Sometimes, that "cup of ambition" is better when it's poured by a pro — as out-of-home coffee consumption has gotten back to its highest level since January 2020, according to national coffee data trends analysis shared last month.

Put together by Dig Insights for the National Coffee Association, the fall analysis found that specialty coffee has maintained its 13-year high, with 45% of Americans sipping it in the past day.

Cold brew was the most popular non-espresso-based beverage — 21% of Americans drank it in the past week, the analysis found.

So, where to go for a fresh cup, whether hot or cold, foam or not, here's a roundup of some of the best independent New Jersey coffee shops.

Here’s 40 great NJ coffee spots to visit

New Jerseyans have a strong crop of choices for a freshly roasted cup of coffee, around NJ. Here's a roundup of 40 spots to get caffeinated — some of them different locations for the same NJ-born brand.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

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New and classic favorites: The best dive bars in New Jersey

The term "dive bar" used to be something derogatory. Nowadays it's more of a badge of honor to say to own one, go to one, or work at one.

We started in South Jersey, stopped A LOT in Central Jersey and ended in North Jersey. We left out the Jersey Shore bar because there are just too many to choose from. If your favorite isn't on the list, don't be offended, just tell us about it. Here we go...

Gallery Credit: Dennis Malloy

LOOK: Highest-rated breweries in New Jersey

Looking to sample some local beers near you? Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated breweries in New Jersey using data from Tripadvisor.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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