You’ve seen the photos. Maybe it was a shot of a perfectly laminated croissant or a latte with art so precise it felt like a shame to take the first sip. If you spend any time scrolling through North Jersey food circles, Cache Coffee and More in Tenafly has probably popped up on your radar. It isn’t just another suburban caffeine stop. Honestly, it feels more like a quiet rebellion against the mass-produced, burnt-bean culture that dominates most morning commutes.
The shop sits on Washington Street, and from the outside, it’s understated. But once you step inside, the vibe shifts. It’s airy. It’s clean. It smells like high-end butter and serious espresso.
People often ask if the "and more" part of the name is just filler. It’s not. While the coffee is the anchor, the kitchen is doing things with flour and sugar that you usually only find in top-tier Manhattan bakeries. We are talking about a level of technical execution that makes you realize most "artisan" cafes are just faking it.
The Reality of the Cache Coffee and More Menu
Let’s get into the specifics of what makes this place tick. Cache Coffee and More doesn't try to be everything to everyone. You won't find a fifty-page menu here. Instead, they focus on a tight rotation of pastries and a coffee program that treats the bean like a seasonal ingredient rather than a shelf-stable commodity.
The croissants are the big draw. If you’ve ever had a mediocre one—those doughy, bread-like triangles from a grocery store—forget them. A real croissant should shatter. When you bite into one at Cache, the outer layers flake away into a million pieces, revealing an interior that is airy, honeycomb-structured, and rich with the scent of fermented dough.
They do a pistachio croissant that is, frankly, dangerous. It isn't filled with that bright green, artificial syrup you see in cheap shops. It’s a deep, nutty, earthy paste. It balances the sweetness of the pastry perfectly. They also lean into seasonal flavors, sometimes doing things like a black sesame cruffin or a savory danish that features local produce.
Then there’s the "and more" part—the brunch-adjacent items. Their avocado toast is a staple, but they elevate it with high-quality sourdough and garnishes like radish and microgreens that actually add flavor, not just "Instagrammable" color. The smoked salmon bagel is another heavy hitter, using fresh dill and capers to cut through the richness of the fish.
Why the Coffee Science Matters
Most people just want a caffeine hit. I get it. But if you’re going to Cache Coffee and More, you’re likely looking for something better than a "regular coffee."
💡 You might also like: Modern platform bed frame: What Most People Get Wrong About Sleep Support
They use high-end equipment, like the La Marzocco espresso machines, which are essentially the Ferraris of the coffee world. But a machine is only as good as the person behind it. The baristas here actually understand extraction. They aren't just pushing a button. They’re weighing the grounds, timing the shots, and steaming the milk to a micro-foam consistency that feels like velvet on the tongue.
The Beans
They source from specialty roasters. This means the flavor profiles are distinct. Depending on what’s in the hopper, you might taste:
- Bright acidity with notes of citrus or green apple (often from East African beans).
- Chocolatey, nutty undertones that feel cozy and familiar (typical of South American origins).
- Floral aromas that linger long after the sip is gone.
They offer pour-overs for the purists. A pour-over takes longer. It’s slow. It’s a process. But it allows the subtle nuances of the coffee to shine through in a way that a standard drip machine never could. If you have five minutes to spare, order the V60 or Chemex. It changes how you perceive "black coffee."
The Tenafly Vibe: More Than Just a Counter
Location matters. Tenafly has this specific energy—it's affluent but family-oriented, busy but not frantic. Cache Coffee and More fits into this ecosystem perfectly. It’s become a hub for remote workers, parents after the school drop-off, and weekend cyclists stopping for a mid-ride refueling.
The interior design is intentional. It’s minimal. Natural wood, white walls, and plenty of light. It doesn't feel cluttered. This matters because it allows the products—the golden-brown pastries and the dark coffee—to be the visual focal points.
