Joe Coffee

Lots of coffee doesn’t work on me. But here, the coffee tastes good and would work.
Nice view outside. Good for relax.

Was looking for a new coffee spot around Columbia. The location was at first difficult to find (wouldn’t have guessed that it would be in a gymnasium), but the coffee was fine. The barista was friendly. I only wish they had more seats available.

Joe is the best place to get a coffee on campus. A lot of the appeal of this place is the space itself – there’s a beautiful view, lots of marble, and an airy feel. The coffee itself is quite good. Nothing to write home about, but the best espresso around for sure. Since this is a campus spot, it seems to be used mostly as a caffeine watering hole rather than a place for coffee fans. I tend to go with an iced latte with almond milk, and I’m never disappointed. If you can’t wait for an espresso, the iced chai or iced coffee are also good options.
Their food offerings are, in general, not worth it. They do get doughnuts from Doughnut Plant, however, which I find to be pretty tasty. The vegan chocolate chip cookies are also good.
If you can find a seat, Joe is a nice place to stop in and get some work done in between classes.

You can’t really go wrong with Joe’s. If you study or work at Columbia, this is by far the most convenient place you can go to get your caffeine fix. Although the coffee is expensive, it is ultimately really strong so you can save some money by getting the smaller sizes. The smallest size is usually enough to jolt me awake and leave me buzzed for the day! They also have a punch card so if you drink here often enough, you’ll earn a free cuppa for every 10 drinks.
Depending on my mood, I either get the iced coffee or latte. Sometimes, I also make my choice depending on how much in a rush I am. The iced coffee gets served immediately whereas you have to wait for the latte to be made. Also, the baristas are legit and make really nice latte art! I love that they bother to do that even when you get it in a to go cup.
This is probably one of my most favorite Joe locations in the city because of the ambience. The floor-​to-​ceiling windows give you an awesome view of Broadway and 120^th street, and regardless of what the weather is outside, there’s something enchanting about sipping your coffee while watching the world go by.
One downside of the set up is that people who are waiting for their coffee tend to hang around where the milk, sugar, and cup covers are. So it’s sometimes a tight squeeze if you’re trying to get to that area. Another thing to note is that it’s virtually impossible to get a table as there’s always people working on their laptops at all times of the day. Be prepared to wait for a table or get your drink to go. Having said that, I find that people are usually happy to share their table if you ask nicely!

Trekked all the way uptown from my school on the UES for a study session with a Columbia friend, and I was definitely not disappointed! Such a nice location, spacious and full of natural light. Luckily there was a table open when we went (5 PM on a Friday), but according to my friend seating is always a struggle there. The iced mocha was really good, I liked that I could actually taste the espresso in it, since my usual Starbucks mocha tastes more like hot cocoa than coffee. If it wasn’t so expensive ($ 4.25 for a small), I’d make it a regular purchase. I also got an apple muffin which was pretty good, nothing to write home about — it reminded me of the ones they sell at the Whole Foods bakery.
Had to dock a star because while the mocha was good, I had to wait a while as the barista made the drinks for the 4 people behind me before finally starting on my drink. Normally I don’t complain about this because I understand there’s a logic to making sure everyone’s drink gets to them as quickly as possible, but the line wasn’t long at all so I felt like the wait was unnecessary. I don’t know whether this is a regular thing with them, but this one experience wouldn’t stop me from going back.
I’ll definitely be coming here again (with or without my friend!) mostly because the location is beautiful and the coffee is delicious! Perfect for studying if you like college coffeeshop chatter as a study soundtrack, definitely wouldn’t recommend for any hardcore studying or paper writing, but it’s a lively alternative to a deathly silent library!

Great coffee, but difficult to snag an open table because of it’s popularity and location.

Located directly across the street from Teachers College, Joe Coffee is a great alternative if you need a change in scenery from the college. There are two options — stand on the really long line to get a fancy espresso drink or go to the express cart with no line and get a drip coffee (obviously the way to go).
The sizes of coffee they offer and comparable to Starbucks however half the price. The coffee is strong and flavorful, and they allow you to fill up your own cups from the vats which I prefer so you can get the perfect amount of coffee.
Seating is variable, the tables are usually full especially if you go at a prime time. I wouldn’t suggest going here if you need to cram for an exam or a paper, but if you’re discussing a group project or meeting a colleague it’s a good spot.
The lines can get long and seating can be sparse, but the coffee is delicious and an easy pick up on my way to class!

