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Van Goghs Ear Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1017 Stuyvesant AveUnion, NJ 07083
(908) 810-1844
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 1 am
Sun 6 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
62 reviews for Van Goghs Ear Cafe
Review Highlights
"For dessert - You can't go wrong with the Brown Derby."
(in 6 reviews)
"There is live music a few times a week (Tues & Sun I..."
(in 8 reviews)
"I loved the mellow vibe, the live music, and the open mic."
(in 5 reviews)
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62 reviews in English
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Review from Gwen C.
8/10/2011
Hey, who else misses the Palmyra in Bound Brook?
The Ear is as close as you'll get in ambience (especially since the smoking ban...imagine what the Palmyra woulda been like with no smoke?) and where I moved on to after the flood.
Got a chance to stop back in earlier this year and was pleased to see it's still the same...friendly, comfortable, and a fine place to hang out for a while and catch up with your friends who didn't flee screaming after they graduated from Rutgers. -
Review from Far East M.
Paterson, NJ
1/24/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Whenever I have a bad start to the work day, I will come here for a nice calming sandwich and a hot cup of coffee. I sometimes get the soup with the sandwich to bump up the calories.
Be careful hipsters and people with lots of free time flock here. -
Review from Jorge S.
Newton, NJ
12/12/2011
Have not been here in a long time. This was my go to first date spot in the Union area. Great ambiance and warm coffees especially in the colder months.
I might have to go back soon. There used to be live music on Thursday nights I believe. -
Review from Rose D.
West Orange, NJ
10/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My husband and I have been going to Van Gogh's since we first started dating. What I love about the place is that it's a local business and they've been around for over 10 years now, who doesn't want to support that?!
When we come here...it's definitely more for the vibe than anything...this place feels like a "real" coffee house, the mood, lighting and decor makes you feel instantly relaxed and comfortable when you come in, and you always end up staying longer than expected.
Their food is definitely not bad, not exactly great though either. They've perfected a few dishes, we particularly love the roast beef sandwiches, the prices are reasonable for what it is. However I wish they added some more variety to their food menu.
The highlight of course is their coffee and tea selection...they always have plenty of choices. Some of the seasonal choices are a hit and miss, for example we went this past weekend and had the pumpkin Chai latte and also the pumpkin gingersnap coffee, but it was waaaay too sweet, and they were nice enough to take one of them off our tab since I couldn't even finish half my drink. But there are definitely safer more delicious items on the menu (i.e. their toasted almond coffee, flying fox, etc).
I give it a 4 start b/c it's just a nice place to have, a place you want to root for so their business can grow. Plus their staff is always uber friendly and chill. Definitely a good place to take a date for some intimate "get to know each other" times. :) -
Review from Rachel C.
Jersey City, NJ
1/5/2012
Wonderful ambience, delicious teas, and yummy food. This is a great find. My only complaint would be that the mgmt was opposed to adding chairs to our table ("fire hazard"). My friends and I ended up having to move twice.
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Review from Katie W.
Ridgewood, NJ
10/11/2011
This is one of those places I went to ONCE ages ago, but I just passed by again recently and thought "GAH! I have to go back!"
I had a rather tasty hazelnut coffee here (with sugar in the raw just how I like it!) but that is almost besides the point.
This place is ALL about the ambiance. Eclectic furnishings, comfy seating, bookshelves lining the walls, vast glass window storefront, and a tragically hip staff and clientele. I felt like a cast member of RENT in the La Vie Boheme scene (before I realized that that thought in and of itself made me not cool enough to be in the cast of RENT in the La Vie Boheme scene.)
Bottom line--go for the caffeine fix. Stay for the sense of being cooler than you are (however fleeting.) -
Review from Barbs B.
Union, NJ
1/28/2012
I love, love, LOVE this place. I've been coming here for years and I have never been disappointed. Never. Great ambiance, great food and music. Just awesome.
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Review from Tricia S.
Bronx, NY
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Adorable! The dessert was great
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Review from Lena P.
