Jack Sprat Cafe

Jack Sprat. I find myself here some mornings because there is a lack of other hangout/coffee shop places at this end of Franklin Street, and Starbucks is always overflowing with people. The place has a nice feel to it decor-wise and the tea and chai are pretty good. I've also had tasty muffins here. I've never tried the hot food or sandwiches. My problem with this place is the waitstaff. They are sometimes visible annoyed that they have to wait on you. I actually had to wait for 3-4 minutes one morning while I watched, 4 feet in front of me, as 2 employees argued over who had to take my order. They also have funny rules about when you can/cannot order breakfast or lunch. They allow a line to form most mornings before they will start serving lunch at 11. In a nutshell, not very customer focused or friendly. I think new management could probably turn this place around, but until then, low ratings from me. more

Jack Sprat is a good place to study if you don't mind people talking loudly or eightie's music blaring from the speakers. It's not a quiet little coffee shop, but it does have a good atmosphere. You can sit on the stools and look out at people walking by, or sit in the back and look at the interesting artwork on the walls. They also have pretty good meals if you're not just interested in coffee. more

Of the coffeehouse choices on Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill, I almost always choose Jack Sprat cafe. The coffee is excellent, and the food even better. With a wide array of sandwiches and light lunch fare available, it's hard to go wrong at Jack Sprat. And if you're in the mood for something a bit sweeter, it's hard to ignore the dessert case, filled with an amazing array of sweet delights to tempt any palate. The decor is quite nice, exposed brick with a modern edge, and it makes a nice change from the they-all-look-the-same Starbucks down the street. more