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Java Central Cafe and Roaster

4.2 (194 reviews)
Closed • 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated 2 weeks ago

Java Central Cafe and Roaster Photos

JAVA CENTRAL CAFE AND ROASTER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Outdoor seating
Good for groups
Good for working

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Recommended Reviews - Java Central Cafe and Roaster

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Entertainment on stage
Nancy L.

We actually came for the entertainment. Sally and Simon were singing and playing acoustic instruments. The little stage in the back was cozy and fun. Many people were there to be entertained. We ordered coffee and bottle water at the counter. Fun vibe at this venue. We will definitely come back.

Eve R.

A great little coffee shop in Uptown Westerville. I like that they have a variety of seating (including an outdoor patio) and offer GF treats! We met up with some friends and this was our first time in. Staff were welcoming and friendly. I enjoyed my latte and the GF blueberry muffin was one of the best Gf treats I have ever had. I appreciate being able to have a GF treat! Prices are a touch on the spendy side, but that seems to be the case most everywhere now. I really loved all of the coloring pages they had up as decorations along the counter.

Turkey sandwich
Carly C.

This is a great place to do work for long hours. They have plenty of seating spread all around their cafe and there is a lot of room. I really enjoy the lattes although they are a bit over priced. I typically get the cardamon latte with oatmilk. The food is also overpriced and I do not recommend getting it. It is very basic ingredients and not a big enough portion for it to be worth it. There is mostly street parking and limited parking in the parking lot behind the cafe. The staff is always so friendly and it really is a good atmosphere.

Allie B.

Friendly staff and the best scone ever! Easy to park on the street and walk too. Lots of tables outside to sit and enjoy.

Coffee cake
Jayme H.

Cute coffee shop in the heart of Westerville, right off the main strip. They have free parking in the back and don't let the small exterior fool you, there's actually a ton of space once you get inside. The front area is rather tight, but once you walk towards the back, there's more seating. The vibe inside is rather cozy, I love the art on the wall, and the overall community feel it gives off. I ordered an iced lavender latte with oatmilk and a piece of their pecan coffee cake up at the front. The staff was friendly, giving me their recommendations, and it didn't take long to be made. I found a spot near the back and was pleased to find that the wifi signal was strong and I was able to take a video call for work. I sipped on my coffee and snacked on my coffee cake and both hit the spot. I can see why the space was all filled up at almost 4pm and I would totally come here again.

Antora S.

We were just strolling the neighborhood after lunch and came across this place and decided to stop by and get a cup of java. This is such a cute place. Friendly staff and there are sitting area inside and out. They also have open mic every Friday, which I want to go back and check it out. I ordered the Chai Latte and it tasted great. There are variety of cold and hot drinks you can chose from. There are some bakery option such has cookies and muffins. Also, you can purchase merchandise like tea kettles.

Douglas G.

Found this spot on the way back from New Albany. Great ambiance with friendly staff and a great setup. Imagine lots of students in here studying quite a bit. Started with the bagel sandwich with spinach (solid) and wife had the blueberry muffin (good not great). Pour was good though the wife's small latte was quite small, which took us by surprise. She ordered small we just didn't it would be that small. (See photo for scale). All in all, a great little spot that I'm sure we'll revisit.

The pick up your drink bar
Laura F.

Okay...I am a coffee addict whose doctor has told them no more coffee; but I can have tea (due to coffees acidity) so we stopped here as I love their coffee and had high hopes for their tea I have been searching for an amazing chain latte for about two months. I have found it here. Look no further. This is now my go to place for chai lattes. No joke. Seriously the best chai latte I have had in not just two months but in two years, and definitely the best in the Columbus area. Period. Hand to God. What makes it special? The blend of spices is balanced. After I drink chai, I want to taste it in my upper palate. It should linger but not burn. This does that. If the spices are balanced correctly, little sugar is needed. That is also the case. The drink doesn't taste overwhelmingly sweet. Big props to that! The barista did the perfect ratio of milk to tea so it didn't taste too milky. There was a froth. Nice nice nice. If you like it iced I suggest they make it hot for you ask for a glass of ice and pour as this hot chai is perfect. I worry if it doesnt sit a bit warm it might not release the same flavor. Is there such a thing as barrista's kiss? There should be in this case. Bravo. I also ordered a make your own sammie. Was skeptical about that going into it- but was hungry, so I ordered sourdough bread, pesto hard egg, guac smear, light vegan cream cheese smear (its actually better for you than regular cream cheese) bacon (don't judge. Lol. I know its hypocritical to put bacon on it but this is my cheat day) oh and I added spinach. All toasted. Wasn't sure how it would turn out. Unwrapped it in the car. Was sad that it was not "stiffer sour dough" and more like billowy pep farms. But when I bit into it, it all worked. Shared a bite with my husband who said "holy moly" (okay he said holy something else, aim keeping it classy) "thats good". I then continued to eat it all up. Ten out of ten, Java Central! Heck 13 out of ten. Yum yum yum. Was worth standing in the super long line Something I hardly ever say. Give them a try. Ps: Husband usually gets dark roast with cream. They were out. Their regular drip coffee he says is just alright. Not worth the 4.5... sorry Java Central- not having the dark cost you a star...But you hit it out of the park for me!

the inside of the restaurant
John M.

