The Coffee Machine: So Much More Than Coffee

River Edge resident Patrick Silvestri had the idea to open not only a traditional coffeehouse with coffee and baked goods, but also to serve as a place for artists, musicians, poets and authors to showcase their work. In February 2012, he opened The Coffee Machine, located at 175 Main Street, Ridgefield Park.

"We feature one to two art shows per month, and hold weekly open mic nights," said Silvestri. “We also try to host musical performances as often as we can, and have had readings from local authors and poets as well. ”

The shop, designed in a traditional style, boasts a spacious seating area, book exchange, window counter seating and walls serving as gallery space for the current featured artist. While enjoying music ranging from Frank Sinatra to local independent artists, customers can select from the menu of coffeehouse standards, pastries and specialty drinks. The Coffee Machine serves custom roasted, organic, fair trade coffee and uses hormone/antibiotic-free milk in their drinks.

"I think a lot of people dream of opening up a coffee shop ‘one day’, I was no exception, but the planets aligned and the opportunity presented itself. I figured that if I don’t do it now, I never will," added Silvestri. " There are so many incredibly talented people in this area, and they may not know where to go to get themselves out there. If we can serve as a launch pad for them, then we are succeeding."

The Coffee Machine is open daily Monday through Thursday, 6am to 9pm, Friday and Saturdays 6am to 11pm and Sundays 8am to 9pm.

For more information about the Coffee Machine, call 201-440-2902 or visit facebook.com/TheCoffeeMachine. 

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