So I checked out another new coffeeshop this week: Dominican Joe’s. It sprouted up on South Congress and Riverside about a year or two ago, and I hadn’t been yet, so when I was looking for a new coffeeshop to try and their website promised me empanadas, I was sold.
Unfortunately, the empanadas were beyond sub-par. I ordered a margherita one (should have been my first clue), and it arrived pale and limp on a small white plate. Still, I forked off the corner. Issue number one: you should be able to pick up an empanada and eat it. Still, I took the bite from my fork and was amazed at the lack of taste. What tomato, mozzarella, and basil? Ever hopeful, I tried to convince myself that it was just because it was the corner piece that it had no flavor (nevermind that the empanada dough is part of what makes them so wonderful) … but I ate the entire damn thing in search of flavor and nary a tastebud found delight.
The atmosphere was a bit lacking too … it felt … stark. Not inviting you in for a snuggle OR nurturing you to get to work, but a place where people rush in and rush out. Groups of people conducted meetings at the big tables. They talked loudly. It felt like a cafeteria. Who puts that many big tables in a coffeeshop anyway?! It’s all about the little tables, for the freelancers and students and unemployed and retired.
Look, I know it’s a coffeeshop, and part of the review should be about its coffee. My coffee was pretty good. It’s fair-trade and all that, they gave me soy milk, it stayed warm the entire time I sipped it, and I wanted more when my mug ran out. So I can’t complain about the coffee. The wi-fi worked. I liked the manager, Kristen, she was very nice. But I don’t know that I’ll go back anytime soon … I enjoyed Bouldin Creek much more.
Ugh, I even had such high hopes that I joined their VIP Club online! 🙁