Java Girl — Restaurant in New York

While looking for a local coffee shop with good coffee, I stumbled upon Java Girl. Looked it up, had great reviews, and lots of bean variety. Decided to give it a try. Was greeted by a very friendly member of the staff. Ordered 1 plain croissant and 1 small latte with oat milk.

This being my first time, I was not directed to grab my own croissant, which turns out was a self service station, so waiting for it was a bit awkward when a small gesture towards it would have made things more clear. All good. When I received my latte, the milk was burnt, and there was no micro foam. Instead, the latte had huge bubbles and was not integrated into the espresso, making the entire top layer big foamy bubbles of just milk (like you’d find in a poorly made cappuccino). The espresso was extremely bitter as well. The latte stayed hot for so long, that I burned my tongue trying to sip it after 20 minutes and ultimately decided to throw it away. At this point, all the foam and milk have completely separated.

Considering all Java Girl does is make coffee, I was hoping and excited for a great cup, but instead was left disappointed and feeling like I’ve wasted my money.

On the bright side, the croissant was crisp and fresh and the vibes and aesthetic of the shop is cozy and homey. People working on their laptops, but there is a no cell phone/FaceTime conversations inside (understandable considering how small the space is. Don’t want to be rude to others). Seems like they get a good amount of regulars, and it’s a staple for the neighborhood.

Wouldn’t recommend going out of your way for this place and think it’s worth it too walk a few extra blocks in search of better quality coffee, but it’s a nice chill stop if you’re out and about on the...

TLDR: Java Girl is a charming, quiet coffee spot on the Upper East Side with excellent specialty drinks, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere. Perfect for a quick coffee break, though limited seating makes extended stays challenging.

This hidden gem on E 66th Street delivers a delightful coffee experience with personality. Their specialty drinks shine, particularly the Toasted Marshmallow latte, which offers a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor. The Cafe Mocha maintains high standards with rich, well-balanced taste. At $6-8 including tip, the prices are reasonable for quality NYC coffee.

Atmosphere & Space The cafe's charm lies in its intentionally quiet, intimate setting. The "Take your phone calls outside" sign sets the tone for a peaceful environment, enhanced by well-chosen background music and the comforting aroma of coffee beans. While some customers manage to work or study, the limited seating makes it better suited for quick visits.

Service Quality The staff strikes the perfect balance of friendly efficiency, making the experience pleasant whether you're staying or grabbing to go. Quick service and genuine warmth from the baristas add to the neighborhood coffee shop feel.

Java Girl excels at being exactly what it aims to be - a cozy, local coffee spot that prioritizes quality drinks and peaceful ambiance. While not ideal for long working sessions due to space constraints, it's perfect for morning coffee runs or brief planning stops. The combination of skilled baristas, quality drinks, and thoughtful atmosphere makes it a standout in the neighborhood...

This place was just what I was looking for on my Saturday morning, local coffee shop instead of the usual chain. They made me a fantastic double latte which would help me with an early start. As I was having one pure moment of happiness sipping this latte and enjoying my favorite breakfast carbs that I try to save for the weekend (Dunkin Doughnut's White Cheddar Bagel Twist), the woman working behind the counter approached me from behind and said I could not eat that here since they sell their own pastries. As a customer who was having a good experience, my morning was disturbed by her attitude as she said it and perhaps lack of customer service sensitivity that I have experience in (working as a in international flight attendant for 4 years working with all types of customers). Perhaps next time, she could let a customer who did not know this policy with an "I know you did not know, but next time, please be aware." I probably will not return to this small cafe since I like to sip my first morning...