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Joe Momma's Coffee
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 6:30 am - 5 pm
Fri-Sat 6:30 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
94 reviews for Joe Momma's Coffee
Review Highlights
"This might be the Best coffee shop on the Central Coast."
(in 7 reviews)
"It is facing the ocean at Avila Beach."
(in 15 reviews)
"it doesn't get much better than this."
(in 3 reviews)
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94 reviews in English
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Review from Nina M.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
A cozy cafe with delish brews (they use Inteligentsia) and fresh bakes!
The scone I tried was still WARM when I got it.
I enjoyed the gorgeous view of Avila beach as I sat on the second level and did some work using Joe's free wi-fi
Awesome place with reasonable prices...beats your chain store coffee shop any day! -
Review from Doug L.
San Luis Obispo, CA
2/4/2012
Great location right across the street from the beach!
Outside seating facing ocean or sit upstairs with window views of ocean .
They have many types of exotic coffees, and are experienced in making great drinks.
Poor pastry selection, and they taste like day olds.
We have been here many time's my wife and I walk the Bob Jones Trail,and always crave a tasty pastry, but we can see there not fresh, the server always asks us, would you like us to heat it, that's a clue!
Friendly and helpful staff
Clean restaurant
Wi-Fi
Plenty of power outlets
They serve Intelligentsia brand coffee! The best -
Review from Alyssa W.
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
12/4/2011
The best espresso in the area. We were visiting for the weekend, and I insisted we come here twice. The macchiatos were smooth and well-made. I enjoyed sipping mine overlooking the beach across the street.
They have a sign that says "I am not a mermaid, and this is not Starbucks". It's true...and if you're looking for a Starbucks, I'd suggest skipping Joe's, because they won't appreciate it. -
Review from Carlos M.
Santa Maria, CA
1/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Really fantastic coffee! (Intelligencia)
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Review from Therese G.
Cheviot Hills, CA
1/6/2012
Iced Mocha Esperanza! Delicious! When I asked the barista if it had two shots, he said FOUR! Yeah baby, way to get rid of my Siesta Time! All the drinks have cool names. The iced caramel lattes (Tan Lines?) were good too, and the boys said the frozen Strawberry Lemonades were bomb. Besides, it's right on the boardwalk with the sparkling ocean and sunny 75 degree winter weather all around--that makes everything taste better!
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Review from Wendy R.
Encinitas, CA
1/1/2012
Cute little place with friendly employees. I had a fabulous latte! The cinnamon rolls weren't too sweet (which is good). The croissants were pretty good.
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Review from Senad M.
Brighton, MA
1/18/2012
How often do you find a coffee shop with great view AND great espresso? Between well maintained La Marzocco machine, Intelligentsia beans and barista who actually cares about coffee and knows how to make it, they make rock solid 6 ounce cappuccinos. Comfy seats in front of the shop on a sunny day complete the experience.
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Review from Patrick B.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/23/2011
Good for this area. That is why I am giving them 4 stars.
I ordered a "traditional cappuccino". This was in a small cup that was not completely filled. So the size was good.
The milk was not frothed well. It was pretty large foamy bubbles. Not smooth micro froth.
The taste was ok, but not great. There was bitterness. It tasted like the shot was pulled for too long.
They use black cat, so I know the coffee beans were not the problem.
I would go back if I was in there area, but they really should spend more time training their baristas. -
Review from kristoffe R.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2011
Joe Momma? You mean, my momma? Can't be. 'Cause she's been to cafes from Roma to Remagen and she ain't never waited so long for a shot of espresso.
One star for giving me the correct change. Another for not playing any 38 Special during my 15 minute wait for a single shot. -
Review from Andrea T.
Napa, CA
Always- an incredible view.
Always- outstanding pastry and quiche selection
Sometimes - coffee just how you want it (but they try hard, mostly)
One of my top 2 coffee spots on the planet.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2010
What do I like about this place? The cool logo. The cool barristers. The well done coffee drinks.… Read more »
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Review from Roxanne H.
Bethesda, MD
8/12/2011 1 photo
We were in town for our first wedding anniversary staying at the mineral springs. Before we left town, we checked out this coffee shop to grab some breakfast. The staff was very distracted and didn't even acknowledge us for a good 3-4 minutes (there was another young couple sitting with their coffees and people upstairs, no one to distract them). I asked for the Vanilla latte and the barista didn't ask what size I wanted or make eye-contact.
I didn't think the latte was anything special, or even particularly good. I got a hint of burnt coffee or vanilla but my husband didn't taste that. The cinnamon bun was very tasty and the atmosphere was very chill.
