Ren's Coffeehouse & Books — Restaurant in Gloucester Township

A friend of mine has this friend who has been getting ready to open not only a café, but an attached bookstore. I am always on the hunt for a new café to try, so I’ve been following their page - Ren's Coffeehouse & Books.

Normally, I try not to try a new café on their opening day because the waits are a little longer and they are still figuring stuff out. I like to review one when they are at their best. But I saw the announcement and I happened to be in the area, so I said, “why not?”

The wait was definitely longer, but that’s because the line went out the door due to popularity and excitement. The baristas (and Ren herself), weren’t missing a beat. It was just plain busy! And for good reason.

As I waited in line, I noticed the diverse seating in both the coffeehouse and the bookstore. There was also some seating outside. There was something for everyone including children. Very family friendly!

Menu items included local baked goods and were just about gone by the time I got to the counter. I didn’t have many options left. I chose the gluten free cupcake over the brownie (I like frosting). And it tasted amazing compared to a regular cupcake!

It was a scorcher of a day, so I chose to buy a small bag of coffee to go instead of a cup of coffee. I drank it all weekend and enjoying some right now. It’s good!

If you are looking for a relaxing place to grab a coffee (or a book), look no further than Ren’s in...

Up and coming coffeehouse with potential I'm in Blackwood from time to time and not sure how long this coffeehouse has been open but it's headed in the right direction. The book store portion is well designed and maintained. Plenty of options to satisfy any reader. However, it might benefit them to use some of that space for the coffeehouse portion instead. If there are more than 5 people in line to order, or waiting for their order, you will be shoulder to shoulder or finding yourself outside on the sidewalk. The menu is cute and creative, however, in my recent couple of visits it appears that the employees only know the specific menu items. So if you order a basic latte, flat white, americano etc that isn't on the menu it may cause some delays. During my first visit the employee asked me if I knew what was in it and how to make my order since it wasn't one of their specific concoctions. Again, I feel like this is simply a new business opportunity to train further and not something that will diminish their longevity at all. Every order I had does taste wonderful and was made well. The pastries available are okay. Not basic packaged goods but also not what you'll leave telling your friends about. Overall I'm excited to have Ren's in the area. I will definitely continue to stop in when I'm around and genuinely look forward to this small business growing into everyone's favorite spot for...

A fantastic new spot for people who like to go on adventures to unique local gems! REN’s is a cozy new cafe and bookstore which blends a cozy, colorful, pop atmosphere with deliciously fun drinks. I enjoy fun flavored coffees, and this place is knocking it out with their recipes on a themed rotating menu. For the summer it’s a prehistoric menu, and my favorites have been the fossil dig cold brew and peach cobbler volcano. My friend has spoken highly of their unique tiramisu milk dairy option. Expect sweet coffee, but not as much of a pure, candy flavored sugar bomb as most chain coffee shops would throw at you (though I hear their lattes are a bit more so). They also have iced teas and non caffeinated drinks. The other half of the store is loaded with fun books and local craft merchandise, with a rather large sitting area in the back. They also are active with local events and have a calendar up front to let everyone know what they’re up to. So if you want a hole in the wall to bring a friend to, a humble place to browse and sip with the complete opposite vibe of the all the corporate cafes out there, or just support a new local business; this place has my glowing recommendation. Just expect to have to parallel...