Java Surf Café & Espresso Bar

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	223 E City Hall Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
Phone:	+1 757-623-5282
Site:	javasurf.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM

Location

Photos 88

Reviews 23

Sami Koutsares

Ive visited here twice and had the same experience both times. I came in and couldnt figure out where the menus were, theyre little blue cards on the tables, btw. The sandwiches all have nicknames, so decoding the menu took some time. Both times I visited I stood at the counter not knowing how to put it my order, the first time I went I stood there for nearly 5 minutes. The food also took an extraordinarily long time to come out. And then, it was an okay sandwich, but a little pricey for slightly boring. I really want to like this place, its so convenient and would make a great place to pop in for a quick bite on the way to work. But the slow experience makes walking out of my way to any of the other breakfast places around worth it.

Al Chua

My wife and I with 4 other friends went there the other day for coffee after an afternoon stroll on the river trail. Thought the place looks quite and seemed like a nice place for a break before driving home but the guy taking our orders couldnt be more rude. It feels like he just wanted us out of the cafe when my wife asked what their choices were for iced coffee. Maybe my wife did not notice but me and my friends who were standing behind here reacted on how the guy was so arrogant in answering her questions. That made me and my friends changed our minds to look for somewhere else for coffee. Found a much better place at the coffee shop at the top floor of the malls book store.

Alex Clausen

I went for breakfast and got stuffed french toast and my fiance got a egg and cheese on a bagel. The "stuffed" french toast was just two pieces with cream cheese and orange marmalade (which was pretty good), but they were skimpy with the filling and it was totally cold. The egg and cheese sandwich that the barista said was "addicting" was pretty bland and dry. There were no napkins anywhere, it took about 5 minutes to get 2 iced coffees, etc. This place has potential but just did not impress me.

David Donovan

Local coffee-shop (becoming a small chain) that maintains its local vibe. Great location at MacArthur Square near the mall, museum and Tide light rail stop. This shop has a decent pastry case and nicely pulled beverage selections. Comfortable & spacious seating area with picture windows provide a great place to hang out and people-watch. Some evenings have an open-mic poetry night (which gets pretty packed).

Dan Ross-Li

Cozy coffee house with great seating and a great view of downtown. The staff is very friendly, they bring out free water to you when things slow down. Coffee is great, if you stay for coffee theyll give you a mug. Food is also very good but I have only eaten there twice so cant comment on the whole menu. I would highly encourage you to go here instead of a chain coffee house. Support local businesses!

Kevin Neberman

Found this place while fumbling around downtown, so glad I did! Walked in the door and loved it. The coffee is frothy (at least what I had - which for that matter wasnt on the menu) which was delicious. The staff was friendly, helpful, and ready to chat. I happened to go on a friday night where they have an open mic night for poetry. Loved every minute of it. Ill be back soon.

Julian Flood

It was a nice spot. However it wouldve been nicer if they wouldve actually served me. I sat at the bar for about three minutes. Nobody came up. No menu was given. Nothing. There was a lady on the right who was working there. Its Sunday around 10:30 am so they werent that busy. Im not complaining, just publicly stated what happened. Ill have to go somewhere else to eat now.

Candice Palmer

Worst coffee I EVER had!!! Overpriced for a reg pumpkin butter latte the price was over 4.50 and the cup had so much foam on top that there was hardly any coffee. The 2 ladies working there looked miserable!!! The specialty coffee had no taste other than foam and choking on the silly amount of cinnamon they put on the top of the foam. Horrible!!!! Not recommended.

Venus Hofler

The decor is creative and in good taste. They offer a good variety of healthy options, which ironically is why it lost a star, because the one thing that I loved that was healthy yet made me happy was the parfait which was taken off the menu. However, for someone who enjoys higher end bistro, non-commercial (not made in bulk) food, this is the perfect place.

Cody Phelps

A good coffee shop, ever since it was bean there cafe. It has a great location next to the MacArthur center and the big window allows you to relax and watch the world go by. They have become full service now but I only go for the coffee which is really good.

Mathew Chaney

Really good service. Ordered something we hadnt heard of before and got something we werent expecting (based off a perfunctory Google search) but the barista was totally chill and hooked us up with another espresso shot.. noice

Michael A Berry

Were part of a regular crew, visiting around 2pm several times a week and I cant say Ive ever been disappointed or dissatisfied. Their regular coffee is absolutely delicious. The folks there really understand their craft.

William Vargas

Nice breakfast place offering more than your traditional breakfast. Diverse and unique coffee drinks, tasty smoothies, good breakfast selection and friendly easy going staff. A must check it out breakfast place if in town.

Erik Kopack

Their Pico Avacado Salad with grilled chicken looked and tasted as though the Salad Gods had come down from the Chef Heavens and shared a glimpse of what amazing food actually is. I almost shed a tear. It was phenomenal.

MELBA HAYES

I have been in this shop four times for tea. Each time I go I ask for something different, each time they are out of what I ask for. Each time a tea is recommended that I dont like. Will think about trying there coffee.

A Private User

I love this place. I used to come on the light rail every Friday for the open mics. The food is great the atmosphere is relaxing. Its student-friendly, but everyone goes there. The proximity to MacArthur Mall is a plus.

Nicole Parlette

I was riding the train and starving needed some breakfast couldnt really afford an $8 sandwich but I am so glad I bought it it was absolutely delicious and I would spend it again!!!!

Lydia Z

The ladies that made our drinks were very polite and friendly, but the iced coffee we ordered left us desiring more. Too much sweetener/flavoring? Well return and try again!

Marion Miles

BEST Coffeehouse EVER!!! I love this place. Its open, inviting, convenient, comfortable, friendly. Oh... and the coffee is the best. Especially their cappuccino.

Peter Sunden

This establishment has seemed to lost some of its charm when it was Bean There. The milieu is cool with the art but the barista didnt know how to make a French press.

A Private User

I love this place! I am not a coffee drinker and they still have great drinks for me to order. I like that they are a short walk down the street from where I work.

Matt Starr

Very friendly. Not expensive. Various options of coffee, tea, smoothies, and food. Its like the best of Starbucks and Tropical Smoothie in one restaurant.

Brandon Lambaiso

Great local place! The coffee was made with care and had a delicious over easy egg baked on top of a croissant with mozzarella. Definitely going back.