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Jaho Coffee & Tea
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches [Edit]
197 Derby StSalem, MA 01970
(978) 744-4300
- Nearest Transit:
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Hawthorne Blvd @ Derby St (451)
Congress St @ Derby St (426/455, 455, 459)
Hawthorne Blvd @ Essex St (451)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 11 pm
Sat 8 am - 11 pm
Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
88 reviews for Jaho Coffee & Tea
Review Highlights
"sweet, mouth-watering gelato in like 8-12 flavors."
(in 28 reviews)
"This place has awesome red velvet cake."
(in 4 reviews)
"The location on Pickering Wharf is awesome."
(in 5 reviews)
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88 reviews in English
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Review from Harper D.
Wenham, MA
12/29/2011
Since we were unable to be seated or noticed at the Gulu and Coven was closed, we came to Jaho. Unlike the former, it was instantly clear upon walking in the door that this was a Starbucks-STYLED arrangement with a counter to order from and then find yourself a seat arrangement.
The table we snagged wasn't bussed but on 2nd glance there were only two people working the entire place and it was practically full.
They managed to handle it and were pleasant in the process.
Unlike any Starbucks, they have a really impressive menu in simple to understand signage. Food made here instead of shipped in pre-packaged is awesome and I will try it the next time.
I ordered the Sipping Chocolate and my companions got decaf Cappuchinos which were brought to the table by the Barista with really well done swirly foam leaves and a really fabulous OM that we dubbed the "Cappuchin-OM". She gets an A+. The hot chocolate was yummy.
Seems to me if they replace the mishmash of tables with a few long ones UK pub style in the lower area there would be more seating for odd numbered groups coming in. Couches in the riser area, etc. Compulsive Virgo re-arranger in me always thinking of how to maximize space and make more $. ;) -
Review from Jennifer L.
Salem, MA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Legit beans, roasted by the owner. Espresso drinks are typically consistent,they have a large variety of awesome hot teas, & staff will deliver the goods to your table, as well as bus your empties. They have a substantial menu-salads, sandwiches, etc. though, as someone who trained in pastry, I suspect theirs are not made on site, but store bought...but again, there's variety.
Atmosphere is cozy; seating is limited & can fill up quickly. Great place to hide out, nibble on a treat, & people watch.
I've read a number of reviews regarding poor service & I think it's only fair that it be known that staff is quite often VERY short handed. The owner's parents are often on site & not the friendliest or helpful to customers...they also withhold tips from staff at their discretion, so that's something to keep in mind when you sign that receipt. -
Review from Toni M.
Lynn, MA
12/22/2011
I used to come here all the time to catch up with friends.
They have coffee, tea, smoothies and gelato. All good things!
The desserts they serve are not freshly made there. I believe they buy them from a different company. The sandwiches are very small and very expensive! But yes, the sandwiches are yummy.
I give this place three stars because the service has gone down the drain. The staff here are so rude!
Example) Came here with a few others. Ordered a sandwich and paid for it separately. The other people I was with received their food shortly after we sat down. I waited a few minutes and asked a man at the counter about my food, he said it was coming out. Another few minutes pass and a woman who works there comes out and says to me that I never ordered a sandwich... TELLING me I didn't order a sandwich. I nicely reply, that I did and I turn to grab the receipt from my purse and when I turned around she was stomping away, STOMPING away. Okay honey, no need to throw a hissy fit. It's a sandwich.
She comes back out with my sandwich and practically throws the plate down in front of me.
Haven't been back since. -
Review from Less H.
Beverly, MA
Updated - 11/14/2011
I've come to love Jaho since my last review. The food and drinks are great
I get good service from 3 of the regular people there. There is one person who stands out and that is the older dude who is a complete and utter asshole. He's rude to customers and a complete jerk to the staff.
A few weekends (after the time change) ago I witnessed him berating the young guy and the 2 girls who work behind the counter for not calling him and was yelling at them about his number being on an orange post it note. He persisted in yelling at the young guy and one girl for quite sometime though the shop was full of people and there was a substantial line. I was completely disgusted by his behavior. It's not often I wish someone fired, but the way this guy treated his coworkers was astonishingly bad. Just because he works in the back shouldn't give him permission to be a dick.
When the ass returned to the back of the house all was well not too shockingly after being berated the staff had a hard time regrouping. My cappuccino arrived a few minutes later and was terrific.
To the baristas who work at Jaho, you know your coworker has no right to treat you like that? And if that dude is your boss he still should treat you with respect.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/27/2011
this has been on my "to try" list for a few months now. After my art adventure with my friend I… Read more »
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Review from Jamie P.
Boston, MA
Updated - 11/10/2011
Coffee is good at Jaho. But their service is not good. I went to Jaho with my wife almost every weekend for almost a year and we never felt welcomed, nor did they know our drinks/names/etc. or even act like they recognized. Why they aren't required to know every regular customer, I think it would be nice for them to acknowlege that we frequently patron their shop.
I also think that they should have a frequent customer punch card or incentive program. We don't go to Jaho nearly as often as we used too because we felt more appreciated elsewhere.
Who knows... when the weather gets cold again maybe we'll be back for their cozy seating.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/6/2011
You can find me at Jaho on the weekends. Their Lattes, tea and coffee are all very good. They also… Read more »
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Review from Marlboro W.
Lynn, MA
9/2/2011
Good place to go for heavy duty high-grade coffee, especially with dollar refills, and the gelato and other sweets if you've got the dough for it. If only they would start a new pot as soon as it runs out and not leave customers waiting for them to brew another one. I could understand if it was near closing, but the middle of the day? And they were actually out of the dark roast the other day?
Service has been hit and miss lately. There have been a couple of times where they totally forgot about my sandwich order, plus I have to call them out on the precooked fried eggs after I got a warm bagel with a cold egg inside.
I was going to go to the other Jaho shop a block over but it's now only open on weekends. I'm sure rent is expensive at Pickering Wharf, especially if you're trying to run two cafes, so hopefully this is just a patchy time for them. Otherwise, they have put a lot into the furniture and decor. It's the only coffee shop I know of that has the original album cover of Pink Floyd's Relics hanging on the wall. Now that's hip. -
Review from Chris B.
Boston, MA
9/7/2011
As good a coffee shop as any other. Definitely more room than the others in the South End, but seriously guys, stay open past 7pm. I've, on more than one occasion, stopped in after work, bought a coffee, sat down, and almost immediately been told you were closing soon.
C'mon now, do I really have three places that serve good coffee within a block of my house and I still have to truck my ass up to Trident on Newbury Street to if I want to read a book past a 9 year-old's bedtime?
Yes, it seems that I do. -
Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
4/18/2011
Cozy little spot that's not completely distinguishable from the other millions of cafes in the Boston/Greater Boston area except for a few things:
- Zodiac tea list: I was going to go with Taurus (my sign, obvs), but the Leo looked so good so I defected
- Way the tea is served: Stackable pot+cup combo. Could you be any more IKEA cute?
- Cream designs on coffee: These baristas are artists
- Creme brulee cheesecake: Need to woo it so it can be my cheesecake booty call forever -
Review from Erica D.
Revere, MA
11/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Jaho is one of my all-time favorite cafes in Salem. They have a wonderful array of loose-leaf tea, chai tea lattes, gelato and tasty desserts. They even have a menu dedicated to green tea--this is a tea-drinkers paradise! Of course they offer so much more, like coffee and sandwiches, but the real draw for me is, well, the tea and the fact that they are open late.
Price: The prices are reasonable considering the wide variety of beverages, helpful service and decor.
Decor: The cafe is small but it has a lot of places to sit; not really good for a large group, but ideal for 1-3 people. This place has plenty of outlets and free wifi, it's clean, organized and comfortable enough to sit and chat for a few hours. There is usually some good background music playing, beyond that, the cafe is pretty quiet (i.e., no screaming children).
Service: The staff is always friendly and approachable. You order at the register and they bring your order to the table, sweet!
Food/Presentation: I can only talk about the beverages and desserts I've had, not about the meals they have to offer. The presentation for their Chai Tea Latte is awesome! First off, it comes in this huge mug and then to top it off they draw designs in the foam! The presentation for the Zodiac loose-leaf tea is not to be outdone. The Zodiac tea comes in a huge French Press that gives you about 3-4 cups -- you definitely get your money's worth, but only if you drink it there, the experience is so much different if you get it to go. Only problem: it is prone to over-brewing because the Press doesn't block the tea-leaves enough to stop it from brewing, you might not finish your last cup.
Location: It's located in Downtown Salem by the Wharf. The parking can be a bit of a trial at times, especially around the month of October. There is metered street parking outside the store, and seldom any parking spots around the Wharf shops. You might find a space close by, just be wary of "resident only" sections.
Recap:
Price: 5/5
Decor: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Food/Presentation: 4/5
Location 4/5
Total: 4.6 -
Review from Courtney N.
Gloucester, MA
Updated - 6/12/2010
I'm sorry to say that my last 2 visits to Jaho have been very disappointing. I honestly don't think I'll go there again since there are so many other options in Salem. I really like the bubble tea, but that's about it for drinks. Previously, I ordered the Jamaican Rum chai, and it was pretty bland. It didn't taste like anything beyond a regular chai.
This time, I ordered the apple pie latte. It was gross. I don't know if it was made properly. You could see 2 inches of syrup on the bottom. I shook it up a bit, and it blended in but the taste was terrible. I only drank about a quarter of it before I had to throw it away. My stomach hurt after drinking it. Gross.
It's too bad because they have such an impressive selection and a really cool vibe, but I'm not going to go back and see if a third item is drinkable or not. Go for the Boba, beware if you try anything else though.Listed in: Caffeine Is My Drug of Choice
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/25/2010
My seemlessy never-ending search for local bubble tea ended at Jaho Coffee and Tea. It wasn't even… Read more »
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Review from Tyler S.
6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was a tourist in town and we stumbled on this place and got a frozen caramel frappalanche or something like that...but it was delicious!! An the atmosphere is great
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Review from Damien S.
11/24/2008
After checking the graffiti on the Pickering Wharf lighthouse, nothing warms the cockles of your frostbitten face like a steaming* cup of something from Jaho.
*see also: frozen
It's wee and is unmistakably landmarked by an ice cream cone trash bin/dog post/mailbox out front. The atmosphere is coffee house cool and the microfiber chairs are so soft and comfy, they knocked the girl out cold. And not just because I hit her over the back with one.
You know these places. They're what Starbucks strives to be: pierced baristas jamming out to Cuzco, baked goods mammoth in size and price, clever signs on the tip basket (ToeMAYtoe or toeMAHtoe - vote with your change,) coffees called anything but, and free wifi drawing that one guy with his shaggy locks and his Macbook to the same table every day hoping to wrap up Chapter 14 of the great American novel that will never be but hell at least they know what he drinks so see you tomorrow!
What skyrockets Jaho to the head of the class is its one-two punch of frozen hot chocolate and chaider. The former, a seductive smoothie rich in cocoa, milk and magic (cake batter?) that tastes like nothing you'd expect and everything that you'd want. The latter, a blend of chai tea and hot apple cider that tastes like nothing you'd expect and everyth... Fuck, I am not creative.
It's a must see when you've reached your witchy limit and want something to bring you back to your bohemian suburban utopia. And please PLEASE leave your dishes on your table. The signs making the request aren't for show. -
Review from Tom E.
3/3/2007
I spent a couple of hours in Jaho and loved it. A pleasant pit-stop on the Salem tourist trail and able to cater to most people's afternoon needs. I had a lovely big mug of good coffee with a Cinnamon pastry, grabbed a small table for myself, relaxed and people-watched. Perfect on a March afternoon in a town that specialises in being a magnet for weird and wonderful "characters".
They have free wifi, a couch area, paninis, great looking ice cream, some nice coffee-shop products to buy, some funky T-shirts for sale by a local designer and a wall decorated with brilliant classic album covers. They even sell hilarious chocolate bars called 'Emergency Chocolate'.
But best of all was the tea... it came in some high-tech silky tea-bag that I'd never seen before. I love my tea-bags and this was like going from VHS to DVD - probably not that big a deal quality-wise but still gives you a 21st century buzz!
