Cal Java Coffee Esplanade

Favorite coffee shop in Chico! The staff is great and food and coffee is amazing!

I recently visited a small local coffee shop in my neighborhood, and it instantly became one of my favorite spots. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed by the warm aroma of freshly ground beans and a genuinely friendly staff. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between cozy and modern — soft lighting, comfortable seating, and just the right level of background music to make it ideal for both catching up with friends or getting some work done. What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail and the welcoming vibe. The baristas took the time to answer questions and even offered recommendations based on my taste preferences. It’s clear they care about quality and customer experience. If you’re looking for a relaxed place with excellent coffee and great service, this local gem is absolutely worth a visit. I’ll definitely be coming back regularly.

The staff is super friendly and welcoming, which really adds to the whole experience. You can tell they actually enjoy being there, and that energy carries throughout the shop.

I honestly feel sad doing this review, but I am also so upset about the situation and how it was handled. I have been going to this place for a few years and never had a problem. Food is great. But I have noticed the last few times that the prices for the same item that I get all the time fluctuates and last time I went, they gave me a higher price than the day before and I asked what was the reason they told me that the person that charged me the day before was new and still in Training, she said it in a very sarcastic way while she was laughing herself Along with the Other girl that charged me the day before which I didn’t see anything funny in that situation because the girl that was supposedly in Training has been there since I can remember so I know she’s not in training and the way she said it To me was very sarcastic that confirmed to me that she was not in training so they proceed to charge me a higher price without apologizing for their mistake even if the higher prize was the correct one instead they proceeded to laugh about it, and it felt like they were mocking the the situation. It was very upsetting to be treated like that in a place that you like to go so often.

Food is good, decent size meals. Coffee ☕️ is good but the ice blended mocha is not that good, something is missing, not creamy nor sweet, kinda tasteless. Friendly baristas and great atmosphere.