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Just US Café
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Coffee & Tea, Bakeries [Edit]
1678 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 2A2
(902) 422-5651
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
14 reviews for Just US Café
Review Highlights
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"Plus, it's all fair-trade, which is great." In 8 reviews -
"on Spring Garden Road was my favorite Coffee Shop in the..." In 4 reviews -
"As per usual, I suggest an espresso based bevie if you're..." In 4 reviews
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14 reviews in English
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Review from Deirdre L.
Halifax, NS
9/28/2010
Looking for reliability with a shot of whimsy in addition to your steamed chocolate with a shot of espresso? Look no further. I've tasted mochas all over town, and this place is my fave. Mainly because I find the staff to be pleasant at the very least, and because I can go there anytime, and have pretty much the same awesome mocha, no matter who makes it.
It's hot, it's delicious, and it often comes with that hint of caramel and toasted marshmallow that I find in the very best of mochas.
I also enjoy the snack-type-stuff (veggie pakora patties are filling and relatively nutritious, chocolate cupcakes are just yummy). And if you need/want fair trade coffee/tea/sugar/chocolate to take home you can get that there too.
Consumables with a conscience, and beverages that can't be beat ... all in the downtown core. Given the choice, I'd spend my coffee cash here, every time. -
Review from Leslie F.
10/25/2011
For me, the true test of a good cup of coffee is being able to drink it au-naturel... no milk, no sugar, no sweeteners, just straight black coffee. The coffee at Just US Cafe passes that test with flying colours. It's all fair-trade brew, so that's an automatic passing grade; but in addition to the coffees and coffee-adjacent beverages, they also have a great selection of baked goods, and a friendly staff. It's not a regular haunt for me, so I can't speak to the consistency and reliability of the place, but the experiences I've had have all been good.
Listed in: Yelptober
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Review from Paul D.
7/14/2009
What is a New Zealand lad to do in Halifax when stateside from NYC dealing with the stresses of work-visa renewals?
First, he wakes up and wonders where all the honking taxi's have gone, then he withholds his bafflement when cars stop as he steps onto the street, after which he finally realizes he is going to need coffee if going to survive a week in this cute Canadian town.
For a relatively small city, this place is teeming with cafes. First hit was Just Us. I have a small love affair with blackboards with lots of colors - I stood in wonderment, thinking how I was going to order my first coffee in Canada. Clearly my New Zealand accent didn't do the trick ...
- aye?
- Aye what?
- que?
- Coffee ... a latt'aye
- aight
They were happy, the coffee was great - balanced acidity, perfect temperature, a little more head than I am used to, lovely nutty freshness. Very happy lad. Serving lady very sweet, barista with a permanent hipster non-smile (I will confess I have a H8 affair with lack of smiling barista's - I know making coffee must be a bitch, but honey a smile is free and will stop you from dying 10 years earlier).
Rustic space out onto the main street. It was a fun people watching cafe, narrow enough to be able to stare people down and cozy enough to feel cocooned away from the hassle of the world. Cozy booths or perching space at the window.
Overall loved it. Which means 4 stars, cause there is no such thing as a perfect espresso. -
Review from Laura P.
3/12/2010
Just Us is consistent, kind and community oriented. There is a certain sense of flow throughout its staff, product and venue that makes this place a real stand out.
Fair trade/ organic/ eco friendly is the main schtick so rest assure that its all coming from a place of consciousness. Although they prove to be more than cool, earthy vibes by keeping things interesting amongst the menu. Samosas, meat sandwiches, pastries, dark chocolate- there is something for nearly everyone here.
Given the whole emphasis on 'flow', to sit down with a meal or hot beverage is always comfortable. Its a relaxed place and seems to attract relaxed, friendly folk. Overall just an easy place to be with yummy drinks and food. Great sense of culture and time for tea.Listed in: Mindful Eating
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Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/19/2010
Just Us on Barrington is a location that relies on it's convenience to attract it's crowds of customers. It's one of the only places to get a fair trade cup of coffee of speciality espresso drink in the immediate area which can make it look pretty attractive when you need a coffee boost.
You wont compromise efficiency for quality here either, the staff work like a well oiled machine and always seem to be puttering around and tiding up during their shift, a good sign in any eating establishment.
The best thing about Just Us is of course their equitable coffee trade, and it's reputation as the first free trade coffee roaster in Canada. The next best thing about Just Us is that it has a great location on Barrington Street so I wont have to do without my caffeine fix just because I'm downtown. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2009
Good coffee, great staff, not so good pricing.
First, I understand that Just Us Cafe is environmentally aware and they also believe in global community groups and causes. But when I want my coffee and muffin, I'm just not interested in any of that. I'll be honest. Their coffee is nothing special and definitely doesn't taste that much better than any other coffee shop in the city except for perhaps Tim Hortons. Their food just isn't that tasteful. And given their pricing, I never choose to buy any of it anymore.
I think the advantage that Just Us Cafe has had is that its the only coffee shop in a city block. It is surrounded by many businesses so if you only have five minutes to grab your coffee, Just Us is really the only choice you have in that given area.
The staff are very friendly and helpful which is why, in a crunch, I still stop by Just Us Cafe. The inside is nice but very cramped. I understand there is only so much one can do with space, and Just Us has done pretty good with it. However there are other coffeeshops in the city that have achieved a better look, feel and more open feel with just the same amount of space. You know who you are ;).
