This Coffee Spot In New Jersey Is Winning National Accolades

I never thought a cup of coffee could change my morning routine forever.

Then I walked into Paper Plane Coffee Co., located at 61 N Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States.

From that first sip, I understood why this spot has captured national attention.

The place blends Colombian heritage with innovative craft, creating something truly special for every visitor.

Five Generations Of Colombian Coffee Heritage

Walking through the doors, you immediately sense the deep history woven into every bean.

Paper Plane Coffee Co. carries the legacy of five generations of Colombian coffee growers from Santuario Risaralda.

Founder Jonathan Echeverry brings his family’s tradition directly from the mountains to your cup.

This connection to the land makes every beverage more than just caffeine fuel.

You taste the dedication of farmers who have perfected their craft over decades.

The beans travel from Colombian highlands to this charming Montclair location with care and respect.

Each roast honors the work of those who came before.

When you order here, you support a lineage that spans continents and generations.

The rich, complex flavors tell stories of misty mornings and careful cultivation.

It transforms a simple coffee stop into a cultural experience worth savoring slowly.

Third Best Coffee Shop In New Jersey

Recognition from The Star-Ledger and NJ.com in 2023 placed this café among the elite.

Earning third place statewide means beating hundreds of competitors across New Jersey.

The judges recognized what locals already knew: this spot delivers excellence consistently.

I noticed the award displayed proudly near the counter during my visit.

Staff members never boast about it, but their quality speaks volumes.

Every barista demonstrates the skill and attention that earned this prestigious ranking.

From perfectly pulled espresso shots to expertly steamed milk, precision matters here.

The accolade attracts visitors from neighboring towns and curious travelers passing through.

Yet the team maintains the same warm, unpretentious service regardless of growing fame.

This balance between achievement and humility makes the experience even more delightful.

You feel welcomed rather than intimidated by their expertise.

Historic Building Restoration And Preservation Award

The Montclair Township Historic Preservation Commission honored this location with a Bricks & Mortar Award in 2020.

The building dates back to 1928, showcasing stunning Gothic Revival architecture that could have crumbled.

Instead, careful restoration preserved its character while creating a functional modern café.

Original details blend seamlessly with contemporary coffee equipment and comfortable seating.

Walking inside feels like stepping through time while enjoying present-day conveniences.

The exposed brick walls and vintage elements create an atmosphere that chain stores cannot replicate.

Every corner reveals thoughtful design choices that respect the building’s history.

This commitment to preservation demonstrates values beyond profit margins.

The owners invested in maintaining Montclair’s architectural heritage for future generations.

Sipping coffee surrounded by nearly a century of stories adds depth to the experience.

The space itself becomes part of your memorable visit.

Mexican-Style Coffee Soda Innovation

My curiosity peaked when I spotted Mexican-style coffee soda on the menu board.

This unexpected combination marries cold brew with sparkling water and subtle spices.

The result refreshes like soda while delivering coffee’s bold flavor profile.

I took a cautious first sip, unsure what to expect from such creativity.

The effervescence danced on my tongue, followed by smooth coffee notes with hints of cinnamon.

It felt perfect for warm afternoons when hot drinks seem too heavy.

The carbonation provides a playful twist that makes you reconsider traditional coffee boundaries.

Other customers seemed equally intrigued, often asking baristas for recommendations before ordering.

The staff eagerly explains the inspiration and flavor components behind each innovative creation.

This willingness to experiment separates Paper Plane from conventional coffee shops.

They respect tradition while fearlessly exploring new territory.

I left planning my next visit to try other unconventional offerings.

Strawberry Espresso With Pop Rocks

Nothing prepared me for the whimsical joy of strawberry espresso topped with pop rocks.

The barista presented this creation with a knowing smile, anticipating my reaction.

Tiny candy explosions mingled with sweet strawberry and robust espresso in unexpected harmony.

Each sip brought textural surprises as the pop rocks crackled against my palate.

The fruity sweetness balanced the espresso’s natural bitterness beautifully.

This playful approach to coffee appeals to adventurous spirits and Instagram enthusiasts alike.

Yet the drink succeeds beyond novelty because the flavors genuinely complement each other.

I watched children’s eyes light up when parents ordered this special treat.

Adults rediscovered childhood wonder through this clever combination.

The creativity demonstrates confidence in pushing boundaries without sacrificing quality.

You taste both fun and craftsmanship in every delightful sip.

It reminded me that coffee culture can embrace joy without taking itself too seriously.

Claremont Avenue Location For Private Events

The original Claremont Avenue location reopened in September 2025 after extensive renovations.

This space now serves as a venue for private events, business meetings, and specialty coffee classes.

The transformation expands Paper Plane’s mission beyond daily coffee service.

I learned about cupping sessions where enthusiasts learn to identify flavor notes and origins.

Corporate teams book the space for creative meetings in an inspiring environment.

The intimate setting accommodates groups while maintaining the café’s signature warmth and character.

Professional equipment allows for hands-on learning experiences unavailable elsewhere.

Birthday parties and small celebrations gain a unique flair when hosted among coffee roasting equipment.

Guests enjoy exclusive access to expert baristas who share knowledge enthusiastically.

This dual-purpose approach strengthens community connections beyond transactional customer relationships.

Education and celebration intertwine with exceptional coffee at the heart.

The expansion shows thoughtful growth that enriches rather than dilutes the brand’s core values.

