Unlike me, The Java Roaster hasn’t changed a ton in the last decade. It is still a cozy, comfortable place with locals sitting outside, college kids working the counter, eclectic blends of music in the air and a really awesome smell of coffee, tea, vanilla, spice and everything delicious someone ever baked all in one. It has WIFI now which is nice for those of us who can’t get away from the screen. I worked here for 3 years when I was in college, a LONG ten years ago, and I loved chatting with all the downtown professionals that would come in early in the morning for drinks and breakfast sandwiches. The kitchen is in the basement, so I’d have to take the order, ring them up, make the drinks, run downstairs, make the food, run back up and do it again, over and over and over. Then there were the times when the upper level would be full and you’d work the middle level, run down, make the food and run upstairs, deliver and clear, then back to the middle floor- you get the picture!
I used to have the whole place cracking up every morning and it was such a good time, running and slinging fancy coffees, enjoying several every shift too! I tried it all! Coffee and tea, hot and cold, soda, biscotti, muffins, salads, the whole nine yards. The owner even let me make tons of muffins one year and make gift baskets, for all my family, for Christmas. Never mind the fact that my one uncle had to give me the hardest time for bringing him flavored coffee beans. Apparently, that was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard of. I didn’t know he was so hard-core, I mean, I’ve seen some pretty rough dudes with some frappachinos with whip. She also gave out 32 ounce cups of milk to an older gentleman who didn’t seem to have a home, several times a day for the whole time I worked there. He would come in and be very gruff and demanding, cut in line, yell at us to fill his cup, and yell at customers, but she made sure we all knew to fill his cup when he came in. She knew that was all he probably had every day with nutrition. Back then I remember thinking she shouldn’t do that, because I knew how much it cost her every month, but she never cared, and looking back I realize she was right. Someone has to care about people that no one else seemed to. She sold it several years ago to a real nice guy. He stopped in and said Hi while we were there today.
It is really a great place to meet someone and hang out. There are a lot of different sitting areas, tables, couches, etc. and with the different levels, you can be secluded, if you want, at most times of the day. Sometimes they have live music, which is nice. They don’t mind if you unpack and stay awhile. I posted the link to their website, if your ever around, you should stop in and check it out!
I didn’t know you worked there. I worked there too. An even longer time ago than you. I hated running up and down the stairs, over and over and over…..but I loved the job.
Indeed A great place with the Downtown charm, I use to go there all the time, Love Java Roaster> Rich with a lot of different people makes for a great little gathering of friends for a good cup of Joe, Or stop down for some down time upstairs,tasty Fruit slushes, Food is very resonable, I wont forget to mention the live Music. 5* Kristy.
The Knickerbocker Saloon , established in 1835,
is… “Indiana’s Oldest Bar”, Celebrating 175 years!
The Knickerbocker provides quality live entertainment and events. Every Sunday we hold totally free Texas Hold’em Tournaments, in which players compete for points and prizes, We are proud to offer Live Music 5 to 7 days a week. Open at 4:00pm Daily, just in time for dinner. Our Menu is full of Pub favorites and an exciting mix of appetizers to satisfy any palate. We feature 74 different imported and specialty beers, the finest and largest liquor selection in Lafayette and an Exciting New Wine Menu. The perfect place for conversation and libation!
Private parties are also available, please contact us for more information. All of this is provided in a clean, comfortable, and friendly atmosphere to make all of our customers feel welcome and appreciated. We are always smoke free in our entertainment room (Main Stage)
“Upscale but not Uptight”