Rook Coffee

Pretty bummed, it’s been a long time since I stopped into Rook to order a coffee. From what I remember service was friendly and even for the volume of customers it was fairly fast, great coffee. Maybe I should have ordered off of my app and my experience with the staff would have been different, but I didn’t have intentions on stopping and made a quick decision to since I had time to. Took about five minutes for staff to acknowledge me at the counter while they were all making what I assume were orders because there was only 2 or 3 other customers in store waiting. Young lady who came to help me seemed annoyed to have to come take my order, and maybe 15 minutes later when I tried checking on my pumpkin coffee order I got a flat “we’re making it now.” Just think that with four people behind the counter, someone should be dedicated to walk in orders when applicable. Wait was terrible, nothing was pumpkin about my coffee, and it was bitter even with oatmilk and a lil honey…and “more ice”? :(

Very good coffee. Definitely for locals in the morning, I waited 15-20 minutes for a cup around 8am, while dozens of people came in to chat, grab their order(online?) and dash. Wild how many regulars are coming into a coffee shop with no seating, seemingly on their daily commute, who can't just make coffee at home... Just more dystopian NJ culture I guess. 4-6$ a day on one cup, probably a cup for lunch from sturbacks, idk man. Anyway this place is a cult.

We love Rook Coffee!!! Since we live close by to the 1st one that opened up. There is nothing better than our local rook. If you are by the Jersey shore, don’t miss the opportunity to try a cup of the most amazing coffee. The staff are so nice and sweet. And pay it forward by buying a police officer a cup of coffee. Also, during Covid , I re-used the bags and painted them. ArtbyCarol69 -Facebook Treeoflife69 -Instagram Help your local Artistes!!!! #Smallbusinessesrock

How can anyone not love Rook? Between the fun branding, and delicious coffee, and punk-rock resistance to BIG COFFEE, this company is the go-to brew of the Jersey Shore.

The coffee is AMAZING and the employees are super friendly and welcoming 😊

Obviously rook has amazing coffee. This location in particular is outstanding. The staff is very friendly and the service is quick.

For as busy as they are, they are super efficient and quick. Soooo glad I saw this on my way to Dunkin’ Donuts; the coffee is some of the best I’ve had. I drink my coffee black, but it looked like they had a lot of great options. Definitely going to be my go-to coffee on my way to shore..

Very vibrant, full of positive energy and morning goodies. Danishes, muffins, scones and fresh bagels.... but coffee is the star. Lots of locally roasted options. Go for New Orleans style cold brew- perfect balance of dark roast and milk in this latte.

Parking in the complex it is in. Came on a Friday afternoon. I have to say this is a must treat when I come down the shore. The New Orleans style is my favorite. The chicory taste was perfect.

Love local coffee shops and this conveniently located coming into Long Branch but tricky turning into on way out via Joline Ave out. It is adjacent to Ace Hardware. It is definitely worth the stop for strong ice cold draft cold brew in limited batches. The service was great and informed me that the cold brew is unsweetened so need to choose my milk and. Sweetener. I ordered the cinnamon vanilla limited batch and you choose to add your milk and sweetener included in price . It is not extra I got splash of almond milk and agave. They also sell merch inside and cold brew draft glass jars to go.

Tried the new blueberry pie cold brew. Absolute hit. Refreshing on a hot summer day, with a hint of blueberry. Wasn't overpowering or too sweet/sugary at all which is something im hesitant about when it comes to certain drink flavors. The staff were polite and the space is clean.

Simple menu and great coffee! On my last trip I got the cold brew - latte style with oat milk and it was just what I needed. There are no tables, so this is just a grab and go spot. But they've got a parking lot for easy parking and you'll probably be passing them on your way into or out of town. Perfect way to start your trip to the shore.

I'm from north Jersey so stopping by Rook on my way to the shore is always a must. Was excited to see they had a s'mores cold brew! Ordered it with cream and it was DELICIOUS! Staff was very kind and quick. Will be back next time i'm in long branch!

Favorite coffee Rook Decaf My favorite place for a coffee ! No problem be else matches up to them!

First time trying this place out - already a huge fan! Always drive by and never stopped in being that I can't consume much coffee due to a heart condition. I decided to give the half caf (cinnamon vanilla) a try after hearing great things. Safe to say I'll be returning back for more. Really enjoyed the flavor!! Really happy they have a half caf option. Do wish they had the flavors in more decaf options - maybe in the future! Got mine as a half caf cinnamon vanilla with almond milk and sugar. Delicious! Also really liked the protocols they used. You order on the app and they come out, ask you for your name and place it on a table for you to grab and go.

