16 Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Berkeley, California

Description: Asha is a beloved matcha and tea spot in Berkeley, offering high-quality drinks and a cozy, minimalist Japanese-inspired interior. Students often frequent its well-curated selection, while adults appreciate the thoughtful service and options for both traditional and seasonal flavors. Despite some cleanliness issues reported by customers, it remains a favorite for those seeking excellent green teas and an inviting atmosphere.

Description: Elaichi Co. offers a unique blend of traditional South Asian flavors and modern design in downtown Berkeley, providing an inviting atmosphere for chai lovers with its aromatic chai offerings and thoughtful amenities like a dedicated prayer room. The cafe's standout dishes include their signature Karak chai and elaichi bun, which are praised for their rich flavors and perfect match to the delicate teas.

Description: A quaint and charming cafe in Berkeley, Way Station offers delicious food, great drinks, and friendly service. It's beloved by locals for its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu, though there can be issues with wifi connection during visits. The café's outdoor patio adds to its charm, making it a popular spot for solo coffee sessions or quiet readings.

Description: The coffee shop offers a friendly and chill atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, praised for its mix of students and locals. Known for excellent service and quick refills, patrons often enjoy high-quality espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, though some find the pastries merely satisfactory. The free Wi-Fi makes it an ideal spot for studying or working, with plenty of power outlets and natural privacy barriers provided by tall plants separating tables.

Description: Royal Grounds is a cozy, clean cafe nestled in Berkeley with a mix of students, construction workers, locals, and families frequenting its wide open space. Known for its friendly atmosphere, decent prices, and occasional wifi power shortages, it’s a go-to spot for work or just chilling with good coffee and pastries.

Description: The Starbucks has seen mixed experiences, ranging from consistently underfilled drinks and a lack of seating to friendly service and quick service during peak hours. Some customers appreciated the new shelves and attentive staff, while others complained about cleanliness, limited seating, and issues with public restrooms. The location also lacked proper security measures for personal belongings, which could affect customer comfort.

Description: Yali's cafe offers a spacious environment with great staff and ample seating, making it a popular spot for both students and locals alike. It boasts free Wi-Fi, friendly service, and affordable coffee prices, ideal for quick breakfasts or longer meetings. The cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for reading, working, or studying in between classes.

Description: Gold Bean Cafe offers an exceptional dining experience with its wide variety of drinks and food options, including phenomenal pastries and sandwiches. The atmosphere is inviting and well-organized, while the customer service is consistently friendly and attentive. Offering both dine-in and take-out services, it's a great spot for coffee lovers and those seeking quick meals or work-from-home setups.

Description: This coffee shop offers excellent service and delicious pastries alongside high-quality, fresh coffee at reasonable prices. Students particularly appreciate its quick service during busy lunchtimes, while others enjoy more relaxed mornings. The friendly atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both casual meetings and longer breakfasts.

Description: Sasha's offers delightful coffee and pastries at great prices, with a charming atmosphere that makes it a standout spot for both dine-in and takeaway experiences. Customers appreciate the friendly service from baristas like Ben, who adds to the overall pleasant experience. The selection of gourmet items keeps every visit memorable, making Sasha's a must-stop for coffee lovers in Berkeley.

Description: Boba Binge offers delightful and creative drinks, from its signature egg coffee to matcha delights like mango and strawberry, with friendly service ensuring each patron's preferences are met. The café's welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff make it a standout choice for both quick bites and leisurely meals, especially appreciated by those seeking quality beverages and food options in Berkeley.

Description: The Jazz Caffe offers thoughtful food and delicious coffee at reasonable prices, with lunch specials always enjoyable and hearty. While some staff can be inattentive, many patrons appreciate the no-laptops policy, which makes it feel like a cozy neighborhood café. The space is often loud during performances but remains a favorite for those seeking a quiet spot to read or enjoy their espresso-based drinks.

Description: Signal Coffee Roasters offers a delightful blend of delicious Signal coffee and unique pastries in a charming atmosphere, with attentive service and friendly staff, making it a standout spot for both casual visits and special occasions. Customers appreciate its wide selection and affordable prices, often opting for takeout or dine-in meals that range from breakfast sandwiches to artisanal donuts. Whether stopping by for a quick bite before work or lingering over a cup of coffee with friends, Signal Coffee Roasters consistently delights guests with their inviting ambiance and exceptional culinary offerings.

Description: Teaspoon offers delicious drinks with generous portions, from classic caramel to unique flavors like Ube Astra and Ladybug. Customers appreciate the friendly service and cozy atmosphere, though some find the prices a bit steep for premium quality. Regulars return again and again thanks to its convenient location near UC Berkeley campus and attractive rewards program.

Description: This cozy coffee shop offers fresh, delicious coffee and simple yet satisfying meals like bacon egg sandwiches. Known for their friendly service, the owners make sure you feel welcome, whether it's for a quick breakfast or a leisurely lunch. They also provide a variety of snacks and drinks to choose from.

Description: Penelope’s is a delightful coffee shop offering a vibrant atmosphere with diverse roast and latte options, complemented by friendly staff and ample outdoor seating. Customers appreciate its welcoming environment and reasonable prices for breakfast meals, though some find the menu lacks vegan options and could benefit from better communication on special promotions.