If we came back to the area we would not return to rude, inattentive baristas. Even the staff at Starbucks at least looks at you and asks clarifying questions about your order. -
Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
Well-made espresso. Friendly, knowledgeable baristas. A few specialties like a latte with some kind of nut milk(?). A good selection of exotic beans for drip coffee. Cool location facing the ocean right by the Avila Beach pier.
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Review from Denny G.
Canoga Park, CA
5/24/2011
i have no idea why people would give this place any less that 5 stars!!
the coffee is spectacular, as well as the service. The staff in the whole damn town is so incredibly helpful, i would move there!!!
my wife and i stayed here for our 5 year anniversary this weekend. i saw the website and thought it looked pretty cool so give it a try. I made our reservation and told them it was our anniversary and they had roses and candles waiting in our room!!! And this is an APARTMENT, not a hotel room. you have a separate bedroom and living room, really nice kitchen and a big bathroom. the view was UNREAL!!! so damn nice. the balcony was our hangout for the whole weekend.
Coffee and other stuff is free for all guests (just don't be a jerk, TIP!!). The pastries are really darn good and fresh, but the COFFEE is to kill for!!!
and did I say FREE FOR GUESTS!! wow... that made this place heaven for us !!
The spa connected to the beachstay is called nekkid. we had a couples massage and it was in the top 3 of all massages i have ever had. I have had most likely 30+. I would actually say it was the best!!! (the other two, le espriet in bakersfield of all places) and a hot stone message at the hilton in sedona. (my friend tess also is quite damn good and comes to your house!!! my wife and I were jelly after word and i took a 2 hour nap after!
This had to be one of the best weekends of my life. mostly because i married the best women in the world, but the other part had to do with the staff, accommodations and all around goodness found at JOE MAMA'S BEACH STAY.
now with that said, don't tell anyone, i want my room back next year!!! -
Review from Pamela L.
San Luis Obispo County, CA
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
it doesn't get much better than this! I almost hate to share this gem. It is facing the ocean at Avila Beach. A slice of heaven! (Both the location and the bacon & cheddar quiche!) AND the best coffee around! Intelligentsia (sp?) is maybe the finest coffee you can get. The staff take pride in their work (although not "speedy", but that's okay with me.) I think I may have to go there again tomorrow for my coffee & quiche fix!
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Review from Toby P.
Oakland, CA
7/1/2011
I was both overjoyed and angry that I stumbled upon this place 5 years after living in SLO! I can only comment on their espresso, which descends down to earth from coffee heaven. Couple that with a sublime view under an umbrella outside and your troubles will all melt away.
To the one-star reviewers: I've been here a few times and always had exceptionally friendly service, even from "santa claus". Yes I've had to wait 5-15 minutes for my drinks but it's up to them if they want to run their business like that, especially since they have signs posted letting you know how it's going to be. The last time I was there I hung out inside/outside for a good 3 hours and no one cared. Maybe they liked me because I ordered an espresso or macchiato instead of a frappacino? I hope not. (But really, I don't see why you'd want to add too much to their espresso anyway because it's so smooth...) -
Review from Michael S.
Pasadena, CA
12/19/2011
This is a jewel on the Central Coast. World-class espresso with world-class views of the sea. David, Jason, and entire team of baristas do such a fantastic job with the espresso. They make espresso from Intelligentsia beans that is better than most of the shots you get at Intelligentsia locations themselves! I usually order 2 or 3, and they're so naturally sweet you can just drink them in order from the bar, no sugar or other additions required. One must be patient, though, and not ask them or expect them to rush you through. The care and attention they devote to the quality of their coffees and espressos are well worth any wait. Plus, while they make your drink, you can relax while gazing out to sea. They also have a great interior with free wifi, and a nice selection of baked goods and fresh-squeezed orange juice. It's a pity we don't make it up to Avila Beach more often.
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Review from Hayley T.
San Luis Obispo, CA
7/3/2011
They deserve 6 stars! Quite simply put, the best cup of coffee on the Central Coast.
I go out of my way to drive to Avila Beach to enjoy a latte, the friendly staff, and the most amazing views. It's always a treat!
TIP: Be sure to check out the Nekkid Spa on the mezzanine level. They have sustainable fun jewelry, candles, and clothing (try on anything made out of bamboo!) -
Review from Dave P.
Bakersfield, CA
6/2/2011 1 photo
Wow! Being of the perma-slacker class who's very familiar with coffee houses, I can declare this as the upper-crust experience for a great way to spend a lazy day by the ocean (Avila is like Santa Monica, except without all the, uhm, Santa Monica?).