I'll definitely be back to Jaho's when I'm next in Salem - especially as one of the staff was super-cute. -
Review from Brigid M.
11/15/2009
Options for both serious coffee drinkers and novices, there is a nice selection of caffeinated beverages, gelato and bakery items (cake, pie, cookies, etc.) at Jaho.
I've been in twice for drinks, my first time mistakenly being during October where I encountered an inundation of creepy tourists playing fantasy in the streets of Salem. Feeling seasonal I got a Pumpkin Mocha Latte, which had the perfect combination of pumpkin and chocolate. I know it sounds like a weird pair but it was delightful and didn't need additional sweetener. Again since it was October, there was a line out the door and confusion at the pick-up counter.
The next time was much quicker and I got a regular cappuccino which was as good as it can be. My friend got the Cinnamon Blast, which seemed to be a cinnamon latte and had a nice almost spicy cinnamon flavor, but was almost too sweet without any additives.
The prices are comparable to Starbucks but with a better selection and overall a superior quality. If in the mood for something sweet to drink or eat Jaho will have something for you. -
Review from Beth G.
Salem, MA
Updated - 10/29/2009
It's hard to write this b/c I want to support a local business, but I can't continue to support this one, sadly.
On weekends in October here in Salem, the term "crazy busy" takes on a whole new meaning. Know this when you enter any business, including Jaho, during an October weekend. I ordered an iced chai latte and accidentally someone grabbed my drink. Pretty sure the customer drank some of it b/c the straw looked chewed on. The customer said something to the barrista about it being wrong, so the barrista got it back and then PUT IT BACK ON THE "READY FOR PICK-UP" AREA OF THE COUNTER. If I hadn't seen this happen and said something about providing me w/a new one, I would have gotten the partially drank one. Moral of the story: make sure you are there to pick it up b/c an employee may just put it back out on the counter after it's been tasted.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/6/2009
Really I should give this between 3 & 4 stars, but since that is not an option I'm sticking w/3… Read more »
Comment from Anil M. of Jaho Coffee & Tea 5/7/2010
Some defective straws are deformed/stick together in the… More » -
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Review from Veronica H.
Salem, MA
5/29/2006
Awesome place, I live around the corner and its a good but bad thing. :c)
Great cakes and pastries!
Its got something for everyone, even people who don't like coffee can find allot of interesting drinks. Its packed all day and night, its open till 11pm, which is rare for Salem businesses that aren't bars. -
Review from Eric S.
Salem, MA
4/8/2009 3 Check-ins Here
As good as it gets is all relative. I'm sure there are coffee & tea places around the world that blow this away but, for the north shore area, which is loaded with coffee shops, this is a 5-star.
They've got all kinds of satisfying goodies in this place ranging from
* good variety of coffee & teas;
* a bakery case that will overwhelm your taste buds just looking at it;
* single-serve, carry-out drinks in great variety;
* sandwiches that cover a perfect spectrum of tastes;
* tasty, interesting, and filling soups & chilis (1 kind per day);
* sweet, mouth-watering gelato in like 8-12 flavors;
* ambient music playing throughout the cafe;
* truly cozy and relaxing seating;
* outdoor seating which is extra nice in olde Salem;
* perfectly located next to Pickering Wharf;
* free wifi;
* great cd compilations available for sale;
* clean bathrooms;
* totally reasonable prices; and
* a friendly, attentive work staff who will take your empty dishes away, etc.
It's owned by a very business-oriented, industrious young "kid" (he's a man but I see him as a young entrepreneur) and, as a member of a long-time family business, I give him, and his family, a huge thumbs up.
Jaho deserves every bit of the 5-stars I've given it here and more.
Best wishes for continued success, Jaho!Listed in: Absolutely Consistent!!
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Review from Susanne H.
Phoenix, AZ
7/17/2007
This coffee shop is just amazing. I found it while visiting a friend in Salem (from AZ) and found myself there at least once a day during that trip. I just moved to the area and my first stop was Jaho!
