(This article was written by Remi Gibbs and was featured in the March 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
There’s something special about J & B’s Café, located on Jackson Avenue at 2nd Street in Downtown Harlingen. Maybe it’s the made-from-scratch comfort food, the tight-knit crew, or the friendliness of owners Beth and John Fuqua. This downtown favorite has served locals for decades, with a history as rich as its menu.
A Café with a 40+ Year Legacy
J & B’s Café has long been part of downtown Harlingen’s heartbeat, with a rich history of more than 40 years at the same address. It originally operated as Simon’s Sandwich and Yogurt Shop. Roughly 20 years ago, Beth’s first husband, Mike Bodenhamer, purchased it from Linda Cuellar Somes and her family and renamed it Java Café. He kept signature dishes like Simon’s Original Cowboy Sandwich and their famous chicken and tuna salad—both of which remain customer favorites to this day.
When Mike purchased the restaurant, Beth owned Flowers by Jesse, a flower shop just two doors down. Though she and Mike later parted ways, they remained on good terms. When Mike was diagnosed with cancer, he had to sell the café. By then, Beth had retired from the flower shop but found herself restless. When she saw Java Café was up for sale, she convinced her second husband, John Fuqua, that it was worth investing in. Together, they reopened it as J & B’s Café on October 12, 2015, marking Beth’s transition from floral design to homestyle cooking.
“I’ve been working in downtown Harlingen for 25 years,” Beth says. “Watching it revitalize and thrive has been amazing.”
The Heart Behind the Café
If J & B’s feels like home, it’s because the people behind the counter love what they do. Dee Stout has been running the front for 20 years and makes most of the beloved soups. Alex Alvarez, known as the “cooking ninja,” has been in the kitchen for 14 years. Jasmine Cruz, who joined four years ago, bakes alongside Beth and keeps things running.
John is the bookkeeper, errand-runner, and as Beth calls him, the “King of Scones.” He’s also mastered the café’s signature tomato soup. Beth does everything in between and even runs meals to people who need a little extra love.
Breakfast & Lunch
J & B’s serves grab-and-go breakfast such as coffee, freshly baked muffins, scones, bagels, yogurt, and oatmeal and a full lunch menu packed with local favorites including sandwiches, paninis, burgers, and salads. The chicken salad is so popular that people show up just to take home a pint. They always feature a soup and a daily special. The meats and cheeses are sliced fresh onsite.
Some of the café’s soup recipes, including Beer Cheese, Chicken Tortilla, and Broccoli Cheese, come from Terry Kane’s former Harlingen restaurant, Terry’s Que Pasta.
The restaurant has a giant chalkboard filled with specials and highlighted menu items, from scratch-made meatloaf with real mashed potatoes to hearty casseroles and quiches.
Sweet Treats That Keep You Coming Back
If you enjoy sweets, you may find it difficult to leave without trying a dessert. Everything is made from scratch. Chocolate and coconut cream pies are consistent customer favorites. Bread pudding is a warm, comforting classic made with rum sauce, while the mocha cheesecake has been nicknamed "Crack Cheesecake" for a reason. There is always something new to try.
Customers, Community, and Catering
Beyond the food, J & B’s Café is about people. Regulars like Andy Rozell have been eating at the establishment for more than 42 years. He stopped by while Beth and I were chatting and shared that his current favorite is J & B’s Salad, a spring mix with blue cheese crumbles, toasted pecans, and house-made balsamic vinaigrette. Customers can add chicken for an extra protein boost.
Beth is also deeply involved in downtown Harlingen’s growth, serving on the Market Days Committee. She has been amazed to watch the event blossom into something bigger than they ever imagined.
J & B’s also does small catering, including boxed lunches, sandwich trays, soups and salads, and custom casseroles. They even offer charcuterie boxes.
A Downtown Gem That Feels Like Home
At J & B’s Café, good food, friendly faces, and a little bit of history come together to create something special. Whether you’re a long-time regular or a first-timer, one thing is for sure: you’ll feel right at home.
Location: 204 E Jackson Avenue, Harlingen Phone: 956-425-5282—Call ahead for catering or take-home casseroles! Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 pm Follow them on Facebook: @jandbscafe