About a 2.5: I was in the area, and I saw Java Loco from the corner of my eye. I did not realize that there was a coffee place in the Van Dorn Plaza! I saw that they had a little easel in the front, stating some of their special lattes and drinks of the day. The cafe itself is very cute, and there were plenty of tables to sit down, enjoy your cup of brew, and to do some work/chit-chat with friends. The place is Korean-owned, and they offer pastries, cookies, coffee, smoothies, as well as sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. I wanted to try their special, the Breve Latte, made with heavy cream - the female cashier/employee had no idea what I was talking about - I stated that it was on the sign out at the front as one of their specials; she actually walked with me outside to the sign, and she still had no idea what that was, as it was written by her boss... she then asked her male counterpart, and he also had no clue what that drink was. So, I decided to try their other drink, the 'Banana Nut Bread Latte' - I've never heard of that, so I was pretty excited for that as well! When I received it, there was no banana or any nut flavor, and it just tasted like a mocha... I was kind of really disappointed :( My husband, on the other hand, had the iced Passion Fruit tea. This actually was quite tasty, but it does come as a straight tea, so you can add sugar/milk/cream to your heart's desire. The brown sugar at the little station, however, was all clumpy and dried out. I am not sure if there is some type of a communication issue or what not, but the staff is unaware of their drink specials, and also are not well-versed in creating the drinks as well. They also seemed to be running around, being confused, and looked as if they were overwhelmed in working the register and in making the drinks. +baristas not familiar with specialty drinks +weak beverages T___T read more

Excellent coffee drink (I'm picky)! Slow service. Bad breakfast sandwich. I came in at 9:09am on a Thursday and took about 3 minutes to decide what to order. One guy was in front of me and ordered 1 drink and 1 sandwich. I also ordered 1 drink and 1 sandwich. There was one man working both the register and espresso machine, and I was really hoping there was a second person in the back to make the sandwiches...no luck. He was the only one in there. After ordering, I left with drink and sandwich in-hand around 9:25am - 13 minutes is much too long of a wait for this type of food. I would hate to see the line when there are multiple customers trying to get their caffeine fix first thing in the morning. However, I ordered a medium iced decaf soy mocha lightly sweetened, and it was the best iced mocha drink I have ever tasted. He made it perfectly. I was worried the drink would be wrong because he didn't write it down anywhere, but he really surprised me on that one. *Edited update: I'm really bummed because a few hours after finishing the drink, my heart is still racing, and I can tell the beverage was caffeinated. This is after I took a sip in shop, thought it tasted pretty strong, and then went over to confirm that he made it decaf. He looked me in the eye and said "yes" but definitely was not confident in his reply. This is not acceptable, since I'm pregnant and tried to make certain it was decaf.* The egg and ham breakfast sandwich was not good. I hate to say it, but I would've been better off getting a McMuffin. The sandwich ingredients used at Java Loco appear to be the cheapest of the cheap. The ratio of egg to meat is not balanced (see pic). All I tasted were egg and dry English muffin. I'll be back again for another drink (no more sandwiches here for me) to give them a second chance and hope the service will be accurate/faster next time. read more

Java Loco - medium iced decaf soy mocha, lightly sweetened...the best I've ever had - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Solid Brown Sugar boba, and was very happily surprised with the gyro egg and cheese! Had it on a croissant with Swiss, overall a great location, cool atmosphere, and friendly staff read more

The service is really not that great but the latte was delicious. I had the horchata latte. read more

Java Loco - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

3.5 Stars, but rounded up due to the consistently friendly service. This cute little coffee shop is tucked away in a shopping plaza off of Van Dorn St. I stumbled upon this place via Yelp while looking for a place to kill time before my Sensazao class down the street. Well, I'm glad Yelp lead me here because it's now my go-to spot whenever I have extra time before Sensazao! The place itself is pretty cute. Wood panels and benches along the right side of the store. Stools and countertops towards the front. I'd lovee the front seating if there was actually a view to look at and not an old/run down shopping plaza. The place seems a tad bit crammed just because there's so much going on with offerings. The register area has a bunch of goodies just laid out and then there's racks around with additional goodies. The drinks: What I love is the variety of lattes that they offer! They seriously think of so many different creations and so far everything I've had has been well executed. They are a TAD bit on the sweet side, but kind of expected depending on what you order. I've had the horchata latte and taro latte, which were both delicious. My usual drink is an Americano and I haven't been disappointed with the quality. I've only been here in the evening, so I can't comment on the "busy" service and how they handle a line because I've never encountered one. I'm usually the only customer there or one of three. So, the service has always been quick and attentive. read more

