“Really enjoying going to this local coffee shop in Alameda. The staff are the main factor as to why I choose Highwire Coffee. They are super friendly and welcoming. The only down side is I tend to always show up for a bag of coffee when they are out. I personally prefer light roast coffee which they have and recently learned that they get their shipment of coffee bags on Tuesday around 1pm (fyi). Can’t say anything about their espresso drink as I have yet to order one but worth stopping by and trying and experiencing such friendly coffee staff.“
“There was a small wait to get in but it was worth it. The food was great, the coffee was awesome and everyone was friendly. Definitely glad we stopped in and would come back if we're ever in the area again. Very much you're all-American-classic-diner.“
“Went to Firebrand Artisan Breads's Alameda location recently, which is always a great excuse to eat more pastries! ? Seating inside is kind of awkward, as it's positioned around the ordering line, but there's also an outside patio. Be sure to bring a sweater, though, because you never know how much of a breeze is going to kick up on that end of Alameda.My friend went for the BLT, made on Firebrand bread, of course! I opted for the spicy chicken sandwich, and it was fantastic! So flavorful without going over my spice limit. The dressing for the side salads was quite nice as well, though I do prefer when a salad is more than just lettuce.Of course, there's also those pretty pastries! I split them with Ben later on. My favorite was probably the espresso buckwheat chocolate chip cookie, which had the right amount of bitterness for me to combine with the sweet.The matcha croissant was filled to the brim inside with a very creamy matcha sauce. Quite tasty! But you do lose the bread in the midst of that cream. The hazelnut chocolate kouign amann hit the spot, and its filling was also creamier than I expected.I'm glad Firebrand could expand to Alameda!“
“I've been coming here for years !! It's a good comfort spot for a simple but delish breakfast . I'm really just obsessed with their waffles . Service is always quick . Sometimes on a busy day there will be a wait for lunch rush. Everyone is so friendly“
“Old school liquor store mart and deli vibes. Some nice table and chairs in the front. I got the heated sandwich that has hot pastrami and Turkey. This sandwich was beyond what I was expecting. Melty, spicy, mushrooms and peppers…so good. Got it with a toasted sourdough bun. For a little under $10 you can’t find anything like this anymore. Will be back!“
“Blue Dot is amazing. Gotta try their Artemis salad…named after Team Artemis when the World Cup was here in Alameda. Their coffees are great, as are their scones (love the almond ones but they’re all good) Support a local small business.Parking: Street parking but usually plenty“
“Wonderful service, super tasty food and coffee. Glad we asked about the Spaniard, was a super creamy nice change to try! Loved the longanisa lumpia and chorizo tots shared plates. Silog and loco moco entrees were sizeable and made for great leftover eats later!“
“Stopped here for a coffee and a restroom stop. The mocha we ordered was delicious- just the right mix of strong and slightly sweet. The bathroom was very clean, too. The person at the counter was very friendly. They were just closing up but did not rush us at all. In fact, they urged us to check out the back patio (which was sunny and pleasant, with music and a fountain). We will definitely come back for the food and maybe a glass of wine.“
“This is a very cute and loved (family owned?) Cafe. They have good coffee, and probably 15 kinds of homemade Turkish delights. Absolutely worth a try, as well as their other sweets.This place really feels well loved by the owners, and the care they took to decorate it and create an ambiance is really impressive (even if Pink is not your color).Pro tip: ask them to make you a Rose Matcha Latte. It's not officially on the menu but delicious“
“I don't drink much coffee these days. Mostly matcha. They source from Asha. Their coffee is very good, and with the gloomy weather, I've opted for it more often than not. They collaborate with local chefs for specials. The raspberry white chocolate mocha was my favorite limited edition drink.“
“I've only been there hella early in the a.m.; it's been tight every time. I bought some of their grounds, hella good. Their donuts smack. There's a skeleton that waves at you above the entrance, he's my homie. Ha.Parking: Street parking and residential parking near. Again, I've only been at the top of the morn so there's parking when I've visited.Kid-friendliness: He?? yeah.Wheelchair accessibility: Ngl I'll update this portion but if I remember correctly there's a ramp to the left of the building that can be used.“
“I am going to be generous and give it a five, the coffee I do like quite a lot here. There's a place not too far across the way for coffee as well but this place has it going in terms of atmosphere for sure. I very much enjoy the fact there's live DJs or music in general, while still a laid back and nice place to get from and go. I go every time I have morning shifts and it hasn't let me down since I started visiting. While I haven't explored it myself, I'm aware this also does wines in the evening.“
“Found a new favorite cafe in town! Lovely interior and very friendly owner and staff. I've been going almost every day for the past two weeks for their Persian Rose Tea and am just starting to try out their baked goods. Cardamom and saffron cookie goes really well with the tea!“
“MAN, OMG! This is our NEW order-from/hangout place. NOT ONLY is the owner VERY FRIENDLY, KIND & HELPFUL but the FOOD is EXCELLENT (KUDOS to the Kitchen Chef whom customers often NEGLECT/FORGET about congratulating/commending in PERSON!). VERY VERY EXCELLENT (TOP NOTCH!) tuna sandwich! This place KNOWS what they're doing!!! And, NOT too many places know HOW to make a GREAT-TASTING tuna salad! Many either put TOO much mayonnaise or make it TOO dry. Places also tend sometimes to use brand/suppliers of tuna which tastes TOO FISHY!!! However, NOT SO AT ALL here, at Jebena Cafe! Their (female) cook makes a REAL "BOMB" (THE Bomb!) of a tuna sandwiches we've tasted in a LONG time (&, TRUST us! We've tasted tuna sandwiches in MANY-a-PLACES before!). This place makes one of the BEST ! NOT too salty; NOT too creamy; BOT too dry! JUST well-balanced good-fish taste with very FRESH & CRUNCHY lettuce & JUST RIGHT, well-toasted slices of bread!!! This sandwich ALWAYS gets even a HIGHER-MARKUP/"upgrade" when you ADD their SLICED HARD-BOILED egg to it!!! Their avocado toast is ALSO WONDERFUL-highly recommended (we always order BOTH the TUNA but ALSO, the AVOCADO toast & combine them, eating one half of each then, are left with the 2 other halves to go/for later (except that one must remember that avocado tends to darken if/when not eaten fresh)!!! Finally, their MOCHA & LATTE are great!!!“
“Very impressed with their tiny breakfast burrito - had the chorizo and veggie versions on a recent visit. Couldn't taste as much of the chorizo as other places, so maybe they could add a little more for a better flavor kick? Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and WOC-owned...look forward to trying more of their menu. Support this small business if you're in the neighborhood!“
“This place probably bakes one of the best versions of practically all your favorite desserts: Mexican wedding cookies, old-school Italian butter cookie assortments that the now-defunct Virginia Bakery in Berkeley used to sell, classic eclairs, strawberry shortcake, tiramisu, Opera cake, Napoleons, croissants, the list is seemingly endless. Very cute space that also sells coffee, and sidewalk seating, too.“
“Found this brand new little gem Cafe Cordoba in Oakland today. I'm a lifelong restaurant owner which makes it hard to please me. This place is amazing. Family owned and operated. I had the big tacos with carne asada. They were absolutely sell. I'll be back time and time again. We need more small business owners like this one. Bravo!“
“I was killing time in the neighborhood, so decided to try Jerusalem coffee. I ordered a orange blossom latte. I really like it. I had to go with whole milk, but the flavor was very good. Could definitely taste the orange blossom. Unfortunately, they don't have decaf so I had to take a chance. he did offer me a single shot, I like my coffee strong. The service was good. The ambience is casual.“
“Romo Cafe is a bright shiny star in our Fairfax neighborhood. Mexican coffee is delicious and pairs well with oatmeal cookies. They have an excellent and diverse menu serving breakfast items like their Chia bowl and great lunch selections of salads and sandwiches.Parking: Usually parking within a blockKid-friendliness: Very kid-friendlyWheelchair accessibility: Downstairs is wheelchair accessible.“
“This is a germ hidden in the hood ;) food is yummy and nice presentation even with take-out order. Parking is easy there. They even have an area for local artist to leave their item to sell. It's a self-service cafe. Simple and open environment , good for meet up and work remotely.“
