CHAOTIC GOOD. Came here at 12:30 pm on a Friday. Place was bustling with art students and musicians. Your senses will be overwhelmed with the smells, the tastes, and the visual art (including some taxidermied wild animals) that is covering literally every square inch of the walls. Prepare for an experience that is part art gallery, part music studio, part hang out spot, and part cafe. The energy here is best described as "chaotic good". The process of finding the "line" (more like a mob of people surrounding the coffee bar) and ordering a beverage was a bit chaotic, but the deliciousness of said beverage made it all worth it. Overall, a place well worth experiencing next time you're in the neighborhood. Prepare to sit back and stay awhile - there's a lot to see here! read more

Java's Cafe - a woman sitting at a table - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Post-pandemic prices up, selections and crowds down, the vibe here and all across downtown feel lacking. The dessert and coffee smell and taste just as good as ever, though, so save up your change and help revive the scene. read more

Fun drinks, really good dark chocolate with espresso drink; however it's all a bit pricy. The space is very large, and while the place is overall pretty cozy, the many many seats makes it feel less so. read more

Love this place! I've driven hours just to have a chocolate sitch (numerous times). I love their chocolate croissants, too. I'm counting down the days to when I will be back in Rochester and can stop here. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed, too. They have plenty of seating inside - they also have some tables outside. I can't wait until I'm back in the area, so I can have another chocolate sitch! The staff is friendly and helpful, too. They give great recommendations and have speedy service. This place definitely deserves 5 stars! Nice work, Java's! read more

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Dowling scoring system Ambiance: 9/10 Food: 8/10 Service: 5/10 Value: 6/10 ---------------- Total: 28/40 Pistachio Cannoli read more

Many tables to sit at in this large cafe. I ordered a Matcha latte which was beautiful & worked on my laptop for about an hour. The cafe got pretty loud when the mid-morning crowd rolled through. I would recommend headphones if you plan to do some serious work/studying at this cafe. read more

Java's Cafe - Hot Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

Java's is one of those places where you can go to chill out or just grab your coffee and go. Whenever I'm home visiting I make sure to come here. I got a vanilla latte and the Avocado Caprese sandwich. I love their food and I feel like it isn't as well known as their coffee! I'm not joking when I say that was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. I'm never disappointed by their sandwiches so definitely get one whether you're going to eat it then or save it for later. I went out and bought my own ingredients to remake it! The baristas and sandwich makers are very nice. You can get half or a whole sandwich and they'll put it on the press for you if you want. They have so many sandwich options to choose from and I think they have breakfast too, which I'd love to try one day! Understandably, since all prices have gone up, their prices have too, making it a little pricy compared to what I was used to. Growing up I was always at Eastman and would stop by Java's before or after. This place has cool artwork and plenty of seating inside and outside. I would highly recommend this place! read more

Java's Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

I'm not sure Java's needs another review, but my partner and I went for tea on Friday night, and I thought I'd chime in. This place is a gem of Rochester's community. Java's epitomizes the "old-school Rochester cool" that is characterized by warm, nice, artsy environments that appeal to educated and interesting people as hubs for interesting experiences and connections. Usually swarmed with Eastman kids, Java's is bohemian yet upbeat, clean yet not sterile, artsy but not pretentious. The location is amazing, as is the interior decor. You can get a wide array of good snacks and small lunch specials (which are healthy and usually sensitive to people with allergies, but usually is closed before the late evening sets in), pre-made pastries and cookies (many are vegan), dozens of varieties of bulk organic tea, and last but not least, some seriously awesome beverages. I had a simple green tea last time I was here and wasn't disappointed, but some of my favorites have included the kashmiri and the yerba mate. The coffee that I've had has all been great. Service is personable, and even when it's crowded, there always seems to be a little seating to be had. The little nooks by the windows in the tea room (with the coffee sacks as seating) are highly sought-after. There's also a room to play pool in downstairs. The only criticism I would make of Java's is that the parking can be a challenge; there's a fairly inexpensive lot just down the street ($3 for the first hour, $6 flat fee for anything after that, as of now) which is pretty good for downtown as I understand it. Overall, Java's is awesome! It's a wonderful place for a date at night or by day, to hang out after a show at Eastman, or to take visitors from out of town (and definitely to check out if you're not from town). It's definitely a great place that is part of the fabric of Rochester's local scene... and happens to have some pretty awesome drinks, too. read more

They had a bit of something for everyone here - my coworker found this because she was craving a good coffee. She got a vanilla latte and I'll say it's probably the best one that I've had. I had the tra-que chai tea... so good. I will definitely come back here for the drinks, and the pastry options looked delicious too! read more

I came in for my usual Kashmiri chai. I hadn't been in for a while and noticed some new staff. I brought a friend along after attending an event downtown. My chai tasted like lukewarm milk with barely any flavor. My friend was also dissatisfied and decided to go up to the counter and ask for a redo. The man at the counter told her that she actually wanted a classic Kashmiri chai. He made her a new one, and she came back. I was confused because there was only one Kashmiri chai on the menu. When I went up to the counter, he avoided me. I requested to speak with him, but he told the associate that she could handle me. I told her that I also wanted a redo since my friend had received the correct order with her redo. He yelled at me aggressively and said, "No, you'll have to pay for another one." I replied, "You don't have to be such a pompous jerk about it. Maybe if you handled it appropriately, I actually would pay for it." He said it's too bad you're not getting one. He made the girl feel uncomfortable, so I told them I was good and left my original drink unfinished on the counter. I told them I didn't even want to pay for another one. Quite frankly we won't be returning unless management encourages the employee to issue an apology to me for this occurrence. I felt harassed and belittled in front of a group of people and it ruined my night. read more

Awesome late night cafe. The atmosphere is very cozy for being on a city street. The baristas were extremely friendly. I got the Chaplin iced coffee. Very smooth and tasty. The only cons is it's very overpriced and parking was a such a hassle, and I went at around 9pm! so I can't imagine how it would be during the day. I'd recommend this place for sure, but if you're driving be prepared to drive in circles for 15 min or so. read more

Drinks are really good - we got a chai latte and one of the hot chocolate drinks. A bit pricy and it can get really loud. We mistakenly thought it was a chiller place to do work/study, but in the future will come back more to hangout with friends. read more

Java's Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

My first visit to Java's and it went like this...First off the room is mad cool with various items of interest hanging from every corner...Parking is where you can find it like any city...Next the Iced Tea I purchased was so tasty, fresh and ice cold, very nice in deed...I didn't purchase any of the amazing looking treat's they have to offer, such as cookies, pie slices, cake slices, huge rice crispy treats and I do me HUGE!...This place looks like a good place to sit and enjoy some great drinks and maybe eat some tasty treat's as well... Located at 16 Gibbs St, Rochester, NY...Give them a try. read more

A pb&j and a chaplain from javas can really turn your day around! The bread has sesame seeds and if you can score a day old one, man are you in luck! The jelly is then infused into the delicious bread. It may look like an ordinary pb&j but I tell you, it's divine. The chaplain will challenge and cold foam blah blah blah the big names have, and yet, it's simple. Thank you javas, for keeping me fed and caffeinated. read more

I'm in town this week visiting a friend and he's been taking me to coffee shops all over and this is definitely a top coffee shop in the area. The workers are very kind and the asthetic is very pleasing. I had a double shot cappuccino and a chocolate croissant while my friend had the mocha Aztec and a plain croissant. The espresso was delicious and the croissants were fluffy and cooked to perfection. The Aztec coffee was amazing just had a small kick at the end so be prepared for that if you don't like spice. I'll be back before I leave this weekend to try something else for sure! Thank you for a great coffee experience! read more

Java's Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Such a chill local coffee house. Wether you're alone or with a group of people there's always a cozy spot to just vibe with your beverage of choice. read more