BTW, don't expect rushed or expedited service: in Avila, everyone takes their time, and a slight wait is worth the results. If you want a rushed coffee bev, go to Starbucks. Really. If you're a type-A customer, that attitude will not get you far in Avila (and is likely to get you treated like a pariah, so ditch the big city attitude as it's defo not in keeping with the point of places like the Central Coast. RELAX....)
Offering incredible views of the ocean out the front and side windows (and don't overlook the UPSTAIRS seating, with sofas, fireplace, tables, etc), great coffee bevs (mocha was good) adequate smoothies (OK, so the smoothie WAS a BIT too sweet for my tastes, a problem with most coffee house smoothies...), nice sun exposure on front patio and side (note chairs on side, in case the sea breeze gets too frisky out front), blazingly-FAST free secure (password-provided) wi-fi, good overhead music (not too loud), tasteful decor...
Have I died and gone to my idea of heaven? :)
PS "Santa Claus" is the owner/proprietor (along with his wife) of the B&B/hotel which is attached to Joe Momma's, and is an interesting and friendly source of local history/goings on. Might be worth asking his recommendations, if you're on vacay. -
Review from J.W. K.
Los Angeles, CA
7/22/2011
The best coffee I have ever tasted, served by some of the rudest people in the world.
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Review from Ms. B.
San Luis Obispo, CA
1/5/2011
Finally made it out of SLO to try Joe Momma's coffee after much anticipation....
Joe Momma's coffee isn't really somebody's Momma's coffee (as I was hoping, I love family secrets)--they get their beans from Ritual Coffee Roasters.
So I did some research...I've had this coffee before! From Oxbow Market in Napa (http://www.oxbowpublic...)
And what's more, Ritual Coffee Roasters sell to lots of coffee shops, mainly in the San Francisco area http://www.ritualroast.../
I thought it was kind of strange that I was having the same cup of coffee in Joe Momma's that I had previously had at Oxbow, it took the fun out of going to a new coffee shop. -
Review from Alana K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/24/2011
These guys do Intelligentsia proud. A good cup at a great spot. Thank you for taking our morning to the next level.
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Review from Manvir B.
San Luis Obispo, CA
9/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is great!! From their cappucino to tea to smoothies, it's all amazing. Perfect view and very nice coffee shop. What more could you ask for??
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Review from Ali P.
1/5/2011
Like Sarah S, we also had to wait quite a while for our order. While there were two or three individuals working there, only one was making drinks, which seemed to take forever. Moreover, their "small" is really, really small. My friend said his coffee was good, and my pastry was decent, but man, watching one person crank drinks out one-at-a-time was excruciating. I wanted to suggest multitasking, but hey, I suppose in small towns things go at different paces.
Staff were nice and the location was excellent, so for all that, three stars. -
Review from Sarah S.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 9/14/2010
So, Joe Momma felt compelled to send me this nasty PM after my nice review. Somebody needs a lesson on customer service and English. I didn't think I was too harsh so I'm just sharing the 'friendly' response with you all. Maybe they need to kick it up a notch to serve more people in this busy world and .....be more professional and thankful in this dying economy.
For your review of: Joe Momma's Coffee
"Thank you for comments always good to get feedback ..sign is usually on other side. We don't do fast food, nor do we use push button machines this real coffee and it does take longer next time when you are at circle k and you push that button and get instant vanilla lattee ... You got exactly what you paid for ... And yes you screwedup drink with no fat milk but we make what customer asks for ... Enjoy your busy life it's slower here on purpose." - Mary Kay K. (Joe Momma)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2010
Found this beautiful coffee shop while visiting Avila Beach. The shop itself is very nice with a… Read more »
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Review from C K.
Pismo Beach, CA
9/3/2011
I love Avila. I love coffee. Perfect combo.
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Review from Wendy Y.
Mountain View, CA
1/4/2011
This is an awesome coffee place with a real barista and nice selection of morning pastry. I had a fabulous flakey scone there. They don't roast their own coffee beans but source from good places like Intelligista and Ritual.
The location right in front of Avila beach cannot be beat. There's only 1 barista so the wait can be lengthy but the microfoam is definitely worth the wait. -
Review from Curious E.
Marina del Rey, CA
2/6/2011
Pro's:
-Fresh
-Smoothie I ordered was not too sweet, blended well.
Con's:
-Limited amount of ingredients. Went there at 11am and all smoothie's were "out" except one.
