Jolys Cafe

I ducked into the National Library of Ireland in Dublin on a blustery, rainy Saturday afternoon in November. There was construction going on, so I couldnt roam through the collection, but I did step down into their wonderful tea room for a break. The high recessed windows had deep sills stacked with gorgeous old mismatched cups and saucers. The tiny modern tables were spotless, and each had a bright orange flower in a vase. The tea was served fresh in a white china pot. No bags! but excellent black tea, freshly brewed for 1 euro, with milk in a pitcher and brown sugar, of course. I dawdled over the perfect cup, listened to the classical radio station on in the background, and watched the café guy reading behind the counter. Cold rain blew against the windows but it was cozy and warm inside the tea room. What else do you want for a cold autumn afternoon? Maybe a muffin. They looked good, too.
[From their web site]
«With an emphasis on local, seasonal, and artisan produce, Café Joly offers Irish cheese and charcuterie boards, smoked fish plates and patés, homemade soups and sandwiches, along with hot dish specials. The ‘Cup and Crust’ (half soup, half sandwich) is a lunchtime favourite, while great coffee and teas, and home-​baked cakes, scones and tarts are available all day.
Café Joly will also host a series of Second Friday nights from February 2012. On the second Friday of each month, an evening of informal talks, new writers showcasing excerpts of their work, music and poetry readings will be on offer. There will be no cover charge and everyone is welcome to this cosy, fun and informal evening, complemented with good food and a glass or two of wine.
Café Joly offers a 10% discount to NLI Readers.
T +353 1 603 0257
Opening hours:
Monday — Wednesday 9.00am to 6.30pm
Thursday — Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm
Saturday 9.30am to 4.00pm

In 1863, the National Library received a valuable donation of books, prints, music, manuscripts and other material from Jaspar Robert Joly.
Today, the café is named after him. But I don’t think he’d be to upset as it’s a nice spot with great décor. However, the service can be a bit odd?
The way the four staff reacted to me standing at the counter I almost felt like I had walked in at an inappropriate moment. Nervous glances all round as I waited, and waited, for someone to take my order. Finally one of the female staff approached,
«Coffee for you?»
«No, soup.»
«Oh.»
She walked away and my waiting continued as a queue began to form behind me. Eventually a guy approached and my order was taken.
The five euro potato and rocket soup was very tasty and it came with a really nice slice of brown bread, so nice in fact that I wished there had been two slices! The café also has a massive array of sandwiches, a selection of cakes and scones, and tea/​coffee.
The service was odd but not rude and the food was good so I will be back.

They say The Joly Café is located on the ground floor off the front hall in the main Library. Snack foods, light lunches as well as teas and coffees are available throughout the day. There is seating for 46 in a comfortable, bright room which in an earlier era was also a café.
When I go to the Library I try to make time to have a breakfast here as it is so good and I think good value. There are a number of sizes of breakfast that you can choose from. I keep forgetting to ask them where they get there bread for toasting from but it is excellent and one of the nicest breads around. I cannot seem to find similar in supermarkets.