I just watched an employee tap someones shoulder aggressively and then say, in a voice that the entire cafe could hear, that they needed to buy something or leave. Then they said they would call the police, still in a voice that the entire cafe could hear. When the customer didn't immediately leave, they said they we're going to start recording them on their phone. The employee then proceeded to take out their phone and take photos of the customer. I overheard him afterwords say that he's "worked here for ever" and "doesn't care" if the guy calls the boss. It's such a shame, I've been coming for a year but it would just be too awkward to go back with that employee there. What if I sat down and didn't immediately buy a drink, would i be yelled at and photographed...? read more

No matter what coffee place I go, I always get the same drink, two shots of ESPRESSO over ICE. The cashier thought it was his business to tell me, "please don't fill the cup with milk and sugar, that would be considered a latte!" Wow, what nerve and how CHEAP of this establishment! Did he really think I was going to use their entire stock of milk to fill my small cup which was filled mostly with ice? I am the customer and my coffee should not come with conditions! Especially if I paid $2.85 for 2 SHOTS!! Out of all coffee houses I've gone to this has never happened, it's pathetic! This kind of cheap behavior just makes me want to stick to Starbucks or Coffee Bean, at least they give you what you want and don't suggest stupid things. WILL NEVER RETURN HERE! read more

Came to Long Beach for a week and literally came here for coffee every day! Great coffee, amazing hot chocolate too. I've had quite a bit of food here too and was never disappointed, their crossaints are huge! I've had a blueberry scone, so good! Breakfast muffin and lunch panini's, all tasty and affordable! I've been to some places that are like walking into a library with lots of students and workers at their laptops or really bustling, loud coffee shops. This place is a perfect balance, great atmosphere. Will come back when ever I come to Long Beach. read more

I had a lovely night here. Service was good. Drinks were good. Ambience was good. Lovely spot to hang out with yourself and get some work done OR... have a great convo with a great friend. Hot java is hot magic. Do your part to keep the space sacred. Don't bring satisfactory friends here (You know who I'm talking about). Take the latter to those "generic" coffee shops on every street and save Hot Java for the awesome people in your life. read more

My glucose levels are elevated as soon as I walk into the door. Yep, it is a coffee spot and the coffee and service is great, but daaaamn! Those pastries and cookies. I am always tempted, but like the saying goes...."once you get started..." So I get my coffee and get on. I have a coffee machine at home so I don't need to go every day, but as a neighborhood spot, it is a decent one and at some point I know that I am going to gorge on those sugary sweets. I'l just have to temper myself after having breakfast at Park Pantry across the street. A bacon filled breakfast and a sugary snack. What a way to die! read more

Maybe its because I live in the much less cool city of Garden Grove, but I really enjoy this coffeehouse. It has an amazing pulse. Something is always going on and there are always a lot of many different people mingling inside. The staff is wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. Their pastry case does leave something to be desired, but then again I only visit Hot Java at night, never in the morning and pastries tend to dry out under refrigeration. I absolutely love the many great shows like laugh-a-latte and my favorite being Improv comedy by Held2gether on select Saturday nights!!! Get there early on comedy nights to grab a comfy armchair or couch. Parking can be a bit tough in this area, but just find a place and enjoy walking around. There are many great places to visit in the area. read more

Best cup I've had in a while! Seating is bit dirty and no skin, no half&half to be seen - jugs empty,. They only have the whole milk yuk. Great potential tho read more

I come here to do homework certain nights of the week, coffee/food is great, and the staff is usually great as well. The reason I say USUALLY, is because there is one employee who always has a sour attitude which kills the entire vibe of being there and is the sole reason for the 2 stars. For example, it is currently 10:04 and he is stacking up all of the chairs around me... sweeping...closing up. YOU CLOSE AT 11 SIR. Very rude, makes me feel rushed to finish my assignment, and giving the impression that he wants us to leave so he can close up and go home. HE DOES THIS EVERY TIME. One time he even made us leave at 10:50. Not cool Hot Java. read more

