If y’all don’t know about Ada’s, y’all should — because they got one of the BEST coffees around town. They are locally sourced and get the most organic beans, and make the BEST pastries. And best of all, they are a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise running in the heart of Palo Alto. I work at Cubberley not far from Ada’s, so I have been coming by often and supporting.A big shout out goes to Kathleen, the owner and founder of Ada’s Cafe — she’s absolutely humble and very caring at every customer. She goes above and beyond in support of not only the neurodivergent community, but also for the communities in need in Palo Alto.I ordered a 16oz latte with whole milk on a Friday — and they honestly served it with SO much love and so much belonging. It truly felt like I was at home, but 10x better. The beans had flavor, and the whole milk wasn’t overly saturated. I also appreciated how much love and consideration they put in the croissant sandwich as well, because the ingredients were fresh and not too sweet or too salty at all.It is located next to the Palo Alto Library, and they do close early at 4pm. There is limited indoor seating, but there is a variety of things you can choose from. I would definitely recommend supporting a local business like Ada’s and having your bestie brunch dates here too.Vegetarian options: They have some things you can ask for vegetarian! In fact, most things are vegetarian :)Dietary restrictions: They have different kind of non-dairy options you can choose from! :DParking: Because we’re sharing a parking lot with the Palo Alto Library, there are times where you’re not able to find parking right away. However do not fret, because they usually clear away after a while.Kid-friendliness: Very kid-friendly - most of the kids from Challenger or nearby kids from the surrounding neighborhood come to get an ice cream scone from Ada’s! No wonder that’s why they were this profit-driven — and they’re still running despite the inflation — they get TONS of business from the kids everyday!Wheelchair accessibility: It is wheelchair accessible! Very wheelchair friendly — and they accommodate very openly about who sits there and stuff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwiches
Tom Michael
This place is amazing. The food and drinks are incredible. It was the best sweet chai I have ever had. And the mushroom empanadas are delicious. The fact it is a 501c.3 not for profit that employs people with cognitive difficulties makes it even more amazing. I will keep coming back whenever I'm in the area.Vegetarian options: Most of the menu is vegetarian, with some of the best options.Parking: It's a community center so there's a big parking lot though it's almost full most of the time I've never had trouble finding parking.Kid-friendliness: Being a community center it's highly kid friendly.Wheelchair accessibility: Being part of the community center the parking lot has ramps and walkways everywhere and the store is directly accessible to the parking lot with ample handicap spots right in front of it.
Such a cute place and nice staff and right next to a library! Perfect c:
Sarina van der Waag
So, I've come a couple of times to try their coffee and baked goods. I've just had their blue berry scone which is by far the best I've ever had! Please do give it a try. The coffees have been consistently good. Like, Bluebottle vibes ?The indoor seating is limited but they also have an outdoor patio which is just delightful and in the shade most of the morning through mid-day.Overall the vibes are joyful, kind and relaxed. ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lynnee J.
I LOVE this place. It is my happy spot for coffee and a pastry. I stop by at least 2 times/week. I have tried almost everything on the menu, so see my favorites below. My favorite selections among the pastries are the scones or the apple, blueberry streusel muffin. I don't normally order scones from bakeries, but Ada's has achieved the best balance of fresh fruit and moistness. If eating in, be sure to get a side of homemade jam and whipped cream. If you get the chocolate chip scone, get the side of whipped chocolate cream cheese (included in the price). You won't regret it! My teenagers prefer the cookies. Their favorites are the snickerdoodle and the chocolate peanut butter kiss cookies. For sandwiches/lunch - I recently had the BEST sandwich ever. It was an egg salad sandwich with havarti cheese on a soft pretzel roll. I wanted to write this review to lobby that the sandwich becomes a regular menu item. If that is not available, I recommend the quiche. The people are also what have me returning again and again. If I have a bad day at work, my stop at Ada's and a smile from the staff helps right the ship. The space inside Ada's is small, but there is plenty of seating outside. I usually don't have trouble finding a seat inside, but happy to overflow outside, if needed. Outside seating is more comfortable for conversations and meeting friends. For those visiting from out of town, don't be surprised by the prices. The food is high quality and the Palo Alto rents are insane. If nothing else, support this business which is purpose-driven and works hard to support the community and also employs those with developmental delays. I almost don't want to share this place -but love to see good people being given the kudos they deserve.