Java's Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

I've missed going to coffee shops due to covid. A friend and I decided to meet here to grab some coffee. I tried out the Aztec Mocha which is espresso, chocolate, cinnamon and chillies. It was so good. I was a little nervous about the chillies in my coffee but it was amazing. Just the little kick I needed when you bit into one of those chillies :). Since there is no indoor seating due to the covid zoning laws, we just sat outside and enjoyed or coffee and watched the birds play. It was great. The staff there are always friendly and didn't look at me weird when I belted out some notes from a song playing on the speakers.... :-d read more

Java's Cafe - Aztech Mocha and a chocolate chip cookie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

What a cool place! I came here on a recommendation from a friend and can't believe now that I have not been here sooner. They have a ton of space to spread out and the prices are all very reasonable. My Americano was great. I also really liked the eclectic decor, which gave it a very welcoming and comfortable vibe. This is the type of place I would love to be a regular at if I lived closer. read more

Most people are going for the vibe. (Which is usually diminished by how busy it is) Nothing in particular is great about this place, except maybe the grilled cheese. It's a good grilled cheese. (Grilled cheese gets both stars from the review) There are a couple of great staff members, but most make you feel unwelcome or that you're bothering them. That's not my favorite. read more

Awesome spot, great hangouts, great coffee, tea, steamers, etc. Highly recommend! Love the pool table downstairs

Truly the best service on campus! Music is always playing & I recommend a Matcha Latte with extra matcha

It's summer, and we are all going to Javas. Javas is in the middle of everything happening on East Ave. Where you go for a late night panini (albeit cold past the midnight hour), when no other restaurant is open and bar food is just no good. Where you grab an after-RPO-concert espresso to chat about the music and eye the Eastman musicians. Where you drink amazing tea after a movie at the Little, then go in the next room and buy the tea leaves to take home and relive the memories. Where you discover the treacherous stairs down to the pool tables below. There are always new experiences to be had at Javas. I went there for my 212th time the other day. Still, for my very first time, I tried the Granny Sammy Panini (ham, thin-sliced apples, and gooey brie), paired with the mustard vinaigrette dressing (!!!). The Kinky Reggae was my drink (blend of jasmine and earl grey tea, with raspberries and lemonade). The food was refreshing and fast, allowing me to sit outside, sip and savor the quirkiness of the place. Also, Javas' food and drinks always come with a side of awesome, which you can take in with abundance, while you are there. read more

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I graduated from drinking chocolatey, sugary drinks along time ago but still order the chocolate such whenever I am here because it's so good and just takes me back! Such a great local spot that I'll come back to you again and again read more

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Great cafe and fantastic coffee, lattes, and tea! I always enjoy the eclectic artsy atmosphere and its nice to be near the theatre. Customer service is good as well. I study there frequently (or I did before Covid) and the only difficulty I find is the lack of outlets throughout the cafe (though there are a few). Overall, a solid coffee shop, worth multiple visits. Just charge your laptop! read more

This cafe is right by the Eastman school of music, when had some fun time there after coming out of school. Very great environment, and people in there are nice and kind. The cafe was awesome. read more

Java's Cafe - Enjoying cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

If there's a cafe that I miss in Rochester, it's definitely this one. I like the vibe here more than Spot. I went to college around here, so if I wanted a study-type cafe, I would've wanted to come here. I don't really drink coffee, but I liked the teas. I came to visit the last time one summer and got the ruby slipper tea, which was rather tart but refreshing for a summer day. I came often at night while in college, and the atmosphere was dark as the time of day. However, coming on a sunny summer day was really nice. The service was fine, nothing special. I like the Victorian decor. read more

A staple in the Rochester community. Full of art, good music and a welcoming environment.

There is a young vibe about this place, at the same time, families can also feel comfortable there. The hot drinks are always good and the deserts have good variety. read more

This is an absolute Rochester classic. Their specialty coffee drinks are so delicious! My personal favorite is an Aztec Mocha, but another popular beverage is the Terrapin! They have delicious desserts in their case and yummy baked goods if you need a little sweet treat to go with your coffee! If you happen to be here around lunch try out some of their deli options! They have great sandwiches and are very quick if you happen to be going for a business lunch during the week! read more

