"Recently, I was craving a cappuccino, only to find out that McDonald's no longer serves nonfat milk. So, I decided to check out a couple of familiar coffee shops. The first stop was a bust; the drive-through line was incredibly long, far surpassing even Starbucks' notorious waits. I moved on to the second option, but I couldn't navigate the heavy traffic to reach it.
Ultimately, I found myself at East Side Java, the last drive-through before I got home. I recalled enjoying a decent Americano there a few months prior and, thankfully, there was only one car ahead of me this time. But as it turned out, the car in front was ordering four large drinks along with a handful of snacks. Clearly, East Side Java was popular!
When it was finally my turn, I ordered two 12oz nonfat cappuccinos. While I waited, I noticed that other cars were starting to pile up behind me, and I realized there were two drive-through lanes—I could have used the other one! Even though there was only one barista on duty, she remained calm and friendly, with a good sense of humor, which made the wait feel shorter. Within minutes, I was back on my way home, and I must say, our cappuccinos were fantastic. They were smooth with no bitter aftertaste, perfectly balanced and not overly acidic. Usually, the two shots in a drink like this might overpower the flavor for me, but not this time! At $3.50 each, the price felt reasonable. I look forward to trying another coffee at a different shop soon, but I definitely plan to support this small business again!
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**Afternoon Visit to Eastside Java**
Today, I decided to stop by Eastside Java once more. This isn't my first visit—though I didn't make a purchase during my last trip when I was hoping for a green tea frappuccino. Today, I opted for an 8oz Americano. It had been a while since I last had one, so I wasn't sure if $1.50 was a fair price for that size.
The Americano was quite tasty; I appreciated that the espresso wasn't so strong or acidic that I'd feel compelled to dilute it with more water. It had just the right strength to be enjoyable. I also noticed that there was no unpleasant aftertaste, which I've unfortunately encountered with some espressos in the past—this is very important to me!
The barista was friendly and engaging, even offering to double cup my drink since it was quite warm—a thoughtful gesture. I also like that they source their coffee beans from within Washington State. Their cups showcase the logo of Dillanos Coffee Roasters, located in Sumner, WA.
Depending on where you're coming from, the location might be convenient or not. Eastside Java is conveniently situated between a Chevron and Jack in the Box off Riddell and Wheaton Way, at 4325 Wheaton Way in Bremerton, WA. If you haven't tried Eastside Java yet, now is a great time to stop by, or you can order through Grubhub for delivery. Supporting small, local businesses is vital as they contribute to local jobs and the community. So go ahead, indulge in local flavors—stay healthy and happy!"
