I used to frequent this coffee shop occasionally on my drive to work or while running errands on the weekends. I recently had a very odd encounter with an older woman who works there, possibly the owner. Rather than politely telling me she would prefer I do not back into one of her parking spots she runs out, shaking her finger, and deriding me in front of her other customers. I am sorry that I did not realize this was a pet peave of yours. I will certainly never do it again as I will not be going back. The iced coffee was burnt and there was no cold brew available. read more

Although the atmosphere is laid back and has plenty of seating, the coffee is average and the baristas are rude. I treated a small group of friends to coffee and dessert, and one of my guests accidentally grabbed the wrong drink off the bar. The barista approached our table and interrupted our conversation to argue with my friend. She told my friend that she indicated which drink was hers, but she took the wrong one anyway. Obviously my friend didn't mean to take the wrong drink! Unbelievably poor service. Service Industry 101: Never argue with a patron. read more

Love the food, love the drinks, love the atmosphere. It's my favorite place to work on my computer in Santa Barbara. Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. I highly recommend their Spinach Feta Quiche as well as their Avocado Tomato Toast!! read more

They have the most incredible Tri tip melts. Today I went in and they were out of Tri tip and tuna. Frustrated, as that is the only reason I was here. However, they gave me gift certificates to make up for my frustration. Amazing customer service. Still one of my favorite spots. read more

Amazing avocado tomato toast with lemon pepper. Cozy vibe with a fire and wifi. Friendly staff, good coffee, plenty of table space. Thoroughly recommended. read more

I'm not a typical coffee drinker...I'm not even a big coffee fan... I'm the professional fat kid, not professional coffee drinker... I came here with a friend and I skipped breakfast... Food... Food here is good... Now, using Starbucks as the benchmark, this place seems much more cozy and personable...The entire place isn't a self serving advertisement or a political message...It has more of a Grandma's nook feeling to it...Apparently, my friend will come here to study when he can because it's close, but more for the food and coffee...I think it's for the free internet too...I'll update this review next time I'm in the area... read more

I'm so blown away by the quality of the food and drink here! The coffee is amazing, best in town. I got a bagel with turkey, tomato and avocado. The turkey tastes thanksgiving - thick rotisserie style cut. They sprinkle it with lemon pepper .. mmmmm so good. Get the blueberry muffin with powdered sugar. It's made fresh by one of the guys working there. It's gluten and dairy free. Very soft like cake! I love this place and I'm sad I found it at the end of my trip. I'll definitely come back every time I'm in Santa Barbara read more

The people who work here are all super nice (at least the ones I've come across) and tonight, the woman who took my order was extra cool-they were closing soon, and I tried so hard not to be that obnoxious customer who comes in right before closing (I didn't know they were about to close though). Despite this, she was so ultra cool despite probably wanting to close down. I really appreciated that because I know how it is (been there). Not only that, the coffee is good, the food is good, they have board games, AND a bulletin board where I can post my herb walk fliers. What more can one ask for at a cafe (and did I mention no hipster cafe attitude?-lol). Deserving of the coveted 5 star rating! :) read more

It's clean. Cleaner than another nearby local coffee house which will remain unnamed. Coffee, tea, pastries, bagel sandwiches, plenty of space for studying, lots of light, lots of outlets for laptops, a fireplace, high ceilings, great ambiance, and the crowd differs between college kids, professionals, and families. Also, the music isn't so loud that you can't hear yourself think. Momma Likey. read more

The staff here are always extremely pleasant and helpful, especially the woman who usually works in the evenings (I'm sorry, I don't know her name!). I also appreciate that they're open a little later than a lot of other coffee shops, and I love the surrounding greenery when you're sitting outside. But to be honest my real addiction to Java Station is the tomato-avocado-bagel. The bagels are really good (especially the parmesan pesto one), the avocados always seem the perfect ripeness, but most importantly, they have these incredible heirloom tomatoes that make the whole thing out of this world. Sometimes it's a little heavy on the lemon pepper for my taste so I usually ask for light on that. Otherwise it's the perfect bagel breakfast. I will go completely out of my way to come to Java Station for this bagel. Do recommend! read more

This is my favorite coffee shop. It's in a very convienient area near my house, so I come often. Their bagel with tomato and cream cheese is the best thing I've ever had, and everyone working there is very nice. read more

Best coffee in town hands down seriously best tasting. Good people and good too and all that but I just Got some coffee that tasted like what it was called -----mind blowing totally mind blowing read more

Java Station - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This place is lovely. The staff is all very accommodating. It seems more like a giant living room than a coffee shop, especially with their fireplace for those cold rainy days. The danish I got here was nothing to write home about. Just your typical Danish. The drinks I have tried have all been decent, and around the same price as Starbuck's. I prefer going here because there is more space for lounging, and it's also a local business. read more

The avocado toast is a must have! Lots of avocado and the tomatoes taste home grown. The price is definitely worth it.