Decent coffee, lovely views if you can get seats but fairly limited for the number of people that come by. Coffee took a while to be made but worth the wait.

A little piece of San Francisco near Columbia University — definitely a huge help for students and guests. I particularly loved the Cold Brew coffee — and sizes are very generous for the price. High ceilings and huge windows make for a great working environment with lots of light.

Strong coffee that almost justifies the $ 3 price tag.
Overpricing is what Joe does best. While I understand that high pricing is a requirement for the indifferent-​hipster aesthetic they’ve got going on, nothing justifies an $ 8 mound of kale with a modest sprinkling of some random nut or dried fruit.
The employees are efficient, though a couple of them come off as very arrogant and smug (which I’d expect if this were a proper independent coffee shop in the Village. But really, get over yourselves. You serve coffee in the lobby of a building where some of the greatest minds in science do their research, and most of them are more humble and kinder than you.)
Also, I do not appreciate the emphasis on tipping. It is absurd to expect a tip (and give a scowl at the absence of a tip) for a $ 3 drip coffee. Or for a small latte that borders on $ 5. Unless someone drops their coffee and you offer to give them a new one free of charge, or if you perform some miraculous act in between heating up milk, pulling levers, and pushing buttons, expecting a tip is unnecessarily self-​righteous. The cost of labor for your swirly foam art design is included in the hefty price tag for the product.

–EDIT: ASK THE CASHIER FOR THE PUNCH CARDS. Seriously. Joe’s is not cheap, but you’ll still find yourself returning here (much too often). So might as well right?
Joe’s Coffee is a great alternative to both studying in the library and chatting at Starbucks!
I came here for the first time today at around 1PM on a Saturday to study — the place was, surprise surprise, packed. The natural lighting was absolutely marvelous though, as were the non-​burnt coffees, rather diverse selection of food and pastries, and friendly service. Also, the music isn’t overwhelmingly loud or obnoxious so you can definitely still focus.
I had a small decaf latte with almond milk ($ 4.75) and it was smooth and delicious! But the gluten free salted peanut butter cookie was a bit too dry, salty and sweet for my taste (especially given it was $ 2.50 each!!).
The bathroom (clean) is located on the same level behind the escalators — plus one for convenience! I wish this place had high tables and stools, in addition to the tables, so more people can sit and study. Will be frequenting here:)

As a new grad student at Columbia, I was overjoyed to discover Joe’s! It’s certainly a busy spot, but I’m so happy to know there’s a place with good coffee and an amazing view practically on campus.
It isn’t really marked on the outside, but look for a building with big glass walls on the corner of Broadway and 120^th. Walk upstairs to find Joe’s and a ton of students working and talking. It’s pretty hard to find a seat, but you can usually ask to sit with someone if all the tables are full. Because of the high volume of traffic, it can be a little hard to get work done if you need more of a cozy, quiet atmosphere. I sat there for 3 hours and not once was the line or seating area empty. However, if you’re ok with doing some light work, meeting people, or reading with chatter in the background, this is the place. There’s free wifi from Columbia, so that’s a plus.
Let’s talk about that view. I’m in love with the amount of open space and light in Joe’s, all thanks to the giant, floor-​to-​ceiling glass walls that take up two walls. It transforms what could feel like a very cramped environment into a collaborative and inviting open space.
The drinks are a little on the pricier side, but still pretty decent for the city. My iced coffee was smooth and not at all sour. Most drinks are about $ 3 – 5, while they also have an assortment of baked goods and small bites like grain bowls. I picked up a little chocolate-​covered macaroon (not macaron! think coconut-​y, ball shaped, and dense) for $ 1.75 and it was so tasty! Another plus is that they sometimes have doughnuts from Doughnut Plant (!!) as well as a stamp card for free drinks.
On top of all this, the baristas are always friendly despite the crazy number of people they have to deal with. That smile goes a long way!
Overall: This is definitely going to be my go-​to spot to study or read over the next few years. Looking forward to seeing you again, Joe!

