The Java House Coffee Roasters - Downtown

Doesn’t even deserve the star. Staff is incredibly rude. Told me to chill out and told me my friend was being a nuisance because she was on a quick phone call and because she didn’t make a purchase. Told us she had to buy something in order to even come inside with me or she would “get in trouble with the management.” What kind of ownership runs a store like that?? Apparently your friends have to stand outside for you to buy a coffee. Never coming back.

My absolute favorite coffee house in the entire country!
Coffee fresh-dripped in your own cup while you watch. High volume so the coffee used is always fresh.
I used to have a monthly commitment 125 miles away that led me within a couple miles of one of their branches, and I would schedule a stop for a fresh cup for the road.
Their cinnamon rolls are great, too!

Very nice coffee shop. Spacious, with cool pictures and nice furniture. Good-sized patio outside for social distancing. Good food options and drinks. Friendly staff. Great place to relax in downtown Iowa City.

First of all, there are no photos to share, as I don't think it fair for The Java House to show an empty establishment by no fault of their own. That being said, I would like to comment on the great food and drinks they have to offer. Our first visit was to get a quick, cold drink on a warm afternoon. The Mango Hibiscus Iced tea my wife ordered was refreshing and Iowish Cooler that I purchased was very tasty. Our son selected the Pink Hawk, which was very good as well. The drinks were generous for the price we paid. Our family like The Java House so much that we came back the next morning for breakfast. I ordered the Spicy Southwest Sandwich, my wife the Caprese Egg Sandwich, and my son the Morning Muscle Sandwich. All three were great, but I though mine Spicy Southwest could have used a bit more spice. My wife and I, however, were disappointed with the coffee. She had the American Gothic 16oz pour over, and I the St. Louis Blues 16oz pour over. Both of us cannot recall ever having pour over coffees before, and our disappointment may be more over our preferences for making coffee than the coffee itself. Needless to say, neither my wife or I finished our coffees. Overall, I would recommend The Java House to anyone in the Iowa City area. The atmosphere (as it was in this Age of COVID) was inviting and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Great coffee and food. Staff is always friendly. East to find while walking or driving. Big place for studying students, so always minimal seating. Their only hot black coffees are pour-overs, so it's usually faster to just get a latte or Americano. However, it's by far one of the best coffee places in town.

The downtown Java House location is pretty average. I will admit, I avoid going here. It takes about ten minutes on any given day to get a drink here--which is the same amount it takes Starbucks during a rush. At my last visit to Java House, I waited for my drink for 10 minutes before a barista asked me what drink I was waiting for, since everyone who had ordered after me and before me had gotten their drinks. A ticket had apparently not come through or something--it was never made clear. She seemed irritated, like this situation had happened before. Heirloom Salad Co has faster service than the baristas across the room. I will go to this location if I'm not in a hurry, but I don't go out of my way to go here between classes. They took the sparkling apple cider off of their menu which was disappointing but no complaints on the actual food and drinks themselves.

Favorite place in town to go for coffee, whether it's a latte, a pour over, or whole beans. Their "Conversation Brew" is always rotating and delicious. I have on good authority they have the best cappuccino anywhere.

The Java House is one of my "comfort places" in Iowa City. I can get a great cup of coffee, and maybe a pastry, served by a friendly barista in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Java House was closed for a couple of months last year, due to covid, and when it reopened it was like reconnecting with an old friend@

Nice atmosphere for coffee and food was good. Reason for lower rating was customer service that had attitude. I was told my name would be called out but you need to go next door to the salad place to hear your name. So my food sat there and no attempt to find me on coffee side. I was told that food was always done that way. Young servers had no customer service skills!

We sat outside, the coffee was okay, they used to do better job. It would be nice if it was open later.