Have been going here since it’s opened, as other people have noticed that as baristas turn over they become more pretentious and worse at serving
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Harrison H.
A little surprised by the low ratings since I received one of the best Lavender Oat Lattes at this cafe. Like wow! That lavender syrup knocks it out of the park. It isn't too sweet and the lavender flavor did not taste artificial. I had a taste of my friend's vanilla latte and it was equally as solid. I'll admit $1 for syrup and $1 for oat milk seems like a steep price -- I paid $30 for four drinks. But I think the quality of the drinks was well worth it. There's plenty of places to sit (outside and around), so this cafe is a perfect place to have a chill start to your morning. Staff was super friendly as well, so I'll definitely be back here for another latte!
Gricelda Hernandez LMT
Lu was amazing: caring, polite, happy spirit. I couldn’t find my credit card and ended up using my Apple Pay, it was my first time visiting and I did not know what to order. Thank you for your patience Lu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Drip Coffee
Polly T.
A bit conflicted to give this mediocre review as my first few experiences here were great AND this place is within walking distance from my work to grab a quick cup on my break. One plus is I discovered Mother Tongue coffee, which is excellent and I even purchased a bag of beans for home, yay! Another plus is the alley it's located, lovely little walking/seating area to enjoy a beverage. Now to the not so great, staff is 50/50 on friendliness and service. I am always so surprised when people who obviously don't like other people work customer service jobs, and that is unfortunately what I found here. Not all staff, but one regular employee in particular is just really kind of terrible. Also, they don't take cash which wasn't clearly posted, so again, bummer. They do accept cash tips though so, yay? Lastly, my most recent coffee experience here was very disappointing, the barista pulled a really bad shot and it was the worst $6 latte I've had recently, blech. I'll be taking a break from going here for awhile due to my last experience leaving a bad taste in my mouth literally and figuratively.
Hoolian O.
Always quality crafted coffee and tea. Baked goods in abundance. Came down the other morning to line of 15 folks facing a single barista, who held it down impressively by themselves. Best cafe in Temescal.
Amber T.
This place is one of my favorite places to get an iced coffee. It wasn't watered down or acidic. You could add flavors and milk that you'd like. They have popular flavors but they also have unique flavors if you like to venture out with your coffee. The pastries also pair well with their coffee, especially the cookies. Their staff is friendly and the service is quick. They have a small seating area outside.
Jennifer O'Donnell
Not much seating but very cute spot for a quick coffee. Croissant was incredible as well
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
TJ M.
I adore this place. They have a very kind staff which is half the reason you keep coming back. More so the coffee is just so simple and delicious! I've found that I don't want to go anywhere else when I want to treat myself to coffee out. Baked goods are no slouch either! Whether you like sweet or savory.
Hannah Benício
One of my favorite spots, I still make the trip as often as I can even though I don’t live in the neighborhood anymore. Coffee is great, chai is perfect, and staff is so friendly and sweet. They even give my pup a cookie every time we visit, so obviously she gets very excited when we go. :)Delicious pastries too! <3
Janine M.
Adorable little place -same quaint alley as curbside creamery- with outdoor seating and a delightfully pleasant barista Serving Mother Tongue coffee One minor caveat- nearest restroom is Wholefoods
Favorite coffee spot in Oakland! I feel very spoiled growing up in San Diego with Dark Horse and Bird Rock Coffee roasters; of course the Bay Area has not missed and this is one of the spots!!
Jake B.
Love this place! Great little alleyway, tiny hole in the wall café. But the coffee itself was really excellent. The baked goods were fairly good, but not excellent (I was very surprised that the croissants were served cold, and not heated up). But definitely come here for the coffee!
Nikhil Pujari
Poor management. Closed when it is supposed to be open. Overrated neighborhood where you cannot even find a decent coffee shop open.
Matthew M
I used to love this place the staff were so nice! There was one barista (Shiloh) who made the best cappuccinos and was so friendly. I went into today at 11:30 am and the person who took my order was super rude, and they made my cappuccino decaf. Super bummed with how this place has changed when it used to be such a pleasure to go and get a coffee in the Alley.
aaron smith
This is my neighborhood coffeeshop, and I love it. All of the baristas are great, the manager is great, and the drinks are great. I do wish they more regularly had pastries left after 9:15 am, though.
