Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Angie Rosillo Large murals cover both the interior and exterior wall's of the Java Lounge. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Angie Rosillo Customers can enjoy a laid-back setting. [Click to enlarge]

Java Lounge definitely lives up to the "lounge" part of its name. There's a huge, orange couch and several red chairs-all from Ikea-where customers can lounge away. There are also chairs and tables outside where customers can drink coffee and watch traffic go by-or get a good view of Washington Mutual across the street.

The outside walls of Java Lounge are painted with colorful, creepy, yet interesting artwork that spreads to the inside of the coffee shop. One wall is dedicated to the artwork pieces of local artists, which are for sale. The art, however, is not very affordable with prices ranging into the few hundred dollars.

What is affordable for students at Java Lounge is the coffee and sandwiches. The most expensive coffee drink is $3, while the most expensive item on the menu is a turkey sandwich for $6.50. The sandwiches consist of organic vegetables, Tillamook cheddar cheese, roll, mayonnaise and mustard with or without turkey.

The atmosphere is very laid back. It looks a little worn down, but comfy nonetheless. Java Lounge was voted "best all ages venue" last year in Sacramento News and Review.

Java Lounge offers entertainment almost every night. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the public can go listen to live music for $5 starting at 8 p.m. On Sundays, it's "Kids Time." Kids can go to the lounge for free from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. where they can watch movies, play games or have storytelling time. On the 18th, Java Lounge is having "Wii Night" starting at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome to the events.

"We try to keep things happening otherwise it gets boring," employee Sophia Linares said.

Compared to Starbucks and Java City, Java Lounge's coffee menu is pretty much the same. They have a variety of hot, iced and blended coffee that range from mocha to a cappuccino latte. However, the tastes differ.

Java Lounge's caramel cappuccino just didn't quite live up to Starbucks'. It just didn't have the same sweetness or consistency; so if you have a sweet tooth, Java Lounge might not be the best place to get your coffee. On the bright side, they have muffins and bagels to snack on.

If you do find yourself at Java Lounge, make sure you bring cash just in case there is a sudden urge for caffeine. Java Lounge accepts only cash so all of those who only carry a card, remember to carry at least $3 in your wallet.

Overall, Java Lounge is a great place to hang out with your friends. It might not have the best coffee but it does have interesting art and entertainment. It is a place college students will enjoy-especially when live music is playing. Finding parking might be difficult though because Java Lounge doesn't really have a parking lot. In spite of this, Linares said customers are allowed to park across the street in the Washington Mutual lot without getting towed.

Typhani Yang can be reached at tyang@statehornet.com

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