Java Surf Cafe & Espresso Bar

Excellent service, very cool décor without being over done, definitely better than Bean There which was what was there before Java Surf.

Great place for coffee and bite to eat. Have not been disappointed. Friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Cute establishment, fair food and slower than molasses in February! The place was empty and yet it took over forty minutes to receive our food. Ugh.

I only visited this place as Bean There Café a few times and every time I had rude servers. Nothing overt, just unfriendly and making me feel as though I didn’t belong there. I just visited it as Java Surf for the first time and it was a much better experience.
The price for my iced latte was around the same as Starbucks. They were quick and provided a loyalty punch card (buy 7 coffee or espresso drinks and get the 8^th free). I always thought it was strange that Bean There didn’t offer one. They need it to compete with Starbucks.
My drinks taste as expected, the server was friendly and the place was clean.
My only criticism that it was set up so much like a restaurant that ordering coffee was slightly awkward. They need a coffee menu up on the wall and a separate counter to deliver prepared drinks on, other than the one with barstools which could fill up.
Despite that I’d definitely come more often, especially now that Starbucks has moved a little further away. I’m looking forward to trying their lunch/​breakfast options, as well.

I used to love this place when it was Bean There. I can say my attitude has changed about the place since changing to Java Surf. I’m not really sure of the look they’re going for. They have taken away all of the little nik naks that made it original. The walls look like they were painted by a 5 year old. They didn’t even blend and it shows. They took away the book shelf that had an awesome concept of a «take a book leave a book» sort of thing. They also used to carry games which was so much fun when visiting with a friend. The place just looks vacant and in the process of closing. Also, every barista that I actually liked has either quit or has been let go one by one. I’m not sure of all the details but I know that I miss the old crew. They were enjoyable and great company.
They now have one size for everything which is okay I guess. They’ve changed all the names for their specialty drinks and it’s very confusing for people who have been coming here for a while. There’s no consistency in the drinks either. One day I’ll go in for a cappuccino and the next day I’ll order the exact same thing and receive a totally different drink. Also, I believe that they’ve changed their beans. Not very fond of the new stuff.
They have also new food that they have brought on to the menu. I’ve ordered twice and let’s just say that they have no idea what seasoning is. I mean that food is bland. Both times the food was still cool in the middle, but I ate it because I was starving. Also, they’ve started the whole «full service» mumbo jumbo. These people are highly lacking in the customer service area. They’re very short and rude. If you’re going to do full service, at least hire people with personality. My advice: stop trying to be a restaurant. Your food and service sucks.
All in all, this establishment has drastically plummeted and will not be receiving any more business from me. Don’t even waste your time and money going here. These guys have no idea how to run a business, they’re inconsistent, and just plain out rude. There are so many places that you can go to instead to get what you want.

I’ve frequented this awesome lil shop since November and have yet to be let down! While the different baristas do have slightly different ways of doing standard coffees they are always incredible. The food is a nice touch and isn’t over the top. The desserts — Wilfred Brimley would certainly comment on some but my god they’re delicious!
I love the lounge feel of this shop as there are comfy couches and chairs — something I look for in good coffee shops. A few outside tables and huge windows afford you a great chance to people watch. Their music is a good mix from old jazz to EDM so you can soothe your soul whilst sinking in a couch and sipping your favorite cup of joe.
Overall, THIS is THE place to go for coffee in the vicinity of MacArthur. Go local and swing in here! Support local businesses!

Formerly known as Bean There Café. The owner just recently changed the name of the place and its basically under new management.
This was one of my favourite spots in the area. I love coming here when I needed a space to chill and study. I gotta say that I still like the old interior because it was more relaxing and calm down. I miss the hanging artwork and displayed paintings all over the premises. I still love the vibe and ambience of the previous management, its more visually appealing. I didn’t realized until last week that they had changed the name of the place. In fact, I’ve been here few times since the management change.
On the positive note, I’m glad that this place still exists. I think its a great location for students and professionals to hang out and pass time. Truthfully, this place looks very literal. I’m missing the coffee shop vibes. I must commend the cleanliness and orderliness of the entire premises. Though I love the aqua or tale blue paint but the entire place looks bare. Also, I like that the serve breakfast and lunch all day. Its not the greatest menu but enough to filled your hungry stomach.
On my recent visit, I ordered the trail panini filled with chicken, bacon, avocado with a side of chips. I like to pair it up with hot chocolate. The wraps panini alone was average though the flavor was there. Compare to the other coffee around the area, this place served hot food.
I will definitely come back.

Love this spot and happy to see Java Surf moving into Norfolk. The ambience is comfortable, bright, and warm. A very inviting space to sit and enjoy all of their delicious offerings: coffee, pastries, sandwiches, etc. Their signature lattes set them apart from other coffee spots in the area. Can’t wait to see this place after all the renovations!

Really cute little coffee shop! Looks like they’re undergoing some remodeling inside, but I see a lot of potential for nice décor. Their menu has a lot of flavor and coffee style variety, at a good price! Cheaper than Starbucks and seems to be of equal or better quality. Several different brew choices for black coffee are offered as well. Lots of pastry/​sweet choices to go along with your drink!

After walking through a blowing snow storm from my hotel on the other side of the downtown I arrived to find they had closed over an hour earlier then there posted operating times. Very unprofessional!

This is one of the more difficult reviews I’ve written. Overall, I am very positive about this spot.
It has a great vibe and the staff is terrific.
My three stars are based soles on my first visit and what I observed in this visit. It would be very easy to move my rating up a notch after a return trip.
This is an eclectic spot with comfy couches and chairs in a wide-​open well lit spot. It has a slightly urban feel but it is also hip.
On this visit I had a mocha and a self-​created breakfast sandwich. That’s why I gave them only three stars. The staff were trying but the broiler wasn’t working so none of the melts on the menu were available.
I also noticed as I relaxed on the couch that some of the coffee and tea choices on the menu were not available when customers tried to order.
To finish my meal I had a delicious apple crumb cake. It was incredible.
Overall, I can see me coming back again. I’d recommend this spot in a second.

This is a cute coffeeshop in a great location. I thought the interior could use a bit of sprucing up, the ombré paint wasn’t really my thing. I liked sitting by the window being able to enjoy my drink while watching the foot traffic. I liked their table and couch setups. I had really been craving an Earl Grey Latte, but unfortunately they were all out of all black teas. That was disappointing to me, since that is what I had in mind, and tea should be a pretty important part of the menu. They suggested Roobios which I ended up going with. It was okay, just not what I was in the mood for. I would definitely go back though if I am in the area again.

Slow service, server was seems like she was either hung over or very angry of being working that particular day. It wouldn’t have been that bad if she wouldn’t have complaint about my son using the bathroom, because the bathroom was for customers. I guess my son (10 y/​o) needed to buy some coffee to be able to use the bathroom… Idiot!

Awesome, awesome coffee shop! I was lucky enough to find this gem on day one of my work trip in Norfolk. They have excellent coffee and one of the best breakfast sandwiches i have ever had. Best part, on day two I was remembered and addressed by name. Service doesn’t get much better than that!