Great little family run place. Woman who owns it is super nice and just feels good to be supporting a truly local bizz. Kids pop in after school. Just a cool little comfy place. The world needs more of them.
Guy H.
Place rating: 5 Mystic, CT
Amazing raspberry tarts. Very good coffee and friendly personal service. What more do you need?
Meg M.
Place rating: 5 Davenport, FL
This place is perfect! The coffee is wonderful the atmosphere is cozy. I want to have everything in the sweets case and it’s all homemade. If I need coffee within a 10 mile radius this is the place in going!
Kt B.
Place rating: 5 Paxton, MA
Holy morning glory muffin! I stumbled into Sweets & Java this morning looking for caffeine and baked goods to share — what I encountered was so fantastic that I was inspired to write this review. I was at once greeted by the new proprietor, Kathy, who made me feel like I had just walked into her kitchen. Reminiscent of so many trendy coffee shops in Newport, Sweets & Java has the cozy ambiance you are looking for when you want a cappuccino and a muffin or a steaming bowl of soup and sandwich with your afternoon tea. Comfy chairs and red walls invite you to linger. But the best part about Sweets & Java, among its many diverse and gluten-free offerings, is quite simply the best muffin I have eaten in a good 40 years. The morning glory muffins may be good for you but they are bursting with raisins, coconut, carrots, and walnuts; the muffin is so moist and flavorful… nothing like the plastic hockey pucks they sell at those imitation bakeries. If you’re looking for a delicious treat, rich aromatic coffee, or a soothing afternoon rooibos… Sweets & Java will not disappoint.
Erin D.
Place rating: 4 Worcester, MA
Came back here recently and noticed some positive changes– perhaps new ownership? The service was much more friendly and the atmosphere was a bit more inviting. Glad to see improvements being made!
Bob R.
Place rating: 4 Worcester, MA
I have been a couple of times in 2016 — both in the morning and afternoon — and have had great experiences each time. I hadn’t tried any of the drinks other than coffee(my drink of choice) so can’t attest to their other drinks offerings, but have had breakfast and lunch sandwiches as well as cookies and found all of their food top notch. Have to say also that I am impressed by the variety of offerings for such a small shop, and loved the recent addition of artwork by local artists. In talking with the owner she just took over, so this does seem like a place that has gone through a few owners over the years — but it also means that if you came in years ago and had a bad experience my advice is to come give them another try.
Loretta L.
Place rating: 3 Worcester, MA
Comfortable, clean, nice place for a coffee. That said, I found the café latte mediocre. The latte was so hot it burned my mouth. The server was very nice and offered to make me a new one, which was slightly less hot, though it burned the roof of my mouth too. I tried a scone and it was okay, not great. A fine place to stop if you want a café in the area.
William F.
Place rating: 2 Worcester, MA
Kind of expensive for bad cappuccinos and mediocre baked goods. I guess there’s not much competition in Holden.
Max H.
Place rating: 5 Worcester, MA
Great coffee and the most delicious nutritious and fabulous muffins were served to us by the most kind and interesting woman. The cozy shop and the friendly atmosphere kept us there for hours — I look forward to spending some more there!
Roland H.
Place rating: 5 Worcester, MA
I’m not sure what I’ve missed based on the review I’ve read. I’ve been going to Sweets & Java since 2012. Since then the ownership has changed but as far as the friendliness of the staff in my mind its been great all along. The coffee is always delicious. I don’t buy sweets there that often but when I do they taste great. The new owners have added a lot of food options. Plus soups and chili and other easy lunch choices. The manager there is a young woman named Rila who has a friendly welcome for every person that has come in in the times I’ve been there. The only negative I can see is that I do agree the FROYO machine is loud. It does throw the vibe of the place off when it kicks on and off. The new people also do a lot of community outreach by way of local non-profits which I have a huge soft spot for. Good coffee, friendly people, I would bring anyone there anytime!
Shaun G.
Place rating: 2 Holden, MA
I had high hopes for this place after moving to Holden last year and passing it a few times. After trying it today for the first time I was extremely disappointed. The gal making our coffees was less than cordial, almost annoyed by our presence in the shop. We only ordered two beverages and were the only customers in there and she acted like she was overwhelmed and annoyed. The coffee was average and the Sweets… at Sweets and Java!!! About 6 non sweet scones in a display case. Needless to say we ate at the Bagel Inn instead.
Alyssa M.
Place rating: 3 Holden, MA
Sweets, my love, what happened? I’ve been coming here for years, memories abound… and I used to think change was good. It’s good to see them attempting to try new things by hopping on the froyo fad, but it is now impossible to sit and enjoy yourself with the loud whirring of those infernal machines. The other week I waited 25 minutes for the new manager to make drinks for two people ahead of me before giving up and leaving for work. For all this, thank goodness the quality of the drinks and baked goods haven’t changed, but now that they’ve got a «juice» bar coming I fear the menu is becoming too overwhelming. Sometimes simple is best. Stars given for the fact that I’ll still drop in for my delicious chai and occasional baked good(try the cinnamon twists!) but I’ll sadly be taking it to go.
Jen P.
Place rating: 5 Holden, MA
Love this place! They now have extended summer hours and frozen yogurt! Best place for coffee.