Pruthav P.
Excellent food, I had the alpine sandwich which they recommended and I enjoyed it a lot. Everyone was very friendly. Will come back again!
Andy D.
Completely separate from their worthy mission of providing employment for those with disabilities, the food, service and ambience here are very good, and the prices reasonable. We've had breakfast here a few times and never been disappointed. Portions are enough that you leave satisfied, it's not giant food as at some places, but I've always found the quality good. In warmer months, there's lots of seating outside and in the adjoining library courtyard. They've recently added a small number of tables indoors which work well during colder days. (Rain is not really an issue because most of their outdoor tables are under a covered part of the library complex.) Your are doing a good deed by supporting their mission but make no mistake, the cafe fully stands on its own in terms of quality, service, and price.
Honestly a bit underwhelming! Coffee was fine so were the baked goods. Service was friendly enough but they made us wait outside but... didn't request the same for others...
Stebs
Fantastic cafe with great food, great drinks and even better service. Love the mission, and their menu is great. Everyone I went with all loved the food. Would absolutely go back again. The egg sandwich, empanadas and blueberry scone are to die for.
Lovely cafe. Awesome nonprofit mission. Loved the turmeric latte.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arnav
Ada's cafe feels like a warm hug. The best part is the people but the coffee and food is equally good.Hats off to Kathleen, Charlie, Peter and the entire staff.Will visit soonest again
What a gift to have a restaurant that feeds the community in a myriad of ways! The cappuccino was perfectly made, and the croissant breakfast sandwich was savor-every-bite delicious. Staff were incredibly friendly and the location (nestled between the park and the library) is vibrant and relaxing. I will absolutely be back!
If y’all don’t know about Ada’s, y’all should — because they got one of the BEST coffees around town. They are locally sourced and get the most organic beans, and make the BEST pastries. And best of all, they are a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise running in the heart of Palo Alto. I work at Cubberley not far from Ada’s, so I have been coming by often and supporting.A big shout out goes to Kathleen, the owner and founder of Ada’s Cafe — she’s absolutely humble and very caring at every customer. She goes above and beyond in support of not only the neurodivergent community, but also for the communities in need in Palo Alto.I ordered a 16oz latte with whole milk on a Friday — and they honestly served it with SO much love and so much belonging. It truly felt like I was at home, but 10x better. The beans had flavor, and the whole milk wasn’t overly saturated. I also appreciated how much love and consideration they put in the croissant sandwich as well, because the ingredients were fresh and not too sweet or too salty at all.It is located next to the Palo Alto Library, and they do close early at 4pm. There is limited indoor seating, but there is a variety of things you can choose from. I would definitely recommend supporting a local business like Ada’s and having your bestie brunch dates here too.Vegetarian options: They have some things you can ask for vegetarian! In fact, most things are vegetarian :)Dietary restrictions: They have different kind of non-dairy options you can choose from! :DParking: Because we’re sharing a parking lot with the Palo Alto Library, there are times where you’re not able to find parking right away. However do not fret, because they usually clear away after a while.Kid-friendliness: Very kid-friendly - most of the kids from Challenger or nearby kids from the surrounding neighborhood come to get an ice cream scone from Ada’s! No wonder that’s why they were this profit-driven — and they’re still running despite the inflation — they get TONS of business from the kids everyday!Wheelchair accessibility: It is wheelchair accessible! Very wheelchair friendly — and they accommodate very openly about who sits there and stuff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwiches
This place is amazing. The food and drinks are incredible. It was the best sweet chai I have ever had. And the mushroom empanadas are delicious. The fact it is a 501c.3 not for profit that employs people with cognitive difficulties makes it even more amazing. I will keep coming back whenever I'm in the area.Vegetarian options: Most of the menu is vegetarian, with some of the best options.Parking: It's a community center so there's a big parking lot though it's almost full most of the time I've never had trouble finding parking.Kid-friendliness: Being a community center it's highly kid friendly.Wheelchair accessibility: Being part of the community center the parking lot has ramps and walkways everywhere and the store is directly accessible to the parking lot with ample handicap spots right in front of it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Empanadas, Scones, Sandwiches, Wonderful Wendy Sandwich on Ciabatta Roll, Blueberry Scone
