Java Groove in Van Nuys an oasis of mediocrity

August 29, 10:32 AMLA Coffee ExaminerKim Winklhofer

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the LA Coffee Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

 

Van Nuys residents must have been ecstatic when Java Groove opened because the area is seriously lacking in coffee houses. It’s got a slick décor that makes it stand out from the rest of the neighborhood and free WiFi which is what attracted me to it. However, perhaps this coffee house relies on their “monopoly,” because I was not impressed.

I ordered a bagel and a small mocha, which at $3 was comparable to the Starbucks price. 

After making myself comfortable, my order was delivered. The mocha was not the first mocha I’d had there. I thought perhaps the barista was not at top form on my previous visit, but alas, this mocha was just as disappointing. It was not particularly sweet, which is fine, but there also was not much coffee or chocolate flavor. I nosed around and saw they use Ghiradelli syrup, so maybe that’s why, although I’ve never been disappointed by Ghiradelli bar chocolate.

As for the bagel, first of all, butter was not available.  How can you not have butter? It doesn't have a particularly short shelf life, so why not stock it? You could use it on the paninis...!

Still, I was hungry. Not wanting the fat from cream cheese, I got jam.  Unfortunately, I was disappointed yet again. The bagel wasn’t “toasted,” it was grilled on the panini grill. This perhaps explains the chewy texture and faint flavor of…I’m not sure. Some food other than plain bagel.

However, the décor was pleasant and I enjoyed the music. Many songs brought me back to the good old days of my youth. Time and again I found myself saying, “I haven’t heard this song in a long time!”

Online reviews are mixed. Among the positive comments were a great atmosphere, cleanliness, “really good iced coffee,” good music, ample free parking in back, and friendly service. One reviewer was annoyed that a café offering waffles has some nerve being closed on Sunday. Another had a bad experience receiving Americanas (espresso and water) rather than their preferred brewed coffee, twice. On a previous visit, I had wanted to try a flavored latte that was on the menu, but was informed that was seasonal. I asked for a different flavor and got the same answer. My thought was, “Dude, fix your menu so you can change it seasonally.”

Rating: 45/70

• 8 - Ambiance - Amiable decor, fun music, clean.
• 4 - Mocha - Bland and disappointing, twice
• 3 - Toasted Bagel with jam - Chewy and tasting faintly of someone else's order.
• 8 - Service - Mr. Meeks was friendly.
• 4 - Menu - The menu is extensive, but my own experience and one Yelp review have convinced me that getting what you want is hit or miss.
• 9 - Restroom - Nice and clean.
• 9 - Parking - Plentiful, free and easily accessible.

14310 Victory Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA, 91401
(818) 785-6593 

All photos/Kim Winklhofer