“Outdoorsy and spacious community cafe. I really enjoy the vibes here. This cafe is community based and the hours are typically from 8-1 or 8-3. The kind gentlemen have me the WiFi info before purchasing anything. I'm not sure if there's inside seating as this cafe seems to be a part of a church. Customer service provided by John was top-notch! He really took his time with his customers and drinks to make sure everyone was happy. I appreciate the small chats and accommodations! Parking was a little difficult. Only about 6-7 spots in the front. Really a community cafe. Would be back if I were to grab coffee with a friend but I wouldn't exactly advocate to work here since I prefer the convenience of being indoors when I work. Nonetheless, I'd recommend this place!“
“Super cute cafe with amazing drinks and food with hints of Asian influence. I ordered the black sesame latte and the ricotta yuzu toast. The toast was especially impressive in the way in brought together a variety of flavors. Everything about the interior was modern. cozy and picturesque and I had really enjoyed staying here and working on sketches.I do want to note that I arrived on a Friday around 2pm and the place was pretty packed and their pastries had already sold out. I would come back earlier next time for the croissants :)“
“I worked here for a whole day, and it was really nice. Quiet ambiance, good natural light once the sun is up, small and big tables for me to put all my items, fast wifi. Would definitely come back and work here. It is street parking but I was able to parking right in front of the door twice“
“A coffee roaster and cafe located in California, USA. It started in San Francisco in 2013, and as the city is named after Saint Francis, the coffee house is also named that way. Like St. Francis, they form a network with small coffee farms around them and work together to achieve mutual benefit. It's a branch located at the Menlo Park Caltrain station, but from a distance it looks like just a counter, so you wouldn't even know it was a coffee shop. When you get close, you can smell the fragrant coffee. Feels like Blue Bottle coffee with a mild sour taste. The neighborhood itself is quiet and there's a train station in front, so it's a great place to have a quiet coffee.Review on January 26, 2024A cafe located in Menlo Park, California. This is a branch of St. Frank, a roastery in San Francisco. Menlo Park is a city bordering Palo Alto (Stanford) and has a similar quiet and safe atmosphere. Mountain View, adjacent to the south, has an urban feel, while this place has a California feel.Where would you like to get coffee near Stanford, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Menlo Park? This is the first place that comes to mind. It's not a fancy place, located in a container in the parking lot behind Mentor Park Caltrain Station, but the coffee tastes amazing, and the atmosphere is great as you watch the Caltrain pass by. Of course, since there are only outdoor tables, sunglasses are a must.St. Frank Roastery has several of its own stores, but also supplies products to other cafes. San Francisco's favorite cafe, Coffee Movement, also uses coffee beans from here.It seems like it was just yesterday that I was riding my bike every day and drinking a glass of Flat White during the pandemic, but time flies so quickly.“
“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.“
“This is the best Thai Vegetarian food we had in a long time. Perfect spices. The Pumpkin curry was divine. Also the Pra-Ram is very delicious. .I wish we would live closer, I would eat here once a week. I want to return and try other dishes.“
“Taking off a star because selecting your drink info on the iPad is a hassle and slows down the line. Also doesn't seem like a great idea in a pandemic?Also my friend and I ordered the exact same thing, yet hers tasted a lot less sweet, I think they forgot the flavoring.“
“I LOVE these cookies. I’ve never liked cookies because they are always “fake” tasting, too hard, no flavor etc. However, when I stumbled upon Sara’s a year ago, I’ve been hooked! To whoever said they were “crunchy” and “lacked flavor” you’re completely wrong. The reason I like her cookies is because they are soft and chewy and melt in your mouth. It’s the only cookie I’ve ever enjoyed and all of them are amazing. They last days after you get them too, without getting hard or stale. 10/10“
“Very friendly staff that gave delicious recommendations and gave me a rundown on Turkish coffee for my first time! I'm a huge coffee guy and the Turkish coffee here was pretty good, pastries were great though! There's relatively limited seating but it's also great for some grab and go bites! Will definitely come here again to this semi-hidden gem :)“
