By Jaimie Julia Winters
Kearny should be known as the cafe capital of the area, as there is something delicious to tempt everyone in its wide array of cozy storefronts. Whether it’s the perfect cup of coffee, a fruity juice, a hearty breakfast or lunch, an afternoon pastry to satisfy your sweet tooth, or freshly-baked bread for home, you won’t be disappointed with Kearny’s offerings.
Barbara’s Cafe
521 Kearny Ave.
Opened in 2021, Barbara’s Cafe offers a delightful variety of sweet coffee drinks, savory breakfast and lunch options, and delicious treats, all in an Instagram-worthy setting. Lunch selections include layered potatoes with chicken, beef, or vegetables, the Jacob’s steak sandwich, and smoked salmon toast. The coffees resemble parfaits, beautifully layered with sweet toppings and adorned with flowers. Their dessert menu features popular items such as chocolate carrot cake, flan, and cheese pastries.
“Our vision was to create a space that exudes a homely vibe, inviting guests into a more intimate café experience. Our menu celebrates the art of flavor with Brazilian-inspired dishes that ignite the senses,” states their website.
Arcos Pastry
401 Kearny Ave.
Arcos Pastry specializes in handcrafted traditional Portuguese pastries and breads, with the baking done on premises since 1998. A treat is catching the padas, Portuguese rolls, or natas, custard cups, coming out of the oven.
The European-style cafe also serves three savory meals a day, with some of the most popular being tosta mistas (panini-style ham and cheese), homemade vegetable or chicken soup, bitoque (Portuguese-style steak), bacalhau com natas (creamed codfish and potatoes), and delicious, buttery toast, torrada pao de forma. Other Portuguese specialties include chicken, shrimp, or beef rissoles, which are similar to empanadas and codfish balls. Popular sweets include sweet Portuguese croissants, ovos moles (Portuguese delicacy, sweet egg cream), and a fruit cake, Bolo Rei.
“Arcos Pastry has become a staple in the town of Kearny. With outdoor seating and its unique location across the picturesque town hall and park, Arcos Pastry is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious coffee and Portuguese dessert… the European way,” according to its Facebook page.
O Pao Quente D’Avenida
244 Kearny Ave.
Pao Quente D’Avenida is a renowned Portuguese bakery famous for its broa, or Portuguese cornbread, which has its origins in Portugal and Galicia, a region in Spain. The bakery offers both the classic version and one that includes chorizo.
This small café and bakeshop, where items are baked on-site, is a beloved neighborhood spot. It serves delicious egg tarts with incredibly flaky crusts and fresh-squeezed juices. During the holidays, their Bolo Rei, or King’s Cake, is particularly popular.
In addition to baked goods, Pao Quente D’Avenida serves breakfast and sandwiches. Popular options include the tosta mista (a pressed ham and cheese sandwich) and egg whites with cheese and peppers served on a small wheat roll.
One customer recommends, “If you have time, take a seat and enjoy your tosta mista with a galão, the most traditional of all breakfast options, and let yourself be transported to a small café in one of the best countries in Europe.”
Memoir Cafe
578 Kearny Ave.
Memoir Cafe offers a delightful selection of breakfast items, flavorful juices, and expertly crafted coffee drinks, all with a strong commitment to freshness. Customers particularly enjoy the natural juices, including Ginger Glow, Sour Apple, and Green Elixir, as well as a variety of herbal teas. For breakfast, the cafe serves avocado toast, fresh egg sandwiches, and empanadas. The skilled baristas at Memoir Cafe consistently create high-quality beverages, such as Matcha and Mocha Lattes.
Vicente’s Bread Kitchen and Cafe
343 Kearny Ave.
Vincente’s specializes in the art of artisanal baking, and their passion is evident in the creation of the finest bread, pastries, and coffee, showcasing the expertise of their talented bakers.
Vincente’s is particularly renowned for its brunch offerings, which include delightful pancakes, French toast, eggs, and breakfast sandwiches served up in a cozy vibe.
Their luncheon sandwiches are transformed into a gourmet experience, using freshly baked artisanal bread as the base for their creative fillings.
In addition to pastries and beautiful cakes, Vincente’s also offers mousse cup desserts. After enjoying a meal, diners can take home some of Vincente’s freshly baked bread, rolls, or pastries.
“Comfy family-friendly brunch cafe and restaurant. Large space with a retro vintage feel to it,” one customer said.
Minas Cafe
261 Kearny Ave.
At Minas Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of offerings, including pizzas and baked goods, in a casual setting. The cafe specializes in Brazilian breakfast items and desserts. One of their standout treats is the Alfajor, which consists of shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and dipped in chocolate.
In addition to a great cup of American coffee, they offer Turkish coffee, a delicious hot chocolate, and a frappuccino topped with ice cream. The menu features a beautiful Tapioca Frango com Catupiry, which is chicken with cheese, as well as Coxinha, chicken-filled dough balls. Overall, Minas Cafe has an extensive selection that includes Brazilian sandwiches, empanadas, salads, and other Brazilian snacks.