A Shot of Java

This place is so hidden, I forget where it is. And I *live* in the area. That means more top-​notch, delicious coffee. In solitude. Mine… all mine!
(cue evil laughter)
But because Historic Glendale is often forgotten about in between its many festivals, A Shot of Java really is a good spot to grab a quality caffeinated beverage in peace. I prefer a good soy mocha, but they’ve got great lattes, an incredibly tasty roast, and even some of the more hard-​to-​find coffee preparations – very particular purists can even get a pour over.
It’s stylish, but in a cute, old-​school, small-​town way. Hipsters beware, this isn’t for you.
When weather permits, do have a seat outside. Especially when there’s music. It’s so exclusive!
Read some of the magazines or literature they’ve got lying around if you come alone.
Most importantly of all, check out the art! Glendale’s got it going on too, ya know?

Very clean and well organized coffee shop. Their coffee are way so delicious and services are very friendly. Thumb up!

Super cute place i love going in the winter and getting a hot coffee to walk around glendale glitters:)

My goodness I love this spot! Be sure to order a «Steven» it’s not on the menu but everyone knows it! Lisa makes it the best but that’s expected because she’s the owner! I always have a good convo with the employees and people just hanging out in the shop.

Great coffee. Not as dark a roast as Starbucks, but absolutely wonderful. Definately a great place for a dirty chai.

Been looking for a super chill indie coffee shop for two years, since moving to Phoenix from Brooklyn, NY. Oh god bless that place they know what they’re doing in there. Best espresso in Arizona, hands down. My only negative comment to say is I wish there was a 6 star option via Unilocal.This is one of those rare places that deserve it.

Hidden in an alley but its a gem. Petite little place with a lovely woman making some great coffee. she made the best caramel frapp ive ever had.

Great coffee, great service, and a smoker friendly patio! Stop by if you need some coffee and you are in Glendale. This place wont disappoint you. It is a little hard to find, but it’s worth it. Plenty of shade on the patio too! Did I mention they have Wifi?

I asked for a water because I was extremely thirsty and I didn’t have any cash to buy bottled water so they were kind enough to give me a cup of water with ice. Didn’t have to do this, but they did. I’ll be back to buy something next time I’m in Glendale

I wanted a new place to try so I decided I would try this cute little place out. I absolutely loved it, the customer service was great, the atmosphere was very calm and soothing. I brought a book to read and I had no trouble concentrating on my book. I was there for about two hours and noticed that everyone who walked in was greeted.
The menu is simple and they can make just about anything you ask. I tried the Chai decaf and absolutely loved it. There Chai is absolutely delicious.
I will definitely come back soon!
P.s the hours Unilocal has listed may or may not be correct. Or it could be that there hours changed for holiday season because I was informed that they close at 8 p. m as opposed to 4 p.m.

This is a great local coffee bar. The fact that is on the D.L. (hard to find) adds to the local theme. The barista was super nice. I made a special request and she offered to tune it up if it was not perfect (it was).
Come support Glendale and your coffee habit.

When I’m visiting the Valley, I always have a lot of fun trying out new places. This is one of my favorite places I’ve gotten to check out!
It is in a slightly obscured «breezeway» (aka alley). The inside is a cozy corner with all sorts of ‘stuff’ to distract you while you wait for your drink. The staff was patient and fun, and I enjoyed chatting with them as I ordered my drink. I’m excited to make my way out here again on my next trip!
Don’t forget… breezeway!

Get to know the locals. Right of the main strip. Variety of gourmet coffee, espresso, coffee, tea and sodas. The owner values local artists, so there is always great gifts and or events like lown mic night!

