Cafe 179

- 179 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the heart of Totowa, New Jersey, Cafe 179 stands as a delightful local treasure, perfectly embodying a blend of Old World Italian charm and modern cafe culture. For residents across North Jersey, this cozy Italian-American coffee house has become a beloved destination where locals gather to enjoy authentic, high-quality coffee, specialty drinks, and fresh pastries and food. It’s a place designed to make every visitor feel instantly welcome, like part of the family, fostering a strong sense of community that goes beyond a typical coffee shop experience.

Cafe 179 has quickly established a reputation for excellence, particularly in two key areas: their exceptional coffee and their outstanding desserts. Patrons consistently rave about the rich, authentic espresso-based drinks and the irresistible array of sweet treats. But the menu extends far beyond standard cafe fare, offering a unique selection of items for a substantial breakfast, brunch, or lunch. This includes specialty items like Pinsa—an ancient Roman style of flatbread that is lighter and easier to digest than traditional pizza—and various gourmet focaccias, along with comfort food and small plates.

The atmosphere at Cafe 179 contributes significantly to its appeal. It strikes a perfect balance between being casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for solo diners looking for a quiet workspace, families gathering for a weekend brunch, or groups meeting up. The cafe is popular throughout the day, whether you’re starting your morning with a powerful espresso, taking a break for a mid-day meal, or indulging in a late-night treat. Furthermore, the commitment to inclusivity is evident, as the cafe is noted to be family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly. For New Jersey locals searching for a dependable spot with great flavor and a warm ambiance, Cafe 179 offers a refreshing and authentic alternative to chain coffee shops, making it a true staple in the Totowa dining scene.

The focus on Italian-American culinary heritage is clear in signature offerings such as the Nutellino Lattes and Nonna’s Hot Chocolate, suggesting a menu crafted with genuine passion and a nod to classic, comforting flavors. This careful selection of drinks and food, combined with a consistently high quality of service, cements Cafe 179’s status as a highly recommended spot for anyone in the Totowa area seeking a truly enjoyable cafe experience.

Location and Accessibility

Cafe 179 is strategically located at 179 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA, placing it in a well-trafficked and easily reachable area of Passaic County. This central location makes it a convenient meeting spot for locals and those traveling from neighboring towns in North Jersey. Accessibility is generally favorable for visitors, with key provisions in place to ensure comfort and ease of access.

For patrons arriving by car, the cafe offers free street parking, which can be a considerable convenience in this busy New Jersey neighborhood. Additionally, the premises include a wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating all members of the community. While specific details on the entrance accessibility are not universally listed, the provision of accessible parking is a strong indicator of an intention to be welcoming to all.

The cafe’s location on Union Boulevard, a main thoroughfare in Totowa, ensures that it’s not hard to find. The cozy and friendly environment inside is matched by practical amenities, including a clean restroom for customer use. Furthermore, for those who wish to bring their four-legged friends along, the cafe permits dogs outside, allowing customers to enjoy a coffee break at their outdoor seating area. The combination of easy access, convenient parking, and a central Totowa address makes Cafe 179 a highly practical and appealing destination for a casual outing, whether for a quick morning coffee or a leisurely lunch.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Available seating for customers to enjoy their meal or coffee in the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere.
• Takeout: Convenient options for customers to place orders and pick them up to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Full Meal Service: Offers dining options spanning Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch.
• Dessert Service: Provides an excellent selection of sweets and pastries, noted as a highlight of the cafe.
• Late-Night Food: Features late-night food offerings, catering to evening cravings.
• Vegetarian Options: A variety of menu items are available to accommodate vegetarian diets.
• Vegan Options: Offers choices for customers following a vegan lifestyle.
• Credit Card Payments: Accepts all major credit cards for payment convenience.
• Debit Card Payments: Accepts debit cards for simple transaction processing.
• NFC Mobile Payments: Supports modern, contactless payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Coffee Program: Known for having "Great coffee," the menu includes a wide range of hot and iced espresso-based drinks, from classic Cappuccino and Affogato to specialty lattes.
• Specialty Coffee Flavors: Highlights include the popular Nutellino Coffee (or Latte) and the Pistachio latte, offering rich, unique flavor combinations.
• Acclaimed Desserts: Renowned for its "Great dessert" selection, which often includes authentic Italian pastries and sweets, perfect for a treat or a late-night indulgence.
• Unique Pinsa and Focaccia: Offers Pinsa, a popular Roman style of highly digestible flatbread, and various gourmet Focaccia 179 sandwiches, showcasing a modern Italian twist on dining.
• Diverse Tea Selection: Praised for its "Great tea selection," appealing to non-coffee drinkers and those seeking a warm beverage.
• Authentic Italian-American Vibe: Combines Old World charm with modern cafe aesthetics, creating a cozy, casual, and family-friendly atmosphere that is highly welcoming.
• Extensive Meal Coverage: Popular for all three dining periods—Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch—as well as being a go-to spot for Solo dining.
• Dietary Flexibility: Includes significant offerings for Small Plates, Comfort Food, Quick Bites, and specifically offers both Vegan and Vegetarian options.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Provides high chairs and a generally welcoming environment, ensuring it is good for kids.

Contact Information

Address: 179 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA

Phone: (862) 239-1010

What is worth choosing

For locals in the New Jersey area, particularly those near Totowa, Cafe 179 is a premier destination that offers a distinctive Italian-American cafe experience that transcends the usual coffee shop stop. The sheer breadth of the menu, combined with a reputation for quality, provides multiple reasons for a visit.

If you are visiting for the first time, your journey should begin with the acclaimed beverages. The cafe is celebrated for its "Great coffee," and the specialty lattes are a must-try. The Nutellino (available hot or iced) provides a rich, chocolate-hazelnut indulgence that has become a fan favorite. Similarly, the Pistachio latte is a unique, creamy, and flavorful option highly recommended by patrons. For the traditionalists, the quality of their classic beverages, from a strong Espresso to a smooth Cappuccino, is consistently top-tier. Non-coffee drinkers can explore the highly praised "Great tea selection" or opt for the decadent Nonna's Hot Chocolate, which offers an authentic, comforting sweet treat.

Beyond the drinks, the food menu features several items that set Cafe 179 apart. The best choice for a savory meal is undoubtedly their specialty Pinsa or Focaccia 179 selection. Pinsa is a modern take on an ancient Roman flatbread, appreciated for its oval shape, light and crispy texture, and use of a special blend of flours, making it lighter on the stomach than traditional pizza. While the specific names may vary, searching for any of their Pinsa or Focaccia options—often topped with Italian cured meats like Mortadella or Prosciutto, or simple fresh ingredients like tomato and mozzarella—will lead you to a satisfying, authentic Italian meal.

For lighter fare or a classic cafe experience, consider the freshly baked pastries, which fall under the category of their "Great dessert." Many customer reviews highlight the excellent taste and freshness of the food, recommending it highly for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The cafe's atmosphere—casual, cozy, and trendy—makes it an ideal setting to enjoy these menu items, whether you are dining solo or with a group. The ability to cater to various dietary needs, including Vegan and Vegetarian options, further solidifies its position as a flexible and inclusive local dining choice. For a truly authentic Italian cafe experience in New Jersey, focused on great coffee, unique food, and a family-friendly environment, Cafe 179 is the clear choice.

Cafe 179

179 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA