JP’s Java

Farewell to thee, our beloved JP’s… We all miss you like craaaaaaazy already. R.I.P. :*{

My friend likes to stop at this coffee spot on her way to work, so I tagged along one day. It’s fine. Not very busy, barristas are friendly, prices aren’t too insanely high. $ 2.90 for a plain iced coffee in a 12oz cup. Cold brew, so it’s stronger in coffee flavor than my mouth typically prefers. I went back once without her and the place was still pretty dead at 8am on a weekday, but I suppose this is a plus since you don’t want to have to wait in a huge line for coffee when you have somewhere to be.
They have a large outdoor seating area with picnic tables, and a parking lot that can fit at least 6 cars. There are also some stray cats around that you can make stories about if there aren’t any other real people inside for you to watch.

This place has an awesome location, good brewed coffee and an amazing ambiance. It’s the perfect place for a low-​key meeting. I’ve met friends and family here, or had small student group meetings here. It should be absolutely awesome based on those two factors, but there are three things bringing it down:
1) Their service is generally atrocious. Seriously. I once got a full cup of coffee spilled on me (it barista set it down on the counter after filling it and tipped it over). I was wearing a mostly-​white sundress and got coffee on it. I hadn’t paid for it yet when this happened. The barista apologized, refilled the cup and then told me how much it would be for the cup of coffee. I don’t think it is unreasonable for me to expect a free cup of coffee when I get coffee spilled on me. They didn’t even offer. This was only the most egregious example, but overall, the service is just lacking. It feels like you’re annoying the baristas by ordering. And they have forgotten and over-​toasted my bagel or sandwich on multiple occasions, and I don’t even go there often.
2) Their espresso drinks just aren’t good. Maybe it’s the beans, maybe it’s the preparation, maybe the machinery is not well-​cleaned, I don’t know. But compared to Texas Coffee Traders on campus, their drinks just taste bad. I had to force myself to finish an americano I ordered there one time, because it tasted pretty gross. And I love the taste of black coffee and drink americanos all the time, so I have something to compare to.
3) JPs is much more expensive then other coffee shops.
So those are the problems. I’ll still probably be back, but I’ll order only the coffee and use their plentitude of internets and outlets. =P

What are the two things anyone looks for in a coffee shop?
1) Wifi
2) Coffee
Fortunately, JP’s has both in spades. I love the multi-​use space which ranges from an inner-​inner room in the back, a main room with couches and tables/​chairs, an elongated portion adjacent to the bar with a long counter and raised seats, and outdoor seating with picnic tables and an extension cord.
The coffee is just great, there’s a Clover machine for coffee snobs, but the regular cappuccino and latte are just fine too. The baristas are quick and service has been consistently great, including one time when my partner and I showed-​up about 15 minutes prior to close and the barista began apologizing when we weren’t able to get a Clover coffee since he had just started the clean cycle.
Quiet, chill, and the price is right. Also, the main reason I tend to go here rather than the drag is the private parking lot which is quite the amenity this close to UT.

I don’t have any complaints about this place.
+ Wifi is free and fast and doesn’t require a password.
+ I found a table and an outlet. The tables are big!
+ I had an iced coffee and it was fine. They should put some simple syrup out though.
+ The sandwiches are pre-​made so you can’t customize them, I guess, but they’re served up fast. I had the hippy sandwich and it was good, considering I don’t like half the vegetables on it.
+ This cookie I’m eating is pretty damn good.
+ Shoutout to the umbrellas on the patio. I’ve been watching this guy studying outside in the rain all morning and his entire table is totally dry.
All in all, definitely a solid spot to get some work done.

First off I’ll admit that I’m not a coffee aficionado, but JP’s Java is a great place to get a quick reliable cup of coffee. Occasionally I splurge and get a coffee brewed in their Clover machine. The Clover brewed coffees are definitely the best coffee I’ve had. Their Chai-​Lattes are average. I’ve had authentic Masala Chai in India so it’s had to find any place that holds a candle to the real thing. I really miss the iced Thai teas they used to have. They used to be a regular summer drink for me and I’d love if they brought them back.
JP’s has a great atmosphere if you are going to meet with someone over a cup of good coffee.

