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Local Jo Cafe & Market
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Food Specialty Food Meat Shops Coffee & Tea, Bakeries, Meat Shops [Edit]
2959 Oxford StHalifax, NS B3L 2W3
(902) 455-6225
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm
Wed-Thu 7:30 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
10 reviews for Local Jo Cafe & Market
10 reviews in English
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Review from Breighan H.
Halifax, NS
4/10/2011 ROTD 3/12/2012
I guess I've been to Local Jo Cafe a few times now, and I think they've all been Sunday afternoons. Today's visit was the longest, and most fun. It was steady, but not super-packed. Perfect for what was essentially a triple date meets Sunday snack-a-thon. I had a pakora which I'd guess came from Staff of Life. Humongous and spicy and this time not too greasy. I also opted for a date square and a chai latte which was large and well-made. I appreciate that they have an appreciable selection of vegan options.
I dig Local Jo's. I like their style. I'm a fan of orange, so I'm a fan of their decor. The staff were friendly and helpful. And there weren't even any kids there today, which was neither here nor there, just notable considering the idea behind the business coupled with my previous experiences.
I tend to forget about this place since I'm rarely in this neighbourhood, but I won't forget it next time I want to hang out in a cafe for a few hours on a Sunday. -
Review from Kim H.
7/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
In my review for Chebucto Coffee, I mentioned that I literally live in the middle of a dilemma. My apartment is physically located between two similar coffee shops in the North End - Chebucto is one, and the other is Local Jo.
Although, where I find the quality of the food and drink at Chebucto needs some work, the food and drink quality at Jo's is one of its strengths. I have always enjoyed any capp or latte I have had there, and they have delicious, homemade cookies and scones. Their selection of food is usually really good - however, when I have gone later in the day they have sometimes been quite low so if you want something fresh you may want to grab it earlier in the day.
They make an amazing gingerbread muffin, which they don't always have but *get this* if you call ahead and say you want one, they will make a batch! My mom did that one time and they had some ready for her when she came in the next morning! Impressive. They also do pizzas and soups each day for lunch. You can tell everything is made right on the spot using fresh, local ingredients and it shows in the yummy taste. The prices are a tad higher to reflect this, but you at least know you are getting what you pay for.
Another element that sets this place apart is that they have a small market section where they sell various local foods, including veggies and meat so you can do a little shopping while you are waiting for your cappuccino. The space is very bright and cheery (LOVE the Hermes orange).
However, the space is also quite small, and one downside to this is that tables can fill up pretty quickly so if you go at a busy time of day, don't expect to find somewhere to sit. I have to say that I have also not been impressed by the speed of service most times I have been there. The cashier/barista is usually friendly but I find line-ups form very quickly because they tend to take a while to make drinks and process sales. I can appreciate having a small staff and wanting to take your time, but sometimes it can be frustrating to stand around at the front for 10 minutes, especially when the space is cramped with a line. Don't expect to run in and out of here in 5 minutes on your way to work - this isn't Timmy's.
Speaking of lines - this may have changed since I was last there, but they never used to have a "system" for their line-ups so I found people would come in and sort of stand around randomly so they are either a) getting in the personal space of the tables closest to the cash, or b) not making it clear whether or not they are actually in line. I admit it, I'm an organizational freak so this used to always annoy me. I just would not be sure who had ordered and who was waiting for their order, or thinking. At busy times it could be a tad chaotic and created a "bottleneck" of sorts right in the entrance.
Also, I probably wouldn't choose this place to get work done or to have a serious discussion because it's popular with yuppie mummies in the neighbourhood and there are often groups or at least pairs of mums with kids enjoying a coffee break. This is fine with me, but it also means that it can sometimes be loud and you can sometimes have random children you don't know entering your personal bubble on the regular, which (I have to be a jerk and say it) is not something I appreciate.
(I'm big on personal space in case you couldn't tell from the above)
You also have to be careful because they close early some evenings I believe. However, they are open other evenings later and have "theme" nights/time slots (pizza night, date night, times for mom's and kids), which I think is neat. It changes every month but I think you can view the calendar on the website or pick one up in person.
If I'm sitting at home and have a craving for a yummy coffee drink or baked good, this is pretty much my go-to place. Local Jo really lives up to its cute name! -
Review from Ben B.
3/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
So I'll admit right off the top, I probably came here on the worst possible day for someone like me. Being a location-independent work-folk, I'll either be plugging away at home in the office, or coffee-shop-jumping my way through the day for a change of scenery. On this particular day, I was somewhere in between-running from one meeting to this nearby café in order to jump on a conference call. All I needed was a quiet space, some wireless internet, and some nice herbal tea.
I had been to Local Jo before and absolutely loved the community vibe inside. It has a quirky look that's bright, welcoming and casual. More of a hang-out destination than an office option for a mobile employee. Nonetheless, I figured I'd give it a whirl while I was in the neighbourhood. The place was still charming, the staff were still incredibly friendly and helpful, but the place looked like it had been/was in the process of being ransacked by children.
When I was able to find a spot to hang out close to a power outlet (neither of which worked...boourns), I had to brush an entire bowl worth of Sugarcrisp away from my feet on the floor, rearrange some dirty dishes so I could plop my laptop down, and deal with the pressure of a three-year-old's watchful eye as I tried to focus on business. Oh - and the wireless was unfortunately a bust during my visit.
