Wow! Unexpected find in Castro Valley. Coffee was excellent! Wish I lived closer to become a regular!

God forbid you need internet and an outlet while you wait. There is one outlet, and if you try to use it, the owner will stop you because he "doesn't want to get sued if anything happens." Like... what? There is no universe in which that is a possibility. I used to come to this coffee shop while waiting for my car to be serviced, but I won't be coming again. read more

Been trying to frequent more local coffee shops, so stopped here after a hike this weekend. Big mistake. Our experience was the same as many reviews I've seen since, so I'll keep it fairly short. We ordered two pastries and two coffees, which totaled up to $40. Based on the prices advertised, that didn't add up. So my husband asked the person working the counter (presumably the owner). He gave us a receipt that made no sense, so my husband asked about it. He thought maybe we got charged twice for something or for the wrong items by mistake. That's when it came out that we were charged almost $15 for an iced drink that was advertised as 6.95. Upon our confusion, the owner immediately jumped into a defensive speech, stating that we should know they charge double for iced drinks (that's not advertised anywhere on the menu or in the store that I could see) and that we you can't find mocha that good anywhere else locally so it's worth the price. (For the record, I had a sip before returning it. It wasn't anything special. I could have made it at home.) He was immediately defensive, rude, and aggressive. I was ready to let it go and just never come back and just said "That clearly says $6.95. That's extremely misleading", thinking that would be the end of the conversation. At that point he got even more aggressive and inappropriate with his argument, trying to tell us that his signage isn't an issue. At some point in his tirade he said he'd refund us (I think he meant the difference between the advertised price and the price we were charged), so I stopped him and said. "Great. I don't want this at all anymore because of how you've been treating us and it's not worth $15". Appreciate that he (rudely) took the drink back and gave us a refund. However, the interaction hasn't sat right with me since. Given the amount of negative reviews I've seen since about the exact same issue and multiple negative customer interactions, wouldn't it be an easy problem to fix? If you believe in your product that much and want to charge that much for it, fine, but don't you legally have to advertise the price you're actually charging? It's a hand written sign, so seems to me that it would be a pretty simple fix to make sure the correct prices are advertised. Unless, of course, you're doing it on purpose. read more

Came here on a Saturday morning at around 11am to meet up with a friend to do some work. I got an iced honey jasmine milk tea, and a sausage pastry. Total price before tip was $16.45....which I'm not 100% sure if that's a mistake that I got rung up for? I feel like after tax based on the menu prices it should've really been like $13-14 but I was in a rush and didn't notice until I got home. Pros: - really delicious honey jasmine milk tea, I did genuinely love this drink - Other than the weird pricing issue, pretty decent service, the Asian guy running this place seemed pretty nice. - Convenient location near Eden hospital - convenient parking right in front if you're able to get one of the 5 ish spots right in front - Cute vibes inside, lots of cute mugs on display - Wasn't crowded on a Saturday morning. Mostly people coming in and grabbing coffee and leaving right after. Cons: - the weird pricing issue described above, which I've noticed a lot of other Yelpers have highlighted. Overall felt really expensive for everything. - Not a super great place to do work - no outlets anywhere, no public wifi, so just a heads up it's not really a coffee shop conducive to people staying for a long time to do work and hang out Overall, because the honey jasmine milk tea was really good, I'll give it a 3. Everything else was kind of mid so I can't say I'll be back. I'm glad that it seems to be a local thriving business though? A little too pricey for me. read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - honey jasmine milk tea and pastry - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This place is such a hidden gem of a mom-and-pop shop! The second I walked in, I was obsessed with the cozy lighting and intimate vibe you can totally tell it's a local favorite. I ordered the vanilla matcha oat milk latte ($12), and WOW... hands down the best $12 I've ever spent on a hot matcha. So smooth, creamy, and flavorful. I also tried the almond croissant--super good, just wish it had a little more filling inside. The customer service was top-tier! The staff was hilarious, engaging, and made the whole experience feel warm and fun. I'll definitely be back! read more

