This is one of those iconic mom and pop Oakland restaurants I absolutely adore, and it is what makes the diverse Oakland culinary landscape flourish. Located at a corner across from the DMV (on Sundays the DMV transforms into a lively farmer's market) off of Claremont, its sleepy vibes have attracted its own cult of regulars for years. Moreover, it's a quick bike trip from where we live in Jack London Sq, and I always make it a pit stop whenever we ride up Telegraph. An affordable bowl of shihan ful - a nice savory, spiced bean dip served with airy bread - can keep two hungry bellies satiated for hours. I've even tried to replicate shihan ful at home (SF Chronicles had posted a recipe) but honestly have not been successful. Best to just leave it up to the pros at Alem's. It's hard to describe the flavor but the bean dip is nourishing and bursting with umami-ness that lights up my brain, in a good way. Recommend stopping by for a bite after a leisurely stroll at the Sunday Temescal Farmer's Market. read more

I was really excited to check out Alems because of the high ratings and because I love Eritrean/Ethiopian breakfast. The food is good, but kinda expensive for what it is. The main problem is the service here. Every time I've been to Alem's they have forgotten my order. After ordering at the register ive sat down at a table waited 30-45 minutes and watched as they immediately serve regulars/friends that ordered well after me. Every time ive been Ive had to go back up to the register to remind them of my order and see that they have clearly forgotten about my order. This has happened THREE TIMES NOW. This last time we ordered to go: they forgot our order, we reminded them, and after waiting 45 minutes seeing people order and get thier food before us they still forgot a portion of our order. The food is good, kinda expensive for what it is, and you have to really remind them of your order if you arent in the inner circle. There's a clear distinction between the regulars/friends and everyone else. I won't be returning read more

Food is okay but kinda expensive for what it is. It's unique in that I haven't had Eritrean breakfast food before. But man is the service slow. I've come here twice and they forgot about us BOTH TIMES. We waited 40 minutes for our food and saw a bunch of people pick up their orders even though they ordered after us. They just seem generally disorganized and will make food for regulars or friends (?) as soon as they see them. If you come here make sure to check in with them often because they might've forgotten about you. The lady who worked there saw we were waiting, checked in with us, and STILL forgot about us. We will not be returning. We ordered to go and got a shihan full and they DIDN'T GIVE US THE BREAD!! read more

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. read more

Alem's Coffee - Kicha fit fit and mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Can a restaurant hold high value when the food isn't good? Should the SF Chronicle place a restaurant in its Top 100 if the food resembles the breakfasts your older sibling made you while rushing to get ready for school? I'm not so sure. A bowl of mashed canned fava beans studded with bits of tomato, red onion, hot green peppers and cheese are great for an after workout snack, but to dine out on it? Hard scrambled eggs with the same vegetables minus the cheese? is there a place for such a thing in a dining establishment? Both offerings arrive comically in small bowls, dwarfed by two accompanying ciabatta rolls. The bread is fine, well sourced. The problem is finding something to do with all of it. Take it home and butter it for a snack. I think the accolades Alem's has received are moreso due to its function as an Eritrean public house. In that capacity, there is nothing like it, perhaps in the entire country. It's a men's social club. Eritreans lounge about, confabulating while sipping coffee, smoking cigarettes on the patio, commenting on sports or news programs on the TV. These places were common in America and usually formed around ethnic identities. They all seemed to die off with the 20th Century. Contrary to what you might envision a men's social club to be, Alem's is not exclusive. Your input into the banter will be accepted and reciprocated. I'd stop by every week if only the food were good. At the very least, it has potential to be interesting. Standing apart from other East African places that lean towards an Eritrean-Ethiopian culinary coalition, Alem's is the Eritrean that features Egyptian and Sudanese influences (the above lambasted dishes are called shihan ful and kichi fit respectively). The cooking has the potential to take one away to an Habesha cabstand in Cairo. read more

Just wasn't feeling this place. Their meat dish was spicy and small and though she saw my Yelp check in for the free small coffee she ender up charging me. $18+ for the meal and it just wasn't my favorite Eritrean food. Place was crowded and they didn't have napkins, had to ask multiple times and their single bathroom took forever to wash our hands because of the line. My coworker had their vegetarian stew which was also spicy but nothing outstanding. Can't see myself coming back here. read more

