Updated November 9, 2026
Carmela's Collective is an independent cafe at 323 Brick Boulevard in Brick, NJ, that's also a coworking space and a spot for community events. Its menu is built to be allergy-friendly, and the cafe says everything is gluten-free and dye-free, with plenty of dairy-free options. You can grab a coffee, sit down to work for a few hours, or book a private room when you need a door that closes.
Where is Carmela's Collective, and when is it open?
It's at 323 Brick Blvd., Brick, NJ 08723, in Ocean County, and the phone number is (732) 612-9016. As of November 9, 2026, the cafe's Contact page lists these hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hours have been listed a little differently in a few places online, so if you're planning around a specific time, give them a quick call first.
What can you do there besides get coffee?
You can work. The Carmela's Collective website describes the place as "equal parts cafe, workspace, and community hub," with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating for anyone who wants to get out of the house with a laptop. For more privacy there's the Session Space, a soundproofed room you book through a monthly membership. You pick how many hours you need, and you can reserve time up to 90 days out. The cafe pitches it to freelancers, therapists, solo business owners, and anyone who takes client calls. They also host workshops, pop-ups, and networking nights, and their Our Story page mentions yoga and sound healing. Dates change, so check their site for what's coming up rather than counting on a particular event.
Is Carmela's Collective a good fit if you have food allergies?
It was set up with allergies in mind, but ask before you order. The cafe says its menu is always gluten-free and dye-free, with plenty of dairy-free options, and that it tries to have something for people who avoid nuts or have other dietary needs. It also uses separate equipment for dairy and non-dairy drinks. In the same breath, the cafe says it can't guarantee there's no cross-contamination and asks you to talk with a team member about your needs. If an allergy is serious, take them up on that.
Who is Carmela?
She's the owner's grandmother. On the Our Story page, Nicole explains that she and Justin named the business after her grandmother Carmela, whom the people who love her know as Millie. Long before Nicole was born, Millie ran a luncheonette where the food was homemade and people came in as much to belong as to eat. After Nicole's grandfather passed, Millie went and got her real estate license at 68. Nicole and Justin say the cafe is built on four ideas: coffee, community, collaboration, and connections.
Why does a spot like this matter if you're thinking about living in Brick?
Because the day-to-day stuff is a big part of deciding where to live. When people look at Brick Township, they usually start with the water: lagoon homes, Barnegat Bay, the Metedeconk River. But plenty of buyers also want to know where they'd get coffee, where the kids could tag along, or where they could work a few hours a week if they're remote. Brick Boulevard is one of the township's main commercial roads, so a place like this sits right in the everyday part of town. My Brick Township community guide covers the neighborhoods and housing types, and the Ocean County overview shows how Brick compares with the towns around it.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Carmela's Collective in Brick, NJ?
Carmela's Collective is at 323 Brick Blvd., Brick, NJ 08723, according to the cafe's website and its Apple Maps listing.
Does Carmela's Collective in Brick have gluten-free and dairy-free options?
Yes. Carmela's Collective says its menu is always gluten-free and dye-free, with plenty of dairy-free options. It doesn't guarantee there's no cross-contamination, so tell the staff about any allergy.
Can I work or rent a private room at Carmela's Collective in Brick?
Yes. Carmela's Collective has open coworking seating with Wi-Fi and a private, soundproofed Session Space that you book through a monthly membership of hours.
What time does Carmela's Collective open in Brick?
As of November 9, 2026, the cafe's Contact page shows a 6 a.m. opening Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday. Call (732) 612-9016 to confirm before you go.
Thinking about a move in Brick? Take a look at my guide to living in Brick Township or search current listings, and if you want to talk it through, I'm glad to sit down with you over coffee.
Header photo: Esra Afşar on Pexels (stock image, not Carmela's Collective).
Rob Canfield is the Broker/Owner of NextHome Shore Success in Sea Girt, NJ, and a licensed New Jersey real estate instructor. Questions? Call 732-858-9481 or email info@nhshoresuccess.com.