Long Branch, NJ
1/13/2012
My favorite place to eat in the whole world, hands down. What's not to love? Mismatched furniture, giant Starry Night mural, cool soundtrack, great vegetarian options, friendly service, tea by the TEAPOT (!), and shelves of books. Last time I went I had this soup made with butternut squash, coconut, and curry. Sounds weird but could have been one of the best bowls of soup I ever had - spicy, sweet, robust and creamy. Not to mention live music and there's always parking in Union Center. Every time I go to Van Gogh's Ear it's a delicious and innovative meal and a really peaceful and enjoyable time. I would recommend it to anyone, but I try to keep it my little secret. I guess you could go though.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Union, NJ
1/7/2012
Van Goghs Ear is a cozy, welcoming and delicious. The service is always good, sometimes they have live music. They recently introduced a new menu and I like it even better. Some of my favorites are still available, like the garlicy spinach dip. The new penne dish is wonderful (penne, goat cheese, oven roasted tomatoes, roasted red onions, asparagus and artichoke hearts.) You can enjoy the coffee and tea specialty drinks, or byob.
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Review from Inês I.
Union, NJ
10/12/2011 2 photos
I've been coming here for 11 years. It's really amazing and delicious, but the only reason it doesn't get a 5 stars is because it's overpriced. The music is always great, the atmosphere and style is awesome, but most of all, the food is amazing. I order pick up constantly. I used to always get teh specials, because they're amazing but they've been going up steadily. I remember one time I called and ordered the special "Chicken dumpling stew" and when I went to pick it up she told me it was $16. Umm...it's soup, well no, apparently it's "stew" and a special. I had to leave it there, I just couldn't. Sorry, but i'm sure it was delicious.
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Review from Radhika B.
Dayton, NJ
8/21/2011
Been here a few times and it's nice mostly for its ambiance. I didn't care much for the coffee or tea but the staff is nice and it's a cute little place to hang out/catch up with friends/play cards etc. I love how many books they have - it's amazing! It's really one of the only actual cafe's I know of in the area. Definitely worth coming back to.
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Review from Dorothy P G.
Union, NJ
10/21/2011
I visited Van Gogh's for the first time a year ago and I was immediately impressed. It's a homey little cafe on 82 in Union, thus very accessible to people from the surrounding areas of Springfield, Union, or Elizabeth. From the moment you enter, you can tell that it's an artistic place. Book shelves, knick knacks, and paintings line the walls. (It's all for sale too). You can sit on couches around little coffee tables and feel like you're in your living room. There are a few regular tables too. It's not very big and usually feels tight.
Van Gogh's offers a really interesting and delicious array of foods. It's a great place for tea lovers, so many varieties of hot and iced teas, even milk teas. Their espresso is average, but they offer all the basics and they're all good. Their hot chocolate is amazing. The food is very good, especially the desserts (Toll house cookie lava cake!). They don't have a large selection of "real" food (wraps, flatbreads, etc.). These are good but a little pricey considering the portion sizes.
I think Van Gogh's offers something unique to the area. You get the eclectic cafe without traveling to the city. It's within easy reach of Kean University, and close enough to nearby neighborhoods to make a good date night for young and old alike. I wouldn't suggest it for kids though, too small and not enough food selection. Also, it's not the best place for a quiet conversation, especially on music nights. (There's usually a cover charge then too).
I highly recommend Van Gogh's for its cool atmosphere, great food, and its accessibility. I have to admit that I haven't been recently, because even though the drinks are normally priced for that type of cafe (3-5$) it's still a lot for a poor college student, especially with all of those tempting desserts. However, if you have the time and a few bucks to spare, it will be well worth it. -
Review from Art S.
Springfield, NJ
8/13/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Fantastic coffee / sandwhich shop with great decor good sandwhich prices and interesting options, good location. I don't give a lot of 5s but this is one of them and we meet people there. We need to check out their live music on Sumnday and Tuesday nights.
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Review from Rachael W.
Colonia, NJ
12/7/2011
Went to Van Gogh's last night for the first time with some friends. I absolutely loved it. This place is really cute, and you feel like you're at home. It looks like a giant living room with comfy couches, mismatched furniture and bookshelves. It's pretty cool to see people eating dinner at a couch and coffee table. The service was great too. I definitely recommend the thin mint latte - it was DELICIOUS. I agree with other reviews that it is a bit pricey (my latte was $6), but it's definitely worth it. The cups they give you are huge, and the coffee is so good. It's worth the price for the atmosphere alone. We ended up staying for over 2 hours. I plan on going back with my boyfriend. I think it would be a really good place for a date.
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Review from Anthony S.
Ramsey, NJ
10/1/2011
Great place!
Has a wide selection of coffees, teas, and some reasonably priced meals.
