Monsters, Macchiatos & Masterpieces: Basil Gogos Invades Catfight Coffee

On May 2nd, Catfight Coffee proudly unveiled our gallery show honoring the legendary Basil Gogos — the monster maestro who turned Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon into pop culture icons. Previously, these Universal Monsters had only been seen in black and white celluloid. But Basil reimagined these creatures in blazing colors for the likes of Famous Monsters, Creepy, and other magazines. 

This show wasn’t just an art exhibit — it was the official kick-off for Velvet Morning, our all-day brunch that launched Dark Force Fest weekend with the kind of dramatic flair Gogos himself would've approved of.

Set against the backdrop of the Boonton Art Walk, guests wandered into our space and were greeted by the chilling beauty of Gogos’s original prints. Every piece radiated with eerie color, classic horror energy, and that signature Gogos intensity that makes you want to drink your latte just a little faster.

Naturally, we brought our A-game to the menu, too. Our limited-edition Black Emerald croissant (pistachio-chocolate decadence) made its sinister debut alongside our Blackheart Latte, which has been known to summon spirits — or at least serious compliments.

What made it special? The vibe. It wasn’t just about monsters on the walls — it was about celebrating a legacy, building community, and sipping something strong while surrounded by creatives, creeps, and Catfight regulars. Basil Gogos gave monsters their glam — and we gave them a home for the night.