Koco Java — Restaurant in Salisbury

I don’t enjoy leaving negative reviews, especially for a place that has meant so much to me over the years. I grew up in this town and this coffee shop was always a staple for me and my family. Even though I no longer live here, whenever I’m back in town it’s been one of the first stops I make. For over a decade, the coffee and the customer service were consistent and welcoming, which made supporting a local shop instead of a chain an easy choice.

Recently, though, the quality of the coffee has changed — it’s been coming out unusually bitter. My aunt, who still lives here and has been a loyal customer all these years, decided to drive back to the shop and kindly bring it up at the drive-thru after this happened several times. She was polite and simply explained that her drink didn’t taste right. The owner was present, and his son was working the window. Rather than listening, the son dismissed her, insisted the drink had been made correctly, and told her he would remake it if she pulled around.

When he brought the coffees out, my aunt thanked him and began to explain that she was only bringing it up because of how long we’ve supported this shop and that the coffee tasted great all these years. Before she could finish, he cut her off and said, “At this point you’re just costing me money. I remade them,” while making a dismissive hand gesture. She left extremely upset — which is what prompted me to finally write this review.

I understand businesses have busy days, but treating loyal customers like an inconvenience is not the way to sustain what was built here. A simple, “Thanks for letting us know, we’ll take care of it,” would have gone a long way.

That said, my hope is that this feedback helps, because I would truly love to see this shop return to the quality and kindness it was once known for. This place has been part of our lives for so long, and I’d be glad to come back if those standards are restored. My aunt and mother used to love going here multiple times a week and are very sad about...

It’s the coffee shop you drive all the way across town for because it’s THAT good! My daughter and I love trying new coffees and this is the place to do it. Whether hot, iced, or frappe, they’re all amazing! I particularly like a hot vanilla breve with added lavender. It’s wonderful with smooth and creamy flavors that also provide a relaxing aroma. Perfect for calming the mind while energizing the body.

For food: bagels and muffins are good, but the cheese danish is the real star. The dough has handmade croissant feel, then the wonderful cheese mixture kicks in. They’re fresh and served warmed.

Grab yourself a gorgeous fruit smoothie before you leave to make this visit complete.

This isn’t a sandwich shop selling coffee and cheap muffins, as so many are. This is a locally owned and operated coffee shop with amazing people and sweet baked goods.

You know it’s good by the drive-thru line that stays permanently wrapped around the building. They are equally busy inside. The cozy shop has comfy seating where you can stop and read while getting your coffee tix. If you prefer, walk out the front to some alfresco dining tables overlooking historic downtown Salisbury.

The only thing I think could help…maybe a second picture menu further back on the building. It may help people decide before getting to the drive thru? Just a thought though as this place is worth...

I went to Koco Java was about a month ago. It was super cute and clean in the store! The baristas were helpful, and when I asked for caffeine free options they told me any of the lattes could be made with decaf! Yay! I verified that it meant it would have NO caffeine in it and the baristas said there would be no caffeine. I ordered the brownie batter latte and it was creamy and delicious! Super sweet and great for someone with a sweet tooth like myself. However, not even an hour later I started feeling immense dread and anxiety. My stomach was upset + I was nauseous for the rest of the day. I have a caffeine sensitivity and can’t consume it without feeling immensely sick and anxious. It kinda ruined the rest of the day for me. I’m really disappointed that the baristas told me my drink would be caffeine free when it so obviously wasn’t. I would expect they understand the ingredients they are using before making promises to customers (if the decaf has a low caffeine amount I would have liked to know that). I’m hesitant about coming back because I don’t want to be fooled again! Otherwise super yummy, so if you don’t have a caffeine sensitivity then getting Koco Java will be a great...