Joburg Coffee Shops | Coffey & Cake

BlackOwl Urban Coffee

17th December 2015

I’m very excited to post about this coffee company, BlackOwl Urban Coffee. Quinton got in touch with me a while back and offered to deliver some of his coffee to me in sunny Durbs. When I went to collect my box look what I found in it. I was SUPER excited to get brewing!

Black Owl Urban Coffee

The story of this coffee is unlike the many others I’ve heard. Together with photographer Ursula Du Plooy, the BlackOwl Urban Coffee team embarked on a journey to capture the heart of Jozi (Johannesburg) and it’s urban coffee culture. This is what they found.

Black Owl Urban Coffee

From Braamfontein to Maboneng the Jozi coffee culture is immersed in the beautiful and vibrant inner city lifestyle. On this journey they identified with two groups of coffee drinkers, the Urbanites and the Erudites. Both of these groups are described in the images above. Capturing the essence of opportunity and possibility BlackOwl Urban Coffee have identified with this culture and out of this their coffee company was born.

Single Origin, African, 100% Arabica Beans, BlackOwl Urban Coffee is chosen specifically for the Urbanite and Erudite in you to savour and enjoy every sip. From choosing the coffee – to roasting – to delivery, BlackOwl Urban Coffee are part of the whole journey.

Urbanite Coffee

Ugandan Single Origin
Medium Dark Roast
Fruity, red wine & a hint of chocolate flavour

We used this coffee primarily in our espresso machine.

Erudite Coffee

Ethiopian Single Origin
Medium Roast
Slight citrus flavour with a hint of milk chocolate

This was rather tasty made with our cold Bruer.

I love how unique this coffee story is. Give it a try and email sales@blackowlcoffee.co.za to get your hands on a bag (or two… or three). Their 1kg bag is R160 and their 250g bag is R56. Bargain!

Check out their Facebook page to keep tabs on what this awesome urban coffee company are up to, and to find out which Jozi coffee shops are serving their coffee.

10 of the Best Coffee Shops in South Africa

2nd September 2015

Looking for great coffee shops to visit around South Africa. I spend a good deal of time visiting coffee shops and although I haven’t been to EVERY coffee shop there is, these are my top picks for coffee shops. In case you were wondering, I rate a coffee shop on the quality of coffee and the experience. This list is in no particular order. Oh and there are definitely more than 10 🙂

Father Coffee (JHB)

Father Coffee is a Joburg favourite for many living in and traveling to the City of Gold. Located in Braamfontein, Father Coffee roast their own coffee in their quaint yet on trend coffee shop. With only 3 small tables inside Father Coffee is a great place to stop for a take away coffee while you explore the streets of Braamies.

Read more here.

The Factory Café (Durban)

This Durban coffee spot is a popular coffee shop in one of KZN’s top coffee roasteries, Colombo Coffee. The Factory Café is a favourite of mine, as they really are leading the charge when it comes to specialty coffee. Not only do they serve a number of coffee blends, and single origin beans, but you can order coffee made in a number of ways. Espresso, AeroPress, Pour Over, Chemex, Siphon. Yes there really is a coffee method using a Siphon. The Factory Café is spacious, the staff are awesome, and it’s a unique coffee experience if you are in Durban.

Read more here.

Rosetta Roastery (CT)

With its sophisticated decor, neat interior and chic black and white branding, Rosetta Roastery has done well to match their superior coffee reputation with their overall brand. Rosetta Roastery is pure coffee magic, and a treat for ones senses. Rosetta Roastery can be found at 66 Albert Rd, Woodstock.

“At Rosetta Roastery we’re passionate about coffees that are as unique and character-filled as the people who drink them. We source single origin and estate coffees from South & Central America, Africa and Asia, micro-roasting each one to best present its unique personality. Great coffee is best enjoyed fresh and at leisure, which is why we deliver twice weekly in Cape Town, free of charge.”

Read more here.

EspressoLab (CT)

When you walk into EspressoLab you will be met by vibrant baristas and a coffee menu unlike any other. EspressoLab’s white interior contrasts superbly with the rich coffee aromas flowing from their on-site roaster. The almost science lab feel and their coffee knowledge is an education rather than a mere coffee date. EspressoLab serve a variety of Ethiopian coffees and not just as a standard espresso. You’ll be amazed at the different ways you can enjoy coffee at this coffee shop.

Read more here.

Tribe Coffee (CT)

I just love the feel of this Woodstock coffee shop. It’s cosy in winter and airy in summer. Their window seats make getting through emails so much easier, and their baristas are such friendly guys. They too roast their coffee on-site and know a lot about different coffees. They have a small menu of snacks and a large menu of espresso based drinks. Tribe have also just opened a shop at the BMW on Buitengracht Street.

Read more here.

Origin Coffee (CT & JHB)

Origin Coffee is where my love for coffee began. The Origin in Cape Town has and always been such a treat for me to visit. Their coffee knowledge is exceptional and they can tell you what flavours you will experience when you order a particular coffee, made with a particular blend or single origin bean. Origin Coffee on Hudson Street has the most incredible tea room if you want to try another experience. Origin offer regular barista courses and training as well. Their coffee shop at Arts on Main in Joburg is another one worth visiting.

