Java Xpress

So… Java Xpress has some good things going on.
One thing… they are super conveniently located if you’re working at or visiting Kaiser Sunnyside. I mean, they might be even too convenient, because on the way to the cafeteria you might decide you need a latte to go with your salad. Anyways, they’re there, and they’re open at 6 am.
Another thing… the baristas are overall very friendly and willing to make a drink to your specifications.
Make sure you think about your specifications too, because for me personally, every drink they make here is too sweet. I have to routinely ask for drinks half-​sweet. To be fair, I do that most places, but sometimes when I do it here, it still turns out too sweet.
So, in terms of quality, I’m not that happy with most of the lattes and mochas I order from here. A couple have been pretty good (small, half-​sweet, hazelnut, caramel macchiato; small, half-​sweet, Irish-​cream latte) but I’ve ordered a decent amount of drinks here that just aren’t well balanced. I mean, some I haven’t even finished, which is hard when you pay $ 3.50 for 12 oz of liquid. You really feel like you should finish it, but it just doesn’t taste good.
I should say that I’ve been to their sister location at the Westside Medical Center and it’s much, much better. Every single drink I’ve had from there is really good… and they sometimes have special treats, like lavender whipped cream.
I do like that the Sunnyside location has a little ‘specials’ board, which gives you some fun ideas for drinks. They also have a large selection of syrups.
Punch cards are a bit stingy… you have to buy 11 drinks to receive a free one, and the free one has to be 16 oz or smaller. They also offer multiple organic drip coffee options by K&F Coffee Roasters.
I’m sticking with three stars here because of convenience, but if I had my choice I’d be purchasing coffee somewhere else.