The trend that started in Japan and took off in NYC in 2014 has finally reached New Jersey. Catsbury Park in downtown Asbury Park finally opened this month, and it's full of sweet furry residents in need of homes.
Other than giving its patrons some seriously cute photo-ops, the owners have a far bigger goal in mind: getting unwanted kittens and cats adopted. While the cafe side has drinks (they specialize in tea) and snacks, the lounge side of the building is where you're able to interact with furry felines. Catsbury Park partnered with the Monmouth County SPCA to help foster and find forever homes for orphaned kitties, so all of the four-legged friends you make while there are available to for adoption.
Created by city resident D.J. Bornschein and managed by Jamie Nichols, Catsbury Park lets coffee and cat lovers alike sip their favorite teas or java and munch on snacks while getting to know friendly felines. But it's not so easy to get a table at this hip spot; you need to make an online reservation for a 30-minute visit to get in.
If you want to scope out the kitties up for adoption before heading there, you can see the resident cats online and learn their stories. Catsbury Park is located at 708 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 am-8 pm, Saturday 11 am-10 pm and Sunday 11 am-6 pm (closed Tuesday for "cat naps").
Go to catsburypark.com or call 732-361-8997 to learn more about the cafe’s plans and make a donation for the cause.