Berkeley is full of cafes. Between what's on campus and surrounding you're looking at dozens just surround campus. To be frank, most are mediocre, but we've found a few we feel are worth going to which offer a bit more than just typical coffee.
Perhaps the most stand out coffee spot, though in the most subtle ways, would be Fertile Grounds. When you enter in, it looks and feels as most cafes do. What separates it from the rest is when you take it a step further you really appreciate the quality of the place. First of all, it's not too crowded, which makes them capable of catering to their customers, and also creates a friendly environment that the more popular spots lose in the hustling nature of Berkeley.
What sets this place aside: quality coffee. Talk to the owner, quite frankly, this guy knows quality. The coffee he gets is definitely higher quality. If you talk to him about the spices and flavorings he has, he can make you coffee that is complimentary to your taste. Not many cafes are willing to do that.
Perhaps the most stand out coffee spot, though in the most subtle ways, would be Fertile Grounds. When you enter in, it looks and feels as most cafes do. What separates it from the rest is when you take it a step further you really appreciate the quality of the place. First of all, it's not too crowded, which makes them capable of catering to their customers, and also creates a friendly environment that the more popular spots lose in the hustling nature of Berkeley.
What sets this place aside: quality coffee. Talk to the owner, quite frankly, this guy knows quality. The coffee he gets is definitely higher quality. If you talk to him about the spices and flavorings he has, he can make you coffee that is complimentary to your taste. Not many cafes are willing to do that.
There's also no other place in Berkeley that makes coffee itself so aesthetically pleasing, and just plain cool. When getting any drink that require milk, he pours the froth in the cup in a manner in which it forms the shape of a coffee bean. Just too tight.
On occasion he has art exhibits up showing local art. If you are lucky you get to see some quality art by local talent.
In terms of food, there's sandwiches as well as baked goods. The quality of both are a step above most cafes around. You can get a pretty good meal or snack for a decent price here, considering most cafe's catered towards students just have stale snack items. We didn't include this in our criteria of putting it on the list, but it's worth mentioning. If you happen to be Muslim, it's a plus to know that all the food is halaal and there's a little area in the back and up the stairs that he specially set aside for praying.
Location: On the corner of Shattuck and Delaware. Just a block northwest of where campus ends on that side. Very accessible to those who live on Northside. Only a few blocks up of Downtown. It's very easy to bus to from Westside as well, as the 18 runs up and down shattuck. Parking is free after 6.
Hours: Weekdays 7am-9pm. Weekends 8am-9pm
On occasion he has art exhibits up showing local art. If you are lucky you get to see some quality art by local talent.
In terms of food, there's sandwiches as well as baked goods. The quality of both are a step above most cafes around. You can get a pretty good meal or snack for a decent price here, considering most cafe's catered towards students just have stale snack items. We didn't include this in our criteria of putting it on the list, but it's worth mentioning. If you happen to be Muslim, it's a plus to know that all the food is halaal and there's a little area in the back and up the stairs that he specially set aside for praying.
Location: On the corner of Shattuck and Delaware. Just a block northwest of where campus ends on that side. Very accessible to those who live on Northside. Only a few blocks up of Downtown. It's very easy to bus to from Westside as well, as the 18 runs up and down shattuck. Parking is free after 6.
Hours: Weekdays 7am-9pm. Weekends 8am-9pm
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