Boathouse Cafe

- 350 Passaic Ave, Passaic, NJ 07055

The Boathouse Cafe stands as a beloved local gem and community hub, beautifully situated within Passaic’s historic Third Ward Park in New Jersey. Since its establishment in 2014, this cafe has expertly resurrected the old boathouse, transforming it into a vibrant, multi-faceted destination. It is far more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it is a full-service café, a prime location for private events, an ice cream shop for those hot summer days, and a peaceful retreat overlooking the picturesque Hughes Lake. Locals in North Jersey know the Boathouse Cafe as a perfect year-round spot—whether you’re watching the ducks on the pond in the warmer months or warming up next to the fireplace in the winter.

The setting itself is a major draw. The cafe's location within Third Ward Park offers a scenic and tranquil environment that enhances the entire dining experience. Patrons frequently mention the park's natural beauty, making a visit to the cafe a delightful addition to a leisurely walk or a family outing. The atmosphere inside the cafe is described as casual, cozy, and even romantic, retaining a historic charm while catering to modern needs. It is an inclusive space, proudly family-friendly, welcoming of groups, and recognized as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space. The combination of its historic roots, its natural surroundings, and its modern, welcoming vibe makes the Boathouse Cafe a uniquely cherished part of the Passaic community and a must-visit location for anyone in the North Jersey area.

Beyond the atmosphere, the Boathouse Cafe offers a robust and satisfying menu to fuel any part of your day. From quick bites to comforting meals, the offerings are diverse and freshly prepared. The café has earned a reputation for its high-quality beverages and desserts. Whether you need a morning boost, a quick lunch, or a sweet treat after dinner, the Boathouse Cafe provides tempting options for everyone.

For your dining pleasure, the menu includes a selection of fresh Paninis, which are handmade on homemade sourdough bread and grilled fresh. Options like the Grilled Chicken Caprese Panini and the Turkey Pesto Panini are local favorites, offering flavorful and satisfying meals. For a lighter option, the menu also features hand-tossed salads, such as the Chicken Caesar Salad and the fresh Garden Fresh Salad. Quick bites like Hot Dogs and hearty Boathouse Bites, including seasonal soups like Tomato Basil Soup and Chicken Noodle Soup, are available for those on the run. The cafe also features Cheddar Cheese Burgers and BBQ Chicken Sliders. Additionally, they offer hot and fresh Quesadillas, including the Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla and the Veggie Quesadilla, smothered in cheese and fresh ingredients.

The beverage selection is a highlight, featuring a wide variety of expertly crafted coffee and tea options. From a simple yet satisfying Brewed Coffee (Small, Medium, Large) and Iced Coffee, to specialized Hand-Crafted Drinks, there is a perfect cup for every taste. Espresso drinks, including Espresso (Single or Double Shot), Americano (Small, Medium, Large), Cappuccino (Small, Medium, Large), and Latte (Small, Medium, Large, available Hot or Iced), ensure coffee aficionados are well catered to. The tea selection is also great, with Brewed Tea available in various sizes and the popular Chai Latte (Small, Medium, Large, available Hot or Iced). For a comforting treat, the signature Hot Chocolate (Small, Medium, Large) is a customer favorite. The cafe also offers a selection of bottled drinks like Poland Spring Water, San Pellegrino Sparkling Water, and various sodas.

Finally, no trip is complete without exploring the selection of Pastries & Desserts, which include locally made baked goods. Treats like the Large Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Chocolate Chip Muffin, and Brownie provide the perfect accompaniment to your coffee or a delightful end to your meal.

This blend of location, atmosphere, and quality offerings solidifies the Boathouse Cafe's position as a premier cafe and community gathering spot in Passaic, New Jersey.

Location and Accessibility

The Boathouse Cafe is centrally located within Passaic, New Jersey, making it highly accessible to local residents and visitors alike.

Address: 350 Passaic Ave, Passaic, NJ 07055, USA

The cafe is situated within the expansive and scenic Third Ward Park, overlooking Hughes Lake, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Its location near a playground and the park's amenities, like the summer water spouts and ice-skating rink, make it a convenient stop for families.

