The 9 Most Instagram-Worthy Coffee Shops in Cape May, NJ: Where to Find Gorgeous Interiors and Actually Great Coffee

Discover Cape May’s most aesthetic coffee shops with stunning interiors, gorgeous vibes, and actually incredible coffee. From Magic Brain’s eclectic charm to Art Block’s creative chaos—your definitive guide to sipping in style.

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Where the Coffee Is Good and the Vibes Are immaculate

Okay, besties, we need to have a real conversation—the kind where I tell you things about Cape May coffee shops that you probably didn’t know you needed to know, but now that I’ve said it, you’re going to be SO mad you didn’t discover sooner.

I’m talking about the spots where the interior design is so gorgeous you’ll forget you’re supposed to be working on your laptop. The corners that are literally made for deep conversations at 2 PM on a Tuesday when you should be doing literally anything else. The kind of coffee shops where you walk in and immediately think, “Okay, I could literally live here,” even though you have a lease and a cat and adult responsibilities that would make that logistically difficult.

Cape May isn’t just about the beaches and the Victorian architecture and that one lighthouse that everyone posts on Instagram like they discovered it themselves. It’s also about coffee shops that have figured out how to create spaces that feel like a warm hug from someone who actually gets you. And I’m about to break down every single one of them in a way that’s going to make you want to visit all of them in one weekend, which I do not recommend because you will literally crash from caffeine overload and then where will you be? In a coffee shop, probably, which is honestly not the worst problem to have.

“The thing about Cape May coffee shops is that they don’t try to be something they’re not. Each one has a personality, and if you spend enough time there, you start to feel like you know them personally.”

Magic Brain Cafe: The Main Character of Cape May Coffee

Okay, so Magic Brain has been open since 2011, which basically makes it the elder stateswoman of Cape May coffee shops, and honestly? It shows . This place has had time to figure out exactly what it’s doing, and let me tell you something—it’s absolutely figured it out.

The interior is what I would call “chaotic cozy,” and I mean that in the best possible way. Think medium-toned woods that create this instant warmth the second you walk in, shelves absolutely LOADED with trinkets and merch that make you want to buy everything even though you definitely don’t need another mug, and plants everywhere—so many plants—that somehow manage to look intentional instead of like someone just forgot to water them and now they’re thriving out of spite . One Yelp reviewer literally said “walking in, I was immediately greeted by aesthetics,” and I’m not even mad that they said it better than I could have.

Here’s the thing about Magic Brain that nobody tells you: it’s designed for lingering. The seating nooks are perfectly imperfect, positioned in corners where you can see everyone but nobody can really see you, which is exactly where we all want to be at 9 AM on a Saturday when we haven’t fully committed to being a person yet. The lighting has that golden hour quality that makes every selfie look like it was taken by someone who has their life together, and honestly? That’s half the battle with coffee shop aesthetics.

“We’re open 7 AM to 5 PM daily featuring freshly baked pastries and premium crafted espresso based beverages,” their Instagram says , but what they don’t tell you is that the pastries are the kind of good that makes you forget about everything you’ve ever eaten before them. The croissants specifically—I can’t talk about them without getting emotional, and I’ve been told that’s a me problem, but I disagree.

The Scene at Magic Brain

“So what are we actually doing today?” Jenna asked, dropping into the chair across from me like she’d been running from something. Which, knowing Jenna, she probably had.

“Working,” I said, gesturing at my laptop with the confidence of someone who had opened it approximately four times in the last two hours. “Obviously.”

“Obviously,” she repeated, in a tone that suggested she had questions about my definition of the word. “Okay, but like, are we working working, or are we working which means we’re actually going to sit here for three hours talking about Marcus while intermittently checking Instagram?”

I considered this. “Both? Neither? All of the above?”

Jenna nodded, satisfied. “So the usual.”

The thing about Magic Brain is that it facilitates these kinds of conversations. The eclectic decor and intimate seating nooks foster a sense of community among visitors , which is a fancy way of saying that everyone there is either pretending to work or actually having the kind of conversation they shouldn’t be having in public but absolutely are because the vibes are too good to care.

