I visited on a Saturday in early May for a lunch stop on the way home. My sweet tooth was kicking…read morejn, so I opted for a banana Nutella crepe and a cafe con leche for dine in. The crepe was superb, and the coffee was just fine. There was an outdoor seating section, so I took a small table in there. No problems though I wish it was a little warmer. Heating was available, but it was not intolerably cold so I decided not to bother with turning on the heat. I'd definitely consider returning. Bear in mind the establishment is based on ordering at the counter and picking up your order when you're paged. I don't mind that (saves on paying gratuity), but if you want wait service, this isn't the right place for you.

Representing 2019 in alphabet series, J is for Java Nation. I visited once in October 2019 & sort…read moreof during Covid in June 2020. 2020 was a particularly negative experience during this tough time in life & American history with Covid amongst other things. October 2019 visit: My girlfriend of that time & I visited for coffee & crepes. I remember it was kind of expensive for the crepes, which a fancy pastry. I'm clearly not a big crepe person. Crepes at Java was decent, but expensive for what you get. Coffee was decent but nothing to write home about either. Staff wasn't terribly friendly either. This was a place I wasn't going to rush back to. June 2020, Very bad day: As I stated in the opening paragraph, Covid was a tough time. I was living in a studio apartment in Wheaton, so I was happy when the office had reopened from being closed during the early part of Covid. I believe I was coming from the office in Columbia and had work travel to Herndon, VA. That same girlfriend, who had just become an ex, wanted to meet for lunch. I was cool with going to Chipotle in Kensington as it wasn't too far out of the way from 495. There was no dine-in at Chipotle or anywhere at this time. So, we took the food to go and were parked on the Java Nation side. Java Nation wasn't busy. They had tables set up outside, and we wanted to quickly eat. The Java Nation woman barked at me saying you can't eat that here. Geez...give me a break...Covid was a tough time. That already annoyed me. We were starting to eat in her car like animals. She got VERY upset & angry that I didn't mention a trip I was going on. I said that it was very small gathering of just 5 of us, they wanted to keep limited, and we are broken up as that's why I didn't include you! She spelled her Chipotle on me, which was more than half of the bowl she hadn't eaten. I yelled at her in the parking lot saying you wasted food, how dare you do that. I was shaking with anger and upset that this happened. An observer some guy in the parking lot going to Five Guys or wherever said just let her go. I was already angry and flustered with my ex but also was upset with Java Nation, I poured whatever leftover of hers that didn't get on me on the table since they were jerks and wouldn't let me eat there. The woman at Java Nation was angry and said she was calling cops. I apologized and offered to clean, but it wasn't good enough. I rushed peeled out of the parking lot as I didn't want to deal with cops and rushed to get into Virginia to do my work travel, which had already been delayed because of the ex's craziness. In summary, after this terrible experience, which to be fair was partially my fault as I was flustered by the ex, I don't feel comfortable going to Java Nation in Kensington, but I wouldn't rule going to the North Bethesda one or any other if it ever made sense for me to go, but haven't been back in the 5.5 years since then. I decided to give 2-stars and not 1-star because the 2019 experience was decent enough. Covid was a weird time, and if I went back to Kensington (which I won't), it'd probably be more like 2019 except with higher prices.

Great business, no comments…read more Really, so much to love! + Cinnamon toast crunch latte + Food, like MEAL food (not just pastries) that are excellent, like their hot honey bacon breakfast sandwich and prosciutto mozzarella sandwich + Seasonal drinks + Clean bathrooms + Charming local street order placards + Reusable dishware, even for their self-serve water + Reasonable prices + Stylish dishware and charming, spacious seating + Quick and friendly service Not much to critique. Not all their flavored lattes are created equal (go to a Middle Eastern coffee shop for pistachio, theirs is the typical extract-driven flavor profile). I wish their point of sales system allowed for less than a dollar tips (I usually always round up to the next dollar, but I couldn't go below 1.00). We'll be back, with friends, soon!

