The James Cafe
2550 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA
Crema's Take
“Tucked away from Pittsburgh's busier Strip District, The James Cafe offers a peaceful refuge with genuinely thoughtful coffee—their nitro cold brew delivers subtle chocolate notes that linger, while their single-origin dark blends appeal to those seeking substance over speediness. The intimate, stylish space feels purpose-built for lingering, whether you're settling in with a laptop or claiming a quiet corner to read, and their solid pastry and breakfast selection means you can easily stretch a visit into a proper morning ritual.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Based on the reviews, I was hoping for better but clearly it's been a bit off than it normally is (maybe?). I was here twice in the last 5 days, the first time the guy at who was here was just rude... snapped back at me when I asked a question about their coffee as if I was supposed to know the answer. They also were missing lox, which is not the end all be all by any means... The next time I came their espresso machine was broken, and still no lox. At this point, I am just curious what is the point of a cafe that half its drink menu involves espresso when the machine is busted. I got a cold brew instead, and the 5$ container I buy from Giant Eagle is better than this.... It is a nice place to do work from though, and both times the other customers I encountered were very nice, not rowdy and they allow dogs :D
A little further away from the main Strip area, James cafe is quiet and very cute, great to read or get some work done. Tried their single origin coffee, which was a great, dark blend and had free refills which is always a plus for me. Staff was great and loved the interior! Their baked goods were good, but I did find my scone not that flavorful, hardly tasting the lime, citrusy flavor at all, but I’ve heard great things about their other options! Nice pricier spot a little away from the crowd, would recommend stopping by to check them out!
I absolutely loved this cafe. I think this is located in the non-popular part of the strip and hence when I visited, there were not a lot of people, which was perfect for me. There is free Wi-Fi and you can work from here like I did, but just be cognizant of the fact that there are not a lot of power outlets. The barista and the staff were absolutely the sweetest and their energy was infectious. I got the cappuccino, which was extremely well-made and very delicious. The vibe of the place itself is great. it’s a modern looking cafe with sleek interiors and abundant lighting. I can see myself working from here.
I enjoyed my visit to James Cafe. Their nitro cold brew was incredibly refreshing and had subtle chocolate notes that added a delightful complexity. The tall glass it was served in was a nice touch. I also tried the Autumn Salad with smoked salmon, and it was fresh and tasty, although I was disappointed that they were out of apples. The cafe's seating arrangement, with seven round ceramic tables and a high table with four chairs, created a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The background music and ambient sunlight added to the relaxed and pleasant ambiance, while the modern decor exuded style. There was also outdoor seating available on the sidewalk with umbrellas for shade. Parking can be limited, so be prepared for streetside parking. The service was friendly, and I felt welcomed. It's worth noting that James Cafe is a cashless establishment.
Adorable little stylish cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. There's also an additional seating room in the back by the public bathrooms. This is a perfect place to stop in for a drink or light snack/lunch with family or friends. Highly recommend the Huckleberry Cobbler Oat Milk Iced Coffee. The Barista's are nice. And it appears to be a dog friendly location.
Crema Reviews
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