A bustling city like Jersey City can often feel overwhelming or stress-inducing. On a bad day, the city can feel full of distractions, loud noises, and even weird smells. At Barrio Barista, the family behind the counter aims to provide peaceful ambiance, calm music, and good coffee.
The cozy 500-square-foot space features a wood wall panel that reduces the noise of outside traffic. Inside, the cafe is decorated with pictures of islands, beaches, and rice fields in the Philippines. These photos were taken by co-owners Jarwin Bolante and Jam Desiree Bolante, as a way of paying homage to their Filipino roots. Barrio Barista can seat eight to 10 patrons indoors and can offer outdoor seating in the warmer months.
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Signature Drinks & Cheesecakes
Their ube latte and calamansi green tea are early hits. (Ube is a purple yam from the Philippines used in many Filipino desserts and provides a nutty, vanilla-like flavor.) But surprisingly, it might just be their cheesecakes that take over social media; especially their ube cheesecake. “I have a feeling it’ll win some awards one day,” Jarwin says.
Jarwin’s favorite drink is the Spanish latte, but also recommends pairing their dulce de leche cheesecake with an iced Americano. “The sweetness of the cheesecake accompanies the espresso taste very well,” he explains. Meanwhile Jarwin’s wife – Jam Desiree Bolante, also co-founder and co-owner – says her favorite items are the iced ube latte and ube cheesecake.
About Barrio Barista
Jarwin was born and raised in Jersey City to Filipino parents, living near Journal Square his whole life. Meanwhile, Jam hails from the Philippines. “We both love Jersey City’s diversity and would love to enrich it by adding a piece of Filipino hospitality to Journal Square,” says Jarwin. The couple also owns a custom baked goods business, Jar of Jam.
While Jarwin and Jam are focused on the present right now, they do have plans for the future. For instance, they hope to be able to donate to church events throughout the year, especially during the holiday season…