One thing people often overlook is the seating. It’s comfortable enough to stay for a bit, but the shop gets busy, especially on Saturday mornings. If you’re planning to post up with a laptop, get there early. By 10:00 AM, the line often snakes toward the door, and the "more" (the food) starts selling out.
Addressing the Price Point
Let’s be real. Cache Coffee and More isn't the cheapest place in town. You’re going to pay more here than you would at a national chain. A latte and a pastry might run you $12 to $15.
Is it worth it?
👉 See also: The Biggest Pancake in the World: What Really Happened in Rochdale
If you value the craft, yes. You’re paying for the high-quality butter in the pastry, the fair-trade sourcing of the beans, and the skill of the staff. It’s a luxury experience in a casual setting. Most regulars view it as a "treat yourself" destination rather than a daily $2 coffee run.
What Most People Get Wrong About Cache
There is a misconception that places like this are snobby. "Specialty coffee" has a reputation for being gate-kept by people in beanies who judge you for wanting sugar.
In my experience, Cache Coffee and More isn't like that. The staff is generally happy to explain the difference between a flat white and a latte or help you pick out a pastry based on your sweetness preference. They want you to enjoy the food. They aren't trying to intimidate you with coffee jargon, even though they clearly know their stuff.
Another thing: don't sleep on their tea selection. While the coffee gets the spotlight, they take their tea service just as seriously. They use loose-leaf teas that are brewed at the correct temperatures—because nobody wants scorched green tea.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Visit
If you want the full Cache Coffee and More experience without the stress, follow these steps.
- Timing is everything. Tuesday through Thursday are the sweet spots. If you must go on a weekend, try the early bird window (8:00 AM) or the post-brunch lull (around 1:30 PM).
- Ask about the specials. They often have "off-menu" or limited-run pastries that aren't on the main board. These are usually the baker’s passion projects and are often the best things in the case.
- Check the roast date. If you’re buying beans to take home, look at the bag. They sell fresh bags from top-tier roasters. Aim for beans roasted within the last two weeks for the best flavor profile.
- Try the savory. Everyone goes for the sweet, but their savory danishes—especially the ones with seasonal veggies and cheese—are arguably the more complex and satisfying choice.
A Quick Comparison of Styles
To understand where Cache Coffee and More sits in the NJ coffee landscape, you have to look at the competition.
On one side, you have the classic NJ diners. Great for a bottomless cup of "joe," but the coffee is usually bitter and serves as a caffeine delivery system rather than a culinary experience. On the other side, you have the big chains where everything is automated and standardized.
Cache occupies the "Third Wave" space. This movement treats coffee as an artisanal foodstuff, like wine or craft beer. Everything is tracked: the water temperature, the grind size, the roast profile. When you combine that level of coffee obsession with a high-end French-style bakery, you get something unique to the Bergen County area.
Actionable Steps for the Coffee Enthusiast
If you're planning a trip to Tenafly specifically for Cache Coffee and More, make a morning of it.
Start by ordering a Cortado. It’s the best way to judge a shop’s espresso. The equal parts milk and espresso will tell you immediately if the beans are roasted well and if the milk is textured correctly. If that passes the test, move on to the food.
Pair your drink with a seasonal fruit tart or the almond croissant. If you're there for a meal, the breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun is a solid choice.
Afterward, take your coffee for a walk. Tenafly has some beautiful residential streets and small parks nearby. It’s the kind of town that rewards a slow pace.
Summary Checklist for Your Visit:
- Check the Instagram page for daily pastry specials before you go.
- Bring a reusable cup if you’re a regular; it’s better for the environment and some shops offer a small discount.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a "tasting note" recommendation.
- Buy a bag of whole beans on your way out to recreate the experience (as much as possible) at home.
The reality is that "Cache Coffee and More" succeeds because it doesn't cut corners. In an era where everything feels like it’s being optimized for speed and profit margins, a place that cares about the lamination of a croissant or the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of its water is a breath of fresh air. It’s a destination for people who actually like the taste of what they’re consuming.