My "burrito" was so small and not worth the price, wasn't fresh either. Should reevaluate naming their items or giving customers fair portions with better quality read more

Hot Java - Ridiculously small "burrito" not worth the price, didn't taste fresh either - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Long Beach, California

Strangely enough, I liked everything here EXCEPT for their coffee. Came here for the first time on a Saturday night to check out a friend's improv comedy group's free show (Darren Held's Held2Gether improv comedy workshop through Long Beach's Parks & Recreation, w00t! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115770951768848&index=1#!/pages/Held2gether/413165176520?ref=search&sid=1020237629.661619793..1). They transformed the shop into a mini theater with folding chairs and moving their couches around--I was amazed how many people they were able to fit in there! I got a small regular coffee and a brownie cheesecake to munch on during the performance. They have their regular drip coffees in those warming carafe thingies, which is usually fine with me. Noah's Bagles and Corner Bakery have the same kind of system and I love their coffees. Well, I was shocked when I took the first sip. First of all, it wasn't hot at all. Lukewarm, I'd say. As someone who likes her coffee scalding hot, it was a bitter disappointment. Second, the coffee was all watery and weak. W. T. F. I should've taken it back but the show had already started and I needed a beverage (such as it was) for my cheesecake. The good news is that brownie cheesecake was DELICIOUS and the show was great. The people that work here are really cool, and the management must be too, because they let my friend's group perform there for free. It seems to be a generous, community-minded establishment, which means I'll definitely give their coffee another try, but if I encounter the same thing next time I will be sure to bring it to their attention. read more

Convenient location and great for people watching, but only if you don't mind being watched as well. My experience was soured however, with the almost incompetent cashier. The card reader was not working so he had to input the information manually, as he did so he read my credit card information out loud until I asked him to stop. He was annoyed that I dared ask. Not only that, while I was waiting to be attended he did not say or do anything to signal that he was ready to attend me, he did not even acknowledge me. I stood there awkwardly until I asked if I could order. I ordered an overpriced pastry. The flavor was unspectacular and average. It tasted old. They did offer to heat it though, that was a nice option. But even Starbucks does that...and in a friendlier way. :/ Customer service really killed it for me, I may be willing to give it another shot (but with cash) and update the review. But if you want a local coffeehouse vibe this might suit you. Lots of seating inside. Wifi with purchase. read more

In 2005-2006 I literally completed my Masters program at this coffee shop. It had great service, consistent service, and a nice atmosphere. Fast forward to 2009, my five stars have dropped to 2. The ambiance is not what it use to be. Though its "Gay Friendly" it has really turned into an overcrowded meat market. The Internet, NEVER works...of course, you learn of this after you purchase your product. The TV and/or Radio is blasting so loud, your ears bleed. Also take note, HJ accepts reservations for seating large parties. It's amazing that I can spend $8.00 on food by myself and then be "kicked out" for a table of 10 when only 1 person out of 10 will purchase a medium coffee. (from a business/profitability standpoint...this doesn't make sense) From a Food Safety standpoint: Observe....Fruit Flies in pastry case, employees smoke then not wash hands, dogs are petted by employees who will then take cash, then make your panini prior to washing hands. Maybe I'm old school, but i miss the "old days" of Hot Java. No doubt about it...they are successful...and that's great! But, they cater to a different clientele in which I don't fall under. read more

This is my second favorite place to study. (My first favorite will always be here lying on my bed like I am right now.) Yeay for free wireless. And a pretty good selection of tables to plop your books and laptops on. And enough non-fabric chairs. I can't sit on public couches or fabric chairs. I realize I have a lot of issues - you don't have to tell me this. I don't drink coffee but their hot chocolates and Italian sodas are tasty. read more

