Two down, many more to go (I continue to add and subtract so keeping count and ensuring that count is accurate long-term is futile).

Java Shack is a spot I’ve been to a few times before. It’s a popular meet-up and post-ride stop for many cyclists in the area, but today is the first time I’ve actually ridden here. Located right between Courthouse and Clarendon on a side street diagonally off Clarendon Blvd, it’s easy to miss unless you know to look for it. You don’t want to miss it, though, as it’s a gem.

The ride: I almost didn’t visit a shop this week because it’s been so darn cold. I missed last week due to the wild weather and dealing with home repairs so I really couldn’t afford to miss this one. Following a short morning ride on the trainer, I showered up, and hopped… back on the bike. About a five mile jaunt from the house with half on the trails (W&OD to Custis) and then the other half heading through Arlington on Fairfax Dr. and Clarendon Blvd. Between the trails and bike lanes the remainder of the way, it was a pretty safe journey. I think the wind was at my back as well so it was smooth sailing all the way. I dread the ride home tonight after a club (DC Road Runners) happy hour and awards ceremony so I may hop the Metro, but I digress… It’s a very rideable location. This was also my first ride without the laptop. There’s about 1% of my work I can’t do on the iPad, but the addition of the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover has made working on remote machines even easier while also significantly cutting down on my backpack weight (losing the weight of a 13″ MacBook Pro really did make a big difference).

Parking: A single bike hoop provides parking for two bikes. Typically, riders will drink outside so they just line their steeds up along the patio fence unlocked. Car parking is street with meters. As this is a prime workday location, parking is at a premium during the day, but currently I spy a handful of spots right out front.

Food: A variety of baked goods made somewhere offsite. They also have some add-water oatmeal for purchase, bananas, and… some other stuff. They’ve got your munchies covered, but don’t really attempt to cover meals at all. They do heat frozen Jimmy Dean sausage sandwiches in a microwave (just guessing on the microwave part), but I’ve had one and can’t recommend it. The baked goods are all pretty decent. Definitely better than the garbage you’d get at Starbucks. But seriously, don’t plan on eating more than a light snack here.

Coffee: A bit bolder and dry than I prefer, but still very good. I can’t let me own taste affect their overall rating so let’s go with… THEY MAKE GOOD COFFEE HERE. The barista even asked me later in the day how it was. That’s awesome.

Seating: 16 seats at 8 tables inside, 10 seats at 5 tables outside under an awning with heat, and 8 seats at a few tables outside in the elements. Chairs are decent, but a bit uncomfortable. Tables are old… Small kitchen tables? Slightly rough on the wrists.

Power: I spy four dual-outlets on the interior and one outside under the awning. No power strips.

Decor: Cozy. No real style, but… cozy. All kinds of random stuff on the walls, old tables that appear to be laminated with goofy images from I can’t imagine where.

Restroom: A single toilet. Feels like home. Clean, fresh smelling.

Sound: Surprisingly, not too bad considering how small it is. Not too much talking as everyone here is getting their work done.

Network: As I’m no longer traveling with my laptop, I’m not able to perform the web-based and Flash-utilizing tests at Speedtest and Pingtest. Luckily, Speedtest provides an app. I think Pingtest provides better information, but the network here is good so there’s no packet-loss to worry about. Speed measurements show 12mbps down and 9mbps up. Not jaw-dropping, but certainly not dragging. This is a very good network on which to get work done.

Clientele: No common trait other than a love of coffee. Suits, hipsters, homeless, regular old folk. It’s a real mix.

Overall: A good coffee shop. Small, cute, and gets the job done. I’d love them to have more food options, but would prefer they focus on what they do best, which is make coffee. Their staff are all very friendly and they provide coffee and lemonade at the Apple Store on release days so bonus points for that. B+