If it weren't for the terrible service I would rank this much higher. I ordered a Chai freeze. The girl who made it, mumbled it was ready. When I went to pick it up, she dumped the freeze into the cup, over filling the cup. It flowed down the cup and all over the counter. She looked at it and rudely turned around and walked away. I had the ask the gentleman if he could pour some out-it would have spilled on the counter, on me, the floor and all over the table had he not "cleaned" it up and poured some off. He was very polite and took care of it. It was delicious but what an attitude! I think she was sitting next to me when the gentleman behind the counter called her off her break to make the drink. I would not return here read more

This place is very low key. They have the best iced mocha with triple shots and home-made (or is it store-made?) whipped cream. Also, if you are hungry, their best sandwich is the turkey and cranberry one. It's like taking bites out of Thanksgiving! read more

Java Junction is horrible. We had to wait for 30 minutes to get our food and they forgot part of our order. We had to wait as they forgot part of our order and they had to bring it to us. We also ordered to go and they gave our order to us for there and when we told them they just gave us some cream wrap and sent us on our way. We had to walk home in the rain. I am never going to go their again and I recommend that all of you who read this review do the same. read more

Just went in this morning and got a pour over coffee. The coffee itself was fine, although It took 15 minutes, and when I went up to the counter to ask about it, I was not acknowledged. Finally I said something, and the barista Had forgotten about my drink. 5 minutes later, he moved on to the cash register, I was forgotten again. There was no apology or offer to correct the late order. The customer service skills need work. read more

I love this place!! Affordable, quick, and very quality service. The bagels, breakfast sandwiches and people are better than ANY coffee shops in the area. read more

The first time I went here was about 8 years ago. My 3 friends and I bought coffees and muffins then sat outside on their patio to eat. At one point, I had to use the restroom. I went inside the shop, went in to the restroom, sat on the pot when... the door flies open and woman says to me, "You can't use this restroom!" My reply, "I'm a customer- I was just outside with that group of women." She said, "It doesn't matter, this is not for customers!" She wedged herself in the door so I couldn't even pull my pants up in private. When I walked out I asked her, "Where is the restroom for customers?" She said, "We don't have one!" WHAT??!!! A coffee place, that serves all kinds of food and smoothies, as well, does not have a customer restroom? Good thing I only had to pee because if someone was there with a morning-coffee restroom emergency - I hate to think what that poor person would do to that place! I swore I would NEVER go there again. And held out a long time... But, I decided I'd give this place a try for a smoothie about 2 months ago. The smoothie was very expensive, took the woman 15 minutes to make (I'm not kidding.. I was watching my clock because I had another appointment coming up), and she was rude. Okay, now I'm really- NEVER GOING THERE AGAIN! I'm sticking with Jamba Juice. One improvement I noted: When I glanced over at the restroom where I had been so traumatized years earlier, I noticed they had since posted a sign - NOT FOR CUSTOMERS. read more

Great coffee place with reasonable prices. They were very pleasant and my latte was delicious! Some places present a burnt type flavor, but there espresso was smooth and tasty. I will definitely swing by again. read more

My mom ordered a créme brûlée latte with breve and I got a cherry and almond steamer and I have to say I love how smooth they both tasted! Dare I say, it's better than Starbucks! I love how the coffee here doesn't have that burnt roast taste to it! If only I didn't live 25 miles away... totally worth the drive! read more

Usually love java junction, but today the employees were standing around chatting about their work schedules and Thanksgiving plans, and the girl helping make sandwiches was absent mindedly touching her mouth without washing her hands afterwards. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger? read more

Pretty good coffee and everyone was really nice! The mocha drinks were really good but it was more of a dessert than a morning coffee. My drink was so sweet that I could only drink about half of it and it still left that ultra-sugary feeling in my mouth all day. We might go back to try less-sweet drinks, but it was more expensive than most places at $12 for two iced coffees. read more

I have a ritual and that ritual is as follows: 1. Drive to Santa Cruz 2. Go to Sabieng 3. Go down West Cliff and/or putz around downtown 4. Go to the Patagonia Outlet 5. Go to Java Junction 6. Drive home to San Francisco I love stopping at Java Junction to have a huge yummy mocha with homemade whipped cream. If you're looking for just a bit of sweet, this isn't your mocha, but if you're looking to induldge in some rich decadent goodness, this is it. read more