[This review was made in 10/2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic] Look, I was at the (mythical) central Jersey shore and I had to stop by here. If you visit the area and don't go to Rook, then did you really visit? Rook is a personality trait for many from the central shore area and it is warranted. Their coffee is freshly made for you and to your taste. My experience here was great! Can't wait to try the rest of what they offer the next time I'm in the area. Maybe snag a sticker or mug while I'm at it haha : )

My boyfriend and I were craving a refreshing cool drink this past Saturday and we stopped by this place to check it out! Because my boyfriend is a huge coffee lover, I usually enjoy getting an iced tea drink and noticed that this place really had only one or two none coffee drinks... Found this a bit strange but decided to go with the Berry Tea. The tea ended up being pretty good however I prefer my drinks a bit more one the sweeter side than the bitter end but still I did like it and thought it was way better than what I had expected. My boyfriend ordered the New Orleans Cold Brew with Almond Milk and he truly enjoyed it and thought it was very good. Luckily I did get to sneak in a taste of it and I thought it was quite good as well. Overall I would recommend this place to all those coffee lovers out there near the area and if you're not that big on coffee I would recommend the Berry Tea with some sugar if you chose!

This is a unique small chain coffee store that needs to make itself bigger from the great coffee it serves. They use a wide variety of coffee from different countries of the world. If you choose to buy a quick cup I highly recommend checking out their seasonal blend. This time around they had a "cinnamon vanilla cold brew", and it was amazing! This isn't a dab of syrup that they shoot in a cup. The flavors are infused with the coffee beans. Simply amazing! Not much more to say about this establishment, but if you notice one around I do suggest you stop in. You will notice heavy foot traffic wich is means one thing. Great coffee!

Very average coffee, no espresso, but good for a quick stop. Wouldn't go out of my way but this seemed to be the best option in the area based on a quick search

heard great things about this place and always passed by it on our way to the shore so i thought why not grab something to drink before we head out to the beach since it was a pretty hot day. they weren't doing any orders in person due to covid; you have to download the app and then pick it up at the door when you arrive. i got the mint and it tasted just like mint chocolate chip ice cream but in coffee haha. it took a bit for the order to come out but i get why people like this place! the quality was definitely there along with the flavor~

A shore staple. They have the best coffee and service. The coffee is strong! My favorite is the New Orleans cold brew.

In my eyes Rook can do no wrong. I love their cold brew and eagerly await their seasonal flavors! This location is great if you're heading to Seven Presidents Park or in the Eatontown/Long Branch area. The set up at this location is order to the left when you walk in and the go to the right and pay. Very friendly staff at this location! Plenty of parking too!

Small location, but came highly recommended by locals. The coffee tasted great with a nice deep dark flavor. It was incredibly packed so I recommend ordering ahead!

Kind of handsome guy working the register on Friday 7/15 at 11:16am was needlessly rude to us. Not sure what his problem was. The restroom for this cafe is through the hardware store - know before you go. This is not a cafe to work at - it is 100% to go, no seating. My iced cold brew was bitter and putrid. I love coffee - and I threw this in the garbage. Awful. Maybe it was an off day but I can't see coming back.

Best coffee in Monmouth county! The baristas are always friendly and very welcoming. I normally get hot coffee but just tired the toffee iced coffee today. One word...AMAZING!!! You can even text your order in so you'll never have to wait in a line. Don't miss place it is highly recommend.

Excellent smooth but bold flavor. Love my latte mine with a pinch of sugar and oat milk. Summer= beach + Rook x 2

Absolutely love rook for too many reasons. The staff at every location is always friendly, attentive and move quick. Unlike Starbucks, Rook keeps the menu simple, avoiding fancy coffees, but the flavors are anything but simple. My favorite is the iced New Orleans style w almond milk or the Guatemala hot. In the fall they have a pumpkin brew that is perfect... not spicy or fake tasting... subtle, delicious flavor. The long branch location also has bagels with fig butter. The fig butter is absolutely delicious and I wish I could buy the butter to take home. Rook is always consistent and quite the treat!

Cute spot, ample parking, good value. No restrooms I could see. My Bali pourover was listed as bold, but tasted more bitter than anything else. I'll try this location again and go for a less bold choice.

Why do you close so early every day at 5:00 PM some of us don't get home till after five stay open later!

