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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Northeast"Holy Craptastic Yespants. YES. YES. This is amazing. Usually I shy away from putting in my 2 cents when everyone else has offered plenty…" read more »
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About a 3.5 (the .5 being for the good ambiance). The coffee here is decent, though as other people have commented certainly no bargain. The only issue I've had is that whenever I order a Latte, I get Cafe au Lait. Apparently their foaming skills are ... lacking :) The food is also adequate, nothing great so far, but not bad either. Haven't tried their teas, but they have a good selection available. Waiting for next summer to try their iced drinks, which apparently are quite good.
Great location, very relaxing interior of about 4 small 2 person tables (always occupied by 1 person + laptop) and nice window area with bookshelves and plenty of varied paperbacks to choose from. Do not go to the window area if you are possessed by a daemon, there is 1 copy of the Bible on the shelves there!!!! (j/k, but Ms S seems to have a problem with it). Outdoor seating looks nice as well.
Overall, definitely going back (this is a bit of a walk from work), but not what I would call a favorite. If I lived a block away I can see making it a regular stop though.
I've given this place a couple chances, but they have yet to impress me. They don't seem to understand what a toasted bagel means; it's practically fresh from the microwave, even though it goes through a toaster. They also use fruit syrup in their smoothies, which is gross. As for coffee, I'd rather go next door to the 7-11.
I like that they're family owned, but I don't think this family gets it. Other people seem to enjoy, I just think there are better options.
The baristas are always really sweet and courteous; I love this.
Yes it is pricey for a cup of coffee, but what isn't spendy in this city?
Since the service is so great, I will keep coming back for more.
Here's what you need to know about Jacobs:
* overpriced bagels and muffins - straight from costco.
* mediocre coffee
* annoying $5 minimum
It's ok, and is great for its convenience being nearby my apt. However, there are better places to get coffee and breakfast on the Hill.
Nice Korean-run neighborhood coffee shop. Certainly not hip (some may even say a little dowdy), but clean and bright. They make a decent latte with prices comparable to your national chains and are really the only thing going in ths part of Capitol Hill NE (coincidentally, Starbucks declined an invitation to open a branch on H St, NE since they don't normally open in "emrerging neighborhoods".) Nice outdoor patio, although occasionally you get panhandlers who wander on over from the neighboring 7-11.
Pretty good coffee, a decent selection of teas (including bubble tea!), and some light foods - my girl and I each had a waffle special of a belgian waffle, scrambled eggs, and bacon. The waffle is good since it's made fresh on a waffle iron, the rest I think is made in a microwave since they don't have a grill. So that part was mediocre but still good.
Wifi was not working when we were there but there was a guy behind us on the Internet. So I turned to him and said - how are you on the web? He said: "In times of crisis, turn to the church." Stealing wifi from the Church of the Resurrection, very nice.
**3.5 stars**
My friend was leaving for his flight and we were in a rush. He picked up the Zipcar (so I can drop him at the airport) while I ran into Jacob's for something that would suffice as breakfast.
I remember being pleasantly surprised when I found out on Yelp that there is bubble tea in DC, much less in my neighborhood, so I didn't blink twice about ordering the strawberry flavor. I also ordered a ham and cheese breakfast sandwich. I didn't see a kitchen and was beginning to doubt my sandwich order.
The order took awhile and I had to dash madly out the door. In the car my friend and I agreed that the tapioca texture was surprisingly good, but the tea itself, made from a powder mixture, was artificial tasting and way too sweet. The nicest part was the breakfast sandwich, which is Quality. Not to mention Value. We wished we had gotten two. Or at least I did. I suppose I might have been projecting since I was hogging the sandwich and probably felt guilty about not sharing fairly.
I definitely plan to return with book or laptop in hand so I can curl away in the window seat for a rainy afternoon.
Jacob's is a great neighbor!
I can't understate how nice it is to have a coffee shop practically next door to my house. That said, it's temping to spend too much here. I will second many of the comments that it isn't cheaper than Starbucks, but I understand it's harder for Indie coffee shops with lower volume to compete on price. I do think the coffee is better here, especially the iced coffee made with the cold-brew method (the best way to do it).
The food is also a plus. You can get breakfast all day long and they don't just serve breakfast sandwiches... you'll find waffles and other standard breakfast fair here too. Last time I checked, you can order turkey bacon/sausage and other healthy options here. The ingredients are fresh daily as well. In addition to breakfast food, you can get sandwiches like Paninis too.
I've never noticed a religious tinge to the place. They have a spot where local organizations and folks can leave materials and notes so maybe someone from the church down the street left something. They do have a bookshelf with lots of reading material, including a large children's section.
The interior is rather small, so on a busy mornings it can get crowded. That's just how it is, but the patio is fantastic on nice days.
Wifi is fast and free here... more than I can say for Starsucks.
felt like venturing to this spot for coffee and bfast last weekend and as you can see by the 1 star above it did not go so well. It's Jacob's Coffee & Cafe, right? So let's discuss it's namesake - the coffee and the cafe.
Coffee - decent variety and has the standard favs. My brew seemed pretty watered down though, not great. In the coffee bar area they only had half and half as an option - watered down half and half (the canister had ice in it...gross).
