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The Java House - Mormon Trek

3.3 (56 reviews)
Open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Java House - Mormon Trek Photos

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THE JAVA HOUSE - MORMON TREK ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Good for working
Outdoor seating

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Outside
Michael W.

The Java House is a coffee shop nestled in Iowa City. They roast their own coffee beans and they serve their drip coffee as pour overs. It's a pretty cool concept. However the only downside with their pour overs, a barista is refilling a kettle pot from a big container of hot water. Plenty of seating for people to meet up with friends or to study.

Mexican Cold Brew with Sweet Cream and Spicy Southwest on croissant
Anthony D.

Came by here early in the morning right at opening to get some work done before the day started. I decided I would treat myself to a nice coffee and breakfast while I was here. Parking: This Java House is in a small shopping center, so there was ample parking. Ambiance: I liked the ambiance of the place. Lots of wood, so it felt natural. There was ample lighting and plenty of seating with outlets for me to get some work done. There are signs that say 1 hour seating, but it was not busy that early and they did not enforce it at the time. I am not sure if they would enforce it if it ever got that busy. Food and drink: For coffee, I got the Mexican Chocolate Cold Brew with Sweet Cream. For food, I got the Spicy Southwest with chorizo and substituted the English muffin for croissant, which they were more than happy to do. Both came out in a timely manner. The Mexican Chocolate Cold Brew was delicious and refreshing, but it does have a spiced kick to it for those who are not into that. The Spicy Southwest was not too spicy though, so feel free to order it if it piques your interest. It was still warm, had a delicious sauce to it, and I had to consciously tell myself to eat it slowly or I would have scarfed it down otherwise. Service: Incredibly friendly staff. Made small talk with one of the baristas about the gaggle of geese that were right outside the window. A hundred percent would come back! I am craving the Spicy Southwest as I write this!

Non java filled beverages
Jenni H.

Must. Have. Coffee. ^ That's me, most mornings. The Java House always provides. Whether it is beans I brew at home (hello, St Louis Blues!) or a Java cooler straight from the barista, they always provide an amazing start to the day. You can't beat local coffee, am I right? Or am I right. My last visit was prior to St Patrick's day and I had to get their Iowish Cooler. Not only was it festively green... but it had a delightful Irish Cream taste. No complaints here. My four legged companion, Ada, also enjoyed her pup cup thoroughly. Plus, you can order ahead... online!

Espresso macchiato
Brittany S.

The Java House in a nutshell: -easy parking (free lot in front of building) -several major newspapers available for patron's to borrow as they wish (as a newspaper junkie this fills my heart) -extensive coffee and tea menu - I opted for the Espresso Macchiato and enjoyed it throughly. My fingers are typing at lightning speed as we speak! -very large space with an estimated 25+ tables and occupancy of 100-120 (great tables and counters for meetings and larger groups) -Hairloom Salad Company is in the same space which allows patrons to build their own salads, grab a sandwich and soup along with their coffee drinks (perfect spot for meetings all hours of the day) -Why not the fifth star? The signs hung throughout the space asking visitors to only stay for one hour puts off a bad vibe. Maybe they should be worded in a way that says, "hey, if we're super busy and folks need a table - can you hit the road?" If I keep buying and having meetings, am I not earning my keep? ;)

Yummy cheese cake center! I like having my muffin warmed up which makes a difference!
Amanda M.

There are many pros about this location over the dt java house. - easy parking - modern furniture - outlets that actually work - less commotion if you are trying to do serious work. - less trouble finding an empty table on the weekend - Anytime I've had an issue here the employees have been kind and offered comp cardsi for my next visit. - they have a great half off day old selection as well! Pro tip use level up to pay and you earn a free $5 for every $50 spent.

Nina E.

My first 1 star review on Yelp! And believe or not, to a place I frequent at least one a week. Here's what went down. Came in at a very slow time (7:30) for some dinner. Ordered, and sat down to wait. Ten minutes later and we're getting antsy. There have been like two orders other than ours, what's the hold up? Thirty minutes later... for two salads and two sandwiches.. and we're still food-less. The young man with glasses preparing our order kept dropping pans and seemed, well, high. He would disappear in the back for 4-5 minutes, come back out, and then go back. When we received our food, he mumbled a "sorry". "What was the holdup?" we asked. "Oh just a big rush, you know?" No. We were sitting right there. What the heck, Java? This was the worst experience I've ever had there. Also, got an egg on my "Caesar" salad. Interesting.

Fun modern new space!
Rachel L.

Wow this cafe has undergone a major metamorphosis! A space that used to feel like Crazy Aunt Paula's stale living room, is now hip and modern with loads of character. It's the perfect balance between Java House's nostalgic cozy vibes and a hipster cafe. Plus, they've added an Heirloom Salad Company to this location, so just like the original Java House in Downtown Iowa City, we have the best of both worlds under one roof. What makes this even better than the downtown location though, is that their huge horseshoe counter in the middle of the cafe space allowed me to order and pay for my Heirloom salad and Java House iced tea from the same counter, at the same time. A much more seamless experience as compared to the Downtown location! Now I can get my morning cup of zen, lunch, and afternoon energy boost all at the same place. Thanks Java House, for giving me every element of sustenance I need for a day of productivity... and for enabling me to be a cafe hermit. PS. a few details of note: -bike parking is around the side of the building, behind the patio -there is a patio with great chairs and tables, but no umbrellas or plantings so it's not the most inviting. Perhaps this is a work in progress? -Fiesta Salad is da bomb -Mediterranean sandwich is also da bomb

Lemon poppyseed muffin

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4 months ago

I love all the Java Houses and this was no exception! Great service and an Heirloom is connected to it.

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2 months ago

The food and the drinks are really good, I love all of their products, the customer service is horrible.

