Photos courtesy of Harlem Java House
There’s no better way to get to know people than over a good cup of coffee.
That’s the unofficial mantra at the Harlem Java House, downtown Harlem’s coziest spot to curl up with a good book, meet up with friends, work remotely or to say, “Aah,” while sipping on one of the coffeeshop’s fun and flavorful coffee and non-coffee creations.
“In the heart of it, I really think coffee is one of the greatest ways to learn more about people and serve people, even in the smallest ways,” says owner Shann Lee, who, along with her husband Sang, purchased the Harlem Java House from founder Deborah Brawner in 2023.
The Lees have been careful to keep what the community has always loved about the Java House: its cozy sense of welcome and its showcase for local artisans, who sell their goods on wide shelves along one wall.
It was Brawner who introduced the idea of coffee flights; the Lees simply took that idea further, now offering its Java House classics flight, plus seasonal coffee and non-coffee flights. The fun part every season is figuring out the theme and flavors, like Java House’s Great American Summer menu, which included a Go Bananas (Bread) Latte that has a cream top flavored with an in-house syrup made from fresh bananas, cinnamon and brown sugar.
Then, of course, there’s the croffle. The Lees introduced the viral Korean treat in 2024 on a Valentine’s Day menu, and it’s been a hit ever since. “When I first bit into it, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to share this with people,’” says Lee.
Made by pressing croissants into a waffle iron, the croffle is buttery and crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. What makes it great are the toppings, from the Java House’s own savory-sweet pimento cheese with honey drizzle to Biscoff® cookie butter and a swirl of whipped cream.
But it all goes back to the people. “I’m a huge believer that if you don’t love the people that you’re serving, and if you don’t love what you do, it translates into the product that you bring forth into the world,” says Lee. “Our staff — they really love the people that they serve every day. I just feel really blessed and humbled to be working alongside them and serving the community of Harlem and the CSRA in a small way.”
Visit Harlem Java House on Facebook.
As seen in the October 2026 issue of Augusta magazine.
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