- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Just Us!
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Coffee & Tea, Bakeries [Edit]
5896 Spring Garden RoadHalifax, NS B3H
(902) 423-0856
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for Just Us!
Review Highlights
-
"There's also a great selection of fair-trade chocolate." In 5 reviews -
"I love the old house it's located in - the space has a lot..." In 4 reviews -
"...a great selection of baked goods and sandwiches, all at..." In 5 reviews
Loading...
24 reviews in English
-
Review from Jill M.
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
As far as Just Us locations in Halifax go (I know of two, are there more?), this one's the bomb. I love the feel of this renovated home, I like the various seating options, the outdoor space and the convenient location.
I enjoy the coffee, baked goods and samosas. It's definitely the kind of place where I'd go with my laptop to work and drink multiple cups of coffee all morning long.Listed in: Yelpspiration Reviews, Keen on Caffeine
-
Review from Philip Y.
4/13/2012
I came here 3 years ago when I first arrived in Halifax. Just us was just a corner house and I believe trying to carve its name in the the fair trade business. I liked the idea but I didn't come about again to this place because I personally found Java Blend's coffee better and stucked with them for a long time.
Anyhow, I gave it another shot once recently and I was blown away with the new setting. I didn't know that they have expanded the place. As usual, very friendly staff and l liked the idea that they have loyalty card for students too. And to be fair about the coffee, it wasn't too bad either. Perfect combination of good atmosphere, good service and good cuppa coffee. I might just think twice about changing our home's coffee fix to them... But I'll have to debate that one with my Mrs. -
Review from Lori M.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just Us... I have an funny story about the one in the valley that I will tell someday.
This location is lovely. A restored home with plenty of seating and nice decor.
Lots of room to move around and chat. Even a couple of comfy chairs.
I like the coffee here, I don't love it. I ordered a cafe au lait to which they poured up the coffee and it sat 3-5mins before the frothed milk was ready. Result? Tepid... The cinnamon bun was great though. 2 thumbs up for that.
As a patron coming in for the first time, I would hope to be met with a smile and some graciousness... Not a look of suspicion and an air of impatience.
Overall an ok place. Will i come again? Yes, and hopefully to find hot coffee. -
Review from Rhia P.
2/14/2012
How adorable is this Just Us location? I'm a regular visitor to the Barrington location, but this converted house on Spring Garden has ten times the character.
Same great coffee, same great food, so much more room for you cozy chats and group project planning sessions. -
Review from Amanda F.
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a Nova Scotian who is "away" (living in Vancouver, soon to be the UK), my visits are fairly infrequent. Yearly at best.
Whenever I come back to my beloved greater Halifax though, one place I always, always visit is the "Just Us!" on Spring Garden. The place is adorable, and so "Halifax" in characteristics. In a big ol' character house overlooking a park. Tons of original features still present, like a bathtub still sitting in the upstairs toilets! Creaky wooden floors, high ceilings, and fireplaces all add to the charm too. My west coast friends would be jealous- but we east coasters have long revelled in our abundance of character filled locales. I love sitting upstairs by the window and whiling away a few hours getting work done or reading a novel.
It's nostalgic here for me. I spent many an afternoon here as a teen, and it feels like home to me. Many changes have been made since my last visit, namely, the big renovation on the main level, which added a whole new seating area. Lookin' good, guys!
Wanting to give it 5 stars purely for the nostalgia & character, unfortunately, I can't. I've gotta detract a star from my favourite little Halifax cafe, because on my most recent visit, the food choices were extremely, extremely slim pickings (as in, the food case was 90% empty). There was literally nothing to choose from. To top it off, the queue was out the door, and after my 15 minute wait, the barista screwed up my drink order (which yes, happens...). but I didn't even get an apology. So please- definitely pay a visit to this lovely spot, and hopefully the staff will be a little more on the ball :) -
Review from Kim H.
10/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My mom and I often go here for a snack before choir practice, since it's so close to the Med school where we rehearse. In fact, the location is one of its biggest assets! So central - perfect place to meet a friend after work since I work at Dal. I find there's always a nice "hum" of energy in the place while still not being so loud that you have to yell at your companion.
I love the old house it's located in - the space has a lot of character and warmth to it. There are lots of places to sit since they have opened the upstairs. I love the old fireplace in the front cash area! The staff are always friendly too and the lattes and snacks are pretty tasty (the maple oatcakes are quite good - although last time we were there we had a muffin and it was a tad dry for my liking). The coffee is really good quality and it shows in the taste.
I feel good spending my money here since the entire business is based around sustainability, helping coffee farmers and the environment. You can also buy their bulk bags of beans, and neat tea/coffee accessories.Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge
-
Review from Wendy H.
