Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Oakland

Espresso and latte spots

A sharp shot of espresso or a smooth latte is the only thing that matters right now.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Cafe Xochi image 1
Cafe Xochi image 2
Cafe Xochi image 3
View all

Small, hip interior pairs with a spacious, dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring shade and privacy. Atmosphere feels cozy and community-oriented, with peaceful backyard seating and good music. Regulars include locals who enjoy ample outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe 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.

Lavender and maple cardamom stand out as unique latte flavors here. Horchata latte comes with beautiful latte art but leans on the sweet side.

People are saying

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

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

"The empanadas were warm and delicious."

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.

02
Motivāt Coffee Roasters image 1

Coffee shop offers a quiet patio with plenty of outdoor seating and a cute parklet. Atmosphere stays friendly and cozy despite a small, hole-in-the-wall setup. Space includes a takeout window and good wifi, attracting a steady flow of people who enjoy 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.

Lattes here have a balanced coffee-milk ratio with a strong espresso presence. Unique flavors like Sampaguita, Maple Spice, and honey lavender offer fragrant, bright, and slightly floral notes.

People are saying

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

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

"The Sampaguita latte is fragrant, bright, and perfectly balanced."

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.

03
The Crown: Royal Coffee Lab & Tasting Room image 1

Spacious cafe with green hexagonal tiles and an 8-tap system featuring a mobile modular coffee bar by a local artist. Atmosphere feels otherworldly and sometimes unwelcoming, with music that can be uncomfortable. Offers outdoor seating, coffee tastings, and classes connecting local communities.

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.

Drinks lean towards a light roast with smooth taste and no bitterness. Options include a classic latte with oat milk and a house-made vanilla latte that is solid and not too sweet.

People are saying

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

"The pastries here are delicious and tasty."

"Their latte tastes amazing, not too sweet or bitter."

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.

04
The Caffè by Mr. Espresso image 1

Coffee shop blends Italian style with American flair in a bright, modern space designed like a bar. Atmosphere feels cozy and creative with lively music and a welcoming vibe. Regulars enjoy unique coffee options and a relaxed spot to sit or take away.

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.

The Butterscotch Latte stands out with its rich, smooth flavor and perfect espresso shots without acidity. Other options like the iced vanilla oatmilk latte and golden latte also deliver smooth, medium to light espresso with great balance.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the butterscotch latte; it's incredible."

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.

05
Highwire Coffee Roasters image 1

Coffee shop features cozy indoor/outdoor seating with good airflow and a chill, low-key atmosphere. It draws a loyal following and gets crowded on weekends, with limited seating and bustling energy. Nearby transit and street noise influence the outdoor experience.

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

Lavender latte stands out with its smooth texture and delicate aroma. Strawberry latte serves hot by default and tastes like a regular latte with mild fruit flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the lavender latte was the best I had."

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.

06
Dek Doi Cafe image 1

Bright, spacious cafe with large windows and a gorgeous outdoor patio creates a homey, comfy atmosphere. Quiet and lowkey vibe suits reading, working, or casual conversations with fast Wi-Fi and plenty of seating. Occasional live jazz performances add to the peaceful ambience.

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.

Strong coconut pandan and black sesame lattes highlight unique flavors without being too sweet. The Ube latte stands out for its rich taste and leaves a lasting impression.

People are saying

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

"I found the banana latte to be very good."

"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.

07
Sana'a Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with authentic Yemeni decor and traditional seating creates a cozy atmosphere ideal for studying or relaxing. Plenty of outlets and WiFi support work, while a quiet back area suits meetings or prayer. The vibe is welcoming and calm, attracting students and friends catching up.

Offers wonderful espresso alongside standard espresso beverages and regular lattes.

Pistachio latte stands out with oat milk, offering a rich, creamy taste. The iced Yemeni latte features thick honey that adds a sweet, dessert-like flavor. Presentation often includes a pretty mug enhancing the overall experience.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the rich and flavorful coffee here."

"The Sana'a latte with ice cream is perfect for a hot day."

"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.

08
Mellana Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with cozy indoor and outdoor seating creates a relaxing neighborhood vibe. Fresh, organic ingredients highlight healthy menu options like avocado toast and açaí bowls. Strong coffee and bright atmosphere make it a local favorite for quick visits.

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.

The Yemeni latte stands out with its perfect spice balance and moderate sweetness. It suits fans of chai or pumpkin spice lattes and works well iced or hot.

People are saying

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

"I found the Yemeni latte perfectly spiced and not too sweet."

"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 faces south and offers sunny patio space with urban freeway noise in the background. The cafe serves high-quality coffee and excellent pastries in a setting that blends minimal indoor seating with a lively street corner atmosphere.

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.

Espresso notes come through clearly in the latte, which features nice microfoam design. Options include vanilla bean bay leaf and lavender lattes, plus an iced latte that tastes great.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the latte exceptionally tasty and delicious."

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 with covered space creates a small tucked away oasis vibe. Atmosphere feels chilly at times but pleasant on nice days. Coffee quality stands out as best in Oakland with organic milk and coffee used.

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

Habibi latte stands out with its cardamom flavor and is a popular choice. Other options include an almond latte with coconut gold foam and a lavender latte, both offering unique tastes.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the outstanding coffee served here."

"I found the Habibi Latte to be very good."

"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.

Discover more

Oakland, California

Area guide
Loading Map...