Mmm their chia raspberry iced tea was perfect for this hot day! The vibe here was very nice with all ages enjoying sandwiches and the beverages they have to offer. It was crowded when I walked in but I didn't wait even ten minutes to have my drink in my hand! Then I enjoyed it seated out front! read more

I love this place so much and go here all the time!! Food is AMAZING, such a great menu for any time of the day. Workers are really nice, place is clean and nice to eat in. read more

Great neighborhood place! The coffee tastes amazing, the menu offers plenty of healthy, interesting choices, pastries are also very good. Friendly staff, too. read more

Java Nation is THE BEST thing about Kensington. Their coffee is excellent. Their baked goods are top notch. And the folks who work there are so very nice and reliable. They just opened another shop in North Bethesda. You are missing out if you haven't stopped in yet! Take out and delivery available online! read more

Like a little bit of San Francisco (or even DC these days!) close to home in Kensington. The anti-Starbucks, you have my business. Good menu for breakfast lunch and dinner! read more

Employees seemed disinterested. They took 25 minutes to make me a Cuban sandwich, it was cold and barely toasted. The ham was ice cold. The place wasn't even busy. I think they forgot to make it. Never going there again. read more

Disappointing coffee shop but maybe the owner will seriously consider feedback and use it as they think best. Tried to order a green tea but, despite having about 7 different kinds of (all likely not-so-fresh) teabags, the only green was with some kind of pineapple bits in it. A good coffee shop should have a good tea selection too. That should include at least one unadulterated green. Not here. WiFi. Some shops simply don't offer WiFi, a decision I always think odd given anyone can tether, use a cell network or otherwise be "campers." There are other ways to handle that issue. Worse than no WiFi is a shop, like Java Nation, that claims to have WiFi but really does't. Or, at least, didn't when I was there. I was given a password to use and then my second-choice order for a cappuccino was taken. When told the network wasn't working, the staffer on duty said there was nothing she could do, claiming a reboot of the router (often an easy fix) was impossible because it would also take down the POS system (cash registers) and electronic menu boards. Guess that's possible but unlikely if the router has a power switch? If everything really is wired in series, might want to change that. The cappuccino was ready too quickly. Maybe in a minute or minute and a half. Too much milk relative to the espresso and bitter off taste to the espresso. When I brought the full cup back to the person on duty and calmly said I wasn't going to drink it, she just said "ok." No worry or question about what was wrong with it. No offer to refund the price paid. Just "ok." Read online that Java Nation was using Madcap (an excellent roaster) coffee but they seem to have switched over to Vigilante (also an excellent local option). Sadly, if a shop doesn't take seriously the craft of brewing coffee and making espresso drinks, it doesn't so much matter what coffee is used. Suffice to say, first time and last time for me at Java Nation. Sadly, this is that rare kind of independent coffee shop that, despite being in a busy metro area surrounded by many other options, is just going through the motions. Plenty of Starbucks in the immediate vicinity and, while Starbucks is no longer known for great coffee, they offer a much better experience all around than Java Nation. read more

Simply great coffee!! Finally a place to get really good coffee close to home. Thanks!

Terrible service and a severely restricted menu. Very poor service. I used to come here nearly every day until they screwed up the menu by removing literally every item I had enjoyed previously (the chicken sandwich, their EAT (egg avocado and tomato) sandwich, and chicken and mushroom empanadas). I don't know who is in charge of menu changes but their current selection is awful. The food can take a LONG time to be prepared. I recently ordered food, told them I would be sitting outside and waited patiently for over 20 minutes for them to put it up on the counter where they place food and coffee. Nothing. I finally asked someone if my order was ready; it had been sitting in the back in a paper bag (I ordered it for dining in) and was cold...no apology, no acknowledgement they had made a mistake. I wish I could say this was the first time this had happened. The staff is not explicitly rude but they are far from friendly or competent. Avoid for anything but mediocre coffee read more

Delicious crepe with just sugar and butter and topped it off with a wonderful cup of coffee. Great afternoon snack. Wish we had a place like this in Olney. read more

Ehhhh. Cute atmosphere. But brah. $4 for a cup of hot tea? Really? I could by a whole box with that. Brah. You ain't no Starbucks, so don't pretend to be. The lady at the cashier was not that friendly. I asked for a specific request and she basically rolled her eyes at me. Zero friendly. Nah bro. Overpriced tea and bad attitude. Will not be returning. read more