My honey and I had planned on going for bagels and coffee at either Viento or Portfolios this morning, but seeing that both coffee houses were closed in observance of Thanksgiving, we went to Hot Java for coffee. Hot Java never disappoints. As we walked in to Hot Java, the Macy's Thanksgiving parade was on the plasma, so we grabbed a coffee and apple turnover, and settled in to watch the parade with the rest of the die hard coffee drinkers. It was nice to find other coffee junkies in need of some caffeine on this day. But what's with the Macy's day parade? Has it always been this cheesy? Talentless lip-sinking pop-tarts, and Disney gratuitous self-promoting it's trite Broadway shows, was not what I needed on this day. It was disturbing. I'm glad I don't watch that much television. However, I did have a nice time hamming it up at Hot Java with an Irish wolfhound and half chow/half golden retriever, who were both eying my turnover. Hands off boys. There's not enough for the two of you. Darn, cute dogs... I could have played with them all day, especially the doughy eyed half-chow/half-golden retriever. They were so adorable these dogs. Their parents were this sweet, friendly couple, who I shared a nice conversation with. Nice peeps like that are nice to run into. I love Hot Java. You can have a wonderful relaxing time, sipping coffee and meeting cool peeps. read more

A long beach staple near the gay ghetto. Coffee is kinda pricey, but it's actually very good. The staff is cool about letting you read/study there for hours. Free WiFi. Both indoor an outdoor seating. The desserts are pretty tasty, too! read more

Met a friend here yesterday as it was a close location for both of us. I got a cup of coffee, but she simply wanted water, as she had already had a couple of cups of coffee that morning. No problem at any other place. THEY CHARGED HER $.50 FOR A PLASTIC CUP OF TAP WATER!! Seriously? Half a dollar for a plastic cup (of which you can buy a 100 for 2 dollars) of TAP WATER? How much can you pinch a penny!?!! read more

I have just one word to say, loudly, and in big uppercase: FOGLIFTER!! Okay, with that said, I prefer this place to Portfolio - in fact I have to walk farther to get to Hot Java as I'm right next door to Port but I just like the vibe a little better. Plus I am seriously addicted to the FOGLIFTER coffee!! I had to meet a potential landlord once and I had just finished a large FOGLIFTER and the poor guy must have thought I was flyin' high on an eight-ball!! HA HA! I was so jacked up that I was running around the empty apartment like a ferret on crack and talking a mile a minute. I have since learned to order no larger than a medium foglifter. Yes, ahuh. Except on Halloween when I was dressed like Gene Simmons and decided big KISS boots deserved big caffeine, but I digress... I agree that the food isn't a draw. If you don't get there early the bagels are gone. I have tried a few of their pastries behind the glass and they just seemed dry. I don't know what it is about Portfolio that makes me walk all the way to Hot Java, but anyway..... maybe it's the........ FOGLIFTER!!! read more

I really liked this place. Since I can walk to this place, not even a block away from my house, I think I will be there often...And dogs are allowed in the cafe so that was very nice! I just can't wait for winter, when they start the fireplace and I sit on that cozy couch next to it..mmm... Anyways as far as drinks go...I always get the Italian Soda with peach flavor...yum! I tried the chocolate cake yesterday, sooo good! oh and hot chocolate...don't forget to get whipped cream! read more

I will NEVER come back to this place! I've only been there once and it was an awful experience. When I first walked in, I had high hopes for the place because it was big and looked pretty comfortable. However, as soon as the cashiers opened their mouth me and my boyfriend felt totally unwelcome. Neither of us realized it was SELF SERVE coffee, so after we ordered and just kinda stood there waiting for our order, we were very rudely informed its self serve and they both just kinda rolled their eyes like we were the biggest idiots ever! HA but the funny part is--my boyfriend ordered a regular hot coffee and they made him an iced coffee with some kind of syrup in it, and when he took it back for the correct drink they said "dont you just want this one?" and he was like "no i want the one i ordered" and then started with the eye rolling/sighing again. On top of all that...the coffee was GROSS. The coffee was not fresh, very watery, and tasted burnt. In fact, it was so bad we just tossed our drinks out and walked down the street to one of the many, other, BETTER coffeehouses. read more

