Hoboken Coffeehouse, Indie Book Store Open (MENU, new photos)

HOBOKEN, NJ — Books and coffee go great together — at least, that's what the dozens of customers enjoying a new, spacious coffeehouse in uptown Hoboken seemed to think on Wednesday morning, as they sat on couches reading to children, worked at tables, browsed new books, enjoyed food and drink, and peeked outside to watch Mayor Ravi Bhalla cut the ribbon.

The combined coffee shop/bookstore held its soft opening on Monday and its grand opening Wednesday. The coffee shop Bwe Kafe takes up most of the 2,400 space, which is full of plants, tables, and cozy chairs. Customers can head through an archway to a 350-square-foot location of the independent bookstore called Little City Books, was founded in Hoboken in 2015.

The new site is located 1401 Adams St., near the 14th Street Viaduct that leads up the Palisades hills to Jersey City Heights.

Bwe Kafe opened its first location at 1002 Washington St. in 2013. It's known for its South American blends and for donating funds to educate Haitian youths. It has another location in the Newport section of Jersey City.

Little City Books opened its first location five blocks from the Hoboken Train terminal on May 2, 2015, Independent Bookstore Day. It was founded by Donna Garban and Kate Jacobs. Garban said in December, about the upcoming expansion, "A town has to want a bookstore in order to have a bookstore. Lots of our customers are from uptown, and they're excited about the new store."

On Wednesday, people were reading downstairs in the coffee shop, and working at tables on a small mezzanine upstairs.

The formerly industrial northwest section of Hoboken has been redeveloped over the past 15 years, with the Hoboken Biergarten restaurant, a professional theater company, and low rise development. The city is in the process of finalizing a North End Redevelopment Plan for the area (see related story here).

Mayor Ravi Bhalla said Wednesday that he had met with NJ Transit on Friday about building a 15th Street light rail stop in that area, which could cost around $8 million. He said he'd like it to be funded by the area's developers. There are still undeveloped blocks of land and some cobblestone roads nearby.

There is already a light rail stop at Ninth Street on the western edge of town, less than a half-mile walk from the new shops.

At Wednesday's ribbon cutting, various officials spoke, as did representatives from Bijou Properties, known for environmentally friendly residential housing in the area. Bijou built Edge Lofts, the low-rise apartments above the ground-floor retail including Bwe and Little City.

Edge Lofts is a brick building designed to match the industrial feel of the area, said Bijou Development Director Chris Mazzola. "We try to keep that aesthetic in line with the industrial feel," he said. He noted that the building replaced a small, blighted parking area. Edge Lofts opened last spring.

The two businesses at the location are also helping spur other business. A plant shop, Park & Bloom, was having a popup inside.

Mayor Bhalla said that he found the location a boon to the community, where people can "get to know each other, and get a book." He also said it might encourage kids to read instead of staying on their screens and iPhones.

Bwe will offer more food at the new location, which is bigger than its flagship Washington Street shop. Its menu (see second photo above) boasts sandwiches, breakfast dishes (including pancakes with fruit), baked goods, and salads.

Representatives said they haven't finalized the hours yet. Right now, Bwe is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Check the websites for Bwe and Little City Books to confirm the hours and more information.

If you have a news tip or coverage suggestion, email caren.lissner@patch.com.