See all

This is a long overdue review. I came here after a doctor's appointment in hopes of supporting a local business. Looking over the menu, the owner asked rudely what I wanted. I wanted a latte. So he said, seemingly annoyed, "what flavor? We have all flavors. Anything you want." Taken back by his attitude, I asked if he had sugar free options. He replied, "oh, no. We don't have sugar free." Okay...then. You don't have ALL flavors. See the attached photo. What do you guys think I orders? A steak dinner? Sushi? 5 coffees? 3 lattes? A carton of eggs? All wrong. I ordered TWO drinks and a $6 pastry. One of them being a "seasonal iced drink". YES, you're looking at the actual receipt. THIRTY DOLLARS! I understand that everything is organic, but $30?! The owner, seeing the sheer disbelief on my face said. The prices on the menu are for hot drinks only and any cold drinks are extra. This place is the biggest scam ever. I recommend going up the hill and going to the coffee shop in the church or Philz. Hell, Starbucks is better than this jip joint. read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - Exact receipt of my order of two drinks and a pastry - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Very odd experience here. Got here early on Dec 23rd. I asked for an iced latte. Never said mocha. She asks me if I want my drink (not a mocha) iced or blended. Confused, because iced lattes are only iced, never blended, I say iced. When I get rung up, it's for an iced mocha, and he says it's $13.95. I think that's for BOTH an iced latte AND an iced mocha, like he's charging me for both. But then he says okay just an iced latte...$9.95... I'm so confused. I've never paid $10 for a latte. In Castro Valley, and I live in LA. If you look at their menu, it's not clear either, the significant up charge from hot drinks to iced drinks. They have regular latte prices on their menu, $6-7 for a latte. They could charge that much, but it should be very explicit and they should warn you because this is pretty ridiculous. $14 for an iced mocha. $10 for iced latte. I'm sorry but no and you have to make your prices for these drinks more clear. I haven't written a review in years but I had to do for this one. The end. P.s. the iced latte tastes like a $3 iced latte read more

I know people wanna support local businesses. I am sorry this store charges you like it wants to be out of business. I got a sore throat and just wanted some hot drink that's not a coffee. The prices for teas were not stated clearly on the the menu. I got a large double-bag hot tea, figures that I'd get gouged but shoulnt be paying more than $6. They asked for $8.95 before tax. I can't get over this outrageous way of ripping off the customers. No way I'd ever go back. read more

The service is fantastic!! Always get my ground coffee from here so I can enjoy a cup on the weekend. Such a convenient location and they always have a positive attitude when you walk in the door. I would definitely recommend trying Valley Java. I love supporting local businesses as well! Price and quality certainly beats quick and impersonal. read more

Service was good. Staff was friendly. Place is cute. I like that u can hide here and enjoy a cup of coffee (ironically near a busy street). Will come back to try other items read more

See all

This place is the worst cofee shop I've ever been to, they list the lates at $6.95 I ordered 4 lattes for me and my family but when I got my bill it was $48 I confronted the owner about the bill he said it was $6.95 for blended coffees and $12.95 per latte + $1.25 per shot extra which didn't make sense because he charged $48 over all a very bad experience. I will report this charge with my bank now. Horrible experience 0 stars read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - A receipt of made up prices - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

EXTREMELY OVERPRICED. Coffee frap (16oz) costs $11.95 even though it's advertised as $7.95 on the menu. The extra cost came from adding an espresso shot in there Latte is $5.95 for a small, but if you want that iced, jumps up to $9.95 Absolutely insane for a small coffee shop. Prices for added shots or iced are NOT advertised on the menu. read more

prices are not as advertised! i believe that if you had your actual prices advertised it would be a lot more people just walking out. came here after passing it a few times & wanted to give it a try but clearly that was a mistake. you're charging people twice as much for what you have advertised & god forbid you're lactose intolerant. it's an extra charge for any milk that's not cow milk & if you want your drink iced it starts at $12.95 - $16.95 the coffee is mediocre read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Overpriced. Owner treats every little thing as an add on without disclosing cost. Called for an iced vanilla latte with oat milk regular size. Owner tried to charge $12!!!! I mentioned to him that the price is insane - he replied by saying we have one for $20 too! Drinks are not even good. Too bad! They may make profit initially but people will catch on. Skip this place. Owner needs to realize there's plenty of high quality and high end cafes that exist today. read more

