Went to JPH for the first time last week. I was meeting some friends for dinner at Salvatore's Tomato Pies (which is right next door) and was in the area a little early. I decided to check out JPH and sit and read for a bit before dinner. My first impression of the place turned out be wrong but I can understand how some people wouldn't necessarily enjoy the ambiance. At first glance the chairs don't look too comfy and there is some rather odd art on the wall but the longer I sat there, the more I liked it. The staff is extremely friendly and the music eclectic (everything from instrumentals to funk to The Killers to Phoenix and lots of stuff I didn't recognize but still enjoyed).
They offer a wide range of teas and serve Intelligensia coffee which was a delightful surprise for this Chicago transplant. (Side note, if you've never had Intelligensia you must give it a try!). I love coffee shops that offer the pour over preparation and JPH is one of those places. They take credit cards but there is a sign saying cash preferred. I didn't eat but saw some yummy looking sandwiches pass my way. Place was packed at 4:30 on a Thursday. A decent mix of students on non-students alike. I didn't use the WIFI so can't speak to its reliability.
I ordered my hot cocoa and settled into read. Seemed like quite some time had passed and I still didn't have my hot cocoa. Then I noticed the barista surfing the net or something on the iPad which doubles as a credit card reader when you pay. When I got up and asked for my drink she apologized and said she had forgotten. I initially was kinda bummed out but this was completely redeemed upon delivery of my drink which was accompanied by yet another apology as well as a token worth $5 for my next visit. I don't live nearby but will be sure to drop in next time I'm on that side of town (and not just because of the token!).