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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown Berkeley

Cafes

You need a reliable space to settle in with a drink and a quiet moment to yourself.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bench Café • Pâtisserie image 1
Bench Café • Pâtisserie image 2
Bench Café • Pâtisserie image 3
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Cozy cafe offers handcrafted artwork and fresh pastries that taste homemade. Bright, airy space with a curved iron staircase leads to a quiet mezzanine perfect for reading or working. Calm atmosphere pairs well with great music and carefully prepared coffee.

Cozy atmosphere with lots of character makes it a nice spot to relax or work. Baked goods feel home-made and pastries stand out as delicious treats alongside carefully prepared coffee.

People are saying

"This coffee spot is so cozy and relaxing, perfect for work."

"The homemade pastries here are amazing and expertly crafted with high-quality."

"This cafe has such a cozy atmosphere, it feels like home."

Good to know

1

All pastries are made in-house at Bench Café • Pâtisserie.

2

Oatmilk substitute costs an extra 75 cents.

3

The café's opening hours in the afternoon are quite limited.

02
Qahwa Time image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends herbal aromas with a serene, paradise-like vibe. Cozy seating and free WiFi make it perfect for work or relaxation. Focus on Yemeni coffee adds an exotic touch that sets it apart.

Herbal aromas fill the air, creating a vibe that feels like a trip to Marrakesh markets. The cafe offers a cozy atmosphere that stands out among other coffee shops, with a focus on Yemeni coffee.

People are saying

"The Yemeni coffee here is rich, smooth, and full of authentic flavor."

"The pastry selection here is mouth-watering and thoughtfully prepared."

"The blonde Arabic coffee here is authentic and excellent."

Good to know

1

They roast their beans every day on site for the drip coffee.

2

Qahwa Time offers disability access and welcomes service animals.

3

They are open until 11 pm.

03
Cafe Brusco image 1

Cozy cafe buzzes with loud music and cramped seating near pickup. Espresso drinks shine alongside in-house bagels like mortadella. Large window adds fresh air to the busy, efficient flow.

Espresso drinks come out delicious and the in-house bagels pair well with options like mortadella. The cafe stays busy but moves the line quickly and offers excellent service.

People are saying

"These bagels are beautiful and delicious."

"I was so surprised by how fresh the food tasted."

"The bagels at this Cafe are some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The cafe is often busy, but the line moves quickly.

2

You can mix and match sandwiches to try different flavors.

3

The coffee and food are made with fresh ingredients.

04
elaichi co. image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop shines with cream-top milk and warm lighting for a cozy vibe. Cramped seating suits quiet work or chats. Unique matka cups serve authentic chai, while a prayer room adds calm and thoughtfulness.

High-quality cream-top milk stands out here, showing care in their drinks. Warm lighting fixtures and a nice design choice create a cozy, cute vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the karak chai; it had just the right amount of sugar."

"The coffee here is amazing and perfectly brewed."

"I loved the authentic karak chai and cardamom bun here."

Good to know

1

Xfinity offers a $7 discount on orders during April Fridays.

2

The store is open until 10:00 PM for late-night visits.

3

Finding a seat can be difficult as it is often crowded.

05
Coffee Hut image 1
Coffee stand

Coffee stand shines with best coffee quality in downtown Berkeley and a large menu of drinks. Friendly service from two young men creates a welcoming atmosphere. Hazara ownership adds unique cultural character, making it a spot worth returning to with stamp cards.

Friendly and professional service comes from two young men behind the counter. Coffee quality stands out as best in downtown Berkeley among several shops tried.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best in Berkeley."

"I thought their lavender latte was the best."

"The coffee at this cafe is literally so good."

Good to know

1

Prices at Coffee Hut are reasonable compared to other coffee shops.

2

The menu includes a variety of coffee, tea, and refresher drinks.

3

Coffee Hut offers a stamp card program for regular customers.

06
Binge Coffee House image 1

Cozy spot near campus serves Vietnamese coffee and banh mi in a friendly atmosphere. Small seating fills fast but suits study or casual work. Local favorite for authentic flavors without the travel.

Small space offers a Vietnamese cafe vibe with specialty coffee. It stands out as a local spot worth trying instead of traveling far for similar cafes.

People are saying

"I loved the double matcha, it was bold and perfectly balanced."

"I loved the Vietnamese coffee with its creamy, salty foam."