Stopped by this place yeaterday randomly on my way to the beach. I hate the flow of the store. Absolutely LOVED my coffee. At first glance, I didn't understand the concept of how to simply order a coffee, I needed help from an employee. I was called over to a register & asked what I wanted. I asked what coffee sizes they had and was told I can't order coffee at the register, I had to go across the store to order. (Then why call me over & ask what I want? I KNOW!) I go across the store & order the coffee. I tried to order a bagel & was told I can't order a bagel there, I had to go back to the register I was originally at. (I KNOW) I go back where I was to place my bakery item, then my name was being called across the room (my coffee was ready). I paid. I go back to where I was and asked where I pick up my coffee, an employee said 'I don't handle the coffee' LMAO. I walked away from that chick. Some odd reason I think if your employed at a coffee joint, you handle the coffee. Pretty sure if your employed anywhere, you handle customer questions. I could be wrong. I felt like I was in the twilight zone. By the time I left, the place was PACKED. The flow of this location is absolutely horrible. It is complete mayhem. There is no flow actually. Completely disorganized. It actually makes more sense if they swapped the areas where you order coffee & the area where you order bakery items/pay your final bill. Not only for the flow of the place, ease of customers but also so customers aren't blocking the entrance creating a major fire code violation. I finally got out of the maze that was the Long Branch Rook. All my anxiety left my body. I was able to enjoy & fall in love with the best iced coffee I've ever tasted. The bagel was overpriced, not good bt jersey bagel standards, but was edible. I will never forget you 'I don't handle the coffee' Blonde Rook Employee. I think Rook should question why they pay you since you don't handle coffee (the lifeline of their business) & customers (the lifeline of their business). Two solid stars for the coffee because that was outstanding.

Hooked on Rook. I first learned about them while waiting for NJ Transit only to learn the location at the Little Silver train station was closed. Bummer. But in fairness, it was so early, I must have been waiting for the first train out of town. I saw the sign for this location on the side of the road while on my way to Long Branch in desperate need of an espresso, which it turns out they didn't have. So instead I opted for the next closes thing (a small cup of the Sumatra), which was fresh and delicious and made to order within about 3 minutes. Very friendly staff. The baked good selection isn't too vast, but I'm in it for the coffee. Not the pastries. Plenty of parking at this location.

Download their app! Such an easy process to order whatever you want in your coffee. There are so many options and customizations you can make. I got the New Orleans cold brew one and my boyfriend got the Cinnamon Vanilla. They were both amazing. The New Orleans was the first cold brew I have had where the coffee tasted perfectly like a chocolate type roast. And to top it all off, not only was the coffee delicious but the service was very welcoming and super kind! A+ in my book.

after hearing the hype about this spot I wanted to try it out. Menu was very limited but the employees were so amazing and kind, they helped me to figure out what would be best drink for me. After trying it the coffee was honestly mediocre, personally would rather Starbucks because there around the same price range anyway and there are way more options.

Text your order ahead of time to save wait time. Always ready when I swing by. They need at least 10 minutes but it never takes that long :) (732) 312-8796

The coffee is thicker than usual coffee unless it's the cream they use. The New Orleans iced has a robust flavor that not everyone will appreciate. I added a little sugar and really enjoyed the coffee. There is no frills to this coffee shop, but the coffee is good.

Absolutely delicious coffee. Great selection of different roasts, limited edition hot and cold as well seasonal coffees. Order on the app ahead of time for the best experience during COVID times - you can easily upload and use gift cards this way, and you limit wait time in the store.

I have been coming here for a bit now and had a bad experience just recently. I asked a barista to remake my coffee because it had been done wrong. All I got back was attitude. The coffee called for whole milk and it was clear that almond was given. As well as the sweetener being wrong. I tried to show them that they had messed up as proof after she flipped out. But then finally she calmed down and made a new one. I understand we all have bad days and mess up on things but there was no need for a temper tantrum over a cup of coffee having to be remade.

Service at this location is extremely rude. Never had a problem at any rook. I would go to little silver over long branch staff is much friendlier.

Having never been to Rook and figuring I'd see what the hype was all about en route to the beach.... Was confused on where to order and no one to guide as it appears that everyone orders ahead snd just goes to counter to pick up. Finally ordered after figuring out the situation. Asked for recommendations and the girl said she'd never tried any of them! Are you serious!? (15 min wait for basic black coffee).