The barista called my name, and I collected my latte with that specific gratitude you feel for people who have recently given you caffeine. Jenna was already scrolling through her phone, which meant we’d entered the “processing” phase of our morning, and I was free to observe.

A couple in their sixties sat in the corner by the window, sharing a pastry and a newspaper in a way that felt impossibly retro. A woman with a laptop and noise-canceling headphones was doing something that looked important, but every few minutes she’d glance up at the plant wall like it had personally insulted her. Two girls who looked like they were visiting from somewhere less coastal kept taking photos of their drinks from angles that suggested they were very serious about Instagram.

“This is literally my favorite place in Cape May,” Jenna said, looking up from her phone. “I don’t know why I don’t come here more.”

“Because you live here,” I pointed out. “We never appreciate the things we have access to.”

“Deep,” she said, deadpan. “You should write that down. Put it on a mug. Sell it at Magic Brain.”

“I’ll run it by the merch shelf,” I said.

The Buoy Coffee Shop: Beach Vibes Done Right

If Magic Brain is the sophisticated older sister who has everything figured out, The Buoy is the younger sibling who’s just here to have a good time and look cute doing it. Located on Beach Avenue basically IN the sand—722 Beach Avenue, to be exact —this spot is the Southernmost Coffee Shop in New Jersey, which means if you go any further south, you’re officially in a different state, and honestly, what a flex .

The aesthetic here is coastal, but not in that forced nautical theme way that feels like a seafood restaurant designed by someone who’s never seen the ocean. It’s beachy the way Cape May is beachy—effortless, a little salty, with that specific kind of charm that comes from decades of ocean air and good energy. The hand-painted beach-themed mural is the kind of detail that makes you stop and stare and then immediately feel like you should have brought your camera .

“The Buoy has mastered the art of looking effortlessly put-together while serving up some seriously delicious coffee, and honestly? That’s a combination that’s harder to find than a parking spot on a Saturday in August.”

They serve Rival Bros. coffee , which is genuinely excellent, and if you’re someone who knows coffee, you already know what I’m talking about. If you’re someone who just knows they like coffee, trust me—you’ll taste the difference. The smoothies, bowls, wraps, and salads mean you can actually make a meal out of a visit here, which is perfect for those days when you’re at the beach and suddenly realize you forgot to eat breakfast and now it’s 2 PM and you’re experiencing a level of hunger that feels existential.

A Yelp reviewer called it “a great spot tucked off the side of the boardwalk next to the convention center” with “very cute” vibes and specifically praised the matcha latte with almond milk , which is the kind of detailed review I can get behind because I too have strong feelings about my almond milk beverages.

Out There Coffee: The Rustic Renaissance

Okay, Out There Coffee—let me tell you about Out There Coffee, because this place is genuinely something special. Located in Washington Commons , it’s an independent coffee shop serving organic, locally roasted coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and iced drinks, plus gluten-free baked goods that I’m still thinking about months later .

The aesthetic is rustic, but not in that “we put reclaimed wood on everything” way that feels performative. It’s rustic the way someone’s really nice living room is rustic—intentional, warm, with pieces that clearly have stories behind them. The music, as one TripAdvisor reviewer noted, is sublime , and I’m not even being dramatic when I say it’s the kind of playlist you wish you could listen to everywhere. The service is consistently described as fantastic with a smile , which sounds like a small thing but honestly makes such a difference when you’re trying to exist as a person in public.

“We’re delivering consistently delicious, carefully crafted coffee with genuine service and a smile” , their website says, and I have no notes. That’s the mission statement, and they are absolutely executing on it.

The interior is spacious, which sounds like a negative but I promise it’s a positive . It means you can actually spread out, work on your laptop without feeling like your neighbor is reading your screen, have a conversation without the person at the next table learning your entire life story. It’s that rare coffee shop that manages to feel both expansive and intimate at the same time, which honestly feels like an architectural miracle.

The Scene at Out There

“It’s giving ‘I have my life together,'” Dani said, gesturing at the space around us with her latte.

“It is not,” I said. “I’m literally wearing the same sweatshirt I wore yesterday.”

“That’s the genius of it,” she explained. “The vibes are so strong that nobody notices the sweatshirt. The aesthetic is carrying the entire interaction.”

