Amani Cafe wraps neighborhood in warm embrace

Inside Terra Jones' new North Side coffeehouse

Pittsburgh native Terra Jones stands behind the counter of her recently opened East Allegheny coffeehouse with pride, enthusiasm and a smile to match.

The University of Pittsburgh grad has created a neighborhood gathering place in East Allegheny that is comfy and warm and lives up to her motto: "Uniting cultures with one cup." Amani which means “peace” in Swahili, draws all ages and races, not just the typical hipster looking for free wireless.

The coffeeshouse, located a block from East Ohio Street, is tucked into a neighborhood in desperate need of a meeting place where you can relax with friends over coffee, tinker on your computer or grab a salad and read the paper. With a gallery space adjacent to the cafe, it's roomy enough to accommodate larger groups but without the feel of a cavernous Starbucks. Revolving art exhibits and live jazz are in the works for the larger space.

Amani offers fair trade coffee, teas and a menu that includes soups, salads and wraps.

Jones, with assistance from the Northside Community Development Fund, has the focus and drive needed for a small business. She's created a hip place out of an empty space that most developers might overlook.

She has every reason to smile. As will you.

Try the Grilled Chicken Caesar wrap!

Amani International Coffeehouse & Café, 507 Foreland St., North Side, 412-537-5510