Java Jones Coffee House in Downtown San Diego (East Village)

As much as I like Starbucks' frappuccinos, it is a bit strange to be running into a Starbucks every few blocks when walking around downtown San Diego. So when Java Jones opened its door in the East Village neighborhood (9th Ave just north of Market St) two years ago, I made it a point to drop in there every now and then to help keep a locally owned (well, the first Java Jones was in Isla Vista near UC-Santa Barbara up the coast) coffee joint stand its ground against invading franchise ones.

It helps, of course, that the coffee here is at least as good as what you'd find at Starbucks and at It's A Grind... and at competitive prices (serving sizes are comparable). Java Jones actually has its own coffee grounding and roasting operation on site that you can gawk at through the long window separating the dining area from the grinding machinery. This place only sells 100% organic and 100% fair traded coffee. And, aside from the usual scones and bagels to go along with your custom made espresso or Chai tea, you can also munch on made-to-order French crepes for only $6.50.

The polished wood-floored dining area is spacious, clean and well littered with variety of seating arrangements. I like the small tables for two along the passage between the counter and the restrooms, especially when I have my laptop with me (the place has free wifi access), though occasionally it is nice to sink back into one of their deliciously soft leather chairs and sofas in the fat part of the room. Much of the glass front of the cafe actually opens up right onto the sidewalk, which makes the place feels much larger than it looks. They have clean separate restrooms for boys and girls, and there is a little space in the corner to accommodate a temporary stage on open-mike Monday nights where local musicians can come up to hone their stage skills while serenading us caffeine junkies on Friday nights. Java Jones also support local painters by hanging their paintings on the walls (you can buy anything that catches your eyes).

I guess the only not so hip thing at this joint is that the speed of service can be rather obnoxiously slack even when there aren't many patrons around. I'd even say that they've crossed the line between being 'lovably laid back' into the 'indifferent service' territory rather more often than is recommendable. The place can get quite crowded on nights when the San Diego Padres are having a home game at Petco Park nearby (you can actually see part of the stadium from the joint's patio). If you come here often, be sure to grab one of their 'buy 12 get 1 free' discount card at the counter!

There are plenty of metered parking along 9th Ave and Market St along with some paid lots. The closest trolley stop is at the 12th and Market Station three city blocks away (bus stop on Market St, of course).

Java Jones (East Village):631 9th Ave (between G & Market St), San Diego, CA 92101 Tel. (619) 696-9664, (800) 770-6205
Hours: 5:30AM-10PM daily
Website: www.javajonescoffeehouse.com