Cafe Brusco

4.9 (33 reviews)

Coffee & Tea, Wine Bars, Bagels

Open • 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

Add Review

Directions

Website

Cafe Brusco Photos

Cafe Brusco - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Fresh Sesame bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

+71

Cafe Brusco - Figs with sea salt, honey, basil and cream cheese on toasted sesame bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Cafe Brusco

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos

Sanskruti D.

Sorry for the not so great picture. But the bagels were so good we tried the Tangerine & Burrata and The Bartavelle and both were super goood. Never imagined bagels to be this way. And I'm vegetarian so this was so good. Their bagels didn't contain egg which was the only thing I was worried about. Also the cafe is really cute and cozy. And we went there on a very nice day. The service was also so good. Would go there again a 100000% Me and my friend loved itttttt so much

Gina G.

Ahhhh, the sweet smells of coffee brewing and carbs loading. We learned recently that Cafe Brusco in Berkeley is from the same ownership as Roses Pizzeria off University. As we were arriving, we saw a staff member coming up the street (Roses is just a few doors down) with freshly baked bagels. A great moment! Cafe Brusco is small with limited seating, although we did grab a table early morning. Mostly filled with patrons on their laptops, we were purely there to experience all that they had to offer. I ordered a Tangerine & Burrata bagel and a 'Fancy Fresh' bagel (avocado, herb cream cheese, olive oil, tomato, basil..). I was feeling adventurous, but also wanted to truly enjoy their unique offerings! When in Berkeley?! With their open face bagel options, you can choose whole or half options which is so great! I chose the 'half' options so I could try the two flavors. Love this for future ordering too. Plain, sesame, everything, and maybe a seasonal option are their current bagel flavors. They also have a Calabrian chili spread I look forward to trying next time too. Other notable menu items include a few of their closed sandwiches: the Brusco (calabrian cream cheese, pistachio mortadella, honey, pickled pepper) and the Muffuletta..but on a sesame bagel! Coffee-wise, I actually had an orange coffee..delicious! Looks like they also have a wine bar to beat that mid-day slump, and pastries from a local vendor. All in all, we will def be back! Never have I ever had tangerine be the moment in the morning, but it was incredibly refreshing. Flavors def delivered, yummy and crisp fresh bagels, solid coffee beans, and of course, smooth and flavored cream cheese. Very delightful and worth the splurge. Leave a few additional minutes for parking on University :)

Linda N.

What do two girls do after hunting down park rangers for a guidebook and free swag to start our east bay trail challenge? We hunt for food. We were intrigued by the bagels so decided to order two. Brusco - mortadella, enough said Crab Remoulade - Yes, we'd like the most expensive bagel on the menu Both bagels were fresh and delicious. I usually stick with simple toppings but man oh man, these are top 3 in the bay for sure.

Irene C.

We walked by and had to use the restroom. So I bought a chai latte and I literally just drank a sip of my chai latte with oat milk and it's mind blowing. It's so full of flavor. Made my day perfect for a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon.

Emily X.

I love bagels so I was super excited to go to this new bagel spot on University Ave! The inside is colorful and super cute. There is seating indoors and outdoors. Ordering is straight forward at the counter and the service was friendly. I appreciate how you can order half a bagel so that you can mix and match different flavors. I came here with my sister and my boyfriend and we ordered the Gold Standard (smoked salmon), Brusco (mortadella), Fancy Fresh (avocado and tomato), and the Bartavelle (fig jam and cucumber). We got these on everything or plain bagels. Our favorite was the Bartavelle because it had a refreshing taste that was slightly sweet from the fig jam. The outside of the bagel had a nice crust but the inside of the bagels tasted a bit too much like a soft bread roll rather than a traditional bagel. I felt that the Brusco bagel was a bit too sweet. Overall, I think place is a cute place to grab a quick breakfast. The price is fair/ a bit pricey for what you get. I would be interested in trying their coffee next time.

Aidan G.

I never expected that I would ever had an elevated Italian-inspired bagel, but here we are. Just an awesome selection of bagels and unique ingredients that change the game about bagels. Basic bagel toppings are delicious, but these refined choices just are on a whole other level. Super cute inside, well decorated, great music, quick and friendly service. What more could you ask for???

