I went to Jammin Java for the first time to see Eddie Jobson, who I've been a fan of since he was in UK in the 80's. Even though I was probably about 200 people back from the front of the line waiting to get in, I still got 3rd row seats and was able to get some great pictures ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcamlin/sets/72157622073294534/ ) All in all a very nice venue for smaller national acts. The stage lighting could be better, I couldn't get a good shot without flash, and my flash was starting to annoy people around me. I wish it was closer to me. But with the caliber of acts they get I will probably be back. Plus, the door girl is really cute. read more

When I first moved to this area, I thought it was much too suburban to have anything even close to hip. Boy was I wrong! This place, along with quite a few others, make me believe that there can be civilized adult venues in the heart of the burbs. Aside from the atmosphere and entertainment, the coffee really is quite excellent-- and so are many of the other food items. I also have to say that all the other customers are usually very friendly, and it seems like a good place to meet people. read more

I've seen a few bands play here and it's a pretty good venue. The food is not that great but that's not what you come here for. I actually wish there were more places like this supporting original music and touring bands. Good beer selection at the bar. Cover charge at the door is also reasonable, especially if the bands are good. read more

Love this intimate setting to enjoy local acts to. There is always a range of talent available for cheap. They have a good range of beers too. Not your typical selection, but you'll find one just for you read more

Great place for date nights, great concerts in a small but cool and intimate venue. We've seen some great concerts here!

Good sandwiches, ok salads, average drinks, sullen staff, poor service. Come here for the music, not for any other reason. The atmosphere is unwelcoming. read more

There's only one star on this review because I can't give a negative star. What kind of operation has people waiting outside (EVEN IF THEY HAVE TICKETS TO A NIGHT EVENT) because they're at capacity? If you're going to sell "tickets" to an "event" then you as a business should be fully aware of the maximum capacity for your venue. That's pretty ridiculous. Even being from a small town in the southwest, I've never had to deal with something like this. read more

If you could give negative stars, i would for this place. Cute venue and nice ambience but the rudest hostess I've ever encountered. We showed up on a really cold night after we came all the way from dc for a show. The place was almost empty there were only fifteen minutes until the show started and the hostess yelled at us that we had to go wait outside until the show opened. Again, almost empty, there was a ton of room for us to stand and all we wanted to do was grab a drink while we waited. Personally, I think that's unacceptable and am not planning in coming back. read more

The renovations have really raised the performance space from hispter dive to hipster upscale nightclub. It's a small venue, but they did a great job sectioning it off, depending on how you want to be seated. They seem to have expanded table seating and have an elevated area, which you can reserve for not much more money than the general seating. That is where we sat, and we had an excellent, unobstructed view of the stage. Also the acoustics are top notch. D0 N0T LET THEM HOLD YOUR CREDIT CARD TO START A TAB! The wait staff is not trained to handle a venue like this. It seems like they want to be like a Blues Alley (with table service) but with Starbucks employees. Case in point, they brought my friend's dinner, but I waited at least 15 minutes before I had to ask what happened to mine. They gave mine to someone else, so they said. But after asking about it, it appeared within five minutes. Then they asked for credit cards to "start a tab" which was odd since we were in pre-assigned seats, but we went with it, because maybe we would want dessert or another drink. But be a dinner club or a bar, but not both. In retrospect there was no need for a tab. You don't have tabs with table service. The waitress (and I use this term loosely because she was horrible) lost my friend's credit card. After the concert, because the waitress couldn't be bothered at the time, we searched the floors with our cell phones to see if she dropped it somewhere(they really need house lighting in the venue because it stays way too dark in there so you can barely read the menu or your check) and pleaded to see a manager. She found it acceptable to finish cashing out all of her other customers, and waiting for the staff to clear the area for their DJ late night dance than to bother getting a few people together to help her find the missing credit card immediately. Eventually it was found, but management did not offer to even discount my friend's order. Left a bad taste, and I don't think I'll convince her to go back. I hope they get their hospitality act together soon, to match the caliber of the venue and performers. read more