“Me and Jungle Cafe is one of the hidden treasures of this part of Oakland. The ambiance indoors is very cozy and cute and wonderfully decorated, and outdoors there is a fantastic back patio with wonderful plants and even a little greenhouse you can eat in. Food offerings include high quality cafe fare, some select brunch dishes like the excellent smoked salmon avocado toast, and also their signature rice wraps- like a fresh Vietnamese spring roll overstuffed with greens and different ingredients. All in all a great place.“
“This wonderful place is my other office. It's cute and cozy, has strong wifi, the staff is super friendly, and the food is delicious. It's not cheap, but they use lots of fresh, healthy ingredients and it's beautifully presented. I've recently had the winter lentil salad, the French grilled cheese, and the tomato bisque. Yum.“
“I absolutely love this place and their ice cream! I was looking for some koolfi in the Bay and stumbled across Koolfi Creamery, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Their Bombay Butterscotch flavor is my favorite, but every flavor I’ve tried has been amazing. Highly recommended.“
“Best chai in the area, delicious well seasoned food and the nicest people. The owners are really sweet and nice to talk too, you can tell they put their heart into it. The outdoor patio is cute and comfortable. This place is the best. You gotta to try it! Much love ?❣️Vegetarian options: Good dishes that are traditionally vegetarian so they taste rightDietary restrictions: lots of vegetarian and vegan options, non-dairy lactose free drinks, caffeine free drinksParking: easy parkingKid-friendliness: always see kids at this placeWheelchair accessibility: curb cut and single story, lots of space to move around“
“Not only does the owner, Jerry, make a mean sandwich, but he's also incredibly kind & generous. He makes his customers immediately feel part of the warm community he's created. The physical cafe isn't particularly cozy, but Jerry & his friendly staff are all the ambience you need!Vegetarian options: Veggie panini is DELICIOUS! Even my meat-adoring husband wanted my sandwich.Parking: Although it's a very busy area, I found metered parking a few feet from the door both times I visited.“
“Wow this place is insanely good I actually feel compelled to leave a review. The roti is perfectly and flavorful, the dipping sauces and root curry was spiced just right and flavor level. The service was fantastic, above and beyond for casual dining. Nothing was too oily for my liking. The music and ambiance was super chill. Definitely a hidden gem not to be missed.“
“A little on the pricey side but a great treat. I placed an order for a whole quiche. It was a great. Picking up my order took a long time. There were 3 people ahead of me and it literally took close to 5 minutes per person. I wish there was a separate line to pick up an order or that there was more staffing to help customers faster. It was worth the wait though.“
“If you are going to LabCorp on Solano and you have to fast, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND stopping into this place to get a breakfast sammy after your blood draw is over. Friendly service, no wait, and a tasty egg sandwich at a reasonable price. I've been shopping and dining on Solano since I was a teenager and I had never clocked this place, but I am so glad I did. Just me, a quiet magazine, breakfast, and glad to be done with my blood draw. The perfect combo. Thanks for the great sandwich!“
“Like many place in this part of the strip - a totally understated gem. The coffee was excellent, the staff friendly, super clean place where it’s pleasant to sit.I just wish the advertising was more prominent. It took me too long to find.Wheelchair accessibility: Yes - elevator behind their second door“
“Got their coffee for the first time as my husband and I were headed out for a roadtrip through the Sierra Nevadas. It was the perfect start to the trip. The latte and pastry I got were delicious and even my husband who isnt much into breakfast and nearly never gets coffee enjoyed his order! Friendly stuff and inviting interior. Worth a drive over the Bay bridge if youre in SF!“
“My first Kava experience didn’t disappoint! Upon learning this was my first time trying Kava, the barista offered us a ceremony to try it first and explained the origin and types of Kava to me.Tried the Colada and warm special Kava. Def a fun experience that’s quintessential Berkeley / Oakland. Check them out if you are in the area.“
