This morning I went for a coffee with a family member. Service was good. Food was good. Coffee not bad. Establish in instrument was and is always clean. Typically when I go here I get a cup of the house coffee. This time I opted for a flavored coffee. I ordered the Sticky bun, however, I didn't realize it was iced. I drank half of it before I officially abandoned this cup. Maybe it was the flavors, but I kept having an after taste. I like iced coffee just not first thing in the morning. So I decided to get a cup of the house coffee. The house coffee is so much better than the flavored. Also, I got a breakfast burrito. In my opinion, two coffees and a breakfast burrito should not be over $20. Especially when it didn't even come with the side. I'm not sure I would go back. read more

First time here and was picking up lunch and a coffee for a gf of mine. The menu has tons to choose from, so many coffee options, the place is clean and I was greeted and helped immediately. They offer to go and dine in, it's seat yourself. It's a cute little country store vibe, attached to another store you can browse in after eating. Will return and eat there myself. read more

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We decided to have an impromptu breakfast date this morning. The new bagel place was full and I am so glad. This place reminds me of an old school diner. They had a few regulars and it was cute to hear the interaction between them. The food was so good. We had the quiche of the day. If they have it, try the Bacon Cheeseburger quiche. So good. The grits were well seasoned, like actual seasoning. I did not need to add any salt or pepper. They have a beautiful selection of desserts and pastries. Definitely going back. So excited. read more

I went here for the first time withvrelatives from out of town. I ordered the french dip. I must say it was the best french dip i have had in north carolina my sister in law was not as happy our table was closest to the cashier above us was the ac vent which had condensation acumulate and drip down into her coffee read more

The frozen coffee! I also had the baked potato salad and a blt. Both were delicious!

Saw an employee ask a paying customer sitting at a table by herself to leave because they were busy and they needed the table.

Great food and service everything on menu has always been great love the food and service

I was not impressed with the chicken salad, however willing to give it another try with a different menu item.

I went in to Kathy's for a coffee, but all of the food looked great. All of their options looked delicious and it is clearly a place favored by the locals. Staff were terrific in a nice spot in downtown Sanford. The coffee was great too! read more

i love this place ! great food and coffee. the staff are really sweet and i eat here pretty regularly. right beside the antique mall so it's nice to walk around after enjoying a coffee or a meal. read more

I absolutely love the place the atmosphere the vibe it's a home-based small town business The food comes out hot fresh and picture perfect read more

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The vidalia chicken salad is so delicious! Everything I have tried there has been out of this world. The nutty broccoli salad is OMG, so yummy! The BIG BIRD soup is awesome, especially on a cold or rainy day! It's made with rice, carrots and chicken in like a thick stew. SO YUMMY!! The turkey club, Quebana sandwich, the veggie wrap....all are AMAZING!! Kathy's Java Express will not let you down....They are my GO TO place for lunch and on weekends! read more

We are from out of town and wanted coffee and a small breakfast and Kathy knocked it our if the park. Coffee, food and service were awesome.

For some reason, Yelp has this listed as "Elizabeth's Java Express" at the same location, but I can assure you that I have met Kathy and seen the sign for myself and since February 2012, it has belonged to Kathy. Anyway, there's no Starbucks within 30 miles of Sanford, NC (believe me, I looked) and it's not that I care, I just happened to have a $10 gift card at the time. So, I moseyed on up to Kathy's for a cappuccino, then again later for an iced coffee, and then even later for a sandwich. I was hooked... Kathy's was the only place I would grab my java while staying in this sleepy little town and I'm telling anyone else who, for some ungodly reason finds themselves in Sanford, go ahead and trust me. Great coffee, great service, and great food. Plus, you can take your java and wander/wonder around the antique mall right next door for a great lazy day! woo-hoo! oO _ read more

Whenever I am in Sanford for work, I head to Kathy's for lunch. It is a very casual place, with delicious soup and sandwiches (and coffee). Their Vidalia Chicken Salad is to die for, as is their Big Bird Soup. I absolutely love both! Great local, family-owned spot. read more

Stopped in this local dive on the suggestion of my niece. She was craving the Big Bird soup and said it was like nothing we ever tasted. So we walked in for a nice lunch and were pleased with the service and delicious food. The Big Bird soup had chicken, rice, and carrots. It is the consistency of a stew and is perfect for cold weather or when u want some soup that sticks to your ribs! It was delicious! I had half a turkey and Havarti sandwich on wheat berry bread that was awesome. My mom ordered the cup of tomato basil soup and half chicken salad sandwich and absolutely loved it. I peeked at the coffee menu and wished I had enough room for coffee because I read the good reviews. You will definitely love it here! read more

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We stopped in for breakfast early one morning. Quaint and cozy with a nice selection of coffee. Pick your own ceramic mug and fill a cup. Free refills. They have a pretty nice selection of pastries, including muffins and scones. Other than pastries and oatmeal, however, not much other than breakfast sandwiches this time of day, prepared on a panini grill. We had our sandwiches on croissants which were pressed flat. The country ham in the sandwiches was dry enough to be brittle. The lunch menu with soup and sandwiches might be better, but if you are looking for breakfast and want much more than a good cup of coffee and a fresh muffin, move on. read more

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Walked-in to a great cup of coffee and a big bowl of Big Bird soup. I know what you are thinking. Big bird soup. OMG it is amazing.

This is a really nice family run business. They have a nice variety of pastries and cookies to complement a range of coffees.

Probably the best coffee available in Sanford, but that isn't saying much. Pretty basic coffee and espresso concoctions served here. They use all the same syrups as pretty much every other coffee shop but the drinks are pretty good, especially when you need your caffeine fix. The place is usually pretty busy but they move through the line fairly quickly. I haven't tried any of their food items as of yet, but some look pretty tasty and I am intrigued. I am all about simplicity and quality when it comes to my caffeinated beverages and some of the espresso drinks here are so convoluted and have so many flavors involved that they just aren't good. I would recommend sticking with the basics like the (plain) lattes or a cappuccino. read more

Worst coffee I've ever had. A group of four of us bought four different cups, which arrived in Styrofoam. All were extremely weak, as in, dark water. I have eaten here for lunch once and the wrap I had was OK, not great but acceptable. But in no way can this place call itself a coffee shop. They don't know what coffee is. read more

I love the setup of this little shop! The food is great and their coffee is exceptional. I always love coming here to eat a quick bite, drink some coffee, and then take a look at the antique mall right next to Kathy's! The workers always have a great attitude and never get snappy or rude about anything. read more

I came across this place by accident. I was riding around "downtown Sanford" and looped around the block and saw "coffee shop" posted outside. I'd been hoping to find a cute coffee shop in the area. Hooray, there is a place I will go back and try again! There are tables in the front, tables in the back and tables outside. Service was great - the woman who served me was so sweet! I'd go back and try some more of their drinks. Stop in if you need a coffee fix! read more

Wow. We asked local that directed us here. Outstanding lunch next to to the Antique Mall. Don't be put off by the ole sundry counter. They are putting out some really good sandwiches here. Not So Poor Boy Shrimp. Very Good and Morezzla Pesto super. Don't forget to eat some baked goods at the end. This lace is very good for a light lunch with no fuss. read more

Found this place when I was in need of a mid-afternoon lunch. Warm and friendly service, excellent coffee and a freshly made half sandwich and salad were a lovely surprise! Will return and hope to visit the adjacent antique store. read more

If I could leave zero stars I would. Shopping in the antique mall which is wonderful, my daughter and I stopped for lunch. Cute place but the service was awful and the waitresses were rude. After waiting 45 minutes we left without getting our two sandwiches and soup. The girl who took our order was also cooking. When I asked for our bill for the food we never got, the owner Kathy told me the server/cook told her we had already eaten.....I can understand mistakes and the only reason I'm leaving a negative review is that they were so unpleasant and dishonest. How could you not remember taking our order, cooking our order, bringing us our order and clearing our table? Something definitely wrong..... read more

Kathy's is good food and great service. I started going to Kathy's 2 years ago when I started working in the area some. The food has been consistently good and the staff is always friendly and professional. read more

Let me first start off by saying, that the inside is very cute and cozy. If I actually lived in this area, I would probably go there for coffee & reading. I don't always write reviews, but I feel I must on this one. All-n-all, I was not impressed. Actually, I was very dissatisfied. The waitress/cashier took my order which was just an egg, cheese, bacon on a croissant. As I walked around the place to observe what they had displayed, another lady came in and ordered a latte'. The young lady who took my order & who also was cooking my food; paused & went to the new customer to make her latte'. The customer then paid with cash. As I stood now observing this, the young waitress/cashier took the cash, placed it in the drawer & then went back to my food. She took the egg out of the grill & placed it on the croissant. Then began to flip my bacon. As I watched this, I was in shock. She did not wash her hands! She fondled the customer's money & then went to my food. To top everything off...she coughed twice into her right wrist! Still....no washing hands. I work in the medical field....and this was disgusting!!! Yes, I should have called her out immediately, but I didn't want to embarrass her in front of the two people sitting at her counter. Based off this young lady...I will NOT be returning to this cafe' again. I will also be informing my co-workers. That is a MAJOR health hazard. Wash your hands!!!! Also, wear gloves if need be when handling money or people's food. If you have to cough, PLEASE...PLEASE step away from ALL food area. Once again, the environment was sweet...but i'm not please about the handling of food and coughing. If the owner or manager is reading this review...please tend to your staff! -Thank you. read more

I ordered one of their lunch wraps that came with chips and a side of broccoli. The food is definitely rich! The broccoli came topped with a sugary syrup. The small town of Sanford, NC is a throwback to the 60's but everyone is polite in their own way. read more

Love the coffee - closest to Starbucks coffee; Big Bird Soup is WONDERFUL!!! Love this place!!!!

Today was a cool day and I wanted to get a hot chocolate, saw Kathy's Java Express online and saw they closed at 5pm so I thought I'd run over and try it since I live nearby. I arrived at about 7-8 minutes before 5pm and I just wanted the hot chocolate wasn't going to stay; the lights were on and the door unlocked. I walked in and I was told that they were closed and turned away. I would call that poor customer service, anyway I won't be going back. So, I can't say whether the hot chocolate was good or not I wasn't served any. Just terrible read more

Food is always amazing and fresh! The pesto pizza is to die for! So happy that Kathy bought this place and that they are serving up fresh new items with daily specials. The coffee products are great too! read more