Cafe 21

- 303 21st Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents in search of a welcoming spot that expertly balances a cafe’s cozy atmosphere with a surprisingly robust and diverse food menu, Cafe 21 in Paterson stands out as a genuine local gem. It transcends the typical coffee shop experience by offering an impressive array of beverages—from specialty lattes to Korean traditional teas and refreshing fruit smoothies—alongside a full menu of satisfying lunch and dinner options. Located conveniently on 21st Avenue, this establishment has garnered praise not just for its core offerings, but for providing great value and excellent service to the community.

The core philosophy of Cafe 21 appears to be delivering quality without the high price tag. Local patrons have been vocal about their appreciation, with one reviewer stating simply, "This place is good! Good food, good prices, good customer service, and the chef has magic in his hands..." This highlights the perceived high quality of the culinary offerings and the positive overall experience. While they are known for their coffee, their extensive menu of food, ranging from comfort appetizers to full rice bowls, positions them as a versatile spot for any time of day, whether you need a morning espresso, a mid-day refueling, or a satisfying takeout dinner.

Cafe 21 is a cafe in type, but operates with the menu breadth of a full-service eatery. This blend is what makes it a compelling choice for Paterson locals and those traveling through Passaic County. It’s a reliable spot where you can grab a quick coffee, a convenient takeout meal, or try a unique, globally-inspired beverage that you might not find elsewhere in the immediate area. Although one customer noted a minor quality control issue with a few chicken-based dishes, their overall sentiment remained positive, affirming the great price and that they "have liked most dishes," indicating consistent quality across the majority of the menu.

Location and Accessibility

Cafe 21 is located in a prominent area of Paterson, a city renowned for its rich culinary diversity and local businesses. The specific location is designed for easy access for the local New Jersey community, providing a convenient option for a quick stop or an order pickup.

The address is: 303 21st Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA. Situated on 21st Avenue, the cafe is located in a bustling part of the city, easily accessible from major local roadways. For residents in the Paterson, Clifton, or Passaic areas, the cafe is a short drive away. While specific parking details are not provided, as a local business on a main thoroughfare, visitors should plan for standard street parking or available lots in the immediate vicinity.

The focus on the "Takeout" service option makes Cafe 21 an excellent choice for busy New Jersey commuters and families looking for a convenient, ready-to-go meal. Its placement within the heart of Paterson allows it to serve as a perfect centralized meeting point or a quick grab-and-go destination for residents across North Jersey.

Services Offered

Cafe 21 provides a versatile range of services, focusing primarily on food and beverage preparation, served in a quick and customer-friendly manner. The primary service model is built around accessibility and convenience for the local community.

UL

LI Coffee and Espresso Drinks: The core offering of a cafe, providing a variety of classic coffee drinks, although specific menu items are not listed in the provided data.

LI Diverse Drink Menu: Far beyond simple coffee, the menu includes an impressive selection of specialized beverages. Options feature global flavors and contemporary trends, such as Black Sesame Matcha Latte, Strawberry Matcha Latte, and various Lemonade / Ade Refreshers (Strawberry, Mango, Peach, Grapefruit, Lemonade, Mint).

LI Specialty Teas: A standout offering is the selection of hot and iced teas, including Black Tea (Earl Grey, Breakfast), Green Tea (Genmaicha), and Herbal Teas (Rooibos, Hibiscus, Chamomile, Majorelle Mint). Unique Korean Teas (Yuzu, Ginger, Plum, Jujube, Lemon) and unique Iced Teas (Court Classic, Hibiscus Moroccan Rose, Peony Peach, Tangerine Gold Rush) are also featured.

LI Bubble Tea and Smoothies: Catering to popular modern tastes, the cafe offers Bubble Tea (Taro, Milk Tea, Passion Fruit) and fresh fruit Smoothies (Strawberry, Mango, Yuzu Mango).

LI Full Food Menu: The offerings extend well beyond pastries to include appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and rice bowls, positioning the cafe as a true dining option for all meals.

LI Appetizers/Side Dishes: Selections include Corn Nuggets, French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Mac and Cheese Balls, Mozzarella Sticks, Dumplings, and Edamame—perfect for a snack or side to a meal.

