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Where’s Your Favorite Coffee Shop?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AT RIGHT: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, a new spot for java jive.
Photo: Amrish Patel
Americans are as into coffee shops now as the French were in the 1800s. We use them as pit stops, wi-fi connections, meeting places and chill joints. Atlanta has a plethora, and my favorite by far (at the moment, and I change on a dime) is pristine Bakery Cafe Maum on Buford Highway in the Global Forum shopping center.
Inspired by Japanese and French patisseries, Korean bakers have developed a love of all things made with eggs and flour, and the phenomenon has made its way across the continents and landed, remarkably, in this lovely Doraville shop. Beautifully baked treats, from delicately sweet and light green tea and coconut buns to a pizza bread spread with a naughty conglomeration of cheesy mayo, some funky version of Vegall bits and a Spam-like meat, as well as gorgeous French-style cakes and pastries are the draw here. And there’s a cozy fireplace. Bakery Cafe Maum, 7130 Buford Highway, Suite A180, Doraville, 770-263-7447, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
A new shop has popped up — this one originating on this side of the pond: Florida. Tampa-based Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Co. has opened it’s first location in the Atlanta area, on Virginia Ave. in the brand-new Virginia Marquis Shopping Center near the Landmark Diner.
Amita Patel opened her doors back in November, and offers a full sandwich menu in addition the Joffrey’s coffees and teas. It’s full service, and to go with that “Italian job” sammie (fresh mozz, tomato, green tomato and basil oil) you might want to save room for the house-baked goodies such as sweet potato cheesecake. Fruit tea smoothies are a Joffrey’s specialty. There’s a fireplace for flirting (or … whatever), and a cozy sofa and chairs interspersed with dining tables. 1155 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, 404-530-2666.
Everyone has their favorite place to grab a cup of joe. Where’s yours?
Permalink | Comments (44) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By jeffrye
April 17, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
ParkGrounds in Reynoldstown…..Dog Park and Coffee shop in one stop….What could be better?!
By HP
April 17, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
My favorite shops in order: Java Monkey in Decatur, Cool Beans off Marietta Square, Bean and Berry in Downtown Villa Rica, and Rise and Dine in Emory Village. They have great coffee and great people which keeps me coming back.
By bobby
April 17, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Jittery Joes in Athens….none better.
By Paul
April 17, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Best coffee service vibe beer wine music one stop shop great food OCTANE WESTSIDE
By Jake
April 17, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Best around: Northern Star, in downtown Norcross. They have coffee, live music on weekends, wine tastings on Thursday nights, local art on walls, indoor and outdoor seating, a cool exposed brick and loft style space…. Just a cool place to stop by when you are in the area.
www.northernstarcoffeehouse.com
close second: Jittery Joes in Athens.
By Rodney
April 17, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
My coffee shop experiences were in the early 90s - two places come to mind that I miss dearly … Caffeineds, which was on Peachtree near Buckhead and Java Blues, out on Marietta square.
I spent many hours at Caffeineds - and every now and then I’d drive out and meet my bud at Java Blues.
THESE were coffee houses at the beginning of the coffee craze - pre Starbucks’ domination.
Now, well, I have to admit I’m a Starbucks guy. Or a Caribou guy. Or a Java Monkey guy. It really doesn’t depend so much anymore on the location as it does the heft of the coffee!
Don’t give me no weak joe, man.
By markscottmusic.com
April 17, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Joe’s Coffee Shop in East Atlanta and Perk in Glenwood Park (just off I-20) are the best. Great atmosphere, fun people working there and great coffee and other beverages. Perk also has ice cream! Yum! They’re owned by the same people and they really care about creating a great experience!
By EAVDad
April 17, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
I second Mark Scott! Joe’s Coffee Shop rocks…great staff, great vibe, wi-fi, lots of outlets. Joe’s rocks.
I also like the new coffee shop in Decatur, Dancing Goat. Great coffee!
By Holden Caulfield
April 17, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I don’t drink the wretched slop. You phonies who pay ridiculous prices to ingest this trendy bilge are as bad as wine snobs. No, probably, you ARE wine snobs who have extended your pretentious domain to “gourmet” coffee. Time to trade in your SUV on a smug Prius.
By Susan
April 17, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Cafe Du Monde in front of Jackson Square or Cool beans in Marietta down a side street from the square.
By Jennifer
April 17, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
My favorite coffee shop is in Conyers and is called Kaiteur Coffeehouse. If you go in at least twice they will know you by name and they will know exactly what you want everytime. They have wi-fi which is nice for a college student. There website is www.kaiteurcoffeehouse.com. Moose and the gang would love for you to stop by.