They have great espresso, a nice assortment of delicious iced tea, gelato that is amazing, and wonderful food!! Free wifi and a wonderful atmosphere make for the perfect place! -
Review from Lee F.
Salem, MA
3/10/2009
Jaho has the best chicken salad in town--they serve it with chilled grapes on warm cheesy panini bread. Fabulous! I love going here for a fancy coffee drink or a soothing cup of tea. All of their sandwiches are tasty and they have an incredible variety of cakes and pastries for dessert. I don't go in much for breakfast but they have a lot of bagel sandwiches available.
I now have a routine that's hard to break. When it's cold out I order their triple chocolate drinking chocolate. In the summer I'm hooked on their cocounut bubble tea.
Finding a seat is touch and go because it's always so crowded but it's worth the wait. My favorite coffee hangout by far! -
Review from James H.
Bridgewater, MA
12/28/2007
Jaho roasts its own fair-trade coffee and my daughter was happy with the abudant selection of teas.
The desserts were delicious and not as heavy as they look!
Jaho's has friendly service and a lot of comfortable seating. It is in a great location near museums, shops, and the waterfront.
Best of all: if you get a cup "for here" it is served in a warm, ceramic mug, as it should be! It is sad that so many specialty shops put perfectly good coffee in paper cups, even if you are staying in. Jaho's is taking the time to pour the coffee with care!Listed in: Cups of Justice
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Review from Annie M.
Boston, MA
10/19/2007
Jaho (besides having a name that's fun to say) is a pretty cool spot. It's got a funky vibe, including old album covers adorning the walls and local art to scope out while you down the uber yum-delish food. Their cheesecakes are little round servings of heaven. The bubble tea was delicious. They have just about every tea and coffee variety under the sun, and a decent selection of desserts. They also have have yummy gelato in lots of decadent flavors.
I thoroughly enjoyed this place! The only downside was the inherent yuppy/college (think annoying valley girl with a New England accent) crowd that goes hand in hand with a $4 cup of coffee. Such is life. -
Review from Joeli G.
Salem, MA
6/11/2009
Great coffee. Crappy staff. I go there often because the coffee is always good. The cakes are sooo yummy. the sandwhiches are ok. (not healthy, overly salted) EVERY TIME I go there, someone that works there is more than rude to me for no reason, though. Many times I wait for my drink after ordering for longer than it should take...because they forget orders. and when I remind them, they are rude about it. LIKE IT'S MY FAULT! It's the strangest thing. I've heard many other locals say this as well... which is why it's suprising there are so many ***** reviews.
Also, the place is kindof drab. Chairs are filthy (almost discusting). -
Review from Kimberli M.
New York, NY
1/22/2007 1 photo
Located just next door to the National Park Service Maritime Site, it was nice to be able to take a look at the ship and then sit for a cuppa.
We all enjoyed our drinks -- expertly made for sure.
Beware that this is NOT Starbuck's and they do not crank the drinks out at rapid speed --- of course their motto is "Live Slow" so that shouldn't be a shock.
The coffee's are worth the wait. -
Review from Maggie W.
Cambridge, MA
6/14/2007
And - another update:
Anil, the owner, just emailed me - he told me they have two pages of decaf teas, you just have to ask for a tea menu...so - extra kudos for the decaf and for the response!
Updated...
Since my first post I have spent quite a bit of time in Jaho - and I am still a fan. (my prior post below...) - I have had a sandwich now, and the chicken salad is FANTASTIC - although a little too big for me again...I guess I am not going there hungry enough! I took issue with the web site also but received a nice email from the owner in a very QUICK reply to mine saying it was being updated and would have hours up very soon. Website info aside - they are open late, as in 11 p.m. most nights - and they don't mind at all if you hang out for a while. Be warned though that a large pot is LARGE - so, go for a couple small pots of tea - the large gets cold for one person...also, yet to try the gelato - but it looks just decadent, and seems to be a local favorite.
Previous post -
I spent several hours at Jaho today, and was thrilled to find a non-Starbucks place to spend some time without feeling rushed to leave. I have been searching for a North Shore tea spot, whereas previously I could only really find a later evening spot in Cambridge or Boston. I enjoyed the cheesecake, which was good but honestly a little too large and should be shared. I was a little disappointed also that there were very few decaffeinated teas offered - I wish there were more herbal teas for later in the day/evening. Finally, I wish there were more electrical outlets available, since almost everyone uses a laptop these days...
