J.P. Licks — Restaurant in Cambridge

As usual the concept of opening a store to sell things seems to be beyond the staff. me: "May I have a tall black coffee?" JPLicks "Sorry we have dumped all the coffee for the evening." me: "No worries you can charge me extra and make an Americano." JPLicks "Oh, we 'closed down' the coffee machine at 9pm." me: "I'm from Chicago and thus unfamiliar with the concept. Does the machine work right now?" JPLicks "Yes, but we cleaned it." me: "You mean you would have to do some work after you served me, and thus you can't serve me?" me: "Is there some magic that happens overnight that the coffee machine can only be cleaned at 9pm, but not afterward?"

What we learned: The owner of J.P. Licks thinks that the 500% to 700% markup on coffee is not worth the bother to keep the customers happy - and doesn't want to sell to Harvard Students when the Lamont Library Cafe (which is supposed to be open until Midnight - but then again it's Boston where nobody really wants to do their job with any regularity or high level of skill) happens to be closed (Even though the sign stating it's closed advertises that is should in fact be open)!

From their website: The freshest roast in Bean Town I founded J.P. Licks in 1981 to bring a little joy to as many people as possible with great ice cream. Then in 1999 I decided to begin roasting coffee since I could no longer buy a good cup after the Coffee Connection was bought out by Starbucks.

Like Goldilocks (might’ve) said “Starbucks roasts too dark, Dunkin’ roasts too light, but J.P. Licks roasts just right.” We roast down the middle…dark enough for a hearty brew but not so dark that every bean tastes burnt.

We serve a full espresso bar at all 17 of our locations and ship beans anywhere in the continental USA. Send a bag of our freshly roasted beans to a friend or yourself to enjoy!

-Vincent Petryk

Founder/Owner, J.P. Licks Featured Roasts

Seems like Vince lost his will to please customers long long ago - like maybe...

As a company critic, this writer has entered the building more than twice.

From 'Porter Square' WALK- 15 minutes; Bus 96, Bus 77, towards HARVARD. Street Meet Up "UpLand Rd" ($1.70 per ride).

Harvard Station (Red Line) $2.40 per ride

Bus 1 (from HYNES 'G'---- Harvard) $1.70 per ride.

Parking can be difficult to find (meters around-takes Quarters)

My first experience, the line was long but gave me time to look at the menu up above. It can get busy around the after noons. The staffed seemed nice.

The second time went well too. I got the same flavor. There are vegan options, frappes and sundaes; cones or cups. There are outdoor sitting at times (fill up quick).

Third time visiting this facility was when arriving with my group of friends. It was busy as well in a middle of May I believe last year. I got the same flavor in a cup. We all sat down inside, the chairs were not that comfortable. My ice cream did melt a lot than expected. It was not that hot inside. The melting did not impress me. After that, this writer has not been to any JP Licks.

The ice cream overall is not bad though. It can get busy anytime.

Pricing can be high. You can tip as well.

Thank you...

After a warm morning visiting Harvard, J.P. Licks was just what we needed. Kiddo had a scoop of black raspberry and sharkleberry fin sorbet (no photo, she started eating right away) and loved it. Hubby had a double scoop affogatto and it was delish. Just what he needed after coming into town on a red eye! Split a banana split (😂) with the parents...mint cookies and cream, coffee, and coconut almond chip with strawberries, almond pieces, whipped cream and chocolate sauce drizzle. The coffee tasted just as you'd imagine a frozen cafe au lait might taste. Wasn't sure what to expect from the coconut almond chip but it was yummy, too. Not overwhelming on the coconut. And the mint cookies and cream did not disappoint. The mint was not an overpowering flavor. The biggest surprise of all was the whole strawberries! That...