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Ain't Normal Cafe

4.0 (206 reviews)
Open 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

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AIN'T NORMAL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating

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Nina M.

Was in the area and was craving to try something new. Stopped by here and they have a couple spots outside and a small space inside to stand around while you wait for you order. Ordered - Latte - was very good, you can taste the espresso - Turkey baguette sandwich from their display - $14 which was waaaaay too much, but it was very delicious They have some random items that you can purchase - from different kinds of wine, coffee beans, and oddly enough - sardines! Overall great flavor, but overpriced for what it is.

Trout toast.
Mari H.

Great bites, better coffee from roasters all over the world. These bites are worth the trip even if you aren't a coffee drinker.

Vanilla bay latte
Mia B.

Solid latte! The size and quality of the coffee is totally worth the price. House made vanilla bay syrup made for a delectable latte. Totally recommend! Cute sticker too.

Standard espresso (left), and specialty espresso with sparkling water
Felix W.

I got the standard espresso and their specialty espresso (+$2 upcharge). Both were very good. The specialty was a darker roast, smooth, not bitter or acidic, and had good chocolate and nutty flavor coming through (5/5). Their standard blend was a lighter roast, slightly more acidic (4/5). Would definitely come back.

Milk with a splash of coffee
Carrisa J.

I wanted to come here because I saw the line flowing out the door and I heard great things about it. But when I ordered an iced latte with lavender syrup, all I could taste was 90% milk and a splash of coffee. The lavender was so subtle that I forgot that I was drinking a lavender latte. I was in a rush that I couldn't ask them for adjustments, unfortunately, so I had to leave with very mediocre coffee.

matcha latte
Chloe E.

I come here so often! I love the unique but yummy menu items. The area is so beautiful and the patrons seem to all be friendly professionals. I think it is one of my favorite go to spots, and I will definitely continue to come here.

Menu
Lara M.

Met a friend for coffee and small bites on a Sunday around 11am. It was very busy. There's a lot of tables outside for outdoor seating with just a few tables inside. We ordered an iced vanilla matcha latte and a dirty chai latte. We also got the fruit and cheese plate and the meat plate, as well as a quiche to share. All very good and love the location. Super cute cafe.

Griiiiiitzzzzz
Michel R.

I absolutely LOVE this place. It's my favorite cafe on the College strip. Their food is FIRE. Let me just get straight into it, their Grits though? Chefs kiss. With an added jammy egg, is it worth it? I do declare. Cappuccinos and Lattes always on point, they have pretty good baked goods here and lunch sammies that look so good. Beware for there are lines alot of the time that spiral out into the block, and while I usually abhor that type of thing, SOMETIMES just sometimes I will wait in the line for my grits if the morning calls for such. The service here is a mixed lot but nonetheless prompt, you get the counter people who couldn't be bothered and then you get the cool ones who ask what you're reading if they see your book. It doesn't really bother me, working at a cafe is hard work and also, these in my opinion, are essential workers because it is essential for me to get coffee in the mornings and they are the ones slinging my juice! Visit this place and try the food. Ain't normal and I'm always in the mood! (Whatever you do, do not get a matcha here though, they do NOT know how to make matcha to save their lives.)

Latte
Jonathan L.

My latte had coffee grounds in it which was a big bummer for how much they charge. At least the latte tasted okay, partially due to the perfect milk foam texture. However, I've been giving this business the benefit of the doubt after some recent, less than mediocre experiences and it was very disappointing to get a mouthful of bitter grounds. I regret tipping :(

iced chai
Katherine L.

iced chai is kind of bland but they have air conditioning which is a godsend. standard order at counter service, shop is packed with goodies for sale like sardines and coffee ware. would've sat down but it was too crowded

Hailing W.