Lovely new independent coffee place in kensington. The caramel sauce is amazing. Good food and drink choices. The provide lots of alternate milk options: almond, soy, and coconut!! Vegan friendly :) read more

The coffee is great. The food is great. The only problem? The service! The barista who works on Sunday's is constantly terrible. Always with a bad attitude. read more

My husband and I love this place. We go there at least twice a week (realistically 3-4 times/wk) to enjoy the food, coffee, and the pleasant staff. Most of the food is excellent - we particularly enjoy the pupusas, all the sandwiches, the omelettes, coconut quinoa oat porridge, and soup.... and the espressos & lattes. Highly recommend! read more

First time I had a decent latte and a terrific BLT, but the service was unfriendly and slow. Went back for that excellent sandwich, thought maybe the service would be better second time. Different staff, but still rude and slow. Kensington has added more good restaurants and carryouts in the last year - all with super friendly and competent staff. I see no reason to return to Java nation. read more

Surprised by this place! I am never in the area, (my dad owns a store in this shopping center) Went in because I was in need of caffeine the lady behind the counter was super sweet. The mocha was eh ok. But I ordered this cookie. Omergod. It was coconut and chocolate chunk and macadamia nut goodness. I am so sad I bought the last one I could eat 10 of these! Worth checking out. Especially for that cookie read more

This is a great, small coffee shop. The coffee is excellent and the food options are really good and diverse. They have typical pastries as well as ice cream and empanadas. Definitely recommend. read more

It's colder than Icelandic winter inside, but Java Nation makes a pretty damn fine iced latte ($5 for a large) and there are plugs at every table, so it's a good coworking spot. read more

Their coffee is top notch. I have tried their sandwiches and they are made with fresh good quality ingredients. Their grilled cheese sandwich is my favorite. Service is fast and very friendly. It's right behind the chipotle in kensington (off of Connecticut avenue) read more

I was wanting to try a locally roasted coffee while in the DC area and saw from the Vigilante Coffee site that Java Nation was my nearest option. While getting a local brew, I also often pick up a package of beans for home. Since the coffee is local, I was expecting it to be nice and fresh. Not the case here. All of the packaged coffee bags on the counter were two weeks old, labeled Oct 16 on Oct 30. I then did a quick check of what I was being served. The 5 lb bags over the counter also had the Oct 16 date--there were 5 of them to boot. This place should get a handle on their inventory and get shipments biweekly to maintain freshness. The Americano that I ordered was okay, but seemed a bit bitter and well, lacking in depth. Not sure if it was the Vigilante beans, or the staleness, or both. read more

I like this place. Its tucked away in Kensington but is a great sit down pizza place that also offers wine and beer. its spacious, friendly and the pizza is very good. Its a family atmosphere rather than a couples night out but there are certainly couples there too. Kensington has very few places worth eating at and this is a welcome addition read more

Broken crepe machine, not very friendly girl at the register, cappuccino isn't supposed to be scalding hot - my wife's tongue is pretty burnt. Dinner used to be a decent option but now they close earlier. The food is their saving grace. I wouldn't suggest them for any type of overpriced Java. read more

I've been here at least five times. The coffee is better than Starbucks (although the mugs of coffee are very small) and the egg sandwiches are good. I like the Cuban sandwich very much. All in all, this is much better than Donut King or Dunkin' Donuts up the street. The restaurant is clean which is appreciated. In a neighborhood without a lot of options, this coffee house seems to be the best of the worst. I don't see this lasting in a place like Bethesda where there are far more options. Although, the prices are very "Bethesda" (high). The workers are indifferent and are NOT friendly whatsoever - a sentiment echoed in prior reviews. I think they forget who they are working for. Perhaps it's ultimately the customer? Once I witnessed the cashier arguing with a customer and it seemed like she was doing everyone a favor. I'd like to see more friendly staff and hope they get trained to help the customer(s) more. What would make this a better experience is friendly staff with better attitudes and larger coffee servings. Recommendation is to get your coffee in a to-go cup rather than in the coffee mug because, at the same price, the to-go cup has more coffee. They will charge you for a coffee refill in the ceramic dine-in mug which I feel isn't ethical or fair. read more