“My family just tried this relatively new restaurant for brunch on Sunday and so glad we did! It was a beautiful day out and even though there were plenty of tables inside and out, my daughter opted to eat inside. After you walk in, you order and pay before finding yourself a place to sit. We were in a bit of a rush since my daughter had a soccer game nearby, and the employee was very nice and said she would rush our order and put our drinks in to go cups even though we were dining there. The menu offers a variety of options to choose from, including Korean staples like fried chicken and rice cakes, as well as salads, burgers and croffles (cross between a croissant and a waffle). They also serve specialty coffees, boba teas, cocktails, beer and wine. We sampled the chicken croffle, fish and ships and shrimp fettucine alfredo. I must say, all the food was delicious! The fried chicken that went with the croffle was seasoned well and was very crispy, like it was double battered. I had never tried a croffle before, but it was really tasty! It came with sliced grapes and strawberries. My only complaint is that the dish was swimming in syrup. It wasn't overly sweet, but I would have preferred the syrup on the side. I'll know to order that next time! The fish and chips included 2 large pieces of fish and seasoned fries. The fish was pretty good, but the fries were excellent! At first I was reluctant to let my 8 year old order a $20 pasta dish, but with 5 large shrimps and prosciutto mixed in the sauce, it was definitely worth it. It was a generous portion and tasted like carbonara! Highly recommend! My daughter also ordered a mango drink with lychee jelly, which she enjoyed and I had an iced orange grapefruit black tea that was really refreshing. I was pretty impressed with Corner Kitchen. Happy to see that the place had a steady stream of customers coming in while we were dining there. I hope this place stays awhile! I can't wait to go back and try more things, especially the Korean dishes!!“
“Ist time here and impressed. Wanted coffee in a real cup and almond croissant and stayed for the ambiance! Italian music playing in the background and a window seat to view the creek. Talk about relaxing ☺️ A lot of locals here so I know they've found a great spot!!!They offer breakfast and lunch, will have to try these another time. Can imagine this spot with the umbrellas on a summer morning. Give it a try ❤️“
“This spot is a downtown gem, off the beaten track, and open to the public (next to senior center Avenidas). The food is delicious, fresh, and has the “extra flair” that comes from Chef Julien being a passionate foodie and French culinary school trained professional. The fish sandwich is outstanding (I have now had it on three visits!) with beer-based batter (not too much, not greasy, not dry) with at least seven different savors coming through the sauce, fresh veggies, and condiments on the fresh ciabatta bun. I like to have it with a Perrier sparkling water and follow up with tiny raspberry jam-filled beignets and a small americano on the hidden inside patio. Chef Julien is working to expand and improve coffee offerings. He is kind, down-to-earth, and very approachable. And also does catering for events, has a crêpe stand at the Sunday California Avenue Farmer’s Market, and is a private chef. Great value for money.“
“I used to go to Peet's on Laurel St. all the time, but they have competition! Groovy Goose is a new coffee spot in San Carlos, and their lattes are wonderful! Really good. The staff is young and friendly too. They could use a few more tables, but I'm happy to go and pick up a latte any day. They could also expand their pastry selection, but - don't tell Peet's - as for coffee, probably the best in San Carlos! I recommend.“
“Best boba I have ever had! I had the Creme Brulee Latte (also had black tea added to it) and it was so tasty! The boba pearls were so soft and chewy. The foam on top was delicious. I love that they use organic milk, which was the main reason I came. I can’t wait to come back and try more drinks.“
“Menlo Park is a really up and coming strip of restaurants and cafes south of SF. Andytown is a coffee roaster from SF that opened up in Menlo Park. It’s a really nicely designed space, with an elaborate ceiling crafted with curved wood beams and lights. The coffee is solid. I tried their house special “The Original Bird”, which has espresso on ice, soda water, topped with a house made whipped cream. It’s cool and refreshing, just enough sweetness. I also tried some of their “Wind & Sea Blend” drip coffee, which is pretty good for a drip stored in a big container. They don’t have pour over which was a mild surprise.I also tried their breakfast sandwich, which is thick toasted bread with ham, bacon, and an egg with runny yolk. It’s a bit oily and messy, but overall another solid menu item.Indoors, they have a communal table with 4 stools and a curved bench for around 4-6 indoors and another 4 tables or so outside. When it gets busy there would probably not be anywhere to sit. It’s a nice spot, always great to find another quality coffee roaster with a store front.“
“Double (decaf) cappuccino was exceptional (as judged by this self-confessed coffee snob). Sitting outside on a "dry" day was a luxury in this winter of atmospheric rivers. The place is always busy, and little wonder: the espresso drink was very, very good, the atmosphere wonderful, the place super clean, and the staff personable. Overall, a worthy coffee place.Parking: This is downtown Palo Alto, people. Parking is always difficult, and subject to close timing surveillance.Kid-friendliness: A very civilized, adult atmosphere would be spoiled by kids, much I love them....“
“As an update, it's worth calling out how much the current owners have improved this shop. It's cleaner, brighter, the service is fast, etc. They clearly care and are putting in lots of effort and attention. It's always had good beans and coffee, but everything else is just better now. Top notch place, check it out!“
