Lava Java

Stopped in here on my way back from a run. When I arrived there was only one person in front of me in line who appeared to have just finished ordering… There were 3 people behind the counter, all of which were huddled around the sandwich making /​prep area struggling with what seemed to be a hummus dilemma (I think it was misplaced.) It was 5+ mins before I ordered my matcha latte which I firmly believe was condensed milk mixed with a combo of peppermint/​coffee grinds (it was brown, matcha is typically green, and it didn’t taste a hint like green tea). All-​in-​all poor communication on the staffs behalf, and 4 $ for something I didn’t even drink.

Very yummy ginger chai latte! Really nice strength of the ginger flavor and spice!
Also very fresh and delicious bagel tomato egg and avocado.

Excellent customer service! The man appeared to be young and new to the job the woman helping was so kind and patient. My sandwich was delightful and so was my ginger chai! Over all good experience. For a quick service meal I give it 5 stars.

Friendly staff, cute and quaint store, banana bread is awesome and the coconut mocha is a must!

Went there for the chai, but they don’t make it plain without milk or sugar (I’m keto). Got a different tea with peaches in it, pretty good. They played classical music that was kind of loud and kept breaking up, a bit annoying. The door also doesn’t swing shut so it stayed open a lot. It was cold and rainy the day I went so I had to get up a few times to close it. Cozy atmosphere, fast & free wifi. They didn’t have a bathroom and only took cash which was a bummer, would have stayed longer if they had a restroom.

This is one of my favorite places to get a sandwich! I love the avocado Swiss vegi sandwich! Always friendly staff and quick service.

A small cozy and a sweet place, shining the holidays season ambiance, in a neighborhood that some may consider as «hippie».
Loved the welcoming and the friendliness of the owner and the waitresses there; I felt already the warmness in this rainy and cold weather.
The food was well prepared though was expecting a more authentic and unique taste.

Lava Java is my favorite breakfast place in San Francisco. The owner is friendly and welcomes you every morning. The food is fresh and definitely a great way to start the day. The assortment of coffee is what intrigued me though. Hawaiian Blend is great!

Wanted to get an early breakfast after being jet lagged from my east coast flight and I came in at 645. but the website time was wrong (opens at 7 not 630 it seems) the cashier was the only person working and super sweet and nice; got a iced vanilla chai and egg cheddar mushroom on sesame bagel. Which was really good (although the chai a tad sweet for my taste). Pretty efficient service.
Only downside aside from the opening time error was some flies buzzing around me during my breakfast. Headed there cause of its early opening time but might skip out next time.

ginger chai is so strong and tasty. A little on the sweet side but I still enjoyed it. My dad requested we go back because they were so inviting and warm. You really feel welcome and like you’re part of the family. Thanks for making our visit that much better.

Been here a few times for coffee and pastries. The service was great, the coffee was delicious and their pastries are very tasty. I’m always very impressed by the very cheerful, attentive and polite service here and will be back the next time I’m nearby and in need of some caffeine.

Went here for breakfast and coffee. It’s near a shuttle stop so pretty convent if the shuttle’s late and I’m hungry.
It’s cash only so come prepared.
The hazelnut latte was more creamy than anything else. You could barely taste the coffee in it… The coffee was also really hot — hot enough that I had to stop after a block to rest my hand. This probably has more to do with the sleeve they use than the coffee temperature since I could drink it just fine.
I also got an egg, cheddar, and bacon sandwich on a croissant. You can get your egg sandwiches on a croissant or a bagel. They heated up the croissant but not by toasting it… It was pretty flat… I suspect that they microwaved it :(the egg could have used some seasoning…

I visited here twice while staying in the area. I did not encounter any rude people and the service was decent. The person I was with had very good food and he wanted to go back the next day. I had a white mocca, which was really good. I saw people dining in and they seemed content. A man brought in his baby even, and that seemed to go okay. I wasn’t aware it was cash only, as I planned to pay with cash and did; HOWEVER, I frequently do pay with a card, so that would be a minus if I was cashless. I wouldn’t hit an ATM for sure. I gave them a 4, because it was pretty good overall in my experience.

The spinach mushroom breakfast sandwich on a croissant is amazing! The vanilla chai is delicious as well, not too spicy and not too sweet :)

I was pleasantly surprised by my breakfast sandwich! I got an egg and cheese with tomato on an English muffin and chose to add avocado for $ 1.00 and they actually put a lot of avocado on it, almost a whole avocado. The tomatoes were good and flavorful, not just pink and lame. The sandwich was well seasoned. It was cash only so I’ll remember to bring cash next time to avoid a trip to the atm, but it was worth it!

Rude service. Owner was not welcoming at all, and food was so-​so. Do not recommend. CASH ONLY
FOOD: I got a bagel with tomato and hammus ($ 4.20). It was freshly made (which means warm) and tasted okay, but it was very simple and something that I could have easily made.
SERVICE: My friend and I came here to study and grab a snack. As soon as we sat down, the owner shouted from the counter DEMANDING (not even asking) if we are buying thing. RUDE. Yes we are going to get things. Just give us some time to settle down, lady!!! So I went up and got a bagel. And as soon as I finished my order, she asked (more like demanded) if my friend was getting something too. Eh, what? She was also very cold when I asked for a fork. We stayed there for a few hours. 5 minutes before they were closing, the lady shouted (again from the counter) while pointing to the clock, that they are closing in a very rude voice.
However, there is a Malaysian (? or Singapore) server who was very kind and welcoming, and thanked the customer every 5 seconds. He should consider working for someone nicer.
SETTING: Shop is located very close to UCSF and GG Park. There are 4 – 5 small tables inside, and 2 – 3 tables on the outside. There is NO bathroom.
PRICE: Overpaid for the food and more importantly, the service.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: I’ve never felt so unwelcomed at a café before. People go to cafes to relax, not to be shouted at.

Una cafetería perfecta para una parada antes de ir al Golden Gate Park, sea para comprar bebida para llevar o para desayunar tranquilamente.
El ambiente en este pequeño local es muy acogedor, con música clásica de fondo, y la dueña es súper amable.
Lava Java ofrece las típicas opciones de café, té, y chai (ginger chai latte!). Además, hay smoothies, batidos muy ricos, sandwiches, bagels deliciosos y breakfast wraps (p.ej. con huevos y aguacate).
Sólo se puede pagar en efectivo.

Love this little coffee shack… mini outdoor lounge space, reasonable prices, love their peppermint and almond iced coffee

I don’t like how everything is made with a microwave. If I wanted microwaved food, I would make a TV dinner at home.
No wifi and cash only.

Great spot for cup of joe before heading to Golden Gate Park. They only take cash but the lady was super nice. The dark roast called Lava Java was delicious and robust.

Pretty good coffee options. Small and cozy interior. This place has the best sun dried tomato cream cheese. It’s house made on the daily. Goes well on any bagel. Good place for a quick pit stop.