The baristas at downtown Rochester's charming Java's Cafe take their coffee and tea seriously — expect to be corrected if you order your Marsala chai by the common “chai tea latte” description. (“Chai” is Hindi for “tea,” so the phrase is a tad redundant, they’ll explain.) Still, the service here is friendly, and it’s a lovely place to linger, with warm lighting and work from local artists on the walls. Each day you’ll find two regular blends and several flavored from which to choose. Flavors range from decadent raspberry crème brulee to simpler ones such as cinnamon. Besides the familiar latte and cappuccino choices, espresso specials include the Shot in the Dark (hot cocoa spiked with espresso) and the Terrapin, a hazelnut and caramel concoction. At lunch, a rotating menu features fresh soups, salads and sandwiches. On any given day, you might find a chipotle couscous salad, an avocado turkey melt or a simple ham and cheese. Vegetarians also have a wide variety of options, from a spinach salad with apples to grilled eggplant and tofu sandwiches.
"The art, furnishings, and people epitomize everything that monolithic
coffee chains do not. There are a multitude of sandwiches and soups, in
addition to locally roasted coffee and locally made desserts."
— Michael Warren Thomas,
City Newspaper No alcohol available. Serving during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours until late night daily.
ADDRESS
16 Gibbs St,
Rochester, NY 14604
LOCALEATS AWARDS
Top 100 Restaurant
Best Coffeehouse in Rochester
WHAT WE SAY
The baristas at downtown Rochester's charming Java's Cafe take their coffee and tea seriously — expect to be corrected if you order your Marsala chai by the common “chai tea latte” description. (“Chai” is Hindi for “tea,” so the phrase is a tad redundant, they’ll explain.) Still, the service here is friendly, and it’s a lovely place to linger, with warm lighting and work from local artists on the walls. Each day you’ll find two regular blends and several flavored from which to choose. Flavors range from decadent raspberry crème brulee to simpler ones such as cinnamon. Besides the familiar latte and cappuccino choices, espresso specials include the Shot in the Dark (hot cocoa spiked with espresso) and the Terrapin, a hazelnut and caramel concoction. At lunch, a rotating menu features fresh soups, salads and sandwiches. On any given day, you might find a chipotle couscous salad, an avocado turkey melt or a simple ham and cheese. Vegetarians also have a wide variety of options, from a spinach salad with apples to grilled eggplant and tofu sandwiches.
WHAT THEY SAY
"The art, furnishings, and people epitomize everything that monolithic
coffee chains do not. There are a multitude of sandwiches and soups, in
addition to locally roasted coffee and locally made desserts."
— Michael Warren Thomas,
City Newspaper
ADDITIONAL INFO
No alcohol available. Serving during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours until late night daily.