Abby C.

I had the pleasure of trying the wine and coffee from this place. I stopped by with my friend mid afternoon and had a glass of a nice dry white. We were unsure of which wine to get and luckily the staff person who helped us gave a few wines to try. From the staff, to the wine, to the coffee, to the ambiance, everything was fantastic. This is a great place to have a glass with a friend or do some work with a good cup of coffee. I look forward to returning and trying the other wines!

Dawn B.

Feeling lucky to happen upon this place after eating nearby. The cafe had a wonderful unsweetened matcha latte that was hand whisked and full of flavor. If you're in the area it's definitely a must try. Staff are very friendly and their hours are great as you can get a late afternoon tea latte here. My family also loved their cups as they had a very cool pattern on each cup.

Katie H.

Great spot! Great energy, friendly and helpful staff. Clean bathroom. The space is good if you are there to catch up with a friend, get a bit of work done on your laptop, or try one of their delicious bagels. The space was airy and light. We enjoyed the bagels. The fig one especially delicious because it felt fresh. I would definitely come back.

PJ D.

When I heard the team behind Rose Pizzeria were the ones behind Cafe Brusco, I had to check it out! The space is so well decorated and cute, even the bathroom! They have a great selection of wines by the glass or bottle along with classic cafe drinks. The bagels are the stars here and they let you do half and half for your bagel so you can try more of their flavorful creations (why don't more bagel shops do this ?!?!?!) I was personally a fan of the more savory ones. Wi-fi is available here with a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating making it a great place to work and study as well.

Crab, brusco, fancy fresh, tangerine & burrata

Christine B.

Outstanding bagels and a solid affogato - love how you can mix and match! Enjoyed a lovely weekend morning here. No complaints with service.

Helen A.

From the owners of Rose Pizzeria just down the street, Café Brusco is a cute café by day and a wine bar by night (coming soon). I tried the Flirty Fig and the Gold Standard. They were both very fresh and flavorful! The Flirty Fig is a seasonal item and was the perfect combo of sweet and savory. The Gold Standard was a classic lox. I love that you can order halves and mix and match to try more items. Their pastries are from the pop-up Good Luck Bakery and looked delicious. I'll definitely be back!

Samir K.

wow! That's all I can say. It's from the same owner as Rose's Pizza (one of the best pizzas in the bay). The bagels themselves are good, but you really should go here for all the interesting seasonal bagels. I had a crab bagel that was out of this world. The spicy mortadella one was great too. Seating a little limited, but during nicer weather you can probably eat outside. The staff was nice as well, and their coffee menu is wide-ranging. Definitely worth the drive from anywhere in the Bay.

See all

Mito I.

Elite 26

59

525

1647

3 days ago

Brief Summary: - A good walk down University Avenue - Coffee is not sour - Loved the topping choices, also the option to the bagel half to have different toppings This cafe is located in the main streets of University Ave. Because of how the streets are (few parking spots), if you have a car, I recommend parking north in Shattuck, where there are more parking spaces, and then walk down here. The cafe is quite noticeable as you walk down the street; it's the one with the light blue exterior paint. Small tables and chairs are placed outside and the inside also has some tables and bar stools. I liked the ordering style of the bagels because it allowed me to split the bagel into two and then choose 2 different toppings for the halves. Usually, I would have chosen one as the smoked salmon, but I was in a lighter mood, so I chose the one half with the cucumber vegetable options, and the other was from my curiosity -- the one with the blood orange. Both I liked and I think I'll come here to have these again because they were unique toppings that I don't find anywhere else. My more favorite was the blood orange because it was like a dessert. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jessica V.

1

32

27

3 months ago

Gotta order only the best bagels in Berkeley where do you go? Have some clients some visiting and "only the best comes to mind"? Yeah. Cafe Brusco does the job for you in many ways. You leave feeling like a hero with some delicious offerings, a carton of some very cute blue cups, and a memory from the client that just flew in from Iowa pointing to the left over pastry sheet with wiping crumbs from my mouth "this thing here. What is. This has the best thing I've ever tasted." Solid ROI in many ways. Even the apartment building next door Aquatic @ U door is same high level curated product. Energy attraction, I guess. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Allison W.

