Photos by Evie Carpenter
Grade: A-
On a Saturday night in downtown Phoenix — the city that always sleeps — when everything was closed, I needed a late-night snack.
“What’s there to do at 10:30?” It’s the question even the most-involved Downtown student has asked at some point. It takes creativity to find entertainment in Phoenix. But on this night, I had a new place in mind that was within walking distance and open late, so I figured it was worth a try.
Jobot Coffee Shop is closed for less time than the average person sleeps each day. It’s open until midnight, seven nights a week, and it opens at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. This homey coffee shack dishes out an impressive collection of crepes and a delicious Cartel coffee roast at almost any time of the day.
I headed out with a friend to Roosevelt Row, a 10-minute walk from ASU’s Downtown campus, and on the way realized that this is where Phoenix’s nightlife has gone. Bliss/ReBar was packed with people, Conspire was alive and cars lined the street.
As we approached Jobot on East Roosevelt and North Fifth streets, we saw its glowing, blue-green “COFFEE” sign in the distance fixed above the porch of an old house. Customers were sitting on benches outside, and I heard voices from inside. Next to the front door was a small cardboard sign that said, “Crepes! Buy one!” I had discovered Phoenix’s nighttime activity.
Inside was a tiny room with two tables and a bar. The menu was written on a blackboard and labeled with coffee, tea and crepe options, which were divided into savory and sweet crepes.
I ordered the raspberry and sweet ricotta spread crepe, and it was delicious. Most crepes with fruit are loaded with sugar, but the raspberries tasted juicy and light, and the cheese was slightly bitter. The fruit and cheese combined to form a delicately sweet taste that was the perfect dessert, and I went back to the dorms full.
After that, I had to spread the word. I couldn’t keep this to myself.
Friends, join me! There are crepes at night!
A few nights later, I went back with three other people. Jobot is a group experience. The employees seem more concerned with conversing with the customers than getting their money. When one friend asked when she should pay, an employee responded, “Um, not yet. Whenever.”
This time, I got adventurous and started with an espresso. It was a Cartel blend and had a strong, rich taste.
I tried the apple fritter, honey and granola crepe, which came decorated with whipped cream on top. It was sweet, but filling and mealy. The apples were chopped into small bits, and the granola was sprinkled with nuts.
I finished with an Italian soda. The waiters had a couple different recommendations for the flavor, so I combined them and had a blackberry peach soda. I’m no expert at Italian drinks, but it was just as good as what I’ve had at Fair Trade Cafe.
Jobot is affordable, too. Crepes are between $5.50 and $6.50, and I got a meal for two with drinks for $15.
Once again, I headed back to the dorms satisfied. Not only was I full of good food, but I had also discovered one more gem in Phoenix, one more reason to get out of Taylor Place at night. It was 10 p.m. on a Wednesday and I was not doing homework or watching TV. Take that, Tempe!
I’ll be back to Jobot sometime soon. The food was good enough for breakfast, too, but why would I go out for food in the morning? I need to sleep in after a late night of crepes and coffee in Phoenix.
Contact the reporter at john.l.fitzpatrick@asu.edu
