Jo’s Coffee

If you live in Austin, chances are you’ve walked right past Jo’s Coffee’s downtown location, and popped in for an Iced Turbo coffee on a hot summer day. Its sage green exterior, a huge red sphere reading “Jo’s”, plentiful outdoor seating, and colorful blackboards make it difficult to walk past without inquiring what’s inside. And if the exterior design isn’t enough to draw you in, the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans that seems to constantly linger in the air will.

Although Jo’s appears quaint from the outside, it houses a remarkably spacious area inside. Wooden booths line the walls, clean tables with crimson chairs sit waiting, and the words “HOT COFFEE GOOD FOOD COLD BEER” stream proudly across the back wall. Various posters line the barista’s area, advertising events such as “Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night” and “Burger Me Tuesdays”. The space feels relaxing, unique, and most of all, cool. Let’s just say, you’ll know where to find me on Tuesdays.

When it came time to order, coffee had to be my first request. Deciding to spice things up, I asked for a hot vanilla latte with almond milk and a dash of cinnamon. A few minutes after ordering, my coffee was served in a white cup with a red circle reading “Jo’s”. The coffee beans have rich flavor, the vanilla is fresh and creamy, and the almond milk and cinnamon tie the brew together to create a sweet (but not too sweet) experience in a cup.

After caffeine brought us back to life, it was time to eat. My friend ordered the Jo’s Greek Salad with chicken, and I went with the Jo’s Deli Tuna Sandwich with a side of housemade deli potato chips. The Greek Salad is fresh and crisp, housing cucumber, juicy tomatoes, olives, light feta cheese, crunchy red onions, garlic croutons, parsley, and a delectable vinaigrette, all intermingled on a bed of crunchy romaine lettuce. If you’re in the mood for a healthier lunch option, this is your order.

My Deli Tuna Sandwich came next: fresh tuna, pickled jalapeno, creamy mayo, and mustard join together to create a hearty tuna salad, topped with red onion and cucumber. It is all stacked between two soft slices of sourdough bread and surrounded by irresistibly crunchy and salty housemade deli potato chips. Anyone with an appetite that is looking for a satisfying meal will be head over heels for this deli classic.

For hot coffee, good food, and cold beer, look no further than Jo’s Coffee Downtown in Austin, Texas.