“A few blocks down University lies Blue Bottle… where they share a space with the Hanahaus. I’ve been to this location a couple of times and it feels quite homey as I love their architecture.I usually go for their pastries and cold brew but this time around, i wanted to try something a little different when it came to drinks. I had the 16oz iced Nola and the butter croissant… needless to say I was quite impressed with the fact that their butter croissant was buttery and fluffy (not too hard even after it started getting a little bit cold). The iced Nola was not watery at all, and I was able to feel the espresso even after the ice melted and all that.The only thing I have in terms of service and atmosphere was the fact that they kinda rushed the process of my order, which I didn’t really appreciate. It’s often full in the afternoon, and there’s not really a lot of places to charge your laptop if you need to work on stuff at the coffee shop, hence the reason why the minus one star. But I would come again.Parking: Keep in mind that in Palo Alto, most free parking is limited to two hours… even in the public parking lots. So you will have to plan accordingly according to that.Kid-friendliness: I wouldn’t say this is a kid-friendly place by too many means, due to the fact that they share a space with Hanahaus and it’s a hub for all the 9-5 workers. But I wouldn’t see why not to bring your kid with you!“
“A nice breakfast/brunch place! Went on a sunday and the waiters were kind and the food was good! I'm gluten free and they were knowledgeable about my allergy which was nice and offered me corn tortillas instead of bread with my breakfast. A solid, yummy experience overall!“
Bubble Tea •
“I'm surprised by this Pink Pink. My experience in the Santa Clara location was so bad, I swore to never get it again. They sell soft serve/froyo here?! It's really yummy - totally would get again. I asked for a sample and they gave me a small cup. Peach oolong milk tea was good. Boba was chewy. Drink had a lot of creamer though...would tone it down. Overall, I would not be opposed to coming here again and trying their other drinks!“
“I’ve been gluten free for 15 years, and it has been rough. But I have made the most of it by searching for gluten free treats everywhere I go. I’ve had gluten free pastries in dozens of cities including London, Florence, Madrid, Sacramento, Lahaina, and Austin. Other than the now shuttered Helmut Newcake in Paris, Sweet Diplomacy is my favorite of all time (and only 20 minutes away!). If you have tried baking gluten free you know pastry (choux, puff, flakey) is really hard to do. This place gets pastry and cakes as close to wheat flour as it gets. I enjoy all of the offerings but I’m most impressed by the pastry. The cream puffs OMG. And today I tried the tiramisu for the first time (it knocked my socks off).The coffee is excellent, and I love their cupcake varieties and cookies but my stomach is only so big.I personally do not reach for the vegan offerings but this is because I don’t need to (give me butter!!). If you have restrictions they have nut free and vegan options.I’m super impressed by this, especially knowing the difficulty of GF baking.Dietary restrictions: 100% Gluten free. Vegan options. Nut free options.“
“Near a curve on a four line road is an eclectic older Mexican restaurant with artistic merit, interesting landscaping outdoor dining and several different kinds of tables and chairs indoors, including a bar.The menu has several options many of which I had not seen in Mexican food places before. I have tried their tamales, chili relleno, black beans, pinto beans, rice, grilled chicken, quesadilla, pico, guacamole, and the provided chips and salsa. All of the flavors are excellent. The green sauce and masa of the tamale, and the firm aged relleno cheese filling were outstanding.Indoors is Mexican music, while outdoors there is traffic noise. The tortilla chips are the thin triangle bagged kind. The restroom has an old sink and fixtures. But the custom artwork, high ceilings with paper fiesta decor and painted furniture are classic south of the border. The seats are all flat wood, no cushions. No sauce bar or extra hot sauce present. Will need another visit to try the mole.Vegetarian options: Enchiladas are great.“
“Our family frequented this spot for quite a few months as we take our toddler to the play gym next door on a weekly basis and we love the local family ambiance here! It's always busy Saturday mornings, but never so busy that you can't find a spot to sit and sip your coffee or chow down on your breakfast. Their coffee is good, and we're a big fan of their bagels and that's really all we could ask for! Parking is a bit iffy depending on the time of day, since we're there early for the play gym we never have much of an issue but we have seen the lot completely packed when we come out of our gym class.“
“The coziest coffee shop in Palo Alto. This little nook is the perfect place go to get some work done, to relax or to chat with friends during the Cal Ave farmers market on Sundays. The drinks are good, but seem to have gone down in quality in the past year. The tea selection is large, but when I've had it is has tasted a little stale which makes sense since it's kept in large glass jars outside.“
“I've always liked happy lemon since their taste of all the happy lemon drinks in different branches have always stayed consistent. It's my first time at this particular location & I came at a slow time during mid day which is nice since the other locations I've been usually gets packed. The ambiance of this location is so nice since it's so clean inside & it's located near a lot of different food chains. Totally would go back to this location.“
