Coffee, Korean Treats & More at Café Lafayette
Café Lafayette recently opened on a sunny corner of Maple and Monitor Streets in Bergen-Lafayette, serving up coffee, breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The menu centers around coffee drinks, smoothies, pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and excellent authentic Korean food. Does that mix sound familiar to you? If so, you probably have been to Basic, the OG of coffee shops/cafés in Hamilton Park that was one of the very first to open there way back in 2001.
In fact, Café Lafayette’s owner Patrick Kang worked at Basic for three years alongside his brother James, who was Basic’s owner until selling it in 2019 after a great 18-year stretch. That was Patrick’s cue to go out on his own. The influence of his time at Basic with his brother – a truly beloved figure in the neighborhood - is apparent in the neighborhood-y vibe, sweet staff, and well-made drinks and eats at Café Lafayette.
What is completely new is the size (Café Lafayette is very spacious) and the coffee. Their signature blend, aptly named Café Lafayette, comes crafted from an artisanal coffee roaster based in Virginia. They also have a rotating list of hot drink specials such as Pumpkin Spice lattes and mochas and matchas. On our recent visit we enjoyed a super smooth Flat White along with a hearty, healthy Egg & Cheese served on Pullman toast. All the breakfast sandwiches are also available on brioche, bagel or wrap. Omelets (including a vegan one made with Just Eggs), open toasts, French toast, and sweet and savory pastries and croissants from Choc O Pain round out the breakfast options which are served all day long. If you are in the mood for something lighter, check out the yogurt parfaits and veg and fruit smoothies.
Lunch items include a nice pick of sandwiches, salads and delicious Korean food including noodle dishes like ramen and udon, rice bowls like bibimbap and Korean-style chicken and waffles. Congrats to Patrick and be sure to check out Café Lafayette soon – what a perfect time of year to grab a hot drink after your sit-down meal and enjoy a stroll around beautiful Bergen-Lafayette.
Current hours are Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm and Saturday – Sunday 8am – 5pm
74 Maple St. @cafelafayettejc