I have been going to Jammin' Java for a few years now and have always enjoyed the shows. They get great acts in there and the vibe is very intimate. Lately however I've been disappointed in how they do business. Previously they had rows of seats and you were pretty much guaranteed a seat. Now they have different 'levels' of seats at different price points. Level 1: There is an elevated VIP area where you have reserved seating. It is crowded in that very small space and they pack people in. Level 2: just in front of the stage they have added in these big clunky tables with too many chairs jammed in around them. The tables are also placed too closely together so it becomes tricky for wait staff to maneuver in between them. Level 3: Finally you have rows of seats behind the big tables. There used to be rows and rows of chairs, now there are 5 or 6 (if you're lucky) with about 6 or 7 chairs per row. Typically one or more of those rows is "reserved" for who, nobody knows but they are clearly marked. Unless you are willing to pay more for the VIP areas or big clunky tables you are lucky if you can find a stool at the back of the venue behind the sound board. I know they are a business and are trying to get you to pay for the "better" seats but the approach leaves a lot to be desired. Kind of like, "you can buy the cheapest seats but don't expect much". To add to this, if it's one of the owners performing, all of the tables and VIP areas are reserved for family and their friends. Forget about getting into those areas on those nights. I can understand wanting certain people there, but over 50% of the tables for family? It's a bit much in my opinion. I like Jammin Java, I really do, I just think they need to re-think how they do business and how they treat their loyal patrons who aren't blood relatives. Also if you are going to have rows of seats, don't oversell so half the people there are forced to stand. P.S. Opening the front doors during any performance where at any given time ten people are standing just outside smoking is NOT a good idea. The whole venue stinks of smoke and defeats the purpose of the whole "No smoking in bars or restaurants" law. read more

The show was good and the food was Ok. But what led me to voice my opinion here is their management and staff attitude. When the check was brought to me, my credit card was missing. I did not enjoy the last part of the show because the waitress could not find my card and kept saying, I gave it back to you. After the show was over, it took them almost half an hour to find my card. You can imagine how much panic one can go through thinking that they might have returned my card to another customer, and also the stress of canceling the card and such. But wait until you hear the end. I called on the management and told him if they do not find my card within 15 min, I am canceling it. Nobody except the waitress seemed to be looking for it and she was still attending other customers. Eventually when she found my card, she put it back with the check and put it in front of me. The manger next to me pushed the check over and said: "Here it is, are you O.k. now?" Considering that I have managed to stay calm and act civil, what surprised me was that they still expected me to pay. I am not a free loader but if anyone had gone through the same thing, I think they would have expected to be treated nicer. I signed the check and left a note saying that this should be free after what I went through, but of course when I checked my credit card I saw the transaction. To me, this says that the management and staff are fairly inexperienced and do not care for the customers to go back. read more

Having been here multiple times for various shows I felt it's time for a review. It's a really nice venue for its size. Nothing you'd expect from a strip mall location. It has good bar food and a very strong stage and sound crew. The table hosts or servers are attentive and have a great habit of showing up the moment your drink is low or your stomach growls. I'm only going with three stars though due to their habit of hiring consistently rude and unprofessional door security. Tonight it was a middle aged man who felt the need to be cheeky and make up fake "laws" about why he needed to check IDs of patrons well over the age of 50. The girl taking money embarrassingly felt she had to apologize for him. I was insulted by his attitude and unprofessionalism. The door staff is your welcome mat, the people most influential to your first impression. Step up Jammin Java and realize that most people offended won't take the time to write a review and let you know this. read more

can't comment on the food, b/c i haven't tried it yet, but as a music venue, this place is real nice and intimate. i've only seen one show here, but the sound is great, and anywhere you are in the place, is a good view. i much prefer smaller venues when seeing an artist/band i really like, b/c i like the close atmosphere, and jammin' java is definitely one of those places. read more

Really good music and atmosphere. The downside is that it is usually pricey just to get in and can be an expensive evening if you order food or drinks also. The bartenders are really friendly. Sometimes they have seating and other times they don't. read more

