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Caffe Trieste
- 2500 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-548-5198
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(based on 1 user review)
Despite their sheer numbers, cafes are never unpopular for Berkeleyites wanting to chat with friends over soy cappuccinos or pretending to write a research paper while engaging in some serious people watching. Apparently, Caffe Trieste’s location in Berkeley’s "West Bank" is the perfect spot for such social anthropological study, as it’s situated at the corner of busy San Pablo Avenue and Dwight Way, and has the type of baristas who wonder why you haven’t shown up in the last few weeks. With tiny white lights strung from the ceiling and bottles of Pinot Grigio and Chianti on the counter, this cafe’s Euro vibe is accentuated with traditional Italian music rotating with Argentine tango every Monday night. If you love Italy but aren’t in love with Italy, Caffe Trieste also books varying live jazz acts every Tuesday, and a range of other live music on Friday nights.
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Telegraph
- 2318 Telegraph Ave., Oakland (map)
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The cafe, which replaced the beloved Mama Buzz in February 2012, serves up homemade sausages, pastries, beer, and coffee, all for under $10. Like its predecessor, the space hosts a gallery that features works by local artists.
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Actual Cafe
- 6334 San Pablo Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-653-8386
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(based on 2 user reviews)
At Actual Cafe, it's all about sitting down and enjoying the coffeehouse experience. Get a cup of Joe (or tea) served in a real china cup, plop down, and just hang for a while. Actual Cafe boasts comfy furniture and communal seating to encourage actual interaction with actual human life-forms. It's "not just another wi-fi shack." Indoor bike parking and a full menu are also available. Weekends are laptop-free.
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Bulldog Coffee Shop
- 1739 Broadway, Oakland (map)
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(based on 2 user reviews)
The Bulldog Coffee Shop borrows its name and image from a popular Amsterdam chain of shops selling something other than coffee. Bulldog is not a dispensary, but it is owned by Oaksterdam’s Richard Lee. Come here for the tea, coffee, and friendly faces. No wireless.
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Nomad Cafe $
- 6500 Shattuck Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-595-5344
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But for the regular singer-songwriter performances (scheduled Friday and Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30, with an additional Sunday brunch session), the predominant musical backdrop at this South Berkeley/North Oakland cafe is a cool mix of J Dilla, Wu-Tang, and old-school R&B — along with the whir of an espresso machine and the sound of a well-to-do collegiate clientele pecking on their new Apples. Located a couple blocks from Ashby BART, Nomad provides the soy-latte crowd a place to discuss their recent trips to Guatemala or whatever was featured in the most recent issue of Harpers, and take advantage of the joint's free wi-fi. In addition to the espresso menu, Nomad serves sandwiches, vegan beer, and smoothies.
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Sonoma Coffee Cafe
- 2131 Durant Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-665-1440
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(based on 2 user reviews)
A mellow environment and close proximity to the UC Berkeley campus make this quiet cafe a prime study spot for students. In the academic off-season you can play Scrabble or peruse books from the cafe's in-house library.
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Zocalo Coffeehouse
- 645 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro (map)
- 510-569-0102
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This coffeehouse has the usual assortment of pastries, bagels and smoothies along with coffee beverages. There is free wi-fi as well as an indoor kid space for children. The business is green certified. Check the web site for events such as art showcases and music.
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Au Coquelet Cafe $
- 2000 University Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-845-0433
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(based on 1 user review)
Ahh... Au Coquelet, the welcoming Berkeley cafe where you can get a cup of coffee at the crack of dawn and come back after midnight for another cup with an Irish kick, indulge in a fresh fruit torte or any of the spot's homemade desserts. No matter what time of day you opt to sit for a spell in the brick-walled Berkeley institution, there tables are sure to be dotted with people typing at laptops, thumbing through books, or just shooting the breeze.
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The Breakroom Cafe
- 300 13th St., Oakland (map)
- 510-836-3864
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(based on 1 user review)
This vegan and vegetarian cafe serves coffee, sandwiches, soups, sides, and sweets. The coffee is organic, and the faux turkey bacon sandwich is a crowd-pleaser. Breakroom is open for breakfast and lunch, prices are reasonable, and there's free wi-fi. The walls are hung with local artists’ work, and there's live music from time to time.
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Cafe Aquarius $-$$
- 1298 65th St., Emeryville (map)
- 510-655-2782
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The mantra is simple food done very well. Nearly everything, from the dressings to the desserts and the soups to the sauces, is made in-house. Café Aquarius serves locally roasted shade grown coffee as well as beer and wine. Come for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, or just for a cup of joe. If you fancy a cup of tea, the selection is top-notch.
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Cafe Q $-$$
- 2302 Encinal Ave., Alameda (map)
- 510-521-8848
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Serves breakfast and lunch made from organic, locally grown ingredients, with menu items including house-cured cold cuts, daily roasted meats, and poached eggs.
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Cafe Yesterday $
- 1122 University Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-969-9619
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Housed in a mellow, spic-and-span space, Cafe Yesterday is Berkeley's most comprehensive cereal bar, though its well-rounded menu also includes salads, sandwiches, house-baked pastries, and fair-trade coffee.
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Cafeina $
- 1389 Solano Ave., Albany (map)
- 510-526-6069
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(based on 1 user review)
Step inside cozy Cafeina and discover a sweet community atmosphere with a kids’ menu, flowers gracing the concrete counter, and amiable customers to greet you at indoor and outdoor tables. The welcoming staff serves a large variety of organic and fair trade coffee, tea, and espresso drinks as well as bulk coffee and tea. Fresh seasonal menu with real food and plenty of veggie options. Must try: bursting blueberry muffin, all-organic chicken salad sandwich, and several homemade soups, including a vegan option.
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Cole Coffee
- 6255 College Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-653-5458
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Patrons line up outside the door of Cole Coffee for two reasons: 1) The coffee 2) The social scene. First, the coffee: Pure Arabica, fair trade and organic, roasted fresh every 24 hours, dripped individually into each cup. In the adjoining coffee store, choose from the largest selection of fresh beans in the East Bay. A range of specialty teas will satisfy tea lovers, as well. 2) Sometimes there’s a lack of elbow space inside the cafe and this actually serves to inspire conversation with more extroverted cafe-goers. There’s also a feeling of fellowship among those who have been lucky enough to secure a sidewalk table. Enjoy the scene and savor your coffee with locally made baked goods, fresh sandwiches, or poached eggs. Coffee mecca and social hub, Cole Coffee well earns these appellations. No wi-fi.
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Highwire Coffee Roasters
- 5655 College Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-653-0450
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(based on 1 user review)
Across the street from the Rockridge BART station and situated inside Market Hall, Highwire Coffee Roasters (formerly Peaberry's) serves as a regular morning destination for commuters as well as a hangout spot for those with the time to contemplatively sit and sip their caffeine. Don't fret the long lines, the baristas are friendly and quick. In addition to coffee, the shop serves up pastries, fancy chocolates, gelato, and affogato, an Italian dessert of espresso and vanilla gelato.
