JJ Bean Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Port Moody

First off, there is a lot of reviews from people who seem to be looking for problems. Obviously criticisms are allowed for the sake of improvement but that does seem to be the case with many of these reviews.

I am a university students who's been going here for the last year or two to meet with friends, study, or just get out the house. Many of these reviews seem to complain about millennials and students hogging tables and taking away from other people's time. Although I understand their frustrations, I don't see how there's any difference between a baby boomer and their friends talking over a coffee for hours than some students with their laptops out. Maybe that's just me, I am open to hearing the other side.

That being said, JJ is busy. The staff do a great job of making sure that the lines move quick and they tend to every customer. This is perfect if you prefer businesses that owe you everything and exist to serve you. If you are there just because you enjoy visiting coffee shops and trying new things, then you'll love it. Although being slightly cold, the atmosphere is awesome. While it may lack the typical coziness most some coffee shops, JJ's modern look and setup is really awesome. Almost everyone who visits comments on how great the living plant wall is.

Now I am not some big coffee guru who knows everything about the process and collection of coffee, but I do appreciate different coffees and tend to try as many different options as I can on visits. Their coffee itself is not personally my favourite, but it goes very well with the rest of their drinks. For example, whatever powder or syrup they use for their mochas is incredible. The prices do feel expensive, but when you compare it to an other coffee place, even Starbucks, you see they're all the same.

JJ's food is typically really good. Like most places it's just grilled and microwaved and whatever upon ordered but includes some good options like the turkey chorizo.

Personally, I really appreciate their staff. Show them respect and they'll show the same back. It may feel as though they don't have as good of a loyal customer base but part of that is because of how busy it gets and how difficult it is to talk with them without preoccupying them from helping the other customers. They handle it well.

Lastly, they kill it when it comes it comes to foam art. There's a couple baristas in particular that do an amazing job every time. Highly recommend coming here, at least to try once. Weekends are busy, same with early mornings, but weekdays after 10am until close usually are...

I live near Suter Brooke and have gone to JJ Bean a number of times. I've never really found the staff all that friendly but that never bothered me that much. I get it, they're selling coffee, why should they be enthusiastic about it? That's not my point though. They do their job alright, but they don't seem like they like being there. Being lactose intolerant, I've asked numerous times for coconut milk, particularly with my children as they too are lactose intolerance and I like to get them hot chocolate with coconut milk. We don't like soy for the obvious reasons; it's really not great at all, and we've tested kids for other allergies and almonds have come up as well. I've asked staff there to make recommendations to get coconut milk for future, and they've been sort of aloof about it. I like JJ Beans in particular for their layout and that it's not as constantly busy as the Star Bucks across the street, but you know what? Today when I went in again and asked if they finally got coconut milk for my mocha and kids hot chocoloate, the same barrista looked at me and said "nope" so I guess that's why Star Bucks is busier, because that's where I went as I imagine they're losing a lot of other customers to Star Bucks too. See ya around JJ, was nice knowing you...

JJ Bean offers some pretty tasty coffee at a reasonable price. If you're looking for an alternative to Starbucks, I'd give JJ Bean a shot. I haven't tried any food aside from some muffins, but they're good albeit a little greasy for some reason.

There is free wifi offered here (with a password you can get from the barista). It does seem that they throttle popular services like YouTube, so don't expect blazing speeds if you're planning on streaming something.

I enjoy the minimalistic decor with concrete, glass, and the "living wall." Feels like there's plenty of light and is quite a bit of room between tables, so you won't have to worry about bumping into others here. The downside is that there's nothing to muffle any sound, so with the music blaring, people talking, and coffee machines brewing, it can get quite loud. Also, for the life of me I couldn't find any power outlets to power my devices, so be warned and come with a full charge.

All in all I'll be back, though probably not as often as visiting Starbucks across the street simply for the ambiance and ability to have access to electricity.

UPDATE: So apparently they did add some electrical outlets on the lower floor at the bar that's against the window. There is a power strip under...