Java Jacks Cafe — Restaurant in Tappahannock

We've been to Java Jack's many times and it was always fantastic! We decided to start 2021 with the best breakfast in Virginia so headed to Java Jack's. What an incredible DISAPPOINTMENT! First our waitress Blair was so busy talking at the counter she couldn't be bothered with refilling our coffee so another waitress did. Second two of our meals were served and it was stated by Blair that the third would be right out . It didn't come until we nearly finished the first two. Third, my potatoes were cold, not cool, cold and the other waitress checked on us and brought more potatoes that were warm. Fourth when the third meal finally arrived ( steak and eggs ) the steak was to tuff to chew. Fifth, when we asked Blair for more salt, she argued with us and said there were salt packets on the table and proceeded to go thru the trash only to realize that in fact all of the packets were empty. I've never had to argue with a server anywhere to get an additional salt packet. Blair was rude and mean. Needless to say after that the service from Blair was deplorable. The other waitress saw the uneaten steak, inquired and was told it was not possible to chew it, and the owner came by apologized and credited the bill. I am 70 years old and this is only the second time in my life I refused to leave a tip because Blair didn't deserve one. I haven't eaten at Denny's across the street since I discovered Java Jack's, but I guarantee it will be a blizzard in Hell before I go to Java Jack's again. I truly lay the entire horrendous experience on Blair, if I owned the place she would be fired...

We ate here for the first time yesterday. My first time. It was busy and our waitress had lots of hungries to take care of but she was very pleasant, helpful, and a sweetheart. I had the create your omelette which was very good. The diced onion and potatoes hit the spot. The jacks were delicious. My better half had the Chesapeake which was very good. They also come with fresh diced fruit. The bottomless coffee was excellent. They have a good variety of things on the menu to explore and the food is made with love. It was a very cute little place and we will certainly return here. UPDATE: I have now eaten here five times. I still love this place. The food is fantastic. The vibe is great in this quaint little place. The coffee is bottomless and good when you can get it. I’ve deducted one star from the original review and would consider another one. Don’t come here in a hurry if you’re eating there. I don’t mind this though. What I found that bothers me is how slow and forgetful two of the waitresses are. You can ask for more coffee or something but don’t hold your breath. This has happened every time. I just thought they were just busy the first time. I’m a very patient individual but don’t offer bottomless coffee if you won’t provide it. Seems like 2 small cups is the best...

The only thing wrong with Java Jacks is the it's described as a Coffee House. Though the coffee is first class, it is so much more than that.

My wife and I stumbled upon it on one of those "wandering around" trips we occasionally take from our home in Glen Allen (roughly 50 miles southwest). Today we visited for a second time--this time on purpose.

Big picture: Java Jacks looks to be a house converted to a restaurant so the scale and feel is particularly homey. Today, we sat on what, originally, would have been the wrap-around front porch--now a bright, windowed room. The walls are decorated with vintage porcelain signs and the tables are draped with colorful fabrics.

The service is just what you'd want it to be, attentive and friendly. The food, (I can speak for the fish and chips) was fresh, hot, and perfectly cooked--golden brown, crispy fillets and waffle-cut fries served in a paper bag--accompanied by a side order of homemade slaw (guessing on that) and a tangy tartar sauce.

I hate to sound so effusive, but I get such a charge out of places like this--small businesses that seem willing to spend the time and energy necessary to do things well, to pay attention to the details, and to do it all with a...