Cup O' Joe looks like the archetypal coffee shop: plush chairs and sofas, mellow lighting, funky local art for sale. The menu boasts the typical selection of lattes, mochas and cappuccinos. And the iconic "O" sign populates many a street corner in Columbus, although nowhere near as often as a certain Seattle-based national chain. Yep, Cup O' Joe looks like your average neighborhood coffeehouse – that is, until you take a closer peek. Since opening their first location in German Village in 1993, owners Todd and Michelle Appelbaum have merged interests with gourmet coffee roasters Stauf's, bringing the roaster's locally renowned varieties to each of their cafés. Beans of varying strengths are roasted in-house daily, ensuring that Cup O' Joe serves some of the highest quality coffee in Columbus. And don't fail to notice the second part of this establishment's name. "Dessert House" means a wide array of sweets: from muffins and pastries to chocolate-covered cookies to cakes and pies. Any place offering Chocolate Suicide or Luscious Lemon Cheesecake is a winner in our book. Daily soups and a limited sandwich menu are also available if you need a quick bite with your caffeine boost. Some locations have recently added an adjoining MoJoe Lounge, an extension of the coffeehouse that features small plates, sandwiches and a full bar with specialty drinks such as espresso martinis and mojitos. Serving during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours daily. Some locations open late-night. Hours vary by location. Voted Best Coffeehouse in Alive's 2008 readers poll.