Working from a Coffee Shop: Prep Coffee Co in Old Bridge, NJ

June 18, 2021 newjerseyisntboring

In April 2021 I was super excited because I heard my hometown was finally getting an independent coffee shop. I immediately went to visit as soon as I could, and now that they have seating I have claimed it as my second office.

Prep Coffee Co, located on the border of Old Bridge and Matawan on Route 516, is quickly becoming a hot spot due to their “big city coffee, small-town vibes” concept. Husband and wife team Sebastian and Valeria Rivera have used their combined knowledge of the food & beverage industry to create a coffee shop with local and handmade ingredients.

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Hospitality is a big thing at Prep Coffee Co. From the moment you walk in the door their very friendly staff is welcoming you, getting to know your name, and your order. If you don’t know what to order, they will give you their personal recommendations, but trust me…everything is good here.

From left to right (Baristas Kelsey and Matteo, Owners Sebastian and Val)

Their coffee comes from Chicago roaster Intelligista and the tea company Kilogram Tea. Items on their menu include Americanos, Cappuccinos, cold brew, espresso, latte, flat whites, chai, matcha, and more.

I’ve tried half of their menu including their popular “Nitro Gold Brew” which literally glitters.

I’m also a big fan of their chai lattes, mocha, matcha, shaken teas, and a personal fave – their Peanut Butter Latte.

When you come to visit Prep Coffee Co, come hungry! Sebastian, who graduated from Johnson & Wales University, is an Executive Chef who has worked in some of the best restaurants on the East Coast. Items on their food menu include quinoa salad, the Jersey burrito (egg, potato, pork roll, bacon, peppers, scallions, and American cheese), a steak sandwich, chicken salad, and my personal favorite their avocado salmon toast.

Another favorite item off their menu is their ricotta pancakes prepped with homemade lemon curd. Delicious.

Prep Coffee Co is dedicated to keeping things local. Their plants come from Matawan Gardening Center across the street and they sell logo-themed sugar cookies from “Oh Sugar!“.

Speaking of sweet, they have a variety of baked goods from crossaints, cookies, muffins, and brownies.

Their pound cake is very popular, and Sebastian plays around with the flavors. During my most recent visit, they had debuted a rainbow poundcake for Pride Month which is flavored with lemon and vanilla.

Yum!

And of course, I have to mention Prep Coffee Co is DOG FRIENDLY. As animal lovers themselves, Val and Sebastian welcome your furry friends and will even supply them a “pup cup”.