This was an absolute find. I've lived in downtown New Haven for 3 years and I'm so sad it too me that long to find this great little cafe that blends right into a corporate building. I highly recommend this place for the food, price and service. The staff is extremely welcoming and willing to be flexible with their menu if they have the ingredients to make you something you like. They do breakfast and lunch Mondays thru Fridays. Here's my food reviews for today on a 1-10 scale: - Sausage, Egg and Cheese on Portuguese roll: 7.9 - Chicken Cutlet Panini: 8.3 (looks simple but really tasty) - Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: 9.3 - My wife enjoyed her coffee: 9.0 Thanks to Cathy, Josh, Curt and Bruce for being neighborly. Kudos to Bruce with the homemade soups. Apparently they have like a 30 soup rotation and do New England clam chowder every Thursday. I'll be back again and again. read more

See all

My go to lunch and breakfast place- very extensive menu and great friendly and fast service. Try the bosco salad, any of the homemade soups or daily specials. Really great breakfast options and very good coffee and lattes. read more

We love Cafe Java! Been eating here weekly before a visit to our chiropractor that is in the same building. Great sandwiches, coffees and snacks (cheese danish, yes please)! read more

Cafe Java - a cup of coffee on a table - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I am upset that I had never been here before until last week! My co-worker and I are within walking distance and she suggested this place for a nice lunch. I ordered a soup (sausage and bean) and chicken cesar salad. The staff that works here are super polite, friendly and cordial. I really enjoyed the soup, salad was fresh and had enough dressing on the side, and the chicken was not dry. The seating area is smaller on the inside , however the place isn't massive so it isn't a huge deal. I want to go back in the morning to score a breakfast sandwich and coffee. All the workers had gloves on and hair pulled back - which is something I always make sure to notate :) Great little place and I will be back :) read more

See all

** Family-owned**, this Cafe is truly a cut above the rest. Friendly, personalized service - and excellent food. Today, I had the Buffalo chicken sandwich with goat cheese. It's got a great kick to it. Delicious! And my everyday ordered "latte w/ almond milk" actually makes starting my day easier. This place is a real gem. Great people, great food.. and excellent, excellent service. read more

Had the Lentil and Sausage soup with Reuben on Rye. Food was great. $12 sandwich and $5.50 for soup. The soup was excellent. Full of flavor. Reuben was great also. Overall, well worth the 1/2 mile walk from Yale to visit this spot. It was full of locals also. Staff very personable! Stop here if you want a great lunch. read more

Cafe Java - Bowl of Lintel and Sausage Soup. Very tasty - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

See all

I love this place! They are always really nice and have great options that fit any diet. I usually order the Mista salad which is delicious and a health conscious choice. Prices are very reasonable too. read more

Let me start by saying I worked in the same building that this coffee shop is located in and barely visited for the first 6 months... Yeah, I know... not a good way to start a review... But it gets better, I promise. I started with the Chef's Salad ( to test the waters) and once it passed my taste buds' very prejudiced test, I was hooked! Now I'm a regular... Have my own seat and all... Now for the real review: Great atmosphere, great people, and excellent food! It's nice walking into a place, that no matter how crowded, you're greeted by first name and with a big smile! My faves include the fresh fruit smoothie, the Asian Chicken Salad (the homemade dressing is to die for), the Chef's Salad, and of course the daily special! The specials are unique, vibrant, full of favor and ALWAYS satisfying! And I love that they listen to their customer's suggestions. If you're looking for your run of the mill-just drop in for a coffee-Starbucks impersonal touch coffee shop... Save yourself the headache and keep it moving. The company, the food, the atmosphere... It's an excellent escape from the workday drudgery and a much needed add to your fave downtown hotspots! Don't be afraid to mention you saw this review on Yelp, and are there for that reason alone! read more

