I visited on a Saturday in early May for a lunch stop on the way home. My sweet tooth was kicking jn, so I opted for a banana Nutella crepe and a cafe con leche for dine in. The crepe was superb, and the coffee was just fine. There was an outdoor seating section, so I took a small table in there. No problems though I wish it was a little warmer. Heating was available, but it was not intolerably cold so I decided not to bother with turning on the heat. I'd definitely consider returning. Bear in mind the establishment is based on ordering at the counter and picking up your order when you're paged. I don't mind that (saves on paying gratuity), but if you want wait service, this isn't the right place for you. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Banana & Nutella crepe, cafe con leche - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

Representing 2019 in alphabet series, J is for Java Nation. I visited once in October 2019 & sort of during Covid in June 2020. 2020 was a particularly negative experience during this tough time in life & American history with Covid amongst other things. October 2019 visit: My girlfriend of that time & I visited for coffee & crepes. I remember it was kind of expensive for the crepes, which a fancy pastry. I'm clearly not a big crepe person. Crepes at Java was decent, but expensive for what you get. Coffee was decent but nothing to write home about either. Staff wasn't terribly friendly either. This was a place I wasn't going to rush back to. June 2020, Very bad day: As I stated in the opening paragraph, Covid was a tough time. I was living in a studio apartment in Wheaton, so I was happy when the office had reopened from being closed during the early part of Covid. I believe I was coming from the office in Columbia and had work travel to Herndon, VA. That same girlfriend, who had just become an ex, wanted to meet for lunch. I was cool with going to Chipotle in Kensington as it wasn't too far out of the way from 495. There was no dine-in at Chipotle or anywhere at this time. So, we took the food to go and were parked on the Java Nation side. Java Nation wasn't busy. They had tables set up outside, and we wanted to quickly eat. The Java Nation woman barked at me saying you can't eat that here. Geez...give me a break...Covid was a tough time. That already annoyed me. We were starting to eat in her car like animals. She got VERY upset & angry that I didn't mention a trip I was going on. I said that it was very small gathering of just 5 of us, they wanted to keep limited, and we are broken up as that's why I didn't include you! She spelled her Chipotle on me, which was more than half of the bowl she hadn't eaten. I yelled at her in the parking lot saying you wasted food, how dare you do that. I was shaking with anger and upset that this happened. An observer some guy in the parking lot going to Five Guys or wherever said just let her go. I was already angry and flustered with my ex but also was upset with Java Nation, I poured whatever leftover of hers that didn't get on me on the table since they were jerks and wouldn't let me eat there. The woman at Java Nation was angry and said she was calling cops. I apologized and offered to clean, but it wasn't good enough. I rushed peeled out of the parking lot as I didn't want to deal with cops and rushed to get into Virginia to do my work travel, which had already been delayed because of the ex's craziness. In summary, after this terrible experience, which to be fair was partially my fault as I was flustered by the ex, I don't feel comfortable going to Java Nation in Kensington, but I wouldn't rule going to the North Bethesda one or any other if it ever made sense for me to go, but haven't been back in the 5.5 years since then. I decided to give 2-stars and not 1-star because the 2019 experience was decent enough. Covid was a weird time, and if I went back to Kensington (which I won't), it'd probably be more like 2019 except with higher prices. read more

Stopped by Java Nation and got an iced pumpkin spice latte. The drink itself was really good, but a few things were off. The menu behind the cashier said $6.75, but I was charged almost $9! When I asked, the cashier pointed to a paper on the side saying iced drinks cost 75¢ more which should just be shown on the main menu for clarity. Not sure why I'm paying extra for ice when that means I'm getting less of the drink. Then it asked for a tip on top of the already pricey latte and made it difficult to choose any option other than a high gratuity. I kept waiting for my name for be called for my order, but they never did. They just kept saying pumpkin spice latte and i assumed it wasnt for me. It defeats the purpose of them asking for my name in the first place! It was packed, so I even had to ask who the drink was for because I didn't want to accidentally grab someone else's drink. The latte was tasty, but the pricing and ordering process was a hassle. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Pumpkin Spice Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

