Most Underrated Coffee Shops at the Jersey Shore

I still see crazy, long lines at Starbucks, and Rook seems to have expanded to several locations as well. But here are some of the smaller coffee joints that my boys and I love.

Sometimes you don't want to deal with 20 people in line on...or worry about finding a place to sit once you do have your coffee. (And I do LOVE to be able to SIT and enjoy my cappuccino at the place I get it from.)

My boys and I just love a great cup of coffee in a warm and fuzzy atmosphere where we can relax for a while.

Here are our favorites. This is not a list of breakfast shoppes/bakeries.This is mostly about excellent coffee and an atmosphere based on nice places to sit and enjoy:

1. Turnstile Coffee Roasters, 1607 Highway 71, Belmar. I am in here all the time...this coffee shop is like a giant hug. Warm, inviting, absolutely amazing coffee, internet connection, and whether you're sitting at the counter, a table, or on that delicious leather couch, you won't want to leave.

2. America's Cup Coffee Company, 633 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park. I cannot go to Asbury Park and not stop in here. Fantastic atmosphere, delicious coffee....and, bonus, waffles to die for.

3. Cafe Volan, 510 Bangs Ave., Asbury Park. I adore this coffee shop, too. The coffee is fabulous, the atmosphere is terrific, and the people that hang out here are the coolest!

4. Green Planet, 78 Main St. in Manasquan, and 700 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. Great coffee drinks (hot and cold), plenty of nice seating (inside and out), CASH ONLY.

Honorable mention:

5. Stay Gold Cafe & Lounge, 800 Main St., Belmar. This place has good coffee, along with smoothies and cool menu items because it also is a restaurant, but the atmosphere is great and my teen boys think it's a really cool place to hang out with me... after all, they have an internet connection, lol.

6. Black Anchor Coffee House, on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach. The atmosphere may not be warm and fuzzy, but in a place where you are usually dealing with major crowds, this place is a respite and the coffee (hot or iced) is excellent. A hidden gem among all the ice cream, funnel cakes, and pizza.

Please tell us what your warm and fuzzy favorite coffee shops are based on great coffee and atmosphere!