Joule Coffee & Table

Cute little hipster place. Love that the iced coffee comes with coffee ice cubes and simple syrup!
Seemed like a nice place to hang out, get some work done.

Brunch was wonderful! My friend and I met at noon and were able to snag a table. The space is longer than it is wide, and has plenty of seating. I sat facing the wall with my back to the bar, but the long mirror above helped me keep my eyes on the action. I started with café au lair which was perfect. You can customize the milk but I was happy with cow’s milk. Smooth and creamy. Then, I ordered the shrimp and grits with a side of fresh fruit (today was blueberries, blackberries and pineapple). The shrimp and grits are bacon free but there is no loss of flavor. They get their smokiness from the roasted tomatoes. Seriously the most delicious version I’ve ever had! The fruit was fresh and delicious too. It’s pretty noisy in there, but that’s because everyone wants to eat there. I don’t know what took me so long to visit but I can’t wait to go back!

High expectations are to be had when the place touts itself created by a James Beard Award Winner and the place completely lives up to it. Located in kind of an unsuspecting location of the city, a closer look lends to a unique layout that the restaurant takes advantage of. There’s a front section that one could call an aquarium seating since it sets up the people right against the glass to eat. That’s where the husband and I chose to eat since it was a bit more quiet from the hustle and bustle of the main area. It also gave us a chance to people watch.
We got seats immediately and first thing the husband mentioned was how uncomfortable the seats are since its a retro metal type of high chair. My bet is so that people don’t linger too long, but the chairs go with the retro modern feel of the place.
Our waiter promptly came out with some waters and asked us if we wanted anything else to drink. I ordered the «Sipicata» (sp?) as a pour over coffee. Definitely a unique tasting coffee and served on a tray complete with creamer and raw sugar cubes. Very cute set up. Husband ordered a latte that was artfully presented with it’s milk art on top.
Food was ordered and I got the seasonal hotcake with a side of farm eggs cooked over medium. Husband got the short rib milk gravy with a side of bacon. We got our food fast and got to eating. My hotcake had blackberries in it with fresh whipped cream on top. The hotcake was a lovely blend of crispy edges and cake like middle. I am not a fan of whipped cream, but when it is made fresh… it makes such a difference. Top that off with some maple syrup and I tried to eat the whole thing, but such a meal is definitely filling that I really didn’t have to order a side of eggs to fills me up.
Husband got his meal a little bit after me since there was a mix up in his order, but they fixed that in no time. I got a bite of his meal and the ribs with the biscuits and gravy is pure comfort food to the max. He completely demolished the meal. His only complaint was that he did find some fat on the ribs, but it was easy enough to set it aside so he didn’t have to eat it.
Overall, it is a lovely joint that serves it’s own spin on traditional foods to make it a one of a kind experience. James Beard Award Winner quality for sure.

Good brunch but you better get there early. We had a party of three. We waited for 45 min. When we were finally seated they sat us at the bar. The hostess was very apologetic and said that if we had requested to sit at a table they would have done that. So I guess lesson learned. If you want a table at this place make sure to request it. In any case the food was very good; the service was friendly and efficient and the coffee was awesome. I would definitely go back, just maybe not on a Sunday.

Leave it to Ashley C to have the best Cobb salad I’ve ever had on a coffee house menu! Light fresh baby greens, balance of protein and fats– really amazing combination of flavors. Came in for quick lunch at the counter and had a lovely surprise with this salad.

Decided to venture out for breakfast instead of getting the free one at Fairfield. We were so happy we did. Location is convenient as there’s a parking deck just before which allows easy access entering and exiting, downside is to pay but it was only $ 1. The inside décor and open concept was very pleasing along with the cute bar stool areas. We ordered the caramel mocha latte and drip coffee along with huevos rancheros plus avocado. Everything was amazing and worth it :)

Came here with my wife for Sunday brunch. Arrived at 1:20 and has to wait for 10 minutes for a table.
The server was very prompt and upbeat. Tables are pretty tight together and the noise level is pretty high. We were able to talk, but could hear others, too.
We had a latte with some pieces of chocolate dropped in, which is what you get if you want a mocha. It was tasty.
We ordered the Seasonal Hotcake, The Hangover, and a side of bacon. We would recommend all three!
The seasonal hotcake had strawberries mixed in. It was soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. A great mix of flavor and textures. It’s served with whipped cream on top, which added more sweetness. This is a wonderful dish.
The Hangover is a cheese grits entrée roped with sour cream, pico, and scallions. It’s served hot with crispy cheese on top. Another good mix of flavor and texture.
The bacon was remarkable. Very thick cut with a strong salty taste. It’s bacon, so you know it’s good, but this is good bacon, so it’s extra good.
Everything we tried at Joule is worth trying. We’d recommend you check it out.
We would not bring our young kids, as they would appreciate the food for the price, which is worth it, but a little high for brunch.

One of my favorite places to hang out at during the day to get work done and relax. Their food is stellar, the staff is warm and kind, and their set up is great for working on the computer or having laid back client meetings.

