I'm by no means a coffee snob and I normally stick with just a regular drip coffee with lots of cream and sugar. When I visit Java House I get a Mocha, I like the way they make them here and their croissants are pretty great as well for making my breakfast sandwiches at home. A couple points, the place is busy every morning early with what also seems like a pretty regular neighborhood crew, reading the paper, ubiquitous Macs. I never stay to eat or drink and tables can be hard to find. This place has amazing hours, when all other coffee options are closed, they're open. One of my favortie moments is showing up here mid-blizzard in February and they were open, tree limbs crashed to the ground all around, but still open. I hate giving my money to the giant chains and while this place may be a bit more expensive, I have a better sense that the money is staying at least somewhat locally. read more

A great place to have a nice breakfast when it's an easy day. Just visiting from NYC, I passed this place on my way to my hotel and was determined to try it. Order the para gusto coffee, which was perfect since the taste reminds me of the Hispanic bakeries back home. I also ordered the hummus, tomato, feta and avocado with a croissant, which I easily made into a yummy sandwich :) definitely coming back next time I'm in DC read more

Java House - My breakfast just before a day of site seeing - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food is great, and the coffee is fantastic. The one star is just for their quality of service, which leaves a bad taste on the rest. Even as a regular I haven't seen any effort or difference in the attitude, which is such a shame. read more

Another Covid delivery review! I got a caramel latte and BLT. The service was super quick, I did one apartment workout, and voila, my food was here. I added that I wanted caramel in my order, but I understand a lot of places may not be receiving as many ingredients as they normally do, but they did put caramel in my coffee and it is delish (I am still sipping it). The paper bag I got with my order felt pretty heavy for a BLT, and it turns out they gave me a little cortado cup full of pineapple! Fun little surprise, really helping my vitamin deficiency with staying inside all the time. The BLT is actually really big, the toast was still pretty toasty given it's foil wrapping, and it had probably 6 slices of bacon, which had been fried in a pan (! you can tell, it gets all the curly edges). There were some bits of avo in it, and a nice buttery aftertaste. Honestly, an amazing brunchy sandwich. Good order! read more

Met a friend here for coffee the other day...and it was ok. I had a latte and it was fine, but I think more expensive than Starbucks. It's a nice place and I will definitely go back, but I felt the ambiance was lacking a little. Plus, it was so hot in there! Like a gazillion degrees for no reason...but I'm sure that was just a fluke. I also like to study in coffee shops, but would probably not study here-too crowded and condensed. It might be nicer in the summer when you can sit on their patio. read more

So, this isn't a review of their coffee or their food, but the fact that they have beer at their happy hour ($4, so not that cheap, but still), plugs, and wifi, allowing me to combine a necessity (research) with a love (beer), while escaping my apartment. No complaints, no complaints at all. The beer selection ain't huge and it's bottled, but it's decent and the barista was a friendly guy, so I definitely see myself coming back. read more

hole in the wall with a nice outdoor seating. disappointed with the coffee ... you couldn't tell the difference between the latte and capaccino that we ordered; in fact they both tasted and looked like regular cofffee. don't think there was a barista and the person in charge wasn't too helpful when we mentioned it. so for us, this place is a no go. read more

Coffee and baked goods are pretty good. Only recurring issue is with the egg sandwiches. Eggs turn a bit green, which is an unappetizing issue vs health and taste issue. Maybe they could try cooking the eggs for few seconds less or cooking on a hot plate or checking the iron pans. Not sure of the issue at java house. Haven't really had that issue at home or with other cafés. read more

Well, They had coffee... Got an Americano which tasted pretty terrible for $3. The lady at the counter took some other lady first even through I was standing there. Then she walked off for a few minutes. Cup was too hot to hold but they didn't have any coffee cup sleeves. There was a hair in the mouth of the Half and Half jug and the half and half looked watered down. Very dark and gloomy in there. read more

Great coffee shop in the heart of Dupont. Every day you can find locals sitting outside for hours. The hazelnut iced coffee is definitely better than the cold brew! Decent selection of pastries and good service. read more

Only Visa or Master - ! Delicious coffee, chill neighborhood feel, and efficient staff. It seemed like most of the people in the cafe were regulars. I'd highly recommend the hazelnut iced coffee or the Americano read more

1 star for location only. The grumpy Latina needs to go though. Not feeling her vibe!