“I was getting over a cold and needed some chicken soup. This hit the spot 10000%. Their ginger scallion sauce is amazing. I prefer to get the boneless chicken and the regular size is plenty for a typical appetite. Cash only! Street parking can be a little tricky at times, but I've always found a spot within 5-10 min.“
“Went here for the first time this morning after a friend raved about the place. I ordered the turkey sausage breakfast sandwich. The service was friendly and everyone was really nice. The environment was clean and welcoming. They have free Wi-Fi. My sandwich was brought out within about 5 minutes. It was hot and fresh and everything was good. My only issue is that they make the egg in the microwave. I could tell from the texture and steaminess of it that it was microwaved, probably in a plastic container. I asked the employee if a microwave was used for any part of the cooking and he confirmed they cook the egg in the microwave. When I go to a cafe, I don't want my food microwaved. If I had known they would microwave, I would have asked if they can make my eggs on the grill instead of the microwave. I might try that next time and see if they will accommodate, because I avoid the microwave.“
“Our neighborhood finally has a new gem of a restaurant! Everything about this spot is wonderful. The attention to detail in the decor (cozy fireplace, exposed brick, distressed woodwork, leaf-shaped cushions, gold silverware, plants galore) is transportive. The food is ravishingly fresh and thoughtfully prepared. On two different visits, we shared Market Salads, Chia Bowls, Yogurt Bowls, and Lava Eggs. Tanzie, the owner, is delightful, and you can tell she has a hand in every dish. My 8-year-old, who is a very picky eater, loved the yogurt bowl, eggs, and especially the Thai Beignets! Finally, a brunch I can look forward to, a few steps from my house...“
“Good atmosphere and good chicken pesto panini. If they had blended coffee drinks with a silent blender, it would be much better. But still worth itParking: Not a lot of parking options. The city will soon remove most nearby parking in the area so they can put up some cement dividers. Soon you will only be able to walk/bike there.Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, accessible.“
“I attended a celebration for the volunteers at the “white elephant sale”.Champagne and small bites were carefully displayed. I want to experience more. Atmosphere and food delights.Vegetarian options: Salads, sandwiches, desertsDietary restrictions: Vegetarian, fish, deserts were to die for. Plenty of helpful and polite service. Layout was spaced comfortably and lines went fast.Wheelchair accessibility: Lots of beautiful garden space and options for seating at different levels“
“Lovely little cafe! Definitely one of my favorites in the bay area currently. Atmosphere and customer service is very welcoming and relaxing. The orange blossom latte was very delicious and unique. The apple turnover was also very tasty and flaky. I wish I had taken photos, but I got too excited and ate/drank everything before I thought about it. I have no complaints!“
“We went here for brunch. Good, unique food! Service was good, staff was very nice, consistent with a chill Berkeley vibe. I tried the southern style breakfast, which was a nice healthier take on southern classics. Good flavor. The baked egg was perfect, and in a cute shape. Loved the greens and the yam, and the black-eyed peas were lovely. The cornbread could've been a bit more moist I thought, but overall enjoyed it!“
“Don't let the lack of a vibey vibe deter you from the tasty quick and no-nonsense items they dish up. I had the Thai Salad Wrap and it was super nice and tasty, simple and fresh. The peanut sauce was just as they describe it on their menu . . . I'll butcher it but something like, "really good peanut sauce." And indeed it was. It was light and punchy and I hope that's how it is all the time.Also, it was great service. She helped me decide between a Turkey Pesto Panini and the wrap. I appreciate that in the age of poor service/post-covid era.“
“Exceptional coffee and outstanding customer service at Cole Coffee Cafe! The staff is always friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their brews. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll feel welcomed and well taken care of. Highly recommend stopping by for your caffeine fix!"“
“I love the ambiance of the cafe shop. I ordered white mocha and almond crois, white mocha was extremely sweet. I would mention about service that, I waited a little long and then they realized me. They can be more aware of their service, and putting a little smile on their face would be amazing.“
