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    The Java House - First Ave.

    4.2 (38 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Blueberries & cream latte
    Jessica W.

    I really like this coffeehouse. There's lots of seating and the drinks are delicious. I almost always order the Blueberries & Cream (no whip!) latte and it's just the right amount of bitter and sweet. Some of the coffee drinks I order most places are just so sweet it's almost like drinking dessert! Parking has never been a problem - the lot is pretty big. The only thing I've noticed every time I've been here is you almost feel guilty if you're trying to have a personal conversation with someone...it's that quiet! Not a "chatty" coffeehouse, definitely a "working" coffeehouse. Or maybe my social hour is off compared to the rest of the world's timeframe?

    Macchiato and an apricot scone on the patio!
    Rachel L.

    East side's Java House isn't as glamorous as the original downtown location, and especially not as glamorous as the West side location (on Mormon Trek) now that they've renovated to include both an Heirloom Salad Co. and some fun hipster vibes, but the drink quality is on par with the others. Their outdoor patio is surrounded by a parking lot, but they've still managed to make it inviting with modern tables, chairs, and signature red umbrellas. Inside there are lots of nooks and a variety of seating to choose from - high tops, group tables, couches and... a telephone booth! I'd love to see someone working on their computer from inside the telephone booth, that would make my day! Not sure what to order? The St. Louis Blues is a good roast if you're diggin' a good cup of joe, while the chai lattes are great and I love that they offer both masala (spicy) and traditional (sweet) chai blends.

    Katy S.

    I like this location because it's never as busy as the downtown one. They have sweets and snacks and I really like their loose leaf tea flavors. It's a great place to get some reading done and the WiFi seems to work well in my limited experience. The staff is always very personable and well trained. Try their Cuban macchiato and a muffin!

    Pumpkin spice & snickerdoodle
    Mary S.

    I like the coffee, it's amazing. The atmosphere is equally so. I think it even might rival or beat out Starbucks (and I'm a Starbucks fangirl :-3) it's super quiet, u can easily find a little hidden spot to call your own and overall perfect for working or just to relax and sip ur latte (breath a bit).

    Tiramisu at Java. The best in town!
    Katty L.

    Java House is a local coffeehouse in Iowa City. I was there this afternoon to Han out with a friend. Nice place to study, read a book, or meet up with friends. Ordered the tiramisu. It's the best in town. The cacao powder, mascarpone, and the coffee-soaked ladyfingers were all at the right proportion that everything had its distinctive taste but at the same time all complement each other in the mouth. Don't miss out on that tiramisu next time you go!

    Drip coffee

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Good place to do homework. Not as crazy as the downtown location, which is good because I don't care for crowds.

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    11 years ago

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    16 years ago

    Great coffee. Definitely the best, but brewing each cup as you order does make things slow. Free WiFi.

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    14 years ago

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    17 years ago

    Great coffee, espresso, tea and pastries. ALso have free wifi for customers. Outdoor seating is available depending on weather.

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    15 years ago

    I've been going to the Java House over five years. I drink Skinny Decaf Mochas. Always good.

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    12 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Java House - First Ave.

    Review Highlights - The Java House - First Ave.

    I also love the Java Cooler but everyone has their favorite.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    3.6(29 reviews)
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    Wow. What a nice adult-ish spot where anyone over 30 struggles to find a place that isn't bro ish…read moreand charotic. Small plates, tapas style menu and amazing bar and lounge set up to feel adult. The crab Rangoon pizza was very good however not over the top amazing.

    This is a 3.5 star review…read more The Stuffed Olive lives in the heart of the ped mall. It gives non-college town vibes with crystal light fixtures, tiled walls, big city pictures-- and just an overall 'swanky' feel. The menu has something for everyone-- from small plates to flat breads to (oddly) a plethora of seafood entrees. Additionally, you can get stuffed olives by the skewer to order. I think this is the only place in town to have such a diverse offering of olives. (But I suppose, with a name like the Stuffed Olive-- you can't not.) I ordered a charcuterie to go and I thought bang per buck was ok? But the quality of ingredients as well as how it was packed was less than to be desired. That being said-- the greeting I got from staff when I walked in to pick up my order was great! I got my order on time and in a hurry. The real star of this IC watering hole is its extensive martini menu -- from traditional to dessert. I've popped in a time or two to enjoy these. And now that I know Mondays are buy one, get one for a penny-- I may pop in a time or two more! Staff has been hit or miss my few visits. Pricing seems on point. Parking, as always in downtown IC, is tricky. I recommend the Dubuque Parking Ramp. Overall, this is a welcomed addition to the downtown scene. I can totally see myself having a date night or girls night with a martini in hand at Stuffed Olive.

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    The Java House - First Ave. - venues - Updated June 2026

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