In the heart of Morristown, bringing a European cafe vibe to a town already full of energy and history, is Lokl Cafe. Inside, croissants are filled with leek and guava, sandwiches loaded with imported cured meats, and pastries baked with rich, full-fat butter from a farm in Vermont. Their single origin coffee beans come from Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, and Ethiopia, as well as blends from South and Central America. They offer several pour-over options to match different tastes. The menu changes with the seasons and draws on European trends and recipes, giving people a reason to come back and see what’s new.
The moment you walk in, you can smell the rich scent of coffee in the air. Baristas hone their methods constantly to bring out the best flavor and aroma for each new coffee that comes through the doors. They use top-notch equipment and stick to classic recipes without masking them with heavy syrups or sugar. The philosophy is simple: coffee should taste good on its own. As members of the Specialty Coffee Association, Lokl Cafe holds itself to the highest standards possible. “If you can drink an espresso or a cup of drip without adding anything, and it tastes good, that’s good coffee,” says co-owner Panos Stogioglou.
The same care goes into their food. Ingredients come from family-run farms that prioritize sustainable practices. “Our menu is shaped by collaborations with chefs in Europe and the United States, and every ingredient is chosen with care,” says Panos Stogioglou, co-owner of Lokl Cafe. Lokl even created some dishes to go with specific coffees, like waffles designed to pair perfectly with their El Salvador pour-over.
Attention to detail is important. They make most of their pastries from scratch using the finest materials, and all sandwiches and salads are prepared with olive oil from Sparta, Greece, where Stogioglou’s business partner, Yianni Arvanites, has family roots. One standout item is their enormous cookie. This cookie gets people talking and even gets comparisons to a well-known spot in New York City. Some other menu favorites are the Morristown Sunrise sandwich and the Prosciutto di Parma sandwich, piled with roasted peppers, arugula, and Balsamico from Modena.
For Stogioglou and Arvanites, Lokl was never meant to be only about the food and drinks. “I wanted to bring a European approach to Morristown with an atmosphere that encourages people to slow down, savor quality, and connect,” Stogioglou explains. Yiannis, who grew up locally, introduced him to the town, and the idea for Lokl quickly clicked. Its location next to the Mayo Performing Arts Center sealed the deal. Morristown has earned a reputation as one of New Jersey’s hippest towns, and Lokl fits right in.
The cafe has a relaxed, modern vibe. Occasionally, a local artist will come in and perform to add to the liveliness of the place. Guests can also purchase LAMY fountain pens from Germany and Field Notes journals. These small touches make Lokl feel like more than a cafe. “We hope guests leave with more than just a great cup of coffee,” Stogioglou says. “We want them to feel a sense of belonging, a moment of pause in their day, and a spark of inspiration.”
The crowd is all over the place: locals, families, commuters, creatives, all just moving at their own pace. Every now and then, a familiar face appears. Actor Adam Sandler has stopped in twice, but what stands out to Stogioglou is how naturally he blends into the cafe. “He comes in just like any other guest, here to enjoy a cup of coffee and the atmosphere,” he says. “More than visibility, what we value is that it reinforces what we strive to be: a welcoming space where anyone, from a local regular to a global name, can feel at home.”
Morristown was a perfect choice for Lokl. It’s a spot that draws crowds before shows at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and keeps regulars coming back to see what’s new on the menu. People might stop in for a sandwich, a pour-over, or that oversized cookie, but what really makes Lokl special is hard to put on a menu. The atmosphere is relaxed, thoughtful, and a little old school, and it is what keeps the cafe buzzing. In a town already full of energy, Lokl has carved out its own space as a place to come, enjoy, and slow down.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