Wowzers. Did I buy iced coffee or toilet water? I try to support local when I can but man this was a rough experience. Better luck next time ...? read more

I love this place. I used to live across the street, but now I live a few blocks away - still, every morning I make sure to leave a little early to drive *out of my way* to pick up some coffee. I worked my way through grad school sitting on their patio and people watching! I can understand how some Yelpers take issue with the consistency of service and the surroundings. At the same time, however, when you realize that Starbucks has done such a good job of programming us what to expect, that's not a huge surprise. The waitresses are efficient and could care less if you sit at a table for several hours and only order one cup of coffee - and while the food is not spectacular, its important to remember that none of the restaurants on 17th Street are particularly special. This is truly a neighborhood establishment, for better and worse. read more

GREAT COFFEE. I really like it. It has just the punch I need, not burnt tasting like Starbucks (blechhhhhhhhh), but a good strength. Quick and easy and well-priced when I feel like getting a cup of coffee instead of making it at home. I haven't eaten anything here, but the pastries etc. look good, and the people eating food look happy. They have about 2 dozen different kinds of coffee beans that they roast there and you can buy and grind there and take home, which is nice. read more

The bagels are fresh, firm, crisp, chewy and come in at least seven different types. Pumpernickel, Poppy, Raisin, Wheat, Regular, Blueberry, Granola; these are the ones I've had and all of them are great. My favorite is Hammus Feta & Avocado on a Pumpernickel bagel. Their Egg Bacon Cheddar Croissant is great too. Not a big fan of the soup, and it's funny they have one hot soup of the day throughout the year. Same goes of the Breakfast special. So yeah, I come here for comfort food, not for an exciting meal experience. Having said that, their smoothies are simply awesome. Ask for banana strawberry smoothie, which I guess they make with banana, strawberry and vanilla ice cream. It's a winner. Or the cantaloupe smoothie. What fun! Friendly staff and has a great neighborhood cafe vibe. They roast their own coffee, so if visiting the neighborhood and not a regular, you might want to sample a bag of their ground coffee for your coffee maker. read more

Disgusting little place, first thing I saw was a coffee roasting machine right at the front entry and a child that was being carried sneeze right into it. The folks that take your order are very rude and there was an obnoxious little man that mentioned being the owner to someone. This man was very rude. The coffee is awful and they take forever to get your order out to you. read more

While the service is fine and there it has a nice outside patio, this coffee shop is just not up to par. The inside atmosphere is dark and sad and the coffee was not too great. I got an iced latte and even Starbucks make a better coffee than this. read more

This is one of my favorite hangouts in Dupont Circle. On a nice day, the patio is full, people are reading papers, talking politics, or just enjoying their coffee. The coffee is decent. It is not quite as great as Starbucks, but the setting is much better. The baristas have all been there for years and are super freindly. It sits next to my drycleaners (Georgetown Valet) and I love to see the folks coming and going from the really cool training gym (FIT) that is downstairs from the cafe. Hanks Oyster bar is accross the street and the 17th Street Hardware is not far either. Java Cafe is a great meeting place and close to everywhere else I am going. read more

I was warming up to Java House since I just moved to the neighborhood, but I have to give it one star based on my experience there last Saturday. While waiting to order food, I heard the woman behind the cash register tell a man who looked like he could have been homeless who was seated at a table that she would give him 5 minutes and, if he didn't have any money, he would have to leave. I ordered, paid and handed the man a $5 bill. I went outside to my dog and came back in to check on my order. The man had gotten up from the table to stand in line with the money, he ordered, and, when his order was ready, she handed it to him in a paper bag, and he replied that he'd like it "for here", not "to go". Instead of placing his order on a plate and kindly handing him silverware, she places the paper bag on a plate and shoves it at him. Then, I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I think something was wrong with his order, plus he noted that the woman behind the counter had not asked him what type of milk he wanted for his coffee. The woman then became angry that he was taking so much of her time when she didn't even want him there. She was short with him and refused to listen to what changes he wanted with his order. She said, if you do not go away, I will call the police. Without waiting for him or showing any empathy towards him, she goes to the phone and starts calling. I am not sure what happened after that--just that it sounded like the police were going to come right away--as I had to leave, but the whole thing made me want to write this review. I know I will not frequent this establishment until they have a better, kinder policy for treating people as people. He was not bothering any of us who were patrons of the store. read more

We really liked it the first few times we got breakfast from there but lately the taste and quality are questionable. The egg is gross, the amount of cream cheese they put is insane and the it has very little avocado. This has been the case the last 3-5 times at least. read more

See all

Terrible service. Asked for a cranberry scone, and the following dialogue ensued: Me: "Excuse me, but I think you gave me a blueberry scone by accident." Employee: "Let me look. [Peers into bag] No, that's definitely a cranberry scone. Blueberries are blue." Me: [After wondering if this is real life] "Those berries look very blue to me." Employee: "No, they are not." Guess what, it was a blueberry scone. read more

Sorry Washington, but I'm just not into the concept of a free wifi place that incidentally serves bad coffee. And I'm even one of those people who would rather support an independent cafe than go to one of the Starbuck's on pretty much every corner in this town. read more

I give the place one star because of the service. I came to the cafe and used their Internet for five hours during a work day morning to late afternoon (while there were only a few ppl there). I was super busy with an assignment and when I needed a drink I couldn't find the waitress so I quickly ran to the cashier and got my drinks there and brought it back to my seat. During my time there I bought two drinks which I think is reasonable. The next day I returned, planning to order breakfast from the waitress rather the cashier so she could get tipped, however the moment the waitress saw me come to the cafe she alerted her boss who then yelled at me in front of all the customers for not ordering anything yesterday. Embarrassed, I ordered from her, ate and left. I haven't returned since. read more

