Queen City Coffee Roasters, a small specialty roastery, was established in Plainfield, NJ, during the height of the pandemic and persevered to become a neighborhood hub and beloved gathering space, displaying local artists’ works and hosting open mic nights and book clubs. Maher and Monica, the proprietors, brought the same passion for community engagement to their second location in Clifton, NJ.
A generous communal table greets you upon entering, while soft seating and café tables are placed throughout to suit a variety of patrons and activities. The coffee bar was customized and optimized to streamline baristas’ workflows and enhance the customer experience, whether they are grabbing a coffee to-go quickly or enjoying a leisurely pour-over at the slow-bar.
The ceilings were left open to their maximum height, and track lighting was suspended to illuminate the curated gallery walls. Chandeliers and pendant lights are dropped low to define intimate zones and provide a cozy atmosphere.
The defining architectural gesture is the 19-foot folding glass façade at the front, which opens seamlessly onto an expanded sidewalk when weather permits. Clad in whitewashed brick, the storefront stands apart from its neighbor, Veiled, also designed by Studio Hillier.
