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    Ada's Cafe

    4.5 (240 reviews)
    Open 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Ada's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    ADA'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Ada's Cafe

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    A perfect two-bite treat
    Christopher B.

    As always a great visit all around. It's an unseasonably chilly day and their heaters are set up as well as their blanket basket. I stopped by for an espresso, while wrestling with the question of should I have a morning treat or not. Well, Kathleen and the team at Ada's answered that for me with their two-bite mini brownie. It paired perfectly with my espresso and I'm sure it will pair wonderfully with your beverage of choice;)

    The alpine whole wheat sandwich
    Meltem O.

    After reading the owner's response, I've decided to update my review and lower my rating. In my original review, I mentioned that I appreciated the warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and the business's commitment to social responsibility. But honestly, the owner's defensive and aggressive attitude completely ruined that positive impression. The sandwich was exactly as described, and I simply didn't like it. That's it. There was nothing wrong with it--I just didn't enjoy it. So why would I go to the counter and ask for sauces to change the taste? This is the sandwich you made, and I didn't like it. If I wanted to adjust my food to my preference, I would've just made it at home. The whole point of eating out is to enjoy a meal as it's served, not to fix it myself. I originally gave this place 3 stars because I liked the atmosphere and appreciated the effort of the employees. If I were rating based only on the food, it would've been 1 star. But after seeing how the owner reacts to customer feedback, I realized the overall experience wasn't worth 3 stars. A good business isn't just about the food--it's about how it treats its customers. Instead of taking criticism with an open mind, the owner got defensive and dismissive. It's a shame because the staff was actually really nice, but the owner's response completely changed my view. At the end of the day, my rating isn't just about the food, it's about the whole experience.

    Mocha and blueberry scone. Ask "for here" and you'll get a warm scone with a lot of blueberries and side of creme fresh and jam.

    Very cozy place that also imploys people with developmental differences. Very good food, cups and mugs for here. Very good vibe environment! And the library is next door.

    Elaine W.

    We came here for brunch on a weekend, and it immediately felt like a sweet neighborhood secret. The place has that home-based café charm. Everything we tried tasted like comforting, home-cooked food. Nothing fancy but we feel taken care of. It was also a pleasure to contribute to the community and peek into the library next door. We'll definitely be back!

    Ryan T.

    Coffee is great. Environment is very cute and festive. Service is exceptional. I grabbed a Chai Tea Latte from Ada's and brought it into the library 1 building over. I sat down in the upstairs, back corner and the gentleman that made my coffee had forgot to put the espresso into the drink. He walked from Ada's to the library, upstairs, and found me to give me the correct drink. I have never had someone go so above and beyond to rectify their mistake. That's top notch service to me! I'll be coming back!

    Adel W.

    Adorable little cafe nestled into the Palo Alto community center and library! They do $5 tomato plants, or you get a free one if you spend $25+. I appreciate that they make it clear that you can do work there, but just buy something every 2 hours. The tables are kept clean with fresh flowers as a nice touch! The vegetarian croissant sandwich was delicious (but $12), and 12oz latte is $5.50.

    a person holding a bottle of orange juice
    Austin Z.

    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.

    Half of blueberry scone, nut blueberry muffin and cinnamon roll
    Magdalena R.

    Personally I have not gone to this place, but my coworker brought me some pastries and they are to die for, I have been in a strict diet but pastries are my weakness so I will consider it as my cheat day well only to make space for the pastries, since she could not made any decision going to Ada's she brought 3 different ones and I am glad she did, she got blueberry scone, cinnamon roll and blueberry muffin. Blueberry Scone: The moment it hit my mouth I was speechless Oh!! My!!! The last time I had something so amazing don't quite remember, but this one hit the spot and I slow down to leave the last piece for last. Blueberry nut muffin: Not as quite as the Scone but I am a pecan kind of person and I love muffins so this pastry was great not as amazing as the first one but tbh the scone takes 1st place. Cinnamon Roll: I am not a cinnamon kind of gal but this sure surprised me, the first bite was out of this world specially with the cream on the side, I always imagined it super sweet but no on the contrary it was easy to eat and no remorse while eating it. Now this was an exceptional experience with these 3 pastries but I need to visit this place in person so I can try other ones that I bet are as good as these ones. If this pastries are amazing I can just imagine eating them at the spot right from the oven and in a homie feeling, I will definitely try to visit this place very soon. But for now I will enjoy them, thank you for the hands that prepare them you guys are amazing

    chai latte
    Kelcie A.

    I went on a wednesday afternoon for a WFH lunch and inside felt very cozy. Not much seating inside but there was more available right ohtside the cafe. Very kind and warming employees. The empanada was warmed up and tasted great with their chimichuri sauce.

    Love the sentiment- made my day.
    Kathi M.

    The ham and cheese biscuit was chock full of ham! The service was excellent and the ambiance was welcoming and inclusive. Highly recommend!

    Apple Slipper and Hot Cocoa

    Ada's Cafe is not just any cafe. It's a nonprofit dedicated to hiring, training, and empowering employees with disabilities. Thank you for this! It truly fosters a sense of community and warmth, something the Bay Area desperately needs, where too often, many of us are glued to our screens. But Ada's is different. It's a place to connect, interact, and actually look people in the face and smile. To have fun, spontaneous conversations with strangers or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a book. I stopped by on a Sunday morning, and the experience was nothing short of magical. It was my first time here, and I ordered a hot chocolate along with the apple slipper ~ SO GOOD, Y'ALL. The blueberry scones get rave reviews too, though I haven't tried them yet. I found a cozy corner inside and enjoyed some top-tier people-watching: families, groups of techies, even a little kid running out the door with a parent chasing after them into the parking lot. It was lively but never overwhelming, just the right balance of energy and warmth. As I sipped my drink, my boyfriend wandered over to the library next door, checked out a book, and then joined me inside. We shared the apple slipper, though "shared" might be a stretch because he, a self-proclaimed non-fan of sweets and apple pie-esque desserts, devoured most of it! XD After our lovely morning at the cafe, we took a stroll around Mitchell Park. A perfect way to spend a weekend morning.

    Inside

    As a student who's been wanting to find a homey and cozy cafe for studying here in this industrial silicone valley, Ada's cafe is like a warm hug! The ambiance is warm and inviting, almost like you're at home and their staff and coffee is delightful! What a gem :)

    Blueberry scone with whipped butter and jam (Awards Wining Scones)

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    1 month ago

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    Kathleen F.

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    10 months ago

    Tried the matcha and chicken empanada. The empanada was pretty good I really liked the chimichurri sauce.

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    10 months ago

    The cause, the location in front of the library and the park, the community...what's not to love? Wonderful Wendy is wonderful.

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