Revered Raleigh Chef Ashley Christensen Opens Coffee Bar Joule

Joule Coffee in Raleigh

Ashley Christensen appears to be an unstoppable force in her native Raleigh, N.C.

The two-time James Beard Award finalist, “Iron Chef America” competitor and one of the country’s most revered chefs under 40, Christensen has gotten into the coffee game with the opening of her latest project, Joule Coffee.

At 223 S. Wilmington, just up the street from her trio of culinary destinations that share a kitchen (Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Chuck’s and Fox Liquor Bar), Joule provides full hot breakfast and weekend brunch menus, along with fresh pastry. The lighter dinner is designed to complement the restaurant’s main attraction: coffee supplied by Durham-based Counter Culture.

The full-page coffee menu includes detailed descriptions of nine or so coffees available at a given time, brewed with pour overs. Joule is also serving espresso drinks, taking a creative approach to the menu, which offers double shots straight ($3), or “espresso with milk” — all with 2 oz. of espresso and drink sizes of 3 oz., 5 oz., 7 oz., or 11 oz. The explanation for the omission of drink names on the menu: “Names can be confusing. Your interpretation of a cappuccino may not be the same as your barista’s. Ordering by volume allows us all to better understand your beverage desires.