Shore Pour Specialty Coffee — Restaurant in Sea Girt

TLDR: Go here. It's amazing! If you want a much more detailed review, read on! :)

I can't say enough about how much I appreciate Shore Pour. Sure, the coffee is amazing (I have brought bags of the Eastern Standard blend to friends in other states and countries - and the requests for resupply just keep coming!), but if you ask me, what a coffee house should be is much more than just a cup of Liquid Sanity. A good coffee house is like a good pub: a place you go to as much for the environment and experience as for the consumables.

I'm not a regular coffee drinker. Except I am now, because a.) it's just that tasty, and b.) this is my preferred place to decompress during the day and it'd probably be weird if I weren't drinking something. :) So: yes to the beverages; my regulars are a vanilla latte, usually with oat milk (side notes: they have plenty of both dairy and non-dairy options, and also, try the Decaf roast if you crave a second cup; it's just as tasty as the Eastern Standard!), and I occasionally change it up with a Lavender London Fog. (::Chef's kiss::) Should, however, I become indecisive in the face of so many tantalizing options (which has never happened, no...), I have only to ask one of the baristas, who are all as knowledgeable and creatively helpful as they are pleasant to interact with. Their suggestions are enlightening, and they will customize your order to your heart's content. Curious about the wonderful variety of baked pastries, macarons, muffins, breads, kombuchas, authentic Swedish fish, coffee- and tea-related gifts, charming local trinkets and stickers, or more? Just ask! Many of the goods are from local and small businesses, too!

Now, the atmosphere. I love a place in which I feel truly comfortable: where I can quietly inhabit a corner table, usually with books and a journal. Shore Pour offers an excellent balance: whether it's quiet or full, I always feel like I can carve out that little space for myself without feeling like I'm in a crowd - it may get busy, but it never seems to be hectic. It's just as suitable for being social, though, either with a friend or even a random stranger (done that!). There is warm, cozy lighting, and the seating options are comfortable, tasteful, and varied: try the sofa chairs if you wish to sink back a little more, or the outdoor seating if you prefer. Umbrellas optional: you can sit in the shade on a sunny day, or even enjoy a dry spot under overcast skies during a warm, drizzly rain (try it)!

Last, but not at all least - in fact, most of all - a special shout out to the staff, because without them, Shore Pour would be... well, I suppose it would still be a charming, calming place where you can unwind over that cup of Dear God I Love This Stuff in easy comfort. But credit where it's due: Kailey, Bridget, and Elise are simply superb - and they infuse Shore Pour with the subtle but distinct flavors of excellent personality and professionalism. Not only do they make a damned good pour, and keep the place tidy and neat, but they do everything with an easy grace which makes it seem like they're perfectly at home, and want you to feel the same way. Hang out for a little while, and you'll see it's no fluke, how personably they interact with everyone who comes through the door. You'd expect to find radiant sunshine outside, but here, you can find it indoors, too.

If you're near Sea Girt and you're looking for a little recharge of the soul to go along with a bigger recharge of your sympathetic nervous system (caffeine hit), do stop by. Whether you want a quick cup on the fly, or a place to be social - or quietly reflective - this is definitely a...

I ordered a 12oz black coffee with a shot of espresso. Unfortunately, it came out really bitter and just not enjoyable. My guess is it might've been over-extracted, made with water that was too hot, or maybe the coffee-to-water ratio was off--stuff that can easily make the coffee taste harsher than it should. That said, the ambiance is great and definitely gives off that laid-back Jersey Shore vibe. The staff was friendly, and it's a nice place to hang out with lounge chairs and outdoor seating. Prices are a bit on the higher side, but pretty typical for this area. I did not try any food or sweets. I was expecting more and it hurts to give it a 2-star. They might've just been off their game today, so l'd still give them another shot because anyone can...

Shore Pour offers a combination of the best coffee & munchies, best service and a wonderful beach vibe to enjoy for the start of your day or the entire day should you make it your “remote office” for a little while or the entire day.

Pair your coffee with a delicious bagel, scone, muffin, pastry, waffle, granola, overnight oats, amazing biscotti flavors…..or enjoy some of the most delicious macarons outside of France.

Nicki, Dagney, Jon and team make you feel special every visit and are an important part of my day. Hopefully you get to enjoy Shore Pour at least once in your life….or at least...