JOE Coffee: Not Your Average Joe
The way I see it, coffee is vital to the college student. Countless hours of hard work are fueled by cup after cup after cup of coffee. For many, college is the beginning of either a loving relationship or a demanding dependence on this lovely, aromatic beverage. Now that winter is finally over and the sun shines brightly over Philly, venture into the unknown that is Drexel’s campus and get yourself a good cup of coffee. Grab a friend, grab a book, or grab your laptop, and make your way over to Joe Coffee. Believe me, this is not your average joe.
Joe Coffee, founded in Manhattan, has brought its high quality coffee to two Philly locations. If you don’t have time to walk to Rittenhouse, make the time for a short walk to Joe Coffee’s University City location (3200 Chestnut).
Alongside a carefully curated coffee selection, you will always be greeted by skilled baristas who really know their coffee. Baristas-in-training endure months of preparation and truly embody the company’s focus on hospitality and a coffee education. Whether you want to ask about a particular beverage or simply admire the latte art in your cappuccino, staff are friendly and eager to answer any question.
Joe Coffee carries out 100% of the roasting operations for their own single-origin and blended offerings. Their menu is somewhat seasonal, as the countries from which they source their coffee beans harvest at different times. They pride themselves with what manager Danny Barron (of Joe Coffee’s University City location) calls “relationship coffee.” This entails a close relationship with importers, exporters, brokers, and farmers, local visits to various farms to oversee operations, and constant cupping to ensure the highest quality standards.
Joe Coffee’s pour-over menu features single-origin coffee from Peru, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Papua New Guinea. Each brew is freshly prepared and holds a truly unique aroma and flavor depending on the particular bean. The current house-blend is a combination of Peruvian and Ethiopian coffee beans. Anything from cappuccinos to lattes will be prepared with incredible precision and will be served with beautiful skill. Their menu includes decaf, as well.
I find comfort in a coffee house that is able to adequately prepare a soy cappuccino. I find most places around campus tend to over-steam the soy milk, which makes the cappuccino bitter and unpleasant. The soy cappuccino at Joe Coffee is smooth and silky, with the perfect ratio of steamed soy goodness and bold espresso magic. At Joe, they also offer almond milk, which Mr. Barron and I both agree is the secret to the perfect chai latte.
When I am in the mood to truly savor the flavor of coffee, Joe Coffee’s cortado is the way to go. Mr. Barron describes the traditional cortado as 2 ounces of espresso topped with a dollop of frothed, steamed milk, which allows you to taste the richness of the espresso complemented by the perfect amount of milk.
If coffee is not your cup of tea (Ed note: lol puns), Joe Coffee serves a wide variety of organic, Kilogram Tea. Their menu features two black teas, two green teas, and three herbal teas. A staff favorite (and my newest addiction) is the King Crimson iced tea, a refreshing infusion of rose hips, lemon grass, and hibiscus.
If you are also hungry, do not worry! Joe Coffee stocks a variety of pastries including deliciously decadent Dottie’s Donuts (vegan) and hearty goods from High Point Bakery. You will also find an assortment of sandwiches and salads from Talula’s Daily, such as my personal favorite study snack/meal the Superfood Salad, a crunchy blend of kale, almonds, blueberries, quinoa, and pomegranate dressing. Mr. Barron mentioned Joe Coffee’s interest in catering to vegan and vegetarian customers, as well. We may find an assortment of vegan cookies on our next visit to Joe Coffee.
I was fascinated to learn how Joe Coffee wishes to enlighten Philadelphia with their coffee knowledge. Every other week, free public coffee cuppings are taking place. Walk into Joe Coffee at noon for the chance to learn coffee brew methods, barista skills, latte art, and more. Classes will be held this Thursday the 16th at Joe Coffee’s Rittenhouse Square location and next Saturday, April 25th at their University City location. Private lessons are also available. The sky’s the limit with coffee, and this is your chance to learn!
-Isabel Miró