My go to spot when I'm in the area and in need of a caffeine fix or even just a place to meet up with a friend and chat. The inside is quiet enough to converse, to do work or even just enjoy a nice cup of coffee solo. They have a coffee menu and they also have a bubble tea menu, so seriously there was nothing else I could ask for. Give it a try, I honestly think there's something on the menu that will satisfy anyone's taste. read more

Java Loco - Green thai tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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If you are craving Latin Almojabanas in the morning you can buy them freshly baked everyday. Almojabanas are small bread rolls made with cheese and are found throughout Latin America, especially Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Got homeland bake goods cravings? And order some coffee too:-) read more

Java Loco - Try the cheese bread PandeBono or Almojabanas freshly baked bread rolls made with cheese... Latin American cravings yummy! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I REALLY want to love this place. I've tried to give this shop another try, but my recent visit wasn't any different from my first. When I think of a local coffee shop I envision a cozy, welcoming, and inspiring spot to study or catch up with a friend. Unfortunately, Java Loco does not live up to those expectations. 1. AMBIENCE. Dark and moody decor surround you. There is a fair amount of seating available but I personally was not inspired by my surroundings. I felt there was too much clutter. During this particular visit, it seemed that they were also hosting a pop-up t-shirt shop but the owner was too busy talking on his phone to check it out. 2. SERVICE. The cashier was friendly but our interaction felt awkward. I wish that I felt open to ask questions and start a conversation because their menu was full of choices. 3. TASTE. I do love the taste of their Iced Matcha Latte (M $5.39) and Java Loco can make a mean Iced Matcha Lattes! Unlike Starbucks, who just add matcha and shake the cup (think chunkss of matcha!) Java Loco takes the extra steps to make sure the matcha is blended well. Overall, I would come back to try their boba to-go when I'm in the shopping center. read more

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Strong espresso, excellent wifi, plenty of power outlets, outside sitting, great service, free and plenty of parking! What's not to like?! Enjoy your visit! Cheers! read more

Java Loco - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Generally disappointing. Sure it's cute inside and looks great etc but I come here for the product since I don't like Starbucks and would like to get a latte. The prices are essentially the same if not more expensive, quality is not any better, and the lattes I've gotten have tasted bad. Not sure if it's the milk or espresso but just wasn't enjoyable, very burnt. And it was like too complicated to ask a question and get an answer about one of their drinks, I wanted to know what was in something which seemed to have a misnomer, and I just said screw it I can't keep doing this I'll just settle on something easy. When there's a million things to look at, they should either expect questions or simplify their menu. I just don't go out to get coffee to deal with an attitude when I can just make better coffee at home where expectations will be met. Each time I come here I realize how much I dislike it, there's so much potential too for a decent local coffee shop but oh well. This whole shopping center is pretty lacking. I'm not coming back, regret it every time. read more

Java loco / 21 Aug 2017 - 10:30 AM @JavaLoco - This is a really cool local coffee shop. The staff is really nice, and the atmosphere is laid back (great music track playing in the background). Besides coffee, they have bake goods, breakfast and lunch items; gelato, and most all FREE-Wifi. This is my first time here and it's been a cool Java experience. Today I had, what they call the "Coffee Bon-Bon," which is a play on my hometown (Miami, FL) favorite..."Cafe con leche." Java LoCo's "Coffee Bon Bon" is made of shots of coffee espresso and condense sweet milk. It was not like, what I would get at home at a local Mom & Pop Cafe in Miami, but the Java Loco ..."Cafe BonBon" still hit the spot for me. So, it's worth leaving a review about my Java Loco experience. If you are looking for a nice chill spot to study, write a blog post, or collect your thoughts, then "Java Loco" is place to come to, if you are ever in the Van Dorn / Springfield, VA area. In my best French accent, Bon Chance!! Chris McPhee @theveteranentrepreneur "I Just Want To Drink Coffee Create Stuff and Sleep" read more

