Hidden Grounds Chai & Coffee House

Hidden Grounds has eight cafés in New Jersey and New York. The Jersey City shop plays Indian bhajans and has South Indian decor. It's spacious and clean, with lots of seating and a clean bathroom. Dogs are welcome, and the staff sometimes have treats.

The stovetop chai is the reason to go. The New Orleans chicory brew with jaggery and the lavender honey latte are favorites, and there's an off-menu taro chai latte. For food, try the Bombay bagel or Bombay sandwich, the salmon bagel or the chicken tikka sandwich, and grab a chocolate chip cookie. They sell chai mixes and beans online.