Location, location, location. If Java Jive weren't in such a convenient location, I'd never go there. The coffee is ok, as long as you order brewed coffee or something simple, like a cappuccino. Don't order a flavored coffee. The staff doesn't know how much syrup to put in, and about half the time puts in the wrong flavor. The staff, ahh ... they are the best part of Java Jive. The kids are really pleasant and nice and seem genuinely happy to be there. The seating is dirty, uncomfortable, and hard to come by. If you go, go on a nice day and sit outside. Java Jive has a great location with lots of outdoor seating and a view of the woods. I agree with a lot of what "ann h." says in her review from 6/11/2010. I'm surprised she rated the place 3 stars, because she sounds as disappointed with it as I am. read more

Decent coffee. They use fair-trade coffee: Larry's cool beans which alone makes it worth your patronage. In my experiences with this location, the employees have been for the most part, outstanding, but at other times, not so much. At times I've seen them spend time talking to friends or other customers while ignoring the current customer. All the time -- from taking the order, the money, ringing the person up, and giving change back, he or she is talking to another customer ahead or behind the one being waited on. Bad manners. But, when the employees are "on" they are really "on". That's been the norm in my experiences. And that makes the coffee taste even better. read more

The few times I've been, they are have not been open on time. I have had to wait over 10-15 mins when they are supposed to officially open. Other customers end up leaving too. Their frapps are overly sweet and barely any pastries to choose from. Taking business elsewhere. read more

Yes! Very happy to have found a good coffee place! Coming here from Seattle - the land of (so much!) coffee - it's been tough finding something that isn't just super sweetened or 'empty' feeling (yes, I've become somewhat of a coffee snob). This spot, though, HOORAY! Their coffee actually tastes like coffee, and they can make all those specialty coffees no problem too. Whew! I was worried I would be stuck brewing my own stuff at the house permanently...but, now there's a spot I can go for a treat! The coffee is fair trade and all that jazz, but really when you see that advertised it means the people care about the coffee and will hopefully be able to make a decent beverage. They CAN and DO that here! The service was friendly too...so all positive. My husband's favorite is a cold Americano, and he commented that they seem to do a cold brew here because it wasn't a lukewarm, watered-down mess! Score! We'll definitely be back...maybe try a few other creations, or just make sure they've got our favorites down! ;) read more

This was my second visit. I won't be going back. The cashier is NOT friendly or helpful at all. When we asked her if a pastry had cinnamon she said "I have no idea." And blankly stared at us. I asked her if she could find out and she seemed annoyed. She managed to ask someone else who was also not sure what was in the apple pastry. So we got one and pointed to another one and ordered 2 hot teas. The cashier was unwilling to walk them back to us and seems like she hates her job. I don't go go Coffee shops much, but after spending 11.00 on this place, I won't ever go back. The pastries tasted about 3 days old. We could not even eat them at all. The tea water was boiling hot. It was not a great experience. The good thing about the place is the atmosphere and it's decorated nicely. No one goes into a small, neighborhood coffee shop expecting to be treated poorly. There is too much other competition in the area. read more

Coffee is awesome! Staff is nice! The inside is clean and inviting. Keep up they great work!

This place is so wholesome and amazing. You can tell the owner cares for his customers just from the way he treats us and talks to us. Verryyy cute on the inside as well. Nice quiet place to study and I will for sure come back soon! read more

I had lost my wallet downtown Raleigh this weekend. One of Java Jives staff members found it. She contacted me to let me know she had it and I could pick it up at the coffee shoppe. I had only been to Java Jive once before as its not close to where I live. It's a great little place and the staff was very kind. For a Good Samaritan to find a wallet and return it proves there are good honest people out there. Before I left, I had to order something. I got a Chai Tea latte and they gave it to me on the house. A situation where I should be paying them for my great-fullness and they in turn truly made my day. The Chai was also, perfectly made. :) Thank you! read more

