Rockn' Joe coffee rocks!

Readers of New Jersey Monthly voted Rockn' Joe Coffeehouse and Bistro the best in the state in the 2012 Jersey Choice Best of NJ Reader's Choice poll. Results are printed in the April issue which hit newsstands this week as well as online.

The first Rockn' Joe opened in Cranford in 1993 and there are now a total of six locations around the state.

Caldwell's rock-themed coffeeshop opened at 339 Bloomfield Ave. four years ago. Franchise owners Dan and Darlene Sgarlato live in West Caldwell and raised their family here. 

Dan knows most of his customers by name, is a master barista, and stands behind the quality of Rockn' Joe coffee.

He pointed out that Rockn' Joe was named "Roaster of the Year" by Roast Magazine in 2011. Customers can choose from "Velvet Underground," the house blend, and a dark roast aptly named "Sledgehammer."

"We are proud of our accomplishment," Dan said after the survey results were recently announced. "We've been working hard. We came in second last year." 

Rockn' Joe serves up more than just coffee. There's a menu of light casual fare, daily soup specials, and a case full of desserts—as well as the opportunity to catch live music.

Next week, the Caldwell College Jazz Band will play at Rockn' Joe on Thursday, March 29, in the evening.

The annual Rock Out Cancer benefit for the James Caldwell High School Relay for Life will take place here on Friday, March 30, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. High school acts will perform throughout the night. See more details on their Facebook page.