Bean There Coffee (JHB & CT)

Committed to ethical and fair trade, Bean There Coffee Company is well known for their relationship with coffee farmers. Bean There source their coffee from around Africa and roast at their 44 Stanley coffee shop in JHB. This coffee shop is a great place to relax and enjoy a morning in the warm Joburg sun. 44 Stanley is full of great shops to wander around so grab a coffee and best you go during the week to avoid the masses.

Read more here.

Duke & Duchess (Durban)

This Durban spot is unlike many coffee shops as it comes hand in hand with a motorbike shop, barber, and men’s apparel store. Duke & Duchess is located in the Outlet Park on Meridian Drive, Umhlanga. The staff are SUPER friendly and if you go there more than once Nikki will start calling you by name. Serving locally roasted Colombo Coffee and a menu of cakes, treats, breakfast, and lunch, this café is perfect for lazy lunches or business meetings.

Read more here.

Truth Coffee (CT)

If you’ve heard of Steampunk Style then you’ve heard of Truth Coffee. Truth Coffee has built up quite a reputation with its unique Steampunk décor and experience. Truth roast their own coffee on-site at their Buitenkant Street coffee shop, and they often host coffee events and functions for the public. Truth Coffee is changing the way people view coffee, as they continue to serve well roasted, great tasting coffee.

Read more here.

Vintage Coffee (JHB)

Now this coffee shop makes the list for many reasons but mostly because these guys aren’t just serving coffee… these guys are using coffee to give back to the community. At Vintage Coffee every coffee made contributes to the upliftment of community projects around the Gauteng area. Vintage Coffee serve a number of difference coffee brands, however they are committed to good quality and pour a mean doubleshot espresso.

Read more here.

Lineage Coffee (Durban)

In 2014 Lineage owner, Craig Charity, placed 15^th in the world at the World Barista Champs. This year he won the KZN Barista Champs and will compete to regain his title as SA Barista Champ in November. Craig is committed to constantly improving his customers coffee experience. He roasts his own coffee and has trained his baristas to a standard of excellence. It’s unlikely you’ll drink a bad coffee at Lineage, unless of course your taste buds are not attune to the flavor. Their first coffee shop opened in Hillcrest at Stretta Café and they have just opened a second at Watercrest Mall.

There you have it, just a few of SA’s top coffee shops. Do yourself a favour and stop in for a cup of coffee at any of these coffee shops and enjoy a whole new coffee experience.

Urban Grind Parkhurst

18th August 2015

I was recently in Joburg for a wedding and had heard via Social Media that there was a new roastery open in Parkhurst called Urban Grind. If i’m honest I thought it was a coffee shop as well but on arrival learned that Urban Grind is all about roasting good quality coffee and educating people about what good coffee tastes like.

Owned by previous SA Barista Champ Wayne Burrows, Urban Grind is a coffee lovers mecca. The retail section in the shop is stocked with a wide variety of home brew coffee makers and espresso gadgets. Aeropress, Chemex, Pour Over, Cold Drip, tampers, knock boxes, filters, grinders, and the list goes on. If you are looking to get serious about your home brew kit, I would recommend you visit Urban Grind in Parkhurst.

Urban Grind

coffee in joburg

Wayne made us a coffee using a single origin Burundi coffee bean. I absolutely loved it! He spoke us through his tamping method, the way he pours his coffee and why he makes coffee the way he does. It was delicious. For me it was the perfect balance between the creamy milk and the sweet/fruity coffee.

Urban Grind roast coffee from all around the world. They roast almost every day so if you’re lucky you can watch the process happen while visiting. They also have a number of great coffee courses, including barista courses, coffee appreciation courses and coffee pairings. Contact them on Facebook for more details.

Joburg coffee

Urban Grind

I really enjoyed my visit to Urban Grind. When you’re in Parkhurst next, stop by their shop on 6th Street.

Follow Urban Grind on Facebook

Milk Bar

3rd July 2015

Milk Bar is a new African inspired coffee shop in Kramerville, Johannesburg. Serving Bean There Coffee their decor and menu is riddled with touches of Africa, making this a truly unique coffee shop. The couch next to the fireplace is the perfect place to sit in the winter months as the sun beats down in the courtyard.

Milk Bar have a cake selection on the counter as well as a breakfast and lunch menu to order from. If you are just driving past, grab a coffee from the takeaway window, they open at 6.30am. Milk Bar has only recently opened and is set aside Amatuli Artefacts, and below Katy’s Palace Bar. I can’t wait to be back in Joburg because I’ll definitely be visiting Milk Bar again.

Milk Bar

Follow Milk Bar on Facebook & Instagram

Address : 6 Desmond Street, Kramerville

Top Joburg Coffee Shops

12th May 2015

Updated and all new Top Joburg Coffee Shops. This list is made up of some old favourites and new, exciting finds. As always I am so aware that the coffee shops you love may not be on this list and maybe I haven’t visited them yet. Please do comment below with your favourite coffee shop’s name and details so I can visit when I’m in Joburg again.