Offering Larry's Beans, the coffee is local and my husband gives it an A+. He is a traditionalist (when it comes to coffee)....aka, he drinks it black, so I can't comment on milk, creamer, sugar, etc. Neither of us are much into the Lattes, Frappes, Cappuccino, and whatever other crazy, coffee concoctions are out there, so you will have to rate those on your own. Quite frankly, I'm not a coffee drinker at all, so I sipped on a Hot Chocolate....underwhelmed. I love Hot Chocolate, but this tasted worse than grocery store powder mixed with water. The whole local vibe is pretty cool, but I'm not sure I completely grasped the concept. From pottery, to CDs to homemade jewelry, it kinda reminded me of a flea market....not my ideal place to buy quality coffee (or hot chocolate). I maintain though, that my husband would have given them a much better review. Sorry, you just can't mess with a girl and her chocolate. I'm always willing to give a second chance though, so next time I'll order a hot tea (they offer several varieties) and a giant chocolate chip cookie. I mean, you can't mess up a cookie, right? read more

This place is a little out of the way if you're not often in the southern portion of Cary. It's nestled in a strip mall near the country club. I stopped in here to grab a coffee on my way to drop off my dog at the vet. The fact that this is a locally owned coffee shop is great. They definitely play up that vibe with the decor and ambience. I had a kid -- maybe 16 or so? --taking my order, so if you're expecting a fancy coffee pro you might be disappointed. For me that just made it seem even more like a local place, which is great. For the time I stopped in (maybe 8:30 am on a weekday) I would have expected a lot more people. It was pretty dead, with maybe the owner and what seemed to be his buddy hanging out there. As much as I liked some of the local decor, it was pretty mismatched and a bit run down seeming. I didn't get "hipster run down" vibe here, more like "I don't want to pay for furniture so I got it on Craigslist" vibe -- maybe not quite that bad but you get the idea. I don't think I'd want to hang out inside for a long time, though the patio seemed really nice. Overall the coffee was good. It didn't slap me in the face like Starbucks, but it wasn't super bland "most people add sugar" type coffee either. For some reason the cups make a difference to me, and these were the styrofoam kinda plastic ones that just don't make you feel like the coffee will be great. Psychological, I know, but little things are what make good coffee shops. I wanted to like this place more than I did. I would stop here again on my way by, but I won't be making any special trips either. read more

Had the pleasure of stopping in to Java Jive while walking from my Dad's place in Lochmere. Coffee and snacks were great. Staff were friendly and made us feel at home. We liked it so much that we stopped in again a couple of days later. Ottawa, Canada read more

Really cute local place with friendly barista. She happily answered all of our questions and made delicious drinks. I enjoyed a white mocha while my husband ordered a hot chocolate. So happy we found this cute place 5 minutes from our house. read more

This is my Friday coffee stop and I love the service I get!! The owner is very nice and open to new ideas, she even customized an Americano drink for me that's my immediate go to order!! The employees are nice but it takes some coaching when I have to explain a custom drink choice. I love all the little local goodies in the shop too!! Cash is best here and they do ask for purchases to be over $5 due to high credit card fees; I'm perfectly alright with that because I know how much those fees are per transaction. It's nice to have a local coffee shop with a local Fair Trade coffee company as a supplier. I'll continue to support this establishment, they make my Friday mornings happy!!! read more

Spotted Java Jive from the sidewalk while on a run to scope out running paths around the area and decided to give it a try. The decor/furniture is eclectic yet very warm and inviting, like a local coffee-shop should be. I ordered a grande Thai iced coffee (even though it was freezing cold, I wanted it anyway!). It was delicious and consumed within minutes. The place is locally owned and the owner very nice - the aroma of baked goods from the back was tempting but I'd just finished lunch. The place also serves gluten-free baked goods which I look forward to trying upon my return. Great service, great products - highly recommended and hope to see this place get more business. read more