Not particularly interesting or noteworthy. If you’re looking for somewhere to put your head down and just some get work done, this place is okay. There are actually better study spots, in my opinion.
Food & Drink:
I have not had strong feelings about the quality of the coffee. Good enough, I guess.
Service:
My level of interaction with the staff has not been substantial. It has consisted of waiting for the barista to take my order, giving him my order and paying, and then picking up my cup.
Clientele:
Primarily students, which is mostly a bad thing, I think. I’m also a (grad) student, so the competition often leaves me without much access to a comfortable spot with an outlet. The types of students who come here are of the less desirable kind. A lot are sorority types – invariably dressed in their gym clothes and running shoes – and are loud and obnoxious.
Seating:
The primo seating with breathing room, outlets, and decent chairs goes quickly. You’re often forced to sit outside or in their claustrophobic book room.
Atmosphere:
Not all that visually stimulating. The main room is rather drab, in my opinion. The glass room is kind of cool, and outside is okay when it’s nice. I would say this place lacks identity.
Summary: a fine place, but a bit on the dull side. The dearth of comfortable seating will keep me away from this place, especially considering what great coffee shops are out there.

I only write this long of a review because this particular coffee shop, which isn’t anything out of the ordinary, has had a huge presence in my time as an undergrad at UT.
As a North Campus dweller, this coffee shop is an oasis in an otherwise fratted out campus. Okay, it’s not that bad, but my disdain for neon culture, which I admit is perhaps unjustified, mainly stems from my hatred for University Towers. JP’s is located on the X of San Jac and Duval, both large arteries of North Campus traffic, perhaps trailing behind Speedway. Conveniently close to Possee East and Crown & Anchor, JP’s makes it almost impossible to resist making a pit stop to drink a pitcher or two on the journey home from a long day of studying.
Looks like the same applies for the owner of JP’s Java: J.P. himself. Tired of the hair-​reducing stress a career on Wall Street had afforded him, he dropped the ball and came back to Austin. Far from the clean-​cut and slick appearance one expects from a stock broker (I believe that was his profession, but bear with me, I may be wrong.), he sports a splendidly long, flowing white ponytail. A modern-​day Saruman, if you will. On my treks back to my apartment, I often spot him at Posse East drinking with his aged, hipster friends. Anyway, he’s a little standoffish, and I mention this only because his mentality sort of rhymes with the mentality JP’s Java embraces as a whole.
The staff isn’t the friendliest bunch, but after becoming a regular, I’ve come to realize they are just a group of onions and cats: several layers, several selves, several lives to be discovered and peeled. In fact, there are a lot of perks of being a regular, but I won’t publish it here. The baristas that I’ve met are bright and artistic – there’s a lot to be learned from taking a couple minutes out of your day and sparking up a conversation.
On the subject of staff, I have to give a personal shout out to Nando (the lanky, carefree dude who calls you «lady»). He is one of the most interesting and friendliest baristas I’ve ever met. You can take my word for it, I’m a seasoned coffee shop squatter and I’ve met a lot of baristas in my day: p.
Anyway, wooo that was long.
Pros:
* Wonderful space for idea sharing. It almost feels like a co-​working space: the crowd is distinct, eclectic and mature. Though I was an undergrad, the majority of frequenters were grad students, artists, freelancers, professors and professionals. I absorbed quite a bit by just sitting on the couch and talking to people here and there. Eavesdropping was also another option.
* The AC is not put on full-​blast. Thank god for that – most buildings on campus and other coffee shops make it their mission to flash freeze your buns. On the flip side, it sometimes gets uncomfortably warm in the summer.
* Striking friendships: As a regular, I hung out with some of the baristas and got my first peak into real East Austin culture. I would go to their bands’ shows often, etc.
* The Texas Toddy is a solid summertime drink. (But expensive.)
* The Iced Coffee isn’t so bad either. As well as most of their espresso-​based drinks.
* Really awesome outdoor studying area with adequate lighting and access to outlets.
* Free Wifi
* If you’re an avid sports fan, big games are aired on at least one TV inside. Likewise, if you are of the ultra-​hipster persuasion and by default like odd and authentic movies, the main TV near the bar caters solely to that.
* Great location if you’re into Tex Mex and/​or Brazilian food (Taco Joint, Sao Paulos, etc.)
* Great location if you’re an engineer. You can roll outta bed, grab a coffee and go to class. I guess this applies for anyone who is a student living in North Campus.
* Unlike Epoch or Bennu, you can count on finding somewhere to sit with a 90% chance of having access to an outlet.
Cons:
* Music selection can be extremely off-​putting, depending on whose shift it is
* Overpriced. You can get equally good and much cheaper coffee at RLM. I’d go there if ambiance isn’t a priority.
* Closes at midnight, which is rather inconvenient
* The food is sub-​par AND pricey. Don’t do it, don’t do it. The sandwiches are mediocre at best, and cost an arm and a leg. Get this, right, a small cup of nasty pesto pasta goes for almost $ 5. And a can of v8 for $ 3 – 4. It’s absurd. I come here to study and to down espresso, not to eat.
* Sort of contradictory, but yes, the staff is rude, especially the newest batch with whom I am not as well acquainted. Most of the people I befriended have since moved on. One dude now owns his own production company, COLLABnART or ArtBAMF, or something. They throw sick parties – do yourself a favor and Google ‘em. The guys who run it really catch the flavor of Austin.

