Category: Shop Tours / Coffee Shop
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The “Impossible” Location
I’m sitting at the window bar inside Roast’d Coffee, watching the cars fly by on Route 46 just a few yards away.
When I first visited this shop in 2019, right after it opened, I was worried. This was their second location—the original is in Hasbrouck Heights—but this specific spot seemed cursed. It’s practically on the highway shoulder. If you’re driving at speed, you could blink and miss the entrance entirely.
The Reality Check
I went back today. It is currently the middle of a serious winter storm—24°F outside, feeling like 10°F. Given the weather and the difficult highway access, I expected an empty shop.
I was wrong. The 7-spot parking lot was completely full. Inside, the shop was buzzing. Why do people fight for a parking spot in freezing weather?
The answer is inside.
The Engine Room
The moment you step inside, the vibe is distinct. It feels less like a café and more like a coffee laboratory.
Anchoring the corner of the room is their massive industrial roaster. It’s not just for show—this is the engine room of the operation. The smell of freshly roasted beans fills the air, setting the tone immediately.
The layout is designed for interaction. There is a long wooden bar with 4–6 high chairs where you can sit and watch the magic happen. Behind the bar, the setup is serious: a high-end espresso machine on one side and a dedicated pour-over station on the other. On the wall, a large blackboard lists the current bean lineup, written in chalk—a nice analog touch in a high-tech process.
Tools of the Trade
One thing I love about this shop is that they don’t gatekeep their coffee. On the shelves, they stock the exact same brewing gear they use behind the bar. You’ll find drippers, kettles, and filters for sale.
(Note: If you want to replicate their setup at home, they use equipment similar to the Hario V60, Kook Gooseneck Kettles and Fellow Stagg EKG Kettles.)
The Pour-Over Experience
I ordered a 16oz pour-over of the Comsa. Watching the barista work is the best part of sitting at the bar. They treat the pour-over station with precision—weighing the dose, timing the bloom, and pouring with a steady hand. It’s not “fast food” coffee; it takes time, but that’s the point.
The Verdict in the Cup
I ordered a 16oz pour-over of the Honduras Comsa. It was a fantastic cup—smooth, rich, and clearly fresh. I won’t go into the deep tasting notes here (I am writing a full review of this bean in my next post), but I will say this: the quality of this single cup was convincing enough that I knew I needed to try more of what they roast.
Taking It Home (And What’s Next)
I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I bought their Bean Sampler Pack, which includes four distinct varieties: Comsa, P.NG (Papua New Guinea), Queen City, and Santa Ana.
I am going to be brewing and testing these at home over the next few days. Keep an eye on the blog—I’ll be posting detailed reviews of each bean in the sampler pack soon.
The Conclusion
Roast’d proves that location isn’t everything. If you roast high-quality beans and treat the brewing process with respect, people will find you—even in a snowstorm on the side of a highway.
Shop Details
Roast’d Coffee (Fort Lee)
- Location: 1666 Bergen Blvd, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 (Route 46 West)
- Parking: Small lot available (approx. 7 spots). Be careful entering/exiting from the highway!
- Vibe: Industrial, quiet, serious coffee focus.
- Website: https://roastd.coffee/
