There is really no single accurate term to describe the typical patronage of the Java Beach Café. On one occasion, I found myself drawn into a whimsical discussion about extraterrestrials with a couple of Russian tourists, and on another particularly memorable visit, I made a flagrant idiot of myself in front of a flock of models. It seems that all sorts of folks are drawn to the place, giving it a distinctly unique feel every time one walks in the door. Nevertheless, it’s a feeling which is tempered by a sense of welcome familiarity and – at least in my case – mild curiosity about some of the fellow customers. There is a strong sense of community about the place, largely perpetrated by the bulletin board, advertising amongst other strange things their weekly free music shows and a “Dog Wash” fundraiser which sounds to me like a bad idea waiting to happen.

Were I the sort of person to use celestial objects as a rating system, I’d have to give the Java Beach Café four out of five bright twinkly things. The food is good, the prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly, and there is something on the menu for almost every taste. While the shop is admittedly somewhat small, it is well-run and possessing of an enjoyable atmosphere. Also, it is located in a perfect place for any activity that might bring you to the area. I would personally recommend it as a stopover point during an outing to the beach, or perhaps even as a destination of its own for a day with your friends, your significant other, or your family.

Just make sure you don’t go with MY family, since they’ll undoubtedly start singing that stupid song…

After walking beneath a surfboard with neon lettering, patrons of the café are greeted by a sight of two large menus, each of them offering a wide variety of edible items… Although, honestly, I have to admit that some of the selections sound a bit strange to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never had a meal there that I didn’t enjoy, but I also didn’t go about ordering the “Peasant Pie,” for example, as I was rather convinced that it wasn’t made from real peasants. Some of the food – particularly if it’s a cooked dish – does take a little while to arrive, but once it does, it is far better than one would expect to find at any other coffee shop: Their sandwiches, particularly, are well-made and well-priced, although it should be noted that the words “No mustard, please” are apparently alien to the staff.

Even before ordering, customers can be assured of feeling right at home. The atmosphere is both friendly and refreshing, despite the fact that the actual space is somewhat small. Still, if eating in close proximity to other humans isn’t appealing to you, the café has both indoor and outdoor seating in addition to the tables and couches that line the walls. There is also a short bar in the back corner of the shop, offering a modest selection of beer and wine, but it – the bar, not the booze – seems to be used mainly by folks hoping to take advantage of the café’s wireless internet service.