It’s a typical Wednesday afternoon in River City, with the weather still waffling between a cold rain and a hint of spring. Perched on the corner of Jefferson and 23rd Street, deep in the heart of Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, quietly sits Jumpin’ J’s Java, a tiny odd shaped brick structure. Inside this Union Hill eatery, under an orange tin ceiling, the day is lively.

At one table sits overall wearin’ Gable Painter, enthusiastically discussing his progress renovating his nearby digs on 23rd Street that will be featured on an upcoming episode of a national house-flip show. At the table next to him, a freelance photographer, mesh hat cocked to the side, sampling a Crème Brule muffin. Meanwhile a City Public Works employee scurries by for a cup o’ Joe and a breakfast burrito. All of this while a giddy bride flags down wait staff to inquire about the café’s catering services. 

Observing the action is Charlie Field, a popular local engineer, sitting quietly in the corner while doodling on a piece of paper. Field, who lives only a block away, has just completed a series of renderings of a new brick and glass wing soon to be added to this java-inspired gathering ground.

With more eclectics per square foot than any other River City coffeehouse, Jumpin’ J’s is ripe for expansion. Though caffeine proved to be the initial draw, an active outcropping of pioneers on the hill have morphed J’s into much more than a watering hole. 

While owner Je Depew’s wide selection of java juice is impressive, the real appeal to this caffeine shack is the convergence of quirky characters that share in her brew. More than just coffee and friendly chatter, Jumpin’ J’s swelling fan base swear by the rotating menu, an ambitious offering of fine eats that tap into a variety of unique and always fresh ingredients. 

As the popularity of this social center—as well as the neighborhood as a whole—continues to trend upwards, it was only a matter of time before Depew hatched the idea for increased seating (and an ABC license). Best of all, with plans to break ground in a matter of weeks, the expansion of Jumpin’ J’s will lead to a new jazzed up dinner menu.

With an eye for quality, Depew has peppered her soon-to-be released offerings with hard to find items—such a Gluten free beer—as well as enlisting top talent to make it all mesh. Snagging the sous chef from TJ’s, Depew is confident that her new line up of fine food and drink will be enough to please, and feed, the masses. 

“We plan to have a wide selection of wine and beer,” promises Depew, still brimming with ideas and new twists for her endeavor. “The expanded dinner menu,” she adds with a smile, “will be seasonal with a Mediterranean flair—we’ll offer items not found anywhere else in Richmond.”

John Murden, the mastermind behind Church Hill People’s News, is one of many on “The Hill” counting down the days to see what the local coffee phenom dishes up next. “Places like J’s tie the community together—everybody is excited,” explains Murden. As the creator of the grassroots Church Hill blog that has all of Richmond reading, Murden has seen his hood grow in popularity, both residentially and commercially. “We want places like this where we can stay in the neighborhood and walk to have dinner.” 

With a caffeine-buzzed audience waiting in anticipation, jumpin’ Je Depew says it’s only a matter of time before her java hub starts dishing up the neighborly goods.

Jumpin J’s Java
2306 Jefferson Ave 344.3500
jumpinjsjava.com