options like the Australian and New Zealand lamb chops have quickly become must-try items for customers.
View this post on Instagram
Jersey City locals can try Khokha's expansive menu Sunday through Tuesday from 11AM to 9PM.
See More: Qahwah House: A Yemeni-Style Coffee Spot Opening in Montclair in 2025
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok to stay in-the-know with all of the Hoboken and Jersey City news, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar.
