Java Nation — Restaurant in Gaithersburg

I decided to try this place because I had heard that it was very good and I'm always in the mood for very good.

The location itself is right on the corner which is very convenient and it looked very clean and well lit inside.

The staff I interacted with picking up my drink order was very friendly and told me where to pick up my food as I placed a to-go order for 9:50 a.m which included two drinks.

The drinks themselves were cold to the touch on arrival and we got there right at 9:50 a.m. so it begs the question, how long ago had these been made and been sitting to the side? If they were made fresh within the specified time they should have at least been warm.

These were definitely cold for both my chai tea and my girlfriend's hot chocolate. I understand when you do to go orders you may get food that is either very hot if you show up on time or sometimes a little lukewarm if you took your time getting to the location. This was definitely not the case as everything I picked up was undeniably cold. This should not be the case, especially when I paid $35 for this food.

It's hugely disappointing to say the least, it almost feels like you should just order as soon as you get there to ensure your food is fresh, otherwise you end up with food that is made too early to your specified time and you end up having to reheat and it takes away from the overall quality, original feel of the food.

Portion sizes leave something to be desired as my French toast for two pieces was literally about a $1.70 a bite, that's a tough sell even for so-called Gourmet French toast.

The oatmeal for a bowl was $8.50 and it was not that big of a bowl, again portion sizes definitely leave something to be desired and it had zero flavor I ended up having to doctor it up when I got home. Even the fruit with sprinkle of cinnamon could not justify this watery oatmeal.

The chai tea was decent but nothing to write home about, all in all there are better options out there and this place charges the premium just to say it is a posh Cafe. It's clear they put more into the branding then the actual food and experience.

This place was a swing and a miss for me and if I had the chance to do it all over again I would have just went somewhere else. This place is expensive and I feel overcharges for things that should be moderately priced due to the location and the willingness of its patrons to support. As someone who has sampled many great places that often exceed expectations this was as I said hugely disappointing not just for the price but the fact that the price did not justify for the quality that you receive.

I could have just made my own coffee at home and let it sit out and get cold if I wanted cold coffee or tea. The whole purpose of the visit was I wanted exceptional breakfast and I heard that this place was top-notch, however it seems the bar wasn't set very high for that notch.

Maybe with time things will improve, I don't know that I will return to give it another try for the amount they charge you. They also have no combos so everything is à la carte. You're looking at $4.50 for two pieces of bacon so by the time you're done making your own combo you're at anywhere between 30 and $50. Is definitely a tough sell in a market that is saturated with good quality food and best bang for your buck.

Unfortunately a buck won't get you anything here so just know what you're getting yourself into and be prepared to pay a premium for a cool logo and mediocre food. There was also no butter included but it did come with whipped cream syrup and berry compote which I...

I’ve been a handful of times. Today was no different. I love their options - how they have wine & beer, AND cocktails if you’re feeling a little spunky.

Today I ordered a dine-in cortado (hot), and set of (2) beef empanadas, big slice of their honey cake, and the seasonal cardamom latte w/ orange zest (hot) to-go. All so delicious!!!

The staff were friendly, efficient, chill~ Yes, the tip thing can be “annoying” but there is a way to put a custom tip haha (in response to another reviewer).. it may be a bit “hidden” at first, but no one is forced to tip. 18% just happens to be the minimum.

Last time I visited (last summer I think!?): When I tell you I was pleasantly surprised to see Pisco Sour (I believe) on their cocktail menu… it was middle of the day but I ordered it 🤷🏻‍♀️ called “Touch of Perú” on their menu

Today: ngl the cortado caught me off guard (I think that was my first…) but it was the perfect hot & strong beverage for a cold * day like today! Ambiance was nice, per usual. Bathrooms were clean, per usual. I will say, I did feel a bit cramped / my conversation didn’t feel intimate at times, but not much to do about that. They clearly have tables spaced in a way that maximizes the dining area

Latte art was so cute :) and I like how they have a water station ~ their dessert selection was nice. I didn’t see a huge range of pastries though but they still looked delicious

Didn’t get photos of my honey cake, cardamom latte, nor empanadas, but here are the cortado and friend’s...

A Cup of Passion: The Story of Simona Cabana and Java Nation

There was a time, not so long ago, when our neighborhood longed for a gathering place, somewhere warm, inviting, and infused with both flavor and heart. Nothing quite hit the mark. That was, until Java Nation came to life.

From the moment its doors opened, we knew something was different. The aroma, the ambiance, the food—everything felt intentional, crafted with love. It didn’t take long for Java Nation to become our family favorite. Whether it was a cozy breakfast, a quick coffee run, or a relaxed lunch with friends, it became the place we returned to again and again. And soon enough, it wasn’t just about the food. It was about her Simona Cabana. Her story of courage, resilience, and deep-rooted passion became a topic at our dinner table more than once. We admired her journey, how she brought something truly exceptional into our community and nurtured it like family.

Meeting Simona in person the other day, while having lunch with friends, was a true pleasure. There she was again humble, kind, and full of energy still working her shift, still making everyone feel at home. It reminded us that behind every great place is a person with a dream, and a willingness to do the work to make it real.

Java Nation isn't just a café. It's a reflection of Simona’s spirit. And we’re so lucky to have both...