Cafe Java - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

So here we go. I dont drink coffee. You: "Why are you reviewing a coffee shop" Me: Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh So here we go this place is inexpensive and tasty. They have an array of coffee and teas and all the combos (lattes and mochashabalabadingdong) or whatever you people drink. I have had a bunch of their teas and a few tea lattes. Quiet nice They change with the seasons bringing seasonal spices into the mix as the seasons change. Salads are actually really filling and tasty always have fresh mixed greens and fresh chicken. Some of the salads have caramelized nuts too... wow. There Sandwiches are always good. Its always good. Never bad never amazing but always good. I feel like they always have fresh meat and never overcrowd a sandwich with toppings or sauces. (Breakfast sanwiches are pretty awesome too) There soups are good as well always consistent. Im a huge chicken noodle man myself. If you are nearby its a good stop. Lucky for me my office is 2 suites down! read more

The best coffee shop in new haven. hands down. The service is amazing and the staff is the absolute best. I was in new haven visiting Yale when i found this place. They have the best chai tea ever, I had to go back and grab another cup for the ride home! After raving about it to the owner, he was nice enough to give me a small sample of the mix to make at home. The food was also great. Overall an amazing place, fingers crossed I will become a regular! read more

This is my go-to when I'm in New Haven. A few times I've been running errands and have popped in here to grab a coffee and a bite. The coffee is good and the breakfast sandwiches are second to none. Real eggs, real bacon. I can't say enough. If I lived closer i would be here way too much! read more

I'm a newly new haven-er . So one if my objective is to eat all the new food I can . My obsession are cafes . The staff is so nice and they really give you 100 percent . I used a yelp offer of free coffee with a first check it and with a egg cheese and bacon on a roll . Who ever is whipping up the bacon is a bacon guru or something ! One of the best sandwiches I ever had . It's right on elm and orange and the cafes and deli down the street are good but so far this is my new best . read more

Cafe Java - Morning fix . - Coffee & Tea Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Since Bruce arrived the customer service here has been nothing short of spectacular. I'm not a fan of everything Marshall puts together, but I have to commend him on his creativity. Over the last few months this place has really turned around. read more

This is now one of my favorite places so wow can opinions change!! They're very accommodating and friendly, and I love the dark moody European atmosphere. I don't drink coffee and make my own tea so cannot comment on their beverages. But their breakfast is great and I often pick up a chicken Caesar salad for lunch... their grilled chicken is really good and very plentiful in the salad. read more

I just love visiting this place, from the dim, moody European atmosphere to the friendly staff who remember your name and what you usually order (shout out to Cathy and Myra!). I used to stop in a nearby little deli for my brekky, but Cafe Java meets their prices and adds on all that atmosphere, friendliness, and comfort for free. I don't drink coffee, so can't comment on that, but their food is excellent. I love the tasty chicken and homemade dressing in the caesar salad! Will definitely try their soup soon, based on what I've read here. (caveat: limited seating but they fit in a few tables and a couple counters) read more

Great little spot, central to downtown new haven working area. Lovely staff, very kind and considerate. Good coffee, small seating area, good snacks and sandwiches. read more

Just visited this this place for the first time and will definitely be back! The breakfast is quick and delicious, and the service is so friendly! My husband and I both mentioned how welcoming the staff was. Oh, and definitely get the soup. We took some home and it was so good! read more

Every miss a real, corner coffee shop that isn't just another chain? If so, you've come to the right place. This little coffee shop is a gem. Friendly staff, great coffee, an impressively expansive breakfast and lunch menu with daily specials, and a few tables and chairs. Don't miss it! read more

I tried out Cafe Java for a lunchtime soup and i was blown away. I asked if i could try each (there were 3) and they poured me samples no problem. I was told the soups were homemade and i could see them simmering on the stove behind the counter. I tend to think alot of places just say that their food is made onsite but I could really taste and see that this was the truth! The broccoli and cheddar was so flavorful and had chunks of fresh broccoli in it, I also enjoyed the bean and bacon. I would definitely go back for more soup and to try some of their other menu options. read more

Very good coffee, great salads and sandwiches and the kicker is the $5 sandwich for lunch, which has limited options, but does the trick. This is really a hidden gem and I've walked by this place for almost a year on my way to work until I finally checked it out for lunch or that 3:30p shot of caffeine to make it to the end of the day. read more

I have enjoyed 2 or 3 great lunches here! I love their salads - lots of options and they have a very creative menu. You can eat in or take out - both options were great. The people behind the counter are very nicer, never rude. From the outside this place doesn't look like much but you will enjoy a great lunch once inside!! read more

