If you are a lover of all things delicious, get yourself the vanilla chai latte. Do yourself a favor and DO NOT get any of the iced chai drinks, the powder NEVER dissolves into the drink. ** Only accepts cash ** read more

Pretty darn yummy bagel breakfast sandwiches. Me and my bf used to get one every weekend until we decided that we need to tone down the carbs in our lives :/ I also used to get a chocolate banana muffin like every other day as well (it's a problem when they start grabbing the muffin for you before you order it -_-) So now I just stick to ordering from their pretty good selection of brewed coffee. Never disappoints. Aside from the yummy food and drinks, they have really awesome service and they're a great little spot to do some reading/work in. read more

Lava Java is my favorite breakfast place in San Francisco. The owner is friendly and welcomes you every morning. The food is fresh and definitely a great way to start the day. The assortment of coffee is what intrigued me though. Hawaiian Blend is great! read more

Lava Java - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went back this morning and tried their Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Chocolate coffee... it tasted AMAZING. Morning rush was there again... but hey! There were two people working at the counter this time! :D read more

Quaint little coffee bar. Didn't feel rushed...kinda like a little home breakfast nook. Friendly staff. This visit, tried their hummus and veggie sandwich since I was 'starvin' marvin' :0) Yummy! Bread toast..good amount of cheese, veggies, and hummus. Would return. read more

Wanted to get an early breakfast after being jet lagged from my east coast flight and I came in at 645.. but the website time was wrong (opens at 7 not 630 it seems) the cashier was the only person working and super sweet and nice; got a iced vanilla chai and egg cheddar mushroom on sesame bagel.. Which was really good (although the chai a tad sweet for my taste). Pretty efficient service. Only downside aside from the opening time error was some flies buzzing around me during my breakfast. Headed there cause of its early opening time but might skip out next time. read more

This is one of my favorite places to get a sandwich! I love the avocado Swiss vegi sandwich!! Always friendly staff and quick service.

Friendly staff, cute and quaint store, banana bread is awesome and the coconut mocha is a must! read more

Lava Java - Enjoying the coconut mocha! A new favorite and must!!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you're looking for racial profiling and leniency toward severe food allergies, you've found the right place. Upon specifying my dairy restrictions with the ill mannered associate, it was apparent my request was ignored due to my extreme stomach discomfort and pain that shortly followed the consumption of my drink. To top off the abhorrent experience, it was exceedingly uncomfortable to be scrutinized by both the workers and bystanders since the moment I walked through the door. read more

Amazing ginger chai. Seriously best I've ever had. This is a super cute place. Cozy, warm, and good for reading. Free wifi but no outlets or bathroom so probably not the best go-to spot for laptop work (which is why I give it 4 rather than 5 stars). The owner here is so sweet! I'd much rather support a place like this than a chain store. Already planning what I'm going to get when I come back for round two! read more

Best Chai Latte, hands down. All the other places (that I've been to, anyway) make chai lattes using pre-mix chai, usually from some kind of large plastic jug. They go anywhere from awful to downright depressing. Not Lava Java. They make their own, and you can taste a huge difference! It's delicious, fresh, hot and oh-so-creamy. Dreamy. And, while you're waiting for yours to be freshly brewed, you can munch down on one of the little round chocolate brownies at the counter. (The white-ish ones are ok, but nothing like the dark brown brownie-roundies :-) Careful: Could become habit forming... read more

I recently moved into the Cole Valley neighborhood a few months ago. I've been on a quest since then to check out the different spots within my neighborhood. Last night I was reading reviews about Lava Java, and I saw a few people had mentioned that their sandwiches were really good. So today I made it my mission to check this place out. I chose to get the turkey garlic pesto sandwich on a croissant. After I ordered it the guy behind the counter asked if I wanted lettuce, red onions, and a few other options to put on it. I opted for just lettuce, and asked for it to go. It took a few minutes to get it, but when I unwrapped it at home I realized it was worth the wait! Great sandwich! And I'll definitely be back to try other items as well. read more

