Best espresso I had in a long time; and very friendly staff. My new coffee shop to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tsengelmaa L.
Had a bagel with cream cheese and tomato sandwich, NO LOX. Unfortunately it tasted like lox. Cross contamination. Either the preparer was wearing the same gloves they used to make a lox sandwich, or the cutting board, or knife had been used for the lox......
I love this place. Please try to fix this.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
N.B. W
Cole Coffee is hands-down my favorite local coffee shop and I consider being able to walk here a few times a week a huge perk of living in the neighborhood! The coffee is consistently amazing, and while prices have increased slightly, I love that I can still get a strong coffee and a scone for around $8. The vibe is perfect for getting work done; I’ve had some of my most productive sessions here, fueled by caffeine and the low-key entertainment of people-watching and eavesdropping on fascinating conversations.
There’s always a good spot to sit, the customer service is genuinely kind, and there are plenty of outlets to keep you powered up. While there’s no WiFi, that’s never been an issue for me since I use my hotspot—and honestly, the lack of WiFi just adds to the unpretentious atmosphere and interesting conversations/gatherings. So much better than the nearby chains. Cole Coffee is a true local gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gordon Smith
This is a wonderful neighborhood coffee place, with a strong cohort of loyal customers. It has good seating both inside and out. Offers a small selection of pastries as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barry Hashimoto
Cole Coffee sits on a prime corner in Oakland with great light and ideal seating for people-watching, but the espresso consistently underwhelms. Over many visits, I’ve found the shots over-extracted, watery, and harsh—more burnt drip than proper espresso. Portions are far too large, masking any clarity in the beans. For those stopping in, drinks that lean milk-heavy—lattes, cappuccinos—are a safer bet. This is a café better for the setting than the shot.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Robert Blackwell
Charming cafe with great coffee and a friendly staff. Maya recommended it for our first date.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hunter Carrell
If you enjoy more specialty type coffees, you will not enjoy this place. They have a wide selection of nice beans, but I’m not sure they know how they should be specifically prepared. The notes of the pour overs are hidden behind overextraction. The coffee shop is clean and upscale though. Also, do not get the horchata latte.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Samuel Fogel
Dirty chai was the worst I’ve ever had and I could not drink it…but don’t let this deter you from going because we all have different taste buds! Peace love & coffee 😶🌫️
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 5
Jeff Snell
Wheelchair accessibility: No issues with wheelchair
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ed Gronke
Haven't been inside since the pandemic. Avocado toast was good but noticeably smaller than in 2019
Great spot for coffee in Oakland. Have been stopping in on the weekends for fresh ground coffee to take home. Place is usually busy but you will see why
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jackson Lo
...used to be ROYAL, long ago...but same spot, great coffee and vibe,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Danger Monkey
Best coffee in the bay area, probably in the world. Family owned. The only place I go. Not much more to say.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mehrsad Shojaee
Exceptional coffee and outstanding customer service at Cole Coffee Cafe! The staff is always friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their brews. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll feel welcomed and well taken care of. Highly recommend stopping by for your caffeine fix!"
Best espresso I had in a long time; and very friendly staff. My new coffee shop to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a bagel with cream cheese and tomato sandwich, NO LOX. Unfortunately it tasted like lox. Cross contamination. Either the preparer was wearing the same gloves they used to make a lox sandwich, or the cutting board, or knife had been used for the lox......
I love this place. Please try to fix this.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Cole Coffee is hands-down my favorite local coffee shop and I consider being able to walk here a few times a week a huge perk of living in the neighborhood! The coffee is consistently amazing, and while prices have increased slightly, I love that I can still get a strong coffee and a scone for around $8. The vibe is perfect for getting work done; I’ve had some of my most productive sessions here, fueled by caffeine and the low-key entertainment of people-watching and eavesdropping on fascinating conversations.
There’s always a good spot to sit, the customer service is genuinely kind, and there are plenty of outlets to keep you powered up. While there’s no WiFi, that’s never been an issue for me since I use my hotspot—and honestly, the lack of WiFi just adds to the unpretentious atmosphere and interesting conversations/gatherings. So much better than the nearby chains. Cole Coffee is a true local gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a wonderful neighborhood coffee place, with a strong cohort of loyal customers. It has good seating both inside and out. Offers a small selection of pastries as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cole Coffee sits on a prime corner in Oakland with great light and ideal seating for people-watching, but the espresso consistently underwhelms. Over many visits, I’ve found the shots over-extracted, watery, and harsh—more burnt drip than proper espresso. Portions are far too large, masking any clarity in the beans. For those stopping in, drinks that lean milk-heavy—lattes, cappuccinos—are a safer bet. This is a café better for the setting than the shot.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Charming cafe with great coffee and a friendly staff. Maya recommended it for our first date.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you enjoy more specialty type coffees, you will not enjoy this place. They have a wide selection of nice beans, but I’m not sure they know how they should be specifically prepared. The notes of the pour overs are hidden behind overextraction. The coffee shop is clean and upscale though. Also, do not get the horchata latte.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Dirty chai was the worst I’ve ever had and I could not drink it…but don’t let this deter you from going because we all have different taste buds! Peace love & coffee 😶🌫️
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 5
Wheelchair accessibility: No issues with wheelchair
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Haven't been inside since the pandemic. Avocado toast was good but noticeably smaller than in 2019
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Avocado Toast
Restaurantji Recommends
Great spot for coffee in Oakland. Have been stopping in on the weekends for fresh ground coffee to take home. Place is usually busy but you will see why
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
...used to be ROYAL, long ago...but same spot, great coffee and vibe,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best coffee in the bay area, probably in the world. Family owned. The only place I go. Not much more to say.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptional coffee and outstanding customer service at Cole Coffee Cafe! The staff is always friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their brews. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll feel welcomed and well taken care of. Highly recommend stopping by for your caffeine fix!"
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best voffee anywhere
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