My absolute favorite coffee shop in MD. I order from here almost daily! I especially love the Kensington location because of the amazing, sincere staff. All of them are phenomenal but I especially want to shout out to Irene, Kathy, and Carina. They always greet me by name and always genuinely ask how I'm doing and about my son. On top of the amazing service, I have never been disappointed by the menu! Everything is incredibly tasty! I've met the owner as well and she is a lovely woman. I admire this business and how it is ran. I can't even tell you how many people I have recommended to this shop because it's the best and I haven't found any better iced coffee than here. Thank you for being so amazing. Also- Irene should be in management if she isn't already. I admire her work ethic! Thanks again. read more

5 people behind the counter, one apparent cashier that had just served a Caucasian man, Black man follows, cashier takes call and ignores the person for a couple of minutes. Black man leaves. Not sure what happened there. The optics are not good. The inference, based on the experience, is if you look like my Caucasian brother from another mother it appears likely there will be courteous and prompt service. If you look like the Black brother ... not so much. It might be wise to vote with your feet, take your $ elsewhere, and share the facts with others so that that they may make an informed decision about where they go for coffee in the area (in my opinion). read more

This place is a great alternative to starbucks. Unlike starbucks, they have a good variety of food that is prepared on the stove, not an oven. The prices are not exactly cheap but the quality of the food is quite good. The location is also a good place to meet with people and has free wifi. Update * increasing to 4 stars we do take out with them from time to time now. Their breakfast sandwiches are very good especially compared to the local competition. read more

Decided to study here at a friend's recommendation. Very pleasant vibe, cute decor, nice ambiance. Friendly staff w fast service. I am so pleased that they have a couple vegan options! I got the chia oat porridge (made w coconut milk and topped w coconut and strawberries) and a soy latte. Very tasty!! I will definitely be back read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Chia oat porridge & soy latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

Food is great. Service is Good....But this wait time is crazy. Ordering online to pick up and it's about an hour wait on Sunday morning.

The 9 grain egg and bacon sandwich was great! Also enjoyed the nicely poured mocha cappuccino! Highly recommend for breakfast. read more

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

Stopped in for breakfast and coffee. Ordered the mushroom omelet and a vanilla latte. We had planned on staying to eat in. After asking about our dining preference the girl made our coffee to-go. After tasting my coffee I realized it was a chocolate latte. I asked the girl to remake it and she just argued with me. She told me I needed to pay again if I wanted it remade. The food looked good but we didn't stay to eat. I think the location on Rockville Pike is much better. read more

I found this place while I was on a walk while waiting to get my oil changed and Jiffy Lube. I had a coffee and a Greek Omelette, which were both very good. Also, the staff is very friendly, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed, which is perfect when you are enjoying a cup of coffee. read more

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

The pupusa's are very yummy! You can order right off of yelp and can pick it up, very easy!

I'm so impressed with this place. Fresh and tasty. Been going for years. Staff is considerate and friendly.

Charming cafe. Today I am trying the Golden Chai made with Tumeric and soy milk and chia and oats porridge for breakfast. Delicious! read more

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

We live about 5 min away and discovered Java Nation when we were looking for a place that opens early and serves breakfast. We had a couple places that we'd frequented for over a year, but they were further away. I'm glad we found them! Their 9 grain egg sandwich and E.A.T. (egg, avocado and tomato) are delicious, and their coffee is excellent! We keep meaning to try some of their other offerings, but those are so good. Smoothies are next on our bucket list! We don't miss our old haunts at all after finding Java Nation so close. They've earned a repeat customer, every Saturday and Sunday morning. read more

Ugh I LOVE this place! I just discovered it two weeks ago and have already been three times (yikes for my wallet). It's super cozy, which I always look for in a coffee shop, and really delicious - you just can't beat that combo! I've been getting their chai latte, which comes incredibly foamy and delicious - and I've had a few of their breakfast items that are also delicious. The ladies at the counter are really nice. What more could you ask for from your neighborhood coffee shop? read more

They have amazing smoothies! It's a nice place to chill and get work done. Similar to Starbucks, but definitely a hidden gem for locals. read more

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

I went to this restaurant yesterday to order something and it took them at least about 35 minutes to give meMy order very unprofessional no customer service whatsoever the case maybe I would never recommend no one to go here read more

This is my go to small business coffee shop in the Kensington area. The coffee is strong and the pupusas are delicious! The coffee is a bit pricey but the food is reasonably priced. read more

We just moved here and I'm looking for the perfect place to work on my research when I work from home. I've been here a few times, and overall I like it. The prices are a bit high, but no worse than what I was used to where I'm from. However, I've noticed a weird trend the last couple times I've been here re: the service. The women who work here are pleasant, but my orders keep getting mixed up. The first time it was the wrong size coffee, no big deal. Today, I got charged 2.59 for a can of Diet Coke (realized later), and there was no cream cheese for my bagel (why would I want a toasted bagel dry?). When I asked for some, she inquired as to whether I'd requested in the first place. What? The menu says bagel with cream cheese! On the same visit, I ordered a large iced coffee and was given a hot one--I just drank it because I didn't want to waste it. So, I do want to come back and work here, but I worry my orders will be wrong or I will be grossly overcharged. If it happens again, I'm finding another place to visit. read more

I am impressed, Java Nation - Kensington is definitely pretty darn cool. 5/5 For atmosphere. Awesome menu items, Nutella Crepes was my choice and it was really great. The staff were great, I didn't have any issues, everything went perfectly with my order and service. I can't say enough good things about this place. read more

I stopped in for a quick bite on my way downtown. On the recommendation of the staff, I ordered the breakfast sandwich (she said it would be quick). It was and, Oh.... it was good too!! I have to say, this sandwich was the best breakfast sandwich I have ever eaten, including the ones I've made myself. The bread was similar to an English muffin except it wasn't. It was better... almost had a slight sweetness to it. The sausage was so well seasoned... and the egg was clearly freshly cooked from whole eggs, not that stuff out of a box. I had my choice of cheese and the provolone was perfect! I just might have to adjust my morning commute to pass by this gem of a eatery in the future. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is to leave room for improvement for the staff interaction. They weren't rude just not very personable. read more

This place is a Jenny. One of those perfect businesses. Coffee is as great as the food, service and smiles. Why oh why do people lined up to go to Starbucks when this place is efficient and delicious and easy and perfect. read more

Pulling into Java Nation on a gloomy Sunday morning, I'll admit I wasn't expecting much from this strip mall joint. But by the second bite of my bacon egg and cheese bagel, I knew this place was a hidden gem. The bagel--though not the star of this dish--was nicely toasted and chewy. What really made this breakfast sandwich stand out was the crispy bacon! It's rare that restaurants actually cook bacon until it's crispy and flavorful, and when they do, I think that tells you a lot about a place. Boy, they really packed the bacon on, too! With the melty American cheese and fried egg, this was super satisfying and was the perfect medicine for a rainy Sunday. Only gave it 4 stars for the wifi not working, seems like that's been an issue for people before me as well. read more

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

Inside, it is very cute and seems to be pretty clean. The service is painfully slow, so if you are stopping for a quick eat this might not be the place. It took 30 minutes for our food to come out and we ordered a BLT and French Toast. The food was great, I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich and my friend said she liked her French toast. I also got the açaí smoothie and it was pretty delicious. read more

Came here to catch up with some friends over lattes, and Java Nation was the perfect spot. It wasn't too loud, crowded, or expensive, and the lattes were beautiful and hot. For a Sunday afternoon, I am actually surprised it wasn't more crowded. People who hop around coffee shops to do work: the outlets are few and far between. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - Latte ft. Hot dog phone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

The beef empanadas were very good - seasoned and cooked beautifully and so tasty. My chicken empanadas were sadly disappointing. The chicken was so dry, almost like it was a couple days old. The chipotle sauce they serve with the empanadas is delicious, definitely a nice touch. My iced latte was pretty good. I got delivery and everything was well packed, they even taped up and wrapped the iced coffee. The only packing mishap was they mislabeled the chicken empanadas as beef. It was fine because it was all for me anyway, but I can imagine if two people were splitting an order and if they went separate ways without checking, or if it was a meat/veggie mishap... how that could be problematic. Will definitely be getting the beef empanadas again, and trying other things! read more

Great Place, staff is great,food is great, it's popular so I wish it were larger. I go here on a almost daily basis. read more

So I'm going to make two separate reviews in this: Food and service: Good eats and nice environment for a coffee shop. Coffee is always pretty good and I have been here numerous times. On this aspect I give them a 4/5. As a "study" location: When I first started coming here it was one of my favorite study spots, good WiFi, good environment, good coffee but I started to notice that certain websites began to not work on the WiFi such as anything related to MCAT/SAT etc. I thought this was initially my lap top or the sites were not working but when I switched my phone off the WiFi the website immediately loaded. I began to ask myself this is kinda off and I realized the owner of this shop also owns or at least manages the spider study place next door which has mcat/sat courses and programs. So I am nearly 100% sure that they blocked those sites on purpose to coordinate with next door. Which to me is just shitty. So from this aspect 1/5. read more

I was so glad to find Java Nation! Love having a great, locally owned coffee shop in the area. The coffee and food are great, and it is my go to spot for meeting up with folks for coffee. read more

Java Nation is a great addition to the Kensington community. The coffee is top-notch. I've had the pour over coffee as both iced and hot. The variety of coffees to select from is excellent, the brewed cup is special. I'm a self-confessed coffee snob (roast my own coffee, have about 10 brewing apparati at home) and the coffee exceeds all expectations. I have had breakfast and lunch there as well. The breakfast is super reasonably priced and was excellent both times. I had the egg, avocado and tomato and the pork belly sandwich with egg. Both were a step above the typical coffee shop egg sandwich. I've also had the cuban sandwich for lunch; it was also way more than I expected. Overall, it's a great coffee shop. read more

Came here for a cup of coffee, stayed for the enticing brunch. I had noted this place a few months ago, and have been meaning to check it out. I can assure all readers this cafe is worth checking out. We were in the mood for a bit of a journey, so we hoofed it on over for what we thought would just be a cup of coffee. However, we were soon proven to be quite (happily) wrong. I had the classic breakfast sandwich with Fontina cheese, my wife had the Italian Elvis (a fantastic concoction of two slices of French toast with Nutella and banana), and my son had regular French toast. While we were vibrant and conversant mere moments before we received our food, all meals were consumed with minimal conversation due to the eye watering tastiness of the menu. The coffee is Vigilante coffee (http://vigilantecoffee.com/pages/about-us) which is a local DC roaster! I, for one, am pleasantly surprised with the quality of the cup. I had an Americano, and it served my morning properly. My wife had the chai tea with almond milk, and the spice was enough to remind you what you were drinking, but not so strong so as to force the realization. I suppose the only matter which would push this to five stars for me would be a side with the breakfast. Nothing grand, but an apple or something along those lines. Definitely would not stop me from coming back, and I feel I fairly received what I paid for, but it would certainly help seal the deal, so to speak. read more

Yum! Their Java house brew is so nutty and good! Definitely not the cardboard tasting coffee you get sometimes from some smaller coffee shops! They also have lots of smoothies and breakfast/sandwich options and pastries which I can't wait to try! And... Free wifi! Everyone is also super nice! (& they have cocktails too!) read more

For my visit I got the crepe and a chai latte. The crepe was delicious. I asked for strawberry and banana and they made it! It Nutella wasn't too over powering because of all the fruits, not sure what it would taste like if you only ask for one fruit or no fruit - might be on the sweeter side because of the Nutella. The chai was too strong for me. I guess for the price you pay for, you get a better quality chai? IMO it had a really strong taste that it have me a headache after. It was good for the first 10 gulps, but after that it was too much. I wasn't able to finish the regular size that I got. My bf got the Cuban sandwich and he said it was really good. He also got the coffee and said that compared to other coffees, it was better quality. Overall everything was good. The prices are a little too high, but still good. One thing that really needs improvement is the staff. The girl who rung us up needed to be more alive. When you work in a coffee shop you need high spirits that you can transfer to grumpy, need-my-morning-coffee customers. read more

I **was** a regular customer for many months until for the nth time the messed up the order and served me gluten to which I'm severely allergic (before that they had mistakenly served me regular dairy instead of requested oat milk). What's worse, they refused to admit it, then offered to correct it anyway and served me bread with gluten again! The cooking staff does not speak any English, does not pay any attention to order requests. Those with food allergies, beware! You may be lied to. And I won't be back read more

Great laid back atmosphere, friendly staff with two awesome surprises. 1) Beer and wine. 2) Fantastic empanadas and pupusas! So much better than 7-11 esque sandwiches that are served at starbucks imo. If only they stayed open past 5. Would be a nice place to grab an after work beer. read more

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

One of the few great places to work in the MD burbs. Quality drinks, treats & food, plenty of seating & plugs, and solid wifi. They also don't care if you stay for hours :) My only complaint is that it's always chilly in here - so bring a sweater! read more

Favorite little local coffee shop in all Kensington/Chevy Chase/Bethesda are. Have great gluten-free options, as well as coconut + almond milk for coffee drinks! I've never actually eaten here but have heard the pupusas are amazing (and gluten-free too), and all the coffee drinks are amazing. A great work spot too. read more

Java Nation is the BEST local coffee shop in the DC metropolitan area the staff is AMAZING and go beyond their to treat their costumers like own family read more

The cutest coffee shop in the Kensington area. I stop by almost every day on my way to work to get my usual coffee, bagel, and mid-day snack. Their menu is very versatile. My favorite item on their breakfast menu is the avocado toast. Egg sandwiches are also delicious. Tons of bagels and sandwiches to choose from. This is definitely a place you should hit up! read more

I absolutely love this place. The chai tea latte doesn't taste fake like S-bucks, it's flavorful and decadent, the caramel iced lattes are deep and delicious, and the sandwiches are scrumdiddlyumptious. I order ahead and rarely wait in line when I forget to which is surprising because of how good their coffee is. The staff is friendly which is an added bonus. I haven't tried any of the sweets yet so I can't review them. The only downfall is the parking situation when something is going on across the street. I wish the lot had parking for business customers only but I suppose it makes the neighboring community happy. I vote for two 10 minute spots out front! Who's in?? Really worth driving around for a spot or double parking on those days. read more

Ordered the mushroom cheese add bacon omelette.... super delicious ... biscotti is too sweet for me... love their modern style horchata.... and my friend loves their coffee ... read more

More than coffee! The lentil souP is the best. Great cocktails and they have wine and full dinners too. Really nice atmosphere and fantastic prices. The people who work here are so friendly and helpful. LoVe thIs place!!! read more