I looked around. She wasn’t wrong. The rustic decor, the music, the light coming through the windows—everything about Out There was designed to make you feel like you were exactly where you were supposed to be, even if you were supposed to be somewhere else entirely. The menu offers whole food smoothies and gluten-free baked goods , which means you’re making healthy choices even while consuming approximately eight hundred calories in latte form.

“Do you think they know?” Dani asked suddenly.

“Know what?”

“That we’re not actually working. That we’ve been talking about Tyler for forty-five minutes. That I have literally not opened my laptop once.”

I considered this. “I mean, we’re being pretty loud. The woman with the headphones keeps looking over here.”

“She has headphones on,” Dani pointed out. “That’s basically a social contract. She can’t judge me if she can’t hear me.”

“That’s not how social contracts work.”

“It’s exactly how they work. It’s right there in the name. Social. Contract.” She took a sip of her drink. “I’m right.”

“You’re not right, but I’m too tired to argue about it.” I leaned back in my chair. “Also, this coffee is genuinely incredible, and I don’t want to do anything that might make them stop making it.”

“Valid,” Dani said. “Okay, new topic. Tyler.”

“Oh my god.”

“What? We have to finish the story. It’s literally the whole reason we came here.”

I looked at her. “We came here because you said you needed to work.”

“I lied. I was experiencing feelings. You know this about me.”

Out There Coffee has that effect on people. The kind of space where conversations happen whether you planned them or not, where the atmosphere encourages honesty in a way that feels both uncomfortable and necessary. It’s the kind of place where you could spend an entire afternoon and feel like you’d only been there for twenty minutes, which is either a compliment to the experience or a concerning comment on your perception of time. I’m not sure which.

Art Block Cafe: Where Coffee Meets Chaos (In a Good Way)

Okay, besties, this is the one. This is the wild card. This is the coffee shop that shouldn’t work but absolutely does, and I’m obsessed with it.

Art Block Cafe at 507 Washington Street is not merely a coffee shop—it’s an experience that stimulates all your senses , and I’m not even being dramatic when I say that. It’s a unique coffee shop/art studio that brings the latest trends in arts and crafts together with bubble tea, matcha lattes, and coffee drinks . You can literally walk in, get a latte, and then paint a ceramic mug while you drink it. That’s not a metaphor. That’s literally what they do.

The walls are adorned with captivating artwork from local artists , creating an ambiance that feels both homey and vibrant. The menu is described as “an artistic palette, meticulously crafted to satisfy both your hunger and your aesthetic cravings” , which sounds like marketing copy but genuinely describes the experience. From the moment you indulge in their signature drinks and treats, you can tell that someone thought very carefully about what they were creating.

You can make one-of-a-kind decorations and keep them as a memory from your Cape May vacation . All crafts are ready same day and look amazing . The peaceful and calming painting experience happens in a warm welcoming environment with a large selection of items suitable for all ages . This is not a coffee shop that wants you to drink and leave. This is a coffee shop that wants you to stay, create, and leave with something you made with your own hands.

“Coffee shops are great, but coffee shops where you can also make pottery? That’s the kind of concept that makes you wonder why more places haven’t thought of it.”

The Scene at Art Block

“I literally cannot believe this exists,” Kayla said, looking around Art Block like she’d walked into a dream she didn’t know she’d had. “This is like if every Pinterest board I’ve ever saved came to life.”

“I know,” I said. “I had the same reaction.”

“I’m going to make a mug. I’m going to make a mug and then I’m going to use it every single day and think about how I made it in a coffee shop in Cape May.” She was already flipping through the selection of ceramics. “This is what happiness feels like, right? This specific combination of caffeine and arts and crafts?”

“I think it might be.”

The thing about Art Block is that it fundamentally changes what a coffee shop can be. You’re not just consuming a beverage in a space—you’re participating in it. The walls have local artwork that creates that homey and vibrant feeling , but now you’re adding to that ecosystem. Your mug will hang on someone’s wall or sit on someone’s shelf, part of the ongoing story of the space.

“I don’t know how to paint,” Kayla admitted, looking at the ceramics with the expression of someone who had just realized this fact about herself.