A run/walk group I've joined meets near here on Sunday mornings, and I've enjoyed frappes and fruit here afterward. Inside seating is limited, but cozy. Outdoor seating is plentiful. Staff is nice and knowledgeable. read more

This Java Jive is more conveniently located than it's sister location on North Harrison Avenue, and accordingly draws more business and has a more extensive layout. There are numerous chairs, tables, and comfortable couches for your sitting pleasure. I've never found the seating accommodations to be dirty or uncomfortable as mentioned in other reviews, though I do agree it's worthwhile to take advantage of the abundant outdoor seating offered at this location. Although the outdoor seating is indeed in a small shopping complex, it's a pretty nice complex with a big water fountain and surrounding woods/golf course. There are definitely less scenic spots in this world! The coffee is quite good (Larry's Beans--you gotta love local fair trade!) and the menu is quite extensive with flavored coffees, teas, iced/frozen drinks, and baked goods. Yes, the staff is seemingly largely composed of high-schoolers but what's wrong with that? I've never had anything less than friendly interactions with any of the baristas. Interestingly, whereas the North Harrison Java Jive seems to foster more of a tribal/hippie type of vibe, this location seems to be going for more of a boutique vibe as they sell art, jewelry, CDs, pottery, and other locally produced items. Overall, Java Jive is a very solid cafe with a lot more character than a large chain like Starbucks could produce. Plus they are seemingly all about supporting local businesses which is a major plus! Now if only they stayed open later... read more

Went in to get a latte and walked right out after I saw a sign that said they don't accept credit cards for purchases under $5. I'm all for supporting local coffee shops but why buy a latte + something you don't need just so you can use your credit card? I understand they get charged a fee for credit card transactions but if they're gonna fret for a few cents then I'd rather spend my money somewhere else. read more

Great ownership. Hospitable environment. Great cup of coffee. Love this little locally-owned coffee shop. In an area surrounded by all the big names in coffee, it's nice to be able to step inside a coffee shop where you feel like you can really get to know people. I regularly have meaningful conversations with both regulars and complete strangers. Java Jive is not just about the coffee and the baking, it's a place to chill and get to know folks. read more

Under new management Java Jive has created a clean comfortable atmosphere. The right size place for a quiet conversation and coffee.

Amazing coffeehouse! Very cute and a nice place to get some work done. I recommend the Iced Thai Coffee - amazing.

This is what a latte should taste like! No burnt milk flavor or crappy tasting espresso; if that's your jam then head over to the place that rhymes with shmarshmucks. read more

Good place, love the environment! Beautiful shop & super chill. Only thing is that the drinks I have ordered seemed to taste different every time I order. Overall wonderful place though, would recommend! read more

Awkward coffee shop with OK coffee. Don't really have much to say about this place, besides how eager I was to get out of here. Just not feelin' it. read more

This is the "Cheers" of coffee shops, where everybody knows your name. I am a regular and Mike has my order down to a T. He knows and remembers my name, along with many other regulars. Their coffee is great and the pastries are very good. Ownership has recently passed to Cheri and she is doing a great job lightening up the mood in the coffee shop. She's a hands on owner and is usually the barista. When the weather is nice, the outdoor seating is perfect. read more

Five stars is not enough for this little coffee shop it's what I like to call Cary's hidden little Gem! As soon as you walk in Iris the new manager and her husband Craig welcomes you ...with a great selection of coffees made by the best baristas in town! The Tea selections are amazing... my favorite is the Blooming Tea... If you live in Cary or just passing through it's must to stop in for your favorite tea or coffee... read more

So this place is so cute and aesthetically pleasing but something that has made me uncomfortable is the fact that the women working here keep coming to where I'm sitting (it's on the deep end of the cafe, where they can't see from the counter) and "repositioning" the same chair... three times now. It's an obvious excuse to check up on me and it's so unnecessary. What am I gonna steal? The coffee I already bought? read more

