- Attraction: Scout’s Coffee Bar + Mercantile
- Location: 11 Main St, High Bridge, NJ 08829
- Industry: Coffee Shop
- Website: https://scoutscoffeebar.com/
Picture this: century-old tin ceilings overhead, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans filling the air, and a space so inviting that strangers become regulars after just one visit.
Scout’s Coffee Bar + Mercantile has been the beating heart of downtown High Bridge since opening in August 2016, and it’s so much more than your typical coffee stop.
Founded by local artist Nicole Poko, this beloved spot was designed with one mission in mind: to create a comfortable place where neighbors can slow down, connect, and savor the moment over exceptional coffee.
Whether you’re a Columbia Trail hiker needing fuel, a remote worker seeking the perfect office-away-from-home, or simply someone who appreciates truly great coffee in an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug, Scout’s delivers on every level.
What makes Scout’s particularly special is the dedication to doing things right. In August 2023, they took their coffee game to the next level by purchasing their own Mill City roaster and began roasting beans in-house.
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Keep Exploring →Coffee & Specialty Drinks
In-House Roasted Excellence: Scout’s roasts their own coffee beans on-site using organic beans, giving you some of the freshest coffee you’ll find anywhere in the region.
Each cup showcases their dedication to the craft, with baristas trained to Specialty Coffee Association standards. The espresso program rotates through various coffee varieties, all roasted fresh right here.
The Lavender Latte: This signature drink has earned a devoted following for good reason. Made with house-made lavender syrup that’s prepared in-house, it strikes the perfect balance between floral and rich coffee flavors.
You’ll notice the slightly floral scent first, followed by a deep, creamy taste that makes this latte absolutely memorable. The baristas even create beautiful latte art using almond milk, adding those small artistic touches that elevate the entire experience.
Maple Latte Magic: Another standout that locals rave about, the maple latte uses real maple syrup to sweeten the coffee with subtle, almost toffee-like notes. It enhances the coffee flavor in ways that regular sugar simply can’t match, creating a warming drink that’s perfect for chilly mornings before hitting the Columbia Trail.
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Discover MoreThe Real Macchiato: Scout’s makes it clear that their macchiato is the authentic version—a double espresso with just a dab of steamed milk. This isn’t the sweetened, milk-heavy version popularized by chain coffee shops. If you’re a true espresso lover, you’ll appreciate their commitment to doing this drink the traditional way.
Specialty Seasonal Drinks: Keep an eye out for monthly drink specials that showcase creative combinations. Past offerings have included a ginger molasses latte made with ground ginger mixed with espresso, topped with steamed milk and sweetened with molasses for a wonderfully warm and spicy experience.
Loose Leaf Teas: All the teas here come from Harney and Sons in New York, a family-owned business that Nicole and Adam (the owners) have been fans of for decades. Both caffeinated and decaf options are available, served as proper loose leaf preparations.
Breakfast & Toast Creations
The Breakfast Burritos: Scout’s makes several varieties of breakfast burritos that have become local favorites. The classic version features smoky refried beans, bacon, eggs, and Mexican cheese rolled in a flour tortilla and grilled to perfection.
There’s also a sweet potato version with roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and pork sausage, plus a spinach and feta option with no-nut pesto for vegetarians. Each burrito is made fresh and grilled crispy on the outside.
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Keep Exploring →Ricotta Toast Variations: These thick-sliced sourdough toasts from Bread & Culture have become menu standouts. The savory version tops fresh ricotta with prosciutto, no-nut pesto, honey, and chili pepper flakes for an incredible sweet-and-savory combination.
The berry version features fresh ricotta topped with berries, almonds, and honey for something on the sweeter side. There’s also a smoked salmon version with whipped cream cheese, capers, pickled red onions, and everything seasoning that tastes like a gourmet bagel elevated to art.
Avocado Toast: Made on thick-sliced bread from Bread & Culture, the avocado is perfectly smashed and topped with pickled red onions and microgreens with the right seasoning. You can add a poached egg to make it even more filling.
Steel-Cut Oats: For a hearty, wholesome breakfast option, Scout’s serves steel-cut oats that provide a satisfying start to your day without weighing you down.
Fresh-Baked Pastries
The In-House Bakery: In 2018, Scout’s opened a 400-square-foot bakery space in the basement, giving them complete creative control over their pastries. Everything is baked fresh daily, and the difference is immediately apparent in both taste and texture.
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Discover MoreMuffins & Scones: The muffins here have earned countless compliments, with varieties changing regularly. Past favorites include banana nut muffins and blueberry muffins bursting with fresh fruit. The scones are equally impressive, often featuring seasonal flavors.
Chocolate Croissants: Buttery, flaky, and filled with rich chocolate, these croissants disappear fast. Get there early if you want one.
Lavender Shortbread: This unique pastry combines the delicate floral notes of lavender with buttery shortbread for a treat that’s not overly sweet but packed with flavor.
Gluten-Free Options: Scout’s takes gluten-free baking seriously, making their own house-made gluten-free pastries in the bakery. Options typically include brownies, cookies, and various muffins, all safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Cookies & Bars: The chocolate chip cookies have a dedicated fan base who swear they’re the best in town. The shop also offers various bars and other sweet treats that rotate based on what’s fresh from the bakery.
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Keep Exploring →Breakfast Pies: Think of these as elegant soufflés in pastry form. They’re an amazing addition to the breakfast and brunch lineup, offering something a bit more special than your typical pastry.
Lunch Offerings
Chicken Salad Sandwich: Made in-house, Scout’s chicken salad is served on quality bread and makes for a satisfying lunch option, though some visitors note it can occasionally be on the drier side depending on the batch.
Vegan Noodles: The vegan peanut sauce here is a real highlight, combining peanut butter, ginger, soy sauce, and maple syrup into something truly delicious. It’s topped with fresh scallions, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds, then tossed with wheat noodles for a lunch that’s both filling and flavorful.
House-Made Hummus: Scout’s prepares their own hummus, which you can enjoy as part of various menu items or on its own.
Seasonal Veggie Burrito: Roasted seasonal vegetables with beans wrapped in a flour tortilla and grilled make for a hearty vegan option that changes with what’s fresh.
The Mercantile & Gift Shop
Local Artisan Goods: The front of the shop features a carefully curated mercantile filled with handmade products, local goods, and specialty items that reflect the lifestyle the community embraces. You’ll find unique gifts perfect for teachers, kids, and anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship.
Nightingale Cards: Nicole Poko creates her own line of greeting cards called Nightingale Card line, featuring her artwork. These cards, alongside other locally-made cards from area artists, give you options you won’t find at big-box stores.
Coffee Scrub Soap: In a unique collaboration with Mt. Lebanon Soap, Scout’s offers their own Coffee Scrub Soap that makes a great gift or personal treat.
Scout’s Branded Merchandise: The coffee shop’s logo is adorable, and you can take it home on various merchandise items.
Constantly Rotating Selection: The gift shop inventory changes regularly, so there’s always something new to discover. It’s become a go-to spot for finding unique presents that support local makers.
Atmosphere & Space
Two Storefronts Combined: Scout’s expanded in 2021 to include an adjacent space called The Parlor, giving the coffee shop plenty of room to spread out. This means you’ll rarely feel cramped, even during busy morning rushes.
Repurposed Furniture & Eclectic Decor: The space features an eclectic mix of repurposed furniture that gives Scout’s a cozy, earthy vibe. You’ll find comfortable seating along the walls and couches in the back area, perfect for settling in with your laptop or a good book.
Century-Old Tin Ceilings: The historic tin ceilings add character and charm to the space. Combined with poetry and dried floral arrangements discovered throughout, the atmosphere has an artistic, thoughtful quality that reflects Nicole’s background as a local artist.
Indoor Seating Options: Whether you prefer a traditional table, a spot at the counter, or sinking into a cozy couch, Scout’s has seating to match your mood. The expansive layout means you’ll usually find a spot even on busier days.
Outdoor Patio: A cute little patio out front lets you sit outside and people-watch on Main Street, especially pleasant during warmer months.
Work-Friendly Environment: Many locals have made Scout’s their office away from home. The welcoming atmosphere, reliable wifi, and ample seating make it an ideal spot for remote work, studying, or writing that novel you’ve been thinking about.
The Parlor Events: The connected Parlor space hosts various pop-up events throughout the year, including story slams, holiday cabarets, live jazz with tacos, coffee socials, and artisan craft markets. Check their social media for upcoming events.
Other Considerations
Mid-Tier Pricing with Great Value: Scout’s falls into the moderate pricing range for specialty coffee shops.
While you’ll pay a bit more than chain coffee, the quality of the in-house roasted coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and made-from-scratch food makes it absolutely worthwhile. A latte typically runs around $5-6, with food items ranging from $6-10.
Perfect Columbia Trail Location: Scout’s sits just footsteps from the Columbia Trail trailhead, making it the ideal stop before or after hiking or biking. The trail stretches about 30 miles from High Bridge through Califon, Long Valley, and Bartley, offering beautiful wooded scenery.
Within less than a mile of walking the trail, you can reach an upper view of Lake Solitude Dam and its manmade waterfall, plus spot quirky gnome houses that locals have placed along the path.
Train Commuter Friendly: Located just steps from the NJ Transit Raritan Line station that services New York Penn Station, Scout’s is perfect for grabbing a quick latte while waiting for your train.
Family-Friendly Welcome: While Scout’s has a sophisticated coffee shop vibe, it’s absolutely family-friendly. Kids are welcome, and the gift shop has plenty of items that appeal to younger visitors.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Accommodations: Scout’s offers multiple vegan and gluten-free options throughout the menu, making it a safe and delicious choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Parking: Street parking is available on Main Street. High Bridge is a small town, so parking is generally manageable, though it can get busier on weekend mornings when trail users and locals converge.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be busy with commuters and remote workers claiming their favorite spots. Weekends bring trail enthusiasts, especially in nice weather. For a more relaxed experience, mid-afternoon on weekdays offers a quieter atmosphere.
Community Awards: Scout’s has been named a Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor in seven different neighborhoods, winning in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. This consistent recognition speaks to how deeply the community values this special spot.
No Reservations Needed: Scout’s operates on a first-come, first-served basis for seating. During peak times, you might need to wait a few minutes for a table, but turnover is generally good.
Scout’s Coffee Bar + Mercantile
📍 11 Main St, High Bridge, NJ 08829