Overall, I would recommend it. I did not get a sandwich, but the ones I saw looked great and I plan to go again soon for a meal with my tea. -
Review from Erin C.
Salem, MA
2/12/2009
Jaho is simply a nice place to enjoy a cup of something hot in the fall and winter, and something cool in the summer. They have a lovely assortment of bakery items, sandwiches, and gelato. Their selection of teas is huge, and they also have bubble tea, which is sometimes hard to find. There are lots of comfy couches and chairs, so you can plop yourself down and people watch out the windows.
Service from the adorable hipster kids is always good, and they know their stuff as well. -
Review from Lia M.
8/24/2006 3 Check-ins Here
My first experience here was not good, and I originally gave Jaho 1 star. However, I learned that was the weekend they had just opened and they had some issues. They now seem to be over it. I really enjoy Jaho. The pumpkin latte is good, and I love the toffee nut latte as well. I really enjoyed the gelato (I had hazelnut) and thought it was better than some places in the North End. I need to try the baklava soon. I will be going there more often in the next few weeks to study for my GMAT. I recommend going after lunch time if you need to study, it can get packed during lunch. The location on Pickering Wharf is awesome. The time it takes to receive your order is considered "slow" in our fast paced culture, though I do not have problem with it.
I am quite impressed by the owner. We went to high school & college together and I believe he may be younger than I am, and he has opened this great business and plans on opening another location I really respect him and do not even have words to say about how much I am impressed. -
Review from olivia d.
1/2/2009
This cozy shop is a quiet haven for people enduring stressful, hectic trips to visit with in-laws over holidays.
We first stumbled upon Jaho a few years ago, when we had some time to kill and wanted a drink. The menu of drinks is interesting and fairly extensive. There are some innovative flavors (like the chaider), and a noticeable international influence, as well a clear penchant for authenticity (They serve "Drinking chocolate" as opposed to powder-made hot chocolate).
Thanks to that first experience, I've become a fan of the delicious, thick matcha green tea. Starbucks tries to take on the matcha, but it ends up tasting overly sweet and grainy on the tongue. At Jaho, the matcha latte is intensely creamy, buttery even, and a shade of pale green. Each time I go here, I always consider ordering something else, and then end up with the matcha.
In past years, I've enjoyed stopping in on an evening, lounging on a plush chair and chatting. However, the last trip I made was just a bit disappointing-- it wasn't as relaxed and cozy in the morning, and also the matcha was too buttery and felt like i had drank a cup of heavy whipping cream.
Still, the experience won't deter me from going again in the future. -
Review from E S.
Salem, MA
7/7/2008
This place is one of my favorite treat spots!
The service and atmosphere are nice and I've never had a bad drink. I'm very partial to the matcha latte (you can't find that at too many places either). The window seats are good for people watching but the place is sometimes so busy that there is nowhere to sit. That is just fine in the summer because the waterfront is just around the corner and has a few benches.
It is probably the most expensive cafe' in Salem but I feel it's worth it.
I love all the drinks there but the food items are not nearly as good. Not too bad but certainly not impressive. -
Review from Michele B.
Salem, MA
3/15/2008
Jaho is a great place to relax over a cup of coffee is you're not in a hurry. We met there a few times with our Realtor and it was very nice. The chairs are comfy, the music isn't too loud, and the coffee is excellent. We didn't feel any pressure to hurry up, drink our coffee and get out. It was very welcoming.
The sandwiches are good, the gellato selection is wonderfully varied and (best of all) they have bubble tea!
My only complaint is the speed of service. Their motto is "Live Slow", unfortunately, that seems to their service motto too. Fine if you're there to relax and have a leisurely lunch, not so good if you're running for a cuppa on your break. It's actually quicker for me to run down to DnD, even though I work on the Wharf.
So, a bit slow, but they may very well have the best coffee in Salem.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Rachael K.