They are rude and everything is expensive, don’t know why this place is still so popular.

Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘man, i need a place I can squat for a few hours with AC where people leave you alone and don’t engage in small talk!’
well come on down to JPs!
bring a book. bring your homework. bring your laptop!
coffee? good
wifi? free
AC? not as strong as i’d like, but good
quiet? YES!
water? free, but you must help yourself
bathrooms? clean
there is plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors.

There are two criteria that I look for primarily in a coffee shop which serve as a baseline for whether or not I will patronize it more than once: how good is their mocha, and is there decent breakfast food? JP’s delivers on both!
I am a morning person, so I am often there at opening or shortly thereafter. It is the time of day when one could expect slow or unfriendly service elsewhere, but the staff has always been cheery and fun. The coffee is sensational, and the selection of pastries, bagels and breakfast tacos are scrumptious!
I was in a nearby sublet all Summer long, and JP’s became a part of many of my mornings. I will happily visit them again whenever I am in the neighborhood.

I’ll admit that today I spent a lot of time trying to find somewhere to sit down and study for a couple of hours. I ended up on the UT campus to meet a friend today, and (as it turns out) coffee shops get really packed in this part of town. Who knew, right?
I’m a bit of a coffee snob, so let me tell you: you won’t be disappointed with their coffee. They gave me a pretty fantastic cup. I’ll admit that I haven’t tried their espresso, but this is my first time here; I’ll update when I grab an espresso. They’ve got a pretty good beer and wine selection and some pretty great pastries (although you gotta get here early, because they disappeared right quick!)
Also: as far as the stuff about service, yeah, I’ve worked in the service industry. I’d much rather be at a place where people act the way they act in real life than a place where they’re trained to be as peppy as possible. All the employees were nice enough to me, no one was overly rude and that’s all I’m going to ask for. If I wanted someone to be nice to me and ask about my feelings I’d go to a therapist. I’m here for some coffee, and as far as coffee goes, they’ve got some pretty good stuff.
I will say, their prices are kind of steep. It’s fine for me, because I’m not someone who will typically drink several cups of coffee in quick succession, I usually just drink a single cup, so $ 2.90 isn’t too much for an entire afternoon. If you’re looking for a coffee shop where you can get your caffeine fix, this probably isn’t your place. If you’re looking for a chill place to do some work and have a cup of coffee while you do it, this is probably your style.
Overall, I say check it out, just pick a time where your pocketbook can take a hit!

I concur with most the reviews that the coffee here is quite good, and I’ll even go so far as to say that their hot coffee from the Clover is some of the best in town (not quite as good as Houndstooth). Though the Starbucks on 15^th just got a Clover, JP’s’ beans have a much richer and smoother texture because the beans are properly roasted (and not roasted into submission like almost all Starbucks beans). Because the shop is close to UT, I found myself here a lot last semester.
That’s the upside. The neutral part is the atmosphere. It’s pretty spacious, and I’ve never had trouble finding a flat surface and a chair to get some reading done. It can get a little noisy, especially when busy, and it can get warm when the sun beats down on the windows, even with those shades drawn.
But the downside is also in accord with many other reviews on here. The baristas, for the most part, are particularly good specimen of the Austin Surly Barista. I can think of maybe one guy (tall shaggy guy with glasses) and one or two girls who have ever even said «hello» and cracked a smile at me when I sidled up to the counter to order. The coffee is just good enough that I can overlook this lack of friendly interaction, but my partner refuses to go there anymore. The last time he was there, the barista just stared at him when he came up to order. Not even a «hi» or «what can I get for ya?» or anything.
Maybe I’m getting to old for this town. I sound like an old fogey: «Kids these days. No manners.» But as someone who has been both a barista and a bartender, I feel like I can (and do) appreciate and expect good, friendly service.