“Nobody knows how to paint,” I said. “That’s literally the point. You just do it.”

“That’s very philosophical for 10 AM.”

“It’s Art Block. The vibes demand it.”

She selected a simple mug—no frills, no complications, just a canvas waiting for her vision. I got a boba tea because I’m basic and I accept that about myself. We sat at adjacent tables, hers with paintbrushes and a palette, mine with my phone for photo documentation purposes, and we painted in comfortable silence for approximately twenty minutes before the conversation resumed.

“Wait, I need to tell you about Tyler,” she said.

“Of course you do.”

“I didn’t want to burden the ceramics with negative energy,” she explained. “So I had to wait until I was done with the painting part.”

“That’s very wise.”

“Thank you. I learned it from a coffee shop.”

Coffee Tyme: The Classic Cape May Staple

Coffee Tyme is what I would call a “comfort coffee shop”—the kind of place that’s been around long enough to feel like a tradition, and honestly? It kind of is. They’ve been voted Best Coffee of Cape May in 2015 and 2016 by Cape May Magazine , which is the kind of recognition that matters because it comes from people who actually live here and know what they’re talking about.

With two locations—one at 315 Beach Ave and one at 414 Washington Street in the Mall —they’ve made accessibility a priority. The Beach Ave location is perfect for those mornings when you’ve already been to the beach and need caffeine to recover, or those afternoons when you’re about to go to the beach and need caffeine to prepare. The Mall location is ideal for shopping days when you need a break from spending money but not a break from consuming caffeine. Both locations maintain that classic Cape May charm that feels like coming home, even if you’re visiting for the first time.

A Yelp reviewer called it “a true staple in Cape May” with “good iced coffee and good baked goods” , which is the kind of straightforward endorsement I can get behind. No frills, no complicated analysis—just good coffee, good pastries, good vibes. They offer fresh baked goods and locally roasted coffee, and they even have gluten-free options if you ask nicely .

The pun in the name is, frankly, perfect. A fast-moving line and a big love for excellent coffee —what more could you ask for? Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.

Ostara’s Coffee House: The Hidden Gem with Personality

Okay, Ostara’s. Let’s talk about Ostara’s, because this West Cape May spot at 600 Park Blvd is giving everything I didn’t know I needed in my life.

Described as a “great LGBTQ+ friendly coffee shoppe of the beaten path with a real coffee shop vibe” , Ostara’s has created something special—a space that welcomes everyone while serving up coffee and food that’s genuinely creative and delicious. The tagline alone tells you everything you need to know: “where the coffee isn’t bitter, but we are” . I’m in love with that energy. I want that on a t-shirt. I want that on a bumper sticker. I want that framed above my bed.

The space is described as creative, a little whack, and centered on caffeine but with a multitude of elements that make it so much more than just a coffee shop . They do psychic nights , which honestly just sounds like my ideal Friday evening activity. Who needs a bar when you can get your coffee and your tarot read in the same place?

“Ostara’s is that friend who shows up with the perfect playlist, snacks, and zero judgment. You know the one. The one you can tell anything to, who never makes you feel bad about your choices, and who always has exactly what you need.”

Open daily from 7 AM to 2 PM , Ostara’s is committed to serving the community in a way that feels personal. The Cape May Magazine once described it as part of “Cape May’s Feminine Future” , and honestly, that characterization feels right. There’s something about this space that feels forward-thinking and inclusive, like it’s saying “yes, and” to everyone who walks through the door.

Golden Stop: The Storybook Spot

Golden Stop in West Cape May is giving storybook vibes, and I’m not even mad about it. Described as “effortlessly blending cozy charm with camera ready aesthetics” , this spot has created a space that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into something magical even if you just came for the coffee.

The interior has been described as “very cute” and “very much lived up to its name—GOLDEN” , which honestly sounds like the kind of review that would make me visit immediately. Who wouldn’t want to go somewhere that’s literally named after the aesthetic it provides?

Described as an Organic Juicery that also serves breakfast, lunch, and more , Golden Stop is perfect for those mornings when you want to get a little fancy with your brunch situation. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with Sundays starting at 8 AM , they’ve got your morning covered no matter what your sleep schedule looks like.