Quaint cozy friendly environment. Vincent always happy to please his customers, new & returning. Always good coffee, tea & pastries. Don't drive by stop in. You won't be disappointed. read more

Super friendly employees and delicious coffee/pastries. You can tell they are a staple of the community as you see the regulars enjoying their time. read more

This is the worst coffee I've ever had in my life. Insanely expensive and very bad coffee. read more

Tried this place for the first time today. I was really hoping to find a good local coffee place as I don't enjoy Starbucks or Pete's. The place is very cute and welcoming with local vendor items to purchase. I ordered a dirty chai latte with oat milk and an almond croissant. I was surprised when my total was $18.75. I asked the man to break it down for me. $8.95 was the base price for the second to smallest size chai Latte, $2.95 for the extra espresso shot, $1.25 for oat milk, $4.95 for the almond croissant and .65 for tax. Unfortunately the chai latte was not the style I was looking for, the man kept going on and on about how high quality the chai he gets it's compared to other local coffee shops. I'm sure it is but it's not the creamy style that I prefer. Also the almond croissant was dry. I didn't drink the latte so I wasted my money today unfortunately. read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - Receipt - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

$11 for a vanilla latte. $11! Are you freaking kidding me. It's been about 10 years since I've been back here, but I definitely won't be coming back again. read more

Great place. Same owner and great service for at 25 years! Always stop by when in Castro Valley. Great coffee, snacks, and actual news papers. read more

I would have loved to give this place 4 or 5 stars from the first time I went there. However, my second time there it was a hot day and I really didn't want a hot drink so I opted for an iced chai latte with a shot of espresso. There were 2 sizes to choose from. I chose the bigger one and was shocked that it cost in $16.95, I repeat $16.95 that is t a typo. I asked owner if he was sure that was the right price "$16.95" and he said "yes." Never in my life have I paid that much for an iced chia latte with a shot of espresso. I'm just utterly shocked. That a drink cost me as much as a lunch would. read more

See all

The menu and what the owner rings up are completely different. I asked for an ice latte seeing the $6.95 listing on the menu expecting the most regular normal drink any coffee shop would have. I wasn't asked if I wanted more espresso shots or told anything about what was going in the drink and it rings up as $12.25, absolutely absurd. Maybe it was quality beans but I couldn't taste a difference especially compared to reasonably priced artisanal coffees I have tried around the world. My main issue is the lack of transparency and scam-like feeling where if I didn't question the charge I would've been way over paying for a regular coffee. This felt like a fever dream and I've never had such over priced regular coffee before. Never again. read more

Best coffee shop anywhere! Great coffee, pastries, good humor, friendly neighborhood place, lots of local folks coming in known by name. read more

Wonderful service Customizes coffee to order Average beans Comfortable homey seating read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Listen. I'm all about locally owned but $18.90 for a Large Mocha and ONE shot of espresso!?????!!! GTFOH. My first and last time here. read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - $18.90????? This is a large mocha with whip and ONE shot of espresso. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Man I hate to leave a local coffee shop a bad review but the guy who runs this place will rip you off as quickly as he can. As other reviewers also said, you order anything off the menu and the price he tries to charge you is easily double that. And when you call him on it you get the biggest song and dance you've ever seen. I love coffee shops but avoid this place at all costs. read more

My fiancé and I came here in search of a quick coffe break. They have a nice selection of house coffee, teas, espresso drinks and blended drinks. They also have bagels and pastries but it was close to closing time and they were put away. We had a house drop coffee which my fiancé stated had the perfect amount of milk and sugar. The Asiago bagel was toasted with the right amount of cream cheese. I had the blended chai tea latte and it was so good. There were some tables for working. I would recommended this place if you're in the area. read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - Iced chai Thai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