You can add one more bad service story to the mix.
The barista gets our order wrong, despite having repeated it back to me. I asked for a cappuccino, he repeats my order back to me, but somehow still manages to think I ordered an espresso.
Ok, mistakes happen, but the horrible attitude I then got from him when trying to clarify the situation was honestly simply unacceptable. He just kept insisting, rudely, that I was wrong and he wasn’t. Belligerent glare and all. The cappuccino wasn’t good either. The drip coffee I also got was strangely murky and thick. He had asked another girl behind the counter to make it but had to actually ask her if she knew how to use that machine.
Seriously, I think this joint is surviving on just being close to campus. There are many other better places to get coffee in Austin and this experience was definitely enough to sour me on ever going back there.

First time and never again!
I had an iced latte to go. And it was some 2 or 3 dollars, and some change. I did not tip them simply because I didn’t feel like I needed to for a to go coffee.
They didn’t fill it up, it was like ¾ filled! The coffee tasted good and strong but I paid full price for it, why didn’t I get full cup?
That wasn’t even a big deal, whatever.
Then I checked my card statement a few days later. They ran my card for 5 dollars. Sure, it’s 5 bucks! Not a big deal.
But did I seriously just pay 5 dollars for a ¾ filled cup of iced latte that they advertised for 2 or 3 dollars?
Or is it a $ 5 minimal credit charge nobody told me about?

I love JP’s.
Their coffee is the best in Austin. Hands down. I’ve been to Thunderbird, Flightpath, Monkeynest, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Starbucks (aka anything in the vicinity) and have not found a better espresso. Thank you, Clover machine.
They make their caramel lattes with caramel sauce and not fake tasting syrup.
Prices are a bit steep. (Someone has to pay for that Clover machine, right??)
Parking is all sorts of okay.
Beer, yummy snacks, and smoothies are all check plusses in my book.

I went here for the first time the other day with a friend. He had talked up their special single cup coffee making machine and plus we were coming off an Asia Café food coma.
The barista appeared largely disinterested in helping us with our coffee choice. My friend mentioned that he prefers acidic coffees-​the barista recalled that they dont include that information on the cards they receive about the coffee. Wonderful…
I tried to order my first choice of coffee… out. The barista gazed back at the board as if to provide some guidance only to confirm the fact that none of the other coffees were out.
The coffee was a little expensive but high quality and we enjoyed it. They have a nice seating area outside. Overall, not the greatest experience but has lots of potential.

I used to come to JP’s Java when it first opened roughly 10 yrs ago when I was an undergrad and this was my go to place to study. I recently came back to study for my grad classes and they made lots of improvements since then!
I’m not a huge coffee drinker so I can’t really tell whats good or not. I just drink the coffee to stay awake and no other purpose. I enjoy the atmosphere with random artwork on the walls and eclectic student population and others alike. Hipsterish crowd at times but what coffee shop isn’t hipster-​like unless you are called Starbucks.
The food is good… well specifically the roast beef and brie sandwich. Snack selection is fair with lots of pastries, but everything is generally pricey. They also have beer on tap… yes, beer at a coffee shop and I actually saw some people drinking while studying. I mean I like a good beer but while studying I’ll fall asleep (definitely not what I want with a test the next day) Beer was a definite change from 10 yrs ago and I would have considered coming here for non studying purposes.
Free wireless internet but its very erratic with constant disconnects every hour or two. It’s good enough and pretty fast.
Parking is in a small lot with side street parking. Daytime is pretty easy to find parking.
Outdoor patio is nice with large umbrellas to shade you from being burnt to crisp. In the summer it might be miserable and they might have fans? but I do remember them having portable heaters in the winters 10 yrs ago. I imagine they are still doing that but the weather in November is awesome to be outside.
Shout out to my old stomping grounds for studying.

The coffee is hit or miss sometimes, I agree with a lot of the reviewers. I find the hazelnut iced coffee to be sweet, but not too sweet, and the strawberry iced coffee to be unbearably NOT strawberry. More like coffee with not enough strawberry syrup poured in. Did I really pay extra for that?
I asked one of the cashiers for her opinion on a smoothie once, and she said she never tried any of them. Thanks for your honestly, but I really did want an opinion. I got the strawberry and blueberry smoothie anyways, and it was pretty delicious.
For a chill study environment though, this place is the best. They don’t really care if you stay and linger, nor if you stay and chat for hours with a friend. There’s a quiet room, but also other places with good music playing. Free internet, and they don’t stop torrents! Also, dog friendly outside. :)

(staying at friend’s place in Austin): Hey, is there a coffee place we can walk to?
So, I was quite pleasantly surprised that this was nearby and the local coffee spot.
Good outdoor patio. Enjoyed a number of iced coffees and lattes here while visiting Austin.