My friend and I were looking for a place to grab a drink, and Java Nation offered a variety of options from espresso to cocktails. I was skeptical but intrigued. If I wanted cocktails, I would go to the bar, but my friend expressed giving it a try plus it appeared it had a nice aesthetic. We decided to try the cocktails from the signature cocktail list, but the employee looked confused. After going to the back and asking several other employees, we were told that they did not have the components for the cocktails. My friend chose one of the flavored margaritas this time and we were told they couldn't make it because they didn't have the flavor. I already wanted to leave at this point. We decided to stay and get a cocktail that they were able to make. The employee making the cocktail seemed like they didn't really know how to make it either. It was such a huge disappointment. I don't recommend getting the cocktails. I can't say anything on the coffee and food which I should've probably stuck to considering it called Java nation. read more

Tasty Salmon/Busy Coffee Bar! Today I/friend returned to Java Nation for lunch. It being Easter Sunday early afternoon we scored a table. After ordering we waited for our meals. Tricolor Quinoa Salad w/Salmon. (On menu listed "bowl".) My friend ordered a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. I also ordered a large iced latte. While all the tables were not filled; but the coffee bar was buzzing w/to go orders. So busy they forgot my Iced Latte-I asked for when meals arrived. My Quinoa Salad w/Salmon fresh, flavorful & tasty. My iced latte tasted a bit watery & my friend felt her grilled cheese-cheese wasn't melted well. Generous portions & courteous service. See Photos. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Seating Area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

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I've not explored this location for their food, but the interior space is pretty cramped and not conducive to much more than you and a friend, unless you want to sit at a shared hightop table. I've been to the one in Silver Spring and would pick it over this one anytime. I'd rate them a 3.7 overall - the drinks / food is good, but not much service or ambience. read more

I really like this Java Nation - it's so pretty on the inside, with lots of light and artwork. The coffee is good too - I recommend the cardamom latte. However, I had some seriously bad service there today. I ordered my latte and spelled out my name to them for the order. I sat down, met my friend, she ordered, several other orders came out, finally her order came out, mine never did. I asked the barista, and mine was the drink that had been sitting on the bar for 10 minutes. Why hadn't I picked it up, you ask? Well, even though I SPELLED MY NAME, it came out as a totally different (traditionally male!) name. Also, the whole time she was shouting out said name, the barista also kept saying "caramel latte for..." Seems hard to figure out it was my drink with the wrong name and what sounded like the wrong drink. She did not offer to remake my drink even though it had been sitting there for like 10 min. For $8.50 for one latte (an extra $1 for oat milk plus a tip...oof!), I'm not sure I'll frequent them that much unless their service improves. read more

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Cute little nook. A flexible enough menu for most. I recommend. I've had their pancakes and they were delicious. I just had the oatmeal for the first time and was impressed in presentation and flavor. Great pastry selection. Don't count calories here. Indulge! read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Coffee, steel cut oatmeal and a guava cream cheese croissant. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

I work near Java Nation and I do like their products, even though they are expensive. I eat/caffeinate here almost once a week. I crave their chicken arepa almost weekly (even if it is about $15 after taxes, no sides). What really gets me and makes me question coming here is the fact that whenever I put in a to-go order, it takes absolutely forever. They quote about 30 minutes on the app regardless of the items or what you order, and I work about 5 minutes walking distance. Yesterday, 10/8, I ordered a PSL (yes I know I'm basic but I really wanted to try theirs), and I walked to Safeway to do some quick shopping first, giving me over 30 minutes to get there. I got there, asked for my order, and she like started to make the drink, by pouring ice in a cup....which confused me because 1) I ordered it hot and 2) it wasn't ready? I told her I ordered this over 30 minutes ago snd I ordered it hot and she said "oh, it looks like they made it already so I have to redo it" and she held up a really weird looking iced coffee that didn't look like even an iced latte. I was pretty annoyed, to say the least. Every time I order I feel like my food is never actually ready by the time I get there, even though I give them ample time. So, even though I know their product and their quality is great, their timing and their prices are starting to become to prohibitive in this economy. read more