“The menu is healthy and absolutely delish. Every time I go in I feel like I get a home cooked meal that hits the spot. The staff is very kind which adds to the overall great experience. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Highly recommend“
“Possibly my favorite cafe in Oakland, good enough to be worth walking ~20 minutes from the lake to visit weekly.Can recommend the great ($4.00) cold brew, empanadas (solid vegetarian food options available), as well as the Original Pattern Brewing taps they have. Cold brew, tastey bites, and beer in a quiet residential neighborhood? That hits all the marks.The building is quite adorable with a small, hip interior and a SPACIOUS, dog-friendly outdoor seating area with shade and privacy from the street. Don't be put-off by its relative proximity to East Oakland -- this is a safe location if that is a concern.You may not have many reasons to be in the area, but if you're trying to check out the locals-only cafe scene in Oakland, this place is perfect.I've probably come here 20 times and every staff member has been incredibly kind, as well.“
“Small dining area, but with good energy and a big menu. We got the loaded potatoes and the veggie wrap. The veggie wrap was well seasoned and very filling. The potatoes were cooked well and the salsa was delicious. Generous portions. The cashier was busy but service still came with a smile. You could tell they are involved in their community as many locals came in while we were dining.“
“Oh wow, I'm so glad I found this place! I visit Berkley often for work and to visit my son who's a student. This is hands-down the best breakfast option around. The oatmeal bowls are absolutely delicious, as are the smoothies. Everything is high-quality and fresh. I ordered ahead for pickup and it was ready when I arrived the shop is really cute and the staff was fast and friendly. I'm getting ready to order again today before flying home and I will definitely be back anytime I'm in town.Dietary restrictions: Great place for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free folks. But anyone will find their food delicious.“
“Filling, and yummy, late night Middle Eastern option in Oakland.Falafel, a slightly fluffy blend of legume, herbed and deep fried.An Egyptian treat, Koshiary is a comfort food bomb — macaroni pasta in tomato lentil sauce made deeply flavorful from fried onions.“
“This cafe is a great place to study because of its wonderful atmosphere. Drinks are also pretty good, as are pastries.However, what truly makes Cafe 1951 stand out is its incredible employees! They are extremely kind and friendly, making this a great cafe experience. Service is also quick.“
“This was our first time using Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery for an event. They exceeded our expectations for our recent catering order for approximately 40 people. Timely delivery was complemented by a delightful culinary journey that left all attendees thoroughly pleased and impressed.The vegetarian and chicken sandwiches were undoubtedly the stars of the show. Both options were prepared with care and attention to detail, resulting in flavors that were not only delicious but also memorable. The vegetarian sandwiches showcased a vibrant array of fresh vegetables and flavorful spreads, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Meanwhile, the chicken sandwiches were tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, earning rave reviews from everyone who indulged in them.Special appreciation goes to Kat, whose prompt responses and assurance alleviated any apprehensions as first-time patrons.Overall, I highly recommend Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery for any catering needs. Their delicious food, impeccable presentation, and exceptional service make them a standout choice for any occasion. We were thoroughly impressed and look forward to the opportunity to enjoy their culinary delights again in the future.“
“It's a little shed in a parking lot with seating nearby. I can't get over the horchata latte, treat yourself. The baked goods from Acme are exceptional as expected. Can't believe I didn't know this place before. For a drive-up, we didn't feel rushed.“
“I am so grateful for the food and love that I am experiencing today.Vegetarian options: I saw others order some amazing things, and the coffee and scones were great, fresh, and delicious ( not bland and hard).Kid-friendliness: There is outdoor seating that overlook the boats and the view is soothing ? ✨️“