"Their Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee are amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

2

Binge Coffee House specializes in Vietnamese coffee and matcha drinks.

3

It can get crowded, so plan your visit accordingly.

07
SIGNAL Coffee Roasters image 1

Small coffee shop near BART with fast service and kind baristas. Quiet, nerdy vibe with cool music posters and comfy seating like a couch nook. Offers unique pastries like mochi and empanadas, perfect for students and readers.

Located near the BART station, the cafe offers fast service and kind baristas. It has a quiet vibe with good coffee and baked goods.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious coffee and unique pastries here."

"I loved the chard and Gruyère empanada for a quick lunch."

"The coffee and pastries at this cafe are delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

SIGNAL Coffee Roasters is conveniently located near the BART station.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially for drinks and food.

3

They offer oat milk and almond milk as dairy alternatives.

08
Royal Ground Coffee image 1

Cozy cafe with spacious seating and attentive service creates a calm spot for locals and students. Big windows bring in light, perfect for reading or working with reliable wifi. Friendly vibe makes it a solid community hub.

Feels like a cozy neighborhood coffee shop with a diner vibe. Service stands out as exceptionally attentive and welcoming. Offers a solid spot for the community amid local changes.

People are saying

"It's a great work-friendly spot with plenty of space and outlets."

"The owners here are so lovely and friendly."

"This cafe is a great sanctuary to work or relax."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes early at 4 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

There is plenty of seating available, making it a good study spot.

3

WiFi is available for those looking to work or study.

09
Yali's Café image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop with outside seating and free wifi offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere. It attracts a steady flow of people looking for a relaxing spot near campus to enjoy fresh pastries and hearty salads. Seating is plentiful, making it suitable for breaks or light work sessions.

People are saying

"The cafe's staff are so friendly and warm."

"It's a great place to take a break or do some work."

"The cafe offered free wifi."

Good to know

1

Yali's Café offers free wifi for customers.

2

Parking at Yali's Café may be difficult to find.

3

Street parking near Yali's Café is tough and expensive.

10
Yume Mori Matcha image 1

Small cafe with minimalist vibes and an open kitchen creates a trendy, refined atmosphere. High-quality matcha drinks and fresh crepes draw long lines despite limited seating. Indoor benches and outdoor spots offer unique seating options.

A trendy matcha cafe with understated decor offers beautifully crafted drinks and crepes. Seating includes indoor benches and outdoor spots, creating a vibe unlike traditional matcha shops.

People are saying

"The matcha here is rich, earthy, and has a light bitterness."

"The crepes here are beautifully crafted and tasty."

"This cafe's matcha drinks and crepes are beautifully crafted and tasty."

Good to know

1

Crepes are only available on weekends from 1pm until they run out.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The matcha drink costs $7 for a small size.

11
Berkeley Espresso image 1

Small independent coffee shop offers calm music and intimate vibes with comfy chairs and varied tables. Students, artists, and freelancers create a genuine local atmosphere perfect for studying or casual chats. The space blends cafe charm with a coworking and start-up launchpad feel.

Coffee shop atmosphere blends cafe, coworking space, and start-up launchpad vibes. People sit, talk, read, and study without feeling rushed or overcharged.

People are saying

"The coffee staff here is super friendly and nice."

"It's a great spot to work on your laptop with free wifi."

"The cafe staff are always friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Berkeley Espresso is open until 8pm daily.

2

They offer free Wi-Fi and have power outlets available.

3

Prices for coffee and treats are reasonable compared to other cafes.

12
Gold Bean Cafe image 1

Cafe blends a clean, cute aesthetic with strong customer service for a welcoming vibe. Menu shines with dark mocha and unique bites like horchata drinks and ciabatta sandwiches. Seating suits work with slow music that helps focus, though volume can vary.

Strong customer service stands out with staff who go out of their way to help. The dark mocha offers a rich chocolate flavor, and the menu includes unique options like horchata flavor and a ciabatta sandwich with bacon, eggs, and spinach.

People are saying

"I could actually taste the coffee in my drink."

"I loved the ciabatta sandwich with bacon, eggs, and spinach."

"The coffee drinks here are rich and delicious."

Good to know

1

Using Snackpass during happy hour provides a discount.

2

Expect high prices for food items, like a $17 chicken sandwich.

3

You can order ahead on Snackpass if you're in a rush.

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Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley

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