Sent this email to them - No response. To whom it may concern. I started buying my coffee from roastco probably 10 years ago when I had an almost religious experience purchasing a cup of coffee at Farm:Table in SF. I inquired about the coffee and they're told me you were their supplier. I immediately bought a bag of your beans from them, researched pour-over brewing and began brewing your coffee at home. Later I drove to your location and was warmly welcomed in by employees and shown the roasting process and was given explanations of your various single origin offerings. Over the years I made many trips to your location to purchase beans and have turned countless friends and family members on to roastco. However, the last few visits to your location I've been met with rude employees who couldn't be bothered, and treated as though I were an annoyance to their job. Other times I drove to your location only to find nobody there even when your hours showed you to be open for business. I recently ordered two pounds of your Ethiopian beans. It's awful. Over the past couple days I've tried varying the coarseness of the grind, water temp, and even the pour over dripper. No matter what I change the cup is sour and bitter. I researched sour coffee and although extraction time and the coarseness of the grind can contribute to sour coffee, under-roasting seems to be the #1 culprit. I tried calling and as usual the call is never answered. Lately it seems you offer less varieties of coffee, poor customer service, and you're less available to your customers. Now the product sucks? What's up with your company? Are you going out of business? New ownership? Not sure what's going on with your company but I probably just wasted $45 and will be looking for a new coffee roaster, which is a shame because you had something good going...but it's been a steady decline.
Alexander S.
I've tried several coffees now from Roast Co and have enjoyed every one of them. I stopped by their roasting facility this week to pick up a back of Costa Rica honey process coffee (delicious) and the owner kindly recommended a Rwanda as well (which was equally delicious). Great coffee - great people.
Pavel Tereshchuk
I tried their coffee at Chop Bar in Oakland, CA, and it was so good and freshly roasted.
Zoe M.
High quality beverages, strong coffee, and nice selection of juices and water, soda for purchase. The staff is friendly and nice. The atmosphere is clean and hip. The food looks fresh and made with quality items. Prices are decent. Good for large groups and families with kids. Would recommend to anyone looking for a bite to eat or something to drink.
Christophe P.
Best coffee roastery in Oakland. The folks who work at their facility on 9th are friendly, welcoming, and very knowledgeable. And it's all about coffee. When we stopped by, we had a lot of questions about their coffee, and they had answers. Then we walked out with a few different coffees, the best of which was Dark Horse. Flavorful with a depth of flavor, not burnt, and very smooth. Wonderful! Ask for Arnold or Sam...they're great!
Tina D.
It's pretty amazing to find beans this fresh! Staff were so nice and helpful in helping me select a varietal for my coffee snob husband. Definitely a wonderful hidden gem!
SeaJay WintersTavern
Great Local Coffee. House Roasted to perfection!
Joe T.
Awesome coffee! Went here on my summer trip to California and I am now ordering it to be shipped back to New York so I can still enjoy it. I wish it was a little cheaper, with shipping it comes to about 18$ for 12 ounces, but the quality is definitely there. It's a nice change from my local Brooklyn roasters
Jessica C.
I could drink Roast Co's Dark Horse every morning for the rest of my life and die a happy woman. They - hands down - make the best coffee I've tasted, and coming from someone who lived outside Kona for part of her life, drinking fresh local roasts daily, you can say my standards are decent. You can find Roast Co in all of the best Oakland restaurants - Brown Sugar Kitchen, Lungomare, and in many others around Jack London Sq. And I enjoy the tips shared on their bags, like, coffee is best kept outside the fridge or freezer - who knew??
J N.