Have been going here since it’s opened, as other people have noticed that as baristas turn over they become more pretentious and worse at serving
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
A little surprised by the low ratings since I received one of the best Lavender Oat Lattes at this cafe. Like wow! That lavender syrup knocks it out of the park. It isn't too sweet and the lavender flavor did not taste artificial. I had a taste of my friend's vanilla latte and it was equally as solid. I'll admit $1 for syrup and $1 for oat milk seems like a steep price -- I paid $30 for four drinks. But I think the quality of the drinks was well worth it. There's plenty of places to sit (outside and around), so this cafe is a perfect place to have a chill start to your morning. Staff was super friendly as well, so I'll definitely be back here for another latte!
Lu was amazing: caring, polite, happy spirit. I couldn’t find my credit card and ended up using my Apple Pay, it was my first time visiting and I did not know what to order. Thank you for your patience Lu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Drip Coffee
A bit conflicted to give this mediocre review as my first few experiences here were great AND this place is within walking distance from my work to grab a quick cup on my break. One plus is I discovered Mother Tongue coffee, which is excellent and I even purchased a bag of beans for home, yay! Another plus is the alley it's located, lovely little walking/seating area to enjoy a beverage. Now to the not so great, staff is 50/50 on friendliness and service. I am always so surprised when people who obviously don't like other people work customer service jobs, and that is unfortunately what I found here. Not all staff, but one regular employee in particular is just really kind of terrible. Also, they don't take cash which wasn't clearly posted, so again, bummer. They do accept cash tips though so, yay? Lastly, my most recent coffee experience here was very disappointing, the barista pulled a really bad shot and it was the worst $6 latte I've had recently, blech. I'll be taking a break from going here for awhile due to my last experience leaving a bad taste in my mouth literally and figuratively.
Always quality crafted coffee and tea. Baked goods in abundance. Came down the other morning to line of 15 folks facing a single barista, who held it down impressively by themselves. Best cafe in Temescal.
This place is one of my favorite places to get an iced coffee. It wasn't watered down or acidic. You could add flavors and milk that you'd like. They have popular flavors but they also have unique flavors if you like to venture out with your coffee. The pastries also pair well with their coffee, especially the cookies. Their staff is friendly and the service is quick. They have a small seating area outside.
Not much seating but very cute spot for a quick coffee. Croissant was incredible as well
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I adore this place. They have a very kind staff which is half the reason you keep coming back. More so the coffee is just so simple and delicious! I've found that I don't want to go anywhere else when I want to treat myself to coffee out. Baked goods are no slouch either! Whether you like sweet or savory.
One of my favorite spots, I still make the trip as often as I can even though I don’t live in the neighborhood anymore. Coffee is great, chai is perfect, and staff is so friendly and sweet. They even give my pup a cookie every time we visit, so obviously she gets very excited when we go. :)Delicious pastries too! <3
Adorable little place -same quaint alley as curbside creamery- with outdoor seating and a delightfully pleasant barista Serving Mother Tongue coffee One minor caveat- nearest restroom is Wholefoods
Restaurantji Recommends
Favorite coffee spot in Oakland! I feel very spoiled growing up in San Diego with Dark Horse and Bird Rock Coffee roasters; of course the Bay Area has not missed and this is one of the spots!!
Love this place! Great little alleyway, tiny hole in the wall café. But the coffee itself was really excellent. The baked goods were fairly good, but not excellent (I was very surprised that the croissants were served cold, and not heated up). But definitely come here for the coffee!
Poor management. Closed when it is supposed to be open. Overrated neighborhood where you cannot even find a decent coffee shop open.
I used to love this place the staff were so nice! There was one barista (Shiloh) who made the best cappuccinos and was so friendly. I went into today at 11:30 am and the person who took my order was super rude, and they made my cappuccino decaf. Super bummed with how this place has changed when it used to be such a pleasure to go and get a coffee in the Alley.
This is my neighborhood coffeeshop, and I love it. All of the baristas are great, the manager is great, and the drinks are great. I do wish they more regularly had pastries left after 9:15 am, though.