Reviews & Comments for Orchard Valley Coffee

The coffee's usually above average to very good with occasional incidents of being just average. Ironically, for a coffee house, the coffee is almost considered icing on the cake. OVC is a place for people. People gather here, people come here to play chess, people just come in for a drink, people study here, people people watch here. Any respectable Campbellite has been through here before at least once.

With it's open space, large windows, and location on the central corner of Downtown Campbell, OVC became my favorite coffeeshop the first time I discovered it one summer while back home FROM college in Boston. That was almost ten years ago. I've spent a lot of time here and have a lot of work, reading, writing, and friendships to SHOW for it.

Believe it or not, this coffeeshop was a huge reason why I decided to move here around seven years ago. It's sunny and lazy in the afternoon the way a coffee shop should be like and well lit enough in the evenings to enjoy a cup of coffee while cracking open a book after dinner. The simple things in life can be so good sometimes.

Maybe this is biting the hand that feeds me, since I am often found there long after my double-espresso has been consumed. Orchard Valley is where I hang out at least 2 mornings a week, so I feel qualified to comment.

The quality of the espresso is lackluster, and the baked goods are about the same. I often need to wear headphones to sheild myself from the icky smooth jazz warbling from the satellite music channel. (Kenny G Christmas music as we speak... Gaaaghh!)

That being said, it's comfortable place to sit, and they provide an invaluable social center for the neighborhood, and I of course love the free wireless internet access - I just wish it was a bit better executed, warmer and more personal.

--------- UPDATE! ------------

With the new ownership, the place appears much cleaner and the service is far better than before. Ordering espresso is still risky business, but the Americano blend of drip coffee is quite good.

Occasionally someone mercifully changes the music channel to something less annoying, but smooth Jazz is still a bad force to be reckoned with.

.75 cents for a package of cream cheese is still highway robbery.

The improvements have brought me back from my self imposed exile to Starbucks.

This place serves a great cup of coffee at an affordable price with a great mix of people and atmosphere especially early Sunday morning with the Farmers Market on the avenue.