Updated review: The general manager from Roast Co. reached out to me regarding my review. He went out of his way to speak to the man that helped me, so my experience would certainly stay as an exception to the rule. He also wanted to do whatever he could to make it up to me. He offered a bag of freshly roasted beans, which arrived within a day or so of roasting. I am extremely impressed with how Roast Co.'s management cared enough to read through Yelp reviews and to make sure their customers were all taken care of. They basically proved me wrong when I implied their company doesn't prioritize service. My initial encounter seems to be something that doesn't happen often at all. Thank you so much Roast Co. Btw. Their decaf blend is one of the most flavorful decaf coffees ever. --- Previous review: I dropped in while I was driving through. I've never been to Roast Co. I'm from Portland and I like to try local coffee roasters. I'm looking for the perfect beans to stock my kitchen back home. And while I'm on the hunt, I collect coffee bags as the evidence of my search... When I pulled up, I thought I was visiting a coffee shop, but I ended up at the roasting facility. I walked in confused but asked a group of people if I could buy beans. A guy gave me some recommendations. I asked if I could try some of the coffee, he said no and that they don't offer drinks. We were standing in front of what looked like 4 different coffee machines! I was slightly annoyed but I asked if I could get a half pound in their signature bags (I collect coffee bags from different roasters and shops) and he said no because it won't fill the bag and he can only give me a brown bag. I asked him to help me out, as I was visiting from out of town. He didn't say anything, so I just told him to give me whatever would fit in their signature bag. It was inconvenient and annoying to be denied requests that seemed to have been filled for other Yelpers, especially being from out of town and unable to come back anytime soon. I might enjoy the beans but working with a customer service focused company is important to me. I just wish I had more time in Oakland so I could've left and visited a different roaster.
I am in love with there vanilla chai!!! Honestly the best I have ever had. This place is in London jack square and is a must stop if your running by Oakland. I highly recommend this place to anyone!!!
Erich V.
Roast Co focuses on single origin coffee. I find their coffee is often a bit more acidic and better for an espresso or latte than just a plain cup of black.
Jenn B.
While I've never been to their facility I've been enjoying their beans all over Oakland for years: Stags, Kitchen 388, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and I buy their beans for home brewing at Whole Foods. They roast really delicious coffee beans and don't overcharge like other Oakland based companies (Blue Bottle). Bicycle at the farmer's market is still the best price in town ($10) but RoastCo tastes significantly better. Their Brown Sugar Kitchen Blend makes the perfect cup of joe.
Stan L.
Visited the Roast Co truck in the afternoon when it participated in Off the Grid Picnic at the Presidio on this Father's Day. Their very bold sign caught my attention and I began to crave for a cup of coffee immediately. I don't know if it was because they were preparing to close but the service was very slow. They weren't supposed to close for another 20 minutes and there were a few people waiting for and wanting to order. By the time I got the cashier's attention, she was doing something in the back, a minute to two have passed. Ordered the latte for 4 bucks. Not exactly cheap so I was set for high standards. 5 minutes passed, nothing. I then noticed there were two people scattered a little away to the right side of the station were those waiting as well. Another five minutes have passed and they finally asked if I wanted decaf. By that time I didn't really cared and said sure. Thinking that my cup was going to be ready next, I got my lid and stirrer ready. Boy was I wrong! Someone else had picked up the cup. Mine was the one after. By the time I got my cup, more than 15 minutes had passed. The friends waiting couldn't believe it, that I was so nice standing and waiting that long without a complaint. Coffee was very smooth. Close to a medium roast. Flavor wasn't too bold. I would say have a good balance. But the fact that I had the longest wait ever for a cup of latte ruined my enjoyment. Friends' mood was ruined too by waiting for me waiting for my cup. They should have had two people preparing the espressos. When I watched the one person doing it, she was careful but at the same time wasn't very fast. There weren't that many customers at the time ordered. I can't imagine what it would be it is busy.
Lorrie M.
YAY! Thanks to work, I got to try Roast Co which is what I would call a boutique coffee truck in Oakland, CA. I don't know if they normally run trucks, but they definitely had a full service cart in MV today. I guess they also have an actual location in Oakland, but it doesn't say whether or not they serve coffee in the Oakland location. They are out at Off The Grid quite often, so check them out when you get a chance. They baristas & staff are very friendly, and they're very good at this coffee art thing ;) despite the poor quality of soy milk-able-art there is. I definitely recommend giving them a try as my latte was delicious, smooth and flavorful.