To be upfront, I may have come here a bunch of times, but I've only got two items. It's the banana soy shake and tofu sandwich (fyi-the special sauce is not vegan so I order without it). The tofu has got a lot of flavor (which can be hard to come by when talking tofu!). The banana soy shake has the right amount of thickness and not overly sweet. The service is great: very friendly, and they always seem to remember you once you've been there just a handful of times. It really feels like a local coffeeshop without the snobbery you would most likely find in the Mission. The caveat is you have to bring cash. Credit cards not accepted. I often walk in and then have to immediately turn around to go get cash at a nearby ATM to pay for my $11 meal. read more

Okay. I don't know exactly where to begin, so I'll start with the food. Small cafe offering coffee and sandwiches. The ginger peach tea wasn't good at all. No flavor, bland, tastes like green tea. My family and I came here on two occasions. The second time we came back because the food was good for a small cafe. First time I came, I ordered the turkey pesto on croissant, which typically comes with the French roll. I opted out because the roll itself was huge. The croissant wasn't greasy. Although I would say, I first asked for the Asiago cheese bagel with it and changed my mind a few seconds later. The owner, I believe, was adamant about me using the bagel because they already warmed it up and was asking anyone else with me if they wanted it. I found that very inconvenient. I get it's a small business, I own one too, however I believe in customer satisfaction. I'm assuming her son, the other person working there, said it's fine after he witnessed his mom saying that. Back to the food. I got jalapeño cream cheese added in as well as the pesto, and it was delicious. I like that she let us try it. Tasted quite fresh. My sister in law got it on the French roll (as it comes) and said it was good as well. Service is kind of slow since there's only one person making the food. The second time we came back, we all ordered one by one. Sissy in law got a drink, vitamin water. After we paid for everything and sat down, I saw as my sissy in law is drinking her drink, asked her why the cap was orange. She then said it tasted funny. Turns out it expired back in October. Without making a big deal, she let one of the workers know, then grabbed another drink and proceeded to drink it. He stopped her and said the price is different and needs to pay more. Not once he apologized for it being expired, instead asked for money. I was kind of upset. I mean wouldn't you want to comp the customer because you had an expired drink from months back? That's a fine from the health department. What if she fell sick? Okay I might be exaggerating, but still. In the end they forgot about my twin's sandwich, he ended up getting it to-go as we were on the way to the airport. All in all, food is good but service is eh', and make sure to double check the expiration dates!! read more

Tasty, speedy coffee and very good sandwiches. Their staff is very polite. I recommend the BLT. They have light delicious bread for their inexpensive sandwiches that are great for on the go or a picnic. They play classical music and have nice seating outside and in. Cash only! read more

I went in with my very well behaved 1.5 year old. We ordered a coffee, pumpkin bread, and a bagel with egg and cheese. The older woman working there (possibly the owner?) seemed very snippy, told me cash only before I ordered (even though there was a sign next to the register). I asked if I could please have a glass of water for my baby. The woman working there said no, I'd have to purchase a bottle of water. Ok. We sat down to eat. In comes a family with two kids. They sit down and a few minutes later ask for some water. The woman gave them two glasses of water! I don't know what the deal is with that lady but I'm not going back there to be treated like that. It was very offensive! (Also the pumpkin bread was stale.) read more

If you're someone looking for the perfect breakfast bagel this is your place! Ham, egg and cheese on a whole wheat bagel. To die for. Loads of ham and cheese, my toes are still curling. Excellent choice of brewed coffees! Great Spot read more

Simply AWESOME!!!!! the perfect espresso with foam. this is, in my experience, one of the hardest drinks to get right and these guys do. They've managed to elegantly use the space for seating which makes the experience even better. read more

I've been spending a lot of time in Cole Valley/Haught street neighbourhood lately. So I check out this neighborhood cafe which located on Stanyan. OhMy... The owner - an Asian lady, is very rude. I mean okay, I understand that there could be cultural differences... but hey shouldn't the person who's probably been in this country for a while and been a business owner, have better manners and know how to to deal with patrons, people in general?? It was very unpleasant experience. If you want a different "exotic" type of service - go ahead and try. I'm not gonna be coming back. There are plenty coffee shops and cafes around. read more

The Cream Cheese Bagel w/ Extra Veggies is phenomenal. The perfect quick-bite before an afternoon in Golden Gate Park.