What really sets Golden Stop apart is how they’ve created that storybook aesthetic without making it feel like a tourist trap . The interior is warm and golden, the menu is fresh and artistic, and the whole experience feels like something you’d read about in a novel about charming small-town life.

Coho Cafe: The Cozy Corner

Coho Cafe at 9 Mechanic Street in Cape May Court House is the cozy corner you didn’t know you needed, and I’m here to tell you about it.

Located on historic Mechanic Row , this simple cafe obsessed with quality is exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special. A Yelp reviewer described it as “awesome” with “adorable decor and welcoming vibe” , which is basically the highest compliment you can give a coffee shop without literally giving them money.

The aesthetic is all about cozy, intimate vibes. Reviewers consistently describe the inside as “cute and cozy” with “many options for breakfast sandwiches” . The bagels are thick and fluffy, the ratio of ingredients is on point, and the service is relatively quick—which matters more than we’d like to admit when you’re running on empty and need caffeine immediately.

“Coho Cafe doesn’t try to compete with the bigger, busier coffee shops in downtown Cape May. Instead, it offers something different: a quieter, more intimate space where you can actually hear yourself think.”

The hours are Mon-Fri 7 AM to 2 PM, Sat 8 AM to 1 PM, Closed Sundays , which makes it perfect for weekday visits when you want to escape the downtown crowds.

Your Ultimate Cape May Coffee Shop Aesthetic Checklist

Alright, besties, let’s break this down into something you can actually use:

Coffee Shop	Best For	Aesthetic Vibe	Don’t Miss
Magic Brain Cafe	Content creation, cozy dates	Eclectic, warm, plant-filled	The trinket shelves and golden hour lighting
The Buoy Coffee	Beach days, quick runs	Coastal, charming, mural-covered	The hand-painted beach mural and Rival Bros. coffee
Out There Coffee	Working, deep conversations	Rustic, musical, spacious	The actual playlist and gluten-free baked goods
Art Block Cafe	Creative dates, girls’ days	Artistic, interactive, vibrant	Paint-your-own ceramics and local artwork
Coffee Tyme	Reliable coffee runs	Classic Cape May, family-owned	Both locations and the perfect pun name
Ostara’s Coffee House	Inclusive vibes, events	Creative, welcoming, psychic nights	Psychic nights and zero judgment energy
Golden Stop	Brunch, storybook vibes	Golden, charming, fresh	The organic menu and storybook interior
Coho Cafe	Quiet mornings, bagels	Cozy, intimate, historic	The historic location and fluffy bagels

Pro Tips for the Aesthetic Coffee Shop Experience

Timing is everything. The golden hour is your best friend for aesthetic content. Magic Brain’s lighting hits different around 3 PM, and Golden Stop’s interior looks like a fairytale in the morning light. Plan accordingly.

Go off-peak if you can. September through November and March through May mean shorter lines, more seating options, and that peaceful vibe that makes actually enjoying your coffee possible.

Support the staff with kindness. These people are running on caffeine and determination, and they genuinely appreciate when you’re not a nightmare.

Take your time. You’re allowed to exist in beautiful spaces without immediately moving on to the next thing.

The Final Sip

Cape May’s coffee shops aren’t just about the caffeine. They’re about creating spaces where we can pause, breathe, and enjoy the beautiful chaos of life. From the eclectic charm of Magic Brain to the coastal coziness of The Buoy, from the artistic adventures at Art Block to the inclusive energy at Ostara’s, there’s something for everyone.

The best part? None of these places are trying to be something they’re not. Each has its own personality, its own story, its own reason for existing. And when you find the one that speaks to you—that specific combination of aesthetic and atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve come home—you’ll know.

So pick a spot from this list that you’ve never been to, and go check it out. Take your laptop, take your best friend, take yourself. Support these local businesses, soak in the beautiful spaces they’ve created, and let yourself just exist in the moment.

And hey—if you discover a new favorite spot, let me know. I’m always looking for new places to add to my rotation.

Now go forth and caffeinate beautifully, Cape May. You’ve got this.

xoxo, your fellow aesthetic caffeine enthusiast