Friendly & fast service, as well as a nice atmosphere (on mezzanine and smooth R&B music) for a coffee shop. Prices include sales tax, which makes paying way simple!
I only ordered a regular, brewed coffee, but the pastries available looked delicious! Will definitely be back another morning.

The latte is so so. If you prefer bitter coffee taste, definitely should try it.
The SCONE is so amazing. MUST TRY!

I do really enjoy Joe’s coffee. Their Chai Lattes are delicious, their mochas are chocolatey and good, their iced drinks are wonderful on a warm day, and their hot apple cider is AMAZING in the fall. The baristas are very nice, and definitely factor into the hip, cool vibe of the place.
Their drinks are expensive, though. Not too much I can say about that. There are a lot of other places around Columbia that make good coffee (though perhaps not as good) for a fraction of the cost. And while the shop itself is in a beautiful location — I love the Northwest Corner Building as much as anyone, and the full glass windows make for a great view — the seating is pretty bad. Considering how crowded this place gets, it’s incredible that they haven’t figured out how to get more seating. The lines can also get to be a drag; trying to get coffee here in between classes is a lot easier said than done. But at the end of the day, it is by all accounts fantastic coffee/​tea that you should try if you’re around.

Why have I not tried Joe earlier?
Nearing the end of the semester, I was in deep need for caffeinated products. Having gotten Starbucks and Dunkin multiple times, I was getting tired of the same old drink. Then, I started having stomach problems so I couldn’t exactly have coffee for a while (I know it’s sad right?)
Anyways, my friend and I traveled here because you know it’s super far from the TC campus. And we both got a large iced chai latte -$ 4, which I want to mention is a bit cheaper than most Starbucks drinks for a much larger size. And I fell in love, I basically crave it all the time.
However, sometimes it can be a bit too milky. I have ordered it with soy milk, it’s okay. And sometimes I ask for less ice. Less ice expecting that they’re going to put at least some ice. not just not put ice at all. Also, depending on the barista, they do not fill it to the top.
So, while I’m a fan, sometimes it’s not consistent; but oh well, I still manage to always come back for more.
Don’t forget to ask for stamp card. 11^th drink is free!

I love this place! I come here almost every day for chocolate chip cookies (amazing! i love the cakelike quality of the cookie and the sea salt sprinkled on top makes it perfect). The coffee is also very good as well, although maybe not too strong. I bought my daily cookie earlier from here, but I accidentally left it on the counter! When I went back to see if I could get the cookie back, the lady behind the counter gave one to me, no questions asked. Awesome service.
I also got a buffalo chicken sandwich when I returned. Good stuff.
The only negative thing is that it is kind of pricey for a college campus coffee shop.

I love the open atmosphere here — this is a great addition to Columbia University’s campus, and the chai tea latte, not the nest I ever had but the open atmosphere is comfy without having to be tucked away in a corner of a building — I would be addicted to this location if I attended Columbia. :)
Check it out!

A very fine and welcome spot on the steadily improving Columbia coffee landscape. Old people tell me of a time before this, and boy was it dark and bleak. Think about it next time you grab one of the other sad coffee offerings on campus.
The cortado is excellent, as is everything. But perhaps a little steep at $ 3.75? I pay $ 3 at my spot in Brooklyn.
Pressure coming up in the rear though from Nous in the Graduate Student Lounge at Philosophy Hall. It’s a little quieter and they have Blue Bottle coffee.
Now why did I share that? Head punch. Head punch. Head punch. Ok, I stopped. But seriously — why?

I honestly had low expectations because it was a coffee shop in a campus building, and I knew Joe Coffee was a small chain, and I generally find chains – no matter how small – a little sterile. However, my assumptions were incorrect, and I really appreciated my stop here.
Pros:
+ espresso is served with sparkling water. A+++++
+ espresso was delicious – didn’t need to add sugar
+ vegan cookies available!
+ variety of sandwiches offered (some veggie)
+ variety of quality beverages offered (Q Sodas)
+ pretty solid amount of seating (but it still fills up)
+ space is open, bright, and cheerful
+ service is efficient/​servers are competent
Cons:
— We couldn’t get a seat. So busy!
— like I said, it’s a small chain in a campus building. It’s a helluva lot better than a Starbucks, but it’s still missing the charm of a moody little NYC coffee shop. ^_^