Most of students in Jordan prefer to spend few hours studying, socializing or chatting in cafes just before going home or getting busy in work, however. I managed to visit many and ask different people I know from different universities with different tastes. the result is weird, but also reasonable.
Now, everyone knows the trend about Starbucks in Jordan, as many go just for the looks not for the coffee nor the atmosphere, Starbucks Coffee in the middle east in general is just a state of fashion, unlike the US or the UK where it is a coffee-shop to buy your regular morning coffee. People here, are not accepting the fact that Starbucks should not be a trendy place, it is just where you pick up coffee to drink.
However, the decoration and service here in Jordan is good and satisfying. The prices are high as sometimes your coffee-toppings from extra caramel to extra shots might raise your bill and make you pay double the price for your order. However, you may not end up with less than 5 dinars for a cup of caramel macchiato and a cookie. the internet service is however slow and overpriced, the 1 hour card is for 2.5 dinars.
Other options?
Blue Fig, with their 3 branches inside Ahliyyeh itself now, they are doing good business, they are fast, the workers are friendly, their prices are cheaper than the Abdoun branch, they have a nice variety of flavors, they offer free wi-fi in campus, the music is just relaxing and their cookies are fresh.
Costa (newly expanding in Jordan) is trying to do good business, unlike Starbucks they offer free wi-fi service, you just have to ask for the password and they’ll give it to you. Their sandwiches are not as good as Starbucks’ and they are overpriced, a hallomi panini is around 4 JD, while a Chicken with pesto at Starbucks is for 3 JD. However, their menu is limited and their service is not that professional as you may request soy milk and say it 3 times and end up getting regular milk. Also, If you don’t like 80s pop, 90s pop, kinky Arabic music then don’t go there, because it’s pretty much what they play in Mecca Mall and City Mall branches.
Gloria Jean’s, the Australian alternative, Gloria Jean’s comes in the middle, they have good drinks, fast service, loyalty cards where you get a free drink when you purchase 10, they also offer free wireless internet, faster than Starbucks’ and slower than Costa’s. their decoration seems to be more comfortable to the eyes. The music is much better than Costa, I think they have a better taste. GJ has 2 branches so far, The first one is located right before Madina Circle (if you’re coming from JU street and heading to the circle), and the other is located in front of JU, right next to Subway and behind McDonald’s.
What most students still like?
Gahwet 3ammo abu-omar for 30 girsh, zakyeh 3al sobe7 w se3erha 7elw.
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Comments ( 12 )
I tried Zest in abdoun, wondeful service, great coffee and they have free Wi-Fi @ 2mbps. Their prices are lower than all the ones you mentioned. You should really check it out.
elie added these pithy words on
Nov 01 07 at
6:13 pm
well, I think zest is not the popular one of the owners is an ex-owner of inhouse, I was talking about a different theme of cafes, zest is more like a restaurant or to be honest it doesn’t have an identity in order to make you loyal to it
Moey added these pithy words on
Nov 02 07 at
3:37 am
HAHA, so true
I really didn’t expect the result although it’s very true ^^
Nizar added these pithy words on
Nov 02 07 at
5:08 am
Zest is nice..but not practical to stop by to have cup of coffee,or do a home work its too far..
even i used to like Costa..but GJ has the perfect location..cozy and comfortable to sit there for hours..don’t forget that the winter is coming..and am sure we are going to spend lots of time there…
i hope i don’t get sleepy like last time :p
Saifu added these pithy words on
Nov 02 07 at
3:07 pm
Dont forget the Argeeleh factor!!!
i’d prefer going for a cup of coffee that is accompanied with a an argeeleh 3al mazaj!!!!especially that many cafes offering argeelehs do have a free WiFi connection, so you can work/study bi tarkeez hehe
Tami B. added these pithy words on
Nov 02 07 at
11:25 pm
I am wondering if the student get good marks when they study in these coffee shops!
Anonymous added these pithy words on
Nov 03 07 at
10:40 pm
Moey you have mistaken the Manager for the Owner. I personally know the owner of Zest (theres only one), he studies here in Lebanon, he’s Jordanian, only 20 years old!
elie added these pithy words on
Nov 04 07 at
9:22 am
don`t miss onather branch for GJ in aqaba
blue lilly added these pithy words on
Nov 06 07 at
9:58 am
a Blue Fig cafe will be operating by next semester around the JU and there is already a Gloria Jeans there now
bas added these pithy words on
Jan 09 08 at
2:23 pm
I’m really not into American franchises, even more now since the attacks on Gaza with the questionable stand of Starbucks. I love going to three Jordanian places: Cups & Kelos, news, and MY FAVORITE is Full Cup, which actually donates part of it’s revenue to support victims in Gaza! It’s located at fifth circle behind whispers. Jordan, support you local brands
Fresh added these pithy words on
Jan 05 09 at
3:52 pm
i think cups n kilos has a very nice browny there plus the coffee is great, java u has great coffe 2.
omar ghanma added these pithy words on
Jul 06 09 at
12:44 pm
I am writing paper about international business in Jordan and I have chosen StarBucks as my topic….thanks Moey’s for your clarifying about it.
Zeyad Alserhan added these pithy words on
Oct 22 09 at
9:21 am