There's something sweet and comforting about coffee shops with comfy run down furniture. Generally a good place to do work, I love that there is a variety of food beyond just pastries. Dig the fireplace vibes when it's chilly out. Food is good, coffee is good service is good. Not phenomenal but generally cozy and laid back. read more

Java Station - gotta love the cute attempt at latte art 3 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I came in with a critical eye, and a desperate need: a bagel with lox. I think I'm like a culinary hound dog, because once I get a craving for something, it'll stick with me for days--even months--until it's satisfied. I've been hankering for a good bagel for almost a week now, and the longer the need festers, the more satisfying the experience needs to be to quell it. And after several decidedly unsatisfying experiences, I was getting a bit crazy. Thankfully, this place stepped up and delivered, if not a knockout, then at least a solid beating to my epicurean desire. I called ahead (previous experience taught me that lox aren't the most common dish for a late brunch in this town. The guy answered my inquiry about their menu with a curt "yeah." As if I were stupid for asking about their bagels, as if the only way to possibly prepare a bagel was WITH lox! A good sign, I hoped. The cafe, is as California as can be: giant yellow building shaded by pineapple-looking trees. Couches and recliners scattered around a lit fireplace (it's 70 degrees outside BTW--- oh in California fires are just to be pretty. I see. ) and an eclectic selection of art ranging from a Buddha statuette on the mantle, flanked by statues of nude woman (but tastefully dune) and a fat baby playing a flute. The classical music station (which reminded me of WAMC classical--I do love that public radio voice "that was Johann Von Luxembourg's concerto number 4 in "D" major done by the Burlington philharmonic, as conducted....") sorry, the structured tranquility of classical music seemed to clash with the fuax-artsy, pierced, muscle-bound surfer dude behind the counter, but as I tell myself every morning, "Welcome to Cali" But I didn't come for the ambient pleasantries, Oh no. I'm here for the Bagels! Upon entering the establishment, a menu, handwritten with the daily specials in florescent blue and green chalk, lists Lox Bagel Deluxe as number three. Number three! Joy upon joy! could they be proud of their food? will they provide the effort in preperation that warrants sure a prominent menu spot? Yes. The Bagel was beautiful, or at least pleasantly above average. Way above average, actually. cream cheese, capers, red onion, high quality salmon, fresh tomatoes. The surfer at the counter asked me how I wanted it, and after some deliberation, decided, "just make it good, do it how you do it, and do it right." Now I'm not a fan of tomatoes on my bagel, and I usually like a more generous helping of cream cheese, but I wanted to experience the station's offering as they envisioned it. and it was impressive, especially for a coffee shop 2,900 miles away from Katz's on Houston. It was an open-faced sandwich (which I was not expecting) on a lightly toasted, plain bagel. The little touches like the bit of lemon pepper over the top, or the way the capers were laid into the cream cheese so they wouldn't roll off, those are the touches that show me that they care. Of course, if only they could get some real bagels (the ones they had were alright, small, but fresh with a crusty exterior, yet still lacking), more cream cheese and some dill, I'd give 'em five stars. As it was, I know where I'm going next time I'm craving a little smoked salmon. Well worth the $8.00 read more

Java Station - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great food. WAY expensive. Service is terrible. I asked the question "is the tea in a teabag or is it loose?" The girl at the cash register had to ask the other three people working there. They didn't know. They asked the most experienced worker. He said he had no idea literally he said "I have no idea". Is it just me or could that question have been answered by literally picking up whatever bin they keep the tea in and seeing if it's in a bag or if it's loose. I'll definitely keep coming here because the lox and cream cheese is amazing. And amazingly expensive. But WTF everyone is either stoned or very very dumb. read more

Such a fun relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for groups getting together for food or coffee. Living room feel. read more

Java Station - Game night on Thursday night - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This place is relaxed and laidback, breezy, Santa Barbara-esque! A good place to study/work or meet up with friends. They have a good number of couches. Enjoyed the friendly service and the space to do some work on my computer, as well as the folk-pop music in the background . Had a sandwich and latte. The latte was unimpressive. The sandwich was kind of pricey, but delicious, fresh, satisfying. read more

How I love thee... Let me count the ways: "I love thee purely, as the morning juice and fresh coffee. I love thee and praise the delicious quiche, the uniquely made lox bagel deluxe, and the Aussie special you make for my pups" read more

