The El Vee
  • Food
  • Drinks
  • Events
  • Music
  • Previews
  • Opinion
  • Food
  • Drinks
  • Events
  • Music
  • Previews
  • Opinion

The El Vee

DrinksFoodReviews

Review: Rock n’ Joe

by theelvee_w2oe3m February 2, 2010January 19, 2011
February 2, 2010January 19, 2011

Note:  Rock n’ Joe is now closed.

These days for a cafe to be successful on the north side of Bethlehem, it has to stand out in some way or it’s going to fail.  It’s been happening frequently, seeing the closings of Hava Java and the Five Star Cafe.  So when I heard a new cafe opened up in the epicenter of all the failed cafe locations, I said to myself, “Do they really think they have what it takes to make it there?”

Turns out, Rockn’ Joe just might.  Set in a bright atmosphere with posters, photos, and other artwork strewn across the walls featuring 80’s and 90’s rock sensations (extra props for The Clash and Pearl Jam), it’s easily one of the most inviting atmospheres of any cafe in the area.  Further setting the mood they’ve got what seems to be a satellite radio station dedicated to playing solely hit 90’s rock songs, which is perfectly fine with me.

The menu features a full line of different coffee-based beverages, as well as other warm and cold drinks.  Since Rockn’ Joe is a franchise, the original drinks are the same across the chain, but offer up a good variety of well-crafted concoctions.  Not only is it a coffeehouse, but they serve a full line of sandwiches, pastries, and breakfast items, which is more than most cafes in the area offer.

I placed my order for a grilled bacon and cheese with a latte and took a seat with a friend.  I was a little disappointed when my order was brought out that the latte was in a to go cup as I was hoping to take a picture of some hot latte-art porn, but alas.  Everything was pretty good.  The latte was perfectly done, not burnt tasting like so many of the corporate chains around here.  The grilled cheese was also served with a small side of fresh fruit, which was a nice touch and provided for a perfectly filling meal.  The person who brought the order out even came back to check and make sure everything was fine and to take away any empty dishes, which I don’t recall being done at any cafe I’ve been to in quite a while.

All-in-all, I can’t honestly complain about anything at Rockn’ Joe.  It’s not blow-your-face-off awesome, but it’s the perfect place to sit for a while, work on some things, or read a book.  The lounge area is nice, as well as the fact that there’s a bar to sit at, and the place is big enough that during non-peak hours you should be able to sit far enough away from someone to not be bothered by anything.  Another perk?  They’re open til 10pm most days and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.








Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse and Bistro
1 West Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
http://rocknjoe.net

2 comments
0
FacebookTwitter
theelvee_w2oe3m

previous post
Review: Robata of Tokyo
next post
The Souperbowl – A Bit Late But Still Delicious

You may also like

Bar Louie to Open in Former Shula’s Location

June 4, 2015

Review: Counting Crows at the Sands Event Center

August 31, 2015

Art and Food at the Farmhouse

September 20, 2010

Mount Bethel Farm Looks to Open Cidery

September 5, 2014

The El Vee’s Guide to Musikfest

August 5, 2010

Profile: Philadelphia Distilling

July 26, 2012

The Pickled Egg to Convert to Pints &...

May 29, 2013

Review: Weezer at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center

December 8, 2013

Review: Molinari’s

November 30, 2012

Upcoming Food/Drink Festivals

March 24, 2011

2 comments

Bethlehem Updates | The El Vee January 20, 2011 - 10:57 am

[…] walk right by and not realize there’s anything there.  I mentioned in the first lines of my review of Rock n Joe that that spot and the cafe might have a hard time surviving, even though it was an extremely nice […]

Reply
Quick Bethlehem Update | The El Vee February 3, 2011 - 1:41 pm

[…] on the heels of our update the other week, we’ve got some new info on what’s replacing Rock n’ Joe in the Bank of America plaza on Broad Street in Bethlehem.  The Plaza Bistro and Marketplace will […]

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Categories

  • Art
  • Drinks
  • Events
  • Food
  • Music
  • Opinion
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Email

@2017 - PenciDesign. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign