Ok… If you’re looking for hipster baristas and a sublime espresso drink or brew, this might not be the spot for you. But it has many other pros. IMO the coffee and pastries are decent. Not bad, but nothing to write home about. I do like their breakfast sandwiches(and you can get them all day). In all honesty, the best thing about this place is that it’s a nice, normal coffee shop where you can sit and chill… Or work. During the winter time, it is a cozy spot to sit your laptop, book or paper(especially if you can snag one of their cozy chairs). They have plenty of outdoor seating, so it is a wonderful place for people watching and soaking some rays when the weather’s nice.
Ben S.
Place rating: 2 West Hyattsville, MD
I pass by this joint frequently so I finally had to give it a shot, since I am a black-coffee snob. I did not have high expectations because so many of these faux-hipster independent coffee houses all over this nation really have terrible coffee. Well, I’m sad to include Port City Java in this category too. I asked the grumpy-but-efficient counter person for a large of the freshest brew available. He poured from a typical thermos(not a good sign). I began to sip and noticed a weak but harsh taste, kind of like instant coffee that’s been sitting too long. It left a sour aftertaste and disappointment in my mouth. Why 2 stars and not 1? Clean restroom. My advice: If you’re gonna have«java» in your name you’d better have good, rich-tasting coffee!
Regina R.
Place rating: 4 Venice, CA
I had a decaf pumpkin latte with almond milk. And it was delicious. My sis had dirty chai with almond milk and said it was great
Crystal E.
Place rating: 3 Boston, MA
Not the best and tad pricey for those drinks.
Joseph C.
Place rating: 3 Gainesville, VA
The coffee here is good, however the process of ordering is physically painful. The people who work here seem like they would be happier walking on coals while simultaneously getting punched in the throat. Forget about asking a question about anything either, for that will get you the icy glare to freeze the furthest depths of hell. Also, the apple juice was good.
Alicia O.
Place rating: 3 Manhattan, NY
An important lesson was learned here; pack a breakfast or wait until lunch. Seriously over priced. Decent, clean, and polite service. However, when handing over my hard earned dollars for a breakfast sandwich and coffee, I like to keep within the budget. A standard chain is a safer bet.
Gina L.
Place rating: 4 Glen Allen, VA
I don’t think this coffee shop is getting as much love as it should! Great location at the end of Eastern Market and the coffee is strong, which is everything. I get so sad when I go off the beaten path to try a new coffee shop and the coffee does nothing to wake me up, with makes me wish I had just stuck w/that mermaid coffee in my time of need. Great location. Reasonably priced, strong coffee. Friendly employees. Clean. Bright. Happy. The décor/inside there isn’t an ‘experience’ where you feel like you’ve ended up in downtown San Fran, Brooklyn, anything like that, but that’s okay with me. :)
Sam S.
Place rating: 4 Washington, DC
I have been meaning to stop into Port City Java for some time, and finally found some time. Upon entering I noticed how friendly the employees were, which is not always the case at many coffee shops in the area. I like how they offer both breakfast sandwiches made to order as well as fresh pastries and bagels. I tried the egg & cheese wrap, and was definitely impressed! The eggs were fluffy and it tasted fresh. The coffee was decent, nothing special but I enjoyed drinking it in a comfy chair near a window. Port City Java is unique in its large open layout, along with its big outdoor seating area. It sort of has a Panera Bread feel, and not that cozy charm of a cute coffee shop, so I couldn’t see myself spending too much time here hanging out– but I will be back to try their lunch at some point!
Susan A.
Place rating: 3 Washington, DC
Port City Java is a corner coffee shop in Eastern Market. It’s in a good location to take a break after some shopping in the market. The coffee is standard. There is outdoor seating and many small tables inside. They aren’t modest with the AC, so we were relieved coming here during a hot summer day.
Curtis H.
Place rating: 4 Denver, CO
My wife and I went on our first bike ride of the season, and ended up meeting some friends out near Eastern Market for lunch. They live in the area, but we suggested a place for sandwiches. They went along for the journey. Port City Java always delivers… Or at least they have the two times that we have visited. Both of our friends are vegetarians, which makes eating out a bit more tricky. Not at Port City. My wife, the husband of the couple, and I ordered the Palermo. It was delicious! My honestly could’ve eaten two… Though they are good sized. They just taste so damn good! The wife, of our couple friends, ordered the hummus wrap and enjoyed it thoroughly. We will definitely return.
Ginny D.
Place rating: 2 Washington, DC
The space is nice if you’re looking to do work or read but sadly the coffee is nothing to write home about. It’s worth it to walk a few blocks to Peregrine on 7th if you’re looking for great coffee.
