Java Time (Java Time, used to be Coffee Time and Y Cafe) started as a small coffee shop by the owners of Softland computer hardware store. This is supposed to be their homepage but there’s nothing.
It used to be a decent coffee shop but lately they opened a branch in every street, the coffee quality changed dramatically and bad seating.
Black drip coffee taste old, espresso feels burnt, their “popular” drinks are just covered in sugar and sweeteners so nothing to taste. Apparently you need to get used to it to like their coffee, no thanks.
The seating in every branch is extremely congested, there is no open space and if the branch is full then prepare for the bad smells. Most coffee shops keep an open breathing space between seating areas to make it a comfortable place. Don’t bother conversations with your friends because everyone is talking, it’s louder than a noisy classroom. Did I mention the smell? At least they don’t allow smoking.
Internet: their Internet policies changed so much: pay 10SR for 1 hour or 50MB bandwidth, free for 20 minutes using a card that you ask for each time and apparently they made a deal with STC to provide free Internet. Please note that it’s an open access point so take caution.
Gowalla locations in Riyadh: King Abdulaziz rd, not sure, heh, Tahliah rd, Mecca rd, Takhassusi st and King Abdullah rd.
In the end, it’s definitely not a recommended place by me. Unless you want to order a french latte (loaded with sweeteners) and other similar drinks. If you want real black coffee or espresso that’s good then you are at the wrong place. It’s a shame really since it’s one of the 2 local coffee shop brands (the other is Dr Cafe) and both offer horrible coffee.
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“and both offer horrible coffee”. I agree .
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Oh, I meeting a friend tomorrow afternoon at one of their branches.. I hope we don’t experience the smell.. Blaaa..
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Khaled A. Reply:
December 31st, 2009 at 8:18 pm
If it’s a full branch then run away
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It’s pretty bad. I like Starbucks, but the service is pretty bad. Caribou coffee is excellent as well.
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Yes, I prefer Caribou as well, too bad they only have one branch in Riyadh
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Yes, I prefer Caribou as well, too bad they only have one branch in Riyadh
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FaisalAjam Reply:
January 9th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
And It’s right next to the freeway.
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I am a confirmed coffee Lover and agree with the point that Java Time dont have the exact coffee taste, but against the point that dr.CAFE has the burnt taste…
The black and Espresso coffee is fantastic in dr.CAFE
I Salutes to dr.CAFE!!
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I go there daily – in the morning –
it’s not bad to sit , the tables are suitable for reading & writing .
in the morning .. no noise , no bad smell
recently , they made the internet access free .
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Khaled A. Reply:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
in the morning it’s probably better
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are you all guys paid to hurt a reputation of someone? Your comments were biased….I totally experience the other way around. Get real! be fair!
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Khaled A. Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
yes, each one of us own a competing coffee shop. that’s why we are biased ….
seriously?!
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