Amonie Jo's Coffee

This fairly new coffee shop on Lakeland makes tasty coffee. We recently popped in and grabbed the special, Let It Snow Latte. The coffee was really good. The shop is very quaint with a very relaxing atmosphere. A few tables and a comfy couch. The shop is in a shared space so it can be easy to miss. The only reason for not getting 5 stars was it took some time to be acknowledged by the barista.

This restaurant is off to a fine start, opened by 3 sisters, named after their mom, at the corner of Lime Street and South Florida Avenue. It appears to be a shared space, with another business upstairs and a receptionist sitting at a computer, stage left of this coffee "corner" on the first floor. There was ample off road parking which you can enter from either street. They recently adjusted/reduced their hours to 7-1, closing both weekend days. My first visit, I was barely acknowledged and waited a long time for a simple iced latte. I ordered a peanut butter banana toast because they were out of pastries and I wanted to support them. Both employees had their backs to the customers the whole time. Seating was minimal and taken (couple bar seats, 2 person couch, minimal table with 4 chairs.) Everything is clean & nicely decorated in bright pink and yellow. They serve on "real plates" (yay). They had a Creole syrup that was cinnamony and added a nice touch to the latte. I don't know if "Creole" referred to Louisiana or Haiti. The toast was something one could make at home for far less cost. They are in a good location to do well. I hope their seating improves, as well as their welcome and eye contact/interaction. It would be nice if the lay-out and seating were more comfortable. I'm sure they'll continue to develop their food menu. My lackluster first experience, though good coffee, was not high enough to have it on my "return soon" list. yet.

Similar to the prior review before mine, I felt a disconnect from servers my first visit; no greetings, no eye contact, no reaction when I complimented the food, which was good. Nice decor, calm environment on the corner of a busy street. Despite the unwelcoming vibe on my first visit, the food and coffee was good, so I was willing to give them a second chance. Service was better second time around. Food was delicious on both instances; ingredients were fresh and portions we were good.

9:08am, on a Friday. Doors locked, lights off. We would love to try this place but this is the third time we've tried to come during a weekday and they were closed. Hours on maps show 7-2. On yelp show 9-2. Now it's after 9 but they still are not open.