Overall, I thought Java Nation was a great spot to pick up a quick and easy breakfast. During my visit, I went with a ham and (gruyere) cheese omelette, which came with two sides (a selection of potatoes, small salad, very small bowl of fruit) for about $14. Besides coffee (obviously), Java Nation has a nice selection of breakfast and pastry items. I thought my food was quite delicious, and I was a bit surprised (in a good way) with how much ham the omelette contained. The restaurant has plenty of indoors and outdoors seating. The layout and the decor of the restaurant are nice, and I thought this location was very clean. I thought the service was quite wonderful - especially the recently hired cashier that took my order. This might be a bit controversial (but it did not affect my review). Since I was dining in, I provided a tip after ordering at the counter because I assumed the food would be brought to my table. However, I was kind of surprised that I had to pick up my food from the service counter AND bust my own table after eating. Perhaps, during my next visit, I might not tip the full 20%. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

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The food was excellent . No complaints there. I do feel that I didn't get the value for the money I paid, $13 for 2 French toasts. That's all. Just the French toast. Anything else was extra. They were delicious, but I felt shortchanged. That along with other things. Worth visiting if you're ok with not getting your money's worth, but getting tasty food. I would certainly not come back though. I need to feel it was worth what I spent. Didn't get that here. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Lavender Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

What a rip-off; this picture is a medium coffee, for which they charge $4.51. Save your money, and go to Starbucks (bet you never expected to hear that about Starbucks!) read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Java Nation Medium size coffee. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

Great tasting quiche! However this quiche is not for hungry eaters. What do you say when the taste is great and the portions are not? My $20.00 ( 5 oz) piece of quiche with potatoes is the example Im referring to. See photos below. For catering purposes an entire leak quiche is $60. read more

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Love the lavender latte! This place has a nice vibe. Like a coffee shop in the 90's. Excellent food as well.

I've been eyeing this spot for awhile. I was able to visit with a friend and decided to get a matcha. I was disappointed with my drink as it was more on the bitter side. I wish they had added a pump of vanilla to make it slightly sweeter. However, I noticed they had some sweets that I'd be interested in trying in the future. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Iced Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

A nice place to meet friends for coffee if you're in Kensington. The lunch/brunch offerings are fine, but not extraordinary. My wife and I were greeted warmly when we stopped in for lunch the other day. We both enjoyed sitting outside in their patio area. Lots of good protection from the elements, but still bright and pleasant in the warm fall afternoon. My wife got the lentil soup, scrambled eggs and a cappuccino. I got a chicken taco platter and a steak taco platter. (I was hungry.) My wife liked her eggs and thought that her lentil soup was solid. Cappuccino was good as well. My tacos were just OK. They bill them as taco "platters", which suggests that they might come with a small side salad, or maybe some beans and rice, but you just get the tacos. They weren't especially flavorful, but they were tasty. Also thought that they could've been a bit bigger--especially because there was no side salad or side item. All in all, a nice and friendly place. Just not sure it's worth a trip across town for the lunch offerings. But, if you're meeting friends in Kensington for a quick coffee or a bite to eat, you can do a lot worse! read more

I've given Java Nation at different locations a try because I am under the impression that it is a great food group doing great things with coffee farmers abroad, so I am always down to support good causes. But I don't know why, there's always something wrong with my food or with the service, something that lacks every time or maybe I am just the lucky one. This location offers a nice ambiance but the service is so s-l-o-w... coffee takes forever to come out and if you order food the wait is even longer. The front staff is not even apologetic about it. More than a 15 minutes wait for a sandwich, an omelette or a salad is way too much, especially for such a small kitchen. It's not that the food is horrible, it is just not memorable, nothing special about it, really. Additionally, this time I ordered take out. When I got home my order was wrong. I had ordered a mushroom and feta omelette and got the one with ham instead. I can't even eat ham at the moment! Since I just didn't have the time to go back there to ask for a change (nor the patience) I just did not eat it. I also think it is overpriced. Paying $42 for a burger and an omelette is way too much. I guess this is just not a spot for me. read more