Wow! This place is so much bigger than I thought it would be, having only seen it from the outside…read more-- and they have so many things, too! Lots of seating, cool-looking lighting, a great selection of drinks, yummy gelato (I tried the Cherry Blossom -- amazing!), soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, oh my goodness! The staff are all very nice and welcoming, too .... When I went it was quiet but I hear it can get very crowded and at certain times, the only two upstairs tables are reserved for a runners' group. There are (rather steep, if only a few) stairs and also a ramp to get to the downstairs area, but the ramp is rather long and involves having to make a 180 degree turn. I think it's doable for those who can walk it but if one is using a wheelchair, I'm not so sure because there is a table in the space where some part of a chair-on-wheels might go -- so in other words, if the chair is very narrow, okay! If not, I think maybe not .... I didn't actually measure it, but it just seemed a little narrow to me. The bathrooms have really cool tiles in them, and there is a lot of stony texture on the exterior wall. There are some pretty, inspiring black-and-white paintings and at least one quote painted on the walls outside the bathrooms -- I like these kinds of touches a lot. I found the tomato soup to be much more filling and satisfying than expected, having forgotten one could become quite full on such a dish. I took much of it home and enjoyed it at room temperature on the porch a bit later in the day, so I can attest to the fact that this soup is delicious both hot and cooled down. I was surprised by the taste of the toasted cheese and was informed by my more-astute-than-I dining partner that all their bread is gluten-free. I hadn't noticed. I'm not sure exactly how it normally comes because seeing that they had basil, I requested a leaf and got a very nice-looking sprig! So very fresh, wow! This (early-ish spring) is probably a rather perfect time to enjoy the available outdoor seating area -- maybe I will next time .... I'm especially glad to know that my old fave Filipino grocery store that used to be on this corner has been converted into such a worthwhile, pretty, welcoming, and community-building hub! :-D Overall, highly recommended! Major Yay! :-D

This is another bakery n Wheaton Olaza I love in the Wheaton, Maryland arwa . Its Spanish owned…read morebut i think they hire outside cashiers. Tis is Ooh Lala Bakery nit far from Ledo Pizza and IHOP. Its outside the Wheaton Triangle . This is Called the Ooh Lala Bakery . This place has great staff there and behind their barita area lies their oe concept kitchen where they perform their magic to make your best pastries and deserts to cater to all occasions and holidays alike . This place has my lingente my people the Spanish . I maybe a Mixed Colombian Nationaln Born un the United States , But t diesnt mean I don't now who i am . I want ti work there ti build bridges between the Soanish and American worlds to better ourselves and make differences agajn in . Learn off each other . I do want the cashier position and food runner . I want ti help boost business agajn as it should and must be again . For too ling since the pandemic it was all of Us Americans faults for the bad unjustifiable, Inexcusable, Reprehensible, Unlawful and wrongful behaviors and i want to see to it , Its never tolerated agajn in Any place of business again . I want the ji. There without getting judged or used bad politics against without seeing what people like ke can doto be great assets to the team nd the store itself. This place has a dining area in it with refrigerator wirh assorted sodas and moee . This place has things fr. Cones cakes , values doughnuts to other great delicious pastries of yiyr choosing . They have an offering of take out orders too . But delivery service that is still bejnf researched. Yes the make catering pastry dishes fir amy occasions too . It a little of fun to be at this place here . If you come there please respect or Spanish traditions and culture there . It a place wgere you can come something much bigger than yourself , To be more than who you are . If you love this place as I do , This place is for you. We all look firwrd to see you all there very soon once again. Swing by and have some pastry fun .

I ordered three Leche birthday cake It was exactly as it was…read moredescribed not too sweet like Mexican cakes with respect It to us enough sweet, but not like those pastry that taste on sugar had flavor and every single person in the party like that thanks for the lady who took my order and described the cake as it was exactly

Great drip coffee and a friendly server. I stopped by just to get black coffee on my way north, and…read morewas pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ordinary coffee of the day, especially since it's also cheap! They also have pour over available. Bring cash if you're getting something under $5, if you can. The cafe is right inside the library itself and there's a free parking garage as well as a free lot nearby, and you can drink your coffee (carefully) inside or outside at a kid play park.

I love that this cafe is in the library! It's so nice and full of life in this intimate space. The…read morestaff is amazing & will take the time out to converse with you. The menu has so many wonderful items to choose from. My iced chai was spiced very well and the cheese danish was thick and tasted delicious. A must try where you can get a book, play at the gym and then stop by the cafe.

Came in for a quick smoothie and left really satisfied! All three drinks were good--nice and thick…read moreand tasted well. The matcha smoothie was SUPER matcha-filled and my mom loved the mixed berry smoothie. Don't be fooled by the basic interior, the smoothies are very flavorsome.

