Afro Joes Coffee & Tea — Restaurant in Lake Township

The experience was okay for the space and food overall. The avocado toast was very tasty but the lavender/strawberry mixed lemonade didn’t taste the best. It was okay. I would give the drink a 2 out of 5.

However - their prices do not make sense. I originally ordered the avocado toast for 14.00 - which is totally fine with me for the quality and the quantity of the item. The cashier suggested the “make it a meal” option which sounded great but what she explained did not reflect the amount on my receipt.

Originally, I was ordering the avocado toast and an iced caramel macchiato. When she recommended the “make it a meal” option - she stated that I would receive a drink and either chips or a hash brown with the avocado toast. The “make it a meal” option was an additional 4.50. I figured 14.00 plus 4.50 wasn’t bad for the avocado toast - drink - hash brown so that is what I ordered.

My husband then started his order shortly afterwards. He ordered the Bronzeville Bacon Sandwich and added avocado to his sandwich. In addition to the Cinnamon Bun Latte.

Once the server rung up our items - our bill was 40.39. Which is kind of expensive for a breakfast sandwich - two drinks - and what I thought was a meal. I’m okay with spending money on food items however - it wasn’t explained to me that with the “make it a meal” option - I would still be charged for the hash brown and drink as well. So what was the point in making it a meal for 4.50 - if I’m going to be charged separately for a drink and the side.

The pricing structure here doesn’t make sense. With the “make it a meal” option - I can only order certain drinks - like a lemonade - chocolate milk - milk - and I believe an orange juice. That doesn’t make sense to me - when my original drink was an iced caramel macchiato.

With the “make it a meal” option being 4.50 - I would think a drink and side would come with that price. That is why restaurants usually charge the “make it a meal” price to include a side and drink. So I was taken back by that as well as the 1.00 extra for oat milk (Starbucks doesn’t even charge that much) - .75 Cinnamon Bun Powder - .25 Chocolate Sauce. When we originally thought the “Cinnamon Bun Latte” was a menu item.

I give the restaurant 3 stars overall - because the pricing doesn’t make sense if you’re making something a meal and the servers can explain the menu items a bit more clearly. Because when suggest and say “you can get the meal. It comes with a drink and either chips or hash brown.” It sounds like if I pay the additional 4.50 I will receive a side and drink included in that price. Not pay the price to make it a meal and then have to pay for the drink and hash brown. It is almost like being charged double or being hustled out of money - when I could’ve ordered what I originally wanted instead of being told I can make it a meal but I can’t order the drinks that I want and have to pay for the drink and side in addition to that.

Food is good but I wouldn’t recommend the location unless you’re in the area. I think there are other places in the heart of the city where you can obtain the same quality of food without the hidden costs.

The atmosphere was okay. You can choose to sit indoor or outdoor. We sat outdoor - I like tables with the umbrellas - instead of sitting in the direct sunlight. The have a table with an umbrella and cushion set but it is very low. I do not recommend sitting there unless you’re just relaxing but for eating - it is actually too low to really eat your food. The inside seating is fine - I think the corner seating on the inside is a bit better so you don’t have everyone just watching you as you eat indoor or outdoor.

I think the overall seating is a 2 out of 5. It could be worked on. They have a dog area - which is nice. But I’m not sure if I want to smell dog odor or urine while I eat. I think they should remove the dog area and just include more outdoor seating.

Overall my experience was a 3 out of 5. I think the “make it a meal” the seating and food in general...

On a whim I walked over to Afro Joe's this morning; best whim of my week. Admittedly, sometimes my excitement gets the best of me. I may or may not have (hint... I did...) bought a breakfast sandwich, a coffee drink, and a cinnamon roll despite having a tiny appetite in the mornings. Luckily I choose to live my life without regrets! 😁 So, I've downed my Iced Caramel Macchiato with Salted Caramel, as suggested by the bubbly barista. After my first sip I think my eyes bugged out of my face. As I rushed back over to the counter to tell her, "oh my God, the salted caramel" she said, "see! I won't steer you wrong!" and I believe her. In fact, my coffee life is now completely in her hands and I can't wait to stop back in and order whatever she suggests. On to the sandwich. You guys, that mayo. So simple an addition to a breakfast sandwich and so perfect. But also, the brioche bun. But also the gooey cheese pouring out the sides and perfectly cooked eggs. So, I think it's safe to say that stopping halfway through as my stomach dost protest took almost more willpower than I could muster (and only proved possible due to my enlightened state after sipping Salted Caramel coffee on my walk home). And then comes the cinnamon roll. You guys. I only took one bite because I'm now fully caffeinated and a little high on (Salted Carmel) sugar. Finishing the roll will be the highlight of my afternoon. Sweet, soft and simultaneously chewy, heavy enough on the cinnamon... delicious. And all of that is to say nothing of the warm and welcoming baristas, cooks, and aesthetic! There's a "Barking Lot" to drop off your pups on your way in so as not to disturb other patrons but allow you to walk over with your furry friend (I'll bring at least one pupper with next time)! There's city-centric and empowering art for sale on the walls. I was also told there's live music every Saturday 11:30am-1:30pm. I'll be sure to pop back over for it one of these days, sooner rather than later... I'll be back! Thank you, Afro Joe's, for...

Update! The new location in Beverly is everything you need that isn't at a Starbucks! Food, ambiance, energy...all aligned. They even have DUCK BACON as an upgrade! Wish they were open later but they are definitely on my list as an indoor/outdoor event space. Great space to work from and they have a bark lot where you can put your furry buddie while you enjoy the open concept seating.

The space is refreshing and the food delicious! From the moment you enter Afro Joes, you are welcomed with a smile from both staff and fellow customers, which speaks volumes about the vibe in this urban oasis! The owners are present and attentive, answering questions about their menu and offering small chit chat about the community. Now let's get to THE FOOD! The short rib grilled cheese and cucumber salad lives up to the hype. Not too sweet but very tender meat and cheese melted between soft yet crunchy sourdough bread. Make it a combo and do grab the lavender lemonade! And because I love having an array of options when I dine, I also shared a salmon blt (upgrade to the cherrywood* bacon for a treat!) with a friend. I had leftovers that reheated delightfully in the oven. I look forward to returning soon to enjoy a specialty latte while conversing with the always seen coffee club, as the gentleman who frequent daily are fondly called. It's a gem in the area and shines bright on what supporting your community should look like.

Great space to bring your laptop to work (outlets at every table) or be communal in a creative space with soft soulful music playing in...