Searching for the perfect place to indulge a cup the world-famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee? Take a trip to the Blue Mountains above Kingston and Port Antonio for authentic coffee experiences, in the cool and misty air and breathtaking 360-degree views. Here are five places loved by visitors and locals to enjoy the perfect brew close to the source.

 

1. EITS Café

Located just outside of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, EITS Café is a classic example of a 'hidden gem'. Short for 'Europe in the Summer', the cafe is unassuming and totally unfussy, yet absolutley chic. Celebrity chef collaborations and visits from artists and A-listers are not uncommon here. EITS is the perfect spot for weekend brunch with 'elevated' vibes. Menus include dishes prepared with locally sourced organic ingreditents, often fresh from their own Food Basket Farm nearby, and of course that delicious fresh Blue Mountain Coffee. 

Take a seat at a cozy table overlooking the surrounding lush green hills dotted with coffee farms. Strike up a conversation with Robyn, the cafe's owner and mastermind who has a passion for food community. EITS Café is a cool mountain escape that deserves a visit on your next trip to the Blue Mountains. 

 

EITS Cafe

EITS Cafe

Shortened form for Europe in the Summer, EITS café is a rustic eatery in the Blue Mountains which serves up an appealing fusion of…

2. Café Blue, Irish Town

The Café Blue brand is iconically Jamaican and on any given weekend, their cafes in locations across Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay are buzzing with activity as coffee lovers enjoy their 'usual' orders of all-day breakfast, fresh salads, sandwiches, and treats. Their Irish Town location, nestled along the mountain road, is perhaps the most scenic. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Café Blue Irish Town. The ultimate bonus? It's just next door to Crystal Edge Restaurant - a beloved local eatery serving up traditional Jamaican food that's authentic and delicious. Cafe Blue and Crystal Edge share a patio overlooking a gorgeous vista of the hills out to the sea. 

 

Cup of Cafe Blue Coffee - Irish Town

Espousing an appraoch that celebrates certified Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee from 'bean to cup', Café Blue processes, roasts and brews their own coffee to bring you a product that's fresh and delicious. In addition to a cup of 100% Blue Mountain Coffee, try their popular 'Cool Blue' iced coffee, or a Blue Mountain Fog - that includes a splash of rum cream and nutmeg, topped off with a swril of whipped cream.

Before you leave, scoop up 100% Jamaican-made products, including whole beans, ground coffee, and branded merch. 

Cafe Blue Irish Town

Cafe Blue Irish Town

In the home of Jamaica’s most prized coffee, Café Blue brings together a serene and relaxing dining atmosphere with beautiful views…

3. Blue Mountain Coffee Tour

For a more immersive experience, take a coffee tour through the lush cloud forest of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. Learn all about the process coffee goes though before it gets to your cup. Tours are available through different operators, including Island Routes and Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours. Head to the Visitor's Centre at the Holywell Recreational Area to embark on one of their coffee tours. Head to the nearby Twyman’s Old Tavern Blue Mountain Estate, where you can walk through the coffee farm, learn about their organic farming practices and how its unique climate at the 4,000ft elevation contributes to the coffee's unique flavor. At the end of the tour, you can participate in a tasting and purchase bag of coffee grounds to take home with you for you to share-- or not share--- with your friends.


A view of the main house at Twymans Coffee Farm nestled in the Blue Mountains

The view from the Twyman's Old Tavern Estate

 

For these tours, it's always best to book ahead through the JCDT office. You can also chat with one of our live agents to learn more.

Island Routes

Island Routes

Island Routes is an independent operator of curated excursions and experiences in the Caribbean. Holding the spot as the…

4. Strawberry Hill Hotel

For a truly luxurious coffee experience, visit Strawberry Hill Hotel. It's a secluded mountaintop retreat with charming Georgian-inspired architecture. The bar's wood-paneled walls display photos of famous guests of the hotel. Whether during the day or at night, the views of the city below from the balcony of the hotel's restaurant and bar are truly unparalled. It's the perfect spot for sunset cocktails and their menu features an Iced Mocha cocktail, alongside drinks mixed with their special Blackwell Rum.

 

Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill

Set in the cool hills of the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill is an architectural masterpiece and the haven for creative souls. The…

5. Blue Brews Bistro

Located right in the Holywell Recreational Area of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, Blue Brews Bistro is a casual cafe that's open on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu includes burgers, salads, breakfast favourites, as well as satisfying meals like sorrel-glazed pork chops, fried chicken, and loaded fries. Enjoy your meal with coffee, teas, hot chocolate, or perhaps a boozy lemongrass lemonade. 

 

Looking for more coffee experiences?

Don't miss this year's Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival. It's a celebration of the history, impact, and uses of coffee. Learn more below.

Header image by Joshua Coogan