The Best Cafes In Berkeley, California

Cafe in Berkeley
Cafe in Berkeley | © Flickr/Sharon Hahn Darlin
Jessica Rico

In the college town of Berkeley, California there are plenty of spots to grab a hot drink, a pastry or a quick bite to eat. Many locally owned cafes in town offer a quiet and relaxing environment to put in some work, read a book or have a quick meeting with friends. Explore the best cafes in Berkeley and find your favorite spot.

1. Caffe Strada

Caffe Strada

Located right across from Boalt Law School, Caffe Strada gives off an earthy aura with its many trees and plants that surround the outdoor seating area. Paired with a steaming cup of coffee and a delicious pastry, Caffe Strada is the perfect place to relax and focus. Whether you are heading out for a morning coffee run, or a late night meeting spot, swing by Caffe Strada.

Caffe Strada, 2300 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA +1 510 843 5282

Caffe Strada © Sharon Hahn Darlin/Flickr

2. Yali’s Cafe

Cafe, Coffee, American

Yalis Cafe
© Jessica Rico/FlickrA
With two locations, Yali’s Cafe is a reliable choice whether you are on the UC Berkeley campus or on your way to downtown Berkeley. With a variety of coffees, juices and smoothies to choose from this cafe is perfect for those in a hurry.

3. Cafe Milano

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Pastry Shop, Pastries, Coffee, American

Salad at Cafe Milano
© Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr
Situated directly across the south side entrance of UC Berkeley, Cafe Milano offers both students and visitors alike a calm environment. Along with two stories of seating room, the cafe also offers satisfying breakfast sandwiches, delectable pastries and tasty hot chocolate. The air is filled with music from soothing classical to mellow jazz to complete the experience of a comfortable space.

5. Sack’s Coffee House

Sack’s Coffee House

Ever thought of spending the day curled up with a sack? Well look no further than Sack’s Coffee House. The open space allows for the many sacks to be spread out and used for curling up with a book or some school work. Enjoy one of the creatively named paninis paired with a glass of organic tea.

Sack’s Coffee House, 2701 College Ave, Berkeley, CA +1 510 644 2233

Sack’s Coffee House © Sharon Hahn Darlin/Flickr

6. Musical Offering Cafe

Bistro, Cafe, American

The Musical Offering Street View
© Jessica Rico/Flickr
If traditional is what you like in your choice of cafes, look no further than The Musical Offering Cafe. With its classic wooden chairs and furniture, the ambiance is an excellent setting for a casual meal anytime of the day. When you have finished dining, you can head over to the back area of the cafe to browse the collection of classical CDs. If you are heading over to one of UC Berkeley’s performance events, the cafe is in a perfect location to grab a bite to eat.

7. Royal Ground Coffee

Royal Ground Coffee

Located in downtown Berkeley, Royal Ground Coffee boasts a clear view of the busy city through its broad open windows. Offering a range of salads, sandwiches, coffees and teas there is sure to be something on the menu for everyone.

Royal Ground Coffee, 2409 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA +1 510 849 9888

8. Lindgren’s Coffee & Cafe

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Beer, American, Coffee

This spot is an ideal setting for anyone who is craving some time for themselves. Lindgren’s Coffee & Cafe serves hearty omelets and burritos for breakfast, and satisfying sandwiches and wraps for lunch. Pair those with any of their organic coffees or teas for a pleasing treat. The classic paintings lining the walls provide an intimate backdrop while you enjoy the calm atmosphere of Lindgren’s.

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