Port City Java

This is always a stop for me when visiting the port city of Wilmington! In addition to great coffee selections they also have the most refreshing apricot iced tea. It is my personal favorite all year long. In addition this is a great community partner who I have seen be supportive of UNCW athletics and other worthy community causes.

Never have I ever been disappointed at a Port City Java. Daily visits. Love it! Would recommend to anyone mm

Really need to update my review! After the last bad experience I posted about the manger contacted me to give a refund and assure me it wouldn’t happen again. I’ve been back about five times since and my order has been correct every time. Yes the drive through line is long but the service is pleasant and it’s my first choice for a quick breakfast.

I love PCJs for chain coffee shops. I especially love that it is comparable to Star Bucks without so much of the chemically taste. (Yeah, I know there’s still a ton of sugar.) They have decent wraps that are super quick to pick up. Shakes are awesome and so are their standard café drinks. It’s not a snob-​shop. But its what StarBucks should be. The only thing that drives me nuts about these places is there’s not enough of a push to reduce the disposables and rest assured, disposable beverage containers of all kinds are stopping up the storm drains and roadways… and local shops need to step up and do their part. KeepCups, PCJ! Keepcups! Or at least, provide incentive for people to bring their own cups.
(And when you’re done with that move out to Sneads Ferry. We really need a LOCAL coffee shop and yours is the happy middle ground where we can all caff’ out.

I’ve worked as a barista and so, although I certainly wouldn’t call myself an expert, I know something about coffee. Therefore, when I tried my almond milk salted caramel latte I immediately asked for another one. The young man working the register, who was quite friendly, suggested I try it without using the almond milk (something about their almond milk being «pasty»). In the spirit of being a good sport, I did. No improvement. Their espresso is just waaay too bitter. At least the wifi was good.

Compared to most coffee shops, I hardly EVER have my drinks messed up here and they always taste good

I swear, if Charlotte had a Port City Java, I’d give up my wicked Starbucks ways. Stopped in for breakfast sandwiches and coffee on our way out of town. Their pumpkin spice latte rivaled Statbucks’. Where they really excelled though was the food selection. I had bacon, egg and cheese on an Asiago bagel. It was SO good! I’m never going to be able to eat one of those hard, dry Starbucks English muffins again knowing Port City Java breakfast sandwiches exist in this world.
Barristers and cashiers were all super friendly and helpful to this out of towner that asked stupid questions like, «Can I have your breakfast sandwich on a bagel?»
Anywho, off to investigate franchising options…

Not every coffee place is the same and not every Port City Java is the same. However, I do believe you won’t get a bad cup of coffee at any location and surely not here.

This was my first Port City Java experience, we stopped in while staying the night in Wilmington this weekend. I got a Latte and an egg bacon and cheese sandwich. I have to say, as soon as I was handed my Latte I was disappointed, it looked muddy, rather than light and foamy. The foam on top which I expect to be white and light was thin and brown. Dang. My boyfriend’s black coffee was strong and bitter. The place is cute though and the service friendly. I might as well say it, the breakfast sammy was alittle flat and greasy as well. SO, sorry PCJ, maybe I’ll try it again next time I’m in the area and do better.

Way better coffee than Starbucks. Must go if you are in town. Not fancy décor but cozy. Price is very reasonable for what you get. Their smoothie is using real fruit. So why hesitate?

Awesome coffee and bagels! I will support Port City Java before Starbucks! I got the Black and Tan coffee, I highly recommend it. Also it’s a nice place to hangout with friends and catch up.

Just moved into Wilmington and this shop is in my building. LOVE it. I’m not a hug Starbucks fan so I was stoked when I saw an alternative. The atmosphere was laid back and relaxed. Plenty of seating and nice bathrooms (locked and you have to ask for the code). Coffee is strong and full bodied. My favorite!
The menu also includes a lot of non-​coffee drinks for a nice variety. I also tried to green wave smoothie. It was delicious!

This is my fav location. It’s within walking distance to my house, it’s open till 10p and there’s a pretty sweet bar across the parking lot. Get juiced up before you get juiced up. The staff is very friendly and the fireplace is cozy. Enjoy the French press for 2 under $ 5. Yum!

Good coffee, yummy muffins but service was a bit slower than expected.

I live here, the team of baristas/​os, are a delightful team. They are beyond helpful and knowledgeable and the culture of those of us regulars and visitors is one that always brings you back…

OH, PCJ how I’ve missed you! Living in Wilmington, NC for 4 years, we became very spoiled with great coffee! Every day brings a new single origin, flavored, and decaf option at every location. Our favorite was the Monkey Junction location, however, we didn’t get a chance to visit… so, hi Ken and ladies!
I bought a bag of beans to bring home and have thoroughly enjoyed them this week. Please open more locations in the Midwest!

Delicious and excellent locally roasted coffee. Several options for a daily blend. The menu is inviting but not overwhelming. The steak and egg wrap was a little on the small side but certainly quite tasty.
The local art is also a lovely aesthetic touch!

Port City Java, I learned, is quite the NC staple. It’s a pleasant alternative to Starbucks, when I just don’t feel like ordering yet ANOTHER coffee light frappuccino. In fact, visiting Port City has become a beach vacay tradition of mine because I come every time I’m in the Wilmington area. I will say one thing: I wouldn’t recommend their breakfast sandwiches at this location. I did, however, try a sausage breakfast sandwich at a downtown Wilmington location that was quite delicious. Their coffees though, especially the vanilla latte, are yum-​tastic!
I also love the ambiance in here. They have art hanging on the walls that I’m pretty sure you can purchase. Maybe they’re painted by local artists? Not sure. But I love seeing that in local businesses. If I was still a student, I would study here. I miss my endless studying-​on-​my-​computer-​in-​a-​coffee-​house days… and those would have been extra awesome if I had a Port City Java back in my hometown to study in!

This is one of their better locations, but the coffee is just not that good. Honestly I prefer Starbucks or even McDonald’s coffee over PCJ. But I give them an E for effort… The patio is nice but you have to beware of some slightly deranged and overly friendly regulars who might pester you. Welcome to Wilmington…

I’ve been a PCJ fan for years and now that I don’t live in the area anymore I make it a point to stop in at least once a day when I visit. Their mocha shakes are superlative, and I’ve not found a place before or since that does them quite the same. Their regular coffee, pastries, and sandwiches (select locations) are also solid choices. It’s a nice detail that all locations use their walls as gallery space for local artists.