First of all, this place is so cute. So cute! I love how it’s an old department store, the big windows and seating are fabulous.
On to the coffee. YUM. We each had an iced latte, mine mocha, his caramel. Split a chocolate croissant and a strawberry danish. The lattes were the best I’ve ever had. Ever, ever. And the pastries were excellent! Can’t wait to go back.

Went as a group of three friends. My coffee was not good and sour. No refills were offered, and the coffee took quite a while to come out. Benedict was mediocre — very creamy if you like that, but also a little too sour, and the texture of the bacon (chewy) and muffin (same stuff you buy at the grocery store) weren’t impressive. Definitely overpriced.
On the other hand, my friends had cappucinos which were good. One had shrimp and grits which were very good. The huevos rancheros were also good.

Great food and service worth waiting for. And if you have to wait, they’ll text your mobile when your table is ready. I see many reviews raving about the coffee — and these are well deserved — but don’t get just coffee! Breakfast/​Brunch menu looks amazing! The Avocado salad exceeded my expectations, and my wife and I loved everything we got. Service was nearly perfect too– remarkable considering how busy they were. Tip: sit up front behind the glass display windows for a quieter experience and people watching!

pecan almond milk?
how many ways to say yasssssssssss
plus split espressos
a charming café
with frequent outlets to boot
i was so happy

I very rarely leave bad reviews, but after repeated terrible service at Joule, I’m hesitantly to revisit.
Popped in for a late breakfast with a friend on a Friday morning, and we figured it would be easy since they weren’t very busy. Wrong. Our server wandered aimlessly around the restaurant and she never stopped by our table and asked us how we were doing. I had to summon her for a coffee refill. And when it was time for the check we saw her slowly cleaning silverware and I had to almost shout for her to come over.
The previous rime I visited I saw several empty seats and the hostess refused to seat us. I strongly suggested she just split yo a four top so me and my friend can have a seat.
Snooty staff and slow service. I may but coffee to go, but I’ll be exploring other downtown venues for meals.

There are few places where coffee and food meet each other in the apex of excellence.
Really.
You can have one thing. Or the other. But not both.
Enter the electrifyingly awesome twin towers of culinary power.
JOULE does both and very well
Years ago, the first trip to Joule was when they first opened.
I never thought they would be a breakfast place. Or a coffee place. I tried the coffee while sitting in the narrow little glassed vista point, feet slipping off stools scrambling like hamsters trying to perch and look cool while looking at others.
Joule didn’t let its light shine under a bushel.
They grew up and in maturity offer REALLY good coffee to rival Morning Times and Brew.
The baristas totally care about their product. They rock a latte like nobody else. Perfect temp, perfect milk. Just perfect. And I am a java hound ok? OK.
But they have soared especially for Brunch on the weekends.
I have always enjoyed the ever decadent Sunday Hangover. One bowl («THE HANGOVER» coarse ground grits with sharp cheddar, bacon, pico de gallo, scallions, and sour cream — $ 12
)…and you will not need to eat again until Tuesday Morning.
My friends usually go for the Shrimp and Grits or the Benedict.
Once, I had a meal that was sub par their standards, and the waitress was exceptionally accommodating in the resolution of the matter.
Another time, was feeling sad and had a really tough week. Another waitress did a very sweet thing. She packed me away with the leftover jam from my biscuit.
I love how they don’t mind if you linger, no rushing you to fill your seat before you’ve put down your fork.
Joule lights me up every time.

After a handful of visits to Joule, it has quickly become one of my favorite brunch spots. It’s hard for me to admit this since I feel like Ashley Christensen has a quickly taken over Raleigh, but this spot is tried and true. Even with the hipster vibe, tiny tables and no free coffee refills (although I need to remember to STOP ordering their brew here, it’s SO acidic!), I’m still a fan. And those are the worst things you’ll find here. What’s great about Joule is the usual window box seating (ladies, please don’t sit here if you’re wearing a skirt/​dress), truly one of the best people watching seats in downtown and definitely the best seat in the house (the only competing spot is directly at the coffee bar in one of the {maybe} four high top chairs – note: I think this option is only available on the weekends.
And while the service here is truly A-​OK (it won’t amaze you but you won’t make best friends during brunch) the true shining gem is the food! The menu is small but full of flavor. The BLT and huevos rancheros are good, but not great; the money is in the hot cakes the eggs benedict. I would order both these dishes each and every time! The hot cakes change regularly and are stuffed with seasonal fruits (I love the apple and cinnamon), served with a huge glob of house made whipped cream and maple syrup. And the eggs benedict are delightful! The béarnaise sauce is creamy and tangy, love the lemon flavor and fresh herbs (dill and oregano) served on top. These two dishes truly made an impression, they left a memory of happiness, something that I will surely be back for!

