Heather C.

"I'm wild about you, I'm lost without you, You give my life its flavor, What sugar does for tea, Thats what you do for me. You're the cream in my coffee, You're the salt in my stew You will always be my necessity, I'd be lost without you." There are a few things I'd be lost without, coffee being one of them. While I'm not a fan of Foldgers, I do believe that the best part of waking up is a cup of freshly roasted, freshly brewed coffee. And Javatinis does both. Located in the Vons shopping center across from Sprouts on Woodruff and Harvey Way, Javatinis filled the spot of what used to be It's A Grind. I was a regular at IAG, as I used to work across the street, and I was saddened to see it go. But as the closest Javatinis is on Main St in Seal Beach, I was super excited when they moved in at the end of September 2014! It's close to the college, the park I take my dog, and our new house, so it's convenient. I already enjoy their coffee, so I'm very happy. Parking is plentiful and easy, as it is in a huge lot with a grocery store, gas station, and a few other businesses. Decor is that of a typical coffee shop, cozy, initmate, but a little more brightly lit than most, as they have many college students (myself included) studying, group meetings, and the occasional interview going on from local stores. They have indoor seating, and outdoor as well, though the view outdoors..unimpressive for lack of a better word to some people. BUT, shouldn't you be enjoying your cup of joe, or enjoying coffee and your company(if you have friends with you)? Yah, that's what I thought!! Cute wing chairs indoors, and they're pretty comfy when you're down to the nitty gritty in anatomy homework. Ah, I digress. Before your first visit, or even if you're a returning patron, text COFFEE to 313131 for a BOGO coupon sent to your phone for their yummy gelato. Or check in on yelp and receive 25% off your gelato(^_^) either way you're saving some $$. Javatinis Espresso automatically makes me think it's a coffee shop, but it's a coffee shop with delicious gelato too! Something for summer and winter haha. The staff here is fabulous, and very efficient when it's crowded early in the morning before everyone hops off to school and work. The afternoons and after the morning rush are nowhere near as bad, so if you're not a fan of crowds, steer clear if it's still the crack of dawn (*_*) I've tried several of their drinks here. Hot, cold and specialty. Gettin really crazy now, they have specialty drinks every month listed on their blackboard in cute neon writing! The Caramel Frappatini was yummy, and does not taste as bitter as the one from Starbucks(the one next door in Vons..specifically). Also their #1 seller. And they aren't skimpy on the extra caramel drizzle!! Woohoo!! The June specials include a yummy Watermelon Cucumber water that is the perfect refreshment on these hot summery SoCal days! The iced Hawaiian Mocha is tasty and I'm really bummed it's gone after June. But it's chocolate, macadamia, and coconut. And oddly enough, the last 2 totally balance each other out. The Lavender Honey Latte is so yummy and relaxing. It reminded me of my tea I drink before bed, but it was coffee. Haha. I would for sure order that again before an exam because while it doesn't make you jittery, it wakes you up, but in a pleasant way. White chocolate mocha is also really good, especially in the winter. One of the better ones I've had recently too. The Vanilla Honey Latte is their regular version of the Lavender Honey, minus the lavender flavoring. It's also one of their most popular lattes. Bonus, they do latte art here!! On top of serving coffee, they also serve GELAATTTOOOoooOoOOO. Correction, handmade gelato, even better! Including my favorite, STRACCIATELLA. Such a fun word to say, it just sounds sexy and seductive. I mean, go find an Italian man and just have him say it. You'll run to your nearest gelato shop and order a scoop or two. Plus it also has chocolate..The mango is tasty and one of my faves to get during the summer, as is the strawberry sherbert. But my favorite will always be the sexy Stracciatella(^_~) Cute, classic, fun coffee shop that's close to home and school. The baristas are awesome, and service is always quick, friendly and with a smile. I've never had a bad experience here, and I will definitely be back. It's a great place to switch between when I'm feeling like a chance from Eco Coffee down the street(^_^) if you're not feeling that usual 30 minute long wait in a Starbucks drive-thru, stop in at Javatinis. They'll treat ya right(^_~)