Lava Java House — Restaurant in Lavallette

Every legitimate tourist destination has a coffee place like this - an establishment with a slightly quirky personality (is it really quirky though if every coffeehouse has one?) and tons of bougie syrup flavors to squirt into caffeinated beverages. I stopped by here on a recent Monday morning with a noble chum on our way back from a sunrise toilet paper run (vacations aren't just rainbows and unicorns). Lava Java had attracted our attention the day before on a morning stroll because it had had a line out the door, and a lot of flashy exterior signage. Clearly one of the more popular establishments in that area.

In recent months I've become obsessed with rose-flavored lattes, which I've strangely found a difficult time locating in NYC - you'd think it would be the bedrock of civilization for something as basic as coffee - but can usually find pretty easily in suburbia. They are delicious and I strongly recommend them in all situations. This particular one was very good; the flavor was strong without being overwhelming and the extra shot I ordered provided a nice little nip to start the day. It looked like they had some standard food options as well, but I bypassed them knowing I'd likely be having a formal sit-down meal shortly. Calorie consumption must be planned to an extent.

There was a short line to order, but I don't think we were in there for more than five or six minutes total. They had a legit crew of baristas behind the counter, I believe three or four people, all of whom seemed to be in pleasant spirits. And while we were waiting, there were various pop culture shrines to occupy our attention, including the attached New Kids on the Block homage and I believe one for the universally beloved Betty White.

Definitely worth a visit, especially if you sense a caffeine headache coming on and/or your palate is craving a...

The Manager Erica was very gracious in letting me have my book signing here. Since I am addicted to coffee and I was hungry, I placed an order for both during my signing. The bold coffee I had was of high-quality and held up it's strength well even after I diluted it with some milk. The place has many food options including several varieties of wraps. I ordered a tuna wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. They offered a few choices of wrap bread and I chose the spinach. The wrap was fresh and filling. I also ordered a bran muffin to have with my coffee. The muffin was moist and tasty and was not at all dry like many other bran muffins I've had at other cafes. All the employees were extremely cheerful and friendly and made me feel right at home. While I was sitting outside during my book-signing, one worker asked me if I needed water which I did. He directed me to a water cooler inside the cafe where I then filled up my water bottle. This place has a rainbow-colored sign outside implying how they welcome those from the LGBTQ community. I thought this was rather brave and striking in a beachfront community that is mostly on the...

I love this place. First the staff is dynamite, so friendly and helpful. I live in Florida and my daughter took me here for lunch last year and every time I come up I visit 2 or three times in a week. Went last week and stopped in again today and had lunch with my grandson. Excellent chicken and egg salad and love they give you options of sides salsa and chips, fresh fruit (my favorite) or side salad. They also have the best raisin brand muffins which I will stop back Sunday to pick up to bring home with me. The place is always busy but service is fast and they bring your food to where you are sitting. Looking forward to visiting again when I visit this summer. Ladies continue the great job you are doing, it is a happy...