Elite 26

19

120

105

3 months ago

So yum! This new spot has such fresh and soft bagels. I got the half salmon lox on the everything bagel and it was delicious with the seasoned tomatoes. The service was speedy and fast. The parking for this spot though was tough but there is a parking garage near by. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sanskruti D.

Elite 26

4

42

2 months ago

Sorry for the not so great picture. But the bagels were so good we tried the Tangerine & Burrata and The Bartavelle and both were super goood. Never imagined bagels to be this way. And I'm vegetarian so this was so good. Their bagels didn't contain egg which was the only thing I was worried about. Also the cafe is really cute and cozy. And we went there on a very nice day. The service was also so good. Would go there again a 100000% Me and my friend loved itttttt so much read more

Cafe Brusco - The Bartavelle Tangerine & Burrata - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gina G.

Elite 26 All-Star

2224

413

1620

4 months ago

Ahhhh, the sweet smells of coffee brewing and carbs loading. We learned recently that Cafe Brusco in Berkeley is from the same ownership as Roses Pizzeria off University. As we were arriving, we saw a staff member coming up the street (Roses is just a few doors down) with freshly baked bagels. A great moment! Cafe Brusco is small with limited seating, although we did grab a table early morning. Mostly filled with patrons on their laptops, we were purely there to experience all that they had to offer. I ordered a Tangerine & Burrata bagel and a 'Fancy Fresh' bagel (avocado, herb cream cheese, olive oil, tomato, basil..). I was feeling adventurous, but also wanted to truly enjoy their unique offerings! When in Berkeley?! With their open face bagel options, you can choose whole or half options which is so great! I chose the 'half' options so I could try the two flavors. Love this for future ordering too. Plain, sesame, everything, and maybe a seasonal option are their current bagel flavors. They also have a Calabrian chili spread I look forward to trying next time too. Other notable menu items include a few of their closed sandwiches: the Brusco (calabrian cream cheese, pistachio mortadella, honey, pickled pepper) and the Muffuletta..but on a sesame bagel! Coffee-wise, I actually had an orange coffee..delicious! Looks like they also have a wine bar to beat that mid-day slump, and pastries from a local vendor. All in all, we will def be back! Never have I ever had tangerine be the moment in the morning, but it was incredibly refreshing. Flavors def delivered, yummy and crisp fresh bagels, solid coffee beans, and of course, smooth and flavored cream cheese. Very delightful and worth the splurge. Leave a few additional minutes for parking on University :) read more

Cafe Brusco - Tangerine & Burrata + the 'Fancy Fresh' - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Helpful 11

Thanks 7

Love this 10

Oh no 0

Linda N.

Elite 26

155

888

900

3 months ago

What do two girls do after hunting down park rangers for a guidebook and free swag to start our east bay trail challenge? We hunt for food. We were intrigued by the bagels so decided to order two. Brusco - mortadella, enough said Crab Remoulade - Yes, we'd like the most expensive bagel on the menu Both bagels were fresh and delicious. I usually stick with simple toppings but man oh man, these are top 3 in the bay for sure. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Irene C.

Elite 26

357

268

454

2 months ago

We walked by and had to use the restroom. So I bought a chai latte and I literally just drank a sip of my chai latte with oat milk and it's mind blowing. It's so full of flavor. Made my day perfect for a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon. read more

Cafe Brusco - Chai latte with oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Emily X.

Elite 26

14

61

328

4 months ago

I love bagels so I was super excited to go to this new bagel spot on University Ave! The inside is colorful and super cute. There is seating indoors and outdoors. Ordering is straight forward at the counter and the service was friendly. I appreciate how you can order half a bagel so that you can mix and match different flavors. I came here with my sister and my boyfriend and we ordered the Gold Standard (smoked salmon), Brusco (mortadella), Fancy Fresh (avocado and tomato), and the Bartavelle (fig jam and cucumber). We got these on everything or plain bagels. Our favorite was the Bartavelle because it had a refreshing taste that was slightly sweet from the fig jam. The outside of the bagel had a nice crust but the inside of the bagels tasted a bit too much like a soft bread roll rather than a traditional bagel. I felt that the Brusco bagel was a bit too sweet. Overall, I think place is a cute place to grab a quick breakfast. The price is fair/ a bit pricey for what you get. I would be interested in trying their coffee next time. read more

Cafe Brusco - Bagels - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Aidan G.

Elite 26

2

44

55

2 months ago

I never expected that I would ever had an elevated Italian-inspired bagel, but here we are. Just an awesome selection of bagels and unique ingredients that change the game about bagels. Basic bagel toppings are delicious, but these refined choices just are on a whole other level. Super cute inside, well decorated, great music, quick and friendly service. What more could you ask for??? read more

Cafe Brusco - The Brusco - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Abby C.

Elite 26

18

160

228

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of trying the wine and coffee from this place. I stopped by with my friend mid afternoon and had a glass of a nice dry white. We were unsure of which wine to get and luckily the staff person who helped us gave a few wines to try. From the staff, to the wine, to the coffee, to the ambiance, everything was fantastic. This is a great place to have a glass with a friend or do some work with a good cup of coffee. I look forward to returning and trying the other wines! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dawn B.

Elite 26

286

513

3358

7 months ago

Feeling lucky to happen upon this place after eating nearby. The cafe had a wonderful unsweetened matcha latte that was hand whisked and full of flavor. If you're in the area it's definitely a must try. Staff are very friendly and their hours are great as you can get a late afternoon tea latte here. My family also loved their cups as they had a very cool pattern on each cup. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Katie H.

Elite 26

3

63

132

6 months ago

Great spot! Great energy, friendly and helpful staff. Clean bathroom. The space is good if you are there to catch up with a friend, get a bit of work done on your laptop, or try one of their delicious bagels. The space was airy and light. We enjoyed the bagels. The fig one especially delicious because it felt fresh. I would definitely come back. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

PJ D.

Elite 26

23

157

475

3 months ago

When I heard the team behind Rose Pizzeria were the ones behind Cafe Brusco, I had to check it out! The space is so well decorated and cute, even the bathroom! They have a great selection of wines by the glass or bottle along with classic cafe drinks. The bagels are the stars here and they let you do half and half for your bagel so you can try more of their flavorful creations (why don't more bagel shops do this ?!?!?!) I was personally a fan of the more savory ones. Wi-fi is available here with a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating making it a great place to work and study as well. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Christine B.

158

74

108

1 month ago

Outstanding bagels and a solid affogato - love how you can mix and match! Enjoyed a lovely weekend morning here. No complaints with service. read more

Cafe Brusco - Crab, brusco, fancy fresh, tangerine & burrata - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Helen A.

Elite 26

10

65

274

7 months ago

From the owners of Rose Pizzeria just down the street, Café Brusco is a cute café by day and a wine bar by night (coming soon). I tried the Flirty Fig and the Gold Standard. They were both very fresh and flavorful! The Flirty Fig is a seasonal item and was the perfect combo of sweet and savory. The Gold Standard was a classic lox. I love that you can order halves and mix and match to try more items. Their pastries are from the pop-up Good Luck Bakery and looked delicious. I'll definitely be back! read more

Cafe Brusco - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Flirty Fig , Gold Standard - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Menu Sept 2025 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Drink Menu Sept 2025 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Pastries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Helpful 3

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Jasmine W.

Elite 26

169

1453

202

2 months ago

While I'm more a fan of chewy bagels, Cafe Brusco offers fresh, soft bagels with a more upscale vibe and more importantly some fresh fun toppings that are great for sharing and sampling. Nice cafe options with some fun flavors and decent standards, friendly hard-working staff, not an every day place for me but fun to check out read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Samir K.