I'm sad to say I've pretty much had it with this place. Not the food, the horribly unfriendly staff! It's like you are not welcome there, they don't even greet you, take their sweet time talking to one another, and then eventually, make your food and slap it on the counter. I just don't understand why the owner would put up with this and I can tell you, this has been happening for YEARS! I'm done! read more

Visited a few months ago on a day when a health condition was flaring up painfully and was hoping to get a decent coffee and pastry wi /o having to get out of the car... I stopped at JS and parked in the disabled parking . First, I hung my disabled sign on the rear view mirror and staff looked at it and found other things to do .... so I started waving it at them .. at which point they all disappeared into the rear of the store. Having lived here a long time, I proceeded to drive to the back of the store where the staff was hanging out smoking . One kind young lady stepped up to ask if I wanted something so I was able to order at the back door and I gave a a big tip ... kindness goes a long way in life...............especially in this line of employment. Last Sat I made it into the coffee shop to order a bagel with trip tip .. talking with the order taker about how they prepared their tri tip .. "grilled here to medium/medium rare" which is what I wanted to hear and I ordered trip tip on onion bagel with cream cheese and tomato, Order takers were very nice and friend and I ordered a decaf latte and a capuchino ... both of which were pretty and a good cup of coffee. The tri tip was, as usual over done.. probably a good quality meat but it just tasted no better than a slice of roast beef.. you have to consider that trip tip will be REHEATED and will be cooked MORE after you pull it off the grill..... it also could have been served warmer but .. good quality cheddar and I enjoyed it... still, could have benefitted by a pickle, fruit cup... anything to fill out the flavor spectrum ...... price was $10.00. My friend enjoyed the almond croissant ... I will return to JS as I think their pastrys are well priced and delicious .....while it's really nice to find a coffee shop which can accomodate those who have already had breakfast, and those who want something more substantial.. many establishments can provide a satisfying lunch for $10.00... not just a bagel however dressed up. read more

I enjoy this cafe. Well-lit, lots of seats, good coffee and snacks. A mix of chatter, but not too loud. Can't speak to the food, but prices seem typical Santa Barbara Cafe-y. read more

I come back to this place often mostly for venue; their seating is spectacular (if you catch a not-as-busy-hour) since I know there's comfortable couches if I'm looking to relax with a book and there's individual desks to sit if I need to work. I've been to this place 3 years on and off and have never ever had a better than ok customer service experience here if the owner isn't manning the register. The baristas are either always unhelpful, arrogant, unprofessional, too busy chatting with regulars, or just too busy chatting with each other. Most of the reviews talk about "friendly" staff here, but maybe I have a drastically different opinion because as a former barista, I know being bubbly is easy (and almost a requirement), but being professional, helpful, and not intimidating is equally as important. But this IS a coffee shop, and in terms of that, it's honestly pretty good. Food is perfect for mid-meal snacks, sandwiches are customizable, and coffee I've ordered has always been made well! read more

This is one of the very last (real) coffeehouses left in California. Relaxing background music, great variety of snacks and sandwiches (LOVE the "Tomato & Avocado on Toast"!!) and really good espresso drinks & smoothies. Friendly staff, comfy couches and tables, WiFi access, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with no pressure to "buy and leave". I come here to get some journaling and web-surfing done. Great place to update your Facebook and chill for awhile. Java Station, you're doing it right! THANK YOU! read more

Great place, warm and inviting. Strong internet service, and awesome coffee, tea and food.

This place is awesome! Good atmosphere, great food and coffee. My only thing is the staff. They aren't super friendly. I come in almost every morning, am rarely looked in the eye, and when I ask people how they are doing I sometimes don't even get an answer. They are super friendly to one another, just don't pay too much attention to their customers. But hey, I come in pretty early. Maybe it's that. read more

I probably studied here four to five nights a week. Java Station is great because it is run by fellow students and has a real kick back and relax your feet atmosphere. There are a bunch of couches and chairs to sit at and a fireplace that is used during the winter. I loved coming here because it feels comfortable and does not feel like a Starbucks. Java station is great because it was away from IV, has its own parking lot, and there is free WIFI. Also, there is lots of windows to daydream if you begin to get bored and don't want to study anymore. I once sat in the parking lot to take a break and won "Disney's Snow Dogs' movie tickets after calling the radio station. read more

Pretty solid coffee shop. too much cream cheese on the bagel but awesome pastries and good coffee selection. read more