Java Loco - Java Loco's "Cafe Bon Bon" shots of coffee espresso and condense sweet milk. @theveteranentreprener - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Cozy and friendly..Have several drink and snack options .. Nice place to get some work done. read more

We got the vietnamese sea salt coffee and the lychee lover. 10/10 recommend both! My bf is lactose intolerant but the Vietnamese sea salt coffee was so good he's willing to risk his intestines to get the drink again! read more

Java Loco - Vietnamese 24 oz. Large Sea Salt Vietnamese Coffee 24 oz. Large Lychee Lover Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Great experience! The workers are sweet and recommended a fabulous drink to me. Loved the ambiance inside, too. Definitely returning!

Can't ask for more from a local coffee shop to counter the growing chains around the area. Homey, cozy, seasonal sugar free syrup options for low carb diets, and strong cold brew for the high-caffeine tolerance crowd! read more

Java Loco - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Love this coffee shop! It's a hidden gem off Van Dorn. I love their Italian Roast coffee; smooth but strong. I had an egg and cheese sandwich that was really good. The coffee shop gives you a warm and cozy feel that makes you feel like your at home. :) read more

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Always quick, friendly service. Their drinks are delicious and fairly priced! Highly recommend their iced vanilla latte and taro tea.

Really liked this place. Clearly a family run biz, it had the feeling of an independent coffee shop mixed with your standard bodega lunch spot. People kept coming in and the cashier would anticipate their order - love to see a spot with regulars! Good place to post up. Music wasn't too loud and pace was not very packed - left right around 12:30 and there was a bit of a lunch rush, but generally there was plenty of space on a weekday. The menu is a little intimidating if you're not familiar with espresso beverages, but the Java Cappuccino I got was very good. Breakfast sandwich was good - got scrambled egg and provolone on a large English muffin, and they put plenty of cheese. A bit on the pricey end at $4.25 w/ no meat but definitely worth it. Will visit again! read more

Java Loco - Interior! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

They got my breakfast sandwich wrong. It should have been with ham, but there was some sort of thin slice meat that looked like scrapple or gyro meat and tasted like sausage. My Americano was weak. Maybe that wasn't their best offerings. The breakfast sandwich was large, so that was a plus as I peeled most of the mystery meat off. read more

Went to try this place for a cup of coffee considering the reviews and to stray away from the big coffee places like Starbucks and DD. It looked super cute and the menu looked great! I made sure I gave myself enough time to get the coffee and get to work on time, not knowing the type of rush they may get in the mornings. There was a small line when I arrived, but I wasn't worried since i was not in a rush. I ordered a MED Cuban coffee with a splash of almond milk. Very VERY simple. Others in front and behind me were ordering more specialty coffees and food items. I wish they did not ask for a tip before receiving their service or before receiving my order because if i had known at the beginning of my order what was about to come, i would not have tipped at all! My coffee literally (no exaggeration) took 25 minutes to make!! Yet, they were able to make those specialty coffees and food faster than my order? How is that possible?? It also came in a small cup, AND was not even filled up all of the way?? It should not have taken that long and the least you can do if it does take that long is fill the cup up all of the way! Probably, most likely, won't go back. read more

Java Loco - this is supposed to be a medium coffee... looks very small to me AND the cup was not even filled all the way, yet i paid for a medium...ok. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I used to drive 15 minutes away from home just to get my bubble tea from Kung Fu Tea! But I decided to try out Java Loco which is 1 minute away from my home, and it just as splendid as Kung Fu Tea! I have been already been here 4x in one week, I just can't seem to get enough. There were some times they would make mistakes on my orders but at the end, it still tasted great! read more

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The people who work here are super nice. I love ordering their Sea salt cream w coffee and matcha iced latte . The perfect amount of cream ... It's not too sweet ... I love this place read more

Java Loco - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I sure don't like to write reviews like this.:(. I found my one and only. Coffee experience to be...well...Luke warm per se at best. My American was like warm, the service ho hum and just not a very inviting experience. when I go back I hope it's a better experience. Put it this way though I drove right by this place the other day to go to "that coffee place" :( read more

I always call ahead for the same thing, large green tea with lychee flavor and honey boba. It's always ready to go and tastes great!