室内空间小,仅有几张矮桌、几个面向街道的吧台位及一条稍高些的木质"站台",户外区域才是人们向往的最佳座位,虽然十字路口的车流较大,但晴朗的春日午后,沐浴在温暖的阳光下,其实并不觉吵闹,丝毫不会影响野餐般的惬意氛围 讨论度较高的几家咖啡烘豆商的产品,在这里都能买到,还有海鲜罐头、芝士熏肉拼盘和自然酒,吃饱喝足后,再浅浅进个货 酥皮点心和酸种欧包来自伯克利老牌Acme Bread Company,不失为保质保量的安全选择,午餐时段有法棍三明治,附近La Farine面包房做的法棍是我心中的东湾之最 Cappuccino 浓缩的品质不错,刚入口时还觉得有些平淡,浓度会慢慢地展现,酸苦均衡,苦味略突出,酸则属于后来居上,奶泡绵密,但融合度稍差,前半段分层明显,好在整体柔顺流畅 Mocha 甜、苦、酸按顺序依次出现,在腻与淡之间找到了平衡,轻薄中又不失醇香 Matcha Latte 鲜少有咖啡馆愿意选择品质上乘的抹茶粉作为原材料,也并不想为抹茶饮花心思,更突显出了这杯抹茶拿铁的含金量,宇治丸久小山园松柏,与奶特别适配,比较圆润的清苦,虽为薄茶,却带着些浓郁,融合度贼棒,从始至终都很顺滑,后期口留余香,毫无涩感,很喜欢! Savory Scone Jalapeño|Pecorino|Cheddar 外表烤出了一层脆壳,边缘已形成薄薄的焦化芝士脆片,整体的醒发并不好,内部吃起来有些绵绵烂烂的感觉,但墨西哥辣椒的辛香绝了,与意大利绵羊奶酪的浓香、以及咸甜交错的调味一起,碰撞出了更美味的配搭效果 Butter Toast Sourdough|Maldon Salt|Jam|Jammy Egg 老牌面包房的实力不容小觑,做出的酸种让人吃了还想吃,外壳偏薄,烘烤的火候和时间都非常厉害,酥酥脆脆,完全不硬,触碰到内部面包体的瞬间,感受到蓬松柔软,咀嚼之后发现其实还蛮有厚度的,弹性也足 用黄油煎至表面焦脆,轻轻一碰就往外滋油,真的太香太香,可惜海盐片撒多了,咸得很,店里的自制果酱有特色,清新自然的酸甜,伴随着浓郁的肉桂香气,跟梨子的沙质口感很配,溏心水煮蛋虽然缺少了流动性,但进嘴后还是保持了黏黏糊糊的状态,好棒!

Extra $1.75 for half-caf espresso.
Dianne Y.

They charge extra $1.75 for half-caf.!!! That most definitely Ain't Normal. Penalizing people who are sensitive to caffeine or are trying to wean themselves from caffeine dependency but still want so enjoy coffee sometimes. Is it really that much more work to scoop some decaf to mix with regular espresso?! Most cafés don't charge extra for half-caf, and the ones that do charge a maximum of $1 extra.

iced latte, iced matcha
Carina L.

Had high expectations for this place but I paid $8 my matcha that didn't fill the cup, and mostly milk in both drinks.

Cappuccino

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2 months ago

I stopped in for coffee and a scone, walked out with an amazing bottle of wine and caviar for my dinner party.

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7 months ago

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7 months ago

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4 months ago

The people who work here are rude and arrogant. The product is just fine. Hire better.

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2 years ago

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8 months ago

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9 months ago

Rude customer service, it sure why is so popular, latte was burnt and had very little flavor

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Book Society - Wine selection

Book Society

(47 reviews)

Elmwood

Book Society is such a great little spot in Berkeley. I've been a few times now, and it's easily…read moreone of my favorite places when I want to browse books and relax for a bit. The owners are super nice and genuinely helpful, and the whole place feels welcoming the second you walk in. The book selection is also really solid. I always end up finding something (often have to reign myself in), especially in the thriller section, but they also have classics mixed in, too, which I love. One of my favorite parts is that you can actually sit and read while having a glass of wine. The wine selection is really fun, and they have some unique varietals that you don't see everywhere, which makes it even better. I also love that they do book and wine pairings each month. It's such a cool idea and makes it feel like there's always something new to check out. You can also join their book club, which includes a new book and a paired bottle of wine. Also, you need one of their bags. Trust me. If you love books and want a cozy little place to hang out, I definitely recommend stopping in.