Maplewood Expansion Plans

Excitement buzzed through the Montclair location when staff mentioned the upcoming Maplewood opening.

Paper Plane Coffee Co. announced plans to establish a presence in the historic Nelson’s Building.

This expansion brings their acclaimed coffee to neighboring communities eager for quality options.

The choice of another historic structure demonstrates a consistent commitment to preservation and character.

Rather than opting for generic modern construction, they seek spaces with stories.

Local Maplewood residents have expressed enthusiasm about gaining access to award-winning coffee.

The new location promises to replicate the welcoming atmosphere that defines the Montclair experience.

Growth at this measured pace suggests careful attention to maintaining quality standards.

Each new opening receives the same thoughtful planning and community integration.

I appreciated hearing that success hasn’t rushed them into careless expansion.

They prioritize doing things right over doing things quickly.

This patient approach builds trust and ensures each location receives proper attention and resources.

Sustainability And Ethical Sourcing Commitment

Environmental consciousness permeates every aspect of Paper Plane’s operations.

They emphasize eco-friendly practices from bean sourcing through final cup preparation.

Ethically sourced beans ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their labor.

Reusable cup discounts encourage customers to reduce waste without feeling pressured.

Compostable materials replace plastic wherever possible throughout the operation.

This alignment with third-wave coffee principles extends beyond trendy marketing speak.

I observed genuine implementation of sustainable practices in daily operations.

Staff members educated me about direct trade relationships with coffee farmers.

These connections ensure quality while supporting communities that grow the beans.

The commitment feels authentic rather than performative, woven into the business model naturally.

You support positive environmental impact simply by choosing to purchase here.

Knowing my coffee dollars contribute to ethical practices enhances the enjoyment significantly.

Taste and values align perfectly in each carefully crafted beverage.

Airplane-Inspired Interior Design

The name Paper Plane comes to life through clever interior design choices.

Seating resembles airplane configurations, creating cozy rows that maximize space efficiently.

Aviation-themed touches appear throughout without overwhelming the comfortable café atmosphere.

I settled into a seat that reminded me of first-class travel comfort.

The design balances novelty with functionality, ensuring aesthetics don’t compromise comfort.

Vintage aviation posters and subtle propeller motifs add character without feeling gimmicky.

The theme enhances rather than dominates the space.

This creative approach gives the café a distinctive personality that customers remember fondly.

Friends easily recall meeting at the place with airplane seats when making plans.

The design also sparks conversations among strangers sharing communal seating areas.

I chatted with a fellow coffee lover about travel dreams between sips.

Thoughtful décor transforms a simple coffee stop into a memorable destination worth visiting repeatedly.

The environment invites lingering rather than quick transactions.

Lavender-Maple Matcha And Diverse Menu

Beyond traditional espresso drinks, the menu ventures into creative territory with confidence.

Lavender-maple matcha caught my attention with its unusual flavor combination.

The floral notes complement earthy matcha, while maple adds gentle sweetness.

I watched the barista carefully measure each component, treating this drink with the same respect as classic preparations.

The result tasted complex yet balanced, never overwhelming the palate.

Pastries from local bakeries line the display case, offering perfect accompaniments.

Croissants flake delicately, and muffins burst with fresh fruit throughout.

The variety ensures return visits reveal new discoveries rather than repetitive experiences.

Seasonal specials rotate regularly, keeping the menu dynamic and interesting.

I appreciated that adventurous options coexist peacefully with traditional choices.

Purists find excellent espresso while explorers enjoy creative concoctions.

This inclusive approach welcomes diverse preferences without compromising on quality anywhere.

Every item receives careful attention regardless of complexity or popularity.

National Media Recognition And Features

Publications like Imbibe magazine, The Washington Post, and Eater have featured Paper Plane prominently.

This national attention highlights the café’s influence beyond local communities.

Food and beverage journalists recognize the exceptional quality and innovative approach.

I noticed framed articles displayed tastefully without excessive self-promotion.

The coverage speaks for itself, documenting the journey from Brooklyn startup to acclaimed establishment.

Media recognition attracts curious visitors from across the country seeking noteworthy coffee experiences.

Yet the café maintains its neighborhood feel despite growing fame.

Staff members treat first-time visitors and regular customers with equal warmth and attention.

Fame hasn’t inflated egos or diminished the welcoming atmosphere.

Reading these features after my visit deepened my appreciation for what I experienced.

Critics articulated the excellence I sensed instinctively during my time there.

This external validation confirms that exceptional quality extends beyond subjective personal preference.

The café genuinely deserves its growing reputation and accolades.

Founder Jonathan Echeverry’s Vision

Jonathan Echeverry embodies the intersection of heritage and innovation that defines Paper Plane.

As a fifth-generation Colombian coffee grower and first-generation American, he bridges two worlds beautifully.

His family’s agricultural expertise combines with the entrepreneurial spirit nurtured in the United States.

I learned his story from staff members who spoke admiringly of his vision.

He established the business in Brooklyn in 2015 before relocating to Montclair in 2019.

This journey reflects careful planning and dedication to bringing exceptional coffee to communities.

His Colombian roots inform sourcing decisions while American innovation inspires creative menu development.

The café feels like an extension of his personal values and cultural identity.

Authenticity permeates every decision from bean selection to customer service standards.

Meeting someone who successfully honors tradition while embracing progress inspires confidence.

You taste his passion and commitment in every carefully crafted beverage.

His leadership created a space where excellence and warmth coexist naturally and genuinely.