Nice small cafe with good dishes. Had scrambled eggs on rustic bread. Little bit messy but tasty.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Croissant Sandwich
Amazon food and coffee and very versatile menu even if they don't have it on there and great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seasonal Fruit Scone
Always love to come here!A non profit cafe next to Mitchell library.Wish more places like this were around…
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scones, Egg Croissant Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Blueberry Scone
Such a cute place and nice staff and right next to a library! Perfect c:
So, I've come a couple of times to try their coffee and baked goods. I've just had their blue berry scone which is by far the best I've ever had! Please do give it a try. The coffees have been consistently good. Like, Bluebottle vibes ?The indoor seating is limited but they also have an outdoor patio which is just delightful and in the shade most of the morning through mid-day.Overall the vibes are joyful, kind and relaxed. ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I LOVE this place. It is my happy spot for coffee and a pastry. I stop by at least 2 times/week. I have tried almost everything on the menu, so see my favorites below. My favorite selections among the pastries are the scones or the apple, blueberry streusel muffin. I don't normally order scones from bakeries, but Ada's has achieved the best balance of fresh fruit and moistness. If eating in, be sure to get a side of homemade jam and whipped cream. If you get the chocolate chip scone, get the side of whipped chocolate cream cheese (included in the price). You won't regret it! My teenagers prefer the cookies. Their favorites are the snickerdoodle and the chocolate peanut butter kiss cookies. For sandwiches/lunch - I recently had the BEST sandwich ever. It was an egg salad sandwich with havarti cheese on a soft pretzel roll. I wanted to write this review to lobby that the sandwich becomes a regular menu item. If that is not available, I recommend the quiche. The people are also what have me returning again and again. If I have a bad day at work, my stop at Ada's and a smile from the staff helps right the ship. The space inside Ada's is small, but there is plenty of seating outside. I usually don't have trouble finding a seat inside, but happy to overflow outside, if needed. Outside seating is more comfortable for conversations and meeting friends. For those visiting from out of town, don't be surprised by the prices. The food is high quality and the Palo Alto rents are insane. If nothing else, support this business which is purpose-driven and works hard to support the community and also employs those with developmental delays. I almost don't want to share this place -but love to see good people being given the kudos they deserve.
Excellent food, I had the alpine sandwich which they recommended and I enjoyed it a lot. Everyone was very friendly. Will come back again!
Completely separate from their worthy mission of providing employment for those with disabilities, the food, service and ambience here are very good, and the prices reasonable. We've had breakfast here a few times and never been disappointed. Portions are enough that you leave satisfied, it's not giant food as at some places, but I've always found the quality good. In warmer months, there's lots of seating outside and in the adjoining library courtyard. They've recently added a small number of tables indoors which work well during colder days. (Rain is not really an issue because most of their outdoor tables are under a covered part of the library complex.) Your are doing a good deed by supporting their mission but make no mistake, the cafe fully stands on its own in terms of quality, service, and price.
Restaurantji Recommends
Honestly a bit underwhelming! Coffee was fine so were the baked goods. Service was friendly enough but they made us wait outside but... didn't request the same for others...
Fantastic cafe with great food, great drinks and even better service. Love the mission, and their menu is great. Everyone I went with all loved the food. Would absolutely go back again. The egg sandwich, empanadas and blueberry scone are to die for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Empanadas, Scones, Croissant Egg Sandwich, Sandwiches, Blueberry Scone
Lovely cafe. Awesome nonprofit mission. Loved the turmeric latte.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ada's cafe feels like a warm hug. The best part is the people but the coffee and food is equally good.Hats off to Kathleen, Charlie, Peter and the entire staff.Will visit soonest again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scones, Sandwiches, Seasonal Scones
What a gift to have a restaurant that feeds the community in a myriad of ways! The cappuccino was perfectly made, and the croissant breakfast sandwich was savor-every-bite delicious. Staff were incredibly friendly and the location (nestled between the park and the library) is vibrant and relaxing. I will absolutely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5