-OJ isn't chilled/cold
-Semi-friendly barista's. (I'm not being out of line here, read other reviews)
-Expensive
-Not a "inside-sit-down" place, most is outside. -
Review from Gloria C.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2010
Joe Mama's has undoubtedly an amazing ocean front location, good coffee, and some inspiring "worthy views." However, two of my good friends have gotten kicked out at separate times for studying here. I'm back today to test this out, and have discovered that their electrical outlets have recently been covered, most likely to discourage people like me who need a different setting to study and job search.
I'm greatly disappointed in this, and in the fact they will probably continue to thrive because of their touristy location. I wish the best for small businesses, but something needs to change here. -
Review from Joe G.
San Luis Obispo, CA
8/11/2010
The Holy Grail of small Cafe Lattes, with whole milk and two shots of espresso.
As good as it gets in Avila Beach, and with Folgers* served scalding hot and roof-of-the-mouth-blisterin' go-ood a few blocks over, you know who you are.
*Hot brown cup filler with artificial powdered coffee enlightener. -
Review from Thuy L.
5/24/2011
I love Joe Momma's. The coffee and pastry beats any coffee I know in town. I wish I had some of Joe Momma's here everyday in SD :) I'm in love with the Quiche and not to mention the cute barista with the fro and friendly smile hahaha...
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Review from Larry Q.
Irvine, CA
11/30/2010
Had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend here. The location is perfect, right across the street from the beach. We stayed in a one bedroom unit which was fine for our needs. Because we waited to reserve until late, we ended up with a unit that faces an abandoned lot. Not a big deal as we didn't spend a whole lot of time in the room. The place had virtually everything we needed. We brought our own cooking utensils, pots and pans. The units come with some, but not a great assortment. We also had to buy some kitchen towels. Units have washer and dryer...bring your own detergent, but what a PLUS! And our dog was welcome (extra cleaning deposit, but that's expected). With a daughter at Cal Poly, we will definitely be back...no more Embassy Suites!
The coffee shop was nice. I'm not a coffee fanatic, so the appeal was simply that the cost of coffee and breakfast pastry was included in the cost of the condo. -
Review from Sophia W.
Great coffee, but don't go there if you're in a hurry. I like to think that they are simply trying to get their customers to enjoy the scenic views. Bring back the magazine rack! They also got rid of their outlets so you cant use your laptop for extended hours, which is a common problem at most coffee-shops in a college town.
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Review from Ken E.
San Diego, CA
Stumbled upon this place while hanging out in Avila Beach. Courteous service, great coffee. Amazing view.
With plenty of seating options inside and out, it provides the perfect break from the sand and surf, while still being able to enjoy it! -
Review from Mike D.
Saugus, CA
5/6/2010
Closest thing to a third wave cafe I've found in this part of the state. In fact, this came as the lone recommendation on the central coast from a USBC champ that knows the area well. Avila Beach is out of the way, unless that's your destination, and considering that, more crowded than I expected. Very cool to see a place in a tucked away town like this trying a lot harder than they need to.
I had a cappuccino and a bagel, and I loved both. It appeared that they were using Intelligentsia's Black Cat that day (evidenced by the torn black Intelli bag I spied on the back counter), but they sell beans under their own name. Not sure what that's about.
But if you are serious about coffee, it's worth a stop if you are heading up the 101 or the coast. If I remember right, it was a 7-10 minutes from the highway.Listed in: Excellence in Coffee
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Review from Natalie F.
San Diego, CA
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was honestly not expecting such a good coffee place right on the beach. This place surprised me in such a great way! The service is really, really good. Like considerably better than I am used to. The man who was working is incredibly friendly and is good at small talk, but not the awkward small talk about the weather and where you kind of wish that they didn't try to be friendly (I hope that isn't just me, or I sound like a major jerk. I am not one for awkward small talk), but he actually had some good stuff to talk about and I enjoyed it very much.
The coffee itself: not bad. It was 85 degrees outside when I went, so I had an iced drink, which is not usually my style, but it was fine. Prices seem a bit high, but not only do you get what you pay for, but it is in a pretty good location so I anticipate slightly higher prices I suppose.
Great atmosphere! Incredibly relaxed, which is expected since it is on the beach. Very bright and open and enough seating that you won't have to wait around. There is both indoor seating upstairs, and outdoor seating along the whole front of the strip of shops.
I probably would normally give a place such as this three stars because their drinks are probably what you would expect, maybe a little better, but the service, location, and seating upstairs boosts it up to five stars because...I seriously wouldn't expect a good coffee place twenty feet from the beach. -
Review from Sarah D.