I get coffee here every once in a while. Pretty overpriced but it's decent and the staff is nice. I came in today for my usual drink order and decided to get a burrito too. I was on my lunch break which is only 30 mins. After I ordered, I got my coffee almost instantly which is great. Then, I patiently waited for my burrito to get heated up. I mean how long could microwaving a burrito take? After watching the two staff members chit-chat and waiting for a little under 20 mins, I noticed other customers that came after me receive their food orders. I, however, was still hungry and burrito-less. I still gave them the benefit of the doubt and waited 5 more minutes before I went up to the counter and explained to a different worker (not the cashier who took my order) my situation and got a refund no further questions asked. I was just really disappointed that, although the staff seemed nice, they prioritized gossiping over actually doing their job. Moral of the story: if you go here, just get the coffee and maybe you'll actually get your order. read more

All I had was a PB&J and a lemonade, but these guys managed to make it a memorable experience. The staff are friendly, capable, and enjoy talking about music. A nice, relaxed atmosphere that is maintained at a high professional standard without becoming strict or overbearing. Will definitely come again if I come back to Santa Cruz! read more

Great cappuccino! Great pastries! Very nice baristas who have to deal with quite a varied clientele on a regular basis. Nice patio area to sit outside. Busy shopping center but if you need a break.....go here! read more

Java Junction - Coffee scene - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Sammy or whatever his name is... by far the rudest person ever. You're giving a service and you don't have the decency to let your customer know that you're gonna walk away from the register...? He literally just walked away as I was giving him my order. By the way the line was almost out the door. It seems that when they get busy they have no idea what's going on. They mess up on orders all the time and they charge so much for their stuff, very expensive. Sadly it's the only thing close to my job.. so, what are you gonna do right? read more

So this is my new favorite coffee place. Every couple of days I go here and order the Creme Brûlée Mocha. Ok, there is no "skinny" in this drink. But it tastes SO good! I try to balance it a little bit by skipping the whipped cream and get it made with non fat milk. It's still so good even toned down. The employees are friendly and even remember your order if you become a regular. I only gave it four stars since I found that at times you order and it's not as good as others. Also the shady people who hang around tinge the happy glow a bit. But it's not the establishments fault. Coffee is awesome! Employees are awesome. Go try a specialty mocha! read more

Who needs a chain coffee shop when there is a local Java Junction? They serve sandwiches, pastries, tea, smoothies, coffee and specialty blended coffee drinks. I opted for the non fat iced mexican mocha (coffee, cinnamon, chocolate and some sort of horchata) which gave it a unique taste that was so refreshing and delicious. If I am ever in the area again will certainly stop by to have this drink again. read more

The espresso machine died just as I was ordering. Their staff was great and made everything okay for customers whose drinks were already in progress. Breakfast bagel was good, the shop was nice, and the staff was helpful. read more

Hit this place every time I go over the hill. Best coffee ever. Very fresh tasting. Love my latte. Don't be in a rush though. The employees are not in any hurry to get you in and out. read more

I used to like this place much more. The latte's are not hot enough. Ask for no foam and the cup is half full but at a full price. The manager has never cracked a smile, never says hello, and never even tries to remember your name even if you look at her every day. Other than that, it's a clean place. Hope the customer friendliness situation improves otherwise plenty of other local options. read more

This is a nice little coffee shop. They sell a variety of coffees and espresso drinks. They have some of their own creations and assorted goods like cookies. read more

OK, so I've officially decided that this location is better than the one in Seabright by my house. The staff here is always on point. When they're not assisting customers, they're busy cleaning and straightening up. They always do a great job with my coffee drinks too. read more

The coffee here is the best! We stop whenever we're in Santa Cruz. Just today we brought friends with us and they loved it too. The staff is super nice and the location is really convenient. read more

Excellent pour over coffee. Also had a toasted bagel with sundried tomato schmear. Both were excellent.

The coffee is good. The bagels r the right kind of crispy. They r now my new Saturday morning stop. Woo hoo!