By I'm For Lillian's
April 17, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Lillian’s Sit N Sip in Mableton in the new Publix Shopping Center on Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy.
www.lillianssitnsip.com
Beautiful pleasant environment! Outstanding personalized service! Great Dark Chocolate Mocha! An apple pie slice to die for!
By jen
April 17, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
there use to be this really great place called the Fine Grind off Barrett pkwy, next to outback steakhouse in that strip mall. They had huge cups the size of bowls and a ton of fancy flavors to choose from like rasberry truffle with expresso with whip cream and sprinkles, or without. Also had plain coffee, dark, kona, international roasts, etc. They put Starbucks to shame and I COULDN’T BELIEVE when they went out of business back in the late 90s, I was SO disappointed!! I had to settle for Starbucks after that because that’s the only real specialty coffee place around here, in Woodstock. I have yet to find anything better at Starbucks that even compares with the Fine Grind.
By JJ
April 17, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Susan Cafe Du Monde in front of Jackson Square. YUM. When I was in New Orleans years ago, we started off every day at Cafe Du Monde and had THE BEST coffee and benigets (sp). I can’t think of a better way to start the day.
Other than that, I don’t go to coffee shops. I’m not a big coffee drinker. I have a little four-cup coffee pot at home and it only gets used on the weekends, when I sit on my deck and watch the day wake up……very peaceful and beautiful.
By Andre'
April 17, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Milk & Honey on Huff Road is brand spanking new, but has a menu that’s out of this world and coffee that’s good too. It’s open 24 hours with free wi-fi.
To top it all off the chef and owner, Sammy Davis, Jr. (no relation), pours his heart and soul into every dish. The combination of fresh ingredients, a keen taste and good people makes every dish sing. It’s a great place to relax on a lunch break or to watch the day go by on the weekend.
By Andre'
April 17, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Milk & Honey on Huff Road is brand spanking new, but has a menu that’s out of this world and coffee that’s good too. It’s open 24 hours with free wi-fi.
To top it all off the chef and owner, Sammy Davis, Jr. (no relation), pours his heart and soul into every dish. The combination of fresh ingredients, a keen taste and good people makes every dish sing. It’s a great place to relax on a lunch break or to watch the day go by on the weekend.
By CBL
April 17, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Cafe Intermezzo (both locations) for a genuine experience and chill atmosphere and discreet service.
Choco-Late is usually good. PJs at Atlantic Station is worth mentioning.
Jittery Joes locations in Athens (wish they would expand in ATL) are good. The original is the best. My fave was the old Blue Sky. You could sit there for hours and see all types of people walk in and out- students, profs, bums with dogs, pot-heads, cops, politicians, lawyers, etc.
By Java Junkie
April 17, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Urban Grounds in Avondale…it’s a great place to relax, and the staff doesn’t treat you like you you should be grateful to be served. Excellent coffee, try the raspberry mocha.
By Kristie
April 17, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
THE SINGING BEAN in DOWNTOWN LAWRENCEVILLE.
By Jen
April 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Aurora in Little 5 Points - drink coffee AND people watch.
By Norcross Resident
April 17, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Intermezzo is great for desserts: OK for coffee.
If in the Norcross area on a weekend night, Jake is right: Northern Star is a very cool place to be, esp with their iced and cold coffee drinks and teas. Highschoolers to 50 year olds in there at times, with pretty good live music to boot.
By def
April 17, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
My kitchen in Woodstock. My husband makes the best coffee around, always in a perculator, never a drip machine.
By Jo2
April 17, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Dancing Goat in Decatur has great, locally-roasted coffee. As a bonus, they offer doughnuts from Duck’s Cosmic Kitchen…mmmm….
By Jj
April 17, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know where I could get a good cup of REAL cuban coffee? I have a fried who lives in Miami and when she comes up to visit, she makes the best Cuban coffee. She makes it in a special percolator, which only makes one cup at a time…..
By GS
April 17, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Peet’s Coffee at my house. The coffee is always fresh and the music is great. Peet’s beans are the best (love the Sumatra Reserve) and I burr grind them seconds before brewing. Mmmmm. Can you smell the coffee goodness?
I think I’ll make me a cup right now.
PS: Percolating coffee should be a crime. Compare a cup of french-press made coffee to the percolated cup; you’ll wish you had back the last 30 years of mornings.
By Coffee Jeff
April 17, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
I can do you one better…. I buy the beans green and roast them myself (in a hot air roaster). Burr grind then brew! Sweet Maria’s has great green beans
By Robo
April 17, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Since I’ve moved from ATL, I have sorely missed the Ethiopian Harrar from San Francisco Coffee Roasters. I visit every time I come to town and stock up.