I don't come here anymore after having too many bad customer service experiences. The last straw was when an employee actually made a rude and demeaning public comment to me about tipping, rattling the jar at me. Apparently, leaving a dollar or two for my already expensive drink isn't enough, haha. It's unprofessional inappropriate behavior. read more

The coffee itself was fine, but I was taken aback when the barista was coughing a bunch while making the drinks and not covering his mouth or wearing gloves. While I want to support small businesses, I don't think it's fair to expose customers to germs like that in the middle of a pandemic. I think they need to be better about safety precautions and if staff aren't feeling well they should stay home. read more

Awesome experience here. Ok if you see my coffee reviews you'll know I demand great service. This place has it! Drove up after picking my friend up at long beach airport. Ordered large NF caramel macchiato_iced and a white chocolate mocha. We were in line behind 4 people and after sitting down the line kept going. The super barista, name unknown, but wearing a shirt that said "rough and rugged" whipped out our drinks in less than 10 minutes! AND he also worked the register AND he was pleasant!! I will drive from my home near 91 and 55 to get not only a STRONG delicious coffee but excellent service, THANK YOU Hot Java! read more

Had the time to draft this review while waiting for someone to show up behind the register...minute or two later...Still waiting. Coffee was fine once I got it. read more

Venues do [NOT] make for a pleasent coffee cafe experiance. I have never been one of those people who patronizes a place because everybody else does or, it's [the] place to hang out. Well Hot Java is a perfect example of a good thing gone retrograde. Something on the 4th Friday, 3rd Saturday, 6th Monday 24th Wednesday, Laugh A Latte and Open mic night! Ugh for the love of Juan Valdez make it stop! This place used to be a nice place to come and chill either solo or with friends; now that is only possible during the day and even then I feel like I'm at an esablishment for guys with over active libidos with my clothes on! I had one nice experiance a few years back I'd forgotten my cell phone and needed to let a friend know I was down stairs from his place; the owner let me borrow his (hence the 2 stars). Hot Java you got to big for your Latte Britches along with your clicky groups, wi-fi insanity and the energy of Romper Room! read more

I've been wanting to stop by here for awhile now since I recently moved down the street. Finally on Thanksgiving morning, I decided to take a break from the bird and treated myself to a nice cup of coffee... and so I did. The staff wasn't as friendly as I had expected them to be based on the reviews I've read before, but they were decent. Maybe it was the fact that they were working on a holiday that stopped them from giving me a welcoming smile, so for that, I don't really blame them. (Sorry, fellas!) My latte took a little longer than what I'm used to (no one was in line before me, or after)... so I was getting worried that the bird was burning at home. (Bad idea to leave something cooking at home while you take a walk) The place itself seemed pretty laid back and definitely a place I would go to get some work done over a latte if I needed to. I will admit that by the time I got home, I was too busy to really sit down and enjoy my latte and was so rushed that I forgot all about it and by the time I remembered that I had one waiting for me, it was too cold and so I ended up throwing it away. :( What a waste of a couple bucks... but that was totally my fault. Will definitely give this place a go again... without anything cooking in the oven! read more

Amazing place with great decoration and art work on the walls, friendly staff and the eggs and bacon burrito was sensational and perfect size for my morning meal! read more