They were slammed when I was in so the service was a bit mechanical. They were efficient though and the coffee was very good. No hot lattes FYI. They brew everything on the spot so you are getting an incredibly fresh cup of coffee. Cool concept. Incredibly popular based on size and consistency of the crowd while I was there. Limited to no seating options. Clean establishment. Moderate prices.

They roast their own beans and grind them immediately before preparing each cup. There's no place to sit. This is a place to drop by to purchase an excellent cup of coffee and move along. They only serve real coffee here. No fu-fu italian espresso or silly european fancy lad drinks. This is a place where an American man or woman can stop in and pick up a great cup of hot or iced coffee.

I love you: I used to love Rook and buy fresh beans weekly from them. The coffee had a beautiful bloom with Carmel and chocolate tones. I was in love. (It's so much better made at home, rather than their acidic 30 second pour.) Time to break up: I think they have grown too fast and not kept an eye on the other kind of beans..the coffee. Now the bean's oil is surfacing right out of the bag, there is no bloom and that chocolate, caramely richness is no where to be found. Oh you've broken my heart! Take off the fedora and get real: For me all that's left is some hipster branding that's trying really hard, and that leaves a bitter taste as we part ways. Bye rook.

Long time costumer who has been drinking Rook coffee for YEARS. The beans are delicious and are roasted to perfection but I feel as they have grown the care per cup has taken a hit and the quality is not nearly what it was. There is no opportunity given to the coffee to bloom nor is the cup made with the proper water to coffee ratio. Finally, the water is poured in quite to fast before the coffee is able to fully release the full flavors of their delicious beans. Overall good coffee but the quality has absolutely taken a hit.

Such good coffee! I know that Rook has a reputation for being the known coffee in NJ shore towns, & after trying it this weekend for the first time I know it's true! I visited this location two days in a row & had a great experience. The staff is so incredibly friendly with quick service, & that's something that I can always appreciate. Living an hour away, Rook unfortunately isn't something we have in Bergen County but they have the option to buy their coffee beans to bring home & they'll even grind them up for you! 5/5, no question about it.

Everyone raves about this place. I'm a coffee lover. Have been drinking coffee for years, about a decade now. So I went completely out of my way to try it. It's the middle of the day so I just needed a regular coffee, nothing too strong. I spoke with one of the guys there. He was somewhat helpful. Ended up ordering just a regular iced coffee with some milk. After tasting it, I discovered it was just a regular cup of coffee. In my opinion it tasted just like a dunkin donuts regular iced coffee. Sorry but I think this place is overrated.

The layout of this store is a bit nonsensical but no matter. I discovered Rook last year and its easily the best iced coffee in NJ. I love their New Orleans Cold Brew and if I didn't live an hour away I would have bought a few pints to bring home. Open a location farther north please! Next time I'm bringing a cooler.

Iced coffee now comes in a sippy cup - no straws available. Not ideal when grabbing on the go. Coffee is acidic and the ice hitting my teeth is super uncomfortable. Who wants to drink iced coffee without a straw!?

As a coffee nerd and a coffee professional, I was excited to run across a roaster while at a wedding in the area. I would give 2 stars but the customer service was so exceptional, it deserves another star. The people of the shop were really nice and informative and personal. When walking in it's very simplistic and is made for walkin and out only. A cold and hot sign with a large list of coffees and roasting styles are quite visible and easy to understand. I chose the cold brew, New Orleans style, (think Grady's Cold Brew) per recommendation. They brew in a concentrate then add milk or water depending on your preference. Unfortunately I did not really enjoy the coffee itself and ended up not drinking it. While it tasted ok, the flavor was too concentrated and syrupy. The chicory was completely lost and the coffee was unexceptional. Would I recommend this place, yes, the people are great and I would go back to try a pour over style coffee. Their wall full of single serve tins is great and I wish I would have tried one of them. As an espresso traditionalist and someone who drinks them all the time, I was disappointed they didn't have a machine to give an espresso option and I did ask if any of the locations had it, sadly no. But, even though that's not their way of doing coffee, I would still recommend it. I am aware that my review is only 3 stars but since this is a coffee specific shop, I have to rate them based on that alone. In summary, the cold brew was not something I enjoyed. But the overall experience pushed them further. Go in and check them out.

First coffee is always very good. I knocked two stars off because you will no longer cut and butter/cream cheese a bagel. Then your staff didn't fail to make a snarky remark at a client who then turned down buying the bagel. Really?? Is that the vibe now? No thanks.

