Java House to Reopen as New Pizza-Coffee Hub in Southie

If you've missed the Java House in South Boston, the beloved coffeehouse is preparing to stage a comeback.

What Now Boston reported that Java House in South Boston is reopening as Java House Pizza, a dual concept blending pizza and coffee with a full kitchen connected to the nearby Southie Bowl bowling alley.

Owner John Tunney told What Now Boston that "we're taking what used to be an old coffeehouse and turning it into a fully functioning commercial kitchen that will do takeout and feed the bowling alley."

According to Tunney, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked the idea for a coffeehouse-pizza combination after liquor-license food-service rules at the bowling alley underscored the need for a proper kitchen to meet demand for pizza and other items.

Over the past few years, Tunney said he built out a new kitchen space and cut a connecting doorway between the two spaces. 

Java House Pizza will operate from the former Java House storefront, offering family-friendly favorites like pizza, chicken fingers, and fries. According to Tunney, the new arrangement will also allow the team to cater birthday parties, large gatherings, and events without using outside vendors.

Java House Pizza is expected to open over the coming weeks, pending construction and permitting approval. “We're pretty far along in the process, but there are always a couple more boxes to check,” Tunney further explained. Given that bowling season is at its peak, he hopes to release a pared-down menu soon, then grow the service as activity from the bowling alley slows down once spring begins.