View source for Jumpin' Jive

Jumpin' Jive is the epitome of a certain sort of local independent coffee shop,
the kind that would be put out of business by Starbucks without its fiercely
loyal regulars. It's lucky enough to have a corner location in a renovated
factory building--one where a plethora of glass windows have been retrofit on
the first and second floors, to allow for sunlit street-side real-estate. The
windows often hold posters advertising community events and performances, and
the most prominent spot on the front door is reserved for a chalkboard listing
the live music schedule at the cafe itself. These are always repeated on both
sides, so as to be visible to patrons inside the cafe as well as those passing
by. 

The decor is "eclectic reclaimed factory chic," with a little modern-industrial
thrown in: the two 'inside' walls are exposed brick, with one of them set up
with horizontal cables used to display works by local artists. An antique
freight lift stands in one corner, often laden with bags of coffee beans, along
with a handpainted sign that reads, "We roast our beans on the premises! Ask
for a tour!"

The cafe proper is a large, open square with the sales counter occupying half
of one end, creating an L-shaped seating area. The original hardwood floor
hasn't been refinished entirely, just lightly smoothed and given a thick new
clear-coat so as to show off all the marks of its original wear and tear. There
are other features that play into the modern-plus-historic decor: tables of
reclaimed wood planking with big antique factory-cart wheels, metal bracket
edge treatments on the counters, Edison-style bulbs in primitive fixtures that
hang from the high ceiling. The ducts are exposed, as well, creating what has
to be a dusting nightmare requiring twelve-foot ladders. The chairs are simple
but stylish brushed metal, set neatly around tables for two, four or--in one
case--as many as six or eight. Along the storefront, bar seating stretches the
length of two generous windows, so that one can sit and people-watch. Near the
service counter, there's an opening to a back hallway, with a hand-carved sign
pointing the way to the (all-gender) facilities.

The service counter, staffed by people of varying ages and appearances, has a
large pastry-case and, of course, an industrial-sized Marzocco espresso
machine; the machine itself is burnished stainless, kept spotless. The menu
occupies several chalkboards, hung well above the behind-the-counter area and
suspended by iron chains. As well as (of course) coffee, espresso drinks and
tea, the cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, a small selection of lunch
sandwiches, soup in the winter, smoothies, and pastries made by a prized local
bakery. 

Like a number of artsy [[Hamtramck]] businesses, the cafe is open late: one a.m. on
weekdays, 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

[[Category:Location]]