The best cafes in Berkeley

13 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 13 places · showing the latest additions first

Philz Coffee

Cafes

Laid-back local chain specializes in custom-blended coffees, plus teas, specialty drinks & pastries.

2248 Westborough Blvd Ste 603 (South San Francisco)

“Laid-back local chain specializes in custom-blended coffees, plus teas, specialty drinks & pastries.”

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Dunkin'

Cafes

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

180 S Airport Blvd (South San Francisco)

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

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Panera Bread

Cafes

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

24133 Southland Dr (Hayward)

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

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The Good Table Cafe

Cafes

Part cafe, part spiritual center, The Good Table Cafe hosts community events and conversations that help you slow down and plug back into…

5166 Sobrante Ave (El Sobrante)

“Part cafe, part spiritual center, The Good Table Cafe hosts community events and conversations that help you slow down and plug back into what matters. If your week’s been loud, make this your pause button and see what they’re up to this week.”

From the East Bay North newsletter, August 6, 2026

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The Grind Cafe LLC

Cafes

If your mornings have been a little meh, make The Grind Cafe LLC your move this week for a Super Breakfast Burrito loaded with sausage,…

402 Tuolumne St (Vallejo)

“If your mornings have been a little meh, make The Grind Cafe LLC your move this week for a Super Breakfast Burrito loaded with sausage, bacon, potato, egg, cheese, salsa, and sour cream, flaky croissant sandwiches, and blended coffee drinks. Vegan and non-dairy options mean everyone stays happy.”

From the Napa newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table

Cafes

Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true…

50 Fremont St (San Francisco)

“Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true known origin, exceptional aromas and a socially responsible cup that actually tastes like the mountains.”

From the Alameda newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Double Rainbow Cafe

Cafes

Double Rainbow Cafe is officially in the “coming soon” zone, and it’s got future Novato neighborhood hangout written all over it. Put it on…

850 4th St (San Rafael)

“Double Rainbow Cafe is officially in the “coming soon” zone, and it’s got future Novato neighborhood hangout written all over it. Put it on your radar this week, spread the word to the group chat, then claim early regular status when those doors finally swing open.”

From the Novato newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Caffe Bene

Cafes

Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.

181 E Tasman Dr #80 (San Jose)

“Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.”

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A.M. Craft

Cafes

Hip spot serving specialty coffee, teas, espresso drinks and pastries near SJSU.

481 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

“Hip spot serving specialty coffee, teas, espresso drinks and pastries near SJSU.”

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THE BIRDCAGE SAN FRANCISCO

Cafes

Relaxed cafe offering espresso drinks, wine, tea, beer and more amid artwork, gifts, records and pastries.

816 Sutter St (San Francisco)

“Relaxed cafe offering espresso drinks, wine, tea, beer and more amid artwork, gifts, records and pastries.”

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XOX Truffles

Cafes

Celebrated shop for handcrafted French chocolate in unique flavors & liqueur-infused varieties.

754 Columbus Ave (San Francisco)

“Celebrated shop for handcrafted French chocolate in unique flavors & liqueur-infused varieties.”

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Julie's Coffee & Tea Garden

Cafes

Teas galore plus sustainable veg-driven fare featured in a charming space with a patio garden.

1223 Park St (Alameda)

“Teas galore plus sustainable veg-driven fare featured in a charming space with a patio garden.”

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The Artisan Kitchen and Cafe

Cafes

Cafe eats from locally sourced ingredients in an industrial-modern space with outdoor seating.

865 Marina Bay Pkwy #33 (Richmond)

“Cafe eats from locally sourced ingredients in an industrial-modern space with outdoor seating.”

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