I remember the days when Java House used to have some of the best coffee in DC. It used to be one of my favorite hangouts to sit with friends outside on the patio and enjoy the coffee and atmosphere. Nowadays the coffee is burnt and generally tastes bad. I used to come to Java House every day for my coffee morning and night, now I would rather have Starbucks...and I really hate Starbucks! read more

Don't go here looking for a good espresso drink. If the place wasn't called 'java' house and didn't have walls lined with coffee I'd be less harsh. But if you bill yourself as a coffee place have decent coffee! The women dumped the espresso and milk in a cup. Zero foam zero care. The place was clean on the inside (that's why I'm giving it two stars rather than one). Definitely won't be going back... read more

Ate here for the first time today. My BLT was pretty good, but the service was very unfriendly and my latte had a nasty, stale aftertaste. Oh, and while I was waiting for my takeout at the counter a cockroach leisurely sauntered past. Gross. I won't be back. read more

At the coffee shop right now enjoying the free WIFI (the big sign out front still stands). And unlike Jon, I have been hearing the grinder humming, and unlike Mark they were playing a really eclectic mix of ethnic beats and cold play. I can't speak much to the coffee since I am having a Green Tea, but the soup is great (Spicy Three Bean Chili) and there has been a steady stream of people coming in ranging from the incense laden old guy sitting at the table next to me, to a crowd of hipsters who stopped in for a quick bite. Kinda reminds me of what a Seattle coffee shop is stereotyped as. I will definitely be returning. read more

A great place for breakfast if you're in the mood for babies or light fare. Iced coffee is cold brew and served tall.

Great neighborhood coffee spot. They have a great coffee selection and their breakfast sandwiches are delicious. They also have a nice patio to hang out away from the crowds. Overall a pretty chill place in a great neighborhood. read more

So, I came here when I had an hour to kill before my hair appointment in DuPont Circle. I had a white chocolate mocha and a fruit and cheese plate. The coffee was delicious--sweet, creamy, and they didn't burn the espresso beans like some highly over-priced, sh*t-for-coffee chains that make their way on to every corner of America (*cough*). The fruit and cheese plate left a little to be desired though. The plate did indeed have fruit AND cheese, but they didn't pair together any of the fruit and cheese that normally goes together. Usually it's things like delicate brie with berries or a sharp cheddar with apple. This had some yellow cheese, white cheese, and crumbly cheese that I couldn't identify mixed with some random melon, a few strawberries and a 3 grapes (yes, I counted the grapes!). Nothing went together and nothing tasted good enough to justify the $10.00+ price tag. Also, if you want to sit outside and enjoy a lovely spring day, they force you to accept tableside service, which I really hate. Just give me my overpriced coffee and fruit, and let me sit in peace. This isn't the kind of food that justifies needing a server and then having to tip them 20%. Still, not bad for coffee.... but be leary of the food. read more

When I need some free wireless and want to sit outside, I usually head over to the Java House. They have a great patio. I can't speak to their java as I usually get a milkshake on my visits. If like a smooth milkshake, check it out. Oh yeah, there espresso shake wasn't pretty tasty too. read more

Went to get a small coffee, and was disappointed to find it was burnt coffee. Would recommend going somewhere else if you want premium coffee and flavors. Probably not bad if you just need a quick cup of tea. read more

I'd actually go with 3.5 to be honest but the outdoor seating is nice, the desserts are tasty, and the coffee is strong. It's an unpretentious favorite hang-out for the locals. ok, what the hell, 4 stars. read more

I agree with Amy V., there are very few mom n' pop coffee shops in DC. A combination of too little sleep and a big sign with "Free Wi-Fi" lured me in. Had a medium coffee for $1.80 and a nice sun tan from doing work out in their outdoor patio....what's more to ask from a coffee shop. A big plus was that they didn't play any music in the background, sometimes its nice not having the regular outdoor sounds drowned out by Nora Jones. read more

I met a friend for coffee at Java House for the first time this morning. It is nice to see an independent coffee house that is doing well. I'm tired of the chain stores that seem to be on every street corner in this city. The coffee was delicious, although a bit on the expensive side. The best part was the outdoor patio area right on the corner of 17th and Q. I definitely plan to go there more when the weather gets warmer. read more

Tragic. The coffee tasted burnt and curdled the soy I added (something that has never happened to me before.) Furthermore, every food item I tried to order off the menu was "out." read more

DO NOT GO HERE They have consistently messed up my order time and time again. Bagel and Lox IS NOT Bagel with Hummus Bagel with cream cheese means that I DO WANT cream cheese!!!! So frustrating. Used to be a regular customer but I will never waste my time nor money again. There's nothing as disappointing as spending $10 on a bagel and coming home to find something you don't want in your bag. :( Bye Java House! read more

Disgusting, rude staff, dirty and overpriced. Plus the coffee is bad. Manager is rude and unfriendly.

Slow and expensive. We should have gone elsewhere given we needed to be somewhere at a certain time. How long does it take for. Bagel and an iced latte? This is why people go to Starbucks. Decent patio, though, if you don't care about service and cost. That said, lots of people studying taking up too much room, hogging tables. read more