Blue Bottle Coffee

When it comes to coffee, best is a relative term. Coffee shops have become the daytime bars, and everyone has their own opinion of what makes them good. In Oakland, cafés are as diverse as the various neighborhoods and so is the coffee. Roasters and baristas are creating communities with an appetite for coffee and supporting local business. Here’s our top 10 favorite to try out.
There are a lot of coffee shops in the bay, but none quite like Modern Coffee in downtown Oakland. Modern Coffee is Oakland’s premium coffee tap room (caffeine addicts have to love the way that sounds). Along with the menu of brewed-to-order cups and coffees to share, there’s a list of ‘coffees we love right now’ from the owners. Customers can also buy bags of beans from roasters like Chromatic, Counter Culture, Linea Caffe, Stumptown and Verve. Modern’s two locations are quaint shops with plenty of space to work, hang out and enjoy a little bit of Oakland.
Modern Coffee, 411 13th St, Oakland, CA, USA, +1 510 835 8000
Modern Coffee, 381 19th street, Oakland, CA, USA +1 510-858-7601
Modern Coffee | © Misha Burke
At the Bicycle Coffee Company, bike riding is as much their passion as coffee. The coffee company started out roasting beans in a wok at a kitchen in the Inner Sunset and has now become a multinational roasting name. Their single café is located in downtown Oakland, and it’s as unique as the company. The shop is simple and open with the roasting done in almost the same room as where the coffee is served. There is outdoor seating with tables shaped like the bicycles their coffee is delivered on. If you like their coffee, you can buy bags of their beans and growlers of their amazing iced coffee.
Cole Coffee is a staple in the Rockridge neighborhood in North Oakland. They’ve been roasting and brewing coffee beans for nearly 27 years. It’s a small shop with a fast-paced environment during those busy College Avenue days. The café is a nice size with comfortable sofas and outdoor seating to enjoy the diverse culture of the area. Cole’s is a great alternative to the local Peet’s and Starbucks; typically, they have shorter lines and coffee you’ll be glad you tried.
Cole Coffee, 307 63rd St, Oakland, CA, USA, +1 510 653 5458
Timeless Coffee is a little retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of Piedmont Avenue. Rather than design a café of commotion, Timeless wants its patrons to enjoy the little pleasures in life. Their in-house roaster creates some of the most delicious espressos and coffees to order. In addition to selling a great cup of coffee, Timeless also offers a menu of scrumptious breakfast and lunch entrées and it’s all 100 percent vegan. Timeless is the neighborhood café, a place to hang out, enjoy, and share in Oakland’s spirit.
Timeless Coffee, 4252 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA, USA, +1 510 985 1360
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