Elite 26

722

1014

483

4 months ago

wow! That's all I can say. It's from the same owner as Rose's Pizza (one of the best pizzas in the bay). The bagels themselves are good, but you really should go here for all the interesting seasonal bagels. I had a crab bagel that was out of this world. The spicy mortadella one was great too. Seating a little limited, but during nicer weather you can probably eat outside. The staff was nice as well, and their coffee menu is wide-ranging. Definitely worth the drive from anywhere in the Bay. read more

Cafe Brusco - Crab, mortadella - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ashley J.

Elite 26

30

143

375

4 months ago

Absolutely gorgeous and delicious bagels! Located in Downtown Berkeley, this cute little shop had the coziest atmosphere. The seating is limited indoors hut they have some tables outside if the weather is nice. They have a variety of bagels and options! You can choose to do half/half bagels and pick what kind of bagel you want for your toppings as well. Everything on the menu sounded so good I'll definitely be back! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Melody L.

8

168

267

4 months ago

Cute new cafe + bagel spot in Berkeley by the owners of Rose Pizzeria! Even before ordering, I found the space to be incredibly charming and a great place to catch up with friends. I ordered two halves of open-faced bagels. One was the Brusco, while the other was their seasonal fruit bagel, their Sneaky Persimmon, which were both delightful. I think my only complaint would be the price. It is on the more expensive side for bagels the (Brusco was $8 for half, while the Persimmon was $6.50 also for half), and there are other places in the area that I would probably prefer to go to for that reason. I didn't get a chance to try their coffee or drinks but would love to next time. Overall, a very cute new spot I would recommend checking out! read more

Cafe Brusco - Brusco + Sneaky Persimmon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Charlize T.

1

11

16

1 month ago

My favorite morning bagel cafe in the Bay Area!! I love how the bagels are always changing seasonally. They're just so creative with all the bagel combo flavors. The interior makes it feel super homey with lots of natural lighting. I also love how you can get half bagels, so it makes it easier to try more flavors! read more

Cafe Brusco - Gold Standard, The Bartavelle, Persimmon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sidra A.

0

9

7

2 months ago

My new go-to savory breakfast spot for sure! The brusco is my favorite, just look at what's on it! They also have great vegetarian options as well, everything on the menu is very thoughtfully curated with interesting and unforgettable flavors. No matter what you get, you're going to flavor town!! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Nina N.

Elite 23

8

65

193

4 months ago

OMG! This bagel place was so good. The bagels are perfectly toasted, and the variety in toppings makes it so fun. The crab and the tangerine were my top two. The interior is decorated very nice and is a great place to have lunch with friends. The people working in side were really sweet and gave great recommendations. Will definitely be back and would recommend trying! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maria S.

2

212

2070

8 months ago

Cute café find! Love that you can order half a bagel -- we tried the Fancy Fresh and Brusco. So good! Prices are chill, latte was decent, mocha was a bit sweet for my taste (I'm into strong coffee ). Overall, solid spot. We'll be back for sure! #CafeVibes #BagelLove read more

Cafe Brusco - Latte and Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Brusco Half Bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Fancy Fresh Half Bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Magda M.

Elite 26

320

501

129

6 months ago

Love love love this new spot. Went on a weekday around noon and it was hard to find a seat. I love that you can get half Sammies so you don't have to commit to only one - because you definitely want to try multiple things. I got a glass of tasty red wine because wine not??? I can't wait to go back - the flavor combinations are so tasty!!! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ken S.

39

58

0

6 months ago

An extremely creative and excellent example of a new business in this modern era with their own special Bagels , unusual half face offerings , an excellent new Wine list and efficient operation with creativity abounding Hats off to the rose's pizzeria people read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jocelyn E.

Elite 25

27

75

112

7 months ago

Summer girl bagel was so refreshing!!! I love that you can get different style bagels on each side. You can get half a bagel too which is so helpful for a girl like me who hates wasting food. Really cute spot to just people watch and have a chill morning. read more

Cafe Brusco - Summer girl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Brusco - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kaitlyn G.

0

4

6 months ago

I love this place so much. Amazing vibes, amazing food, amazing coffee. 10/10. Bagels are very unique and fun and very aesthetic read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Estee N.

21

14

3

7 months ago

Amazingly curated toppings! I'm from the NY metro area originally and I think these these bagels might be the best in the Bay Area - rivaling NY OR NJ bagels! I'm coming back for sure!! We love Rose's pizza so no surprise that their bagels are incredible too!!! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Lowell S.

0

56

0

7 months ago

Fantastic bagel sandos and the mix and match option is awesome ! Just delicious! Fresh ingredients and really unique on a bagel sandos.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Hillary S.

0

28

2

3 months ago

Do you miss Bartavelle? Cafe Brusco has you covered with their delicious open faced bagel that is basically the Persian breakfast from there. So happy to have found this tasty little bagel and coffee shop! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

D H.

1

80

1

5 months ago

Adding one more 5-star review for this wonderful little place. Great food (it's hard to find smoked salmon that doesn't just taste like salt), good drinks, friendy staff. Nice, vibrant atmosphere. Hoping they can expand at some point so there are more tables. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kenneth S.

0

1

0

6 months ago

A great new surprize find in downtown Berkeley at the corner- 2000 University. The model cafe wine bar with a innovative/creative Bagel theme. Plus the excellent new age wines that Sam showed us! It added up to a artful happy experience. Plus quite a fashion show of young ones. Excellent overally quality, new concept and friendly staff. Love it read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dan B.

0

47

1

7 months ago

Wow--the bagels here are legit! Love that the bagels are seasoned all the way around--kinda surprised it hasn't always been this way! Got the gold standard (lox sando) on everything and the Brusco (mortadella and peppers) on sesame. Both were perfectly proportioned between shmear, produce and protein. Def my new go-to when I want a special bagel! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

More info about Cafe Brusco

2000 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
Downtown Berkeley
Directions
Visit Website
https://www.cafebrusco.com

Hours

What time does Cafe Brusco open?

Cafe Brusco opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Cafe Brusco opens at 9:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does Cafe Brusco close?

Cafe Brusco closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 3:00 PMSun 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Cafe Brusco serve alcohol?

Yes, Cafe Brusco serves alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cafe Brusco have parking?

Yes, Cafe Brusco has parking options. Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Cafe Brusco allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Cafe Brusco allows outdoor smoking.

Does Cafe Brusco have free WiFi?

Yes, Cafe Brusco has free WiFi.

Review Highlights - Cafe Brusco

“We learned recently that Cafe Brusco in Berkeley is from the same ownership as Roses Pizzeria off University.”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Coffee & Tea 11,022 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

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.

Adega Azul

(27 reviews)

What a charming place. I've been here a few times now and it's one of my favorite spots when I'm in…read moreAlbany/Berkeley. Perfect to relax and converse over good wine selection and tasty bites. Pups are welcome! Grab a book or a friend, bring your pup and enjoy!

Ambiance was good, but it's tiny. Service was fair, guests on the patio do not seem to get as much…read moreattention. The food was horrible. It did not taste Brazilian in the least, and it did not taste good. Wish I had read the description as the advertisement is focused on wine bar and not a restaurant or food. That being said, if you wanna high price glass of wine go for it, but I would not recommend eating there. It is very pricey as well.

La Loulou

(50 reviews)

Piedmont Ave, North Oakland

Came here while waiting for a table at Mencho and came back to bring my roommates because it's such…read morea cute spot! You order at the bar and get handed your drink(s) right away and are free to sit wherever. Both inside and outside seating available - there's heaters outside. Ordered the flight of three and got to choose what I wanted to try, I felt that the pours were generous. The bathroom, wow, they outdid themselves, love the decor!

The ambiance is beautiful and the wine selection is solid, but unfortunately the service really…read moremissed the mark. We started at the bar and mentioned it was our first visit, but were met with a blank stare, no welcome, no guidance on how things worked. At first, I thought it might have just been that one interaction, but when we ordered a second round with a different server, the same cold and unwelcoming service continued. It's a shame, because the space itself is incredibly charming and inviting. Customer service feels like such an easy fix here, especially given that many other reviews mention the same issue. You'd hope management would take note and make the necessary improvements to match the quality of the setting.

Wine So Cru

(57 reviews)

$$

West Berkeley

Amazing place. Very comfy, elegant, and the owner is an amazing person that understands a lot about…read morewine and has amazing recommendations. You definitely need to come and have a good end of the day relaxing with good wine.

"You telling me that wine is better than Pepsi? Huh, no way wine is better than Pepsi." - George…read moreCostanza, Seinfeld da Scene: Yelped them for pre-dinner spot. Kinda hidden on a corner right off University & 5th; make the right onto 6th & scoot around to park on 5th or University. They buzz you in, best to make a res., but seems like walk-ins are ok. Very modern, yet welcoming feel, tables spaced well for intimate encounters and a bar with Hightop seating. da Grub & Libation: I had res. for a buddy & I and belly up to the bar; they offered a table, but we're bar flies by nature. Very diverse wines by the glass & bottle so we had 4 different glasses w/ a modest charcuterie plate. da Service: Excellent, warm, friendly and genuinely so. I look forward to my next visit, whether it's for a contemplative glass in solitude or with the wife on a pre-dinner excursion. Hidden Gem, find them and enjoy!

Donkey and Goat Winery

(125 reviews)

$$

West Berkeley

A little urban winery with back and front patios. They offer really unique and well-produced wine…read more Came for a break between jobs near by and enjoyed two glasses of the Greco Bianco. This was s totally new varietal for me and its so unique with beautiful color. They do offer little snacks but its more of a curation of prepackaged things that they them bring to you to open and enjoy vs a kitchen where they're producing the food themselves. Prices a little steep but I think thats just bay area things....

We used to like this place enough that we were actually members for several years, but definitely…read morenot anymore. The biggest reason is how extremely unwelcoming most of the staff are. We regularly felt ignored, talked down to, or just uncomfortable. We also got repeatedly over charged for things and would have to get it fixed. We went back for an event today for the first time in 5 or 6 months, and were reminded of why we stopped all over again. We got 2 glasses and the pours were tiny, and we got over charged TWICE. Even after catching it the first time, they messed it up a 2nd time that we noticed once we saw the emailed receipt. I just can't go back counting on an unpleasant or frustrating experience almost every time at this point.

Best Friends

(35 reviews)

Great service. Varied wine selection. Nice vibe. And our dog dug the hell out of it. We'll be back!read more

I love the vibe here. It's very open, warm and bright. A nice contrast to the busy traffic on…read moreSolano and San Pablo. I'm not a wine expert. I like it and I drink it. If you're a wine expert, my guess is you'll enjoy the unique selection. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

Noria Wines

(20 reviews)

West Berkeley

Now that I have a lot more experience with Noria, I wanted to update my review. We've visited many…read moretimes and joined the wine club as well. First, these are the nicest people in the wine business. Warm and gracious and extremely knowledgable about the wine and vineyards. When we first qwnt to Noria, it was mostly superb Pinots and Chardonnay. Since, they've added a wonderful Gewürztraminer and a bomb Sauvignon Blanc as well. These are finely crafted wines from some of the best vineyards in Sonoma and beyond (no, they don't have rows of vines in Berkeley) and the bang for the buck is off the charts. I'm mostly a red drinker and only enjoy Pinots occasionally and Noria was my go-to. The addition of more white wines (and rosé) combined with my move to a warmer climate have made Noria indespensible for me. Absolutely check them out. Do yourself a favor and start at Noria, go across the street to Broc Cellars and then Donkey and Goat for a perfect wine tasting day right in Berkeley.

