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    Alem's Coffee

    4.5 (170 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    ALEM'S COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Alem's Coffee

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    Kicha fit fit and mocha
    Sydney J.

    I decided to give Alem's a try since they are just across from the DMV where the Temescal farmers marekt is held. Kicha fit fit: A little spicy, but the clarified butter helps offset this. I like that the texture is more on the firm side. It reminds me of stuffing with the texture and savory flavor profile, except a little spicier. Mocha: This was pretty good, I can definitely taste the chocolate and the coffee is not too bitter. Definitely stands out compared to other Eritrean restaurants because of its menu items, many of which are either smaller bites or more breakfast/brunch types of entrees which I haven't found at other restaurants I've been to.

    Fata and Tibsy Sga
    Miguel O.

    Had the Fata and the Tibsy Sga and I all I can say is amazing. The Fata was made on the spot and was crunchy and chewy at times with a since savory spice to it. The tibsy was tender and well seasoned, a little less spicy than the Fata. Very well balanced meals.

    Tibs/injera
    Bob A.

    Food was great, service is really attentive. It has an ethnically Eritrean ma/pa hole in the wall feel. I think they cater more to breakfast so you won't get the big injera platters but they do have one person equivalents of that as well as simpler bread + soup/stew type meals, as well as coffee

    Shihan ful
    Vanessa S.

    I was at the dmv taking care of my registration. Enjoying the wonderful 4 hr wait . I hadn't eaten breakfast and it was past lunchtime.So I decided to go grab a snack nearby. I see a coffee shop across the street. Perfect! Little did I know I stumbled upon a hidden gem. Mind you I have only eaten African food once in my life prior to this. I have been craving it all of my life (hence being part Egyptian and Ghanaian) . Oh what a feeling to eat "your" food for the second time in your life! When I tell you my mouth, brain and tummy all did a happy dance! Very simple ingredients. So fresh so delicious and a very humble place, but it felt like I was eating home at home. Love love love this! Will be coming back very soon with my daughters. Also the staff were very friendly and kind. I can't wait to try something new on the menu. I had the Shihan flu! Sooo good!

    Ribs
    Amy L.

    This is probably better for a coffee shop or a quick bite to eat, since their food menu wasn't very expansive. We got the tibsy and ful. The tibsy was on the blander side, at least compared to other Eritrean or Ethiopian restaurants. The ful was a bit better but also fell a bit flat as it was served closer to room temperature. I also was a bit disappointed in the lack of side options. I'm used to getting cabbage, spinach, lentils, and potatoes as sides for Ethiopian dishes. I would come back if I lived in the area, but since I don't live nearby, I would rather check out other Ethiopian or Eritrean options in the east bay

    Iced Ethiopian coffee
    Steph G.

    My kid came here as a freshman when she started Berkeley and we've made one last visit on her last day in the city after she graduated. It was very sentimental for us. She wanted to show me this place for a very long time. We opted to share the lamb stew. I think it's called the Tibsy. Now, bring your patience because it does appear that everything is cooked to order. Once it was ready, the lamb stew was served on top of injera bread. Although this dish is meant to be eaten with your hands, I opted to have a spoon. My kid did eat it with her hands. I enjoyed it better when the meat was soaking on the bread and I eat it that way the sour balance of the bread balances out the meat stew. Before we left, I got an iced Ethiopian coffee that would knock your socks off. Just cool, casual vibes here with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Street parking available.

    Shihan Ful
    Maian T.

    One of those places that took me waaaaaaay way way too long to visit after passing it by so many times and knowing it's been there so long - since 1999 - iconic. For $14 the Shihan Ful comes with two large perfectly toasted baguettes and a nicely spiced, fava bean stew and two lemon wedges. Do not deny yourself the sensory pleasure of cracking open toasty bread, inhaling the yeasty vapor and enjoying the crackly crunch and creamy bean combo. The vibes of this place are so nice. Friendly people, kids playing, people chatting and playing games outside. I swapped tables with someone who needed a wall charger and she told me you can order a coffee brewed with tea water, which I will definitely have to try next time. I hope this place remains an institution for years to come.

    Tibsy/Tsebhi Sga

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    1 year ago

    Friendly server and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating plus good coffee and food equals a great little cafe.

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    1 year ago

    I just come for the ful which is delicious and comes with awesome fresh bread. I can't comment on the coffee

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    Jaffa Coffee Roasters

    Jaffa Coffee Roasters

    4.7
    (159 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Staff were friendly, very knowledgeable, and helpful. I ordered a mocha and later a red tea and…read morethey were both excellent. Definitely coming back! Baristas explained that they are up for trying different and sometimes unusual combinations for their customers. I wasn't adventurous this time, but it made me want to explore in the future. I came here to work, hoping for a relatively warm and cozy spot that wasn't too sleepy. I was not disappointed. The wifi was good, music was fun and unobtrusive. Decorations and layout gave a friendly, welcoming environment. Not only were the benches and padded chairs comfy, the ambiance was kept even in the bathroom. Spacious, warm lighting, cute bathroom with a great mirror and cool sink. I don't ever ding places for hospital-looking bathrooms (you know, fluorescent lights, questionable floors, sand paper toilet paper...) but this was one of the few where I was impressed. Good to know: Jaffa cakes are only available on the weekend Parking: Some of the streets nearby are resident-only parking so make sure to double check!

    We were greeted by the loveliest person when we walked in. He was helping someone in front of us…read morewho seemed like a lot, kept interrupting those around her after she ordered but the person running the front was patient and kind. I ordered a cortado which was good while the hubby ordered the orange latter. We were told ordering it iced makes it a tad sweeter and that was correct advice. The latte was sweet but still delicious. I'd probably order it hot next time. It's a large space with merchandise, beans, and accessories for sale. They've also got a good sized menu for coffee and tea drinkers alike.

    Photos
    Fundraiser
    Fundraiser
    Jason Al-Ghussein, artist and muralist, absolutely SLAYED this mural
    Jason Al-Ghussein, artist and muralist, absolutely SLAYED this mural
    Winter warmer: apple cider mm!

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    Winter warmer: apple cider mm!

    Alem's Coffee - coffee - Updated July 2026

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