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    Java Nation - Kensington

    3.9 (302 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Java Nation - Kensington Takeout or Delivery

    Java Nation - Kensington Coffee & Tea Photos

    JAVA NATION - KENSINGTON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Pumpkin Spice Latte
    Izzy F.

    Stopped by Java Nation and got an iced pumpkin spice latte. The drink itself was really good, but a few things were off. The menu behind the cashier said $6.75, but I was charged almost $9! When I asked, the cashier pointed to a paper on the side saying iced drinks cost 75¢ more which should just be shown on the main menu for clarity. Not sure why I'm paying extra for ice when that means I'm getting less of the drink. Then it asked for a tip on top of the already pricey latte and made it difficult to choose any option other than a high gratuity. I kept waiting for my name for be called for my order, but they never did. They just kept saying pumpkin spice latte and i assumed it wasnt for me. It defeats the purpose of them asking for my name in the first place! It was packed, so I even had to ask who the drink was for because I didn't want to accidentally grab someone else's drink. The latte was tasty, but the pricing and ordering process was a hassle.

    Seating Area
    Kevin D.

    Tasty Salmon/Busy Coffee Bar! Today I/friend returned to Java Nation for lunch. It being Easter Sunday early afternoon we scored a table. After ordering we waited for our meals. Tricolor Quinoa Salad w/Salmon. (On menu listed "bowl".) My friend ordered a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. I also ordered a large iced latte. While all the tables were not filled; but the coffee bar was buzzing w/to go orders. So busy they forgot my Iced Latte-I asked for when meals arrived. My Quinoa Salad w/Salmon fresh, flavorful & tasty. My iced latte tasted a bit watery & my friend felt her grilled cheese-cheese wasn't melted well. Generous portions & courteous service. See Photos.

    Rice Egg Avocado Bowl - that looks delicious!
    Deb G.

    I really like this Java Nation - it's so pretty on the inside, with lots of light and artwork. The coffee is good too - I recommend the cardamom latte. However, I had some seriously bad service there today. I ordered my latte and spelled out my name to them for the order. I sat down, met my friend, she ordered, several other orders came out, finally her order came out, mine never did. I asked the barista, and mine was the drink that had been sitting on the bar for 10 minutes. Why hadn't I picked it up, you ask? Well, even though I SPELLED MY NAME, it came out as a totally different (traditionally male!) name. Also, the whole time she was shouting out said name, the barista also kept saying "caramel latte for..." Seems hard to figure out it was my drink with the wrong name and what sounded like the wrong drink. She did not offer to remake my drink even though it had been sitting there for like 10 min. For $8.50 for one latte (an extra $1 for oat milk plus a tip...oof!), I'm not sure I'll frequent them that much unless their service improves.

    Coffee, steel cut oatmeal and a guava cream cheese croissant.
    Herb T.

    Cute little nook. A flexible enough menu for most. I recommend. I've had their pancakes and they were delicious. I just had the oatmeal for the first time and was impressed in presentation and flavor. Great pastry selection. Don't count calories here. Indulge!

    Kwame S.

    Overall, I thought Java Nation was a great spot to pick up a quick and easy breakfast. During my visit, I went with a ham and (gruyere) cheese omelette, which came with two sides (a selection of potatoes, small salad, very small bowl of fruit) for about $14. Besides coffee (obviously), Java Nation has a nice selection of breakfast and pastry items. I thought my food was quite delicious, and I was a bit surprised (in a good way) with how much ham the omelette contained. The restaurant has plenty of indoors and outdoors seating. The layout and the decor of the restaurant are nice, and I thought this location was very clean. I thought the service was quite wonderful - especially the recently hired cashier that took my order. This might be a bit controversial (but it did not affect my review). Since I was dining in, I provided a tip after ordering at the counter because I assumed the food would be brought to my table. However, I was kind of surprised that I had to pick up my food from the service counter AND bust my own table after eating. Perhaps, during my next visit, I might not tip the full 20%.

    Lavender Latte
    Rshaun R.

    The food was excellent . No complaints there. I do feel that I didn't get the value for the money I paid, $13 for 2 French toasts. That's all. Just the French toast. Anything else was extra. They were delicious, but I felt shortchanged. That along with other things. Worth visiting if you're ok with not getting your money's worth, but getting tasty food. I would certainly not come back though. I need to feel it was worth what I spent. Didn't get that here.

    Amaya B.

    Great tasting quiche! However this quiche is not for hungry eaters. What do you say when the taste is great and the portions are not? My $20.00 ( 5 oz) piece of quiche with potatoes is the example Im referring to. See photos below. For catering purposes an entire leak quiche is $60.

    Java Nation Medium size coffee.

    What a rip-off; this picture is a medium coffee, for which they charge $4.51. Save your money, and go to Starbucks (bet you never expected to hear that about Starbucks!)

    Iced Matcha
    Parisa A.

    I've been eyeing this spot for awhile. I was able to visit with a friend and decided to get a matcha. I was disappointed with my drink as it was more on the bitter side. I wish they had added a pump of vanilla to make it slightly sweeter. However, I noticed they had some sweets that I'd be interested in trying in the future.

    Mocha
    Zaneta F.

    Cosy spot, went for brunch on Saturday morning around 10am, got seating for two quickly, they have both to go/for there options for their drinks. Pay at counter and they'll call order/buzzer ring. I had the carne asada arepa and the portion size was sufficient for me although I tend to eat smaller portions. Food was delicious, enjoyed my time there, would go again!

    Melvin B.

    Having some work done on my truck so stopped in for a light breakfast. It is a small shop with limited seating inside and outside. I ordered the lox bagel and coffee. It was a little pricey. The coffee came in a mug which was a great change of pace and it was piping hot. The bagel was great also. Service was quick and efficient. If you are in Kensington, MD stop in. It is worth it.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

    Always a great place to get coffee and have a meeting. Love that we have this locally owned place in our neighborhood.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good pastries; terrible service. Ambience is nice but it is always far too busy for their staff to handle.

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Simona C.

    Thanks Suzanne, We hope see you soon!

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    3 years ago

    Wonderful place! I had their quiche and latte. Yum! It is quite a popular place. I recommend Java Nation.

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    Simona C.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The chicken empanadas are amazing. Make sure to dip it in the sauce, try it, live a little.

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    Simona C.

    Hi Jose, glad you enjoyed the chicken empanadas!

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Simona C.

    Thank you Nichelle, we’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your breakfast!

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    2 years ago

    Great latte and one of the best almost croissants I have ever had--fresh and perfect texture.

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I love the beef empanadas. The store location in Kensington is convenient for me. The butternut soup and huevos rancheros were alright too.

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Good food - it's a small place with outdoor seating added. Very friendly staff. Have eaten there several times and their coffees are great

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    6 years ago

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    Page 2 of 8

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