Generally there are two types of people you find in cafes: (1) people who want to hunker down with their laptop/books and get some work done and (2) people who want to socialize and hang out. This cafe is definitely for people in group (1) -- by a long shot. When I want to do some early morning work, this is the place I like to go. The reason is that I'm somewhat of a social worker. If I'm working on my laptop, chilling out trying to maximize my work time while minimizing my expense, I want to be somewhere with lots of like-minded people. So I like to do work at cafes where most of the other patrons are also working. And Berkley Espresso is great for that, especially in the mornings. The thing that I find this place especially good for is morning owrk. At 7:30 AM (the place opens at 7:00) you can come in with a laptop, put on your headphones, and start working with at least two or three other like-minded inviduals. By 8:00 AM or so on a weekday the place will be mostly full, and by 8:30 AM or so that morning rush starts to peter off. So you'll be working in a place with other early morning types (in my experience, mostly old people) and the people who run the place will be used to it. The other cafe that's nearby that I tend to frequent a lot is the People's Cafe. In comparison, I've done work there in the morning, and it's a lot weirder. The crowd there is mostly people grabbing a cup of joe before work, or for whatever they had to get up early for that day if it's a weekend/holiday. If you come into People's Cafe at 8am with your laptop, you're likely to be the only one actually sitting down and staying in the place. Now, depending on your personality, you may see this as a bonus. But I find it a bit awkward. It's you sitting in the place all alone with the owner while business-types rush in and out. Other pro tips: * You can use their wireless connection for free (no password, no survey, etc.). It's just an open wireless network. It's not super fast, but it will get the job done. * If you sit by the windows they have power outlets in/near the potted plants. There are also power outlets along the far wall from where you enter. * As Ligaya T. pointed out, everyone sits facing with their back to the window. I don't know why, but that's just how it's done. * Don't sit in the corner by the bathroom in the mornings. They clean it around 8:00 AM with about a thousands times too much Pine Sol. Every time someone enters or leaves it you risk passing out from the Pine Sol fumes. * They have the ceiling rotating fans -- directly below the lights. If you come here at night, make sure you don't grab a table under the lights, or you might get a seizure. * They always seem to have humidifiers on or something. If you wear glasses and it's the winter, the chances are pretty good that you're glasses are going to be totally steamed up for at least a few minutes when you first come in. read more

Great little cafe with reasonably price coffee, friendly employees, and free wifi. Plus, they're open late! I loved it and will be coming back soon. read more

Nice cafe. Very comfortable. Classical music playing. A nice place to work and eat. Kind staff. Glad they are here.

Don't let the 3 stars fool you, I love this place. It's my personal "office", and I'm not the only one, as it's usually packed with regulars. I appreciate the big windows (though, there are some times of day where the sunlight is intense) and classical music, and the staff are always nice. The bathroom smells awful, even though they clean it often. It can be tough to find a table and there are usually a few patrons who either don't have access to regular showers, or who don't bother to avail themselves of one. But the coffee is pretty good; they have a fairly good selection of pastries and plated desserts, and a few sandwich and salad options. Internet access is free and outlets are plentiful. read more

Not a good cup of coffee. Too bitter almost to the point of undrinkable. This was my first and last visit.

Cute place to study with plenty of chairs and outlets near by. Ordered an iced latte and it was pretty good!

Okay, so Berkeley Espresso doesn't really deserve five stars. But I go here nearly every day. Given that it's located on the north side of campus, you don't receive a lot of "those" types of UCB undergraduate patrons. You know, the ones with the lispy, "I'd like a venti iced carmel macchiato with nonfat milk pleassse," pledge Delta-Delta-Delta! type voices. The crowd consists mainly of friendly, working professionals and some UCB students, with your occasionally Berkeley Character in the mix. So, they do, indeed, have that pungent bathroom smell if you sit near the bathrooms... and they sometimes have ants if you sit near the indoor trees. But I don't care - I'm not a frail person. They play classical music at a non-obtrusive level, their baristas are friendly to habitual customers, their prices aren't too expensive, they have a very nice view of the street, and they - most importantly - provide a great space for studying. Plus, if you stay near closing time, they play booty-shakin' music. read more

