Potsdam is known for many things; Crane School of Music, the toilet gardens, the beautiful Raquette River, the local musicians, the Bagelry, our abundance of pizzerias… It is also well known that Potsdam, New York is home to two colleges and neighbors to two more in Canton. That is a lot of college students. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my two years in college it is that coffee is vital for survival. Thankfully Potsdam has two coffeehouses and many restaurants that serve coffee as well. Although I will be arguing that one place in town is the best place to get coffee, when it comes down to it coffee is coffee and I’m thankful to have so many options.

Jernabi Coffeehouse is, I believe, the best place in Potsdam, New York to get coffee. This doesn’t say much about the other places of business that serve coffee, but know that Potsdam has some really delicious coffee options. Jernabi strikes gold above all the others for a few reasons.

Every time I walk into the joint it is relaxed. As a highly anxious person, a relaxing environment is really valued. I don’t feel judged or scrutinized. I don’t feel like I have to dress up. 99% of the people who come in for coffee, tea, smoothies, or sweets are friendly. I get the impression that the customers are down to earth and gentle or stressed college students looking for a brief escape and/or free wifi (like me!) and/or a caffeine fix.

I think a big part of the positive energy in this beautiful coffeehouse is the people who work here. I promise I’m not too biased because I don’t work here and I’m only acquaintances with the college student employees. Sure, I come in enough to know all their names without looking at the chalkboard behind them, but they are relaxed and nice. I’ve only seen the owner of the Jernabi establishment once and from what I gathered he was very kind and more importantly cared about his employees. The people who work here stay for a while, which I think shows 1) a boss’s good judgment, 2) good compatibility between employees, and 3) a decent work environment. The people who work the place engineer the environment.

Potsdam, like most towns, values community and support. Here people look out for each other and care for the growth of local businesses and community members. One thing that makes Jernabi stand out is their involvement and support for the Potsdam community. It’s an open place for people to share information on the next concert at Ives Park. College events like First Saturday are advertised on the glass dividers near the register. Local bands and musicians gain support from the coffeehouse too. Local artwork hangs on the walls and sometimes there are poetry nights and music nights right in the coffee shop.

Lastly, and probably pretty importantly, the coffee here is pretty damn delicious. There are so many different flavors and options that I rarely ever get the same thing twice in a row because I’m hopping all over the menu board. I am not a fan of cappuccinos but I actually like the cappuccinos here. The prices aren’t over the top and the roasts are smooth and flavorful. Coffee oftentimes doesn’t settle well with my stomach, but I rarely ever have issues with the coffee here. “It’s a mix between Jesus and Fergie,” says one lucky patron sipping an iced coffee. I can only assume her meaning behind that statement, but I do know it is a pretty high compliment.

Well, you read it from me. The best place to get coffee is Jernabi Coffeehouse. I haven’t heard any bad criticisms of this place, but if you have just keep in mind all the reasons Jernabi is pretty awesome. Coffee is usually good anywhere you go, but service and environment are pretty important too and this place has it all.