Nice atmosphere, feels like I'm in my home, or that of a friends! -
Review from Thecraftaholic D.
Brooklyn, NY
11/9/2010
A Long time ago, when SAM was the original owner, I was a frequent here. I loved the mellow vibe, the live music, and the open mic.
This place is where I met my husband, actually. His band played after their open mic one time, and years later here we are with a little one, married and living in Brooklyn, NY.
Van Gogh's Ear is a cool place to go, when live in NJ, consider yourself artsy, and want a good cup of coffee.
It was EVEN better when LOU worked there. HE was awesome!
I miss Sam, and the old staff, and have a special place in my heart for Van Gogh's Ear. -
Review from Andre A.
Camden, NJ
9/30/2011
I've been coming here for years. Every single item on the menu is delicious and well-presented (and not too pricey, for what you get), and their coffees and teas are some of the best I've ever had. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is hip, and it's a great place to impress a date.
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Review from Kirsten A.
Kennett Square, PA
4/5/2011
Comfortable chairs, great vibe, good waitstaff, books everywhere, and stylish decor, and awesome desserts. I love this place.
If I were more local I'd probably be a regular -
Review from Mike S.
Roselle Park, NJ
7/3/2011
Great place to get a coffee, dessert and just hang out with people
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Review from Kyle S.
Roselle Park, NJ
8/25/2010
Cool place. It's become one of my favorite evening hangouts this Summer because of the outdoor seating. Decent menu although it's a little bit pricey. The special coffees are usually awesome, I had a great Mexican coffee a few months ago. The desserts are pretty good, I recommend the peanut butter mousse pie.
The live music nights can be touch and go though. On Sunday, if you sit inside you're forced to pay an extra $4 for the live music that you probably don't want to hear. I'd rather play one of the board games they have there than be subjected to some towny kids' band. -
Review from Yingwai Y.
Pompton Lakes, NJ
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for an afternoon coffee break. I got the Iced Flying Fox: latte flavored with vanilla & hazelnut and a dessert. They were both awesome! The place a great atmosphere, perfect for girls to catch up, or for a date. I wish I lived closer!
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Review from Janet M.
Union, NJ
8/19/2011
This is one of my favorite places to meet friends and catch up. The food is good, desserts and coffee are great, staff is very friendly. There is live music a few times a week (Tues & Sun I believe). It is also BYOB.
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Review from Danny N.
Jersey City, NJ
7/31/2010
Very nice small cafe to have a small lunch or late night coffee date.
The biggest con is this place is in Union, NJ. Which there isn't really much in the area to do and you wouldn't have much of a excuse to go here unless you lived there or nearby. Not quite a destination spot but if you're in the area, why not stop by for a coffee and bite to eat. -
Review from Tanya N.
New York, NY
8/1/2010
All my friends from Union have heard of this place, of course, and said that it's the only good thing in Union. I'm not sure how true that is since well, since it's Union and I don't have much reason to come here (...because it's Union).
The inside is just the way I'd imagine a cafe to be - not at all like Starbucks, not commercial, not pretentious. There were a few paintings on the wall (you'll never guess who the artist was) and lots of bookshelves filled with ... you'll never guess - books! It was like a lively little library; you could spend hours here reading quietly or havea coffee with a friend. I only got an iced coffee and Harvest Turkey sandwich, nonetheless, for a little sandwich, it was really unique. It had a nice blend of turkey and a creamy-sweet spread.
I've heard from my friends that this place is great for dessert so I'll have to try that next time. But if it's anything like their sandwiches, I'm sold. -
Review from Samantha L.
Elizabeth, NJ
5/20/2011
I love this place, I swear by the brown derby! It's not as good as it used to be but still pretty yummy. It's a great chill place to hang out with friends and/or to bring a date. The only down side is that the place needs a better ventalation system because I always reek when I leave the place. Other than that, i've never really been disappointed by the food in this place. I love their peach italian soda.
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Review from Kate B.
Portland, OR
4/18/2008
We were staying with relatives in this little burb and stumbled across VGE and what a find! We have a number of food allergies to contend with in our family and the selection here was fantastic. We were able to order yummy food for each of us without feeling like we had to sacrifice a good time (typically eating out for my kids consists of boiled pasta and steamed veggies. Good for you yes, just not always very exciting). I had the honey mustard chicken pita and it was seriously delish -- not just grilled chicken with some sauce slapped in there. My husband had the chicken + portobello wrap and he wolfed it down in no time (even with our 2 year old on his lap).
We had just taken a trip to the Middle East and VGE had a number of middle eastern options that were on par with some of the food we'd had there. The hummus was good (could have been a little creamier) and the pita was very good. The baba ghannoush was nice, not too garlicky (which I prefer).
The iced tea was actually tea --not some nasty mix. And the juices were really good too, quite a variety. The peach was tasty. My husband had a latte that he enjoyed.
Not ultra family-friendly (no high chairs or boosters) but not overtly family-unfriendly either.
The decor is just funky enough, without being tragically hip. The service was attentive without being intrusive and the music was in the background so you could actually hear others at your table.
If I'm ever in the area, I'd definitely go back. -
Review from liz c.
Union, NJ
3/26/2011
I have been going here for so many years! It's a great place for a date or to grab coffee with friends. It's got a cool vibe and has long been a fab place to chill, talk and occasionally catch an open mic nite. Decor is eclectic and very garage sale meets grandma's attic meets anthropologie. The outdoor patio is also perfect on mild nights. Food is fresh and yummy! Starry night salad is so good (and filling!) and so is the cucumber and brie. Can't go wrong with desserts...brown derby is a classic! Just writing about it makes me want to go!!
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Review from George G.
Newark, NJ
7/10/2011
This is one of my all time favorite spots to hang out. The food is fantastic, the specials are phenomenal, and the atmosphere is laidback and friendly.
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Review from Chelsea J.
Clark, NJ
7/8/2011
BLT Pita. Enough said. Also, the coffee is wonderful. And the music. And the people.
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Review from Nathan G.
Roseville, CA
9/17/2008
The reviews for this restaurant were promising and I'm certainly glad that we checked it out. The atmosphere was cozy, the service was pleasant.
The menu features a lot of fresh ingredients with both classic and original dishes. They also offer some great coffee drinks. I had an iced coffee drink, and finished off the meal with a double espresso. I should have asked more about their coffee, but rest assured that it's a great bean with a well rounded flavor, and not over roasted which seems to be a common theme these days.
The only disappointment is that the olives in my friend's Greek salad were not pitted, which could have been real trouble especially given the dim lighting in the restaurant. He had to learn this the hard way, quite literally.
The desserts were a real delight, and while perhaps a little on the small side (alright, so I'm a glutton when it comes to dessert) they were appropriately priced for the size. They have a great selection of desserts so this would be an ideal place to visit for coffee and dessert after dinner or an event elsewhere.
Overall, this was a great visit and I'm sure to go back as long as I'm working in the Newark area. -
Review from Rosavida C.
San Bruno, CA
7/7/2008 1 photo
Love the food and miss it so much. When i go back to NJ i'm going to go there and order a toasted almond coffee while i wait to eat the salad with the awesome house dressing. then i'm going to get the chicken sandwich i can't remember the name of and top it off with a tollhouse cookie dessert. mmmmmmm.
when i lived there, it's most likely where you would find me, as well as my friends, before after or even during school/work.
besides the food, what keeps me coming back is the smokin' hot staff. !! haha i love you guys!
ps - for the alcohol section, they let you bring your own wine but each person drinking it must order an entree.Listed in: Yum Yum Yum.
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Review from Lisa R.
3/3/2011
Overall, Van Gogh's Ear Cafe provides a coffee house atmosphere in a location starving for trendy hang-outs. The food was healthy and moderately priced, and they had an extensive tea selection. They even provided live music later on in the night. I went on a Sunday, and it opened at 6 pm. I found the hours on Sunday a little awkward. Isn't Sunday brunch a primetime for cafes and restaurants? The one negative for this place would be that it appeals to a young crowd, as in a high school crowd. As a result, I felt a little out-of-place. All in all, Van Gogh's Ear Cafe provides quality food and entertainment at a modest price; however, the young crowd alienates older patrons.
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Review from Kristin C.
Summit, NJ
2/19/2008
I just found out about VGE a few years ago, but it's become a great place to hang out even for "old" folks like me and my husband. The coffees are excellent and food and desserts are yummy.
Sunday nights offer live jazz and there's no cover.
A friend had her sister's bridal shower here so it's open to a variety of occasions. -
Review from Geraldine T.
