Cute, local, comfy coffee shop vibes. Lattes are great and the batistas were nice and welcoming. Convenient spot on Connecticut Ave and lots of parking. I really want to try the food... especially pupusas :) UPDATE : I got the pupusas. They were amazing!! Cheese and beans. WOW. read more

This is my second time coming here. Well air conditioned, great wifi& charger space, and 0 complaints about the drinks, other than they are pricey. The coffee is local, though, so that makes sense. I think they should be more clear about not serving hot food after 3pm. Didn't see t anywhere on Yelp (my go to spot to check places out). I got a hot latte and an iced chai tea. The latte was nothing special, but the tea was much better than Starbucks (less fake sweet tasting). Both were the same price as Starbucks drinks/ Java's pricing is pretty on par with Starbucks'. read more

This review is only about 2 bakery items I purchased today. We got a blueberry muffin and a chocolate croissant. The muffin was delicious. Fresh blueberries, not too sweet...just perfect. The croissant crunchy, good chocolate....very tasty! We're coming back for coffee and brunch. read more

This was my first time at Java Nation and I got two empanadas one was chicken and the other beef. Both were delicious, a long with the flavorful mayo sauce that was given on the side. I also got a green tea shake that tasted very good, but could have been blended more since it was very thick. Since I was happy with my empanadas I decided to order chicken pupusas which were delicious as well. The overall service was good too. I am very happy with my experience at Java Nation and I can't wait to come back. read more

Java Nation - Kensington - The Chicken Pupusas are delicious! I can't wait to have them again! I highly recommend them! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

Java Nation is a great local treat! It has a cool vibe.....I must admit, I've become a bit of a regular. Their caramel latte is decadent and the staff is nice. I've tried the grilled cheese (cheddar/colby mix and tasty multi-grain bread) and the club sandwich (with yummy thick-sliced bacon and turkey blend). The music is an eclectic mix from Motown to pop to French cafe music to acid jazz. On the con side, the chairs are little loud when you pull them out. Although wi-fi is free, it occasionally has trouble. Macs are fine, but once out of 5 times, I've had trouble with my PC. Lillian C. is being hyper-critical and off in her review - try it for yourself and you'll be impressed. read more

This is one of my fav places to go for breakfast and lunch, plus it's 5 mins away from my home I literally get the same thing when I go. The grilled chicken sandwich with pickled onions(I get extra) and smashed avocado, it's my favorite sandwich there. Now I like to consider myself a coffee connoisseur but my friends call me a coffee snob ‍ either way Java Nation's coffee is AMAZING! I've had the slow pours, golden latte , expresso & the nitro brew. My fav is the cold brew that is steeped for 15 hours, I came back to get a second cup on several occasions ‍ I get mine with 1 pump of vanilla and 2 pumps of caramel, it's so bomb! Lastly, can you say cinnamon coffee cake? it's amazingly delicious, so soft and flavorful! They also have a second location (social house)that opened recently in North Bethesda where Helen's used to be. It's bigger than the first location with a pretty cool bar where you can grab a cocktail & dinner. I had a iced mocha latte and a bowl of yummy oatmeal with fruit . Soon I will drop in to try the dinner menu and have a glass of wine! The staff is super sweet at both locations! read more

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We noticed the place, were in a hurry, and took pork, chicken, and egg sandwiches as carryout. At home they were still warm having been wrapped in foil and each person loved the taste of their sandwich. Will definitely return. read more

Coffee and pastry were good, but service was odd. Not overly welcoming, friendly or helpful.

JAVA Nation, so much potential, just disappointing. My family is seeking out our go-to breakfast joint. We visited JN day one, left frustrated because the cashier/ordering station wasn't helpful or understood English very well. The food was overall good, just didn't like the front side service. Day two, we arrive at 8:14am. Sign says they open at 8am. They weren't. At 8:20am the door opened and was greeted with "the cashier won't get here for another 15-20 minutes". So we asked if we could go ahead and get our food started, then pay whenever the cashier shows up. The lady didn't quite understand what we were asking (think efficiency please) and left us waiting.. We decided to "vote with our wallet" and continue our search for a good food, good service, go-to breakfast spot. Wouldn't recommend. Gave two stars because the food is decent. read more

Our first time here today, trying to avoid our usual brunch spots that we knew would be slammed. The service was slow. My order was wrong. While we were sitting there, two other people came to the counter with problems with their order. The real problem, however, was the iced coffee. Probably the worst coffee I've ever had from some place calling themselves a coffee shop. It was undrinkable and tasted burnt. The food was pretty decent (the parts that weren't wrong), and the crepe was huge. If it hadn't been for that awful coffee we'd consider giving it another shot, but both of our iced coffees were so bad I don't think I can bring myself to do it. read more