Previously owned by Christian rockers (my family called it Jammin' Jesus), this little joint knows how to rock! The set up is pretty cool, you can hang out in the front by the door if you don't want to pay to see the show, but still hear it. Mondays are FREE OPEN MIKE NIGHT! Always good to hear some local talent. In the front, there's a short stage and then some tables set up. I try to always grab the seats on the platform on the left side, people forget about them and it's easier than crossing an entire row to get up if necessary. Ticket prices fluctuate from around $5-$15, under $10 on most nights. Sound is amazing inside, and it's probably my favorite small venue. read more

EEEWWW! Come for the live music, but find LIVE COCKROACHES along with it. Seriously, check out their inspection reports at the Virginia Department of Health's website at http://www.healthspace.ca/vdh The people working there are dirty, too. Just look at their inspection reports w/ a strong stomach. read more

I just tried to enjoy a kid concert there. But it was sooo crowded, no place for my toddler to dance. Why take a toddler to a show where I have to hold her the entire concert? And while I love live music, a show for KIDS should be at a reasonable volume. The band was so loud, we all should've worn ear plugs. That's ridiculous. read more

The staff is very rude and acts entitled and obnoxious. Jammin is just a small music venue in a shopping mall and a dingy one at that. They truly have no reason or right to patronize customers and/or treat them like they are doing them a favor by doing their job. One bartender in particular - a man with wavy blond/red hair - is one of the rudest people I have ever met. I would have complained to the manager, but seeing as others have already complained about the staff and nothing has been done I'm sure my complaint would go unnoticed. Do yourselves a favor and skip this place. I have been to many music venues and this place has the rudest staff I have ever come across. Will not be returning. read more

I went here for a childrens concert. As we arrived the bartender was smoking outside. Not cool.

i frequent this place a lot and it is one of my favorite live music venues. a. for the close proximity to my house and b. for the intimate setting, you're right in the artists' faces. they're usually standing shows but i did happen to go to a seated one, kinda awkward in my opinion. the music is pretty loud (even if it's not super packed), i usually leave with my ears ringing. i haven't tried the food or drinks. the ticketing system is slightly offputting because you don't get a receipt right away, you will receive an email. fyi that is loads better than their old system where they write your name in a book...once they couldn't find the book so they wrote my name on a napkin...and this other time they charged me for the wrong show. but since i live close enough i'd rather go through all that than buy tickets online and pay fees. read more

Jammin' Java is my FAVORITE venue for live music in this area! The artists that perform are always outstanding, the food is delicious, and everyone is so, so friendly. Especially Mei, the ticket girl! ;) If you haven't yet visited, you're missing out on an outstanding place. Check it out! read more

We arranged to meet some friends there at 9 AM on a Saturday for breakfast. The most obnoxious scruffy bearded red-headed guy was tending bar. He ignored us when we arrived, and then rolled his eyes when we asked if they were open. He was extremely busy putting pennies into the cash register. Fine for music venues (I've been), but avoid for anything else. read more

You can keep deleting our bad reviews but they'll continue to seep in. You guys run a scam, treat bands like dirt and customers even worse. I've had friend's of mine in bands tell me all about how you're 'promoting & ticketing' agreements. Have them do all the work, then screw 'em on the way out. This is total bullshit and you all should be ashamed of yourselves. A lot of the guys (and girls) don't have cushy jobs to fall back on and perform for their friends and local following with their own time and effort. Tides will turn. Friends of friends will hear, bands will tell other bands... and eventually you'll be charging yourself for the losses. To not even pay a band gas money to get home after they bring in 50 heads you would have never brought in yourselves (at $12 a head no less!) says enough. read more

Nice, intimate venue in a strip mall. Last time I was here was ages ago (2010) and it's partly because they don't seem to book many national touring acts. Their specialty is singer/songwriter type of musicians. read more

Awesome place! Saw Ballyhoo! this weekend and aside from waiting in line outside for an hour I had a blast! The place was packed but the bar was easy to get drinks from and there were no lines for the bathrooms. Good selection of beers with decent prices (compared to State Theater). You can get drafts or bottles, I did bottles so I didnt have to worry about spilling on people. Def start at Outback Steak House for some shots! The staff was awesome too, even when faced with angry people standing outside in the cold at 10 pm (the time it was supposed to start, even though it said the doors open at 9 pm). I'm def going back and this is my new favorite spot! read more

Been there in the past year to see two concerts. Excellent acoustics and great food. Highly Recommended!