11/8/2010
I'm not a espresso drink person. My favorite coffee is the stuff that comes out of my coffee pot at home, black. So I don't feel like I'm really qualified to review their standard drip coffee, although I liked it well enough.
But their tomato-bacon quiche - phenomenal. Even more phenomenal is the location: a nice, clean, warm place with a great view of the beach. Utterly irresistible. -
Review from Donna W.
Santa Margarita, CA
7/23/2011
This is a great place to get away and forget your troubles. The coffee is rated as one of the best in SLO county. Great care in each cup of coffee that is created by the staff. We get in early so we can beat the crowd. The owner, Michael, is always so nice and the staff is fantastic. They make you feel like you are home! I would recommend everyone to go there as a "bucket list' of trying the best coffee in the central coast!
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Review from Brian C.
San Luis Obispo, CA
3/13/2011
I wish I didn't have to write such a negative review for a coffee shop with such a great location and view. They block the outlets so customers can't sit and enjoy their coffee, they post so many signs telling you only paying customers are welcome that it's hard to feel welcome there. Many of my friends have been treated rudely by the owner and asked to leave because he felt they were taking up a table for too long.
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Review from Adam N.
San Luis Obispo, CA
2/6/2011
Please read this review if you are even thinking about coming here! You think with a name like "Joe Momma's," you would run into some funny people or perhaps catch a glimpse of a smile from someone. Guess again my friend! Feeling like it's going to be a good day? Cruise over to Joe Momma's and they'll turn that smile upside down.
I've lived in SLO for the past 6 years years and there are a ton of coffee shops in the area since it's a college town. I myself am a coffee addict, so I have been to a lot of coffee shops. And this is by far the WORST coffee shop I have ever been to! I have been here a couple times because they do have a good view of the beach, but I really value customer service paired with quality coffee because I could always walk my cup of coffee to the beach. But apparently someone's Momma never taught them about customer service, or maybe Joe Momma never went to College...
But beware of the man who looks like Santa Claus, he's the owner. Someone needs to teach this guy that good customer service is good for business. Don't be confused thinking he's the jolly Santa Claus that you see around the holidays, this is definitely the Grinch dressed up as Santa.
My wife and I went there today to grab a drink and read outside. My drink was $5, pricey, but I'll commit because of the nice view and we planned on sitting outside for a little while to read. After reading for a little while and finishing my drink, the owner comes out and told us "if you aren't going to buy anything else, then you need to leave." I showed him my drink that i had purchased and finished, but he didn't care, he told us again, "if you aren't going to buy anything right now, you need to leave because you are taking up the tables." Which was shocking because it was only us and one other man sitting outside! So at this point we were blown away by his rude remark, that we decide to leave. There wasn't a trash can outside, so I went inside to throw away my cup, not leaving it for them to pick up later. As I was throwing it away, the owner walks over and says "thanks for the garbage." in a sarcastic voice and closes the door behind us.
Hmmmm... have fun filing for bankruptcy Mr. Grinch, because you're not going to last long unless Momma is funding your awful business. -
Review from Thomas N.
Campbell, CA
7/18/2010
I really like this place and it's for a few different reasons. I actually came here a year ago but I hadn't been back because I don't live in the area. But when I came to San Luis Obispo to visit a friend, I remembered this place from before and I HAD to come back.
I tried the Vanillavilatte (I LOVE how clever that name is!!) it was nice and subtle in the coffee and vanilla flavor marriage. it didn't taste all artificial from a pump or anything like that. I also tried the Mocha Ezperanza. Both were good. I've had AMAZING coffee (from Kona Hawaii and from Peet's...yes...Peet's has AMAZING coffee even tho it's a commerical place) and the coffee here was about an A-. It's definitely one of my top 5 places to have coffee ever (way way way way above the crap that is served at any starbucks). Again, an A- (a very good grade in my opinion and well deserved)
It was a great place. It had a great feel and vibe. There's outdoor seating, indoor counter space, and an upstair lounge area. It's also right next to the freaking beach so I can't tell you how wonderful it was to enjoy my coffee and sit outside.
We also talked to the lovely barista who was making our coffee drinks. he was so nice because he not only told us how he's able to draw all those pretty designs with the microfoam milk but he also let us watch him make one. We got to stand on the stairs next to the espresso machine and watch him make it! he was so sweet to deal with our excitement.
An A grade for this place. a great feel and good coffee. I'll be back next time when I'm in town. It's a must from now on.
