But first… coffee: Unique flavors and inviting decor set Rutherford Coffee Company apart from the rest

May 16, 2021

By Emily Gabriel
Managing Editor

Rutherford Coffee Company, located on 70 Park Ave. in Rutherford, is the ideal local spot for people seeking a tasty treat or a relaxing environment to do their work. 

As customers walk into the unique coffee shop, they will be immediately greeted by the pleasant smell of freshly brewed coffee that fills the air. Glancing around the shop, patrons will notice the calm, relaxing environment. The chill music contributes to the great atmosphere, and the impressive art on the walls is the perfect touch.

Rutherford Coffee Company opened its doors in January, and I had always walked past the shop on my way to work, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review it.

Looking at the menu, I knew I wanted to order a coffee I had never tried before. The barista was friendly and recommended the Santuario pour-over ($4-$5). The coffee includes hints of citrus, malt and cacao. I added some whole milk to balance the strong taste of the coffee. This freshly brewed drink was absolutely perfect. Going in for my first sip, I was hit with a distinct taste of citrus. The flavor is not bitter but has a citrusy acidic flavor. This makes for a well-blanched coffee and rounds out the flavor.

I paired my coffee with a homemade pastafrola, which may very well be the prettiest dessert I have ever seen. The pastafrola ($4) was so delicate and soft. The tart was filled with guava and cheese and topped with almonds and coconut. As I bit into the pastafrola, I admired that it was not too sweet. I could taste each component of the tart from the crunchy almonds to the hint of coconut and sweet honey glaze. The buttery pastry was delicious, and the pastafrola filling tasted almost like brown sugar.

I was accompanied by my sister, who got a refreshing iced chai latte ($4.50-$5.50). I had never tasted that type of drink before, so I was skeptical. However, I was not at all disappointed. The iced chai latte had a good balance of cinnamon and chai. It tasted similar to rice pudding and was not too sweet. My sister is a big fan of iced chai lattes and said it tasted better than the one sold at Starbucks because it was light and rich in flavor.

The quality of our food and drinks was outstanding, and memories of the unique flavors will stay in customers’ minds long after they take their last bite or finish that last sip.

My sister also bought a plain croissant ($2) that was sweet and soft. The fresh croissant was topped with a honey glaze, and the golden flaky exterior was sweet.

The quality of our food and drinks was outstanding, and memories of the unique flavors will stay in customers’ minds long after they take their last bite or finish that last sip.

The shop itself is cozy and the plants add some nice greenery against the modern rustic decor. I appreciated the socially distanced seating and signs on the floor as I enjoyed my food and the peaceful ambiance where I could do my homework. Rutherford Coffee Company also has online pick-up, so whether you prefer dine-in or grab-and-go, it is worth paying a visit to this coffee shop.

I have been to many coffee shops, but nothing compares to the Rutherford Coffee Company. Their coffee is as freshly brewed as it gets, and the glowing Yelp reviews are no joke. The shop is well worth the money, and since it is a short drive from Lyndhurst, the location is very convenient.

If you are like me and need a quick pick-me-up after a long day of hybrid learning, then the Rutherford Coffee Company and all of its natural light will surely provide you with the caffeine fix and sugar high to get you through the rest of your day.

PHOTOS BY EMILY GABRIEL