Cafe Java

I used to get amazing breakfast sandwiches here 2 years ago and after reading Unilocal lunch reviews I thought I’d give lunch a try. The definition of the 2-​star rating pretty much says it – Meh – but after writing out my review I’m changing it to a 1-​star because I don’t intend to go back for lunch, ever. I ordered the special: Farmhouse wrap: chicken cutlet, bacon, apples, bleu cheese, peppercorn ranch, greens. First, for $ 10.10, it was too small, and for that price I’d expect something like chips on the side but all I got was a half-​sour spear and I hate half-​sours. It came grilled, which was an unwelcome surprise (I ordered a wrap, not a panini). I didn’t taste any apple until well into the second half and when I looked at the piece of apple it was dark brown. Maybe it turned brown from the heating; another reason not to grill a wrap. The greens were almost nonexistent; there was a single-​leaf layer, that was, of course, wilted from the heating. I’d guess that they put maybe four separate leaves in this $ 10 wrap. Very disappointed.

Not a lot of great selection for a quick bite around here. Pleasant interaction, amazing salad! Love the toasted bread on the side!

I’m a newly new haven-​er. So one if my objective is to eat all the new food I can. My obsession are cafes .
The staff is so nice and they really give you 100 percent. I used a Unilocal offer of free coffee with a first check it and with a egg cheese and bacon on a roll. Who ever is whipping up the bacon is a bacon guru or something ! One of the best sandwiches I ever had .
It’s right on elm and orange and the cafes and deli down the street are good but so far this is my new best.

This place makes the entire block smell like delicious bacon all morning. The chicken cutlets are basically like crack they are so good (and in/​on whatever you order). The staff is super nice which is just the icing on the cake. Also their specials are always delicious.

This place is much more than a coffee shop. The daily specials are always creative and sell out quick so if you want one, you need to get there before 1pm. I really Like the mista salad which has almonds and blue cheese and a house made creamy balsamic dressing. The also have delicious Bacon, egg & cheese breakfast sandwich in the morning which comes on a Portuguese roll.

Since Bruce arrived the customer service here has been nothing short of spectacular. I’m not a fan of everything Marshall puts together, but I have to commend him on his creativity. Over the last few months this place has really turned around.

I have enjoyed 2 or 3 great lunches here! I love their salads — lots of options and they have a very creative menu. You can eat in or take out — both options were great. The people behind the counter are very nicer, never rude. From the outside this place doesn’t look like much but you will enjoy a great lunch once inside!

So here we go. I dont drink coffee.
You: «Why are you reviewing a coffee shop»
Me: Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
So here we go this place is inexpensive and tasty. They have an array of coffee and teas and all the combos (lattes and mochashabalabadingdong) or whatever you people drink. I have had a bunch of their teas and a few tea lattes. Quiet nice
They change with the seasons bringing seasonal spices into the mix as the seasons change.
Salads are actually really filling and tasty always have fresh mixed greens and fresh chicken. Some of the salads have caramelized nuts too… wow.
There Sandwiches are always good. Its always good. Never bad never amazing but always good. I feel like they always have fresh meat and never overcrowd a sandwich with toppings or sauces. (Breakfast sanwiches are pretty awesome too)
There soups are good as well always consistent. Im a huge chicken noodle man myself.
If you are nearby its a good stop. Lucky for me my office is 2 suites down!

Updating. I have visited numerous times since my last review and the food remains consistently fantastic. I can now also attest to the delectableness of their unsweetened, fresh-​brewed iced tea (always served with multiple lemon wedges).
But my main point in updating is to let the world know that they now take credit/​debit. And, since that was the only reason I was withholding the fifth star last time I reviewed, I no longer withhold it.
Five stars without a doubt.

still going strong. since my last review i’ve become a big fan of their salads, which are surprisingly good. the mista and bosco in particular are great combinations of flavors and a decent deal at $ 7.75 including chicken or turkey.

Very good coffee, great salads and sandwiches and the kicker is the $ 5 sandwich for lunch, which has limited options, but does the trick. This is really a hidden gem and I’ve walked by this place for almost a year on my way to work until I finally checked it out for lunch or that 3:30p shot of caffeine to make it to the end of the day.