Java Smugglers Cafe & Health Bar — Restaurant in Boonton

So I finally got a chance to try the new coffee shop in town after hearing about it through a few friends and honestly it's a bit of a mixed bag. Some good and some bad. I don't believe in unnecessarily hurting a business through reviews, but I do believe in honest constructive feedback to the owners for improvement, so here it goes:

Pros: Very cool vibe and atmosphere! I 100% love the design inside and the shop is very inviting, has it's own thing going on, and feels like a fun little kitschy hipster coffee shop. Everyone was very friendly, service prompt, and I could see it being a great place to hang. I would love to read a book here or just chill with someone.The barrel aged beans are also excellent (although I hear the rum is better than the bourbon, but haven't had it myself). Good selection of pastries and smoothies. Overall great experience.

Cons: Automatic espresso machine. Yes, you heard that right, they use a middle of the road button press espresso machine to pull shots :| Not even one of those high end ones, just your average $500 button press plastic unit and it shows in the coffee. What I received was good, but nothing better than I can make at home with the same beans and automatic machine. This is a pretty major issue when you can walk right down the street to Boonton Coffee and get an awesomely handled manually pulled shot with all the flavor of an experienced barista. The espresso products here are OK but tastes exactly like you'd expect from an automatic machine. This is a pretty serious con when your whole shop literally revolves around your own home roasted and aged beans.

Overall, lovely place and I would love to give it a perfect score! I just can't until they get serious and have a real espresso machine with trained baristas. Happy to revise my score if that happens, but there is just too much competition for good coffee in the area to rate this place higher with an automatic...

This coffee shop brings elegance and a relaxing vibe to Boonton! It’s actually great to have two coffee shop options- and this shop has lovely Lavendar Lattes, Salted Caramel Latte, Rose Latte, and Matcha Latte…the drinks are impeccably made by the owner himself with a true European Viennese coffee shop flair!!! They were ALL delicious!!!

The style is truly interesting- like a visit to a European coffee shop…Syphon coffees handmade to perfection!!!

There is always room for quality!! Boonton is the new Brooklyn!!! And also the quiet is really nice for a break to a busy day!!! Interesting lounge type music…brings us to Monaco in April for a chill...

I love an underdog story, but I honestly feel Java Smugglers has truly come into its own. I've come in sporadically since they've opened and I'm typically satisfied with my orders. The bourbon aged beans provide a unique flavor to Java's roasts that I find addictive. You may find yourself waiting a tad longer than other cafés for your order, but Java is more affordable to compensate. Java also hosts events with talented musicians monthly. They also host creative activities you can sign up for occasionally. If you ever find yourself in Boonton, Java Smugglers is worth a visit. Be warned that parking can...