I love Java Jive, great coffee, could use some additional outdoor seating though. The staff is always friendly and quick. My only complaint is that the place shuts up too early (typical Cary). Would be so nice to have a coffee place to go with a friend after 9pm! read more

Do not buy a gift card and expect to use it at another Java Jive- even though the logo and name is exactly the same! It is not made clear at the time of purchase. We have tried four different times in the past year to redeem a card given to us. Owner Sherry Reed was unsympathetic and unwilling to see the customer's perspective. read more

The smoothies are amazing especially the mango madness smoothie. The pastries are really good to the coffee cake and coffee cake muffins are the best. The new owners Craig and Iris are extremely nice and friendly and make u feel welcome. Great place to get some work done too. Great prices and great coffee and an overall great coffee shop. read more

Very good coffee. Good place to meet friends or clients.

Coffee is better than SB. No bitter or over powering taste. Unbelievable homemade pastries.

It's a cute place in a nice location, but the staff is often just a bunch of high school kids who chat among themselves when they should be more attentive to waiting customers. This has happened several times to me on weekday afternoons there. It's very unprofessional. Also, I've been overcharged by several dollars on at least one occasion. I've never found the coffee to be anywhere near as good as Starbucks. (It often has a slight burned taste to it.) I don't know if I will go back. I've given it a few tries. read more

This is my favorite coffee shop in Cary for one main reason- their milky way frappe- it is amazing! Definitely one of the best blended coffee drinks I've ever had. They also have some nice seating both inside and out and I like that they have jewelry, etc. from local artists on display and for sale. The only downside is their hours, they close pretty early, which can be a bummer. :( read more

Tried to order a regular coffee at noon and the barista said she had just dumped out the coffee pot and we would have to order a specialty coffee drink. She did not offer to make any more regular coffee for me, my friend, or for the man in line behind me. What kind of coffee shops refuses to make coffee? read more

What a cute and charming coffee corner. Larry's Beans....well OK, but this place is one of the only signs of intelligent life in Cary.

I much prefer to patronize local coffee shops instead of the chains, but will probably choose the Starbucks up the road going forward. Practically every time I've been in here the barista/owner? acts like its a big imposition to wait on you. It isn't that hard to wish someone a good day or say that you hope they enjoy the beverage. And certainly a smile isn't too much to ask. read more

I will not be returning to this Java Jive. I walked in to meet a friend who works at Wake Tech and ordered a large coffee which costs $4.25, which was poured promptly. When informed of the price, I let the lady at the register know that I only had a credit card to pay with. She told me that she couldn't process a credit card payment less that $5. I had just eaten lunch and told her that all I had was a credit card again, to which she rudely replied that she couldn't accept that. I thanked her for her time and walked out. She wasn't apologetic or kind about any of it. Additionally, if they are trying to grow their customer base then they should accept debit/credit card purchases of any amount. read more

Awesome atmosphere and watched my breakfast sandwich being made!!!! Real food smoothies not from syrup....I am in love with this place.

Good breakfast sandwich. Friendly barista. Larry's Coffee are good beans. But the espresso drinks are not good, at least not today. Tried two iced ones with whole milk, and both times it tastes bitter, thin. I did what I hate to do: asked them to remake it, which they kindly did. On the remake I asked for less milk so I could fill up with half and half, and still pretty thin/bitter in taste. I've had much better luck with Larry's Coffee espresso at home on a fairly entry-level espresso machine (Gaggia New Baby, if you're curious!). The one power outlet thing stinks. I understand not wanting laptop campers like myself, though. read more

Been here several times. The unique coffee drinks are delicious and definitely don't disappoint the customer. The service is wonderful. The staff is pleasant, helpful, and patient. The food selections aren't quite ample enough compared to other coffee houses, but the drinks are made with care and taste better here than the typical places (Dunkin Donuts, etc). It's a locally owned place, and the owner seems to take pride in the store. The seating is comfortable, but I wish there was more. So glad to have this little gem in Cary. read more