I have an obsession with coffee. I love the smell, the taste, how it makes me warm inside on a chilly day or how it cools me down (iced of course) on a hot summer morning. A few years ago the Press Telegram put out a list of their "hot coffee spots", Hot Java was on that list, voted number 1. I'm assuming in taste only. I remember trying this place out with my boyfriend. Flash forward 9 years later, the coffee is still delicious. My date enjoyed his hot mocha. My spiced chai latte was yummy too. Now, on to the service. The guy who took our order clearly did not want to be there. He was not friendly and when we walked in, he had a look on his face as if he was annoyed we were there. I could barely hear his questions. Parking is limited. There is no lot, only street parking. On a busy day this could be a problem. As I'm typing this, one of the employees kicked out a person who had been in the coffee shop for "over a half hour" and hadn't ordered anything. I'm not sure how I feel about this, as there are a bunch of tables and not many people here at 10:20 on a Saturday night. Right now there are 6 of us in the coffee shop. I understand that they need the room when it's a busy day but this late? I felt it was rude. It didn't look like the guy was homeless he had his laptop with him. Another patron even complained about tge rudeness of the employee. Again.... I get the issue when it's busy. So--minus points for the rude service and limited parking. The coffee is still very yummy. read more

Hot Java is a great option for those who want to study. The space is ample and has large tables. The staff always call you "sweetie" - a very nice and attentive service. I love the environment here - it fuels my desire to concentrate (though not productively) and people watch. Its on the corner of broadway and on evening the staff open up the patio. Though I love the service, I do wish that there were better drink and pastry options. The coffee itself is very inconsistent. The pastries are only desired when one is very... I mean desperately hungry - bland. If the Portfolio's menu and Hot Java's ambiance merged it would be the perfect cafe. read more

Outstanding coffee first. Soy milk latte well done. Great and roomy place to hang out in. They have some games to play, wifi, and outside seating. Great service. Nothing can be improved. read more

If not for the name and slightly different decor I could've thought I was in Starbucks. Is that good or bad... I dunno!! I'm not a coffee fan. I actually like tea a bit better but drink both mostly for the sugar and warmth! Their Barista made me a white chocolate steamed concoction that helped me make the 4 hr drive back from Long Beach to Vegas after several long days and longer nights!Thanks girl!! read more

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Okay, so I take my coffee veeeerrrry seriously. Since I don't like it mucked up, I always take the time to tell the barista exactly how I would like it made.... Here's what I say, "I would like three shots of expresso, with a tiny splash of milk, and spoonful of chocolate powder/syrup". Pretty simple right? So, on this particular day my fiance and I ducked into this joint.... got up to the counter and I told the guy what I wanted. First thing I notice is that he's sweating profusely and not really paying attention to me as I'm talking to him. Which seems a bit odd because we're the only people in line, the place isn't particularly crowded, and nor is it especially warm this day. When I'm done ordering... and he impatiently says, "so you want a mocha". To which I reply, "No, a mocha is alot of milk and chocolate, and not very much actual coffee. I'm looking for a really strong jolt of coffee here, not a dessert drink". So he says okay okay, I got ya.... the next thing I know, I'm tasting my coffee and it's like a cup of luke warm water with a slight hint of vanilla. I ask the guy what's going on, and he tells me that he made me a fricken latte...... OMG! Are you serious, a Latte is like 95% Milk.... I asked for three shots of expresso, and a tiny splash of milk, plus a spoonful of chocolate powder. So the guy apologizes and attempts to remake it. Now he's handing me a new coffee and trying to coach me on what to ask for next time, telling me that what I want is a machiatto.... I taste it, and it's a cup of crap! I just smile so I that don't scream at him, walk out, and dump my coffee in the trash. Not only did I have to wait around forever, but I never got my jolt of caffeine that I so desperately wanted, and on top of that.... the guy charged me $4.00 for what??? .... Lesson learned, won't ever go there again! read more

I haven't spent time at Hot Java in a few years, but now that I have been into the shop again, I can see the effort they are putting into improving the shop. The staff was friendly and prompt, everything appeared to be much cleaner (as much as I could tell from where I was), their baristas are trained so the products seem to be much more consistent. I did not try any food, but it looked fresh and there were no fruit flies on the food this time (yay!!!). The owners have clearly made an effort and it looks like they are going in the right direction. read more

