Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Espresso spots in Oakland

A shot of espresso pulled with the precision you expect, not the burnt bitterness that usually passes for a quick caffeine fix.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Motivāt Coffee Roasters image 1
Motivāt Coffee Roasters image 2
Motivāt Coffee Roasters image 3
View all

Coffee shop features a quiet patio with plenty of outdoor seating and a friendly atmosphere. Espresso is high quality, especially the Columbian shot and perfect americano. Good wifi and a takeout window make it great for relaxing or coworking outside.

Espresso here is consistently high quality and well prepared. The Columbian espresso shot stands out as excellent, and the americano is reliably perfect every time.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be delicious and very good."

"It's a nice little spot with plenty of pleasant outdoor seating."

"I found the espresso to be excellent and perfectly prepared."

Good to know

1

Motivāt Coffee Roasters has no indoor seating; all seating is outdoors.

2

The outdoor seating is limited, so arrive early for a spot.

3

They offer a rotating menu of coffee beans for variety.

02
Highwire Coffee Roasters image 1

Cozy seating and chill atmosphere make it a great spot to relax. Espresso is hot and flavorful, with staff ready to help pick beans. Expect some bustling energy on weekends and nearby transit noise outside.

Espresso comes hot and fresh with a flavorful profile. Staff offer knowledgeable help selecting beans for home use.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the superb coffee and the variety of very nice biscuits."

"I loved sitting outside on the bench in the warm sun."

"The espresso here is flavorful, hot, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Highwire Coffee Roasters opens at 6am daily.

2

Parking is available in the nearby BART lot for free on weekends.

3

Expect crowds and longer wait times on weekends.

03
States Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Minimalist design and outdoor seating create a cozy spot with a strong local vibe. Espresso offers a rich flavor and smooth finish, making it a top choice. Quick drinks at the side window add to the convenience and charm.

Espresso stands out for its rich flavor and smooth finish. It ranks among the best espressos found in the area.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was excellent and truly craft."

"This local spot has the friendliest neighborhood cafe vibe and great service."

"I drank the best espresso I ever had."

Good to know

1

There is usually good street parking right in front of States Coffee.

2

States Coffee lacks indoor seating.

3

The total cost for a visit can be around $25.

04
Cafe Xochi image 1

Small, hip interior and dog-friendly patio create a cozy, community vibe with peaceful backyard seating. Espresso is bright and sweet, with a standout espresso tonic and balanced lattes. Locals enjoy ample outdoor space and welcoming atmosphere for dogs.

Espresso here is bright and sweet with a rich and smooth texture. The espresso tonic stands out, and lattes balance sweetness and brightness thanks to medium roast espresso and well-heated milk.

People are saying

"The patio is cute and peaceful, perfect for a dog."

"I found the mushroom empanadas to be delicious and warm."

"The Espresso seating areas are really nice, especially the garden."

Good to know

1

Dogs are only allowed on the back patio and sidewalk, not inside the cafe.

2

There is plenty of outdoor seating available at the cafe.

3

The cafe hosts events every few months featuring local artists and pop-up businesses.

05
The Crown: Royal Coffee Lab & Tasting Room image 1

Spacious cafe features green hexagonal tiles and an 8-tap system with a mobile modular coffee bar. Espresso flights highlight Ethiopia Gedeo White Honey and Gesha coffee, with staff sharing deep knowledge of fermentation. Outdoor seating and coffee classes connect local communities despite an otherworldly, sometimes unwelcoming atmosphere.

Rotating espresso flights offer a tasting journey with beans like Ethiopia Gedeo White Honey and Gesha coffee standing out. Staff demonstrate deep knowledge of coffee and fermentation processes, enhancing the espresso experience.

People are saying

"You have to try the espresso flight; it's a great taste journey."

"The pastries here are delicious and tasty."

"I found the space to be pretty cool."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, especially during busy morning hours.

2

Parking is available street-side with coin meters.

3

They offer a $2 batch brew for affordable coffee options.