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. read more

Alem's Coffee - Fata and Tibsy Sga - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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 read more

Alem's Coffee - Tibs/injera - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Fantastic spot. It's been a really long time since i had had Ethiopian food and this place absolutely slapped. Very casual spot, about 4 or 5 tables inside. The cashier was super nice and the food was spot on. I'll definitely be coming back. These kinds of institutions need to stick around because they're what make Oakland awesome. Cheers! read more

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! read more

Alem's Coffee - Shihan ful - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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 read more

Alem's Coffee - Ribs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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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. read more

Alem's Coffee - Iced Ethiopian coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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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. read more

Alem's Coffee - Shihan Ful - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Alem's Coffee on Claremont not far from Telegraph is, for us, an absolute gem of a cafe. It's an order at the counter type cafe and the staff will bring your food to you. We've been here now half a dozen times and they've never forgotten our order(as seen in other reviews) but I realize things happen and it's unfortunate--the food is delish! I could site a few minuses (as a fellow cafe owner) but every business brings positives and negatives to their gig, and my 5-star represents our experience as guests and especially the food. This is NOT a fancy cafe--think blue collar gem. And our go-to, the Shihan Ful at about $12 can feed two and is a bargain--even for 1. Coffee is hearty, staff is friendly, and we're lucky to have access to this great cafe. read more

Came here for the weekly Sunday crossword cafe date a few years ago. Not a great place to do the crossword. There's coffee, but not much space to sit, so we ended up sitting outside at some small, burning hot tables. Food was good though! I've gotten a lot of Ethiopian food before in Oakland, but this was my first time getting breakfasty stuff. I really liked the Shihan Ful, although the eating process was also not great for crosswords. Since then, a few Ethiopian breakfast places have opened nearer to where I live (Oakland is great!), but still fond memories of this one. read more

Came here when I visited with friends and I'm so glad we stopped by. The service was so friendly and the food was incredible! Can't wait to come back :) read more

Service was great (2 very friendly ladies). We ordered a house blend coffee (very good) and a chai (omg ) for drinks and the tibsy for food. She said 10 minutes for the food to be ready so we sat out front basking in the sun (she offered to put up the umbrella) and then brought it out to us once it was ready. Plenty of injera and the meat was spicy and very tasty. We also got a side of veggie/salad with it (ordered to go). read more

They've lost a step in the spice game for the shihan ful over the years. Bread & coffee still excellent; good spot if you're willing to sit on the sidewalk as traffic goes by; football (aka soccer) on inside. read more

A friend and I came here ahead of a rainy afternoon. We walked in and were greeted with a DELICIOUS smell that made us giddy with anticipation. We walked up to the cashier to order and the staff person was so patient. My friend and I ordered the Shihan Ful and Tibsey. Given how busy it was, we opted to sit outside (yes, it was chilly). There was another staff person there who helped guided us to a table where we would be dry if it rained. They also asked us if we wanted coffee. We declined, but they came back around and brought us cinnamon tea, which was really sweet and helped keep us warm as we waited for our food. The food took about 10 minutes to come out and we were so excited once it arrived. I had the Shihan Ful and it was so tasty. A nice mix of savory spices and chopped up veggies and beans. The bread (I believe Semifreddi's) was great and perfect for wiping up the beans. My friend also enjoyed her meal and had enough for another meal. Overall, I am pleased with the service and food. I look forward to returning to try the other dishes. read more

Alem's Coffee - Tibsy/Tsebhi Sga - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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

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

I love this place. I've only come here for coffee and the occasional Diet Coke. I am the lone laptop user but it has a nice vibe as a place to get some work done for a bit. Super central. It's nice being around the Eritrean/Ethiopian folks who are busy connecting and hopefully solving the world's problems together. I have yet to try the food but it looks authentic and good. read more

Run don't walk to this place - what a neighborhood gem. The owners are lovely, the space is bright and welcoming, and the food plus coffee were amazing! I had the tibsy and it was delicious and big. That $14 dish was enough for breakfast and then lunch. Coffee was brewed strong and I had to have a lb of beans to take home. Really love the cultural diversity of my home town - keep it up Oakland! I'll be back to work my way through the menu. read more