Their sandwich selection is first rate. The staff is friendly. I go out of my way to come here & have enjoyed every experience. Worth the trip! read more

Java Nation - Kensington - They're open til 7! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

I loved it! First time here today with a girlfriend plus kids. So simple, yet comfortable. Menu has a lot of different options from breakfast to sammies to salads. Coffee and such are made with love. A nice gem of a place that I'm glad to have discovered in Kensington, MD! Two thumbs UP! read more

Nice, clean little coffee shop in Kensington. Great, friendly service. The menu is creative with some nice choices. They could use a bit more variety, but I'm a fan, more for breakfast than for lunch, but some of the lunch stuff is pretty good too. read more

Great cozy local coffee shop with amazing food. Fun fact: their horchata latte is life!

This is my second time at Java Nation and I can't get enough of it. I am always looking for a place to study and this by far is my favorite one to date. It has a coffee shop vibe and a diverse menu. They have a small bar if you are in the mood and most importantly WIFI and outlets! (which are a little hard to find, but they're there). The staff is charming and if they are not busy, they will go above and beyond to make your experience a good one. So bring your laptop and headphones and get your study on, go on a date or just hang out with your friends. You will enjoy it. read more

Java Nation is a nice little coffee house. I stopped in while I had my car inspected across the street. The atmosphere is friendly and the aesthetics are pleasant. Unfortunately I ordered a iced latte and it was one of the worst latte's I have ever had. The espresso was over cooked and I think they put soy instead of skim milk in my drink. It also struck me as strange that there are no size options or I just missed it completely. On the other hand the scones and bagels looked delicious. If I give it another shot I'll have to try one. read more

Stop in for Dinner!! Pupusas are especially amazing! Good value and service. They also have very good breakfast with exceptional menu items such as Huevos Rancheros, Egg Avacado Tomato sandwich and the 9 grain egg sandwich. They have all types of coffees and have AMAZING smoothies!!! read more

My secret refuge for breakfast. nestled behind behind Hardware City and Chipotle in the middle of the stores is this little gem.

It's in kind of a funky little place off CT ave. In the back part of a strip mall. The coffee is outstanding. I tried a pistachio muffin. Aside from the weird leprechaun green color (why do people still dye pistachio things green?), it was delicious: crumbly and moist with amazing flavor. Will definitely be back! read more

We are so lucky to have Java Nation as our local coffee shop! The coffee is among the best in all of metro DC. Both savory and sweet pastries are fresh and tasty and love their selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches (try the egg avocado tomato). I just wish they open later than 5 pm and if they would change their music playlist...it's all elevator music. Some classic jazz would be nice for a change. read more

Coffee was super duper delicious. Pupusas were yummy delicious. Fried rice was delicious. Empanadas were dry. Will be back. The staff was courteous and it is a relaxed atmosphere. read more

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Favorite coffee place in the neighborhood ! Food and drinks are very good. I love the soups

Their E.A.T. breakfast sandwich was freshly made and tasted delicious. Combination with a latte made it just perfect. Even forgot to take a picture before inhaling everything. read more

This is my go-to coffee shop in Kensington (though, to be frank, the choices are few, just this and a Starbucks a few blocks away), conveniently located on Connecticut Avenue. I like their coffee and they also have a well-rounded menu comprising pastries, sandwiches, soups, empanadas, smoothies and desserts. They also have vegetarian options. The staff is friendly and Wi-Fi is pretty strong so you can successfully eat and work here for several hours, which I will continue to do whenever I am in the area. read more

Very nice and patient barista. A little bit overwhelmed on a Saturday morning but nevertheless gracious with impatient customer like me :-) Croissants - freshly baked, melting in mouth, not the big rough things they sell for croissants elsewhere. I tried the Italian macchiato. They make it correctly but I give one star less because of the coffee blend. It is something too over-roasted, too bitter, too strong. Suggestion - maybe have as alternative some proven coffee brand from Italy. I also do not argue with people who say - the coffee blend is good - obviously my acquired taste is different. read more

Meh. Service was a bit odd - staff behind the counter had no idea which wines they offered, so we were leaning over the counter, squinting our eyes and craning our necks to see what we could order. She said they don't sell wine by the glass, and we were told that we had to purchase the entire bottle. When I asked if it was a full or half bottle, she said "full size bottle". Okayyyy. Turns out it was a half bottle. We shared a halfway decent "grilled" chicken sandwich, our half bottle of wine, and some terrible potato chips (sold separately). She handed us our wine glasses - still cold, very wet, and one had a giant crack down the side. We tried to wipe them out with the napkins on the table. Annoying screaming children made it impossible to have a conversation for long. Uncomfortable seats and freezing cold air conditioning wasn't very inviting to linger on for dessert. This place has great potential for a study/work spot with just a few tweaks. read more

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

Decided to try it while waiting for appt at Kaiser. Got the turkey club. Not sure what they put in their mayo or whatever sauce, but it was AWESOME. It was a pretty nice enviornment to have breakfast or lunch at. I do recommend and I will be coming back soon. read more

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

Why, oh, why? I've given this place multiple chances and always have hopes that I'll walk away pleased...but, alas, here we are. Every single visit I've made to Java Nation in Kensington has always been disappointing. My food order has been wrong EVERY SINGLE TIME. I think the only time it was correct was when they gave my dine in order to another customer. Sigh, and then I had to wait another 15 minutes for it while my friends ate and finished their meals. I tried again today as a last ditch effort to support this local business. My iced chai latte was lovely, however, the chicken banh mi that I ordered was still being prepared (or maybe not?) 20 minutes later. There were three employees in the kitchen area standing around so it wasn't clear what was going on. Mind you there were no other customers in line nor were they busy upon my arrival or departure pre lunch hour. 20 minutes to warm up chicken and put it on a roll? I had to run before I lost my patience and cool leaving behind a $14 sandwich. I will not be giving them another visit. Period. read more

Amazing! We placed an order with 17 different coffees and they were ready at the time that we needed them. The baristas helped bring them out to my car. Definitely recommend for a coffee break for a group (or for just you). Can't personally speak about the food but the menu looks fantastic! read more

This is a great, low cost coffee and food place with reasonable good: not understanding why the other reviews are not very good around the service: it seems fairly good and reasonable for how busy the place is. read more

Quite convenient to Howard Ave. & Antique Row shops, today it's a comfortable sanctuary for grandpa as children explore the retail delights of Caboose consignment store. Free wi-fi and fresh ice coffee provide connection and energy. The air conditioning is fighting to push back midday heat (89*) and humidity. Free parking is a big plus, too. read more

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

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The iced pumpkin latte coffee is so EXCELLENT, i would order one more time. It is so easy to order online and pick it up with no issue!

Employees can't give up with several items on the menu like the pour over coffee or the oatmeal; tried two times in different days and the reaction of the person on the cashier was like I had order something out of of my mind. Twice I was told that make the oatmeal and pour over just took so much time. One time I succeed to get want I want it and another time was not that lucky. Good luck ordering these two items when you go there. Good egg sandwiches I have to say. read more

I stopped here alittle before 8am on a weekday. The cashier was extremely friendly and patient as it was my first time. I ordered a chai tea latte and a breakfast sandwich. I thought it was a little pricey, $11 for both, but my sandwich was hot, fresh, and delicious. The latte was good as well, although it could have been warmer. I would certainly go again. read more

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

In case you or your kids have allergies, this review is for you. I have bought baked items from Java Nation bakery and asked if any of their process is contaminated and I was assured it was not. Well, something was contaminated because my son (who is allergic to nuts) was sent to the hospital. I then decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and went to the restaurant. My son wanted a brownie and again we asked (twice) if there is any concerns. I was told not to worry about it and they make everything on-site. Well, again we were hospital bound with epi-pen, etc. What really annoys me about this process is that the restaurant was not really that apologetic. They asked that I reach out to the owner and let her know (Simona). No response from her on repeated emails. I was not looking for anything other than an acknowledgement and advice on what went wrong for the future (especially since I got so many assurances that it will be fine). I am bummed because I like this restaurant, but wanted to make sure folks that have allergies get to read this review. read more

Best local coffee shop in Kensington, no question. Love the nitro and cold brew. Their small Latin menu is great too.

Nice neighborhood cafe in Kensington. Pros: Cute cafe Amazing, fresh pupusas Good coffee Cons: Espresso drinks vary in taste depending on barista Baked goods taste bland like dining hall/hospital baked goods (change providers!) Not all staff cares too much about customer service read more

Great atmosphere, delicious coffee of all types, great main dishes, fabulous pastries. Now roasting their own coffee beans. Java Nation is a treat every way possible. read more

First experience here was less than great, but since then they've made great steps to improve! Now we love both Java Nation locations! The lentil soup is great and our go-to are the pupusas. Sandwiches don't disappoint either. read more

Great place. Delicious food and great espresso drinks. Friendly and caring staff. Casual and warm atmosphere. I loved it.