Union, NJ
4/20/2010
This cafe is nice and close by. The interior design is clean and comfortably artsy and the lighting is perfect. The wait staff is very friendly and very nice. If you live around here, you're bound to know at least one person from school or mutual friends, etc. This place is decently priced and can get busy.
Their chai latte is pretty good (the last time I had it though, there it seemed like there was more foam than latte) and their honeybush tea is very similar in taste to sago when you mix it with more honey (which is yummy). They also have yummy fruit iced teas which are served in very tall glasses. I've had the ali baba's feast on a number of occasions and it's pretty tasty. Their tomato soup is also good and their peach cobbler is excellent.
It's a nice place to hang out for hours long conversation and good food. -
Review from Robert C.
Kenilworth, NJ
8/30/2010
I only ended up going into Van Gogh's once, but it was a good experience. On busy weekend nights, there is usually a wait. I was only willing to wait once, mostly at the urging of my girlfriend. A bunch of friends love it over there and spend at least one night a week there.
The cafe drinks were good and I thoroughly enjoyed the dessert (it was some sort of chocolate chip cookie sundae). You'll spend more here than at a Starbucks or other self proclaimed coffee place, but it's worth the great atmosphere.
Haven't seen the live music acts, but I've heard good things. It's not really my cup of tea, though, so I've consciously stayed away on music nights (pun intended). -
Review from Kimberly C.
New Brunswick, NJ
4/21/2009
Van Gogh's is a cute, artsy, unique cafe in downtown Union. They have live music during the week and add an extra charge to your meals. I went there on a Sunday night and it was a bit difficult to hear my friend.
I usually come here for dessert. My favourite is the Peanut Butter Mousse pie. I could eat two of those! I wish there was a coffee house like this closer to my house! It's a great place to get dessert, to chat or for date night.
They also have a small parking lot in the back in case you have a hard time finding street parking. -
Review from Melissa H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/9/2008
This place is definitely important if you grew up in the Union area. With it's funky, mismatched decor. (Book shelves, oversized mismatched chairs, dim lighting.. you get the picture) it definitely says "sit here and enjoy the ambiance for hours." There's art from local artists, jazz, open mic nights, etc. It's most definitely a chill spot.
Onto the staff. Laid back, attentive and not overwhelming. Helpful and dare I say hip? I do dare.
The food is always on point and their specials are different and always well thought out. One of my favorites was a goat cheese and roasted vegetable lasagna paired with mixed greens.. really good. The all-time menu is usually a simple fare of soups, wraps/sandwiches, etc.
Another plus side of this place? You need to be 18 to even eat here (i think you can come with a guardian if you are under 18?) but it keeps the atmosphere low-key, personal and maybe a little romantic. -
Review from Andrea C.
Verona, NJ
6/4/2008
Loved this place.
Murals on the walls? I'll take it.
Calming atmosphere? Ah, yes.
Awesome tea/coffee/whatever menu? I want it again.
Tasty food? Indeed.
If I lived closer, I'd be here all the time. What a perfect place to spend time with friends and catch up on each others' lives. Intimate chairs, couches, and tables... all different from each other. Book shelves that I could stare at all day. Loved the drink menu. The staff wasn't the greatest, but I didn't want them there anyway- too involved in catching up with a good friend in a nice surrounding. -
Review from Liz S.
Morristown, NJ
4/23/2008
Yep. I'm biased. I've been coming to Van Gogh's Ear for years now and my friends work & own the joint. It's a chill, cozy hangout where you can enjoy random & hip music and gaze at the work of local artists that grace the walls.
All that aside, come to this cute little cafe for some neat sandwiches, special specials (last night I had some yummy shrimp toast). I've had everything from lamb curry lentil soup to iced passionfruit green tea and fresh squeezed lemonade and I keep coming back for more.
The atmosphere is cozy and eclectic and it does tend to get crowded here later on in the evening, so don't get upset if there's a bit of a wait. But, whatever you do, when you come in, wait for a host! Don't seat yourself - especially if you're a party of two or three and you decide you want to sit on a couch. It's one of the few ways to ultimately piss off the otherwise chill and friendly (and haha, hip. ) staff.
Great place to bring a date - and you can BYOB (only catch is you have to order an entree to get boozed up).
PS - Tuesdays are Open Mic night and Sundays are Jazz Nights and in the spring/summer, there's outdoor seating.
