After reading an abundance of favorable Yelp reviews, I had the opportunity in checking out "Mountain Grounds". Located in the city of Martinez, this small family-owned and operated business has been in operation dating back to 2013. Situated only a 1/2 mile north of Highway 4 (on Alhambra Ave. and J St.), this place offers a nice selection of coffees, teas, Italian sodas, pastries, and even breakfast sandwiches. During my visit which was on Saturday, 4/20/2024, I had the chance of meeting the owner, John who prepared my drink. Keep in mind that this place is tiny with no indoor seating and no restrooms. However, they do have a decent outdoor patio area (weather permitting). Otherwise, the orders are strictly to-go. I will say this and that is they have very respectable business hours. They are opened weekdays from 5:30am-5:00pm and weekends from 6:30am-5:00pm. That really makes it convenient if you're an early bird to get to school, work, etc. Upon my arrival which was around 10:30am, I wanted a light snack and coffee to get me through the morning. I ended up getting a "Raspberry Crumble Tart" to eat. This hit the spot as it was sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious. To drink, I went with an "Iced Brown Sugar Latte". I have to say that this was above average and not too bitter (as I could easily recognize the brown sugar flavor). Total price for both items came out to a very reasonable $8.50 + tax. Even though this place is tiny, they definitely offer a reasonable amount to offer. Since many already know what to expect on the beverage side, I'll go into detail of their signature food items. This includes a breakfast sandwich, keto cup (eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon), omelets, panini, and a grilled cheese sandwich. And of course your muffins, bagels, Danishes, and bananas. When you factor in the above average service, reasonable prices, and tasty food & drinks, I am giving "Mountain Grounds" an above average four star rating.
Katherine W.
Went here on a whim since it was one of the few places that didn't seem to just resell Costco pastries. What a good choice! Staff was really friendly and really seemed to work together well to make sure this small place was still super efficient. It felt comfy being a newcomer. I had a rose vanilla latte and an almond/chocolate croissant, and my husband had a hot cross bun latte and the banana bread. Both coffees and pastries were the perfect amount of sweet where you still feel like it's a treat but you don't feel bogged down with a huge sugar crash - which is good since we both got decaf so there would be no caffeine to combat it! We will visit again for sure next time we roll through the area early in the day. Good value for the price as well.
Zoey B.
Came here to try something new since I moved to the area inside is very dirty not clean at all. Came at 5 AM. They had dirty dishes in the sink still flower on the floor not very clean place at all. Coffee was very basic just because of the cleanliness I will not return
Angie T.
Best lattes highly recommend this place. Friendly staff and delicious pastries. Definitely my go to spot.
Salvador B.
One of my favorite coffee shops. Coffee is amazing and the pastries are always top shelf! The staff are so warm. Love this place!
David G.
Really helpful especially if you don't know what you want in a bean. They are very helpful and a good coffee atmosphere. This is not a big place you may have to sit outside as there is very little room inside. I have been there twice and would go again.
Joe Gorski
Decent pour over, didn’t seem like their kettle had any temperature control and they didn’t have any scales to check the proportions. Just eye-balling everything. After watching the pour over get made that way I was surprised how it actually came out. Not too bad. Would definitely prefer going another place next time.
Mary L.
Cute eccentric coffee shop and nice worker, but coffee was only okay. Ordered a cappuccino, but it was more like a cafe au lait. Quite disappointed because I noticed the great yelp reviews. Nowadays, 4 stars and above are questionable.
Monique R.
This is a great place to get coffee and food. It is a welcoming environment, with friendly service. My favorite is the fresh-baked banana bread.
Great little coffee shop for a high quality drink and some bites.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diana Carlos
We’ve been coming here for 5+ years. Very friendly staff and good coffee at a reasonable price.Parking: Parking can be tight but you should be able to find plenty street parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Shook
Best coffee by
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Irma Perez
Very smooth Coffee. Doesn’t taste burnt or concentrated. Wonderful service. Good prices! Will be my go to coffee spot when in Martinez.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
No N.