The quality of the Thai tea has gone down. It tastes like it's made from powder. The other drinks are still good but I wouldn't get a Thai tea there when there are much better ones near by. read more

I love Java Loco! I was not previously a fan of Boba tea but Java Loco is delicious and consistent! It's the exact vibe you'd expect from a cafe and they're always super quick. Highly recommend!! read more

Cute coffee shop with a bunch of great pastries, bubble tea and gelato options. They even had my favorite, affogato, with an excellent espresso. I was surprised to see how many people were at tables with laptops working in the middle of the day but I guess that's a thing. Great find off Van Dorn. read more

Amazing coffee, boboa and breakfast foods! They have gelato ice cream I have yet to try and it's an absolutely gorgeous atmosphere and interior decor- kind of looks like the friends cafe! Huge list of syrups and combinations...feels great supporting a local business over Starbucks and Dunkin' yanno? read more

Java Loco is a great local coffee shop for those of you who are sick of Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts. They also have a small selection of sandwiches and breakfast food, as well as smoothies and juices to choose from. read more

Wonderful coffee shop with sweets, treats and more. I love their many enticing coffee concoctions and gelato flavors. Its on the pricey side here but worth it for a not-every day kind of splurge. I've had the pistachio latte twice- very creamy and sweet but not too sweet flavor. Their caramel machiatto is also a really good one, not cloyingly sweet and better than Starbucks. Cute little hang out spot too, definitely recommend checking this place out. read more

Java Loco absolutely exceeded my expectations. It was a wonderful experience. Pretty much every menu item that we have purchased was really fresh and delicious. Workers are incredibly pleasant and service is really quick. Sometimes things are just done right. read more

Check the receipt!!! They charged twice on my card..

Very cute coffee shop, and great spot for studying or working. The smoothie drinks are very good.

Its a good tiny joint of a place, I got their canadian bacon, egg and cheese on a crossaint, and a mango smoothee, and a tiny apple cinnamon muffin. The food is good and fresh :). They have cheese tea's. read more

My local independent coffee shop. Vietnamese Ice Coffee is my favorite pastries are pretty good cheese danish is my go to.

This is a nice little coffee shop that has delicious sandwiches that are elegantly made and taste delicious.

This is my favorite COFFEE shop! Hands down number 1 in taste! I love the environment! Perfect to do office/school work. Staff is super friendly! Vu is the best at making coffee, and Steve (The owner) is super nice! They are so awesome that Starbucks cannot get in the same mall.. My recommendations: Coffee: Dry-Cappuccino (small: $3.10) Cold: Iced-Latte with coconut syrup (small: $4.10) Bobba Tea: Lemon smoothie with bubbles (regular: $4.50) Sandwich: Cuban on Chibatta (Comes with a free bag of chips or iced-tea) ($7.99) Smoothie: California Sunrise ($5.99) read more

Java Loco - Small Latte! $3.10 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I love my neighborhood coffeeshop! I appreciate the excellent service, breakfast sandwiches (except for "egg beaters" style eggs), and the endless coffee options. My personal go-to's are the Irish Caramel Macchiato, Ham and Cheese (must specify "no egg") on a croissant, and my new favorite...their in house baked cinnamon rolls! They have other pastries, but nothing else I know of that is made in-house. They also have gelato and random snacks that could be handy if this is you are coming here on a lunch run. Great place to study, as you can usually find a spot to plug in and zone out. read more

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Java Loco is a hidden gem, located near Landmark mall in a strip mall. It's a small coffee shop but warm and inviting. There is a chalkboard menu on the wall with a list of their coffee options and sandwiches. Their boba is displayed on a monitor. We stopped in for coffee and were pleasantly surprised with what we found. The staff is friendly and everything is made to order. I ordered a lavender tea latte and my husband ordered a mocha. Our drinks came after a few minutes and were quite tasty. My husband loved his mocha. I'm a fan of lavender tea and this did not disappoint. A great find! read more

Good coffee, great selection, but the staff appears to be a group of sullen, overwhelmed teenagers that (I'm sorry to say this, but it's true) barely understand English and constantly screw up orders. Also, if your COFFEE shop opens at 7:30, you should probably have COFFEE ready by 7:30 ‍ took 20 minutes to get a large black coffee with one customer ahead of me. read more