“I will definitely be back. It's a cozy cafe with soft chairs inside. I got the Iraqi Tea and it was delicious!! Plus it's served on this gorgeous tea set My only note was that the bread I ordered was cold and hard. It would have been much nicer warmed up. But t everything else was lovely.“
“My favorite Bagel shop, have been going here with the old ownership and the new one. The new staff took it to another level. One of the only places that i would compare to new york bagel. the staff is amazing and always smiling. the store is clean and the bagels are always fresh.PS: keep in mind there is twins working there so don't get confused at who you talking when you walked in ( haha)Would recommend anyone to give this place a try, worth it.Keep up the good work everyone, really appreciate your hard work“
“Small Cute local spot that offers delightful freshly made donuts and breakfast fare. Limited seating both indoor and outdoor covered patio. Has own private lot parking. Takes credit cards. Come in, line up, give your order first, and then grab a number and find seating. Cute and yummy eats. Friendly staff. Popular for take out donut orders! Definitely glad it was recommended to us as first timers. Definite recommend, as well!“
“Whenever I come to visit California I try to come to Philz for their iced mint mojito sweet and creamy style! This location has lots of seating to come and enjoy a cup, study for a bit, or just swing to go.FoodI ordered the iced mint mojito and got it sweet and creamy. I think that the creaminess that is added is the best way to have this drink. There are a variety of other flavors and tones of coffee as well if you want a standard coffee drink. Pastries are served here if you want a quick bite as well.AtmosphereOpen safe and casual cafe to grab coffee or even study for a bit. Did not see too many wall outlets but I wasn’t paying attention too much. Noise level average for a coffee shop. Plenty of natural lighting though.PricingAverage prices for a coffee and is worth the money since it’s so good!ServiceMy mint mojito came out pretty quick and I was able to go about my day easily. The staff was nice!OtherThere is some street parking available but the area is pretty busy and bustling with restaurants and shops so can be challenging to find.“
“Ordered the prosciutto and fig toast not only did it taste great it looks beautifully appetizing. You order, hope to find a seat and they bring food to you. The line is always long. Everyone else who ordered their dishes enjoyed their plates. The vegetables, fruits and cheeses are all fresh. Worth the wait, even if the tables are kinda wow down.“
“I recently visited this coffee spot and was immediately struck by its fantastic atmosphere. The place buzzes with a friendly vibe that makes you feel welcome right away. Although I didn't personally try any of the beverages, my companions seemed thoroughly impressed with their choices. The staff deserves a special mention for their warmth and professionalism. A must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and anyone looking for a cozy spot to relax or chat. Will be back to try their coffee myself!“
“It’s really goodI love the root beer floats along with the candy bags. We’re really happy to have your shop inside the neighborhood!Kid-friendliness: There are kind to kids and help them out very well. They also let many kids in whose parents aren’t with them.“
“They have VEGAN DONUTS! They have two full trays of a variety of flavors of vegan donuts! And they are delicious. I’m so grateful. They also have a HUGE selection of regular donuts and my family said they were delicious (better than the big corporate competitor down the street ?). So excited to make this our go-to!“
“Fantastic latte prepared and served up by the owner. Loved the laid back vibe of the place. Life slowed down when I went in. I was not rushed to order, the owner was not rushed in preparing my coffee, and I took time to indulge in every amazing sip amongst other laid back patrons.Also, great downtown location. I was visiting, but I wish I lived in San Mateo so I could frequent this place regularly. If you find yourself there don't miss it. If you are commuting through, jump off the train and walk over. Definitely worth it!“
“I come here weekly and the bagels here are great and the staff are friendly.The reason I’m giving 4 stars is because the ordering process is really inefficient and frustrating as a customer. Basically you repeat your order 2-3 times to the kitchen, and they repeat it to each other down the command line, then it’s repeated again to the cashier. Nothing is written down. I have gotten multiple orders wrong before because you’re relying on their game of telephone. On a bad day I’m repeating my order to them 3-5 times for them to get it right. I just wish they wrote the orders down, it would be so much more efficient and much less room for mistakes!!“
“Try the croque madame! It makes for a delicious and decadent lunch and comes with a good side salad. They also have a tasty cheesecake. The coffee/drinks are just OK for me and the hot chocolate was disappointing - definitely skip. Good almond croissant and chocolate croissants as well. Service is friendly although tables are not cleaned in a timely manner. This is a nice spot to have in Redwood City and has potential to be great with improved beverages/cleanliness.“
