Being a world-class city, Joburg naturally has a number of world-class coffee spots. If you’re a caffeine fiend, a decent cup of coffee in the morning is non-negotiable. Here are some of the city’s top coffee houses.
Father Coffee
One of Jozi’s most well-known coffee spots, this place exudes “hipster.” Their beans are roasted daily on-site and are sourced from Central America and Africa. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, this is the place to go to, no question. Beards optional, but encouraged. Find them at 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein.
Doubleshot Coffee & Tea
Doubleshot is another spot for those who treat coffee-making as an art form. They’re small-batch coffee roasters, and they blend tea, too (their craft iced tea is amazing). It’s also the perfect place to people-watch in the inner city. Find them on the corner of Melle and Juta streets, also in Braamfontein.
Treviso
Located in a small open-air shopping centre, this Italian eatery/deli has amazing brew. It’s not “artisanal” or “craft,” but it’s a quiet space with free WiFi where you can enjoy a proper cappuccino. You can find it at 396 Jan Smuts Avenue, Valley Centre, Craighall.
Bean There Coffee Company
Bean There is a trendy Fair Trade roastery, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free cup of coffee. They also have a shop in Cape Town. Bean There has a number of single-origin African beans, and they can be found at the 44 Stanley precinct, Milpark.
Kahawa Club
This new kid on the block in Maboneng is proving to be hugely popular. They serve African coffee from Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as pastries. They also have a reading group that meets every Saturday. Find them on the corner of Main and Maritzburg Streets, Maboneng.
Origin Coffee Roasters
Like Bean There, Origin Coffee also has a branch in the Mother City. They offer various blends, from India to Brazil. It’s a hipster hotspot, and you’ll have to sit on a crate (because chairs are too mainstream). You can find them at Arts on Main, Fox Street, Maboneng.
Motherland Coffee
Part of a chain, but the most cozy is in the Dunkeld West Centre. They use a blend from Bean There, and mostly African beans. It has a friendly vibe and free WiFi – many freelancers choose to make it their “coffice.” Find them at the Dunkeld West Shopping Centre on Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld.
4th Avenue Coffee Roasters
This place has been around for a while and remains a firm favorite in the suburban-chic “village” of Parkhurst. They have a pink coffee roaster, and all roasting is done in-house, daily. You can even buy freshly roasted beans, which are packaged for you, while you wait. Find them on the corner of 4th Avenue and 12th Street, Parkhurst.
Bean Republic
Not many people know about Bean Republic, and that’s a shame. Some use it as a “coffice” as there’s WiFi and no pressure to leave. They have great fritatta breakfasts and “coffee on the run” – just phone them on 011 440 5342 before you leave home and place your order. Once you reach the shop, hoot. Someone will run out and deliver your coffee – no need to go into the shop. Find them at 81 Corlett Drive.
The Whippet
A fantastic little spot in the suburb of Linden. There’s a strong emphasis on community, with all suppliers being local (except of course, for their coffee – as coffee can’t be grown in South Africa). They source their beans from Malawi and Costa Rica, and they have their own “Linden Blend.” Find them at 34 7th Street, Linden.
Post, breakfast, lunch
Otherwise just known as “Post,” this happening coffee spot in the inner city is the perfect place to grab some breakfast – and, of course, coffee. Their prices are reasonable and their food is tasty. Their window stools are great for watching the city world go by, and their outside courtyard is nice to relax in. Find them at 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein.
Jozi Blue
Jozi Blue isn’t well known but it should be. It has great food (try their bagels) and three shelf levels of single origin coffee to choose from: level one is the cheapest and level three the most expensive. Find them at 9 Northfield Avenue, Glenhazel.
Oakes Coffee Roastery
Another lesser known spot. This is attached to Joburg’s only all-girl owned brewery; their beans are roasted in-house and they have six single origins to choose from, as well as their ’33 Blend’. Find them on the corner of Main and High streets, Modderfontein.
Warm & Glad
A firm Jozi favorite, this coffee shop has ethically sourced coffee (and food), as well as amazing breakfasts and even a whisky selection. Warm & Glad is all about keeping it local, and their coffee blends come from Delux Coffeeworks in Cape Town. They also have a shop and gallery attached. Find them at 357 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall.
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