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new favorite coffee house?

So I am ashamed to say that I am woefully unfamiliar with the downtown area. As a matter of coincidence, my life in ABQ just hadn't led me to that neck of the woods... until recently. I suddenly find being introduced to all kinds of new places all over ABQ.

This mornings discovery was Java Joe's around 9th and park. I immediately fell in love with the place when I first went for nostalgic reasons. It reminded me of some of the coffee houses I used to lurk in during my college years. Cramped, crowed, cheery and full of good smells. The place was packed with people even at 9:30 in the morning. A large number of whom were road cyclists. Obviously this is a place where they convene for burritos after a long ride... which to me seems like a recipe for digestive disaster, but thats me.

Anyway, the thing that i really enjoyed was the coffee. GREAT coffee. Just the right balance of robustness and flavor, without the esophigal erosion that I usually get form (bleh) starbucks. I also had a blueberry muffin that was uncommonly good. It tasted like it had just been baked and not been sitting around for a week like something you would get at (bleh) starbucks. I dont know if Joe's bakes their own goods, I doubt it, but wherever they get their foodstock from, it was good. AND it was CHEAP. 4 dollars for the whole affair. Plus, I really liked little community coffee shop vibe that it had. Although its a little out of my way, Im sure Ill be going back there again.

http://www.downtownjavajoes.com/

Tags: coffee, community, java, joe's, muffins

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Comment by brendisimo on August 18, 2008 at 12:06am: I used to work at Java Joe's back in high school, (late 90's) and we made our own muffins back then. I'm not sure if they still do (different owners), but I've always had a soft spot in my heart for that place. Great vibe, good coffee and tasty grub.

Comment by Doc on August 18, 2008 at 1:14am: Check out the coffeefiends section for previous discussions about the best coffee spots in the ABQ. My personal favorite is Michael Thomas on Carlisle in Fringe/Ridge Crest. But I was in Taos last weekend and went to 'The Bean.' I had the best cup of coffee since I moved here from Providence 2 years ago.

Comment by Jill on August 18, 2008 at 8:47am: Glad you liked it! I think they make their own bakery. A couple times I've gotten there early enough to get it warm... so at least its baked there.
Michael Thomas's is really good too, as was already mentioned, and I think Winning's has the best espresso (that I've had so far, anyway). I am still looking for a place that can steam milk properly. I am totally a coffee snob.

Comment by terraambient on August 18, 2008 at 9:31am: OH... THE BEAN is GREAT, ive been there. Yes, fab coffee.
Yeah, thanks for exposing me to Joe's, Jill. Great stuff!

The muffins really did take oven fresh, so I wouldnt be surprised if they were still making them themselves.

Comment by Animalib on August 18, 2008 at 9:32am: Sorry to say but Java Joe's was a place I used to go to because they have a tofu scramble. The last time I was there I found a hair in my eggs and I complained (it really grossed me out). They were not very sympathetic. I had also lost my appetite so I didn't want to order another one. They offered me a muffin, in which I found ANOTHER hair. When I complained this second time, they looked at me suspiciously...as if I was planting the hairs myself. I was livid. They charged me for the original eggs which I did not eat and to make me feel "better" gave me a $5 coupon to return (as if I would ever return). The girl at the counter told me that the owner made the food and he refused to wear a hair-net...That's all I will say about that. Disgusting. This has happened at Winnings too. I stick to Satellite coffee, Michael Thomas, and Flying Star.

Comment by RiRiSynCyr on August 18, 2008 at 10:13am: I recently took my man to Java Joe's. Now, every saturday morning as we discuss our plans for the day and where to start it off - all he wants is Joes.

coffee is always great. people are always friendly. the only challenge we've had is with the consistency in food. Some days our bagels will be covered in a mountain of cream cheese, some days it's barely noticeable. The first time I asked for a side of fruit I was overjoyed with a decadent plate of melons, strawberries, pineapple, and blueberries. Another time it was just a couple slices of cantelope and watermelon.

still worth returning too tho, and always a favorite in my book.

Comment by Phil_0 on August 18, 2008 at 10:31am: That's the bummer about mammals, isn't it, Animalib? I love both Java Joe's and Winnings. Great coffee, good food, good atmosphere, good prices. Maybe you're a little too fastidious?

Comment by once banned twice shy on August 18, 2008 at 11:13am: Jill: go to Giuseppe's, newly opened on Silver and Wellesley. Actually, EVERYONE should go there. I had a cappuccino there which was absolutely perfect. Tasted just like all the cappuccinos I have consumed in Europe. Mmmm. He also offers sandwiches and salads. Very nice.

Heh--re: the hair. It is gross to find a hair in your food. I hate finding my own hair in food I've made. But it reminds me of when I used to go to The Hippo (anyone here remember the Hippo?) and I'd look in their lovely bakery case and see dog or cat hair in there. Not infrequently. At least I HOPE it was dog or cat hair. Still, I kept going in there because they were the only coffee shop in town and they sold great Jordan almonds.

Comment by Phil_0 on August 18, 2008 at 12:22pm: Ah, the Hippo...a place like that would be great on Harvard now, for the ice cream if nothing else. I'd rather have person hair than dog or cat hair, personally, especially if I know the chefs are long-haired and don't wear hairnets.

Comment by Cupcake Pharaoh on August 18, 2008 at 12:57pm: Java Joes is GREAT! I will be sad when i can't walk there anymore (moving uptown). Also try Sunshine Cafe on 12th and Mountain. They have a patio (which is dog friendly :D ) yummy food, beer on tap, and good coffee.