Toronto, ON
6/26/2011
So here's the thing. I just came back from a 4.5 month voyage where internet cafes were a coveted treat. And then you'd find a lovely spot to set up shop, only to find yourself fighting over the one power outlet in 7 square miles (or not have the proper adapter for your North American cord). Oh, it was perfectly fine and I was happy as a clam to be there at the time, but as of 8 minutes ago, I've experienced a little something called ~~**perspective**~~.
Just Us! on Spring Garden in Hafffilax is roomy as sh*t. 3 billion people could fit in here, and definitely way more microbes. The free space for microbes is unbelievable. The edibles are to be revered. And best of all... BLOWING MY MIND RIGHT NOW BESZT OF ALL... power outlets EVERYWHERE! A chair for every bum and an outlet for every laptop! I am sitting in a cushy leather chair, and there are 4 outlets on the wall beside me! This is living. This is prosperity. This is freedom. This is exactly how I want to be spending my afternoon. Thanks for the wonderful welcome back to society, Just Us! -
Review from Erin P.
3/23/2011 ROTD 7/3/2011
Love!
I've only been here a handful of times as I'm rarely downtown. But when I do get the chance to pop in I'm always pleased.
As a coffee lover I love this place. I love the atmosphere and the vibe it has going for it. The coffee has always been nothing but fantastic and their baked treats equally as yummy.
I've always encountered a bit of a line up, however I take that as the sign of a good spot to be. You go where the locals go, right?
The staff seem to have their routine and flow down to make it through these rushes, all the while being happy to help and answer questions along the way.
And the added bonus of Fair Trade coffee...whats not to like! -
Review from Sue A.
3/29/2011 48 Check-ins Here
Oh Just Us, are you changing to please me, 'cause I thought you were swell before. Now you're even sweller.
Just Us is in an old house on the corner of Spring Garden and College St. The old setting certainly contributes to the homey feeling as you sit in the sunny café with its high ceiling, cove mouldings, and original coal fire fireplaces. The menu consists of fair-trade coffees and teas (they have cold drinks too) and food prepared by local vendors using organic ingredients when possible. There's also a great selection of fair-trade chocolate. You get high quality food and drinks while coffee and tea producers are fairly rewarded for their work.
Recently, the café expanded to take over the other side of the ground floor. The expansion really freshened the café up, taking away the previous well loved (read almost shabby) atmosphere. There's a nice long, L-shaped counter with a bit of a design flaw where the coffee beans are displayed between the dessert case and cash register causing customers to dart back and forth between the register and the tasty treats, leading to line up confusion. But it's well situated and a good use of space.
There's plenty of seating for larger groups on the new side. You can sit on the new furniture while you enjoy your drinks and the free wifi.
Just Us is also changing its provider of baked goods. Delicious treats from the famous Mary's Bread Basket at the old Market can now be found in the display case: the famous cinnamon rolls, lemon squares plus tasty cookies. Many of the treats are made the organic sugar from Just Us, making it a true partnership. These recognizable treats are a nice upgrade from the previous uber-healthy, overly organic treats. And have no fear, the standard soups, paninis, and samosas are still available.
The best part of all this is that the staff are still as friendly and caring as ever. I stop by pretty much daily for a large Maritime Breakfast, a Just Us signature tea blend, and the staff have my tea waiting by the time I get to the register. Go Just Us baristas!!!
I'm counting the days until I can sit on the patio enjoying a Mary's cinnamon roll and my tea in the sunshine. -
Review from Kirby G.
Caraquet, NB
1/13/2011
This coffee shop is what I miss the most about Halifax. I was fortunate enough to live a year and a half just across the street and would stop in most everyday for a coffee (or latté). The service was almost always fantastic and the place always seemed to have skilled and well-trained staff.
Just Us Coffee = delicious.
Oh also - I liked it when they made leaves and hearts in my lattés that was pretty sweet. -
Review from Adam D.
Halifax, NS
1/7/2012
Love the renovations, great atmosphere, great coffee. Great local business, I will support them.
-
Review from Rhonda D.
Halifax, NS
11/30/2010
I have such a Love-Hate relationship with this cafe.
Love = the coffee (!!!) Mmmm, coffee (I should specify "Mmm, 'good' coffee") - as I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had some pretty DIRT coffee in Halifax :( Boooo
Anyways...
Love = the place - it's a house! A girl I formerly worked with's mother grew up in that house with like 8 siblings! (kinda neat)
Hate = it's always busy with snobby students (I'm sorry, they are, it's true! What did I ever do to deserve dirty looks from people who don't even know me? ...omg I digress...