Arvada, CO
2/21/2008 4 Check-ins Here
I was a Front Street Coffeehouse girl until Jaho. Granted it's like comparing oranges and tangerines, but Jaho won me over with the cozy seating and pretty coffees! I have a bunch of coffee shops that I frequent and Jaho blows them all out of the water with the designs in their lattes and mochas (which also happen to taste amazing). And, you don't need to stand at the counter. Just place your order and someone will bring it right over to you.
What I don't like is that the artwork seems a little canned (though I haven't been coming here long enough to know if it changes) and it feels a little bit like it's trying hard to be a chain even though it isn't (I can't put my finger on what makes it feel that way but it just does).
Parking can be a pain, and at times not worth it, but if you time it right you can get a spot no problem.Listed in: Caffene: The Nectar of the…
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Review from Alexis J.
Watertown, MA
8/3/2008
Good, strong coffee! Comfortable atmosphere and surprisingly tasty food but this place also has a great story behind it. Though many miss Jaho because of it's location it is very popular among locals and a great place to stop for a little liquid energy.
Very good coffee, even better when made by the owner or his mom. I agree that some Batista's are better than others and tend to move a little slowly. I like the baked goods, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, and gelato. The fresh squeezed orange juice comes out of a really cool machine and tastes great. Really, just a convenient place to grab a bite to eat. I am all for supporting small, local business, and this is an easy place to do it. -
Review from Kat H.
Beverly, MA
3/3/2007
I finally made it to Jaho after hearing good reviews from friends; the drink I had was very good (a mint mocha) but it did take seemingly forever to get it served. They also don't have that many teas for sale. I went on a cold day and the door was closed, so that wasn't a problem, just the wait--it seemed like there was never anyone behind the counter. With its cozy atmosphere and OK parking, I'll probably visit again once the weather gets warmer.
P.S. The manager kindly emailed me after reading my review: though the clerk working that night told us they only had a few "retail" pre-packaged teas for sale, apparently they have over a hundred!! So Jaho gets props for caring enough to send an email (and a 5$ gift card!!) that will really help me out, since I've been driving over an hour north to buy quality loose tea. Thanks Jaho! Another star added! -
Review from Kevin W.
11/4/2008
I've been here twice - once last year in the summer, and again today. I really love this place.
The decor, the ambience, music, coffee and treats are excellent. I could sit here for hours not to mention they have free wi-fi.
This year it was my haven for hanging out in Salem to kill some time, and last year it was a haven from the rain. -
Review from Caroline W.
Salem, MA
5/12/2009
Jaho is pretty ok. I personally don't think it's the best in town but I'll deffinitely give it it's due.
Let's set aside for a second that this is a tragically-hip place (that unfortunately actually goes beyond the comfort of a great classic coffee house) to get artisan coffee and spend too much for baked goods where the clientele seem to be either teenage girls playing grown-up or actually grownups with elitist attitudes - perhaps scholarly, perhaps artistic, but all give the "once-over." The coffee drinks ARE good, the gelato IS delightful, the variety of teas IS worldly. Other good things: they're open late, there is outdoor seating and the location is great as a junction between 3 neighborhoods, a prominent historic site, and the most traversed waterfront in town.
The prices however are insane. I understand that good quality well brewed and handled coffee is expensive but this place nickles and dimes like cheep-os. Extra-extra for soy, Extra for an empty cup if you want to give your dog some water, the list goes on. The last time i went in i bought one baked item, two coffee drinks, and an empty cup for my dog and spent almost $17... really?!
I guess each customer will need to just weigh the importance of the quality against the price - for example, we really like it for an "every now and then" kind of place, but it's just not my every day stop. -
Review from Steve T.
East Watertown, MA
9/16/2011
Just like the stars say, this place was Just Ok. Sandwich I had was just ok. Nothing special. People were friendly, atmosphere is nice. My one only complaint are the prices, they are slightly over priced for. A drink and sandwich will run you easily abour $12 bucks. Which is a bit too much for lunch.
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Review from Kevin P.
Peabody, MA
8/10/2009
Sweet. A coffee shop.
Moving over from Seattle, I'm not used to the lack of quality coffee shops. Dunkin' Donuts? WTF?
