I’m not a huge fan of coffee chains, especially the one that rhymes with aw-shucks, but I have  come across a few good ones around the U.S.

Here are two that are perfect Reader’s Retreats.

New Jersey has a piece of New Orleans thanks to PJ’s Coffee & Tea in Highland Park. The coffee shop is well laid out with an area for single laptop use and an area for groups to over analyze stanzas. They have a great selection of sandwiches, mini pizzas and even quesadillas. The coffee and espresso isn’t that strong, but it is well made and inexpensive; all in all a great place to read in Central Jersey.

This week’s Reader’s Retreat came via text from a friend in graduate school who asked if I’ve tried the chai latte at The Bean in New York City.

She said that while they’re a chain, they have a great concept and could almost be seen as the anti-chain. I took her advice and have to say that The Bean is great place to catch up on my online periodicals. After grabbing a latte and an amazing chocolate frosted cupcake, I took advantage of their free WiFi and window seating.

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