Humble, mom-&-pop diner with retro decor whipping up pancakes, waffles & egg plates. Cash only.
"Java Jive announced it will be closing its doors after 30 years in business on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Known for strong coffee, fluffy biscuits, and comforting food, Java Jive has been a staple in Atlanta with its retro diner decor and affordable breakfast fare since 1994. It has continually landed on Eater Atlanta’s essential breakfast list and classic Atlanta restaurants that endure. The eatery is known for bottomless coffee, biscuits with breakfast plates like the Sante Fe scramble and Greek omelet, and specials like gingerbread waffles." - Henna Bakshi
"With its retro-chic diner decor and affordable breakfast fare, this cash-only joint has been waking people up on Ponce for over 25 years now. Java Jive offers hearty diner breakfast dishes like the Sante Fe Scramble with spicy chorizo sausage, red peppers, onions, potatoes, cheddar, and salsa. It comes with a choice of biscuit or toast. Get the biscuit." - Eater Staff, Lia Picard
"With its retro diner decor and affordable breakfast fare, this cash-only spot on Ponce has been serving bottomless coffee and one of the best biscuits in Atlanta since 1994. And those fluffy biscuits, along with eggy breakfast plates like the Sante Fe scramble and Greek omelet and specials like gingerbread waffles, continue to pack the dinette tables at Java Jive each week. While the food is always a reason to hit up Java Jive for breakfast and brunch, regulars here say it’s the good old-fashioned Southern hospitality from owners Shira Levetan and Steven Horwitz and their staff that keeps them coming back for more. Don’t be surprised if even after one visit they remember your order. Cash only." - Eater Staff
"I soon discovered places with similar familiarity like Java Jive, Eats, and the Silver Skillet, and restaurants like Anna Lee’s Southern luncheonette in Roswell and meat and threes including Matthew’s Cafeteria in Tucker and Alpha Soda in Alpharetta." - Beth McKibben
"With its retro diner decor and affordable breakfast fare, this cash-only spot on Ponce has been serving bottomless coffee and one of the best biscuits in Atlanta since 1994. Look for hearty breakfast dishes at Java Jive like the Sante Fe scramble with spicy chorizo sausage, red peppers, onions, potatoes, cheddar, and salsa. It comes with a choice of biscuit or toast. Get the biscuit. Or order challah French toast, a big ol’ pecan waffle, or the Greek omelet with spinach, feta cheese, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Cash only. Expect a wait on the weekends. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m." - Beth McKibben