Before heading to the airport, I wanted to linger at a café for a little bit. I headed off to Joule, since it was so close to Moore Station.
It was pretty empty at around 7 a.m. — to be expected. You can pick where you want to sit, but do note that there is service unless you tell a waiter otherwise. I decided to get a latte as well as their «Breakfast of Champions,» described on the menu as, «Organic mixed greens with crunchy granola, sliced apples, avocado, Ricotta Salata, and charred orange vinaigrette.»
For some reason, the «mixed greens» part didn’t register, so I had been expecting a granola bowl of sorts. When the salad arrived, I was a little puzzled, but started grazing anyway. The good thing was that it was tasty. And even though it was 7 a.m. and usually not a time I would eat salads, the combination of greens with granola, apples and avocado actually worked. Pretty refreshing.
So why four stars? It’s pricey!

It’s been a while since my last review, and I have to admit that I’m now a fan of Joule. I’ve enjoyed a few weekday lunches, weekday brunches, and even a dinner.
At lunch, there’s a good assortment of salads and sandwiches. On the weekend, brunch is fantastic here; I think I’ve eaten the entire menu — not in one sitting. The Hangover is one of my favorites and definitely helps me recover from a rough Saturday night when paired with a cortado. The huevos rancheros is another one of my favorites.
Dinner is still a bit of a mystery to me, and it isn’t even listed on their website at the moment I’m writing this. I’ve only done dinner once and it was fantastic. The restaurant is relatively very quiet for dinner because I don’t think a lot of people think of Joule when they’re thinking of going out.
Don’t miss the cocktails that are written on the board toward the back of the restaurant.
Oh, and I still miss The Wilmoore and their chocolate chip cookies. But, I’m happy to have Joule.

I can’t say enough good about Joule. I started going here as a meeting place for coffee chats (because I’m a girl and that’s what we do) and thoroughly enjoyed the glass case seating in the front of the building — perfect for people-​watching. That’s been delightful the half-​dozen or so times I’ve done it.
.then came brunch. I’d like to say I’m not usually overly dramatic but I also don’t like to lie… but OMG SRSLY the biscuits and gravy. I literally died. You know, figuratively. The dish itself looks a little strange due to the GIANT CHUNKS of what I believe to be… beef tips??? pot roast??? something delightful like that mixed in with the gravy on top of the fluffiest buttermilk biscuits (with cheddar mixed in) you’ve ever seen in your life. These were enough to knock my previous 3-​years-​running biscuits and gravy out of their top position on my list. They were so good that I’m pretty confident I scared our server with my enthusiasm about them when she came to ask how everything was.
I’m not sure if this place is ever so crowded you can’t find a table, every time I’ve come in it’s been a little busy but not so much that you can’t just sit and relax with a cup-​o-​joe.
This is a must-​do in downtown Raleigh. Another AC win!

Cute, different, coffee shop + brunch restaurant vibe with a hint of hipster-​ness.
The food was really good.
Ordered huevos rancheros with a side of bacon and a mimosa. * ding, ding, ding * it was delish. Everything here looked so yummy; I really wished I could have tried their pancakes. They have specific pancake specials. I really wanted to try the croissant french toast but they were not serving it during my visit.

Parking is moderate on the street, but there’s also a deck a ways down. This place does not have the most desirable location I’ve ever seen either. Sitting inside, people watching, I’ve encountered all manner of listless wanderers dressed unfashionably in various states of disarray. I’m not saying that the block is a hotbed for the homeless or drug addled, but a good chunk of these folks have things on their minds, and looking pleasing to our sensibilities isn’t one of them.
If you’re the type of person who minds their business and lets people do their thing with a closed eye for judgement, then Joule Coffee is waiting to take your money.
Because that’s how the owner stays a baller. With a string of successful ventures riding high in town (Beasely’s, Chuck’s, Fox Liquor Bar, Death & Taxes, etc.,) chef and proprietor Ashley Christensen has another winner on her hands in the form of coffee and café food. I’ve only had the coffee, which I’ve enjoyed a few times, and have had no interest whatsoever in the food. But I’m not against trying it later.
It’s a large space with the coffee bar to the right and seating to the left. Creative design has the glass front put to smart use and window seating line both sides. Beyond is the exit to limited al fresco dining via the side alley. The bathroom is clean enough and the service can vary between competent and aloof to competent and down right cold. Any friendliness I’ve encountered, or even heard about from friends who have frequented Joule, appears forced.
My favorite drink is the iced pour over, and it’s brilliant. It’s pour over cold coffee, which is my preferred method of coffee preparation next to French Press. But, the real kicker is the solid coffee ice cube log that leans sexily inside the glass. Now, when I prepare iced coffee at home, I naturally use coffee ice cubes in lieu of regular cubes. I learned that from Lambertville Trading Company, east of the Pennsylvania crossing. It’s a wonderful idea and any coffee spot that employs this method is doing something right. Sadly, Joule is the only other place I know of that does it.
All in all, a fine experience and a good way to waste an hour if you love coffee. They could improve the service attitude, and it’s not positioned in the greatest space, but none of these things matter to me as long as the coffee stays fantastic. Truthfully, by my standards, this is a 3-​star business. If I don’t like the food, I’ll be back to adjust the rating.