Java is one of those places that are literally never empty. It attracts a diverse crowd – hipsters, young families, suits, elderly couples. On sunny days people sit on the sheepskin-lined benches outside, or inside you can perch on a bar stool by the large windows. It’s a great spot for people-watching, looking out on a busy neighborhood cafe and grocery strip and across to St Hanshaugen park.
First and foremost, the coffee is excellent. Some of my favourite in Oslo. The menu board is fairly basic, but the super friendly, service-oriented baristas will make your favourite brew to order. I usually choose a V60 handbrew. There’s a selection of baked goods and snacks (oh my God, the kanelboller cinnamon scrolls), and they’re now doing weekend brunch. They also often collaborate with other local bars and foodies for special events – check their Facebook page for the latest. Java sells its own brew of cold-drip by the bottle, roasted beans and coffee-making equipment.
I also really love the feel of Java. Clean lines, very Scandinavian, attention to detail in the artwork and tiling. In fact, Java was the inspiration for a very cute project called Piip-show, where the creators modelled a bird feeder on the cafe and broadcast a live stream of the feathered and furry patrons on state channel NRK.