Cafe - I inquired if the had turkey sausage? Nay. Turkey bacon? Nay. Egg Beaters? Nay. Egg whites? Nay, even though they use real eggs to make the samiches! A freakin' whole wheat english muffin?!?! Nay, again! Alas, I got the egg mcmuffin equiv. reg. eggs, ham, cheese and english muffin. The eggs were WAY overcooked, the mcmuffin not toasted, and the cheese cold. I took one bite and threw it away.
Ambiance - The cafe is furnished in Ikea's "finest." i.e. Lack coffee table, ect. The truly offensive part is the plethora of Christian paraphernalia. i.e "The Story of Jesus" and more than one copy of the Bible interspersed with books like "LA with kids." Ebenezer's is owed by a church but even they do not cram the religion down your throat.
If in the area next time I'll go next door to the 7 eleven.
Found it! My go-to coffee spot, that is. Phew! After moving into the neighborhood I've been on the hunt for my latte place and Jacob's is it. Their pumpkin spice latte and friendly service totally won me over.
I also recommend the lox and cream cheese bagel - yum. They have some lovely outdoor tables usually populated with neighbors and their dogs. Even at the busiest times of the day you can usually find a spot. I also second all the other reviewers and their nod to the music selection - it's a fun surprise.
I judge a coffee place on their black iced coffee and Jacob's is excellent. An iced coffee is something that I can't make for myself instantly at home very easily but it's relatively basic so it should be easy to do well. I find that the iced coffee at lots of places is bitter (Cosi for instance) and would have to be covered up by sugar and/or milk, which isn't my style. Jacob's iced coffee, on the other hand, is perfectly smooth and rich!
They have a patio that's dog-friendly and I've been told that they're cool with people bringing dogs in with them while they order, though I haven't done or seen that myself.
The hours are much better these days under the current owners than when it first opened too.
Their drinks are decent, I'll give you that, but I really do not understand people commenting on how INexpensive the place is. The main detractor I have from going there is that it costs a lot. I'm not such an indie snob that I avoid Starbucks and the drinks at Jacob's are just as pricey, albeit tasty (although I'm not a straight coffee drinker and I know Starbucks coffee has issues, so maybe Jacob's wins on that count).
I've never had the food. It is a pleasant environment though, if you can find a place to sit.
So why a 3? There is never indoor seating when I need it, the prices are higher than what I would expect and it's just a basic coffee house. Nothing special. I could go there, I could not, it's all the same to me.
Jacobs is a block away from my house and has proven to be quite a trusty little spot. It's quaint, clean, and they have free wi-fi. I'm not a coffee drinker so I can't comment on that,but they do have a large selection of herbal teas which always do the trick for me. I often get their French toast platter and it's pretty decent (aside from the fact that they microwave their eggs and you can definitely tell because they are flat and rubbery and taste like...well, they dont taste like anything really). Other than that it's a nice spot..quite pricey though(a spiced chai tea is nearly $4.00) but nonetheless, Glad it's in the neighborhood. Oh, and the outdoor patio is cool as well...and pet friendly :)
What can I say that hasn't been said? It's pretty good. Decent coffee, great tea, good food, free WiFi, patio seating, and very nice staff. I'm a fan.
People love their laptops here. So that tells me "Kori, when you want a place to study, come here."
Before heading off to inebriation station (Shamrock Fest), the boy and I decided it might be a good idea to get some food in us first and he recommended Jacob's because of our shared love of bubble tea and a recently spotted sign.
This place is cozy and quaint with an upscale modern feel and their big comfy chairs near the window were inviting and perfect for people watching. Don't have your laptop like everyone else here? Grab one of the many books from the shelf (some seriously good reads) or one of their many magazines. You have a hobby? They probably have your magazine. They've also got some little toys and kids books laying around for the munchkins, and one little tyke A-lined for them immediately and played quietly while his Dad waited in line.
Food and drink?
Salmon and cream cheese bagel: perfect balance of lox, capers and tomatoes.
Lattes: Delicious, no sugar needed.
Bubble Tea: A little more "bubble" would be good for the balance, but still good. (Just ask for extra tapioca).
I tried to brush my teeth with acne medicine this morning. All the shiny tubes looked the same, which meant I needed more coffee than usual.
The stop in SoMD was the usual gas and guzzle, but by the time I'd begun driving down 8th Street...it was time for more. This is where Jacob's steps in.
I judge a coffee shop based on a crazy theory. Frappes and Doublemochachinacaramelthousandcalorie with Whipped Creme be dammed...just give me a straight coffee. And the featured coffee, Douwe Egberts French Roast, did a damn fine job in helping me open my eyes from their half-mast morning position. It was a solid cup o'joe.
Once fully awake, I could take in the rest of the coffeehouse. It's a homey, little neighborhood spot with everything a local coffeeshop should have. Plenty of baked goods, breakfast sandwiches that looked big and yummy, a few lunch items listed that I promise I'll try at a later date. But it was the pretty little cupcakes on the counter got my attention...hello breakfast!