“Very friendly staff! I work near the area, and always have a great experience every time I go there. Gigi is absolutely fantastic! She was taking orders and doing the best she could before the other staff arrived. Recommend to anyone who wants excellent service and delicious bagels!“
“Good food and drinks! We l’ve had a crepe, a pancake, several pastries.The foam art is top notch too.Great place but docked a star for not having a self-serve water station. At this point, that’s table stakes for coffee shops.Plenty of outlets and has WiFi so it’s a good spot to spend hours working and people watching (not that I do that).“
“Absolutely adore this place! From the delightful staff, delectable food, to the charming atmosphere, it's a complete package!Plus, their mimosas are unparalleled, even for someone like me who doesn't usually indulge. I've been a loyal patron since day one, and my go-to dish has to be their breakfast tacos! ?“
“I haven't been here in a while & came back because I was in the neighborhood. The diner has been remodeled & refreshed, with updated menus, and still low priced. Had excellent table service for breakfast & excellent food. Little things like gourmet coffee & fluffy eggs make a difference... Will be back soon!“
“Addicted to their new heniken 0% beer drink. It has a very smooth rich profile that blends the flavors of a good brew with a fine lime green tea. Very unique flavor based on about 10yr of Boba enjoyment . Love it. It's a reason it's signature. I had 2 if not 3. Great way to cool down and I'm sure the rest of the drinks are just as great.Seating is good and it can get crowded. There is online ordering and kiosk.Parking: Park a block away at the street lots. No parking on this busy street. Plus side it's very walkable.“
“The lox bagel was absolutely delicious. While it's a bit pricey, I found it to be worth the cost. Unfortunately, the service wasn't the best; the employee who served us seemed a bit rude and didn't want to answer our questions. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the bagel.“
“I always enjoy popping into this bakery for their empanadas or other baked goods. Yesterday, they had a ham, egg, and spinach pastry which was delicious. Their smoothies and juices are also great, and interacting with the staff always puts a smile on my face.“
“Nice and friendly staff! Got the last mochi donut. Come before 4PM on weekends if you want to have flavor options. Best mochi donut in the area. Stir-fry boba is great texture but on the sweet side. They have crystal boba as well if you don't want sweet. Great instagram photo spots inside and outside the store!“
“Great Peet's. Both inside and outside seating.Friendly, helpful service.In Downtown San Mateo - kitty corner with B Street Books - great little book shop.Pick up a book at B Street and then relax with a coffee or tea at Peet's!Double door entrance - I don't know if there is a button available to push if you use mobility aid and need help with door.“
“Great perk at Stanford Hospital — agreed that the matcha here is excellent! (Had iced and hot with oat milk)Super fast and really personable service - which is nice for anyone who might need a pick me up during a challenging time at the hospital.“
“This place is fast and consistent. I have ordered both delivery and in-person and they always do a good job. There is not a lot of seating, it is mostly a take out place. If you have had really good bagels before, it is hard to do well, and there are few places that excel. The Bagels here are decent and certainly better than anything at most of the supermarkets and most of the other locations in the area that sell bagels. However, the best things here are the bagel sandwiches -- I particularly like the whitefish salad sandwich, and their other combinations are great. If you need a quick and good packable lunch for the family or kids, this is a good place to go. All the delivery services pick up from here as well and they start serving early so it is a good solution for an early delivered lunch as well.“
Bakery • $
“What a terrific lunch spot - great variety of delicious foods, fantastic prices, and water front seating. It’s frankly unbeatable and the staff were so kind and courteous to us. We got pizza and hide ceasar salads either two drinks for $25!!!!Dietary restrictions: Health conscious eaters welcomedKid-friendliness: Great high chairs and stimulating location by the water“
“Great spot to get your morning boost. Whether that's coffee, tea or a pastry. Not only is there a good amount of choices but the customer service is amazing. I've become a regular here and have to say it's been because of the great customer service. Shout out to the sweet ladies running the spot!!“
“Outdoorsy and spacious community cafe. I really enjoy the vibes here. This cafe is community based and the hours are typically from 8-1 or 8-3. The kind gentlemen have me the WiFi info before purchasing anything. I'm not sure if there's inside seating as this cafe seems to be a part of a church. Customer service provided by John was top-notch! He really took his time with his customers and drinks to make sure everyone was happy. I appreciate the small chats and accommodations! Parking was a little difficult. Only about 6-7 spots in the front. Really a community cafe. Would be back if I were to grab coffee with a friend but I wouldn't exactly advocate to work here since I prefer the convenience of being indoors when I work. Nonetheless, I'd recommend this place!“