06
The Caffè by Mr. Espresso image 1

Coffee shop blends Italian style with American flair in a bright, modern space. Espresso offers authentic Italian flavor served in beautiful cups, inviting guests to savor each sip. Atmosphere stays cozy and creative with lively music and a welcoming vibe.

Espresso here tastes like authentic Italian espresso with a smooth, medium to light profile. Shots come in beautiful cups and the bar setup invites sitting down to enjoy each sip.

People are saying

"The coffee here is reliably excellent and high quality."

"The cafe's drinks are unique and creative, especially the butterscotch latte."

"I thought the espresso was the most delicious in the US."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so consider using public transport or ride-sharing.

2

The café offers a unique variety of coffee flavors not found elsewhere.

3

Seating is limited, especially during peak hours, so arrive early.

07
Dek Doi Cafe image 1

Bright cafe offers nutty espresso and unique Southeast Asian boba. Spacious seating and fast Wi-Fi create a comfy workspace. Large windows and a gorgeous patio enhance the quiet vibe, perfect for reading or casual chats.

Espresso drinks come out perfectly balanced with a nutty flavor and clear care in crafting. Options include classic espresso alongside non-caffeinated Southeast Asian flavors and boba.

People are saying

"The crème brûlée Thai coffee was decadently foamy and creamy."

"It's a great Work Friendly spot with plenty of seating and good wifi."

"The espresso here is delicious and lovingly crafted."

Good to know

1

The cafe has plenty of seating and is a good place to work.

2

They revamped their menu and added interesting drinks and snacks.

3

The cafe is open late hours for evening visits.

08
Mellana Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy spot offers fresh organic ingredients and a relaxing neighborhood vibe. Espresso is solid and consistent, though smoothies shine here. Bright atmosphere and healthy menu make it a local favorite.

Espresso here hits the mark with a solid flavor and consistent quality. It leans more toward being a spot for smoothies than espresso, but the espresso itself is on point.

People are saying

"I found the smoothies here to be super fresh and delicious."

"I found the coffee here to be really good."

"The espresso tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

Mellana Cafe offers a variety of organic juices and smoothies.

2

Prices for menu items typically range from $10 to $15.

3

Outdoor seating is available and gets morning sunshine.

09
Ain't Normal Cafe image 1

Outdoor seating offers sunny patio with urban freeway sounds. Expert baristas serve rich espresso and four pour-over options. Pastries are excellent, complementing the lively street corner vibe.

Expert baristas craft consistently excellent espresso drinks with a strong, rich flavor. The selection includes four pour-over options alongside the espresso, offering variety for coffee lovers.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the coffee; it was really good."

"I chilled in the nice outdoor seating on a sunny day."

"I enjoyed their strong espresso and nicely curated drinks."

Good to know

1

The cafe has limited indoor seating; outdoor seating is the main option.

2

Parking is free at the nearby BART station during non-commuter hours.

3

They charge $28 plus tax for Ritual Coffee Beans.

10
Equator Coffees image 1
Coffee shop

Outdoor seating offers a tucked away oasis feel, perfect on sunny days. Espresso boasts a rich flavor but expect a 10-15 minute wait. Coffee quality is top-notch, made with organic milk for a smooth taste.

Espresso here has a rich flavor and is worth the wait. Expect a 10-15 minute wait time before getting your shot.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the outstanding coffee served here."

"The outdoor seating has a really nice vibe."

"I really enjoyed their espresso."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 10-15 minutes during peak hours.

2

The outdoor seating is available but can be limited.

3

Prices are considered high compared to other cafes.

11
Sana'a Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy spot with authentic Yemeni decor and quiet back area perfect for meetings or prayer. Strong wonderful espresso fuels study sessions. Plenty of outlets and WiFi make it ideal for work or relaxing with friends.

Offers wonderful espresso alongside standard espresso beverages and regular lattes.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the rich and flavorful coffee here."

"I loved their vast selection of delicious pastries and baked goods."

"The espresso here is super friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Sana'a Cafe is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.

2

The cafe is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

3

WiFi and power outlets are available for those who want to work.

Discover more

Oakland, California

Area guide
Loading Map...