The location a block north of Manuel’s is a great place to sit and read and watch the crowds.
By RoadRunner
April 17, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
CAFFEINEDS on GA-20 & I-985 in Buford.
By The Truth
April 17, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
My favorite still has to be Caribou. My second is Aurora in the Highlands and the one in Little Five.
By RoadRunner
April 17, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
…my bad… the name of the place is… Cafe:Ine n GA-20 & Satellite, near I-985 in Buford.
By Jeff
April 17, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Cool River Coffee House on the east bank of the rushing Blue River in Breckenridge, Colorado. The patio out back overlooks the white water of the river rushing through town and has a view of the stunning peaks of the Ten Mile Range. Be-a-utiful.
By jenny
April 17, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Mighty Joe’s Espresso in Tucker.
By JP
April 17, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
I second Cafe Du Monde at Jackson Square, New Orleans. Partly for the coffee, partly for the community.
Nothing in Atlanta compares.
By Rob
April 17, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
I have moved to New York, but miss San Francisco Coffee. I also enjoyed Inman Perk, more for environment than coffee however.
If you happen to be in NYC, try Jack’s Coffee - my favorite place so far!
By Nina
April 18, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I’m a huge fan of Java Vino in Midtown/VA-HI. It has a fun atmosphere and a wide array of beverages!
By Eric
April 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Here’s another vote for Lillian’s Sit ‘n Sip on Veteran’s Memorial. Lorna runs the place, and she’s as nice as can be. She’ll even bring you your coffee in your car in the morning, if you let her know! She has a game night, poetry night, stories for the kids, and the BEST desserts! And if you’re not a coffee person, try the hot chocolate. Paired with one of her brownies, well that’s just chocolate heaven!
By Patrick
April 18, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
My fave so far is Sweetwater Coffee in Sautee Nacoochee, north GA. Amazing drinks and people who know what you want to order the moment you walk in. Can’t ask for more.
Grapes and Beans in Clayton, GA (the city Clayton, not Clayton county) is another great one especially with their wine selection.
Perk Place in Hapeville is my favorite ITP coffee shop. Just awesome.
I admit to defecting to Starbucks too though. Sometime I just gotta have a chai, like right now.
By Kevin
April 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Octane Coffeebar is my vote ITP. Woodstock Coffeehouse Hickory Flat (Cherokee County) and The Gathering Place Waleska are my votes OTP.
By Kava
April 21, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
The SconeLady’s Coffee Shop in Lawrence, KS. www.sconeladycoffee.com They have this cold drink, Vanilla Blitz, with vanilla, 6 shots of cold press, half n half, a coffee ice cube, then topped with whip cream. Only 4 bucks for 12 oz. Delicious!!!!
By Kava
April 21, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
The SconeLady’s Coffee Shop in Lawrence, KS. www.sconeladycoffee.com They have this cold drink, Vanilla Blitz, with vanilla, 6 shots of cold press, half n half, a coffee ice cube, then topped with whip cream. Only 4 bucks for 12 oz. Delicious!!!!
By Kava
April 21, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
The SconeLady’s Coffee Shop in Lawrence, KS. www.sconeladycoffee.com They have this cold drink, Vanilla Blitz, with vanilla, 6 shots of cold press, half n half, a coffee ice cube, then topped with whip cream. Only 4 bucks for 12 oz. Delicious!!!!
By DWAYNE
August 13, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
THE FILLMORE COFFEEHOUSE IN THE HICKORY FLAT AREA OF CANTON IS THE MOST AMAZING COFFEEHOUSE ITP OR OTP. THE COFFEE IS THE BEST I HAVE HAD IN ATLANTA AND THE ATMOSPHERE IS VERY COOL. NAMED AFTER THE FILLMORE EAST IN NY CITY IT IS A VERY UNIQUE PLACE WITH GREAT FOOD AND DRINKS.
By DWAYNE
August 13, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
THE FILLMORE COFFEEHOUSE IN THE HICKORY FLAT AREA OF CANTON IS THE MOST AMAZING COFFEEHOUSE ITP OR OTP. THE COFFEE IS THE BEST I HAVE HAD IN ATLANTA AND THE ATMOSPHERE IS VERY COOL. NAMED AFTER THE FILLMORE EAST IN NY CITY IT IS A VERY UNIQUE PLACE WITH GREAT FOOD AND DRINKS.
By Apply food stamp
September 24, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
I wanted to research this subject and write a paper. Your post what a thousand words would not. Nice job.