A little pricey but comparable with the area - I got a small iced matcha. They have a good variety of seating both inside and outside! It's a very good place to study read more

Cosy spot, went for brunch on Saturday morning around 10am, got seating for two quickly, they have both to go/for there options for their drinks. Pay at counter and they'll call order/buzzer ring. I had the carne asada arepa and the portion size was sufficient for me although I tend to eat smaller portions. Food was delicious, enjoyed my time there, would go again! read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

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Having some work done on my truck so stopped in for a light breakfast. It is a small shop with limited seating inside and outside. I ordered the lox bagel and coffee. It was a little pricey. The coffee came in a mug which was a great change of pace and it was piping hot. The bagel was great also. Service was quick and efficient. If you are in Kensington, MD stop in. It is worth it. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

Wonderful Nice outdoor seating, and inside is very nice as well. Good people and a friendly local Kensington environment. read more

2nd visit.Enjoy and appreciate the small, intimate ambiance. Barista's and staff are very friendly and patient. Customers are always friendly! Today, I had the Lavender Honey Cold Brew and it was excellent!! Light, essence of lavender and the honey was apparent...would be delicious hot too! The mushroom, feta omelette w potatoes and salad was perfect. Feta was super fresh and the salad colorful and tasty. Note: it was very chilly in there today (bring a light sweater or covering) and I sat right under a speaker so it was a little louder above me. Music was great thought. Bathroom was tidy. there are coffee beans to buy, fresh granola, pastries and treats to add to whatever you buy. Gift cards and a rewards club available. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

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We stopped at this small breakfast/lunch cafe after some errands nearby. Quick service and various drink options. We got lavender honey cold brew and hot matcha latte. Cold brew had good sweetness and perfect for hot summer days. Matcha was okay, nothing special. Easily found parking spots. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

We tried their crepes and enjoyed it. Drinks were nice. So packed with people. Nice workers!

I got a burger and my fiancé got a wrap. We also got the empanadas. The burger was good but nothing special. Def wouldn't go just for that. The wrap was actually better in my opinion, and it was more flavorful. The empanadas were okay, but it might be because I have had much better ones and can't help but compare. We got an iced latte and an iced tea, and both were good. I would want to go again if I was in the area, BUT I think I like the Bethesda location better just because of how cozy it is. Give this place a try if you're in the mood for some light bites and coffee. read more

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PROS Coffee: Despite the name this is more of a restaurant than a coffee source. So I wouldn't go for espresso. Still, no problems, everything's been good. Cold brew and lattes have been good. Food: Juevos Rancheros, French Toast, and a Green Monster smoothie all have been very good and a reasonable price. CONS Service: Some are really on top of it, others are just kind of there. Which is normal as these are mostly teenagers. Size: This location is very small so in the winter months you're probably going to want to keep your jacket zipped up. There is a small seating area pushing out into the parking lot, but feels a little cramped sometimes next to all the cars. Wish they could take over the corner space from the tax company and just close off that whole area. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Exterior sitting at the table out front. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

Quick service and the omelette was amazing! Coffee is decent. The place was quite crowded though and someone stole our coffee order but the team made it up pretty quickly. Good and quick breakfast place. read more

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Food is expensive and menu is too complicated. Person taking orders at register is abrupt and unhelpful. Beverage was not hot. Did not want to interact with employee again, so we finished up and left, vowing to not return. read more

Great coffee and food. I love the seasonal additions at different times of the year! It's a great spot that has indoor and outdoor seating. Pretty good pace of service and chill atmosphere. read more

Cute cafe featuring coffee! The space is cozy and due to covid restrictions - no indoor seating is available. There's some outdoor seating. And there's plenty of parking! For a point of reference, there's located in a shopping center with a Five Guys restaurant. I stopped in to order a large vanilla chai latte - it was pretty good, but a tad pricey. They have a nice breakfast menu but I just got the drink this time. I would definitely come back. Seems like a popular place! They've been around since 2012. I really liked the atmosphere and the service was great. read more

