Been coming to Ain’t Normal Cafe for some time now mostly for matcha powder and the occasional latte.
After an incredibly unsavory interaction with the owner I decided I won’t be returning. While ordering my matcha latte the owner rudely proceeded to tell me no outside food allowed. I had shopped for some lunch at Market Hall Foods (which I love btw) but had no intention on eating it at their cafe.
It wasn’t exactly what the owner said but more so how he said it as if he was putting me in my place or policing me.
He’s not a friendly or pleasant individual and his presence definitely puts a damper on the cafes vibe whenever I’ve interacted with him.
Just don’t feel good seeing the owner, the service sucks and I don’t like spending my money here any longer.
TLDR: You can't get a better espresso beverage experience in the East Bay.
Consistently excellent espresso drinks made by expert baristas. Very friendly and professional staff as well. I like to think of this place as the edgier version of Bartavelle (RIP).
Indoor seating is limited but there is a nice standing espresso bar looking out onto College Avenue. If you have 5 minutes it's a great way to enjoy your drink in a proper ceramic mug.
Ample south facing outdoor seating is unusual for the neighborhood, but keep in mind this is an urban setting with freeway and street noise. I personally enjoy the energy of it, but well, you know, that just like my opinion man.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Dillon Merenich
I spent $4 on a large coffee that tastes like bitter piss water and the lid does not contain the coffee so i ended up having a nice cuff full of pissy bean water.
Nischal Jeena
Really nice coffee but pricey.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
E Bo
Came for my first visit after a hearty recommendation from my son. The savory scone was the best I've had anywhere. The pour over was expensive but very good. Nice seating outside.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Savory Scone
Clayton Summitt
Excellent selection of beans from around the world by various roasters. Some beans were older, so keep your eye on that roasted on date. Unfortunately some rosters don't label the roast level and that can make for an unpleasant surprise.
I got an espresso before perusing the selection. It was fantastic. Would certainly come back, just for that. Good balance of floral notes, sweetness and chocolate hints,
Staff was busy, so not helpful with selecting coffee or wine, yes they have a nice wine selection too . This might have been a one time occurrence, or the default. Just a note, not a complaint.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Sarah Karlan
Y’all I’m begging of you to move your umbrellas over, everyone is cooking and roasting and you’re just shading the sidewalk.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leilani Chun
I came in well before closing time & ordered a cafe au lait, which is just plain drip coffee with steamed milk. I was told they could only make me a cafelatte, which is expresso & steamed milk, which I thought was odd as they advertise that they offer hand dripped coffee, along with espresso. I guess I was the only 1 in the cafe that wanted plain coffee & that it would take them too long to make just 1 cup? I settled for a caffelatte, but my tummy was not happy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jessica Lee
Probably the best avocado toast I've ever had. Good tea choices. Nice progressive little cafe. Outdoor and indoor seating.
Made the mistake of going out of my way for something in Oakland. Guy at the counter was miserable, acted like he was never taught the word “hello” and as if I was working for him. Sold out of sandwiches at lunch time.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Alexander Verner
Top quality coffee, but one staff member in particular is repeatedly unapproachable, gives one word answers when asked about the coffees, and generally doesn’t seem like they want to be there - makes for an uninviting atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Doran Pennington
the staff here is always extremely unhappy to talk about their $15 cups of coffee or provide any details about it. i’ve been here at least 4 times and have never encountered someone who is happy to communicate why their coffee is special or worth the price.
Been coming to Ain’t Normal Cafe for some time now mostly for matcha powder and the occasional latte.
After an incredibly unsavory interaction with the owner I decided I won’t be returning. While ordering my matcha latte the owner rudely proceeded to tell me no outside food allowed. I had shopped for some lunch at Market Hall Foods (which I love btw) but had no intention on eating it at their cafe.
It wasn’t exactly what the owner said but more so how he said it as if he was putting me in my place or policing me.
He’s not a friendly or pleasant individual and his presence definitely puts a damper on the cafes vibe whenever I’ve interacted with him.
Just don’t feel good seeing the owner, the service sucks and I don’t like spending my money here any longer.
Great coffee & pastries
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Savory Scone, Sweet Scone, Avocado Toast, Savory Puff
TLDR: You can't get a better espresso beverage experience in the East Bay.
Consistently excellent espresso drinks made by expert baristas. Very friendly and professional staff as well. I like to think of this place as the edgier version of Bartavelle (RIP).
Indoor seating is limited but there is a nice standing espresso bar looking out onto College Avenue. If you have 5 minutes it's a great way to enjoy your drink in a proper ceramic mug.
Ample south facing outdoor seating is unusual for the neighborhood, but keep in mind this is an urban setting with freeway and street noise. I personally enjoy the energy of it, but well, you know, that just like my opinion man.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I spent $4 on a large coffee that tastes like bitter piss water and the lid does not contain the coffee so i ended up having a nice cuff full of pissy bean water.
Really nice coffee but pricey.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Came for my first visit after a hearty recommendation from my son. The savory scone was the best I've had anywhere. The pour over was expensive but very good. Nice seating outside.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Savory Scone
Excellent selection of beans from around the world by various roasters. Some beans were older, so keep your eye on that roasted on date. Unfortunately some rosters don't label the roast level and that can make for an unpleasant surprise.
I got an espresso before perusing the selection. It was fantastic. Would certainly come back, just for that. Good balance of floral notes, sweetness and chocolate hints,
Staff was busy, so not helpful with selecting coffee or wine, yes they have a nice wine selection too . This might have been a one time occurrence, or the default. Just a note, not a complaint.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Y’all I’m begging of you to move your umbrellas over, everyone is cooking and roasting and you’re just shading the sidewalk.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came in well before closing time & ordered a cafe au lait, which is just plain drip coffee with steamed milk. I was told they could only make me a cafelatte, which is expresso & steamed milk, which I thought was odd as they advertise that they offer hand dripped coffee, along with espresso. I guess I was the only 1 in the cafe that wanted plain coffee & that it would take them too long to make just 1 cup? I settled for a caffelatte, but my tummy was not happy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Probably the best avocado toast I've ever had. Good tea choices. Nice progressive little cafe. Outdoor and indoor seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Made the mistake of going out of my way for something in Oakland. Guy at the counter was miserable, acted like he was never taught the word “hello” and as if I was working for him. Sold out of sandwiches at lunch time.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Top quality coffee, but one staff member in particular is repeatedly unapproachable, gives one word answers when asked about the coffees, and generally doesn’t seem like they want to be there - makes for an uninviting atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
the staff here is always extremely unhappy to talk about their $15 cups of coffee or provide any details about it. i’ve been here at least 4 times and have never encountered someone who is happy to communicate why their coffee is special or worth the price.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
I love Ain’t Normal. Great food and folks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jammy Egg
one of the best cafes
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
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