It's been 13 years so I'll update: It's still a definite 4.5 stars!! Still a slightly grungy neighborhood coffee bar with estate sale leftovers for furniture and old bowling lanes as floors - and it's all just fine whether on your day off or between business meetings. I appreciate the absence of...political and similar visual shouts; everyone is welcome. The cortado, which is supposed to be ~2oz espresso matched with an equal part milk, was actually an 8oz cappuccino of good quality. Even had bagel w/ lox that was built with great care and attention. Definitely need to start making the trek in from the outer loop, though parking is now an added charge in the gravelly lots around the hood. read more

Perfect! Great coffe, perhaps the best Americano I had in while. The place quiet and clean, it worked out perfectly to spend some time and get work done. read more

Hip coffee shop in the heart of Cooper Young. I love that they have light roast as an option.

I got up early just to come here. It's very cool nicely decorated . Their menu is fantastic such a variety an all good. Unfortunately they were not open a lot of times . The people that run it are amazing an the crowd is also very comfortable. I wish I could be there tomorrow but unfortunately I can't. I miss it read more

Java Cabana - Java Cabana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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My father and I are visiting from Nashville for a trade show, and we were looking for a cool local place to caffeinate and catch up on some work. And we found it! It was a little hard to find from the street as the sign needs a little TLC, but the ambiance was welcoming. Another reviewer described the interior as "eclectic hippy grandma" and that's incredibly accurate. Lots of cute thrifted furniture and even some nice chess sets set out! The menu was incredibly straightforward and easy to navigate. We didn't end up getting anything to eat, but our drinks were wonderful. The staff was friendly and open to chat, and we had good conversation. We love the fact that the business is active in giving back to the community. read more

This has always been a nice cafe with a local flair. The coffee and food (which is mostly lunch type items) is good. It's not a big deal but I wish ALL the staff would be courteous to patrons about using the bathroom. Shops next door are more understanding about that. read more

This place is by far the most original and unique coffeeshop I've been to! It's an experience! As soon as you step in you feel like you're in a hippie grandma's house, with all kind of antique furniture, pictures and posters on the walls, artwork, a mannequin, a piano, and much more than what your eyes can take in at once! The barrista is very friendly, and their signature coffees are excellent! We tried the Funky Monkey coffee; a banana-chocolate flavored latte, and a Lisa Marie coffee (not sure if that was the name); an orange-chocolate latte, both excellent. I definitely recommend it! read more

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Sullen if not surly server - who could not accept credit card, check, Apple Pay, or Venmo. 10% of human race still carrying cash - enjoy.

I really wanted to give Java Cabana a better review, but the coffee (cappuccino) simply wasn't that good. At all. This was the second time that I've tried it, first time maybe a year ago. It it was only the coffee that I was rating, I'd give it a disappointing two stars. The place itself is charming in a very scrappy way....which I wouldn't mind at all (and in fact, like) if the coffee was awesome. But it wasn't. The cappuccino's coffee flavor was diluted and thin tasting and not particularly fresh. And the foam wasn't well made. All in all it just seemed like a minimal, haphazard effort. Not even close to the quality that I make at home. While the blueberry muffin was quite good....turns out that it was store-bought and the employee told me that they get their pastries from wherever they can....including foodservice companies and even the grocery store if need be. Which is all fine. But that isn't what I was expecting. read more

Cute little spot. My latte was Luke warm however and wasn't that impressed. I wanted to be!

Eclectic, uplifting, artsy, cozy, laid back space with interesting reading material, vintage memorabilia, good coffee, delicious cheese & spinach omelette and very reasonable prices. read more

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WHAT A COOL PLACE. How fun inside! There are more decorations and boho inspired themes than I can count, I love it. I've been a couple times now, and both times service has been very personal and always get my order right. I love the "dine in" mugs you get, so fun. And the taste- WOW. I had the Chocolate dream (with orange flavor) and I was so happy that it wasn't too sweet at all! What a delicious flavor. And their cafe au lait is really well balanced. They have live music sometimes too! It's just such a cool place to hang out, meet up with friends, study, whatever you like coffee shops for, you'll like this one. read more

