BY SEAN O'BRIEN
NIGHT AND DAY

I'm not a heavy coffee drinker, topping off at around three or four cupes a week. Until recently, I was totally fine with the mainstream offerings of chain coffee.

But after having had a delcious, masterfully crafted cup from Eagle Specialty Coffee in Eatontown, I can honestly say I will no longer settle for coffee that is carelessly brewed.

Eagle Specialty Coffee offers a selection that will have everyone from the coffee connoisseur to average and novice coffee drinkers begging for more.

If you've driven on 35, then you have probably passed Eagle Specialty Coffee, but you might not have noticed it as it's a bit of a hidden gem. Situated in a small plaza where Clifton Avenue meets Highway 35 in Eatontown, Eagle Specialty Coffee is an artisan coffee shop that offers an incredible selection of some of the best coffee in Monmouth County.

Even though the novice coffee drinker like myself might be a bit intimidated by the menu choices, you'll be welcomed and encouraged to ask about the different options.

In my case, I was honest with the barista, and told him I found myself lost in the menu. He was very plite and offered an in-depth description, in layman's terms, of each menu item. He described everything from aroma and taste to the temperature and how much of a kick I might feel.

I ended up ordering a medium (16-ounce) Colombian Pico Dark. I also ordered an everything bagel and an apple juice. The total cost for my purchase was about $5, certainly reasonable.

I took a seat in one of the comfortable leather chairs while I waited as my coffee was made. At first It hought, "Why do I have to wait?" until I realized that each cup of coffee made at Eagle Specialty Coffee is made with care and precision. It didn't take very long to brew my coffee, but it was obvious that it was made using a specific process in order to ensure each cup is made with the same care and quality as the last.

In the short time it took to brew my coffee, I noticed a plethora of magazines to read as well as free WiFi, making Eagle Specialty an even better meeting spot for small business meetings, group projects fo students, or just a place to grab a cup of coffee with that girl or guy you're crushing on.

Eagle Specialty Coffee has a wide variety of options in terms of coffee and coffee-based drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and more.

They host open mic nights regularly; the next one will be held on June 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. They also offer an organic juice bar, a lunch and catering menu, and a comfortable setting in which to enjoy the company of others for any kind of meeting. 

The next time you find yourself driving on 35 near Eatontown and need a place to sit and grab a cup of coffee and maybe a bite to eat, be sure to stop at Eagle Specialty Coffee. If you happent o be really tired, might I suggested the Colombian Pico Dark - this drink made walking 18 holes of golf later in the day feel like a walk in the park.