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Great spot for a quick bite to eat for brunch! It's a small space and bustling. The chicken pupusas were delicious - portion was big, I couldn't finish it by myself. My fiancé got the ham and cheese omelet, which he said was good. The home fries were well seasoned. They got my drink order wrong (made me an iced latte when I asked for an iced mocha), which was a bummer. Overall a nice spot that I recommend checking out. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Chicken Pupusas Chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

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Update - June 2021 This shop is still open! Accepts both cash and credit card. Tons of FREE parking in the parking lot. They also offer outdoor seating if you want to enjoy your food and drinks. The tables are more of a family style bench seating. They do offer tons of coffee drinks (including cold brew) and alcohol / non-alcoholic selections here. The staff here are extremely nice and friendly. All staff who work here wear PPE so you can be sure they take the health protocol serious. We ordered their almond croissant which had a very nice crunch to it. We tried to order their lavender latte, but they did not have that drink at the time. We tried their iced latte and matcha tea which were both equally good. Pricing here is similar to other coffee shops. They also offer a wide variety of food options. Definitely worth checking out if you want either or both food and drink options. Definitely check this place out if you are in the area. Support your local mom&pop coffee shop! read more

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Got breakfast takeout today. I had the ham and cheese omelette. It was served with roasted red potatoes, onions and small greens salad. The ham and cheese omelette was good - a little greasy. I really enjoyed the breakfast potatoes and onions, and the salad greens were good. My niece had the French toast - it was amazing !! I am definitely getting that next time. My sister really enjoyed her avocado toast. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Ham & Cheese Omelet - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

They have a small, curated menu of both lunch/brunch items, drinks, and pastries. There about 15 small tables inside and a few outside under a tent. They offer both dine in and to go options. They have seasonal drinks as well which I love. The interior was clean, the staff friendly, and the place is always busy whenever I've gone. They also have art from a local artist on the walls, and most of it is for sale. read more

Last wee was the first time we went to Java Nation to try the food. We decided to pick up lunch there after our eye doctor appointment. We ordered chicken tacos for carry-out. They come 3 per order, which was plenty for a light lunch. We got them home and they were carefully packed. We've been on a taco kick and these tacos were about the best that we have tried lately. They were delicious with nice chunks of chicken, onion and tomatillo salsa verde on the side. I was disappointed they didn't come with pico de gallo but turned out we didn't miss it at all. As he was paying for our order Rich noticed they also have shawarma and said he was definitely going to try that too on our next visit. We will definitely go back for more of those tacos and for Rich to try the shawarma! read more

Great place to grab a quick, casual breakfast. Their coffee is wonderful and their breakfast options feel fresh and healthy.

We put in a carryout order for Sunday brunch items 3-4 hours in advance. When we arrived at the scheduled time to pick up the order, nothing was ready except that the pastries were put in a bag. They then started preparing the rest of order (lattes, salads, arepas, quiche, empanadas), which for some reason took 30 minutes. By the time they got the last item ready, the first item was stone cold. We were late arriving at our friends' house, with food and drinks that were not even warm. I haven't had a bad experience at Java Nation till this, they didn't seem to have the slightest idea how to manage a pre-arranged takeout order. read more

My husband and I love coming to all the Java locations but the Kensington location has to take the cake in being the least friendly of all. Everytime we've stopped by we have had one barista that constantly seems upset to be there. Taking our order almost seems like an inconvenience to her if it's not fast enough. this catty like environment makes the whole experience pretty distasteful. I hope this gets fixed asap so I can walk in and say this coffee shop has a friendly and positive atmosphere. read more

Awesome coffee shop and café. I stumbled across the place while waiting for some work to be done on my car at a shop down the street. Best Dirty Chai Latte and Huevos Rancheros that I've had in recent memory. Even though I live in DC I plan to make an excursion back with my spouse so she can experience the same yumminess that I did! read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Dirty chai latte and Huevos rancheros with pork - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

I thought that Java Nation was just okay. It's in a strip mall in Kensington. Parking lot is a crowded nightmare on weekends, and it just felt depressing, no charm at all. Iced lattes were fine. Pastries looked tired, so we skipped. read more