Great place to camp out and study. Quiet atmosphere, big windows, free wifi, and a yummy latte. They have blackbottom cupcakes too- fabulous for the seemingly endless study sessions. read more

Do you go to cafes as a second office/study space or to drink coffee? This place is good for students or people who need to study or do research. Business hours opens early and stays open late. Lots of plugs for your laptop. They have extension cords hanging from the ceilings and along the walls. It is pretty hard not to find a plug. Free wi fi. But for people who go to cafes to drink coffee, the coffee is oK and the espresso drinks are oK. Not bad not good. I prefer the cafes up (north on Shattuck more) read more

Had been to this place on my way to work once. Asked for a flat white and as I was expecting the Barista did not know what I am looking for. I explained it and he made it and it was good... The guy knew about Latte Art so I like the fact that he designed my cup without me asking for it... Will visit again. read more

Easy to get to, awesome cappuccino! The barrista even put a happy face on it. The milk was well heated, not scalding, bubbles were super smooth. Not sure about other treats here, but with free wifi and good capps, you can't go too wrong. I wouldn't recommend coming with a group though. It's definitely hard to find a table at peak times. I also love the soothing classical music and the open airy atmosphere created by the basically all window walls. read more

Best place to work; best wifi. My Berkeley office. Come work here, but save me a seat. Also the lattes happen to be fantastic! Huh. read more

I get my morning mocha here every time I want to treat myself ....which can be quite often. The foam is amazing at this place, so I recommend skipping the whip cream. Although, I generally stick with a white mocha, I have enjoyed iced coffee drinks during the summer. The staff are fast on the espresso and very nice. Also, the drinks are typically a dollar less than anywhere else on Shattuck. read more

Oh Berkeley Espresso, my home away from home, how I love thee. Now I must start by saying I don't use public bathrooms (OCD beats bladder, rock/paper/scissor style), so I cannot comment on their condition. What I can comment on is the service here. I always befriend baristas, waiters, security guards...anyone who works where I frequent. Yes, it helps that I am a cute young girl, but I believe the guys here are just nice in general. They give me discounts, draw hearts on my whip cream and are always patient when I ramble on about god knows what. I'm a talker. The hot chocolate is amazing. If it weren't for my fear of calories, I would get it every time. Their selection of desserts and pastries exceeded my expectations as well. But what I like most is that I never feel out of place here. The first (and only) time I went to Philz, I felt like I didn't know the secret password to the cool kid's club. But at Berkeley Espresso, if it's crowded, I let strangers share my table and I have been offered the same courtesy. It's a nice change from the usual snobbery that comes with non-chain coffee shops. read more

Annoying, as it takes cash only, my pet peeve. Also the coffee is blah.

Very quiet, and easy to concentrate when you're trying to cram all of your assignments into a single day.

Fabulous people, strong coffee, and good (and affordable) food. Oh, great wine too! If you need a quiet spot to work or study, this is THE place. read more

This is just a flat out great place to write. I tried staying away recently, seeking a better place to let it flow, but no. Nowhere in Berkeley is better--during the day--for writers than Berkeley Espresso. People behind the counter are very nice, too. Coffee still bad, but order a double americano. Life's short. read more

Came all the way out to support this local business today, because I wanted a nice, warm drink on this gloomy morning. I get there and it's a bunch of men talking business in the side area, and a barista talking to his two friends in another language. I said, "Hi! How you doing?" Nothing...ok...I move up to the counter. I start looking at the menu (barista continues to talk to friends). I finally look to him and ask for a mocha. Nothing...no response...no acknowledgement that I exist...slowly starts to make something. Men come out from side room (obviously owners). Everyone is just looking at me, not saying a word, just talking to each other in another language. Barista makes his way to the register and just says, " $4.80" Nothing else. I give him a ten, he placed my change down on the counter and finishes my drink without any words to me at all. He finished my drink, doesn't say a word. I say, "Thank You!" He doesn't say a word- just continues to talk to his buddy. Great service (not) Ugh...thing is the mocha was sickeningly sweet and syrupy and there was no hint of coffee in it at all. What a horrible experience. Not coming back. read more