Javas is an ideal coffee house. It is eccentric, full of local art and artists. In the summer time enjoy a craft coffee or tea or juice, handmade by baristas that are equally eccentric, but talented and knowledgeable. Whether it's 730 and Chocolate Sitch is what you're craving on a summer morning to start your day, or 1130 at night and a loose leaf Ginko tea to wind down, Javas has it. They offer delicious sandwiches and pastries to sate any palate. I personally buy all of my loose leaf tea from their wall of tea that is fully stocked from decaf to herbal tinctures. Reasonably priced by the ounce from $2-$4, they are spectacular teas. I am yet to stop in and not run into someone I know, or see the place with only a couple patrons. Just last night, the line was out the door at 1030. Tuxedos from the Eastman, fellowship from AA, artists sketching furiously, a game of pool in the basement, international students laughing at jokes comfortably spoken in their native tongues...but most of all, strangers enjoying the fellowship of meeting strangers over one common theme, delicious non alcoholic drinks read more

Really cute cafe close to the Mega Bus stop. It's spacious, there's an upstairs, downstairs, and what I think is more of a sit down area next door for small meals. Light streams in through the windows, there's newspapers to peruse for free, decor is eclectic - perfect. Staff are sweet, the matcha latte is good. And there are two pool tables downstairs. My favorite place to wait in the area. read more

Java's Cafe - Iced matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

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This is a very warm, friendly neighborhood coffee shop. I've been staying in Rochester for a couple of nights attending an art exhibit, and have come here a few times. It's just a short walk from the hotel (Inn on Broadway) where I'm staying. I've found the cozy, funky clutter to be really inviting. The coffee is excellent and fairly priced. Never had to wait long for service. The feta-spinach croissant was delicious too! read more

Hands down the best place to get hot chocolate and a nice conversation with a friend. The environment is warm and cozy. It's in a good area, and the staff is nice. read more

Java's Cafe - Large Hot Chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

Favorite cafe in ROC. Best atmosphere to just sit and vibe. Coffee was good, male barista was great ! 10/10, would bang. read more

Great coffee shop. Quirky and fun vibe, sweet decor, awesome people watching, great selection of beverages and treats. Nice outdoor seating with no smoking!! Yes! The baristas personalities are mostly great and helpful. A few act like it's a chore to be there. But oh well. That's life! Recently tried their sandwiches and salads for lunch - 2 days in a row - and I'm a fan!! Hope to grab more lunch there soon! read more

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I'm sorry I've never been so disappointed. My sister and I both ordered iced London fogs with almond milk, and we both got water with a splash of almond milk with no vanilla. So I kindly asked them to remake it and what did I get? ...Water with a splash of almond milk and no vanilla again. And this desert I ordered taste like gluten free flour with a pinch of sugar thrown in the whole batch and had some poppy seeds thrown in to make it look like it has flavor. I feel like I'm in prison eating bread and water. And the most ridiculous part is I spent $5 on a cup of iced sink water. And they just can't/or won't make it correctly. Again this isn't the first time they carelessly make a drink. read more

Java's Cafe - Iced London fog - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, New York

Great drinks and dessert items. They have a drink called a tea fluff, its your choice of tea with steamed milk and a flavor. They're so good!! I recommend the oolong honey one. They also have wonderful expresso drinks and worlds best rice crispy treat. They're sold out of them all the time! Often you have to go early if you want bakery items but I love that theyre open late. It's a nice chill place to hang out. read more

Excellent coffee , fantastic service , and a wonderful vibe . Loved it! The flavors were perfect. I got a traditional macchiato and it rocked. Great energy the rest of the day too! We will be back! read more

Great vibes. Cool, eclectic coffee shop in downtown Rochester that's open late. Love to have a late night coffee here when I haven't switched back to days from working the night shift. Wifi is a little spotty but bring a book and read instead of working on your computer. You might get some live music from Eastman students/faculty or just meet another interesting soul. read more

Java's is an institution, in Rochester and in my heart. But I'm lactose intolerant, and I won't be able to come here anymore due to the $1.50 upcharge for nondairy milk in espresso drinks. Luckily there are plenty of great coffee shops in the city that don't punish me for this. read more