Okay I've had coffee from all over, from Stumptown to Zoka to Intelligensia to Illy. From Seattle to Italia. This place has some pretty good coffee. The baristas seem really nice and forgiving when my fiance and I can't figure out what we feel like ordering. The atmosphere is nice and I've never had a problem finding a seat. I'm glad this place is open til at least 11 because it's a nice place to relax.
Props for roasting their own beans ( a must ).
I feel like this place is trying too much in the end. I just can't stand the manufactured gelato. Espresso, gelato, bubble tea, pastries, cake, salads sandwiches. Jebus.
Oh yeah. -1 star for running out of boba for the bubble tea. :/ -
Review from Ian N.
Salem, MA
3/22/2010
I'm not a big coffee guy by any means. But when I have one on that rare occasion (or some other sort of coffee inspired beverage), I want it to be good. Went here this past weekend with some friends that were in from out of town.
The good:
- I got this peanut butter chocolate frapamochakangamancushighwayacino thing and it...was...awesome. Wasn't huge for the price of $4.25, but the taste couldn't be beat.
- I was a wee bit feeling the aftermath of the night before and therefore my order was a stuttering idiotic mess. The person serving me did so with a laugh and a smile and didn't seem the slightest bit annoyed. So it is safe to say they were a friendly bunch.
- Nice relaxing seating and decor, if I were one of those 'hangs out in a coffee shop with a laptop and/or newspaper' types, I could see myself here. But I'm not, so I won't be.
- While I didn't have any, the desserts and ice cream looked fan-fucking-tastic, as well as some of the lunch sandwiches they offered
The bad:
- The sandwiches took a while. Which didn't bother me that much because it was Saturday morning and I had nothing else to do, but I could see that bothering a busy morning crowd or a lunch crowd.
- My sandwich was also a little meh. Got a croissant sandwich with egg, cheese, sausage, and bacon. It wasn't anything special. I hate to say this, but Dunks would have been a little better.
However, the "bad" shouldn't deter anyone from frequenting this place. It was a perfect day to walk from Bridge Street, across the Commons, and down to the Wharf. Kind of reminds you how nice Salem is and how great it is to have neat little places like this around. -
Review from Joe B.
Boston, MA
1/19/2010
The coffee drinks here are pretty good for the most part, and the teas and gelato are both pretty wonderful. I'm also a fan of the general vibe; it's the sort of place where you feel comfortable hanging out for a couple of hours chatting with friends, and you don't have to struggle to hear each other (I'm looking at you, Gulu-Gulu).
Unfortunately, both the pastry and the sandwiches range from mediocre to flat out crappy. Even worse, the prices here rival what you would pay for a large condo in the nicer parts of Boston. Really, if they lowered their prices by a dollar or two across the board, they'd jump up to at least 4 stars. -
Review from Matthew G.
Kittery, ME
5/8/2009
This place has the ideal setting, atmosphere that coffee shop lovers want in a coffee shop. The place is great. It has that beautiful, artsy, independent coffee shop feel about it. As far as the espresso goes, they do use a La Marzocca machine. The espresso always has a good crema. The lattes are always beautifully made with care by each barista because Jaho prides themselves in latte art. I heard their coffee is Zoka which is an independent roaster in Seattle, and Zoka in Seattle repeatedly win Seattle-based and national barista competitions. Jaho has also recently opened a new location just down the street from it's main location specifically for whole bean coffee. Jaho exemplifies excellence in coffee.
The only thing that is not to my liking is the music. I think it would be ideal if some contemporary progressive alternative were played, but they always seem to play some kind of world music. It's not terrible, but it takes away from the inviting coffee shop feel of the place a little. There are a few small coffee shops within driving distance, and I believe Jaho is certainly one of the best. -
Review from Mallory S.
Boston, MA
Updated - 3/15/2011
Jaho is still my weekend regular spot. Now I'm attached to this place and if service is spotty - well, then I'll just suck it up. Their coffee is delicious and I have a hard time leaving there on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
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1/6/2011
Delicious coffee but sometimes service lacks. We have been to Jaho multiple times now and our drinks… Read more »
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