After a long morning of seeing patients, I stepped in to try this coffee shop nearby the clinic. I CANNOT make this up, but once I placed my order for an iced almond milk latte with sugar free vanilla, the gentleman/owner of the cafe rang me up as $14.70 (!!!). I confirmed with him that I was only ordering ONE latte, and then he went on a frenzy about why it costs that much for ONE. LATTE. I quickly changed my order bc that's just absurd to pay $15 for one coffee while people are starving in the world. He then proceeded to STILL ring me up as $10.70 for a regular small latte. At that point, I just decided to pay the dang money in hopes of getting my coffee and leaving. The worst part of it all was that the latte was absolutely disgusting. Not even worth $5 in my opinion. I know for a fact that he purposely charged me more. I'm not sure if it was my "doctor" tag, thinking I have all the money in the world to throw for a coffee, or if it was my hijab, as I was definitely getting RACIST vibes from this guy. All in all, NEVER going back here and WOULD NOT recommend the coffee anyway, despite my awful experience. read more

$6.95 for a teabag in hot water. Owner waved his hands and said "overhead" when I expressed sticker shock. I'm talking grocery shelf kinda tea. 2 for $5 at Safeway kinda tea. I forgot I left a bad review 7 years ago for $3 tea. Can't figure out why people go here. read more

This cafe is on the smaller side but it's cute! It's located on a main/busy st in Castro valley. There's parking in front of the cafe and a few street spots. Service was fast and great. There's indoor and outdoor seating. A little pricey ($40 for 5 items) but the drinks are good and the place is clean and convenient. read more

See all

A large lavender latte with oat milk cost $13.50 at this horrible lil hole in a wall with no parking. Go anywhere else. In fact get as far away from Hayward/Castro Valley as possible. Terrible area. Hayweird is an understatement. read more

Came here to do some work before a late morning hike. However the place no longer has wifi (the owner said they canceled this during the pandemic). So it's not a good place to work if you need a computer/wifi. There are no power outlets readily available nor wifi. I had to use my hotspot on my phone. Prices are also on the pricey side for coffee/teas but I think they justify it because everything is organic. Their menu is also not entirely accurate, I ordered the third size up but I was charged $9.95 for a matcha latte (with regular milk. If I ordered oat milk it would've been $1.something more) When I asked why it was $10, the guy said he had 4 sizes but again, the prices showing we're $5.95, 6.95 and 7.95 on the menu. Considering I got the 3rd largest size, this should indicate it should be $7.95 not $9.95, right? Maybe clearer pricing would've been helpful so customers who aren't regulars are not thrown off. I shrugged it off bc I still like to support small businesses, but won't come back regularly. Overall it's a nice spot for people to hang out and talk. There were a lot of people who would come in and the owner typically knew them by name and even sat down to talk to them if he wasn't busy. There seemed to be groups of people who came regularly to sit, drink coffee and talk with each other. It seems to have a nice neighborhood friendly feel if you're a regular but if you're new to the spot, it may catch you off guard in terms of prices and no access to computer/wifi. I'm all about supporting small business and places that make you feel like family if you're a regular so I gave it 4 stars. Just not a place I would frequent daily bc I don't drink tea and coffee often and don't care to pay $10 for a cup. The matcha latte was good, but I think $10 a cup was too much for my liking but okay I guess for a splurge to support small businesses. I may not be back regularly but support that it creates community in the area! So 5/5 on that part. read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - Menu as of today. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