A cozy coffee shop good for coffee with friends and studying. I came just for a coffee drink and ordered a Cubano which I've never tried before. Since I've never had a Cubano before I don't have anything to compare it with, but it I thought it was good except it was a little pricey. Their drink prices are a little bit more expensive than similar places. If you're looking for a place to meet with friends and study then this seems like it's a great place for that. They sell craft coffee supplies and paraphernalia. Their food menu looks tempting. If you don't want a coffee drink they have a variety of cold beverages in a cooler.

Front entrance and counter
Ron F.

Wonderful local coffee roaster in the historic Uptown Westerville area. They offer great coffee including a selection of hand crafted coffees by attentive baristas. Plenty of places to sit, relax and enjoy your coffee. It is a great location to bring your laptop and work, or meet up with friends. This location also has an open mic night where you can bring in your instruments and play music. They have an exceptional commitment to the community and a number of causes. It is nice to see a ship so committed. Plenty of street parking and lots surrounding this location. Stop in and enjoy a coffee while taking in all the stores and restaurants in the area.

Vanilla Bean Scone
Cassandra R.

I've been to Java Central several times now and it never disappoints. Lots of tables, an eclectic but cozy atmosphere, friendly workers and excellent coffee (and baked goods). I got the latte with oatmilk and it was perfectly balanced and warm. My mom loves their chai latte and the vanilla bean scone was incredible (especially warmed up)! Definitely recommend stopping in!

Iced chai latte
Aubrie H.

We've stopped here multiple times and always have delicious coffee. They have regular coffee and unique flavors like cardamon rose. You can order them iced, warm or frozen. Definitely worth a stop to grab a drink while you shop down Main Street

Quad Cubano with orange cranberry coffee cake, kids hot chocolate with a sugar cookie donut, hot cocoa with chocolate peppermint donut
Chris W.

This is my favorite coffee shop in Westerville. I always order the quad cubano and it doesn't disappoint. I don't know where they source their pastries and donuts...but I need to figure it out. They are always fresh, amazing tasting and with common or seasonal flavors.

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1 year ago

$7 a cup of plain black sour coffee. Nope. Oh, but the attitude was free. Nope again.

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

It was ok coffee but we ordered a cinnamon roll and they forgot about it but overall a good experience

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Page 1 of 5

Ask the Community - Java Central Cafe and Roaster

Review Highlights - Java Central Cafe and Roaster

“So, if you are ever in the Westerville area, please by all means do yourself a favor and stop by Java central.”

Mentioned in 5 reviews

Read more highlights

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Super friendly service and clean place! I got cold brew with sugar free mocha and oat milk which…read morewas pretty good. I also bought raspberry chocolate cake to go but I didn't care for it too much. It was wet (not sure if it is supposed to be more of a moist cake or got moisture from condensation from fridge) and a bit too sweet for my liking. (Stronger raspberry jam flavor than chocolate) They have so many fun items to offer and I would definitely go back to try other things!

Spotted one of their locations when I was in LA and I knew there was one in Columbus so I had to…read morecome by. Had no idea initially that it was a chain. When my friend and I came in, it was late morning on a Saturday. Not busy yet but later on more folks that looked like college students came in. The menu doesn't explain much and the syrup and milk options are not on the back wall menu but by the ordering counter. Some syrups aren't available with hot drinks only iced. I tried the pistachio latte with oat milk while my friend tried the chai. As another Yelper said, the drinks are sweet and pretty milky. Not much espresso flavor. I'd come back to try the iced drinks though. They had a lot of fruity flavors. Otherwise, the space is nice. Lots of seating and comfortable couches. They had a little hanger thing by the couches to hang purses and hold long umbrellas. Even the bathrooms were clean and smelled good (they used plug-ins). And the staff were nice. Napkins weren't sitting out so I asked for some. Parking is easy. It shares the same parking lot as El Vaquero and Rusty Bucket. Probably a busy area in the evenings.

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Cute coffee shop in the heart of uptown. It's a small-ish space that can get tight during peak…read morehours, but service has always been fast in my experience. Standard coffee shop offerings at market-appropriate prices. Their cold brew is delicious, one of the best I've had in the area. Vibe is more of a grab-and-go or quick hang than it is a work/study spot. I don't think they offer Wi-Fi. Convenient to Otterbein (~5-10 min walk), not far from parking areas. Street parking also usually not too hard to find.

After reading that this café uses house-made strawberry jam in their matcha, I had to try it. To no…read moresurprise, it was delicious and fresh! I also ordered the egg sandwich and breakfast cookie, which was the perfect amount of food (especially if you share the cookie). I sometimes feel like breakfast sandwiches can be heavy and rather greasy, but this one was quite light! The maple sauce added a nice touch of sweetness too. I believe their breakfast cookie is a best seller and I can see why. Chocolate chips and dried cherries?? Scrumptious and soft! I like the small and minimalist feel of their interior. It feels more hometown instead of a chain. Even with only a few people working, they kept the orders coming at a great speed. I was happy to get my food within minutes. I eyed the cinnamon roll pretty hard, so I look forward to trying that next!

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