Now, I get it. The café can't and shouldn't exclude children from entering (I'm not a COMPLETE Cruella DeVille), but this probably shouldn't be your venue for getting some serious work done. Sunday afternoon catch-ups with friends? Totally. Which is why I'll still give them another whirl when I'm more in their head space instead of my own. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
4/16/2011
Local Jo's is just steps from my front door, and that makes it easy to stop in and grab a cup of coffee on my way to the office. And, I must say, that the Americano at Local Jo's is probably one of the best in the city. That and their gluten-free double chocolate chip cookies keeps me coming back on a fairly regular basis.
The staff are hit and miss - there are a few staff members, a blonde guy, in particular, that always make my stop-in quick, efficient and cheerful. Other times, the staff seems disorganized, a bit behind and unaware that they are moving at their own reduced speed.
Because it's an awkward space, there's often a small bottleneck at the door, so either you'll think it's a charming small space and tuck in, or awkwardly try and place yourself near the cash to place an order. I opt for reading a copy of the Coast on the "news table" where there is always a random assortment of interesting things to read, while I wait for my coffee.
I'll admit that I'm probably not the typical customer - I want coffee efficiently so I can get out the door and on with my day - and most other customers seem to have all the time in the world to hang around and relax with friends or kids. That's fine, it's just not my vibe.
I'll keep coming back for the coffee - It's delicious and I can't argue with that! -
Review from Melanie M.
Dartmouth, NS
7/16/2011 1 photo
I've tried local jo on a few occasions now, and my experiences here have largely been good. I love the casual, homey yet colorful atmosphere. I've never gone during peak hours, so I haven't experienced the bottle-necking and lack of tables some others have. And I actually work better when there is some noise and activity going on, so the hordes of children haven't bothered me yet. But as others have mentioned, don't be surprised if you look up to find a curious child staring back at you from a mere foot or two away. Though, since I'm currently working on a children's book, I'll admit I actually welcome being in the proximity of playful and interactive children.
Now, it almost pains me to say this, but their lattes? Better than Two If By Sea. And that's saying something. I've tried their pecan chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and they are truly delightful. The only other food item I've tried is the Kid's Lunch, which apparently is served in a boat of some kind if you're actually a kid. Since I am not, I appreciate it being served on a regular plate. The Kid's lunch consists of bread from a local bakery, apple slices, raisins and cubes of marble cheese. Beware - it's listed on the wall as $3.75 but the price has gone up about a dollar. Still not a bad deal as you get a lot of food. I suspect a mommy and child could easily share this. The first time I ordered this dish, it was so delicious and fresh. But I must say, I had it again recently and it was still good - just not quite as good as I remembered. And the cheese could have been a little fresher.
I'll definitely be back.Listed in: Must. Have. Coffee.
-
Review from Laura P.
8/20/2010 1 photo
Local Jo is a fantastic space maxed out on local culture. Fair trade and organic coffee & local teas, home-baked treats, soups & sandwiches
offer the opportunity for a good munch. Product from some of the Farmer's Market superstars... its another way to enjoy local creations.
The interiors are on a vibrant palate and old woods that make for a unique use of space. With lots of natural light to compliment, its more than just a spot to sit. Entertainment is an additional pull. Poetry nights, knitting parties, story time for kiddies, live music and more--- Local Jo is a North End treat. Check their website and online schedule for upcoming events! -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/6/2010
Local Jo embraces you in the warmth that is their homey little shop. Lots of natural light (even on cloudy days) ensure that this is a welcoming spot for adults and kiddos alike.
As parents, we know how hard it can be to get together with other adults and find a place that welcomes our children as well as ourselves. Local Jo holds the corner on that market here in Halifax. A well-stocked children's corner provides oodles of funtime for the kiddos, and the excellent coffee brings in the moms and dads.
Local Jo carries a number of natural-living products, such as baked good from Boulangerie La Vendéenne, produce and meats from Coldspring Farms and sausages by Sweet William. They also make their own baked goods on-site; the cookies and squares all have healthy ingredients and taste good to boot!
Local Jo is a great destination for a Saturday or Sunday morning spent with the newspaper, or for meeting up with friends old and new. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/1/2010 8 photos
Local Jo is a great place to grab a hot bevie. I was in over the weekend and opted for a cup of loose genmaicha, while my friend got the dark roast coffee.
The environment is cozy, oriented towards young parents looking for a place to relax while their children can have fun in the designated play area.
Local Jo sells lots of baked goods, from muffins to cheesecakes and even torte. I believe they also sell lunch items, so you can eat something a little more substantial if the mood strikes you.
This is a great neighborhood spot. It isn't necessarily an ideal place to study or get work done, as there are sometimes large groups of kids running wild, but it is a nice place to catch up with a friend while enjoying a quality cup of java or tea. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/6/2009 1 photo
Local Jo is, in my mind, an almost-perfect expression of neighbourhood and community in the form of a delightful cafe space. Warm and woody, with a convenient little play area for kids, Local Jo seems to attract lots of young parents and young professionals who like to gather with friends - or a good book - over a cup of coffee and a sweet.
Their sweets are delicious - fresh sweet and savoury scones daily, plus cookies, brownies and biscotti. They have soups and sandwiches at lunchtime, and evenings are often filled with activities that range from pizza night for families, date night (for parents!) and concerts by local folk musicians.
They also sell a small selection of breads, organic produce and free-range meats. Staff are young and friendly and don't mind a bit if you spend an afternoon here just staring out the window. -
Review from Sara M.
Williamswood, NS
3/30/2011
Discovered this place a few weeks ago. Delicious food, good prices, cheery atmosphere and child friendly!