When we moved here more than 20 years ago, this was one of the first coffee places we frequented. However, over the years I now make and drink coffee at home. I came by today for the first time in a long time (my mechanic's right across the street). It's pretty much the same as I remember. The owner's super welcoming. I noticed that in addition to the super tasty looking fresh baked pastries it looks like they have some other type of pizza bread thing. Other things I really like is that they serve organic coffee and they have a nice selection of magazines. Today I tried their Iced Blended Green Tea. It was very sweet and tasted like it's made from some type of powder mix. I ended up sitting out front on their lovely patio. Unfortunately, my nice time was damped by a couple of older gentlemen having a loud conversation about their dislike of liberal politics. I'm guessing one was Southern as when he was talking about a trip on Route 66, he pronounced it "Rowt" 66 (guess that famous song sounds strange in the South). Luckily, I was able to escape and sit out in the shade at my mechanics :) read more

Well, first x2 $tar I have ever given, even Google maps, but earned. Small business yes adj prices to customer NO . Purchased two local Tea boxes and paid more than $16.75 each, no receipt IDK WHY I tipped, he didn't greet me nor ask if needed help looking at teaware (bumbled) and no loose leaf bagged of Stash, Numi (Oakland-cant be shipping costs) and another but not Mighty Leaf. However did have display of box round small containers clear lids of more rare teas. When I approached last customer was seated already had his java order, and when I saw total of 33.15 for two boxes (16 bags each) that even Safeway and Whole Foods charges less than 9.00 for a single box of 12-16. I can't believe I didn't cancel the Sale right then. Inquiring was a response of cost of doing business, his small business. Well I paid a portion of all deliveries that day as two other at a table and one male before me seated with his coffee. I THOUGHT I would do more small business Saturday on a Wednesday morning. I can't support a obviously poor decision on his part. Not one of the boxes are marked for pricing nor the bee pots. I just feel he gained another loss. One review reflected a one star and I didn't want to believe a $12.20 cup of iced flavored coffee. But now I do. Sir you should of charged 9.00-12.00 not 16+ per box. I'm not in another country nor Canada and HI and AK that have high prices due to transportation.Numi is over the hill within 17 miles as the crow flies. Unnecessary, so is this. Sir, you won't stay open much longer by favoring customers and not prices visible and steep Not STEEPING Tea. Good Luck Sir. All my Tea gals and I won't return here. read more

Used to come here all the time when I lived in town. I stopped in to get a small Americano and it's 6$ with no public wifi. Have to get wifi for your customers if you own a coffee shop read more

Skip the franchises and come support a local treasure. This place has been here for going on something like 28 years and the owner is a delight. Cute, clean, cozy coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating, good coffee and yummy pastries, and fun items for sale such as French presses, teapots, teas, and knickknacks. Do some gift shopping while you enjoy your espresso, cappuccino, or whatever hits your flavor point. read more

Valley Java Organic Coffee & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Castro Valley, California

See all

So. I think I'm done hunting for my local coffee spot. With an incredible hangover, I found the strength to get in my car and try someplace quickly noticed how clean it is. And it's so welcoming and warm. Vincent, the owner, greeted me as soon as I stepped inside. He is so nice and friendly. He is my favorite part about this experience. I ate a Maple Scone and a drank a Green Tea Latte. Both were delicious. I can't wait to come back and try everything. Organic coffee and all the variations of milk this girl can handle! There is a cute patio in the front, perfect for catching some morning sun and aleviating the hangover. Parking lot in the front. Enjoy! read more

See all

First time here with my husband. We were greeted with smiles when we walked in. I'm assuming the owner attended us, he was an older gentlemen. He was super attentive and friendly. We received our order in less than a couple of minutes. And he brought it to us to our table with nothing but smiles. Not only was the service great but the coffee was top notch. The flavors were robust and distinct. Non of that cheap Starbucks stuff. Def recommended. read more

First time there and was bummed to see that mine and a friend's drink were virtually doubled in price from what was listed on the menu. 6.60ish for my drink on the menu, but was rang up for about $12-13. My friend's drink was 7.95 on the menu and he was charged 14.95. I assume when it's slower as it was just us, the owner is double charging customers. read more

Excellent ambiance for a friendly meet up, hanging out for a quality coffee or pastry. Vincent greets you with a smile and quick service. Friendly and kind staff. Vincent is great in remembering your coffee order on repeat visits. Cool hangout!! read more