Here is my list of Top Joburg Coffee Shops.

Father Coffee

Father Coffee

Situated on the Corner of Juta Street and De Beer, below the Neighbourgoods Market and close to the Alex Theatre, Father Coffee is the next place you should visit when you are passing through Braamies. The coffee shop itself is quite small so this place is perfect for a take away in the morning, and their unique blend of coffee is made to perfection. The baristas at Father Coffee are coffee aficionados and therefore this blend of coffee rarely disappoints.

Origin Coffee

Origin Coffee

Origin Coffee serve a number of different blends, including their winter blend which is a combination of Indian and Brazilian beans. Order a cup of coffee at the bar counter, settle in to the communal seating area and meet someone new, or get some work done. The Origin Coffee store in the Maboneng Precinct is a trendy coffee spot, with friendly staff and superb coffee.

Doubleshot Tea & Coffee

Doubleshot Coffee

Located on the corner of Juta Street and Melle Street, Doubleshot Coffee & Tea is the ideal spot to grab a cup of coffee or tea amidst the high rises and busyness of Joburg’s city. They source their coffee from all regions of the world, and are pedantic about the quality and ethical credentials of their sources. The heart behind Doubleshot Coffee & Tea is one of pure love for coffee and tea and producing superb blends and brews for their clientele.

Bean There Coffee

Bean There Coffee

Sourcing and roasting their coffee, Bean There is a favourite to many who live in and visit Joburg. Bean There coffee serve a range of single origin beans from around Africa, and their heart is to support and make a difference in the lives of African coffee producers. Their roastery at 44 Stanley is a great spot to sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Jozi Blue

Jozi Blue

Jozi Blue is not just a coffee shop, but a coffee experience. Located in Glenhazel, Jozi Blue is run by barista, Shmuel, a passionate and incredibly well informed barista. Jozi Blue serve two options of espresso beans daily, one single origin African bean and a single origin Central American bean. If you are series about coffee and want more then just a caffeine fix, you want to take a trip to this Joburg coffee shop.

AfricaBlack

Africa Black Coffee

Located in the Northern suburbs of Joburg, Africa Black is the coffee bar within Still Coffee’s roastery. Africa Black is a trendy Joburg spot that serves a blend of specialty coffee, as well as a number of Single Origin coffees. Africa Black host weekly cupping sessions and you can sign up for one of their highly reputable barista courses. Africa Black can be found at Northlands Corner, corner of Witkoppen Road and Newmarket Street.

4th AvenueCoffee Roasters

4th Avenue Coffee Roasters

Wonderfully eccentric with its giant pink coffee roaster and biscuit jars aplenty; 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters fits so well into the vibe of this road. This caffeine fix will certainly leave you wanting more and I can also recommend the Rooibos cappuccino, always served with a great dollop of honey. If you are not up for a cuppa then why not buy a bag of beans, freshly packaged while you wait.

Priest Espressobar

Priest Espressobar

Located at Shop 1, 142 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank, this coffee shop made me OH SO HAPPY. Vinny the barista is such a great guy and he chatted to us about his passion for coffee and learning more about the art of coffee. His heritage is Chilean and the menu is full of Chilean expressions, including chilenitos (a Chilean pastry). Priest Espressobar serve Doubleshot Coffee and they are using beans from South and Central America. Students get discount so this is a great place to get those assignments done people.

Motherland

Motherland

Starting up in Joburg, the owners of this coffee shop dream of seeing Motherland around the country. Using a blend of Bean There coffee, Motherland is an upbeat coffee shop which caters to the on the go lifestyle of Joburg. A must try is their cheesecake; it is super tasty and goes so well with a single shot cappuccino.

Warm & Glad

Warm & Glad

Food, Media, Culture + Coffee are what these guys live by. With stock of Deluxe Coffeeworks beans, Warm & Glad is fast becoming a Joburg favourite (especially when every sip of your flat white leaves you with the taste of Lindt dark chocolate – true story). Sit on the comfy couches or at the coffee bar and enjoy a slice of carrot cake while listening to the vinyl of choice playing in the background. Warm & Glad is a pleasant place to spend a morning out of the office, at 357 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park.

The Whippet

The Whippet

This trendy Linden coffee shop is named after the breed of dog, The Whippet. But not only are they known for this animal loving attribute, these entrepreneurs are striving to change the coffee shop industry by creating a love for neighbour goods and incorporating bakers, butchers and roasters into one space. Coffee, tea, baked goods, preserves, and fudge are a few things to look out for when you visit The Whippet. Side note: the caramel fudge is to die for! Find them at 34 7^th Street, Linden.

Wolves

Wolves

Oreo cupcakes sound good to you? Wolves is a trendy Illovo cafe (3 Corlett Drive, Illovo) where you can grab a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, or you can sit down and have a hearty plateful of eggs and bacon. Their trendy vibe, mismatched decor and friendly staff are all part of what makes Wolves a Top 10 spot! Wolves serve Father Coffee.

Well that’s a wrap of our Top Joburg Coffee Shops. Like I said in the beginning, comment below with your favourites and if I haven’t been I’ll visit when I’m in Joburg again.