I came here today for a kid's show (The Great Zucchini) with my 2yo and 4yo. Their website says the show starts at 10:30, and we got there at 10:37 due to a bit of traffic. The ticket person said the show is about an hour so I figured the $15 (5 each) would be worth it. Basically 20 min later, the show ended. I tried to talk to the staff about it, and they said the show started at 10am. I pointed out the website said 10:30. They initially offered me a refund, then started back-tracking saying, "oh wait, the show did start at 10:30". So I said that the ticket person told me it was an hour long show, and they blamed it on the performer saying he must have ended early (WAY early?), and left it at that. They did not refund me. They said they would pass on my complaint to the performer. What a waste of money for basically 20 minutes of show. My kids laughed a few times during the 20 minutes, so they get two stars for that. The staff needs to figure out what time the shows start, make sure the website is accurate, and include the length of the show in there for parents. I wouldn't pay $5 each for a 30 min show again. read more

Too many teenagers from local high schools. Decent coffee, needs more alcohol. The sound guy sometimes is off but gets great bands and has good food. read more

Had my kid's birthday party here and the staff couldn't have been better. The kid's loved the show and had a fantastic time. If you're looking for a unique venue to host your next kid's event, I would definitely recommend Jammin' Java read more

I came here for a magic show with my 3 and 5 year olds. It was AWFUL. The guy started late. We stayed for about 30 minutes of the show and didn't see any magic. He was just doing dumb stuff like throwing his hat in the air and hitting himself in the head. He kept saying "butt" and "underwear" and kids were cracking up but I don't like mine using those words. At one point my 5 year old says, "Mom, he's not doing magic. He's just being silly." My kids ended up losing interest and getting squirmy so we left early. What a waste of money. read more

Saw Jon McLaughlin. Fantastic venue, good food, cheap price. Gives off an indie vibe .

I see a lot of live music, and this is one of the best venues I've experienced. Comfortable, intimate (which is what we all want when we see/hear our favorite performers, super friendly staff (from tix to bartenders), and fairly priced. I can't recommend highly enough! read more

Have been to several shows here; some packed, some not. We've always had a great time. Great sound, good bar, fun atmosphere!

Food and drinks are over priced, bathroom was nasty and you have to pay extra to sit. I won't go back.

The past few shows I've been to this year have been at Jammin Java, and the venue has grown on me, more and more each time. My best memories, at least from 2010 have been from here. I'm okay with not getting a ticket anymore, especially if I get a wristband instead, and I'm in there free of charge for making friends with the band before the second show. I like that it's small, crowded, and intimate. My spot is to the right of the stage, like at most venues. My best friends and I get to the front and we can sit on the stage and no one makes a fuss. Its a fun, little, chill place. I can hear myself think, and its a perfect place to watch your hometown heroes and try to form a relationship with them before they get too famous to remember you. read more

My son and I regularly go here for the weekday kids shows and always have a blast. Great kids programs, room to dance, ample seating, good coffee and snacks. A must visit if you're looking for family stuff to do! read more

Since I wrote my review I received a nice reply from one of the owners and was told in a separate phone conversation that there are current plans to address all of the issues I raised. Props to them for responding to me and for thinking about the concerns of their patrons. I think there are some great changes in store for both concertgoers, pre-show visitors, and the daytime coffee crowd (after all, java is part of the name). read more

Gotta support a local music venue out in the burbs. They bring in some good acts. It's no secret the live music scene in DC is a bit lacking, so nice to check out this option. Keep up the good work. read more

Great music nightly. Daytime shows for children. Good coffee during the day.

Their bar tenders are rude and they wore shirts of color that I thought smelled weird