This place is dank af. I got the tomato pesto chicken sandwich and lentil soup. The sun dried tomato pesto on the sandwich is DELICIOUS and the lentil soup is seasoned perfectly. Added bonus: THEY HAVE GLUTEN FREE BREAD. read more

I'm so glad I don't have to rush anymore on a Friday to have their delicious pupusas! Not only is the food here delicious but the coffee drinks are carefully made with surprises like golden latte and multiple non-dairy options. The pastries are flaky and fresh and I love the Brie and honey sandwiched between croissant with walnuts. Finally, the service is both caring and competent. This is a wonderful place to meet, to chill or to work in Kensington! read more

Love this spot! My wife and I come here for breakfast most Saturdays. It's never too busy, coffee is great and their breakfast sandwiches are very good! It's is a great place to stop by if you want a quick bite with great coffee! Staff are very friendly as well. read more

I've visited here four times in the past year. Very nice employees. But, each visit proceded slow as molasses, my desired menu item was out, and the products were average at best. Sorry, last time for me. read more

A nice alternative Starbux. This coffee house hosts seasonal food with a hand crafted attitude. Solid three stars for an average, tasty meal. I will be back! read more

Excellent espresso! I've yet to have a sour pull here, and that is a rare thing to say! It's a cozy place and the breakfast sandwiches are a great deal. Just moved here and will become a regular in no time at all! read more

I came here for the second time, last time was about a year ago. I was unimpressed. It's great that they cook fresh eggs but the breakfast sandwich was damp and greasy. The coffee? Sadly brewed. Quality vigilante coffee made by folks who don't appreciate it. read more

I like this place on the weekend. Made to order food. Very decent coffee. And they don't mind if you hang out a while.

Java Nation is a hidden gem that locals love. Kid friendly. Food always tastes amazing no matter what it is. Their menu is creative and seasonal. Food comes out hot. Staff are great. They are also now serving dinner on I think Thursday - Saturday or Sunday which is good. You can get a glass of wine with your meal even if you want. Oh ... their in house roasted coffee is great as welll. read more

I am so happy this place has opened up here in Kensington. First off the quality of the coffee is absolutely superb. The folks behind the counter absolutely know what they're doing every time. Second off it's great to have something like this which is really enhancing the neighborhood. There is a great combination of professionalism and warmth in this place and it was badly needed here in Kensington. I love being able to support a small business and this one is very very easy to support. Highly recommended! read more

Great food! Service can be a bit slow, but the sandwiches are good, so I think that's what takes longer? Staff is very friendly and this is a cute, non-cookie-cutter coffee shop! read more

I'm an out of towner and stopped randomly at Java Nation for my cup of house toast... And was delighted by the rich multi layered cup of joe that I received for just over 2.00... I almost got a crepe... They smelled awesome. Wish they had a few more quick choices... There were lots that could be made but only three bagels on the counter. They also sell the locally roasted coffee in the store... And you get a free cup of coffee with purchase. read more

I've been here about a dozen times in the past few months. I think it's rather overrated. The food is good and coffee is above average, though both are overpriced. Service is efficient but cold. Music could be quieter for those working (though, that's a small thing). Overall, it's the only option around other than Starbucks, and methinks that's the only reason to stop by this place. In a word, unimpressed. read more

Awesome new place in Kensington. Close to Garrett Park too. Great coffee and breakfast. Small and nice vibe. read more

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

$2.25 plus tax for a small cup of coffee. That's insane. I will not be returning. --------------- I wrote a "1-star" review on 5/22/14, and then I wrote to the establishment. As a follow-up, they have decided to make some pricing adjustments. I give them a lot of credit for doing that, and corresponding with me. They hoped I would give them another chance, and I said I will. read more

The coffee shop has the best coffee in 20895. Cold brew is exceptional, slightly better than the brewed coffee and espresso drinks. Java Nation roasts and grinds its beans on site. The food, cooked from scratch on site, is superb. read more

Really like their huevos rancheros! Great place to stop in Kensington for coffee or other quick items. Very accommodating on modifying items on menu. Free wifi. What's not to like? A go to spot of mine in Kensington. read more