Sugar and caffeine...and now I'm hearing bagpipes. A Scottish themed hallucination perhaps? Nope...just a little softly played celtic music on the speakers. That made me grin.
Jacob's is a sweet, small, homey and unpretentious spot I have a feeling I'll be frequenting often. It's welcoming, like a hug from the nice old neighbor who always smells faintly of cookies and breakfast.
As Salieri said in 'Amadeus', "Mediocrities everywhere, I absolve you, I absolve you, I absolve you, I absolve you all."
Then again, he also said, "Mozart! Mozart, forgive your assassin! I confess, I killed you..."
So much for Salieri.
This is a great alternative to the noisy, greasy restaurants in the neighborhood.
The caramel frap is absolutely heavenly! The best I've ever had. That is the one thing that keeps me coming back at least once a week.
Service is great - the staff is really friendly! Feels like a small town family-run coffeehouse. They have music through speakers, but it's not distracting, and the place tends to stay fairly quiet, even when full.
Food is good - they serve everyday sorts of sandwiches ($4-7) that are light and not greasy, though there's nothing really outstanding about them. I kind of like that they've got a simple, homemade feel. A sandwich and chips from Jacob's won't make you feel uncomfortably full.
This place may be improving somewhat. For a while, the coffee was quite inconsistent, and mostly quite weak, but I've gone back a couple times recently (it is very close to where I live) and it has been good both times.
Food is not exciting and is a bit pricey for what you get.
Atmosphere is pretty sterile inside but there is a good sized patio.
The cheese selection is a problem. There is no cheddar on the premises. No swiss. Only American (yuck) and provolone.
This is just a few blocks from my apartment and I love stopping in here for breakfast or lunch on the weekends. I don't really drink coffee, so I can't really comment on that, but the breakfast and the sandwiches are really good and not expensive. I usually go with their breakfast sandwiches on bagels or English muffins, but the waffles and French toast are good too. The staff are always really friendly and I feel totally comfortable if I want to hang out for a while and read a magazine or study. There are usually a few people in there, but I've never seen it busy to the point that it's crowded or you can't find a seat. It's one of the spots in the area that make me glad I got an apartment here.
What has two thumbs and a big smile? This guy. I just moved into the neighborhood around Jacob's this week after living in the relative coffee abyss of Mt Vernon for the last year (yes, there is Breakwell's, but it never worked for me). I sauntered over to Jacob's this morning after reading Yelp reviews, and I just gotta say, this place works for me. The house blend was great with the bacon egg and cheese on sourdough, and the music selection was pleasingly eclectic (Gwen Stefani told me to hollaback; I would have, but I had already been told by Air Supply that I was all out of love, so I was a bit depressed). I have a week off before I start my new job -- I think Jacob's will be a good place to waste a few hours each day working my way through some substantial tomes (though there is a large collection of Star Wars books on Jacob's bookshelf that are calling to my inner child).
This local owned local spot is a hop skip and jump from Lincoln Park and a great place to while away an afternoon over a cup of joe. The menu is classic coffeehouse - baked goods, soup, sandwiches and breakfast fare -- and it's good, it's cheap and it's all made fresh - a decided advantage over the plastic wrapped sandos at Starbucks and the like. The house coffee is Douwe Egbert's a Dutch roaster and it's damn tasty. With a large outdoor patio and a cozy inside space, it's worth a visit. 50 cent coffee refills are kind and the frequent customer cards for free food or coffee after 9 purchases is a welcome way to reward regulars.
Again, I like it because it's not Fivebucks. I wasn't that crazy about the coffee, but the people were friendly and the food was tasty... it's cozy, but definitely not what I would call hip. Please forgive me but I had just returned from hip Austin when I visited this place, so it was kind of a culture shock to see several flat screen TVs playing baseball above cheesy brick-a-brack. I must go back now that it's warm enough to sit outside, though.
i don't really go to Jacob's for the coffee but it's one of the better atmospheres to work in, in the Hill area. the tables and chairs are actually pretty comfortable. they play a mix with Chicago and i always find myself tapping and singing along to Peter Cetera (yes, i know, but it is catchy). however, you soon realize that this is all they play so after you've been here a few times...)
anyways. i wish when i left i smelled like i was in a coffee shop, but i don't.
Jacobs is a very nice space to work. the staff is friendly. it's clean. i've found their wifi to be very reliable.
Jacob's is quickly becoming a Stanton Park area staple. They have good coffees and a wide selection, friendly staff and owners, and decent food. Their bagel sandwiches are particularly perfect on a Saturday or Sunday morning. When the weather's warm, grab a seat on the patio and enjoy your coffee. It is a great place to spend a morning.
very quality coffee and breakfast shop. perfect bagel & lox, friendly staff, big coffee (not excelent, however (-1)), and a very pleasant environment. it's a little cramped indoors, but there are twenty or so seats. clean and upscale like an old-world teahouse that serves beans instead. outdoor seating is the best part. they have a big fenced-in patio out front, which includes a well-groomed garden. I would be here a lot if I didnt live so far away.
Washington, DC
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Northeast
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: H Street Corridor/Atlas District/Near Northeast
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Northeast
Category: Bagels
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast
Category: Coffee & Tea
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