Hate = They charge you .02 cents extra E-V-E-R-Y T-I-M-E !!! Does anybody else notice this? I know, it's only two cents, but seriously, tell me the correct amount you are charging me. 2 cents from every customer (remember, it's always busy) really adds up! I know, it's not a big deal, and I'm trying not to dwell on this, but it does bug me deep down. Ok, not even very deep; it just bugs me. I feel like I'm part of a scam :p (not really, but it's sketchy, and I don't like it. So there, be warned)
So ya. I dunno. Go if you want a good cup of coffee. I have sat-in a few times, reading, but I don't much like it for meeting people there for a conversation - everyone around you can hear what you're saying because the tables are so close to one another. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. That is very possible. And this post is way too long, I apologize. (Blame the caffeine) -
Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
3/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
The coffee is good - not my favourite, but still some of the best in the city - and I enjoy the baked goods and samosas. The update to the downstairs seating area is great - more open and more places to sit (I haven't been upstairs lately, so I don't know if that's changed).
But if you're looking to grab a quick coffee before work, plan for it - the lineup around 9 a.m. is a long one and keeps on going strong until 9.30 a.m. Staff seem pretty efficient during this rush, but the sheer number of people are going to hold you up. It's why I always chose this place for a mid-morning/mid-afternoon coffee when I worked in the neighbourhood, rather than grabbing one on my way to work.
The WiFi needs a password. No biggie, but you have to remember to ask for it.
They have bike racks outside, which is awesome. I'll give a thumbs up to any business that provides you with a place to park your bike.
Also, as a person who occasionally puts up posters for events, be prepared to visit this place a couple of times with your poster if it's a good looking one. My screenprinted posters have gone MIA more than once (and not because I'm covering other people's posters - I'm not a jerk. My guess is that people like the poster and take off with it). -
Review from Ben B.
This is hands down the best location of our favourite local coffee chain. Who needs Starbucks when you can pass the day in the lovely comfort of this caffeine homestead? The servers treat you like friends popping in for a visit, they make incredible coffee with fair-trade blends, and there are tons of unconventional food options to satisfy the vegetarians, the gluten-frees, and the foreign food snobs. Being able to tuck in to a samosa or pakora at your favourite café? Heck yes!
They completely renovated the space last month giving it a fantastic face lift. The quaint little house on Spring Garden still has all its charms, but now with more light, more seating, and a more open, inviting feel. Can't wait to settle in here for a day! -
Review from Deirdre L.
Halifax, NS
9/28/2010
I'm a fan of Just Us in general, though more inclined to visit their Barrington Street location since I don't often find myself way up Spring Garden. But when I do I am grateful and happy to spot the lovingly refurbished old house that is Just Us SG. Inside I find plenty o' seating both up and down, generally friendly and fun baristas, and a pretty reliable mocha (my caffeine delivery mechanism of choice). Not to mention a selection of fair trade chocolate to browse (or buy).
I probably wouldn't make a special trip just for Just Us, but I would recommend it for coffee aficionados who are in the neighbourhood. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/9/2009
Fun Fact: I have never had a cup of coffee. I've had a sip, once, and it just doesn't do it for me. With this in mind, it may seem strange that I think so highly of a Coffeehouse.
But hear me out! It's not just coffee on the menu. Personally I love the hot chocolate and as the days get colder I find myself stopping in more and more on my walk to work.
The staff is great and if they don't know you by name, they will quickly know you by drink (Milk chocolate hot chocolate, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles please!). The atmosphere is geared towards your local planet loving tree huggers, but we can't hold that against them (I kid, I kid).
The Just Us Cafe has a number of high end coffee makers and presses that I know very little about, but I have friends that rave about them. You will have to take their word for it.
It's not just drinks and drink accessories on the menu at Just Us, they also have a great selection of baked goods and sandwiches, all at relatively reasonable prices. You may pay a little more than Tim Horton's, but the quality of their product is nowhere near the level of Just Us!
There are a few Just Us! locations around Halifax, but Spring Garden Road's is by far my favorite. Next time the temperature starts to drop stop in and have a drink! -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/21/2010
My boyfriend had been bugging me for months to go with him to Just Us! before I gave in and decided to go with him. It's not that I don't think he has good taste, but he's not a coffee drinker and I don't take my coffee advice from the inexperienced.
Since my first visit this has quickly become my favorite spot in this city to grab a coffee. Espresso bar drinks are key in this judgement, and Just Us! always delivers me something hot and strong, my only two (but two very important) criteria for my java. Prices are fair, and you are even charged less for each espresso shot you add to your drink than what it would cost for a solo espresso. Now that's consumption I can afford!
The treats (baked goods and sandwiches) are large enough to be shared with a friend which allows for some money to be saved. Overall this is a top notch place to come by yourself and relax or to grab a bite and gossip with friends.