Love Java Junction! Great coffee, good food, and very friendly customer service. Recommend: Monkey Business Freeze, any fresh roasted coffee (it's organic) and the veggie breakfast bagel. read more

Cute little coffee shop. It was pretty packed when I went there on a Thursday afternoon around 4PM. I ordered a green tea smoothie for myself and a tropical smoothie for my dad. The tropical smoothie was kind of bland but it had a very smooth taste. The green tea smoothie tasted like ice cream, so if you have a sweet tooth for something other than the conventional chocolate or mocha, you should definitely try it out. Restrooms require a key and are for customers only. read more

Stumbled on this place thanks to my fiancee. I drink coffee every day and need it to function. Walked in and my eyes immediately fell on their mocha specials. Saw the Reese's peanut butter cup mocha and fell in love. Came back 4 days straight just for that. The whipped cream is made fresh and this place has the feel of a typical california cofee spot. Friendly staff. read more

Went back and the customer service was...ehh a little better? Smoothies were great! This time i bought two. :)

The price for a breakfast sandwich and double cappuccino....$11. Starbucks price for a similar order $6-$7. I mean come on. Love to support smaller shops but not if it's this overcharged. My sandwich and drink were being made before I had the chance to say never mind. Then when I get my cappuccino and I'm stirring a sugar into it, I realize it's basically all foam. As I kept stirring my drink the volume of it went down atleast a third of the cup because it was just bubbly foam. I was not a fan of being charged for one thing and being given a cup of air. I also noticed the moment I walked in that they all seemed very unhappy and no thank you's for coming in or any welcome or smiling, nothing. Just did not feel like they welcomed people in especially those like me who've maybe been there only a handful of times and aren't as familiar with their menu. I work in customer service as well, we all have off days but especially after seeing other reviews it seems to be quite the norm. I won't be back. read more

GREAT smoothies!!!!!!!! Forget that corporate chain smoothie franchise, this is the place for smoothies! Fast service, nice and clean. Super sweet staff, Anne always helps me even when she's super busy she always takes time to say hi to me. read more

If you like real coffee (Peets, not Starbucks for instance), you're going to LOVE this place. The coffee is some of the best I've ever had anywhere. Pastries were fresh and very good. Found this place by accident coming North from Ventana; but will make it a regular stop now. Didn't try any of the fancy espresso drinks; just plain coffee with a little half & half. Exemplary roast; very deep, rich flavor and that all-important hint of menace on the palette. Go for it. read more

The cashier admitted that he had never done register right before taking our order. I got a soy chia and a bagel with hummus. The chia was alright but it tasted too watery. The hummus they have is terrible. I liked the atmosphere read more

Stopped in here for a quick bite and caffeine hit before hitting the trails at UC. The cafe mocha was good, as was the sandwich. Will be back! read more

Cold Brew was on point. Nice service, too. Definitely worth a stop if you're in Santa Cruz.

The employees seem to have better things to do like joke around with each other or just act like they are to important to notice that your waiting at the counter forever to place an order. I had to walk out and go to Peets. Sad, I feel sorry for the owner who has to deal with this type of childish arrogant incompetence, ruing an otherwise nice place. read more

Possibly the best mocha I've ever had, coffee tasty very fresh- drink was nice and creamy and perfectly balanced.

Had some errands nearby, really needed coffee and Java Junction was located in the shopping center I was in. The menu looked good, the food and coffee smelled great and the staff were friendly. Ordered a 2% milk latte, and was really disappointed...I could not taste the coffee, only the milk. This is not why I ordered a coffee beverage instead of a sweetened coffee drink. Won't be back...unless it's to try the food. read more

Great smoothies, great specialty coffees they even get themed ones around the holidays! I only have amazing things to say about this place. Buy ten coffes 11th one free even if its mocha or what ever read more

I'm not sure what the bad reviews are about. I've had no problem with service there and have found it a very nice, clean, and safe, if slightly generic, place to be. (I mean come on, it's in a strip mall.) Coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, pastries...I have absolutely no complaints about the food or drinks - they're great! It's not my favorite coffee shop, but they can't all be The Perg, and in truth there are some situations where The Perg won't do, and I have come to appreciate this as an alternative with different pluses. For one thing, there are times when you don't have time to go to downtown Santa Cruz, park, and lounge. You're hungry after wandering in OfficeMax for an hour only to realize you still don't know what kind of printer you want, or you're thirsty after just having driven in from the mountains on the 9 in 90 degree heat...maybe your car just broke down in front of Petsmart, and while AAA is on the way, your friend can't pick you and your Tidy Cat up until mid-afternoon, and you need a smoothie to drown your sorrows. Location, location, location. Also, let's say you've got a 70-year-old colleague who wants to chat over coffee. Maybe he'd love the slightly madcap environment on the punky end of Cedar Street...but until you are more certain of that, Java Junction might be a safer bet. It's very much an easygoing little family place. Also since there is no alcohol here, it's a good place to meet with friends who are not comfortable with wine, beer, or spirits around. read more