I've been in town since June, and nearly stopped in one time...but today I ignored my gut feeling. Bangkok 900 was closed, and I was really fiending for a good, hot Tom Kha Gai soup...I should have just skipped this place, and gone down to Kezar Pub for shepherd's pie, but I saw chicken noodle soup on the menu. When I asked if they still had any chicken noodle and got a blank stare I should have taken that as a hint that it's obviously from a can of the Campbell's variety, microwaved with a couple of fresh spinach leaves and ground peper thrown on top. Was that to fool me? I don't know. But ugh. My sandwich was just okay - a veggie avocado swiss MISSING THE SWISS cheese - but I could have cut a can of soup and made a sandwich at home, and saved myself thirteen bucks. read more

Nice little coffee shop tucked away back here next to the tanning salon/nail shop. I like to stop by here when the line at Rockin' Java is too congested and I'm on my way to the Inner Sunset for some breakfast. It's not especially good, but it does the job and they have hazelnut coffee, a much beloved beverage of my high school days. They have all the usual SF coffee shop trappings including a nice sandwich menu which I only bring up because I noticed a few days ago that the veggie sandwich (usual hummus + veg) was more expensive than the meat ones. What is the deal with that?? read more

Great little place! Coffee and bagels are warm, delicious and reasonably priced. The owner and employees are very friendly. Would recommend!

Pretty good coffee options. Small and cozy interior. This place has the best sun dried tomato cream cheese. It's house made on the daily. Goes well on any bagel. Good place for a quick pit stop. read more

6 varieties of freshly brewed coffee. You pump so that you can add as much or little cream without having to abashedly ask for a little (lot) room for cream. Amazing breakfast sandwiches and snacky breads. People are so nice that you think you're in your great aunt's kitchen-ambiance resembles it too. read more

This cute little coffeehouse is conveniently located near the Haight, Hippie Hill, and Cole Valley. It doesn't offer much in the way of ambiance, but its menu offerings are solid, and I've always had friendly service when I've dropped in for bagels and OJ. read more

Super tiny is its only drawback but the coffee, tea and sandwiches are first rate at a reasonable price.

I come here often for a latte & sometimes grab a breakfast sandwich. The owner is so sweet and has lovely energy about her. She usually remembers everyone that comes in by name & definitely makes you feel welcomed. I like sitting outside with my dog while catching up on my SF weekly events. Its very cozy inside as well and reasonably priced. The free wireless is a plus too! Also good to remember its a cash only joint so don't forget to bring your change read more

even tho lava java is right on stanyan street the sweet cheery staff and the great coffee and delicious treats, not to mention the super laid back attitude of everyone who grabs their joe there is such a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle and millions of phones found in nearly every other coffee shop in town. no wifi. no cards, just cash, outside tables to leisurely sip your cuppa and chat the morning away around. it's a great escape in the upper haight and cole valley! another reason i enjoy going there is it's a great place to take the pup when we're on our way for a walk in the park. he has lots of room to hang out in front with us and he really enjoys it there as well! read more

this is my favourite neighbourhood coffee joint (considering there are about a dozen neighbourhood coffee joints right around there...). The coffee is consistently good and i don't even really care for flavoured coffee all that much, but their european chocolate dutch and hazelnut flavours are amazing and smell equally as enticing. The service is always over and above friendly and sometimes i just go there to have someone behind a counter smile at me and say "have a great day, hon!" 'cuz it makes me feel as warm and fuzzy inside as much as...well, a cup of european dutch chocolate coffee does. read more