Java Station - Sitting outside on a beautiful day - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Visiting Santa Barbara and have been here 4 times this week! The service has been fabulous - very friendly and professional! The avocado toast is amazing. I also had the carnivore bagel - it was also very tasty! Try them out! read more

Java Station - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

In Santa Barbara, you can't be the ambiance of this charming coffee shop. Definitely on the larger side for the area, with plenty of seating both inside and out, a comfortable variety of tables and chairs to sofas and lounge seating. I'm most happy to report that there are more hearty options on the menu, since my original review. You'll find breakfast and snack delights such as pastries, fruit and toast, as well as, custom sandwiches for lunch or chili, burgers and quiche for dinner. No need to bring your own food, they'll have something for your tastes. read more

I was frequenting this cafe daily until I realized I just wasn't going to like it any better. I really tried to give the benefit of the doubt because my former job was managing a café, so I know how hard it can be sometimes. But after repeat circumstances of being treated as a nuisance to cashiers instead of a guest, I'm done. I really suggest some coaching on how to talk to customers & really make a connection with regulars instead of standing behind the register looking miserable every time someone approaches. If you treat a customer like a friend instead of a problem, it definitely makes the job a lot more fun, too! read more

Whenever I need a chocolate chip scone, I head to Java Station. I'm not actually sure where they get their scones from, but they are the BEST. Free wifi, good seating (they just remodeled and added more tables!) and yummy coffee to go with my scone. My #1 coffee place in SB. read more

I've just moved back up to SB after having spent the last 10 years in Los Angeles and so, naturally, I had to find a new coffee spot. The Java Station is close by, so I popped in! I really enjoyed the vibe right away. The staff appear to be enjoying themselves quite a bit. So much, in fact, that - while I was ordering my beverage (I always get the decaf americano) - I started to blush a bit. This person was actually smiling and making eye contact. Not giving me the usual glazed-over, dead pan stare I'm used to. It wasn't just the once either... it's happened three times now and with different people every time. Oh, and the decaf americano is delicious. I like. They do, however, play the music a bit loud. Just, ya know, FYI. read more

Love this place!!! One of the few genuine cafes around! Plenty of seating but during finals even that's not enough as everyone who knows this place knows how perfect it is to come chill with friends or study or just relax with a book. Great vibes, I love the fireplace, and the coffee is great! The red eye literally twacked me out and I drink a lot of coffee! If you're looking for a great coffee place in Goleta, come here!! The staff are always SO incredibly nice it makes the place even better! read more

I like the outside of the building a lot. It's rather minimal and welcoming. The inside, and everything from the music to the coffee, is just dull. I ordered a mocha. It's the most bitter I've ever had. The espresso itself is acrid and doesn't taste like anything above a 70 (the determiner for specialty). The body is dull, acidic, and leaves a terrible aftertaste. As for the milk and chocolate that should be in the mocha, I didn't taste anything. It tasted like a latte -- seriously! Rather disappointed with this place. I heard there were two top-notch baristas trained at the Guild, but I experienced something much less impressive. read more

Great food, great vibe, but get there early if you want a spot. Also, there's not a lot of outlets so have your stuff charged before you go!! read more

I went in to Java Station today to buy an iced coffee and use the restroom, I walked in smiled at the girl behind the counter and headed for the restroom, I informed them that my dog was a support dog and I had ESA papers. I continued into the bathroom and locked the door. The owner tried throwing me out of the bathroom because of the dog. He tried opening the locked bathroom door and pounded on it like he was going to knock it down screaming at me that he was calling the cops because I was breaking the law and then he started lying to them and telling them I was being aggressive. Meanwhile I'm still in the bathroom behind a locked door going pee. Not sure how im being aggressive ??? I come out and he forces his big belly on me and uses his body and one arm to force me out the back door. Then he starts screaming obscenities and calling me names all the while I'm only informing him that he's a support dog and I have ESA papers and in fact sir you're breaking the law and violating my rights by refusing me service and putting your hands on me. He calls me an aggressive angry bitter bitch and I pull out my video camera up in his face and tell him to say it again. He starts coming at me forcing himself on me and pushing me. Closing the door on me. I leave after I think get enough on video and call the cops. Unfortunately I I guess in my astonishment I didn't press record because it's not there, but there was witnesses. This man is unhinged and I can't believe he runs a business like this. I WILL NEVER BE GOING BACK. read more

Great spot to work, low key vibe, lots of fresh air! The bagel melt is delicious and the latte came in an absurdly tall glass. I'll be back for sure. read more

Great coffee, customer service and relaxing environment. Oh and free WiFi Great spot for locals! read more

Java Station - My odd creation! They are always willing to make custom bagel sandwiches! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Barbara, California