Café Java

Café Java

Written by Mark Collins Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Café Java is a laid-back restaurant on Metric Boulevard that doubles as a coffee house and serves a wide array of food, most of which have a healthy twist.

It isn’t Cheers, but don’t be surprised if somebody in Café Java knows your name. The neighborhood restaurant has an at-home feel that puts customers at ease and encourages them to stay for a while. The walls are filled with art created by students from the nearby Northridge campus of Austin Community College.

Fresh coffee beans are available for purchase, and their aroma permeates the cozy eatery.

Our Caesar Salad ($2.85) arrived sprinkled with croutons and was a delicious interpretation of the classic dressing. Café Java also prepares fresh soups daily ($2.99 for a cup, $4.25 for a bowl), and always includes a vegetarian option.

When the Veggie Tacos ($6.46) were placed in front of us they looked too beautiful to eat. Sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, grilled onions and green peppers and Spanish rice were arranged on two flour tortillas. The contents were enough for another taco, but we had no problem scooping up the rest of the fresh ingredients with our spoons.

The steak sandwich ($6.99) is a six-ounce ribeye that could be eaten on its own. Pile on grilled onions, green peppers, mushrooms and Swiss-American cheese and it’s a divine sandwich you will need a knife and fork to eat.

My favorite entrée was the just-like-mom’s lasagna ($7.29), which was the lunch special and served with a choice of side and toasted bread. The resplendent portion was rich with meat and crisped amber-brown mozzarella cheese. The vegetarian lasagna ($7.29) was lightly layered with spinach and a creamy alfredo sauce.

Café Java not only serves breakfast, it is also open all day long. One popular choice is “The java”, two eggs, two strips of bacon, hash browns, toast and coffee or tea for $5.54.

Owner Matt Lacey opened the restaurant nearly 13 years ago, and now shares his time with the sister restaurant in Round Rock, which opened in 2004.

Café Java has a menu filled with sandwiches, burgers and salads that will take multiple trips to explore. Trips I won’t mind making.

Café Java does not serve French fries, but it does have a wide array of alternatives:

• Sliced tomatoes
• Chips
• Potato salad
• Pinto beans
• Refried beans
• Spanish rice
• Veggie of the day
• Cottage cheese with mandarin oranges

Mon-Fri 7a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Café Java
11900 Metric Blvd., Ste. K, Austin, TX 78757

339-7677