Without a shadow of a doubt, Joe Black do great coffee. The range, options, and bean offerings are brilliant. I've frequented the shop since the day it opened (my office overlooks that street) and have sampled a fair few of their coffee offerings. Their food is also well worth a try, but it is a tad expensive compared to other places offering comparable fare within easy walk.
That being said, now they've settled in and established themselves, they're letting the inner hipster shine in a few hilarious ways. Although they really are right at the forefront of good coffee in Sydney, at least one of the boys could do with taking themself a little less seriously. Case in point - I personally found this hilarious, I wasn't offended at all, but my colleague was a bit annoyed - I've been ushered out of the shop twice by one of the owners! The offense you ask? T'was walking in, with a coffee from another shop! My work mate & I strolled into the shop, conversing as we do, he placing an order for his usual coffee, and I, carrying a takeaway from the awesome Japanese Macaroon place I'd just met another friend at (smoking hot marketing chick who loves the place), strolled in, oblivious to my transgression. The big guy, not sure of his name, interrupted the conversation between my mate and I, and directed me to wait on the steps outside! I wasn't allowed to talk to my mate who was ordering coffee!
I was almost crying with laughter, I kept thinking of that Seinfeld episode with the soup guy, and the more Old Mate ushered me out, the funnier it got. What made it the more funnier? As I appealed to the sense of humor of the guy 'kicking me out', he totally didn't get it! He just got more serious!
Poor bloke, I mean, anyone with half a sense of humor would have laughed and jumped in on the good humor but I think it went over his head. I love Hipsters for this very reason, they're so funny when they're being serious about their little Hipstery things.
I tried it again just for sh*ts and giggles, and this time he saw me approaching with my mate. I think the cheeky grin and eye contact signaled my intention, and his point at my coffee and outstretched hand gently indicating 'you shall not pass!!' were enough non-verbal cues for me to get the message.
That being said, props to the guys for putting the same sort of seriousness into their coffee. They really do a fantastic job, and the shop is a little gem. You must try their non-standard coffee fare (Syphon, ristretto, boutique beans, etc) - nay, you HAVE TO. If you're going to be boring, unimaginative and unadventurous, and order the same coffee as every other run of the mill coffee joint, don't waste a good spot in the queue another genuine coffee lover could occupy. Go to Starbucks.
Their decor is a good mix of eclectic and vintage, it's a well-groomed atmosphere and the range of coffee options is brilliant. One of the guys could do with taking themselves a little less seriously, but then again, maybe that sort of dedication is what makes this place so damn good? If so, I'm happy to abide their quirks for what is undoubtedly a fantastic little enterprise. read more