David H.
Place rating: 3 Arlington, VA
Okay coffee shop near Eastern Market, I stopped in here for a quick coffee while perusing the market. The french roast was perfectly fine but nothing special, they service is very fast here. I got mine to go but the place isn’t huge so it might be tough to get a seat. Nothing amazing, but a solid place to get coffee in the area.
Morgan W.
Place rating: 4 Oakton, VA
I love port city java! It has a great little sofa with the perfect window seat. The black and tan is so tasty and will always be my morning treat.
Danielle P.
Place rating: 3 Stamford, CT
This is a quaint coffee shop at the end of Eastern Market. It is perfectly located for those who are done shopping and want to relax. On a nice day, their patio is wonderful and great for people watching. The service was fine, and the tea I ordered was nothing special. I wish I could speak to their coffee or snacks but I didn’t order that. I would definitely try it again.
Kendal Ann M.
Place rating: 3 Washington, DC
In the heat of the moment, I popped into Port City Java for a much needed coffee on Sunday. Other than their iced beverages there is nothing to rave about. Port City Java whisks you in and out of their shop so fast, you nearly forgot what you ordered. This place is pulling the wool over your eyes, so keep them open if you stop in for a visit. Like other people commented, It felt like I(and the other customers) were an inconvenience to the baristas when I was taking my time to decide what I wanted to order. Unfortunately, the barista was far from welcoming and couldn’t even crack a smile. I will say, they offer sugar free options, which is a really refreshing change. Also, when ordering their iced coffee it comes over shaved ice, which I thought was awesome!
Yaniv K.
Place rating: 3 Chicago, IL
You can spend an entire day sitting on these exquisitely comfortable chairs and get everything on your check-list DONE. As for the coffee, not bad, not great. Just regular. I’d come back here again.
Andy B.
Place rating: 1 Bethesda, MD
I used to like this place, but something’s happened since my last visit — the staff is indifferent and barely communicative, seeming put out by having to take and fill orders, and the iced coffee I got this past Sunday was easily the worst coffee I have ever gotten from a coffee shop. Two sips, and it went right into the garbage bin.(I’m still trying to figure out how an iced coffee can actually taste burnt and bitter.) I then made my way down to the Silver Spork, where the barista made me an iced Americano to order, and the contrast couldn’t be more stark, with the Silver Spork coffee being some of the best I’ve ever had. Couple that with an incredibly friendly barista and staff, and you’ve got a winning combination. Make the walk down to the other end of Eastern Market — you’ll be glad you did.
Brooke A.
Place rating: 3 New Kensington, PA
Meh. A very forgettable coffee shop, nothing really redeeming about it. Had an odd tasting muffin and a decent chai tea latte. We were only there because we came too early and the Eastern Market wasn’t totally set up yet. And it was cold outside. I do get what other people are saying, the staff wasn’t all that nice. It felt like we were seriously inconveniencing the guy just by looking at the menu board for a second. Maybe it was just the lack of smile. That always makes me nervous. That being said, the interiors are nice enough, it was a nice place to sit and have a chat with a friend. I wish they had more comfy armchairs, they only had them in the corners and they were all occupied. So we got stuck sitting at a regular table by a window with all their outdoor chairs stacked against it so you can’t really see out. Oh well. Like I said, unless you pass by it every day, it’s forgettable. The only reason I’ll remember I had ever been here is because of this review.
Jasmin H.
Place rating: 3 Washington, DC
Although I was thrown off by the«No Wi-Fi on weekends» sign, my need for a quick cup of recovery from a long night coffee could wait no longer. Not to mention I wasn’t in need of the wi-fi. Ordered up a large coconut flavored iced coffee. It was pretty crazy hectic and the setup felt cramped but my coffee hit the spot. I liked that they didn’t add the cream so I could control the amount myself and it was just enough flavor of coconut without being overhead. Glad I gave this spot a chance over the typical mainstream chains!
Mary Kate M.
Place rating: 3 Washington, DC
The boy I nanny and I came in here briefly today to grab an afternoon snack. I was craving apple cider and came here on a whim in hopes they had it. They did! The boy and I both ended up getting a bagel a piece and ciders. They up charge the shit out of some cider. $ 3.85 for a small cup. Geez. I think the cider tasted good, and it gave the boy a small sugar rush. That wasn’t very helpful when it came time for him to do his math homework. He’s 9 years old and doesn’t need anymore sugar than what he takes in at school as it is. Oh well! The bagels were fine as well. Small coffee shop with a cool selection of coffees, sandwiches, and pastry items to choose from with free wifi.