I had to be in town this past weekend to participate in the Glendale Food Truck Festival, so decided to arrive nice and early to beat the traffic and find some decent parking. I had plenty of work to keep me busy and a couple of good books, so consulted with Unilocal to find a nearby coffee shop. A Shot of Java was within walking distance and had solid reviews, so off I went.
Not one block down from where I had parked near the center of downtown Glendale, I found A Shot of Java tucked neatly away inside an alleyway between two building complexes. (Thanks to that one reviewer who made a point of warning that it might be easy to miss!) I entered the small café and was immediately greeted by the staff. Two or three others were in line.
I was in no rush to order, taking my time to find a quiet spot to unload my backpack and book. I contentedly scanned the art scattered about and hung prominently from all available wall space. I took in the handwritten chalkboard menu describing all the many tasty options this understated café had to offer (quite a lot considering its size). Finally, I was ready to order.
I placed my first order for a pour-​over coffee and breakfast sandwich, then found my seat and, after retrieving the Wi-​Fi password, got into some work on my computer. While I waited for my order to arrive, I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation being made all around me. You see, this was not your quiet little nook of a café. No. It was more like mom’s kitchen.
Everyone who came into the café seemed to either be very familiar with the staff and other visitors, or else just very friendly and talkative. There was plenty of upbeat conversation (for an early morning on a Saturday), and eventually it swept me in, too. I turned from my work and began to engage with the staff. And I’m really glad I did.
I got to meet the owner, Lisa, and learned that she was from the east coast (just like me). I got to meet Shannon, who started working for A Shot of Java simply because she loved the place so much! (She also introduced me to their chai latte, unabashedly describing it as the best she’s EVER had!) And I got to meet Krissy, who was quiet and hard-​working, yet kind-​eyed, quick to smile, and very helpful.
I finished my coffee and sandwich and ordered one of Shannon’s chai lattes. Sure enough, it was utterly delicious — one of the best I’ve ever had. By the time I was preparing to leave the café, I felt as if I was saying goodbye to long-​lost friends. The place was beginning to pack up with new visitors and all three ladies were getting really busy, but they all made a point of saying goodbye to me as I left, which was truly wonderful.
Truth be told, I never make it down to Glendale (from my place in far north Scottsdale). I don’t know when I’ll see Lisa, Shannon, and Krissy next. But what I DO know, is that I had the most enjoyable possible experience during my time with them this past weekend. I DO know that the coffee and chai latte were outstanding. I DO know that if I’m ever back in the area, I will happily go out of my way just to stop in, say hi, grab a coffee, and catch up a bit.
If you’ve never been to this little hidden gem in the heart of Glendale, you’re really missing out. Stop by for a visit some time very soon. Tell them Tim sent you. (*wink*) Order one of their delightful chai lattes and kick back for a few. (Then don’t forget to leave a GREAT 5-​star Unilocal review!) You won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t!
Thank you Lisa, Shannon, and Krissy, for making the newbie out-​of-​towner feel so much at home. Thanks for keeping me company on a chilly, lonely morning. And thanks for working so hard to provide a beautiful, artistic, homey hang-​out for your regulars and for wanderers like myself. You certainly made an impression on me — and it was astoundingly positive. I hope to see you all again VERY soon! *heart*

I wanted a hot tea since it’s a little chilly out today and I saw a sign for this place. As others have said its a little tricky to find. It was a cute little shop but I waited about 10 minutes to even be greeted. There was one couple ahead of me and they only ordered one drink. I waited another 10 mins to order. The lady there seemed very distracted and frazzled, she kept saying she was having issues with the computer and it looked like she was guessing prices (they don’t have them listed anywhere on their menu board). I finally ordered my hot tea and she said a small tea was $ 3 (which was the same amount as the lady ahead of me who ordered some type of frilly coffee drink) I’ve been to several small coffee shops and I think that is a little over priced. She asked if I wanted room in my tea for cream and I told her no, when she gave me the tea, it was about ¾ of the way full. I’m guessing her lack of attention was because she was frustrated with the computer but I typically like going to small places because they are more focused on customer service and I like supporting local businesses. I wasn’t impressed with my visit here.

My husband and I came for some afternoon coffee. We were in the mood for a local coffee shop and were excited to try this place out. I vaguely remember coming here about 7 – 8 years ago, but I believe it was at a different location a couple of streets down.
As others have mentioned, the little coffee shop can be difficult to find tucked away in the alley, but I suppose that is part of its charm. I was surprised at how small the space is, but they make the most of it. I read that they occasionally have music or poetry nights. I am interested to see how that works in that space.
My husband and I both ordered cappuccinos. A lady who I believe to be the owner rang us up and she was incredibly friendly and made us feel welcome. She asked if I wanted cinnamon on my cappuccino, which I have never been asked before. I tried it and it was a nice little extra. We also ordered a pumpkin muffin.
They do take their time making the drinks, but I did not mind. We had the time and are always willing to wait for something good. The drinks were average. I like for my cappuccinos to be very hot and this was just warm. Not a huge deal. My husband loved his though! I do want to come back and try a different drink, as I’ve been reading that their chai is over the moon and then some.
I do see on Unilocal that they are only open to 4pm, but I do believe these hours may be seasonal. I am certain they are open later especially during Glendale Glitters. I will be interested to try it again when they have live music.

I was astonished to find that what looked from the outside like a literal hole in the wall joint was funkily quaint, even charming, on the inside, boasted its own free wifi access, and served me perhaps the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.
No, really, the best coffee ever. And served by a lovely, petite and helpful lady barrista.

This is a great locally owned coffee shop. The coffee and desserts are great. I haven’t tried the other drinks yet, but I am sure that they are great as well. They prepare each drink as you order it.
Very nice and quiet as well and with a good amount of seating.

This place is too cute! Exactly what you would want for a local coffee/​tea place. Check in for Unilocal offer and look for the sign because it’s off to the side on a side street

Great little local coffee shop, with plenty of places to curl up. They are tucked into a back alleyway, but with plenty of signs to help you find them. Service was friendly and the cashier apologized several times (it was her first day). Their frappes taste like a milkshake (which was what I wanted), and I’m not sure if there was actually any coffee in it. They get their coffee beans from Xanadu, which is awesome since they are a local roaster as well.
We love supporting local coffee shops and this one is within biking distance of our house, so we’ll definitely be back.