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Ask the Community - The Java House - Mormon Trek

Review Highlights - The Java House - Mormon Trek

Louis Blues is probably their best coffee, though I like the American Gothic too.

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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When my family is having an event- we go here for the Special Occasion Meat. Thanksgiving smoked…read moreturkey? It's the perfect consistency and flavor- I could focus on this instead of drinking heavily to drown out my family's opinions about RFK Jr during our feast. Mother's Day Bratwurst cookout? Select your type- they have Philly cheesesteak, Big Grove Beer battered, Korean short rib, creole, and mango habanero. All of them slap like a disgraced debutante whose promenade partner got fresh behind the ice sculpture. Driving to the East Side of Iowa city and simply want a top shelf Cuban Sandwich? Well tough shit for you, they don't have it on the top shelf; it's made fresh in front of your face. (In terms of quality though I will put that in a tip shelf). Finally, the staff are helpful and knowledgeable. The usual stereotype I have of a butcher is a really beefy and gruff dude with chronic meat sweats, who pals around with a baker and candlestick maker (why is that a job btw, that seems like a hobby at best). These guys don't look like that- giving me a lesson in stereotypes and judging books via their cover. As I chomp down on my deliciously spiced sausages, I realize that both my horizons and waistline have expanded. Finally, it is pronounced Toe-Ma's. Get that wrong and they will laugh at you, and you will deserve it.

This place is our favorite local neighborhood spot for grocery staples, lunch sandwiches in a pinch…read moreand awesome grill meats.

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The Encounter Cafe

The Encounter Cafe

4.5
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2.1 mi
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Stopped in to grab a couple of coffees, a scone and a cinnamon roll. The Encounter Cafe is…read moreliterally across the street from our hotel, so this was a no-brainer if you're looking for an upgrade to the complimentary powdered eggs and overused waffle machine offered by the hotel that your staying at. The space itself is large and looks to be separated into two halves. I entered on the one side, ordered at the counter, just like you would at any coffee shop and waited. This place serves a full-service breakfast as well if you're looking for something more substantial (eggs, panini's, pancakes, etc..). I was just here picking up and bringing it back to our room. The coffees were fine, but there was only one gentleman working the counter, and he was a bit overwhelmed. He forewarned me that he had 4-5 drinks ahead of mine, so I ended up sitting there waiting for about 15 minutes for our two drinks. I wasn't pressed for time today, but if I was, this would've been an issue. I ordered a raspberry chocolate scone and a cinnamon roll. The scone was delicious. Not too sweet and was definitely made this morning. The cinnamon roll was delicious as well, but it was extremely sweet. To the point where it hurt your teeth. It would also have been better if it were warmed up. Lastly, they gave me this big cinnamon roll in a bag without any napkins or utensils?!? I had to stop at the free breakfast at our hotel to get a fork, knife and some napkins. So kind of a mixed-bag at the Encounter Cafe. I would give it another shot and try some other things, but it didn't blow me away.

I stopped here twice on a recent work trip as it was close by to the hotel I was staying in. It…read morereally lives up to the other reviews that describe it as a cozy atmosphere with fresh food. The first day I had baked oatmeal with yogurt and it was a huge portion size that was very similar to coffee cake. The next day, I ordered the avocado toast and was surprised to see it come out, layered with egg and bacon and fresh tomato. Their lattes were delicious without being overly sweet. So glad I found this place during my trip. It is worth the stop.

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Chocolate croissant and a lavender-honey iced latte w almond milk
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Marco's Grilled Cheese

Marco's Grilled Cheese

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I ordered two Italian beefs, and they were absolutely terrible. They tasted nothing like an Italian…read morebeef.

The only food I have ever cried tears of joy while eating was a grilled cheese sandwich…read more *Enter* A very pregnant, hANGry Jenni. Husband: I can make you a grilled cheese. Jenni: Fine. I guess I'll eat it. (Being all moody and pretending I don't care.) -- Husband makes ooey, gooey, perfectly browned amazeballs sandwiches. -- Jenni takes a bite. *Enter* TEARS OF PURE JOY. Full on ugly crying, inhaling a multiple sandwiches in about two seconds. No that sandwich was not from Marco's Grilled Cheese. The story of the day Jenni cried eating grilled cheese is merely to demonstrate I have extremely high standards when it comes to this comfort food staple. Marco's Grilled Cheese is an Iowa City institution. The food truck has been around for over a decade, serving one slightly over served college kid at a time. I was very sad to see Linn Street Dive leave but a brick and mortar Marco's? It intrigued me. The menu has something for everyone. Kids? - Grilled Cheese, Corn Dog. Picky Eaters? - Again, Grilled Cheese. Hamburgers. Foodies? Specialty Sandwiches, Gyros, Classic Sandos Want a taco? Oh, they have those too. It's kind of a mashup menu? But I dig it. *Enter* A hANGry Jenni, totally not pregnant. Husband: Want to order Marco's? Jenni: Fine. I guess I'll eat it. (Being all moody and pretending I don't care.) -- Husband orders meal, so Jenni doesn't have to cook. -- Food arrives via CHOMP Delivery. Jenni takes photos of the food for Yelp. (Obvi) Jenni takes a bite. *Enter* Complete satisfaction, inhaling a sando in about two seconds. Marco's Grilled Cheese is a local spot that deserves your business. The owners are fantastic. The location is rad. (Parking can be a bit tricky, you've been warned.) Pricing is on point. Don't be hANGry. Get Marco's!

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The classic Marco's Grilled Cheese.
The classic Marco's Grilled Cheese.
Local Mushrooms, Steak & Provolone (#9)
Local Mushrooms, Steak & Provolone (#9)
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The Java House - Mormon Trek - coffee - Updated July 2026

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