This place is so awesome! The cashier was very helpful in describing the drinks and giving me a recommendation. I ordered a chai tea, half spiced chai and half vanilla with an espresso shot. I didn't think it was sweet enough and the cashier kindly made it sweeter. I loved the foam in my drink. It was so frothy and amazing! read more

Very friendly coffeehouse that is next to Bixby Park and other restaurants worth checking out like Chen's Chinese and Park Pantry. Although small, they have indoor and outside seating. The inside has several large and small tables to sit at with your computer, or you can sit comfortably on the couches they have aside. They have board games like Jenga, Monopoly, and Scrabble I think, if you're feeling it. The outdoor seating is limited but nice if you have your dog, or want to get the nice beach breeze. Hot Java hosts open mic/comedy nights throughout the month. Schedule is located on the doors. Also, they theme up the place for the holidays. I remember I came in once during the month of October and they were playing Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' on their TV screen. As for their coffee/tea/pastries selection it is not the greatest but what they do offer is delicious and gets the job done. They have your cold and hot drinks, non-caffeineted, and teas. They offer sandwiches, paninis, muffins, croissants, and other treats. Everyone here is friendly, and easy going. Definitely a treat to come with friends or alone. They do have free wifi and public restrooms. They are open really late as well. read more

I got up today and said to myself: what would yelpers do? online I found out. I hit Hot Java for a cup of chai and a lemon muffin: the chai was very good and the muffin standard fare: I did appreciate it being warmed up though. The people in here were all pretty quiet and studious, into their separate books and laptops pretty hardcore (they have wi-fi). I totally dug the couches and colors: I do so love earthtones just now. If you don't like indoors, I suggest the chairs outside (but not on Broadway). A very nice experience! thank you yelpers! read more

Decorated in a mix of comfy coffee house and clean modern, you feel good the minute you walk into Hot Java. There's free wifi, huge windows, soft couches, little tables, even a plasma TV if that's your thing. The coffee is SUPERB. I am a coffee vulture. I wish I lived in Long Beach instead of visiting regularly so this could be my morning fuel stop. Yummy cappacinos and lattes. Last time I went I tried a dessert. WOW. You know when dessert's so good you're doing a sad little bite countdown? Yeah. read more

Great corner cafe. Fresh cut fruit/melons, large variety of pastries, chill vibe, hot customer service. ATM Machine inside. 2 bathrooms. Great seating. Dim lighting. read more

During one of my infrequent trips to Long Beach, I tried going to one of the coffee places up the street for tea, because, yes... I'm one of those tea tottling people - but got the chills seeing mass amounts of people spilling out onto the street. I'm not one for crowds and besides, all I really want to do is park my arse in a seat and have a relaxing drink, so I drove west and happily found Hot Java. You get a huge cup of self-serve tea at a tea bar for the money. Nice atmosphere with an eclectic mix of people and found a seat just fine. Waiting for my friend to arrive - I discovered that...yeah! they have free wifi! That was unexpected. I'm looking forward to, again, finding myself there to satisfy my tea craving. read more

Best coffee shop in Long Beach! Timettra and George make the best Mochas! This coffee shop has the charm of old coffee houses...before the big chains started the invasion. Come and relax in a friendly environment. Thank you and see you every time I visit LB. read more

3.5 3.5 is still good. I think it's a great place in a great location. I just am not so fond of their coffee or bakery.. and it's not like i would just go grab a seat there without ordering you know. The staff is friendly and the best part is that they love dogs! You can bring your dog here! AMBIANCE: 4 (cozy, and love the big windows for people watching. Also they ahve large tables for big groups) QUALITY: 3 (This is a personal opinion. I just don't prefer the taste of their coffee or bakery) SERVICE: 4 (friendly staff) PRICE: 3.5 (A little pricey but reasonable at the same time if you're comparing to other coffee shops) read more