Java Nation — Restaurant in Maryland

Aite, so look, from the name of the place you'd probably think this is your run of the mill cafe. And, i mean, you wouldn't be wrong, technically, but it's so much more than that tho. From salads, to short ribs, to pupusas this place got you covered. They've got 10 beers on draft at any given time, which isn't a LOT, but it's nothing to sneeze at either, especially for a coffee place. They've got you with, drip, americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, and even pour over (one of the best I've had i might add) coffee. The vibe...amazing. Friday and Saturdays they have live music from 7-9. All around, a great place to kill some time. I will say, this place does not give me the "Ima come here and do some work while i have some coffee and ppl watch" vibes, but if you looking to just chill and have a few drinks with some food, this is the place.

Now that I've said that, I'd be remiss to not mention that i think the food is pretty bad. I mean not to the point where I'd say it's "bad" but in an area (downtown Silver Spring, MD) where mediocre food is prevalent, their food is on the lower end of the spectrum. I've added a picture of their margherita flatbread and it looks good, and i personally love tomatoes on my pizza, but the overall taste and flavor is lacking and will leave you wanting for more. I've tried their ribeye steak tacos and their chicken pupusa and I think the same of them as well. So the food aspect is kinda trash but i think the ambiance is really what makes this place shine.

Now, i must dedicate an entire paragraph to this because the amount of places that sell the individual ingredients to make this dish but don't actually sell it is actually mind boggling. Affogato. One of the best dishes made on earth. A divine being truly must have thought of it. What is it you ask? A scoop of ice cream, vanilla here, with a shot of espresso poured over it. Absolutely amazing. And they have it. The mouth feel, the flavors, the juxtaposition of a beverage associated with breakfast and adults and a food often associated with children and dessert...the poeticness of it all adds an extra layer of satisfaction as you let the slightly warm ice cream and slightly cooled espresso spread over your tongue and enrich your soul with an experience you didn't know could have possibly existed until that point. Seriously, try this joint out.

Tl;dr. I'd give it 4 outta 5 stars. Def stop by if you're a fan of coffee. If you like socially drinking in a semi busy area, this place is for you. They have one of the best dishes yet discovered by mankind, but everything else is...

The pictures don't lie!! The atmosphere is very comforting and nice. I had ribeye steak tacos. It was freshly made and hot, came with guacamole on the top. The steak itself was juicy (I ordered medium) and a very good cut of meat and I couldn't get enough. You don't taste it at first but the spice hits you after. The vibe and music is awesome. I could every comfortably sit and get a plate of food. My only complaint is that Google Maps didn't properly direct me to the place bringing me to some old office building. I had to do a bit of navigating to get there on my own. There is a sit down restaurant and a quick take out counter. Go and sit down! You won't regret it.

My service was impeccable (a beautiful young lady named Nicky). Attentive but not overbearing in the ways I've found some other places to be. I was a bit lost with the beautiful menu and my lovely server, Nicky, could rattle off all her favourites on the menu. I had the assurance I needed from her with the steak tacos and my highest compliments to the chef!! It was also incredibly affordable for such a premium cut of meat and fresh tacos that didn't scrimp on quality of ingredients. They cleared my plate quick but didn't rush me with the bill so bring a book, come here and read on a quiet but bustling weekday. Finally a place that deserves its high ratings.

The coffee was not entirely my speed only because I tried something new and it didn't come out as piping hot as I would like but THIS is a little gem in this area. I only wish I found it sooner.

I also liked that (but don't often comment on this publicly) - but the staff were entirely diverse and young and that is the kind of establishment I'd like to support where they make good food and hire competent young BIPOC men and women to make and serve it! I can't tell you whether it's minority owned though, I didn't see any specific branding on that. Perhaps the owner can comment and clarify! But seriously great job 👍 I'm glad my journey out here to the West did...

I recently had lunch here and walked away with mixed impressions. The food was excellent. It was flavorful, fresh, and served at the right temperature. Unfortunately, the service did not measure up to the quality of the meal.

When I arrived, the restaurant was quiet with only a few guests dining in. The sign at the door instructed me to seat myself, so I grabbed a menu and chose a table. Right away I noticed that the flatware on my table was dirty with crumbs on it. I made eye contact with an employee who then went into the kitchen, so I waited for a few minutes expecting someone to stop by with water so I could request a clean set. After several more minutes with no acknowledgment, I took the flatware to the bar and asked for a clean set and some water. The bartender was helpful, provided both, and also took my order.

The food arrived quickly and was delicious, but no one checked in with me during the meal. My water glass was never refilled and I had to return to the bar again to ask for more. There was a server working, but she appeared to focus on other guests and overlooked my table.

After I finished eating, I waited 10 to 15 minutes before someone finally offered me a box for my leftovers. Once I had packed up my food, I had to wait again and flag someone down in order to receive the bill.

I have no issue waiting when a restaurant is busy, but this was not the case here. With the dining room mostly empty, I did not expect to spend more time waiting for assistance than enjoying my meal. The food deserves recognition, but the service left a lot...