After some shopping I was looking for a healthy snack and stumbled upon this location. The lady who…read moreprepapres the drinks is bilingual (Spanish&English) so she gave some recommendations but couldn't really sell me on options so I decided on the coconut smoothie. The drink was okay. It definitely needed something to elevate it. The chunks of coconut was delicious but a majority of the time it tasted like the ice that was blended. My friends picked mango juice and a orange smoothie and also enjoyed their drinks. Coconut smoothie 5/10

A small shop tucked on a side street off Wilson Blvd. My friend and I were walking in the area (we…read morehad first stopped at Eclairons down the street and parked there) and made our way over to Simona. The cafe itself is pretty small with only a few indoor tables but more outdoor seating available. My friend said they make their own focaccia bread and we each decided to get a Fancy Grilled Cheese. The bread was indeed amazing and flavorful. What made the grilled cheese unique was that they added a tomato-based jam/salsa of some kind that really added a nice fresh acidity to balance out the cheese. I believe they used two kinds of cheese, including brie which is my fav. The cheese was creamy and melty. The food came out pretty quickly and the staff was friendly. Definitely a nice stop if you're walking around the area although there was no shortage of food options!

Went back and this time in the late morning. So glad I did! Had cookie butter latte from their…read morewinter series and also NOVA from non breakfasts item. Both were soo good. Not overly crowded but good amount of ppl. Service was friendly, ambiance is giving the cool cafe vibes. Plenty outdoor seatings available up front and on the sides by entrance. I know I'll be coming back to enjoy outdoor with pup. Also, dog treats available by the counter.

I recently picked up a small Lemon cake and a Strawberry cake from Morning My Day in Silver Spring…read more I was expecting a decent dessert; I wasn't expecting to be reminded that most other bakeries have been lying to us for years. The first bite was a bit of a shock to the system. It's one of those rare "Ratatouille moments" where a flavor profile manages to bridge the gap between Maryland and the legendary sponge cakes of Phoenix Bakery in LA. It's a bit of a trick, really--making something taste like a childhood memory without being cloying about it. The Breakdown: * The Sponge: It's exceptionally light. Biting into it is less like eating a dense dessert and more like biting into a sweetened, high-end pillow. It's airy, delicate, and possesses the kind of structural integrity that only a professional (or a wizard) could manage. * The Icing: A triumph of restraint. Instead of the usual sugary plaster one finds elsewhere, this is a light, white cream. It's sweet enough to let you know it's there, but it doesn't try to dominate the conversation. It's icing with a bit of dignity. * The Verdict: This is how cake ought to be. It's exquisite, technically brilliant, and far too easy to eat in a single sitting. If you appreciate a dessert that relies on craft rather than a massive dose of corn syrup, do yourself a favor and stop by. It's a legit bit of baking excellence right here in Silver Spring

I've stopped by this tiny bakery twice now! The first time I got a mochi and red bean bun, which…read morewas pretty good - soft bread with a comforting filling. The cheese and pork sung bun I had this last time didn't really have any flavor - normally pork sung is really flavorful, so I was surprised. It was also a bit dry. However, I like the space and the range of offerings. I don't know that I would get a bun again, but I'm very curious about the milk tea! Staff is very nice and the prices are reasonable. There isn't much seating, so plan to take your order to go.

The best cake in all the DMV area they have about 4 location 3 in Maryland and 1 in Alexandria VA…read more everything was amazing Wedding taste was great

Got a birthday cake from here. Great service at the counter at pick-up. The cake decoration dazzled…read moreeveryone at the party and it was soooo good.

Updating for 2026: Still my top coffeeshop and roaster in the area! I really look forward to having…read moremy oat cappuccinos each Saturday that I can make it over there and trying whatever the crew has on espresso that day. My favorite bean from the holiday season was the Cerro Dragon GEISHA - not only absolutely delicious but a great and wonderfully affordable--accessible--gift. It's always a delight to get to sit down and enjoy the cup and company no matter how crazy their rushes get.

Best coffee around. Pick up your freshly roasted beans and get a nice espresso or coffeeread more

Another day, another coffee shop :)…read more I stopped by French Press and really enjoyed it. It's close to Walter Reed which makes it a convenient little spot. The customer service was good and the place itself is cute with great seating for a coffee shop. I ordered the iced strawberry matcha latte and it was really good. No complaints at all. I'd definitely come back and try it again.

The service at this cafe was very friendly and the latte I got was very good (no burnt or too sweet…read morebut very flavorful). I spent a few hours here working and it seems to be fairly popular for folks in the area for coworking or taking a break. Parking can be challenging but it is worth it if you can find a spot.