While I loves my coffee, I’m not a huge coffee house fan. I guess it’s because I really can’t rationalize dropping $5 on a 30 minute cup of java no matter how good it is. But I know how popular coffee houses are nowadays so I was curious to see what the new Jubala on Hillsborough would be like. The original is way up there in N. Raleigh at Lafayette Village and I only had a chance to visit once. It felt good but a bit unfinished to me. So it was time to head on down to the new Jubala for some java!
First thing to note is that this new Jubala is located in the Aloft Hotel building along with the new Gonza Tacos y Tequila. Signage is minimal from the outside except for a small hanging sign out front. Step past the darkened store-front panels and Jubala brightens up immediately! Blond woods with plenty of light and modern accouterments, Jubala feels very airy and open. Stone polished floors, a nice retail display of coffees, there’s no line so I get to quiz my barista a bit on their flat white. Thankfully, he’s pretty hip but not too hip to answer my silly questions so give me a flat white, barista!
I grab a table by the wall, there’s plenty of power outlets in Jubala’s space and decent wi-fi. The back room is populated by small tripod stools, modern long filament lighting and a coffee bar behind the counter. It’s a well-designed space with decent sound/noise control, the feel is Scandinavian overall. My flat white comes out and it’s good but in all honesty, I couldn’t tell much difference between it and my usual latte. The roast is deep but not burnt making for a flavorful cup.
Jubala Coffee on Hillsborough is definitely a nice, modern environment for some good coffee. They have spent a bit of money decorating the space and it shows. Parking is tough in this area, just be aware there’s a private lot behind the hotel for patrons of these businesses in the building. So thank you Jubala for bringing your great java to ITB Raleigh!
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