Alem's Coffee - Inside the restaurant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

This review is long overdue. First time trying Eritrean breakfast - what was a pleasant surprise! We ordered Shihan Ful and the egg sandwiches. The Shihan Ful came with bread. The flavor was authentic, with a perfect balance of spices and freshness. The portions were generous without being overwhelming, and everything was cooked just right. The owner took our order and it was really nice chatting with her about our children. Service was friendly and attentive, adding to the great experience. If you're a fan of Eritrean cuisine or curious to try it for breakfast, I highly recommend giving this place a visit! read more

Delicious East African dishes. Lots of vegetarian options. Fresh. Fast. Friendly. No fuss. Sunny outdoor seating or take it to go! Must try read more

Alem's Coffee - UMBOTITO | 6.00 Boiled potato vegetarian sandwich, olive oil, onion, green chilies, tomato, slices of potatoes, lettuce, and vinegar. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been trying to make an effort to go on a little walk and coffee run every morning, but have struggled to find my "spot." In comes Alem's. Their soy latte tastes EXACTLY how I like my latte, I'm SO happy. I ended up impulsively getting some food as well and ordered the Fata- LOVE IT. It's spicy and hearty and has such a great depth of flavor. Won't let myself order food on every run, but so excited to work my way through the menu over time. I know this spot has been a gem in the neighborhood and am mad at myself for waiting so long to try it! Can't wait to make it my new routine! read more

Alem's Coffee - Fata! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

You can smell how good this place is from the DMV! Recommend for the Shihan ful (fava bean and spices) as it's incredibly savory and light read more

Alem's Coffee - Shihan Ful - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

I want to be a regular at this place because the Ethiopian breakfast is the best. I come here every so often and I always order the shihan ful and maybe another item. The ful is not just a bean dish but it's flavored with cheese, lemon, spiced and peppers. It also comes with the most delicious French tools found this side of the Atlantic. On top of that, the customer service is outstanding. The ladies who run Alem's are super friendly and thoughtful. Five stars! read more

Alem's Coffee - Shihan Ful - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Perfect atmosphere the moment you walk in the food smells amazing to the people that are sitting down and eating you can tell this space holds a lot of good energy tooo them being humble and light workers I love the vibes and am currently waiting to be served my plate but they are very nice and respectful thank you for having a space that's like home for the public my friends!! Very generous they gave me two big loads of bread with my meal this place is a 100000/100000 read more

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We came here early in the morning before a DMV appointment. We really enjoy the flavors of Ethiopian cuisine but had never had Eritrean dishes. Shared an order of Shihan Ful and a large latte between the two of us. It was unique and tasty surprise, especially for breakfast. The fava bean stew was mildly spicy but added flavor with tomatoes, onions and jalapenos. The dish came with two small loaves of bread (like a banh mi bread) and a wedge of lime. It was good but, for me, it could have used a touch more salt. The latte was decent, but we would have preferred it too be stronger. We wanted to order the Tibsy but their order for injera had not yet arrived. All in all, a good start to the morning, enhanced with fast and sweet service from the two ladies. read more

Alem's is a bit off the grid. On the corner near the Claremont exit heading east. I got the shihan phool and I was surprised by how much I liked it. I'm not a huge fan of beans of any type, but with the spices and bread I really enjoyed this dish. The owners and staff were also so kind. There's both indoor and outdoor seating and definitely a bunch of regulars that hang out which makes this spot really awesome. Some reviews say that they only cash, but I was able to pay with card if that's a concern. Great small business that I highly recommend supporting! read more

Alem's Coffee - Shihan phool - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Tastey quick vegetarian food and coffee. Did I say tastey? I mean amazing. Come here for an exciting new experience at a reasonable price. Indoors the TV and music are distracting and outside there's lots of traffic but it a cozy cafe vibe. read more

Alem's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Shihan Ful is a MUST TRY. Humble food that is nutritious and delicious, the staff (and other members of the community that seem to be regulars at this place) are very welcoming and excited to share aspects of their cultural heritage. Only thing they could change is not to serve water in plastic bottles and use plastic spoon/forks as well as sauce containers especially when dining at the eatery. Should be in the Oakland to-try list. read more