I may have become a little addicted to the bacon, egg and cheese on whole wheat bagel sandwich here. Their coffee is the best in the neighborhood, and the staff is beyond nice. The only downside to Lava Java is that they seem to be the epicenter of an AT&T dead zone, so don't plan on browsing your iPhone while you wait for your order. read more

Excellent customer service! The man appeared to be young and new to the job the woman helping was so kind and patient. My sandwich was delightful and so was my ginger chai! Over all good experience. For a quick service meal I give it 5 stars. read more

Lava Java made up for a subpar lunch with a pretty good breakfast. The whole wheat bagel was great, on the slim side so not too heavy, and inside came egg whites, tomatoes, cucumber and jam. A bit of an eclectic combination I suppose (the guy making it asked me to validate I wanted jam - you bet!), but it all came together for an excellent sandwich. read more

oh lava java..... where do I begin. there are meat options, bread options, cheese options yet - I cannot mix and match?! NOT because it is premade food BUT because it is "TOO complicated for your 'cooks'" Ok fiiiiiiiine I will take a non premade sandwich as is, and a water. I pick at my gross microwaved sandwich and wait and wait and wait for my water. My friend has to go in and ask for our drinks - and she hands me a DISGUSTING crusty looking green plastic cup from someone's home or to water plants. WHAT THE...... I go in and ask for a water in a plastic cup to go because well I finished my food 15 min ago and she refused to give me a water to go. I could not believe the owner expected me or anyone for that matter to drink out of a plastic crusty cup. So UNSANITARY. Worse SF cafe experience ever. If I could negative star rate them - I would! read more

I love striking out on a nice day, heading straight to this cafe and then off for a walk around the park or a stroll down Haight street. I get the green tea blast, which is a very sweet green tea soy/milkshake that looks healthy but is definitely mostly sugar. Yes, I'm talking about the big train smoothies. I know, they are sweet, but this place does em right!! The woman who runs the place is always there and recognizes me no matter how long it's been since my last visit. The breads and cookies here are homemade and just wonderful too if you're in for a treat! This cafe is a cute, little must-try! read more

I really like this place. We stumbled on this place this past weekend when going to Stumasa-another great find. While looking at the art work and the prices my sister-in-law and I concluded we could sell hers so she can then decorate her living room:) I went there yesterday too and had a nice strong cappuccino. Going back soon for one of their yummy veggie sandwiches that a girl next to me finished in a minute flat! read more

Breakfast sandwiches are amazing! It's a cute little area right across from Golden Gate Park and the wait staff is very very friendly. We just moved here from Brooklyn New York and haven't had the opportunity for a good bagel sandwich until we came to this place! Reminds us of home! read more

Came here in Christmas and it was open! Super happy about that and also the fact that the breakfast croissants are to die for! I got bacon egg cheddar and avocado on a croissant...delicious! read more

My favorite place to get a white mocha!! I don't know what about it..but I haven't been able to find another place with a better tasting cup than Lava Java's! I used to work a block away at my family's bike shop and I used to come here almost every morning to grab my coffee and breakfast/lunch. They make bomb sandwiches but a kinda pricey for the size but was yummy and decent. They have breakfast sandwiches and also plenty of vegetarian selection for you animal lovers. But still the best white chocolate mocha u can find here! I haven't been here in yearss but I'm sure they still have the mango smoothie which is also a favorite. read more

If you are a New York City transplant like me, you probably miss several things: thin crust pizza, perfect bagels and a coffee truck on every corner. The other thing would be a simple egg and cheese on a bagel in the morning. Now, allowing for the fact that they don't have New York bagels here, their egg and cheese bagel sandwiches almost remind me of New York. So, on a beautiful Sunday morning, grab a bagel, a cup of coffee and head out to the park. read more