Good food, decent prices, and friendly staff. It's a small little store so if it's super busy you might not find seating but that's not usually the case. Love the cream cheese bagel, they are always very generous with the spread
After reading an abundance of favorable Yelp reviews, I had the opportunity in checking out "Mountain Grounds". Located in the city of Martinez, this small family-owned and operated business has been in operation dating back to 2013. Situated only a 1/2 mile north of Highway 4 (on Alhambra Ave. and J St.), this place offers a nice selection of coffees, teas, Italian sodas, pastries, and even breakfast sandwiches. During my visit which was on Saturday, 4/20/2024, I had the chance of meeting the owner, John who prepared my drink. Keep in mind that this place is tiny with no indoor seating and no restrooms. However, they do have a decent outdoor patio area (weather permitting). Otherwise, the orders are strictly to-go. I will say this and that is they have very respectable business hours. They are opened weekdays from 5:30am-5:00pm and weekends from 6:30am-5:00pm. That really makes it convenient if you're an early bird to get to school, work, etc. Upon my arrival which was around 10:30am, I wanted a light snack and coffee to get me through the morning. I ended up getting a "Raspberry Crumble Tart" to eat. This hit the spot as it was sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious. To drink, I went with an "Iced Brown Sugar Latte". I have to say that this was above average and not too bitter (as I could easily recognize the brown sugar flavor). Total price for both items came out to a very reasonable $8.50 + tax. Even though this place is tiny, they definitely offer a reasonable amount to offer. Since many already know what to expect on the beverage side, I'll go into detail of their signature food items. This includes a breakfast sandwich, keto cup (eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon), omelets, panini, and a grilled cheese sandwich. And of course your muffins, bagels, Danishes, and bananas. When you factor in the above average service, reasonable prices, and tasty food & drinks, I am giving "Mountain Grounds" an above average four star rating.
Went here on a whim since it was one of the few places that didn't seem to just resell Costco pastries. What a good choice! Staff was really friendly and really seemed to work together well to make sure this small place was still super efficient. It felt comfy being a newcomer. I had a rose vanilla latte and an almond/chocolate croissant, and my husband had a hot cross bun latte and the banana bread. Both coffees and pastries were the perfect amount of sweet where you still feel like it's a treat but you don't feel bogged down with a huge sugar crash - which is good since we both got decaf so there would be no caffeine to combat it! We will visit again for sure next time we roll through the area early in the day. Good value for the price as well.
Came here to try something new since I moved to the area inside is very dirty not clean at all. Came at 5 AM. They had dirty dishes in the sink still flower on the floor not very clean place at all. Coffee was very basic just because of the cleanliness I will not return
Best lattes highly recommend this place. Friendly staff and delicious pastries. Definitely my go to spot.
One of my favorite coffee shops. Coffee is amazing and the pastries are always top shelf! The staff are so warm. Love this place!
Really helpful especially if you don't know what you want in a bean. They are very helpful and a good coffee atmosphere. This is not a big place you may have to sit outside as there is very little room inside. I have been there twice and would go again.
Decent pour over, didn’t seem like their kettle had any temperature control and they didn’t have any scales to check the proportions. Just eye-balling everything. After watching the pour over get made that way I was surprised how it actually came out. Not too bad. Would definitely prefer going another place next time.
Cute eccentric coffee shop and nice worker, but coffee was only okay. Ordered a cappuccino, but it was more like a cafe au lait. Quite disappointed because I noticed the great yelp reviews. Nowadays, 4 stars and above are questionable.
This is a great place to get coffee and food. It is a welcoming environment, with friendly service. My favorite is the fresh-baked banana bread.
Love their breakfast sandwich!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great little coffee shop for a high quality drink and some bites.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’ve been coming here for 5+ years. Very friendly staff and good coffee at a reasonable price.Parking: Parking can be tight but you should be able to find plenty street parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best coffee by
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very smooth Coffee. Doesn’t taste burnt or concentrated. Wonderful service. Good prices! Will be my go to coffee spot when in Martinez.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, decent prices, and friendly staff. It's a small little store so if it's super busy you might not find seating but that's not usually the case. Love the cream cheese bagel, they are always very generous with the spread