Alem's Coffee - two bowls of soup and two rolls of bread - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

They saw me coming: I ordered 2 vegan dishes and said "not spicy". The bill came to $30 with tip. I shouldn't have paid ahead of eating. One of the dishes was served with jalapeños. I reminded the waitress that I told her "not spicy". She tried to argue with me. I told her I expected a refund. She talked me in to keeping the stew. When I finished and stood @ the cash register the woman there acted like she did not know what happened. She refunded me $13 for a $30 Meal which included a tip. I felt lucky to get any refund but I wish I could have had a refund for the tip. Never again. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for a while and got delivery recently. I ordered the enkakuho frittata and shihan ful. Both came with rolls. The frittata was filled with vegi and tasted ok. The shihan ful is flavorful and delicious, I loved it. read more

Alem's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

If you go to the Temescal Farmer's Market in the DMV parking lot, you can't miss Alem's beckoning at you from across Claremont Ave with it's sun dappled patio area (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alems-coffee-oakland?select=B6ayGtjRZ2cbWOtU9sFNCA). If you succumb, you'll find that Alem's is a small shop (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alems-coffee-oakland?select=cCcjkn9yW2UNWx841aiQWg&userid=DsHsuhUvyyW_75zFcJxkKw) with just a couple of indoor tables (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alems-coffee-oakland?select=19Vv-2WLAMj7YB_0wtmNeQ) which serves up the coffee basics (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alems-coffee-oakland?select=Icq-NyB7iozXc57OK81s0w) along with a short food menu including a few Eritrean items like Shihan Phool (ful), Kicha Fitfit, and Tibsy (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alems-coffee-oakland?select=nbZZTZeYn1VJzTE8jrnNtg). Phool (aka ful, foul, etc) is a fava bean dish originating in Egypt, but popular in many African & Middle Eastern countries with a wide variety of interpretations depending on the country it migrated to. Alem's Shihan Phool comes with a rainbow of toppings with onions, crushed tomatoes, feta, jalapenos, a sprinkle of berbere, and lemon wedge accompanied by a pair of French rolls (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alems-coffee-oakland?select=C7qmKUxgYBzDrOvMr0eozQ). Savory and smooth, but definitely more kick than Egyptian Ful Medames with the fresh jalapenos and berbere. The toasted French rolls are like nice crisp banh mi baguettes and serve as the perfect vehicle for scooping up the phool which has a variety of flavor combos depending on what cross-section of toppings you get. Warm and comforting on a cold morning . . . or anytime, really. read more

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Still delicious and still served with kindness and a sweet smile. I also had a chai latte which was also delicious and comforting. read more

Alem's Coffee - Shihan Ful - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

This is one of my top favorites. They have a distinctly Eritrean menu and more specifically serve up traditional breakfast and lunch dishes. One of my favorites is the fuul plate which consists of cooked fava beans seasoned and drizzled with spices, olive oil and feta cheese served with French rolls. You can hints of Mediterranean and middle eastern influences. Their coffee is a delicious dark Italian style roast. Indoor and outdoor rustic cafe seating. A neighborhood favorite with a bohemian flair. read more

Food was great. The cashier didn't give us a receipt. The server accused us stealing a sprite. Instead of checking with the cashier if we paid for it already up front, he came and have a debate with us over a can of sprite. Honestly wanted to bring my friends here to try my husband's culture food. If this is how customers are being treated, I'd rather save my face and my friends time. There are plenty of other Eritrean food around the area. read more

This is a mom and pop type of spot. So grateful my coworker put me on! The prices are very affordable and you get a delicious, home cooked tasting, filling, healthy meal. I've had the shahan ful which tasted like everything I would ever want in a meal. It warmed my insides and made me think of m grandma's cooking and it was also enough for two meals! I also had the boiled potato sandwhich which I know sounds like a wtf choice but I go it cuz I had a feeling it would be delicious, and it was! The shahan ful was served with two large bread rolls and the sandwhich is made on the same bread. Which is hella fresh and soft. The boiled potato in the sandwhich was a melt in your mouth buttery salty number, it was perfect, paired with tomato, red onion, some pepper, and lettuce. Literally everything I would find at the dinner table with my slavic family. This is definitely a go to spot, with prices that can't be beat. read more