LI Sandwiches, Paninis, and Burgers: Traditional cafe fare is present with offerings such as Hamburgers, Chicken Burgers, and various Sandwiches (Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Ham & Cheese). Paninis include Grilled Caprese, Ham & Cheese, Philly Cheese, and Grilled Chicken.

LI Rice Bowls and Entrees: For a more substantial meal, customers can choose from Rice Bowls like Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Bulgogi, and Spicy Pork, as well as Chicken Gyros and Quesadillas (Cheese, Chicken).

LI Takeout Service: Confirmed as a primary service option, ensuring convenience for customers who prefer to enjoy their food and drinks off-site.

Features / Highlights

Cafe 21’s appeal to the New Jersey community lies in several key features that make it a compelling choice over competitors.

UL

LI Culinary Versatility (Coffee to Bulgogi): The most significant highlight is the extensive and unusual menu variety. It serves as both a dedicated coffee house offering specialty matcha and lattes, and a casual eatery providing savory meals, including Korean-inspired options like Bulgogi and Spicy Pork rice bowls, alongside classic American favorites like hamburgers and mozzarella sticks.

LI Emphasis on Specialty and Global Beverages: The wide selection of unique drinks, particularly the Korean Teas (Yuzu, Jujube) and the various flavored Matchas (Black Sesame, Strawberry), distinguishes Cafe 21 as a destination for New Jersey residents seeking new and global taste experiences beyond standard coffee.

LI Value and Affordability: The recurring customer commentary praising "great prices" and "good food" suggests a strong commitment to providing excellent value, making it an affordable, high-quality option in the Paterson area for daily meals and coffee runs.

LI Positive Customer Service and Cooking: The high praise directed at the staff ("good customer service") and the chef ("magic in his hands") indicates a friendly, welcoming environment and a kitchen that focuses on flavorful preparation, ensuring a pleasant experience for every visitor.

LI Substantial Meal Options: The inclusion of full rice bowls with proteins like Salmon Teriyaki, as well as hearty sandwiches and burgers, means Cafe 21 is a reliable option for lunch or dinner, not just a quick morning stop.

LI Convenience for Takeout: Being set up for efficient takeout service meets the needs of busy individuals and professionals in the North Jersey region, allowing for quick and seamless ordering and pickup.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents wishing to visit Cafe 21, here is the essential contact information:

P Address: 303 21st Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA

P Phone: (Contact information was not provided in the original text or search snippets, so we must state this factually.)

What is Worth Choosing

When navigating the comprehensive menu at Cafe 21, local patrons should consider trying some of the most unique and highly-praised options that showcase the cafe’s diverse culinary focus.

P The Korean Rice Bowls: These are a must-try for a fulfilling and flavorful meal. The Bulgogi Rice Bowl offers a savory, traditional Korean flavor, while the Spicy Pork Rice Bowl provides an exciting kick. These items offer a great blend of value, flavor, and culinary interest that goes far beyond typical cafe fare.

P Specialty Hot and Iced Teas: For those looking to explore unique beverages, we highly recommend one of the specialty Korean Teas, such as the Yuzu Tea (known for its sweet-tart citrus flavor) or the warm, comforting Jujube Tea. Alternatively, try one of the modern takes like the Black Sesame Matcha Latte for a unique, earthy twist on a cafe favorite.

P Appetizer Sampler: Since the chef is noted for having "magic in his hands," trying a few appetizers is a great way to sample the kitchen's skill. Pairing a classic like the Mozzarella Sticks with an international favorite like the Dumplings ensures a satisfying and varied snack experience. The Mac and Cheese Balls are also a highly desirable comfort food option.

P The Sandwiches and Paninis: For a reliable, hearty lunch, the Philly Cheese Panini or the Grilled Chicken Panini are excellent choices that leverage the cafe’s ability to execute comfort food well. If you are looking for a lighter option, the Chicken Salad Sandwich or a Green Garden Salad are available, proving the menu caters to various dietary preferences and appetites.

P Cafe 21 offers a fantastic combination of convenience, variety, and affordability, solidifying its place as a valued part of the Paterson, New Jersey, local dining landscape. Its ability to serve exceptional coffee alongside a global menu of delicious, chef-prepared food makes it an easy recommendation for any New Jersey resident seeking a great meal and a great deal.

Cafe 21

303 21st Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA