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Treat Yourself To The Caramel Craziness Latte And Perfect Crumb Cake At This Must-Visit Cranford Cafe

Owner Kevin Brennan transforms a legacy into something fresh at this beloved downtown Cranford spot.

Having spent nearly three decades perfecting his craft—first at Cafe Rock, then building the nine-store Rock N Joe chain—Brennan kept this single location when he sold everything else and reimagined it as Track 5 Coffee.

The name nods to the nearby train underpass, creating a welcoming hub just steps from the Cranford train station where commuters and locals alike discover their new favorite coffee ritual.

Your first visit reveals exceptional coffee aromas the moment you step inside, where an eclectic soundtrack bouncing from jazz to classic rock to 80s hits creates an energetic yet comfortable backdrop.

With both indoor and outdoor seating plus a separate work-friendly room, Track 5 strikes that perfect balance between bustling cafe energy and productive sanctuary.

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Coffee & Specialty Drinks

The Cold Brew Options: You’ll find two distinct roast types available for cold brew here, each steeped for hours in specially formulated water.

The result?

A remarkably smooth, low-acidity coffee that converts even warm-weather skeptics. For something truly special, try the Peruvian Cold Brew—100% organic, single origin, single estate beans steeped for 18 hours to create layers of complex flavor.

Seasonal Showstoppers: Track 5 rotates creative seasonal drinks that become instant favorites. The Milky Way Latte offers balanced sweetness with almond or oat milk options, while winter brings the Peppermint Mocha and Cinnamon Bun Latte that warm you from the inside out.

The Iced S’mores Latte features velvety toasted marshmallow sweet cream cold foam, chocolate drizzle, and graham cracker crumbs creating dessert in a cup.

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Classic Lattes Done Right: Whether you order the Hazelnut Irish Cream combination or stick with a perfectly balanced Caramel Latte, you’ll taste the difference that quality espresso makes.

The Caramel Craziness Latte blends espresso with caramel sauce and silky steamed milk before getting topped with even more caramel. Your cappuccino arrives with dense, foamy milk that holds its structure beautifully.

Specialty Options: The Lavender Cream Matcha Latte offers something different—creamy matcha infused with delicate floral notes that refresh without overwhelming.

Tea drinkers will appreciate the Dirty Chai Tea Latte with its spot-on spice balance. Coffee beans from various countries and Hawaii line the shelves if you want to recreate the magic at home.

Food That Complements Your Coffee

The Famous Baja Breakfast Sandwich: This signature item earns its reputation bite after bite. An egg white souffle pairs with fresh guacamole and peppery arugula, all served on toasted rosemary flatbread that adds herbaceous notes throughout. The guacamole brings bright, zesty flavor while the bread provides satisfying crunch and texture.

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Other Breakfast Favorites: The egg souffle sandwiches come in several variations, each featuring fluffy eggs baked with cheddar cheese. Add bacon or sausage to your toasted rosemary flatbread for a savory start to your morning. Vegetarians appreciate the thoughtful veggie sausage option that delivers on both taste and satisfaction.

Breakfast Burritos: Hearty wrapped options range from the classic Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese to healthier choices like the Egg, Quinoa, Spinach & Feta burrito loaded with peppers and onions. Even better, vegan versions ensure everyone finds something delicious.

The Pastry Case

Almond Croissants: These flaky pastries arrive filled with rich almond cream that oozes with each bite. The buttery croissant layers shatter delicately while the sweet almond filling provides luxurious contrast.

Crumb Cake Perfection: This local favorite showcases why simple baking done well never goes out of style. Moist cake topped with generous crumbles of buttery streusel hits that sweet spot between indulgent and not-too-heavy.

More Sweet Treats: The chocolate chip cookies deliver on their promise of gooey centers and crispy edges. Gluten-free options like the chocolate muffin and Congo bars ensure dietary restrictions don’t mean missing out.

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The pecan tart strikes an ideal balance—not overly sweet, letting the nutty flavor shine through. Cronuts blend the best of croissants and donuts into one decadent pastry.

Local Partnerships: Many pastries come fresh daily from Breadsmith and The Sprinkle Experiment, supporting local bakers while ensuring top-notch quality.

Atmosphere & Setting

Modern Cozy Vibes: The decor strikes a contemporary chord with simple charm—nothing fussy, just clean lines and comfortable seating that invites you to settle in. Modern touches appear throughout without feeling cold or unwelcoming.

Multiple Seating Zones: The main cafe area buzzes with energy and conversation, while a separate room provides quieter space perfect for laptop work or focused reading.

Ample outlets scattered throughout make this a practical choice for remote workers. Outside seating lets you people-watch along downtown Cranford’s charming streets.

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The Soundtrack: That eclectic music selection jumps genres without warning—jazz flows into 80s pop before classic rock takes over. The unpredictable playlist keeps things fresh and creates a distinctive personality. While occasionally loud during peak hours, it generally enhances rather than overwhelms.

Quick-Moving Lines: Despite Track 5’s popularity, lines move efficiently. The streamlined ordering system and experienced crew keep things flowing even when the place gets packed.

Other Considerations

Pricing Perspective: Expect to pay slightly higher prices compared to average Cranford rates—think Manhattan coffee shop pricing in a suburban setting.

A specialty latte runs around $6-8, while breakfast sandwiches hover near $9-10. However, the quality justifies the cost. You’re getting carefully sourced beans, creative seasonal recipes, and generous portions that satisfy.

Parking Reality: Downtown Cranford parking can challenge first-timers. Street parking fills quickly, especially during morning rush and weekend brunch hours. Arrive early or plan extra time to circle for spots. Public parking areas exist within a few blocks’ walk.

Popular Timing: Mornings bring commuters grabbing coffee before catching trains. Weekends see steady crowds throughout the day as locals meet friends or settle in with laptops. If you want guaranteed seating, weekday afternoons between lunch and dinner rush offer your best bet.

Vegan & Dietary Options: The menu accommodates various dietary needs with clearly marked vegan breakfast sandwiches, plant-based milk alternatives, and gluten-free baked goods. The vegan black bean burger on rosemary flatbread provides a satisfying lunch option.

Wheelchair Accessibility: The shop maintains a portable ramp ensuring everyone can access this community gathering spot.

Future Expansion: Owner Kevin Brennan recently purchased property nearby to open a roastery location in early 2026, allowing even more control over bean quality while the original Eastman Street cafe continues operating as always.


Track 5 Coffee
📍 5 Eastman St, Cranford, NJ 07016

Writer: Danny Russo
Click to read bio

I grew up on the Jersey Shore and now call Asbury Park home. Generally I write about local news and events, and local attractions around the state.