You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately realize you’ve stumbled onto something special? That’s 10 Franklin Place. It’s a tiny spot. Honestly, if you aren't looking for the teal-framed windows of Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery, you might just drive right past it while looking for parking near the Rutherford train station.
But then you see the line.
There’s almost always a line. It’s not just for the caffeine, though they serve Cafe Grumpy coffee which is legit. People are standing there, shifting from foot to foot, because they want a slice of that Citrus Olive Oil Cake. It’s basically legendary at this point. Tasting Table even called it the best cake in New Jersey, and if you've lived here long enough, you know we take our bakeries very seriously.
The Woman Behind the Oven
Renee Faris didn’t just wake up one day and decide to open a bakery. Well, maybe she did, but the path was a whole lot of work. She’s a pastry chef who cut her teeth in the high-pressure kitchens of New York City, working with Dan Keehner at Union Square Events. She even had a stint at Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken right when the Cake Boss madness was exploding.
Can you imagine?
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She eventually traded the 12-hour restaurant grind for a space that used to be a barber shop. She opened Erie in 2014, and it’s been a community staple ever since. What’s cool is how she weaves her Palestinian heritage into the menu. You aren't just getting a standard chocolate croissant—though those are killer—you’re getting things like za’atar spinach feta mushroom handpies and baklava buns with rose and pistachio.
What You Actually Need to Order
If it’s your first time at Erie Bakery Rutherford NJ, don’t overthink it. Just get the Olive Oil Citrus Cake. It’s a Bundt-style cake that manages to be incredibly moist without being greasy. It’s got this delicate citrus-vanilla glaze and, depending on when you go, it might be topped with fresh rosemary or candied cranberries.
It’s simple. It’s perfect. It’s the kind of cake that makes you wonder why we ever bother with heavy frosting.
But don’t stop there. The menu changes constantly because Renee is obsessed with seasonal ingredients. You might find:
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- Savory Biscuits: Think roasted rosemary, goat cheese, and black pepper.
- The "Teta Vera" Syrup: A house-made syrup for your coffee that’s floral and nostalgic.
- Bourekas: Flaky, savory pastries stuffed with potato, leek, and cheddar.
- Seasonal Galettes: Sometimes it's heirloom tomato; sometimes it’s spiced apple.
The cardamom rose cakes are another "head turner," as some locals call them. They’re light, fragrant, and feel a lot more sophisticated than your average morning muffin.
The Vibe (and the Seating Situation)
Look, Erie is small. It’s "sunny rustic," which is code for "it’s beautiful but you might be standing." There are a few tables, and they do have some outdoor seating when the Jersey weather decides to behave, but mostly it’s a grab-and-go operation.
The open kitchen is right there. You can hear the mixers whirring and smell the butter browning. It feels like someone's actual home, just a really, really well-decorated one filled with plants and fresh flowers.
One thing to keep in mind: they are only open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 am to 3 pm. If you show up on a Tuesday morning craving a scone, you're going to be disappointed. They also tend to sell out of the most popular items by midday. If you want the full selection, you've gotta be an early bird.
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Tips for the Pro User
If you’re planning to host a party or just want to be the hero of the office, you can order whole cakes. But—and this is a big "but"—you have to do it via email (ErieCakeOrders@gmail.com) and give them at least five days' notice. They don't take cake orders over the phone.
They also do "Shorties," which are smaller cakes that serve about eight people. Perfect for when you want to feel fancy but don't have twenty friends coming over.
For the savory lovers, check the schedule for their sandwiches. They usually only do them Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The butternut squash focaccia sandwich is a religious experience for some people in Bergen County.
Quick Facts for Your Visit:
- Location: 10 Franklin Place, Rutherford, NJ 07070.
- Hours: Wed-Sun, 8 am - 3 pm (Closed Mon/Tue).
- Coffee: Cafe Grumpy (Brooklyn-based roaster).
- Must-Try: Citrus Olive Oil Cake, Za'atar Handpies, Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Honestly, Erie isn't trying to be a massive franchise. It feels like a labor of love. Every time you go, there’s something slightly different on the counter, and that’s the draw. It’s one of the few places that actually lives up to the hype.
If you are heading that way, try to grab a spot in the small lot nearby or be prepared to circle the block a few times. It’s worth the hunt for a parking spot. Once you have that first bite of a warm, salt-topped chocolate chip cookie, the traffic on Route 17 will be a distant memory.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check their Instagram (@eatdrinkerie) before you head out to see the daily specials, as they often post what’s fresh out of the oven. If you're planning for a holiday or special event, set a calendar reminder to email your order exactly one week in advance to ensure they haven't reached their order capacity.