Today was my first time visiting this Cafe. I was immediately greeted by the friendly lady at the counter. The breakfast sandwich was soo good! It's a very short work from the New Haven state street station. I will definitely be back again when I'm in the area! - I'm glad I chose this spot over Starbucks!! read more

The one star is simply for the live attendant, the owner and his attitude tarnishes the space. I would have given zero if possible I'm new to the area. I'm here doing graduate research. After an hour walk exploring neighborhoods to sublet I thought I would go into this place that I had made a mental note to stop into at some point and eat. I wasn't hungry, but extremely thirsty from walking. I bought a cup of water and sat in the chair w/in the lobby in the adjacent building charging my phone. Before I could sit an attendant came over and begin to take the seats away saying that they were now closing early for the day (about an hour earlier). He allowed me to remain seated and said that I could come inside if I would like. I choose to remain outside of the cafe in the lobby. The owner Bruce then came and said "we are taking these chairs inside." I told him what the other person had said, he repeated himself--firmly and rudely, not like someone who would want for me to come and become a regular. My phone was not charging properly and so I went inside (as suggested before) and the owner then said that we don't want "this " kind of business people coming in to just use the electricity. I told him I wasn't a random homeless person coming in but a researcher up the street. I said I planned to come back another time but today I was in route to campus and not hungry at the moment so I bought... He finished my thought and said "a water" disapprovingly.. He told me to take that type of business to Starbuck's. I mentioned that I am a gold member there and would be welcomed. Horrible attitude and disposition. I would not recommend this place AT ALL. read more

Decided to switch it up and go here for my morning coffee instead of my usual downtown Starbucks. Ordered a large regular coffee. Horrible. Tasted burnt and flavorless and cost more than Starbucks! I tossed it after one sip and walked across the green to get my venti pike. Can't say anything about their food or espresso but the regular coffee is just not worth it. read more

This place makes the entire block smell like delicious bacon all morning. The chicken cutlets are basically like crack they are so good (and in/on whatever you order). The staff is super nice which is just the icing on the cake. Also their specials are always delicious. read more

Not a lot of great selection for a quick bite around here. Pleasant interaction, amazing salad! Love the toasted bread on the side!

Bosco Salad? Dynamite. Protein wrap? Spectacular. Coffee (which is Omar Coffee btw)? Ideal. Did I mention the Bosco? Sweet Lord in heaven, what a glorious creation. Ask for avocado on it too for an extra boost to your happy place. Friendly staff, cleanliness is appealing and the bagels are super duper. Love it. Oh and get the Bosco. Your life will be changed for the better. read more

still going strong. since my last review i've become a big fan of their salads, which are surprisingly good. the mista and bosco in particular are great combinations of flavors and a decent deal at $7.75 including chicken or turkey. read more

Great little lunch spot. Prices aren't bad. Service is great, very friendly. Wraps and salads are good.

I love Cafe Java!! I work across the street so I visit often. One of the owners Kathy (Cathy?) is a gem. She greets everyone by name... and I mean everyone. Besides the amazing staff, the food is sooooo good. My go to is the Mista salad or the Chef salad. Both made with fresh ingredients and it never leaves me hungry. I have had their breakfast sandwiches too and they are just as great. Everyday they have a new lunch special that my boss and I always look forward to. Today they have a chili and lime shrimp salad with tomato and avocados. It was seriously to die for. If you are reading this and have not been you need to go. Everything is fresh, delicious and plentiful. read more

I am not a huge coffee drinker but I have gone to this place several times. I was excited because they have soup and sandwiches. The turkey soup is delicious and I have gotten it several times so I decided to try some other things. I ordered a grilled chicken ceasar salad and a cup of cream of broccoli soup. When I got home I was extremely disappointed. The soup was the worst soup I had ever tasted in my life. It was pureed broccoli and cheddar cheese in an oily sauce. The ceasar salad dressing was out of a package and tasted like pure mayonaise. I threw it all in the garbage. I am disappointed. The paninis are made with rolls and not the good panini bread that normal restaurants use. I think that the family that runs this place just decided to make some recipes that they know how to make and sell them. The cooking is not good and I won't be returning. read more