Java Cabana - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

We arrived during the afternoon for some coffee and live music, and the door was locked with no sign. While we were talking about what we might do instead, 12-15 people came by doing the same. The musicians that traveled from out of town to play there arrived about the same time and had no idea what was going on, either. This is not the first time we have found the place closed for some reason. All that being said, when it's open, the service, vibe, and snacks are good, and the coffee is good but not great. If you go there, have an alternate plan just in case. read more

Amazing service & the vibe was excellent Most definitely will recommend to come back 10/10 read more

I like the lavender mocha and eclectic environment. Barista was very helpful and kind.

16oz drinks come with three shots of espresso, which is a huge plus, since you usually have to add one for extra $. Definitely one of the cutest coffee houses I've ever been in, and the coffee was delicious as well. Posters for local art and events everywhere, records and vintage clothing for sale, great tunes playing. Open mic on Thursday's, very quaint and comfortable atmosphere to chill or do some research/ work. read more

Java Cabana - Chunk Monkey Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I cool little retro style cafe next to Imagine. The place is very small, and eclectic. My wife loves places like this, and I'm sure any free time she had would be spent here. The coffee is great, and they have a range to fit any style or want. My favorite was the lavender, I had never had anything like that until we visited Tennessee. Make sure you grab one of their enormous chocolate chips cookies too! One of the only coffee shops I seen in the area, but it's done right! read more

I think the set up and overall vibe makes up for their flavor of coffee. The coffee isn't bad it's just what one might make at home. Latte is very foamy and comparable to an at home latte. You can play chess or make offers on clothes. It's a great place to do work or hangout but the coffee is so so. read more

Java Cabana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Very cute building but it's impossibly unorganized. From the way the menu board is set up to the way orders are given out. They don't get your name or anything so they pretty much just come out into the cafe and yell out the drink and expect customers to know which drink is theirs. Me and my husband waited over thirty minutes for two drinks because they gave our drinks to other people. Mistakes happen, I get that. What I don't get is having to wait additional time for their ice machine to make ice so they can finish our drinks. Another group of people in the cafe was having issues with their order as well so I know it wasn't just us. Not being able to get customers their correct order, not having ice, its just very disorganized and disappointing. We ended up leaving without our second drink out of frustration. My drink was good (I t's hard to mess up seltzer, cream and syrup) but the lemon bar is got was super oily and didn't taste very good. I hope things get better for them but I won't be back to see if they do. read more

Very eclectic hole in the wall cafe. Open mic nights and games to play. Funny baristas and chairs outside for smoking. Chess and reading material available and an old guy waiting to play chess with the next walk in. read more

Super-cute coffee shop alert! Admittedly, the word "cute" is just about as overused as "cool" and "nice," but I can't think of a better word to describe this homey (yikes, also overused. I need a thesaurus!) place. It's chock full of slightly shabby 1950s tables and chairs, a few couches and stuff everywhere. Like in the front, they even sell second hand clothes (not too many so as to make this place seem like a musty attic, though). I had several hours before I was flying out of town one frigid, rainy afternoon last week and finding this place on Yelp was a godsend. I had been eating lunch at my favorite vegan cafe down the block, but needed working wifi and a warmer place to cozy up to. Don't expect frills, just a decent cup of coffee or espresso. They have almond milk, but charge extra for it (c'mon, it's not that much more money than milk or half & half), so the cost of my latte was kinda steep. They also have food, but I can't report on that. At that odd hour of the afternoon, I was the only person in there, which I like. No begging to share outlets, get my drift? Oh and they are open late. I hear some good musicians have gotten their start here at their open mike nights. Old school coffee houses are a dying breed, so support your local places like this one, friends! read more