Just Us is an average organic coffee shop. We have enough of them in Halifax that it can't just get by with selling anyone on the "organic" theme or the support they have for nonprofit organizations. I am very happy that they believe in making the world a better place. But I just wish they could make there food better tasting and have a few cents more competitive pricing. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/30/2009 1 photo
There's coffee, there's good coffee, and then there's politically-conscious coffee. Just Us offers the politically-conscious version, but it's certainly not the best tasting coffee you can get in this caffeine-friendly town.
Focusing on fair trade coffee products, Just Us offers several blends of organic beans. And although the politics are great, the coffee just isn't to my taste. Their cappuccinos are consistently bitter (I've given up on those), although I have occasionally had a tasty iced latte from here - as long as I add lots of sugar. Regular coffee is also on the bitter side, even the medium blends.
I like the atmosphere inside the cafe, though. Cosy, arty, a bit on the "hippie" skew for both clientele and decor. Relaxed, once you're seated, although I find the counter staff a bit cool, unless you're, like, totally friends with them.
Fair Trade is a great goal, though, and for that reason alone, it's worth an occasional visit. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/26/2010
Recently a friend of mine took me to task for stating Just Us! on Spring Garden Road was my favorite Coffee Shop in the city. She is a big fan of their Barrington location and suggested I check it out before making any swift judgments.
So I did, and you know what? It's pretty good! Matter of fact, it's almost just as good!
When I visited the shop they were, unfortunately, out of my favorite type of hot chocolate (milk chocolate), so I had a dark chocolate one instead. It's not as good as the milk chocolate one, but it was a fine substitution. I also had a little cinnamon bun type of thing. Not quite a bun, but delicious.
The decor of Just Us! on Barrington is nice, lots of photos and things to look at. It's a great little lay out and has a great message and cause.
The only thing that makes me stand by my statement that Spring Garden's Just Us! remains the best is because it is on my way to and from work and therefore is more convenient for me and they always seem to have the hot chocolate I like.
If you're a regular traveler down Barrington Street, then this is the spot to stop for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Definitely check it out! -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
3/23/2010
Halifax is riddled with coffee shops - as it should be! It can be daunting to write a review of the umpteenth coffee shop, but when the spot is as delectable as Just Us! there's no chore involved, only pure pleasure.
Just Us!' Barrington St location is very central and easy to access from anywhere in the downtown area. Interestingly enough, it does a steady business even though it's located less than a block from a Tim Horton's outlet. I'd say that speaks to the quality and craftsmanship shown by the barristas - they exercise an ownership over their work that is difficult to find in the chain outlets (even Starbucks!)
Just Us! has always proven itself to be customer-friendly; ordering Italian ices can take my kiddos some time as they browse the flavours, but I've never seen any impatience on the part of the barristas; rather, they go the extra mile by pointing out which ones are popular and might gain the seal of approval.
Just Us! may not provide the gigantic foam cups of caffeine nectar, but what you get is fair for the price and definitely supercedes what you could find elsewhere. Just Us! also offers some coffee and tea related products (whole beans, French presses, teapots) as well as a small side business in fair trade products. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/6/2010 1 photo
I've walked down Barrington Street so many times and, for some reason, just didn't realize this Just Us was here. I've been to the one on Spring Garden numerous times so when I saw the Barrington Street one, I just had to go in. Since that day, it's become a popular favourite of mine.
And you know what? I think I like this one better than the other one I've been to. It's a little smaller, which just makes it all the more cozy. They don't pack the place with tables and chairs, but there's always a nice place to sit.
The people serving you seem to go above and beyond expectations. It doesn't matter who's working the counter they are always super friendly and usually pretty funny. They are very welcoming people and make the experience enjoyable. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/4/2010
Well, I've already reviewed the delightful location on Coburg but feel as though I should be fair, and provide the Barrington sibling with some equally glorious words of applause.
Just Us is a great company. They employ gentle, friendly people and they roast tasty beans. They have a nice assortment of tea, that of course they have a hand in producing, and as well, they have lovely fair-trade chocolate bars.
Simply put, Just Us is a great place to support. They have an ethical and moral code that make their mission of "people first" apparent and commendable. And yes, their coffees are mmm-mmm good!
As per usual, I suggest an espresso based bevie if you're feeling saucy. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
3/12/2010 1 photo
Just Us Cafe is a great spot. I have been to the Spring Garden one a few times but this is a little different, smaller but equally as nice for service and atmosphere.
They muffins are great and who does not like a taste of chocolate. I went for the coffee, which is always great.
Any great job by Just Us Cafe. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/27/2010
Not only does this Just Us! location stalk everything I have come to expect from this chain (yummy coffee blends in varying intensities and samosas galore!) but they also give away little ready to plant trees on earth day. Nice to see some community engagement going along with that 'byo mug' message. Just Us, you have a fan for life in me.
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/18/2009 1 photo
This Just Us location is smaller than the one on Spring Garden that I go to more often, but it's really cozy and super convenient if you're walking around downtown. I always get excellent service here, baristas serving up my coffee with a smile. Grab a chocolate bar while you're sipping, their brand is delicious and I have sent them to people on the west coast as gifts. Plus, it's all fair-trade, which is great. One small downside is that there's only one bathroom, and I sometimes find there's a line up since it can get busy here.
