Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Qualla Java Cafe

    4.5 (163 reviews)
    InexpensiveCafes, Coffee & Tea
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Qualla Java Cafe Photos

    QUALLA JAVA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Qualla Java Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Joshua S.

    Best local coffee shop in town. There are plenty of coffee options 10/10 recommend. Staff were also friendly and respectful

    Julio H.

    I got a very good cup of coffee here. They offer three types of roast for the drip coffee. I wanted a breakfast sandwich but that was not available. Instead you can pick up toasted bagels or desserts. A good place to warm up with coffee.

    Raven Mocker and Butter bear
    Mike T.

    Great little spot lots of seating. Cool vibe. Friendly service. The coffee is amazing. We got a Raven Mocker which is chocolate and blackberry and a Butter bear. Which is Carmel butterscotch and condensed milk Both were amazing some of the best coffee we've had and we drink a LOT of coffee. Can't wait to come back thru Cherokee to visit this gem again

    View
    Amanda W.

    Was in town visiting and wanted to try local coffee places so we came to this place as they roast their own coffee beans. We walked in and were greeted with a warm welcome. It does seem to be the place where all the locals hang out and work or enjoy a game chess(there was a couple of gentlemen playing chess outback.) The menu board is up above the counter or they have menus by the register. They have some unique flavors and drink options as well as a few bakery type items some made locally. I opted for the turtle dove which is an iced drink. It has Carmel and white chocolate. It is a bit sweet but has a wonderful flavor. Would definitely order again Hubby opted maple spiced shaken espresso off the fall menu. It's iced with whole milk as well. It has a good coffee flavor it's better once you drink some down and can mix it up better. It was perfectly balanced with sweet and coffee. Pumpkin scone(locally made) could have used more of a pumpkin flavor but was crumbly and paired well with coffee. Overall would definitely recommend coming here and will come back. Also take a moment to go out back and take in the views it's so peaceful and relaxing

    Menus and bar area
    Catelyn H.

    The best bang for your buck in Cherokee! This cafe offers a twist to a normal coffee shop. I've never seen some of the items that they offered on their menu. Additionally, it is SO reasonably priced. My family stopped by the cafe during a road trip and for 5 drinks, we only paid $28.00! The cafe was decorated for Halloween/fall and an employee was roasting coffee beans during our visit Pro tip: make sure you visit the back patio for some great view and also to snap a picture of your drink.

    A fresh latte that's only 3/4 full...
    Rachael C.

    This business will survive purely because it's in a touristy area and one of the only options. The staff is unfriendly and the service is excruciatingly slow. I will wait for a good quality craft coffee, this was NOT it. The lattes are so sweet they're undrinkable. I had to add an americano to my latte just to be able to choke it down. Additionally, this was how empty my mother's coffee was when it was served...

    First time here and I can say I will be a returning customer for sure. Friendly employees and such a cozy atmosphere right on a little river. Me and my fiancé coffees were absolutely delicious.

    Booth seating
    Jennifer D.

    This is a great little coffee shop in Cherokee. I wanted to try something new while I was in the area and their flavors were fun and all the reviews were great so I stopped in after an early morning elk viewing and I was not disappointed. I got the black snake iced which is BlackBerry and vanilla and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I can't wait to be back in the area so I can get it again! The employees were great, it's a cozy atmosphere and I loved the outdoor seating overlooking the river. Don't miss this one!

    Becky A.

    We love coming here! The coffee is absolutely delicious. We love sitting on the back porch with the river beside us! This time I ordered the black snake coffee, which was incredible. It has blackberry and toffee in it.

    outside window
    Tay B.

    so I went on a trip through Tennessee and North Carolina and my favorite thing to do is try all the little coffee places along the way. This one was BY FAR the most delicious high quality coffee I had the entire 4 day trip. absolutely delicious I will be looking forward to going back

    One of many huge chunks of ice in my smoothie

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam D.
    0
    23
    7

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Lindsey E.
    579
    48
    14

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of MARTINA K.
    162
    40
    18

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Opens late for a coffee shop. Coffee was good and typical coffee house prices. I would go over Starbucks

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sporadic W.
    214
    545
    1583

