Pine Valley Java

I have had coffee here many times but the quality and taste is hit and miss, I don’t know if it’s the water, obscure coffee brands or the equipment isn’t cleaned regularly but something is definitely wrong. Owners, please look into this, maybe sample a cup occasionally. Nice people and good customer service though.

This place is a charm. It’s tiny, heart warming and the coffee is smooth and delightful. This was a welcomed surprise to a long ride to the beach.
We were delighted.

I’ve got to disagree with the previous reviewer. I’ve been to Pine Valley Java a few times on the drive between San Diego and Arizona. The barrista (who was a guy — probably 25 — 30 years old?) was excellent… I normally get a latte and it was perfect… I’ve never dealt with a woman there so maybe it just depends on who’s working. The latte was the perfect temperature, not bitter, milk was perfectly frothed…

This is one of those places which leave me with one burning question: How the hell do they stay in business?!
After a night of remote camping in the Lagunas, we were left craving hot coffee, as current fire hazard levels dictated no stoves outside of campgrounds. I had seen the sign for Pine Valley Java along the 8, so we made a beeline down the Sunrise Highway and then along Old Highway 80.
The front door was locked. What the hell? It’s 10 am on Sunday! Just them the barrista… um no… the coffee clerk? Ok yes, the clerk. The clerk came around the corner. I think she may have been in the bathroom? I don’t know, as she didn’t say a word. She just grunted us out of the way, unlocked the door, and went in. My wife ordered an Au Lait and the clerk set to work. Now i know that Starbucks has ruined the coffee vocabulary for an entire generation, and they call an Au Lait something else (Friggolio? Miata? La Puente? i dunno), but when the clerk started making espresso, and then scooped out some other stuff into the cup, my wife had to speak up. «Um, how are you making that?» The clerk mumbled, «mummble espresso mumbel mummble mexican chocolate mumble». «Oh, that’s not what i ordered, but it sounds good. ok». No response from the clerk. I ordered a double Americano. I don’t know why i order Americanos. Only about 1 in 10 times are they any good. I should have just gone with coffee. I think the term ‘double’ confused the clerk, as she pointed at the medium cup and grunted. «Um, can i have the small size instead?», i asked. My americano then appeared in front of me in 5 seconds. I don’t know where the espresso came from. Maybe it was left over from my wife’s Au Lait?
We got in the car, drove off, and i tasted my coffee. It was the worst thing i have tasted in my life. First off, it was a single shot, so it was watery. All i could taste was Pine Valley water, which, contrary to what you may think, what with them being in the mountains and all, tastes like ass. Well water? I dunno. But if you had a business which depended on making water-​based beverages, wouldn’t you consider using some spring water or something?
Yes, this review is rambling and way too long. I was just so annoyed at spending over $ 5 for awful coffee from someone who obviously could not care less.
Crap service. Crap coffee. AVOID.
(this place is right next to Major’s Diner, which probably has traditional bad diner coffee, but at least you would know what you are getting into, at about half the price)