Java Jive Coffee House and Cafe

This has been one of my staples in ATL for a long time. You'd be hard pressed to find a different place with a similar vibe. Coffee is stellar and the food normally hits the spot.

Java Jive stands out among Atlanta's eateries, defying the typical scene with its genuine atmosphere aka not a jive turkey restaurant. Located on Ponce de Leon, it's a true Atlanta staple where history meets homey comfort. The kind of place you can take your grandparents and listen to their nostalgic stories of "back in my day" when referencing the old stoves and kitchen equipment that is scattered around the place (the American Pickers would have a field day here).On to the breakfast - boy that breakfast makes me feel at home. Old fashion but I wouldn't call it old fashion, southern but not southern, just a good ole breakfast reminiscent of Tudor-era simplicity. Omelet, homemade biscuit (more on that later), homestyle potatoes or grits; the perfect essentials to start your morning. The omelet was cooked perfectly and a healthy portion at that. Fully cooked, no runny egg; not their first rodeo and made with season expertise. Now, let's talk about that biscuit - that golden, fluffy and utterly savory delight. It's so divine; I wish it was my pillow. I envision this biscuit recipe has been untouched since Java Jive opened in 1994. I am glad I went with a friend because he ordered pancakes. As Gen Z would say, those flapjacks slapped. Fluffy and soft, not a bite was left. I recommend buying some for the table. Overall the breakfast was perfect yet low key, casual yet solid and simple yet high quality. I end with this - If you want a shiny, fancy brunch, stay over in Buckhead you won't find that here. Because when it comes to breakfast Java Jive is about an honest, high-quality breakfast, served by genuinely good-natured people. The atmosphere is low-key yet inviting, casual yet undeniably solid. It's one of few places left in this city and so here's to preserving this haven for the future. *sips coffee*

Very interesting feel. A throwback to the diners of yester-year. As a matter of fact they only take cash. I had to use an ATM machine located at the back of the restaurant as did many others. The no cash approach is not real well advertised. Salmon scramble special was good. Biscuit was really good. Location within a stones throw of Ponce City Market was a plus of you want to eat near the city. Parking is in the rear with a pretty obscure entrance in back of the restaurant. $20+ cost. Solid experience and good food. Thumbs up

The overall vibe of this place was a bit too grungy for me. We could not tell if it was even open from the outside, blinds down. There was a pile of leaves inside the door to welcome us and a lot of vintage stoves lined up along the wall. Vintage without charm. Our coffee was lukewarm. Biscuit was decent but the butter and jelly were in those little individual serve plastic containers. My scrambled eggs had specs of something hot pink in them, which was unappetizing to say the least. Cash only to boot. Would not recommend.

Wonderfully eclectic vintage decor! They really stick to the theme here and create that ambiance, between the decor, the seating, and the music. The breakfast was straightforward and delicious, the biscuits were incredibly flakey. The plates were a bit small but honestly the perfect serving size to avoid food waste.

Yum! What a cute breakfast spot. We went for brunch on a Saturday and I was amazed we were seated with no wait at all. I loved my salsa scramble and my dining companion loved her waffle. Food was great, and the parking lot in the back was convenient--cant wait to return! Just wish they weren't cash-only, that's probably the only drawback.

If you want to enjoy your breakfast in a 1960s setting then this is the place to be! There are tons of era decors and music playing in the background. We got there around 11:30 am for our Saturday breakfast date and by the time we got there, there were still tons of parking in the back of the building. You sit yourself at a table and a server will approach you for your order. My husband and I both got hot coffees. He ordered the western omelet and I got the salsa scramble with a biscuit. I enjoyed my food but the biscuit was the best. Service in the beginning was mediocre but the servers did check back on us often after we got our food. Do not this place is cash only but there is an ATM in the establishment for you to use.

About 15 years ago, this place was a go-to for hubby and I back when we made dates out of riding our motorcycles from Clayton County on Saturday mornings for breakfast and weekly grocery shopping at Whole Foods Market on Ponce!Really glad to see Java Jive survived COVID as we survived or motorcycling days (which are now over)! Same great food. Same wonderful staff and service - Johnathan always takes such good care of us! Same wonderful little dates with hubby prior to stocking our groceries. Always a pleasure to break bread with my honey at Java Jive!

Always excellent! The food is amazing, great coffee, outstanding service. I have taken friends and family here and everyone loves what they order.The reason they recently were recognized for the best biscuits in ATL is because they are the best. cash only but ATM machine inside (and no outrageous fees)

This has been my special go to place for many many years. Love the ambiance, really like the food. My last visit, however was completely spoiled by a relatively new server who was abrupt, rude, and abrasive. When asked a question about a certain dish, she didn't answer, but instead told me to go back and look at the menu. Also told me to put my phone down as this was "silenced phone" establishment. Everything else was a struggle. I know good help is hard to find, but this person could take a business down.