Oh my goodness, this is the cutest coffee shop ever! I love the eclectic, mismatched furniture and the food is out of the world. Then again, I expect nothing less from the entire Cooper-Young district. You must have to pass some sort of cool test just to open a restaurant there. I went to meet a business contact there and thought it was just a coffee shop, but as soon as I saw "grilled cheese" plastered on the wall, I had to order it. And it didn't disappoint - at all. And I wasn't even hungry! After chatting with the owner for awhile, I discovered that they also play music and have poetry readings - officially on the to do list! Definitely a hole in the wall, but in the best way possible. read more

Cute place and welcoming. I had not been here in a while, so I wanted to refresh my thoughts on it today with a visit. The shop is very eclectic and welcoming with a usually interesting crowd. No doubt the place has tons of character, but depending on your expectations and your seriousness about coffee--there may be a conflict of interest. I would love to sit, chat and read in this place all day, but sorry to say I would bring my coffee from somewhere else. I tried an almond latte and it tasted like cough syrup rather than a coffee/espresso drink with almond flavoring. No cold brew, just espresso based drinks. They do offer a ton of flavors and your normal coffee house drinks, but it just is not for me when it comes to COFFEE. read more

Java Cabana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

First visit and will not be the last. Great atmosphere and the guy there couldn't be nicer. Really enjoyed the relaxed and laid backed.

Want to increase your cool factor? Stop in Cooper-Young's Java Cabana. It's an artsy, ultra-hip little coffee shop loved and frequented by Midtowners. And they have very good coffee. I like the Cappuccino Espresso with a Biscotti. But if you're feeling like something a little different, try one of their Vegan Cookies. They are really quite tasty. Open mike poetry readings are every Thursday at 8pm, all they ask is to "bring your heart with you". read more

Java Cabana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I'm pretty sure that this is my favorite little place to hide away with a cup of a tea in Memphis. There's so much to look at, the prices are reasonable, it's just great. Whoever decorates the place with little odds and ends does a great job. I ordered green tea and they serve you a mug with a little ceramic tea kettle to serve yourself. I got maybe three-ish mugs full of tea for a little under $3.00. Plus, they have open mics on Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m.. I enjoy reading the Jenga pieces, there's always a funny saying or ten on them. read more

Love this adorable cafe! When you walk in you feel like you're in someone's house. The only thing I had was the iced Mystery train with oat milk and I have to say, it was probably one of the best iced lattes I've ever had. Customer service is A+. I came back here 3 times on my short trip to Memphis and had a great experience coming here each visit. I wish I could take this cafe with me back to DC. read more

Duuuuude this place is so underrated I've wanted to go back ever since I left! Creative. Would be the best word to describe it, also hippie. It looks like a shady area but once you get inside it's totally cool.. also I went at night so may not be that bad in daylight. read more

We're in love with the #Cooper #Young district -- the girls are sipping mochas and the rain just started! Wait til they see the next surprise I have in store for them before we head to@the airport! There's even a #vegan eatery down the block! We're headed to surprise #3! Awesome customer service a gorgeous and artistic spot safe sound and yummy!!!! read more

Java Cabana - The vibe! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Java Cabana is a cool little coffee shop, and one of the first actual coffeehouses to open in Memphis, I believe. The coffee is good. Like the kind of good you see in coffee commercials when the woman takes a sip with her eyes closed and just relishes the roasted coffee bean yumminess. That kind of good. The place itself is pretty colorful and cozy- I like that they have books out in the open for anyone to pick up and read. There are often live poetry readings and live music featured so stop in for some arts and entertainment if you're in the neighborhood. read more

Java Cabana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

One of the more eclectic coffee shops I've been to! So, yeah, there aren't that many tables or many outlets and the music might be a little distracting if you're trying to work. But this isn't a I'm-going-to-a-coffee-shop-to-do-work-or-studying kind of a place. It's quirky and cute and has games and chess sets and unique latte choices. It's fun. My husband, brother-in-law, and I enjoyed Java Cabana for several hours during our explorations of the Cooper-Young neighborhood. They played chess and I read my book. We enjoyed our coffees. Just a fun place to spend a few hours! read more