Hot Hint: Check out the patio in the summertime! Nothing beats getting a little vitamin D with your caffeine. -
Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 11/25/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I nearly fainted when I saw the listed address- I feared my beloved Just Us! had moved on to somewhere else... alas, all is well with the world; this IS the 5896 Spring Garden location (you can check out my review for all the deets about the café).
We're good :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/2/2010
This quaint little café is my go-to spot when I need my caffeine fix, in part because it's so close… Read more »
-
-
Review from Laura P.
6/12/2010
Just us is a solid choice in coffee shops across the board. My first time at the Spring Garden location alloted for a quality coffee and chill, in true Just Us form.
With the warm weather upon us, this location is a good one to catch some rays with your bevie. Relax on the large patio, or keep it cool on the inside, with cosy booths and assorted tables. The Victorian home turned café gives the spot a sense of charm and an extra bout of warmth. Local coffee, treats, paninis and sandwiches are always fresh, and made by sweet staffers!
Just Us is a happy little coffeehouse with its own sweet energy and forever friendly vibes. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
1/30/2010
Now here's a little coffee shop that I love. It's quaint, has great people and good coffee.
I really enjoy grabbing a coffee and hanging around this place for a while. It has a welcoming interior with plenty of seating. I don't feel uncomfortable sitting in here, even if I'm not really doing anything. Sometimes it's nice to just sit by the window and watch the bustle of Spring Garden.
The staff has always been a pleasure, each and every time I've been inside. It would seem as though they make it a point to make each customer feel welcome and right at home.
They have a delicious assortment of pastries, as well as some sandwiches. They even have delicious chocolate for sale! Make it a point to give Just Us a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 4/10/2010
This is an amazing little coffee house from the flavorful brews right down to the awesome ambience.
This Just Us! location takes up the entirety of an old victorian house on the corner of Spring Garden Road and Carlton Street. The interior is painted in funky colours with each of the individual rooms having been repurposed and turned into unique little coffee nooks. There's a beautiful deck upstairs as well that overlooks the public gardens. - I'll definitely be making good use of that now that the weather has turned.
Delicious treats like the pain o chocolat and homemade veggie somasas are enough to satiate even the pickiest cafe goer. If you're feeling a tad more decadent than usual i'd recommend the hot chocolate as well. To die for! Tasty coffee blends as well.
Love this spot! Highly recommend a stop off at Just Us!
On an unrelated note: I tend to stop in here almost daily in order to do cash outs and shift prep for my fundraising job and the folks at Just Us are super nice about just letting us come in and use their space even on the afternoons when there isn't anyone necessarily purchasing anything. Awesome customer service, in a nut shell.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/27/2009 First to Review
This is a great little cafe positioned perfectly between the Dal campuses, for those who live in one… Read more »
-
-
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
2/20/2010 1 photo
I walked by here the other day and stopped in for a coffee.
This is a really nice coffee shop and they have great coffee, I buy it for home as well. The inside is very relaxing and you can take your time and enjoy the break of the cold.
I have not had much else on the menu other than the coffee. The staff here is great though. I am sure if you become a regular you will be called by your first name. -
Review from Lacey H.
2/22/2010
Oh Just Us. Thank you for giving me all that I love and desire: that being a medium Americano au late with soy today.
A little stroll down Spring Garden on a dreary day can lead to such splendor when you decide to step off the streets into Just Us Café. Today my baristas were chatty. Not so much with me, but with another patron who was ahead of me in line. I didn't mind waiting to place my order because they all seemed so happy catching up and telling stories.
When I did place my order, my barista was sure to ask exactly how much water vs. soy I wanted. Then well I waited, the song "At last" being sung by Etta James came on. One of the baristas proceeded to sing along, quite loudly and with a lovely voice to boot.
What a nice 5 minute piece of my day. I cruised back out onto the streets, java in hand, feeling relaxed and happy. Thanks Just Us! -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/11/2009
In my fantasy dream house I will have a full wall that is painted as a chalkboard, just like at this Just Us location. I wish they'd use it to the best of its ability, though; the "You baristas today are:" section is almost always blank when I go in. Tell me, who are my baristas?
I'd rate Just Us' coffee a 4, and give the same to *most* of their food choices. You can get tasty panini here, made daily with interesting ingredients like dulse quark (just ask if you don't know what that is). Baked goods I've ordered have mostly been delicious, but their croissant made with red fife (a heritage wheat variety) will not be gracing my plate again.
Remember that there are two levels in this old house turned café as well as a patio in the summertime. You can almost always find a place to sit and I've never felt rushed to finish up; many students feel the same and come here to linger while they refuel on caffeine and read.
