07/23/09

Freaky hipster haven

by mkathrynp

Combine two of the nastiest habits--smoking and drinking coffee--with a bunch of tattooed, hipper than thou emo types and you've got Cup a Joe pretty much covered. Everyone in there is so pretentious.

• Pros: Coffee
• Cons: Disgusting smoke

03/27/09

Good coffee/staff, could use some updates

by duchessbee

I visit Cup a Joe nearly every morning, and I usually stay for a bit even though I get my coffee and breakfast quickly. The staff is usually in great spirits for being up so early (I don't know how they do it) and put me in a good mood. The coffee is priced reasonably, but the baked goods are a little expensive for what they are. (2.50 for a small croissant, might as well get the chocolate one for the same price!) They usually have interesting art on the walls, and an open-mic on Friday nights.

After a while the staff gets to know everyone's regular drinks, but they have a pretty high turn-over rate (there is ALWAYS a "now hiring" sign in the window) so we have to "train" the new people to remember our drinks :) I wonder why people quit so often??

Some improvements I'd like to see:

-Fans in the smoking room or an air-cleaning machine. (My clothes stink when I leave, even sitting on the non-smoking side.)

-New tables and chairs: There are springs coming out of some of the chairs, the tables look like they were pulled out of the dumpster, etc. I'm not saying all new and modern, just re-covered, or polished, or something! Maybe some comfy leather or vinyl armchairs.

-Something other than just cream cheese for bagels--it's CC or nothing! Maybe just little packets of butter or jelly or honey to go!

The people-watching is great, though--a mix of professors, tattooed kids, families, and students. I am a little creeped out by the guy that stands in the hallway next to the service bar, though--he might be the owner/manager?

Overall, my favorite coffee shop in town, just could stand to make a few changes.

• Pros: Fast service, good coffee, artwork, people-watching
• Cons: Furniture, smokiness, expensive pastries

02/27/09

the best coffee.....friendly/efficient service....great for people watching

by lalala33

I stop at Cup a Joe every morning on the way to work.....even when I'm running late.....because I know that I will be in and out of there in less than 5 minutes and back on my way....with a delicious caffeinated beverage that my morning wouldn't be the same without. The staff is friendly. The prices are the lowest around. The coffee is the absolute best ANYWHERE!

• Pros: people watching
• Cons: has a smoking section....so gets smoky sometimes

10/10/07

Not so hot, just smokey

by petergrandstaff

A nice place to sit and smoke cigarettes, just don't get your hopes up about the coffee or the service. If you're looking for great espresso or drip coffee, just go down the block to Global Village. I should point out that this Cup A Joe is not connected with the shops of the same name in Orange county... those guys roast their own too, but it's some of the best coffee around.

• Pros: Smoker friendly
• Cons: Smoker friendly, poor espresso

08/28/06

Only good for the people-watching

by melodienelson

As the local hipster havens go, this place could do better. The espresso is poor (Cup A Joe roasts its own beans-- too bad), and sadly it is even worse than Starbucks espresso. The atmosphere is shady, the uncomfortable seating in disrepair, and there is a permanent smell of stale cigarettes in the air. The worst thing about Cup A Joe, though, is by far the staff. They are perpetually dour, rude to customers, and seem to put only the minimum amount of effort into making their beverages.

It DOES get points for a unique, alternative crowd, and is great for people-watching. For everything else, stay away!

• Pros: Unique crowd, great for people-watching
• Cons: Abyssmal atmosphere, drinks, and service

08/06/06

Good coffee ... but could do well without the attitude.

by oneofthefew

Its a wannabe hippie hangount !! The coffee is good but the service is not up to the mark. I prefer the global village coffee house near NCSU any day, though they aren't open long enough. I have been to Cupajoe's many times ... the last few times the attitude seems to have gotten worse and the coffee was served cold. The crowd is very "unique" and you may want to consider taking your kids there. In all ... good coffee ... but not the best service or atmosphere.

• Pros: Good coffee, reminds me of my hippie days, smoking/non-smoking sections
• Cons: Poor service, shady atmosphere, could clean up the act and the tables

For folks who like some coffee with their caffeine.

by Contributor

In Short
During NC State and Meredith College mid-terms and finals, this Hillsborough Street coffeeshop becomes one of the most popular spots in town. Arguably the best-priced and best-tasting coffee you'll get in the Triangle. Concrete floors and local art create an urban atmosphere. Go on Wired Wednesday and try a Crowbar or Vanilla rainwreck. A word of warning: If you hate smokers, you should stick to the smoke-free Cup A Joe in Mission Valley.

08/01/05

Special Place

by jazzman

I met my wife at Cup A Joe on March 15, 1993. No longer living near campus, we don't make it to Joe's as often as we'd like, but when we do, it's like returning to a special moment in time. They still have the best coffee and the best atmosphere. They haven't sold out yet so buy your coffee there. I recommend Sumatra.

• Pros: coffee, soul
• Cons: wannabe hippies, wannabe punks

10/14/02

great cup a joe

by bocabella

I don't live in Raleigh, however, my brother introduced me to this gem of a coffee house and now everytime I visit, we have our morning ritual of getting a Cup A Joe. Can't do without it. Much better than Starbucks...

• Pros: flavor, ambiance, service

09/14/02

serious fan

by sealgrl17

FINALLY- people who understand my caffeine addiction! This place is not about the coffee "trend," it is for true coffee lovers. Their Wired Wednesday prices are the best deal around. And while enjoying coffee, make sure to try one of their oatmeal raisin cookies- you won't find better anywhere else!

• Pros: great value