In the Memphis Metro area on a business trip and decided to stop by this lovely place for coffee around 1:15pm 4/11/19. The interior is very cozy, inviting, and filled with cute decorations. The gentleman at the counter who processed my payment and order was very friendly and welcoming. I don't know who the other gentleman was that he was chatting with but I managed to engage in a brief pleasant conversation with both of them. In town for a few more days before I head out and I will definitely stop by again for coffee. This place is definitely recommended. read more

Java Cabana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Very interesting, eclectic coffee shop. Other reviews noted how it seemed unclean, but I don't catch that vibe at all. There are several funky tables with mismatched chairs scattered around the space. My only critique would be their staffing. The girl who took my order, while sweet, was the only one on the kitchen. I ordered 2 breakfast sandwiches but instead of working on them immediately she had to attend to the other customers in line. This is understandable, but they would really benefit from having more than one person on staff. Our egg & cheese bagels were pretty horrible. Soggy, tasteless. I'm not sure how you mess up eggs, but it happened. read more

Java Cabana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Funky, eclectic little place with personality. Very friendly staff, delicious drinks with creative flavor combinations. We ordered four drinks so it was a bit on the slow side with only one person working (to give them credit it was about 6:00 PM so not exactly coffee rush time where you'd need more staff). You could sit and play chess or have a conversation. Sidewalks out front are in a bit of shambles so just be aware and walk carefully. There is no ADA accessibility. read more

I wandered into Java Cabana for the first time a little over two years ago, as a lost Newfoundlander (and not just in terms of geography!) in need of a cup of coffee and a bus schedule. The first thing I noticed was the warm feeling that enveloped me as I walked through the door - Java Cabana has the most peaceful, easy vibe!! The barista behind the counter greeted me just as warmly, with a smile and all the patience in the world as I mulled over the menu. She asked where I was from and we got to talking - the next thing I know, we were sat around one of the tables, with a couple of other folks, exchanging stories, and 'wisdom's', as Mary calls them. She even arranged a ride downtown for myself and one of the girls who had sat at the table with us, as public transportation in Memphis isn't great... After a wonderful coffee, fantastic conversation and a lighter heart, I tackled my first full day in Memphis. Loved this little cafe, the coffee and the friendly atmosphere so much, that it was my first stop every morning!! It's also the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy a good book or get their thoughts out on paper, over a hot (or cold) beverage, and a delicious baked treat - there's such a positive energy there!! If you're in the Cooper Young area, or Memphis at all - Java Cabana is an absolute must visit!! Having been back several times in the past couple of years, I can say with certainty that not only is it good for your belly, it's good for your soul!! Thanks to the owner, Mary, and her incredibly friendly staff, for helping a lost Newfie gal find her way read more

Absolutely one of the best spots to relax and grab some coffee or a snack in Memphis. I never write reviews, but they're so great that I had to recommend them! Definitely jump at the chance to go if you can. read more

This is the best coffee shop I have ever been to. The place is very cute and the coffee is unique. The java milkshake has the perfect coffee flavor and is the perfect indulgence. The white chocolate symphony frappe is sweet, creamy, and delicious. The lavender mocha has a unique flavor and is the perfect combination of chocolate and lavender. I cannot wait to go back. read more

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Great hole in the wall cafe with a local vibe in a convenient location. I love the live weekend events and the literary culture. It seems to cater, inadvertently, to a high school crowd sometimes as it's a cool place to hang out that's not a bar. It's not the best study place for me as chairs are not for hunkering down for a couple hours but it's a great spot to chat with baristas and people watch. read more

Came here with my friend hoping we could find brownies and a nice drink. I had the pumpkin pie latte and since they were out of brownies, they suggested us get the gluten-free cupcake which was $2. I was pretty disappointed in the cupcake since it was mostly wax paper wrapping and was pretty tiny. I wasn't a fan of the coffee, it was more watery than usual but maybe it was because I ordered it with almond milk but for over $4 for a small, it wasn't really worth it. The place is adorable and it has a nice atmosphere and if you want to order something, get the hot chocolate, which my friend got and actually enjoyed. read more

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I've walked there twice while visiting relatives, but always closed with no hours and days posted. So I went to Bluff City coffee and Bakery a block away. read more