Great atmosphere, love the staff, coffee, music, and especially the friendly intellectual patrons. Very comfy. One of my favorite places in Berkeley. Only criticism- Don't sit near the bathroom, it kinda smells as people walk in and out. Maybe they should get an air freshener. read more

This was my place to read when I was a Berkeley grad student. For whatever reason, I was addicted to the absurdly acerbic espresso they made. It ripped into my stomach like no other. I just felt comfortable here. read more

Mostly came for the free wifi and the fact that they supposedly close at midnight, but an hour before they started cleaning up and putting up chairs and purposely blasting music so people would leave. read more

They served me a latte in a pint glass. WTF? My hands were blistering. The coffee wasn't terrible, though, and since I'm using the free wifi to review the joint, I can't completely bash it. Plus the Cheese Board is close. read more

The coffee is strong but not that tasty, the location is convenient, but it seems like most people are just here for the free wi-fi. People sit here for seemingly years at a time, which can make it difficult to get a seat. Personally, I think there are many other cafes nearby where it's a much more pleasant experience to get your work done. read more

I don't have much to say about this place except that it's pleasant, usually crowded and quiet, and I don't think the staff would smile if you tipped them $100. It's a good place to work on your laptop and really focus. The cash-only thing is a bit annoying, but just go to an ATM nearby. read more

They have soda, which you will appreciate if you're not a coffee/tea person.

I'm a huge coffee lover - I love the flavor, love the smell, everything - and am always up for trying somewhere new. I don't know what it is about the coffee, but I love it here. Rarely do I order a latte because I find most places can't do a very good one (usually either burnt espresso or watery milk from poor steaming techniques), but when I saw they serve their lattes in pint glasses, I had to go for it. My skim latte was amazing - and had a day-brightening funny face on top. Perhaps not the most social spot in Berkeley, it is a great place to go if you're just looking for fantastic coffee and satisfactory wifi! read more

I lived across the street from this place for a year and when my internet was out this place was a life saver! Especially with the few outdoor seating this place had it was easy to just sit down, get some free internet action without feeling pressured to buy a drink!! Which was good because the coffee here was just okay. The pastries on the other hand were pretty darn good i thought and very good for on the go breakfast! read more

Free wi-fi. Need I say more? Ok, their white chocolate mochas are pretty good. And you can get a sandwhich with side salad for only $5. Great, quick place. read more

I love this place! Reliable wifi, outlets everywhere and plenty of tables. I haven't actually tried their coffee, but their peach italian soda was great. If I lived closer, I would definitely be a regular. read more

Convenient, yes. Free wifi, yes. Good java, not so much. Tables for two? Barely enough room for you and your laptop. But the soy milk foam - divine. read more

great for: a friend/romantic date, a colleague meeting not great for: a big book club (no huge tables) vegan plus: little oat treats at the counter. vegan minus: all you can buy is those little treats. read more

Great place, always warm, friendly people. The perfect cafe shop.

2 for coffee, and 3 for business hours/wifi/enough seating space. The prices are relatively cheap here, but coffee doesn't taste so good. Smoothies are good, in my opinion. read more

Nice quiet and good drinks. This is what a local coffee shop should be, love the classical music in the background!

How do you choose a coffee shop on a street that is full of places to frequent? You can't go wrong with any shop as each has its own little unique niche. Berkeley Espresso is guaranteed to give you a good cup of Joe, have room for you and your lap top, and has a CLEAN bathroom! read more

Berkeley Espresso - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

First and most important the coffee is of the highest quality, prepared exquisitely and tastes amazing. The coffee is worth a trip out of your way to get the best! The coffee is the best and it is important to support local businesses. The customer service is also excellent - this is a must frequent!!! read more

Had a chai latte and it was just not for me. Bathroom was dirty and there were too many people and no space to do work. Not enough outlets.

When a cafe has espresso in its name, it better be good...and it is! Their lattes are amazingly tasty and I am completely addicted. It is also a very cozy little spot to hang out with lots of tables and chairs (though it does fill up with students). Love it! read more

Good coffee, fair prices, and free wireless make this place one of my favorites when I need to escape my apartment to get some work done but the library is just too tomb-like. I've actually never been here with another person... It's usually pretty full and can get crowded in the evenings. In the afternoons, it's not too loud as half the people are buried in their laptops or newspapers. read more