Accessibility is a priority at the Boathouse Cafe, with several features to ensure a welcoming experience for all patrons:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Parking is available for guests with free street parking options nearby.

Services Offered

The Boathouse Cafe offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet diverse community and individual needs.

• In-Person Dining: Enjoy a meal or coffee in the cozy indoor seating area or take advantage of the beautiful outdoor seating overlooking the lake.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options are available for those on the go, including traditional delivery and no-contact delivery services.
• Event Venue Hosting: The cafe operates as a full-service event venue, utilizing both its indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking Hughes Lake, perfect for hosting birthday parties, business meetings, and other private events.
• Full Menu Service: Serving fresh Paninis, Quesadillas, Salads, Soups, Sliders, and Quick Bites for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Specialty Coffee and Tea: Offering a wide selection of hand-crafted espresso drinks, brewed coffee, hot chocolate, and a great tea selection.
• Desserts and Ice Cream: Featuring locally made pastries and a selection from the ice cream shop.
• Dietary Options: Menu includes Vegetarian options, Healthy options, and Comfort food to satisfy different preferences.
• Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi and a clean Restroom facility are provided for customer comfort.

Features / Highlights

The Boathouse Cafe has several distinctive features that make it a standout location in North Jersey, catering to a broad range of preferences.

• Historic and Scenic Location: Situated in the resurrected, historic boathouse within Third Ward Park, offering beautiful views of Hughes Lake and a sense of history.
• Year-Round Comfort: Known for having a warm and inviting Fireplace inside, making it an especially cozy destination during the colder months.
• Exceptional Beverages: Highlights include Great coffee, as noted by local patrons, and a Great tea selection.
• Community and Atmosphere: Offers a quiet, cozy, and romantic setting, making it suitable for solo diners, groups, and even working on a laptop. The atmosphere is celebrated for being warm, casual, and inclusive.
• Full-Service Event Space: Unique capability to host a variety of events using its beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a scenic backdrop for any gathering.
• Dessert Destination: Famous for Great dessert options, including locally made baked goods and an ice cream shop.
• Flexible Dining: Excellent choice for dining throughout the day, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert seating.

Contact Information

For more information, to place an order, or to inquire about booking an event, you can contact the Boathouse Cafe at the following details:

Address: 350 Passaic Ave, Passaic, NJ 07055, USA

Phone: (973) 641-3126

What is Worth Choosing

For residents and visitors in New Jersey, the Boathouse Cafe represents the perfect intersection of history, nature, and modern cafe culture. It is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a unique and high-quality local experience.

The choice to visit the Boathouse Cafe is validated by its ability to seamlessly transition from a morning coffee spot to a lunchtime casual eatery, and then to a picturesque venue for special occasions. The commitment to providing a relaxed, beautiful environment is a major draw. Where else in Passaic can you enjoy a gourmet Grilled Cheese Panini or an Espresso while overlooking the sparkling water of a park lake? The atmosphere alone, with its historic charm and welcoming vibe, makes it stand out from typical commercial coffee shops. It's a place where you can truly slow down, work on your laptop productively, or share a comforting moment with family and friends.

Furthermore, the Boathouse Cafe is consciously positioned as a central part of the community, not just a business. Its role in resurrecting a historic structure and providing an inclusive gathering space is a testament to its value in the Third Ward Park area. The menu is consistently praised for quality, particularly the hand-crafted drinks and fresh food items like the paninis and salads, which offer both healthy and comforting selections. The availability of both indoor and outdoor seating ensures that the Boathouse Cafe is an enjoyable destination regardless of the New Jersey weather. Whether you are a local seeking a new 'home away from home' or a tourist looking for an authentic, scenic Passaic experience, the Boathouse Cafe offers a compelling combination of great food, excellent service, and a beautiful location that is hard to match in North Jersey. Choose the Boathouse Cafe for a truly authentic, cozy, and satisfying local experience.

Boathouse Cafe

350 Passaic Ave, Passaic, NJ 07055, USA