Rook coffee is amazing. The iced New Orleans is deliciously dark, with subtle chocolatey undertones. The employees are welcoming and knowledgeable. This location is a little confusing if you've never been there before! You order with the baristas and THEN head to the register. Very small location, grab and go high-quality coffee. I recommend their seasonal peppermint cold brew with soy milk and a little sugar!

There is nothing I love more in life than coffee. And local coffee, puts the AMERICAN in my americanO. I had a fantastic cup off Rook Coffee at Black Gold Records in Brooklyn. After that cup, I became mildly obsessed with finding the time, and transportation to get out to one of their shops in South Jerz. Mission, drink their cold brew and buy as many as seen fit. So $80 later, 6 32oz bottles of cold brew, and one large one to go for the road, I felt I hit the coffee junkie jackpot. I did the math with my coffee drinking ways, and these should last me about 20 days. The beauty of the cold brew is that it is a concentrate, so it will last at least 3 weeks after opened and all you have to do is add ice and your favorite dairy/non-dairy product. I'm praying to the coffee gods that Rook makes their cold brew available online for ordering as I would surely order a monthly supplies worth. Kudos to the staff also at this location as they were fantastic.

I love a good cup of coffee and supporting local businesses. Rook Coffee Roasters is that, with a pleasant interior (standing room only) and coffee made to order. So why three stars? The coffee I chose, an Indonesian perhaps, was just 'ok'. And considering I'm paying more than your typical Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, my expectations for gourmet coffee are higher. This cup had a higher acidity texture with flavor lacking. I hope to stop in again and raise a star if I try a different bean/country that impresses me more; also want to try some of their cold brew.

Simply put....absolutely the BEST!!! From the quality of the personally brewed cup of coffee to the friendly neighbor service that you get every single day!! Rook Coffee Roasters brings back the pride in business ownership and it shows in everything they do....congrats!!!!! Date: 10/15....Unfortunately, I have the change my thoughts on Rook. The quality of the coffee isn't the same or as good and the service at Little Oak is HORRIBLE!!!! I hope things go back to my first paragraph bc I really want Rook to continue to succeed. 8/2016: The friendly service is nonexistent. The quality of the coffee isn't the same. I think Rook has lost its passion for quality and service from when it first opened and has focused too much on the $$$$$. Shawn and Holly....don't change the reason why you first started Rook.

Excellent coffee place. Reminds me of Jersey Shore Roasters in Leonardo, another great place that has a myriad of different roasts for coffees run by people who truly love coffee. The set up of the place is incredibly simple, and that same simplicity extends to the minimal but lovely decor. The servers were extra friendly and sweet to us, asking us if we'd like soy or almond milk, a coffee stopper, etc. Extremely attentive to little details. The coffee itself was excellent and I wish that I had not added any soy milk (I typically drink my coffee black but I was in need of a quick cup so I needed the milk to cool it down) - this is the kind of coffee thats so good you want to drink it black. Can't wait to come again!

Some coffee snobs claim this place is overrated... over-roasted beans and the Rook "quick pour" method doesn't yield the most flavor. I'm not a coffee expert. I totally hear the concerns, but to this coffee "rook"ie (ha), Rook is awesome. New Orleans cold brew is one of the best iced coffee drinks ever, and you can't get it anywhere else. I like mine with just whole milk. Friendly, well-trained staff that really works when it's busy.

Big fan of Rook coffee but I really like this location in particular the staff is always helpful and very friendly! Love all of the coffee but love the mocha cold brew especially and the mocha mint when they have it which is a seasonal coffee. You can't go wrong with any coffee they are all excellent!

I remember my first time at a Rook. I like to consider the Long Branch one my favorite, but it's only bc it's my go-to. I went in and, as I usually did at coffee shops, I asked the workers what they recommend. Instead of just being handed a cup I was asked what I liked. So I said lighter roast and they pointed to their chalkboard of coffee. I stated the Ethiopian one, but the girl made me pronounce the second part of the name of the coffee. So I stumbled through "yirgacheffe" but it was a fun time nonetheless. (Ur-gah-chef) From there I only drank that yirgacheffe. Every time. But I recently upgraded to a medium roast, got the Nicaraguan this morning. Don't regret my decision at all. I mean if the coffee wasn't insanely delicious, I'd still probably give this place 5 stars because the employees are just the damn best. You can even text in an order and like run in to pick it up. If there was ever a reason to move to Monmouth County....