I am going into my final year at Berkeley, and as a caffeine fiend, it was only appropriate that I try the maximum amount of cafes in the vicinity. Here is a compilation of my impressions.
The Most Delectable: Mind Coffee
This tiny gem is a must-visit with the most delightful beverages. If you get decision fatigue, you can let the barista decide by stating your preferences in tea vs. coffee, milk vs. alt milk, sweetness, temperature, etc., or any combination thereof. If you get overwhelmed by the amount of preferences, you can also state none!
Their Horchata Latte pairs wonderfully with their chocolate croissant, and I found their iced Earl Grey latte to be absolutely divine.
The Most Convenient: Caffe Strada
Situated right across the Bancroft Street Bus Stop by the campus, Caffe Strada is open from 6 am to 12 am. Therefore, it is the meeting spot - actually, I am positive everyone in this school has at least one memory here.
Their matcha latte can be hit-or-miss, and they sometimes burn their coffee grounds, so I usually go for something milky and sugary to mask the burnt taste. The iced caramel latte with soy milk never disappoints. You can also choose from their syrups, so treat yourself to an iced strawberry latte! For snacks, I enjoy their overnight oats, apple cloud, and panini.
The Best Chain: Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee is my go-to before or after a Safeway run or a hot girl walk down the beautiful Elmwood. Anything with the Philtered Soul Cold Brew is just lovely here. I personally think even the cold brew as a standalone tastes like a luscious chocolate cake, but if you would like some sweetness, order the Honey Haze (adds oat milk and honey) or Iced Coffee Rosé (the rose flavor reminds me of the Orient; I get this when I feel homesick). Their seasonal Oatmeal Cookie Cold Brew also tastes exactly like an oatmeal cookie—don't ask me how.
I get a little emotional every time I come back from summer and give the barista my white-washed name, and he recalls me despite the three-month gap and asks me to remind him of the real pronunciation.
I don't really eat here, but I bring my Boichik Bagel from across the street every now and then. The staff is very chill about it, and most people seem to do it anyway.
Their playlists majorly consist of the latest bangers - no complaints as my top artist on Wrapped has been Doja Cat for two years straight. They have a long table and plenty of outlets, so it's easy to pull a study marathon here, but you should come early on the weekends if you want a spot.
The Most Whimsical: My Coffee Roastery
This place looks like a cottage straight out of a fairy tale with its stone walls. Though the indoor seating is tiny, they have a nice patio at the back, offering a cozy spot to enjoy your drink. I love seeing the old lady at the register, who always greets everyone with a smile and sweetly calls out people's names when their orders are ready. I particularly enjoy getting an orange blossom latte here, which pairs perfectly with their fragrant, fresh cookies and waffles that are always on display.
The Most Creative: Romeo’s Coffee
Romeo’s Coffee is known for its playful menu names and wide range of offerings. Each coffee comes with a (Hershey’s) kiss, adding a sweet touch. Their avocado toast, seasoned to perfection, is possibly the best I've ever had, and their Dutch Crunch bread sandwiches are addictive. They also offer a rotating selection of colorful pastries and thick, tasty smoothies.
The downsides are the frequently changing Wi-Fi due to their overt dislike for free-riders, slightly high prices, and loud music.
The Best Matcha: SoDoI
The ambiance here is a bit somber, and there's not much to eat, but their drinks are heavenly. I love getting the red velvet latte, iced mango matcha latte, or iced strawberry matcha. The Wi-Fi gets spotty when it's crowded, so I recommend going in the morning if you're trying to get work done.
The Best On Campus: Cafe Think
This spot has the same owners as Caffe Strada and the Free Speech Movement Cafe, but it is the only one offering an iced black coffee, which might be the cheapest coffee around the school while still tasting good. It was $2.60 three years ago, and now around $3.20 with the mandated cup fee I believe.
It is situated within the Haas School of Business, making it perfect to conduct coffee chats and group meetings, or to grab a bite in the intermission of a 2-hour lecture. Seeing people on the grind helps me work for hours, and I can always take it outdoors in the courtyard for fresh air.
They are also zero waste. I don't get food here anymore as it has gotten a ridiculous price tag, but they made tasty quesadillas and Buddha Bowls back in the day.
The Best Bang for Your Buck: Cafe Milano
Cafe Milano is my go-to when I need a snack and coffee before heading to class with not much to spare. The Wi-Fi can be subpar, shared with numerous patrons, and sometimes the coffee grounds are undissolved or the chocolate croissant is actually a pain au chocolat.
However, only one other competitor is open from 7 am to 10 pm in such a prime location, and they will always have my heart for their rustic decor and old-school playlist. I enjoy getting granola, an iced black coffee, or a triple shot of espresso.
The Best Ambiance: Hidden Cafe
This brick-laden cafe on a quaint street is just several stops away when you take the 51B bus. Watching dogs run and children blow bubbles on the green grass fields as you sip your drink by the wooden tables has to be one of the most serene moments you can feel in this city. On top of their pastries (among which they sometimes offer a fresh batch of free samples!), they offer a rotating pop-up food station with some breakfast items. Come here before you leave Berkeley, and keep it our little secret.
The Most High-End: Cafenated Coffee Co.
Their original location features an outdoor area that looks like a greenhouse, offering a unique and pleasant atmosphere. They serve great coffee in sleek glasses and exclusively work with women coffee bean producers, which is commendable. I like their goat cheese omelet or split a brunch board with friends, but I rarely come here hungry because this place can be considered a splurge. I usually get a black coffee for that reason, but will seldom indulge in a Vietnamese Coffee or a Matcha Latte if my sweet tooth kicks in.
Their College Avenue location has an extended food menu, but the WiFi and outlets are less reliable. I visit this location more often because it is convenient, but I think their main location is superior.
The Most Charitable: 1951 Coffee
To be honest, I dislike the coffee here, but I will not turn down a friend who wants to meet up here to have their Honey Lavender Latte or something, because a portion of their proceeds go to training and employment of refugees and people in asylum. I would just chew on the ube donut or matcha mochi muffin they cater from the Third Culture Bakery.