Sent this email to them - No response. To whom it may concern. I started buying my coffee from roastco probably 10 years ago when I had an almost religious experience purchasing a cup of coffee at Farm:Table in SF. I inquired about the coffee and they're told me you were their supplier. I immediately bought a bag of your beans from them, researched pour-over brewing and began brewing your coffee at home. Later I drove to your location and was warmly welcomed in by employees and shown the roasting process and was given explanations of your various single origin offerings. Over the years I made many trips to your location to purchase beans and have turned countless friends and family members on to roastco. However, the last few visits to your location I've been met with rude employees who couldn't be bothered, and treated as though I were an annoyance to their job. Other times I drove to your location only to find nobody there even when your hours showed you to be open for business. I recently ordered two pounds of your Ethiopian beans. It's awful. Over the past couple days I've tried varying the coarseness of the grind, water temp, and even the pour over dripper. No matter what I change the cup is sour and bitter. I researched sour coffee and although extraction time and the coarseness of the grind can contribute to sour coffee, under-roasting seems to be the #1 culprit. I tried calling and as usual the call is never answered. Lately it seems you offer less varieties of coffee, poor customer service, and you're less available to your customers. Now the product sucks? What's up with your company? Are you going out of business? New ownership? Not sure what's going on with your company but I probably just wasted $45 and will be looking for a new coffee roaster, which is a shame because you had something good going...but it's been a steady decline.
I've tried several coffees now from Roast Co and have enjoyed every one of them. I stopped by their roasting facility this week to pick up a back of Costa Rica honey process coffee (delicious) and the owner kindly recommended a Rwanda as well (which was equally delicious). Great coffee - great people.
I tried their coffee at Chop Bar in Oakland, CA, and it was so good and freshly roasted.
High quality beverages, strong coffee, and nice selection of juices and water, soda for purchase. The staff is friendly and nice. The atmosphere is clean and hip. The food looks fresh and made with quality items. Prices are decent. Good for large groups and families with kids. Would recommend to anyone looking for a bite to eat or something to drink.
Best coffee roastery in Oakland. The folks who work at their facility on 9th are friendly, welcoming, and very knowledgeable. And it's all about coffee. When we stopped by, we had a lot of questions about their coffee, and they had answers. Then we walked out with a few different coffees, the best of which was Dark Horse. Flavorful with a depth of flavor, not burnt, and very smooth. Wonderful! Ask for Arnold or Sam...they're great!
It's pretty amazing to find beans this fresh! Staff were so nice and helpful in helping me select a varietal for my coffee snob husband. Definitely a wonderful hidden gem!
Great Local Coffee. House Roasted to perfection!
Awesome coffee! Went here on my summer trip to California and I am now ordering it to be shipped back to New York so I can still enjoy it. I wish it was a little cheaper, with shipping it comes to about 18$ for 12 ounces, but the quality is definitely there. It's a nice change from my local Brooklyn roasters
I could drink Roast Co's Dark Horse every morning for the rest of my life and die a happy woman. They - hands down - make the best coffee I've tasted, and coming from someone who lived outside Kona for part of her life, drinking fresh local roasts daily, you can say my standards are decent. You can find Roast Co in all of the best Oakland restaurants - Brown Sugar Kitchen, Lungomare, and in many others around Jack London Sq. And I enjoy the tips shared on their bags, like, coffee is best kept outside the fridge or freezer - who knew??
Updated review: The general manager from Roast Co. reached out to me regarding my review. He went out of his way to speak to the man that helped me, so my experience would certainly stay as an exception to the rule. He also wanted to do whatever he could to make it up to me. He offered a bag of freshly roasted beans, which arrived within a day or so of roasting. I am extremely impressed with how Roast Co.'s management cared enough to read through Yelp reviews and to make sure their customers were all taken care of. They basically proved me wrong when I implied their company doesn't prioritize service. My initial encounter seems to be something that doesn't happen often at all. Thank you so much Roast Co. Btw. Their decaf blend is one of the most flavorful decaf coffees ever. --- Previous review: I dropped in while I was driving through. I've never been to Roast Co. I'm from Portland and I like to try local coffee roasters. I'm looking for the perfect beans to stock my kitchen back home. And while I'm on the hunt, I collect coffee bags as the evidence of my search... When I pulled up, I thought I was visiting a coffee shop, but I ended up at the roasting facility. I walked in confused but asked a group of people if I could buy beans. A guy gave me some recommendations. I asked if I could try some of the coffee, he said no and that they don't offer drinks. We were standing in front of what looked like 4 different coffee machines! I was slightly annoyed but I asked if I could get a half pound in their signature bags (I collect coffee bags from different roasters and shops) and he said no because it won't fill the bag and he can only give me a brown bag. I asked him to help me out, as I was visiting from out of town. He didn't say anything, so I just told him to give me whatever would fit in their signature bag. It was inconvenient and annoying to be denied requests that seemed to have been filled for other Yelpers, especially being from out of town and unable to come back anytime soon. I might enjoy the beans but working with a customer service focused company is important to me. I just wish I had more time in Oakland so I could've left and visited a different roaster.
Restaurantji Recommends
I am in love with there vanilla chai!!! Honestly the best I have ever had. This place is in London jack square and is a must stop if your running by Oakland. I highly recommend this place to anyone!!!
Roast Co focuses on single origin coffee. I find their coffee is often a bit more acidic and better for an espresso or latte than just a plain cup of black.
While I've never been to their facility I've been enjoying their beans all over Oakland for years: Stags, Kitchen 388, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and I buy their beans for home brewing at Whole Foods. They roast really delicious coffee beans and don't overcharge like other Oakland based companies (Blue Bottle). Bicycle at the farmer's market is still the best price in town ($10) but RoastCo tastes significantly better. Their Brown Sugar Kitchen Blend makes the perfect cup of joe.
Visited the Roast Co truck in the afternoon when it participated in Off the Grid Picnic at the Presidio on this Father's Day. Their very bold sign caught my attention and I began to crave for a cup of coffee immediately. I don't know if it was because they were preparing to close but the service was very slow. They weren't supposed to close for another 20 minutes and there were a few people waiting for and wanting to order. By the time I got the cashier's attention, she was doing something in the back, a minute to two have passed. Ordered the latte for 4 bucks. Not exactly cheap so I was set for high standards. 5 minutes passed, nothing. I then noticed there were two people scattered a little away to the right side of the station were those waiting as well. Another five minutes have passed and they finally asked if I wanted decaf. By that time I didn't really cared and said sure. Thinking that my cup was going to be ready next, I got my lid and stirrer ready. Boy was I wrong! Someone else had picked up the cup. Mine was the one after. By the time I got my cup, more than 15 minutes had passed. The friends waiting couldn't believe it, that I was so nice standing and waiting that long without a complaint. Coffee was very smooth. Close to a medium roast. Flavor wasn't too bold. I would say have a good balance. But the fact that I had the longest wait ever for a cup of latte ruined my enjoyment. Friends' mood was ruined too by waiting for me waiting for my cup. They should have had two people preparing the espressos. When I watched the one person doing it, she was careful but at the same time wasn't very fast. There weren't that many customers at the time ordered. I can't imagine what it would be it is busy.
YAY! Thanks to work, I got to try Roast Co which is what I would call a boutique coffee truck in Oakland, CA. I don't know if they normally run trucks, but they definitely had a full service cart in MV today. I guess they also have an actual location in Oakland, but it doesn't say whether or not they serve coffee in the Oakland location. They are out at Off The Grid quite often, so check them out when you get a chance. They baristas & staff are very friendly, and they're very good at this coffee art thing ;) despite the poor quality of soy milk-able-art there is. I definitely recommend giving them a try as my latte was delicious, smooth and flavorful.