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 Peace, quiet, caffeine |
2000 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 845 0433 |
A long time favorite of students in search of the perfect place to study, it is a haven for those looking for a wooden-tabled coffee house that is open late and does not get too raucous. Despite its roomy interior, the dark wood and rustle of lecture notes will put you at peace and allow you to hunker down with a mocha and focus on that 19th-century tome. In addition to the many caffeinated choices and standard pastries, it also offers soups and sandwiches throughout the day, and a selection of gourmet desserts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Fukuda |
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Cakes, pies and pastries |
1926 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 841 0773 |
Since 1988, this little bakery has been baking up some of the best cookies, pies, cakes and pastries in the downtown area. The owners use only the freshest ingredients, and bake every day the old-fashioned way. Relax at one of the tables with a warm cup of joe. There are also a few tables outside. Cakes include Apricot-Hazelnut Chocolate Velvet, and both Devil's and Angel's Food Cake. The breakfast pastries are fresh every morning. Its pies are made with hand-rolled butter crust and seasonal fruits like strawberry and rhubarb. You can also find lemon meringue and bourbon pecan pies year-round. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Quick stop java |
2925 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 United States +1 510 665 1404 |
At Beanery Coffee, you can sip coffee at one of the dark, cherry wood tables beneath colorful French posters, or (weather permitting) enjoy your brew in the patio out back. There are also benches out front if you like to watch the foot traffic. The crowd ranges from mellow locals, to students deep in thought, to the stroller set. It offers standard coffee and espresso drinks like mochas, lattes, cappuccinos and their house coffee (which is rich, strong and robust). You will find a small assortment of pastries and bagels, muffins and brownies as well. You can buy a variety of nicely roasted coffee beans by the pound. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Salad in the window? |
2442 Telegraph Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 849 4592 |
Find a high ceiling and wall murals that lend an Italian countryside feel. The windows looking out onto the street are large, so you can watch the foot traffic go by. The salads (chef, green or veggie) are easily sharable by two or three people. They are made with the freshest of ingredients and come with the house's homemade honey wheat bread. Sandwiches like roast beef, turkey, ham and vegetarian, are equally as sharable as the salads. Try the robust and strong Indo Noir or the heady Moka Java coffee with a fresh pastry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Higgins |
 Photo: NEGS26 |
 Photo: Kevin Mateo Lim |
 Photo: Ian Varley  |
 Photo: Elizabeth Marsh |
 Photo: droptrio |
 Photo: Logaz (IlGalles) |
 Photo: Cliff Mak |
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Coffee and student culture |
2522 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 644 3100 |
This cafe features brick walls, a tall ceiling with criss-crossed wooden beams, bright light from the windows, skylight and featured photography and artwork that changes periodically. Sit downstairs among the indoor trees or up in the loft. It fills up quickly at almost all hours of the day, so do not be afraid to ask to share with someone. It offers the standard coffee and espresso drinks including the Espresso Roma roast, cappuccinos, mochas, lattes, as well as juices and sodas. It also serves cakes and pies, as well as daily specials like salads, sandwiches and other quick eats. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alex Pang |
 Photo: Alex Pang |
 Photo: Fai Chong |
 Photo: lookimasian |
 Photo: Mary Anne Clark |
 Photo: Kevan Ho |
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Cyber and sundries |
2600 Durant Avenue (Hotel Durant) Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 845 8981 |
This small coffee house serves up great espresso and coffee drinks to those looking for a little pick-me-up or some time on the Internet. Here you will find freshly roasted and ground house blends, espresso, mochas, lattes and cappucinos. There is also a small selection of juices, bottled water and baked goods like muffins, danish, bagels and biscotti. There are a few computers for Internet access, and the owners are in the process of acquiring as many as the space will accommodate. You will also find a limited amount of sundries for the convenience of those hotel patrons who may have left something at home. Cash only. As a part of the Hotel Durant, this cafe reflects its elegance, while still being sidewalk level and a block away from Telegraph. The long, narrow space seems longer from the mirrored wall at one end, and along the wall opposite the large windows that look out upon Durant Street foot traffic. The cafe is a bright mural of folks enjoying a jovial coffee house atmosphere. Relax with a cup, a book or a "mouse". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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East Bay Gourmet |
1782 4th Street Berkeley, CA 94710 United States +1 510 525 1440 http://www.caferouge.net |
Cafe Rouge, located in the heart of Berkeley's hoppin' 4th Street shopping district, is an East Bay institution. Foodies flock from far and wide for treats as simple as a cheeseburger and as complex as a Mediterranean-style lamb shank entree. Menu items are rotated in and out of circulation every couple weeks, so expect to see new and exciting things every time you visit. Shellfish fans marvel at the massive oyster selection (officially celebrated at the weekly Oyster Wednesday party). Cafe Rouge is also well known for the quality of its meats, all of which come from the finest local and regional producers, and many of which are available for takeaway at the on-site Meat Market (where you'll also find all manner of cured meats, pates, terrines and sausages). See website for menus, wine lists and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sarah B. Gibson |
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With a Greek bent |
1849 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 101 Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 849 1319 |
Offering a touch more than the typical coffee house, this is the perfect place to dine alone with a good book for company. If you need something more than a mocha and a pastry, there are breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus on offer along with beer and wine at the bar. Menu items change daily, but a typical morning means omelettes, hot cereals, and fresh-baked items. Lunches and dinners include panini sandwiches, gourmet salads, mousaka, pizzas and pastas. The dessert menu is equally captivating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Most popular outdoor cafe |
2300 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704-1723 United States +1 510 843 5282 |
Welcome to a cafe synonymous with Berkeley itself. Located directly across the street from the University, and open late, this is the perfect place to study, relax, rev up or just congregate. There are several outside tables, making this the perfect spot for sipping delicious coffee drinks al fresco. There is no telling how many famous novels, poems and quantum mechanic theories have been formulated, hammered out and perfected right here. Find a strong and inexpensive assortment of coffee and espresso drinks. There are pastries, including muffins, scones, croissants and the ubiquitous macaroons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Jamieson |
 Photo: yanec |
 Photo: Alan Wiig |
 Photo: Sydney Mainster |
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For Chocoholics |
914 Heinz Ave Berkeley, CA 94710 United States +1 510 843 6008 http://www.cafecacao.biz/ |
Café Cacao is a unique dining experience, located next to the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker factory in Berkeley, California. Their casual atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, and offers delicious and flavorful dishes as well as irresistable desserts, pastries, and coffee. Known for their exceptional service, they are open seven days a week for lunch, weekend brunch, and private dinners upon request. Seating is also available on their charming patio. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Min Liu |
 Photo: Grégory Massal |
 Photo: Shereen A. Khan |
 Photo: Evan Hamilton |
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Coffee on the Avenue |
2404 Telegraph Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 644 3045 |
Step into this open and airy coffee house for fine brews, good conversation and lots of yellow. The walls, that is are all are a deep goldenrod color, and there are lots of scattered chairs and tables. Enjoy coffee and espresso drinks like mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee and teas, as well as fresh juices, milk and sodas. Should you want something a little more substantial than a bagel or muffin, there is a small sandwich and salad menu with choices like turkey, roast beef and pastrami as well as Caesar, green and fruit salads. Student Advantage discount available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Coffee and Calzones! |
2960 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 United States +1 510 644 3773 http://www.espressoroma.com/ |
For decades, this large coffeehouse on the corner of Ashby and College has been a veritable institution in Berkeley, like the University itself. A place for students to study over excellent espresso, and artists and writers to create while munching on a croissant. The floor is Tuscan tiled, the ceiling vaulted. Order at the coffee counter and seat yourself at a table, at the small circular bar, or at one of a handful of tables outside with the view of the College/Ashby foot traffic. Try the large, stuffed calzones filled with cheese, meat, veggies and fresh sauce. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benjamin Harrison |
 Photo: Jonathan D. Leavitt |
 Photo: Claes Buckwalter |
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L'espresso, n'est-ce pas? |
1538 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 548 9930 |
Located on the ground floor of The French Hotel, this is not your typical hotel coffee shop. This is Berkeley coffee-house culture, with brick walls, periodically changing artwork and an atrium in the back for those who want a little sun. The cafe is always bustling with students, artists, tourists and those just seeking a coffee break. Find all the usual coffee and espresso drinks like mochas, lattes, cappuccinos and house roasts, as well as a small selection of pastries and muffins. It features Torani Italian soda syrups as well as fresh juices. Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Organic is its mantra |
1620 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 United States +1 510 845 2233 http://www.guerillacafe.com/ |
When in Berkeley, do drop by this café for scrumptious refreshments. You just can't miss the aroma of the fresh pastries, the Panini Sandwich, and warm and crisp Organic Cornmeal Waffles served here. Formerly home to Smokey Joe's, the recently done up interiors of Guerilla Café throw you back to the retro '70s. Pieces of art created by the owners are displayed on the tables and walls. And just in case you are not in the mood for tea or coffee, sip some freshly squeezed juice or a tall glass of milk with honey? It's all positive here! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Mateo Lim |
 Photo: Sara Erdmann |
 Photo: Maynard Rabara |
 Photo: tjdee |
 Photo: tjdee |
 Photo: Tollef Biggs |
 Photo: daniwest |
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Health under glass |
2564 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 486 8322 |
The tables here are located along the atrium, along with a few plants and a glass roof, which is particularly cool to eat under during a rainstorm. True to its name, the place whips up all sorts of healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinner entrees, all at reasonable prices. Order at the counter, then sit beneath the glass. Morning selections include coffee, homemade muffins and pastries, eggs and omelets. Throughout the day find homemade soups, lasagna, stuffed baked potatoes and burgers. Try Southeast Asian entrees like the Mee Gorang, curry dishes and spicy udon. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sayumi Takahashi |
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Music and Culture |
3105, Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 United States +1 510 849 2568 http://www.lapena.org/ |
La Peña Cultural Center and the adjacent Café Valparaíso offer a taste of a faraway home for some and a window into different cultures and heritages for others. The concept of La Peña comes from Latin America, where in the 1960s artists and musicians created a space for collaboration. Now the tradition is being carried on in Berkeley by a multi-cultural group concerned with international and local social issues. Operating since 1975 and begun in response to the military coup of 1973 in Chile, the club hosts musical guests and community events and can boast annual visits by the internationally renown Chilean group Inti-Illimani. Sample tasty Chilean fare such as empanadas at Café Valparaíso before enjoying a show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A cappucino with your symphony? |
2430 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 849 0211 http://www.musicaloffering.com/ |
Bring a portable CD player and a hankering for a cup a joe. One of the few music stores devoted to classical recordings, the Music Offering stocks everything from Mozart, Bach and Beethoven, to rare medieval chant and contemporary composers in the classical vein. And after you've bought your CD, sit down at the cafe up front and enjoy a latte and croissant. Find all the typical espresso drinks, coffee, pastries, and sandwiches made fresh daily. The space is large, airy, and accoustically perfect for the classical music over the loudspeakers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: adrina rodriguez |