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Awesome Bagels. Place is always busy but service is fast and attentive and the access to the river to enjoy your cup is Java.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    In love with the bags of free compost for gardens!!!! Kudos for the focus on sustainability. Friendly staff and great drink menu!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gaby R.
    55
    15
    28

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam B.
    12
    30
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Absolutely love this coffee. This is a must stop place every time we come to town. Beans are roasted in house. You can't beat the flavor.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jerry V.
    185
    114
    160

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Donna C.
    114
    458
    51

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    I go here every day ~ it feels like a version of "cheers." Amazing organic coffee Josiah roasts in house, reasonable prices ~ love them

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great coffee! They have a Nice view from the back and a Cozy interior. The staff are nice

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Service was extremely slow. The young waitress was terrible. The hamburger was burnt and the French fries were cold.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    I always enjoy their signature coffee drink called spearfinger. I love the cherokee culture

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob G.
    1
    16
    2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    One of the best vanilla lattes I've ever had! And beautiful back porch to sit on and listen to the river!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 5

    Ask the Community - Qualla Java Cafe

    Front Porch Cakery & Deli

    Front Porch Cakery & Deli

    4.4
    (73 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $

    The food was so good! I ordered a BLT sandwich with BBQ chips. The sandwich had amazing flavors and…read moreI loved the chips. The food came out fast and the workers were so sweet! The restaurant was super cute inside and out! If you're visiting the Smokies and you're looking for somewhere to eat, this is your place!

    My family and I visited on July 9, 2026. The service was good, and everyone we interacted with was…read morevery friendly. Unfortunately, both my wife and I became very ill after eating here. We ate lunch around 2:00 p.m. I ordered the Grilled Reuben, and my wife ordered the fried bologna sandwich. Less than an hour after our meal, I developed severe diarrhea, and every time I tried to eat afterward, it became worse. My symptoms lasted for several hours, continuing until about 1:00 a.m. My wife also became sick shortly after me, though her illness wasn't quite as severe as mine. The only other meal we had that day was breakfast at around 7:30 a.m. at a different restaurant in another state, several hours before lunch. While I can't say with absolute certainty what caused our illness, the timing of our symptoms makes us strongly suspect it was related to the food we ate here. Because of this experience, we won't be bringing our family back.

    Photos
    The deli counter.
    The deli counter.
    The perfect toasted hot ham and cheese sandwich.
    The perfect toasted hot ham and cheese sandwich.
    Sandwich box packed neatly for travel/to-go. Sandwich in a wrapper, chips individually bagged, and the pickle wrapped in aluminum foil.

    See all

    Sandwich box packed neatly for travel/to-go. Sandwich in a wrapper, chips individually bagged, and the pickle wrapped in aluminum foil.
    Starbucks

    Starbucks

    2.3
    (7 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    They were very busy and the line was pretty long but it moved pretty quickly. The wait for my…read morebreakfast was about 5 mins.

    My biggest complaint was friday (6/19/26) morning during checkout we decided to grab coffee from…read morestarbucks in the main lobby new tower, the young lady was extremely rude to a few customers that was in line before me, one lady was over charged and when she asked for her change the employee acknowledged the over charge but refused to give the lady her $1 before the customer asked for a manager. The young lady aggressively snatched a $1 out the tip jar and gave to the lady. The same employee was stockpiling coffees on the counter as she slammed the cup down she spilled a whole cup of burning hot coffee onto my husband's arm. No apology, she just looked shocked. I asked for a incident report she lied and said they don't use them. I knew better! I asked for management and a refund on my order. She walked away as if i wasn't politely speaking to her. She offered no compassion or even a apology for a mishap that was actually caused by her. The manager was made aware of the incident as well as EMT service guy whom renders aid, yet still no apology was made nor was I refunded for my purchase. Another customer ask for a cup of ice to help soothe the burn on my husband's arm...the employee offered no assistance! Again the hotel and casino staff were very friendly polite and helpful during our stay, But the young lady at the Starbucks in the newer tower was extremely rude and careless. I think her name was Laronza or something close to it. And yes an incident report was filed.

    Photos
    S'mores Frappuccino
    S'mores Frappuccino
    Tropical Butterfly Lemonade Refresher
    Tropical Butterfly Lemonade Refresher
    Horchata Iced Shaken Espresso

    See all

    Horchata Iced Shaken Espresso

    Qualla Java Cafe - cafes - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...