Jerusalem's many coffeeshops, be they charmingly indie or part of nationwide chains, reliably serve up decent coffee and unbeatable ambience, but not many take the fundamentals of their coffee-brewing craft seriously enough to roast their beans fresh daily. But Cafe Alexander takes coffee that seriously - and lets you watch the roasting process as it happens right behind the bar.

 

That attention to detail (and showmanship) is, of course, the main draw, but Alexander charms in other ways: high, airy ceilings; oak decor; a nice sound system and a convenient (and lovely) location on Yanai Street near the ritzy hotel district, the Old City and the City Center. The menu offers light kosher dairy fare (salads and sandwiches), baked goods and desserts, smoothies and, in the evening, cocktails.