This place is so cute! This is like a dream spot and I wish I lived closer so I could visit more…read moreoften. We went for Halloween as they had some themed activities/books out. There were cozy seating options but since it was fairly packed, we sat at the bar. Loved to see such a big turnout but this place feels like it only has space for ~20 people comfortably. We got the popcorn and I tried out some of the wine tasting on the wall. They give you a tap card so you can control how many tastes you want. They offer 1 oz, half glass, or full glass pours for each of the wine on tap. The wine on tap is mostly their wine pairings for the month. I love the concept and definitely tried a couple wines to decide which book I should read! Overall pretty cozy and intimate. The book selection is pretty small and curated. The shelves are tall and they have the moving ladder! Very beauty and the beast library-like! Would be good to come with one other person or solo to have some cozy reading time. I could only imagine this place would be a dream for a small book club! I know they have a couple events like that every month and would love to come check one out someday.

Couchdate - The lovely bar

Couchdate

(6 reviews)

Temescal, North Oakland, Rockridge

Strolling through the neighborhood on my way to a meeting and I had some time to kill. The…read morestorefront caught my eye and when I saw vinyl I had to look. So glad I stopped in. The vibe is very relaxed. A great place for a mental break. Gabriel the bartender greeted me warmly. The music was good. Vinyl selection is The wine selection is exemplary. I had enough time for lunch and opted for the Cheese sandwich ( I do not recall the menu name) upon Gabriel's recommendation. I was not disappointed. Warm beef with melted cheese and accompaniments on a sandwich roll. It was reminiscent of my youth when my friends mother would make lunch for us. It was just sloppy enough to make it delicious without it splattered on my shirt. My new go to spot for a mental break and smiles.

Love this space. Just visited recently for an early scene before it got crowded. I absolutely loved…read morethe way it is done up. There is a warmth and comfortability that sweps you in as soon as you enter. Staff is so warm and friendly. They have some kick ass cocktails and also non alcoholic drinks which is great for those who want to keep it light. The vibes are very cool and chill type scene. I loved spending time here. I need to return for a girls date night or friends get to gather to experience the full night scene. Bathrooms are clean and very psychedelic scene with the lights effect :) If you want to experience something different that is comfortable and relaxed while having some lovely drinks and listening to sick beats then this is the place for you. Its location is super convenient right by downtown very close to bart and bus if you fancy public transportation:) Love couchdate and can't wait to be back for more Love

Snail Bar

Snail Bar

(168 reviews)

Temescal, North Oakland, Rockridge

This was my second time at snail bar and it was such a vibe as always. Had a reservation, so had a…read morecozy seat inside. Their menu is always changing, so it's constantly a surprise what we'll have. We had the snails, some oysters, a sausage dish, and sweet potato. Most standout (surprisingly) was the sweet potato. I loved the sauce and candied pepitas. Oysters were delicious as well and I'm not even an oyster girl! Snails were not as good as the first time I visited, but the cashew miso sauce it came with was so addicting. No issues with service this time either. But I'll call out that the first time I visited, our server was super warm and friendly and made for a special experience. Overall, a really cute wine bar with delicious food. It feels like you're in someone's living room it's so intimate. It is a bit expensive for what you get, but vibes are unmatched.

Snail Bar had been on my radar for a while since I live nearby, and the lines are always out the…read moredoor. I finally stopped by and was not disappointed. I didn't have a reservation, but I came close to opening time and was dining solo, which worked out perfectly. They do take walk-ins, though it would likely be tough with a larger group. The space is small and intimate, with bar seating for about 5-6 inside, a few small tables, and a limited outdoor area. Groups of six or more aren't allowed, which makes sense given the size. The service was excellent from start to finish. I asked the server for recommendations across the board and loved every suggestion. I was offered an orange-skinned contact wine that was fantastic and paired beautifully with the tostada, which was phenomenal. The tostada had the perfect crunch, and the sauce (I still don't know what it was) was so good I wanted it on everything. The fish was incredibly buttery and melted in my mouth. The oysters were good, but honestly, the tostada completely stole the show. I wanted dessert but was way too full, and they don't offer desserts to-go, so I'll have to come back which I'm more than happy to do. I was also intrigued by their wine club, especially since their wine selection is clearly curated with care. I ended up buying a bottle of the same wine I had with dinner. The wine club is popular and currently full, so I'm on the waiting list and excited to join when a spot opens up.

Ain't Normal Cafe - coffee - Updated May 2026

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