Nestled in an unexpected location, Noria Wines, a Japanese-owned winery, is a true hidden gem that…read moresurpasses all expectations. From its modest façade, you'd never guess the incredible wine that awaits within. Stepping inside, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that harmoniously blends Japanese elegance with classic winery charm. The selection of wines is nothing short of impressive, offering a diverse range that caters to both red and white wine lovers. Each wine I sampled showcased unique flavors and a refined balance that spoke volumes! The barrel room and outdoor seating area made the winery cozy and comfortable! Definitely will be returning to try out more of their wines

Roses On Adeline

(115 reviews)

South Berkeley

The one thing I'm always looking for when I go out with my fiancé is good food, good drinks, and a…read morecozy vibe with great ambiance. And what a nice surprise it was to have Roses on Adeline hitting the mark on all 3. We've been to Roses on Adeline twice now, once as a walk in and the second time with reservations. Both times we went for happy hour. Their drinks are creative and yummy. The smash burger here is absolutely delicious. The fries w/ sriracha aioli is also the perfect light bite. But beyond the good food & drinks, the ambiance here is really what brings us back. I love the vibe this place has and am so excited to have this as our new local staple for a date night. But be warned this place fills up quickly - I would recommend making reservations if you can!

I was very pleasantly surprised this place. I had eaten dinner with the fam before meeting up with…read morefriends for drinks here so didn't get to experience too much, but I was very happy with the things I did get. The spring milk punch was SO GOOD. Like, way too drinkable. I usually like to try multiple drinks on a menu, but I just kept ordering this one. For a snack, I decided to get the crudite platter even though when I asked the server, she said it would just be lettuce, radishes, and something else... it turned out to be so much more! Endive, super sweet purple snap peas (which I've never seen before??? and now want to grow in my garden because they were like the best peas I've had in a while!!!), radishes, and some carrots. I'm still thinking about those snap peas haha.

Broc Cellars

(64 reviews)

$$

West Berkeley

Very nice staff, fun location with a really nice outdoor seating area, interesting wines!…read more We didn't try any of the snacks, but they had some that we might try next time. We did teo flights of wine and they were very light and crisp. The staff was super nice and walked us through the wine selections and helped us to an outside seating area where we got to enjoy the sunshine. The outdoor seating area looks to be great for groups as it's large and covered!

Great wine tasting service! Alex was very patient with my indecision lol!…read moreWe selected tasting the Thanksgiving table, $35 And Fox Hill harvest $30 Loved the 2014 Sunshine Rosato! Since it was a cold night we finished our night with hot tea Genamaicha

Vintage Berkeley

(131 reviews)

$$

North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto

If you are looking for exquisitely curated wines from around the world, with special attention paid…read moreto affordability (huge selection of great wines under $30) then this is your place. I've been a patron of Vintage for years, and what's not to like? The location is gorgeous (a former pumping plant thats been transformed into a cozy, intimate space with a garden out front that changes with the seasons). And the shop is nestled right in the heart of Berkeley's Gourmet District with Peets, Saul's Deli, Cheeseboard Coop and Pizza, Andronico's, and Chez Panisse as next door neighbors. Inside you will find wines by color, grape, and region. It's not an enormous collection, but a lot of thought and experience has gone into presenting customers with something new and surprising. If I can't find myself making an easy decision, the staff have always been patient and helpful in finding the right bottle for my needs. Vintage also offers several different wine clubs for people who like a monthly or bimonthly grab bag of adult grape juice (including the occasional bubbles!). This is the wine store I wish I had as a neighborhood shop. For now, it's a well deserved destination (along with Kermit Lynch Wine Shop) that has yet to disappoint. Give it a try!

Staff here is very friendly. Lot of wine varieties and they are always willing to help you find a…read morebottle you're looking for!

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

1 review that is not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Diego R.

1

3

0

5 months ago

I went in and immediately greeted with an amazing energy. The place was full so that caught my eye when walking in. I ordered a whole milk latte and a bagel Togo. The latte was incredible. Coming from a licensed coffee mechanic I can tell they take their coffee seriously. The bagel not so much unfortunately. I definitely loved the toppings and the cream cheese but unfortunately the bagel itself was slightly stale and chewy. But I would definitely recommend as a study spot since it they do have amazing coffee. Overall I would give it a 6/10. I am definitely coming back. read more

Cafe Brusco - coffee - Updated May 2026

People who viewed Cafe Brusco also viewed

Roast & Toast Cafe

128 reviews

Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

$$

Baker & Commons

310 reviews

Elmwood

$$

Bageltopia

125 reviews

West Berkeley

Cafe Parisien

74 reviews

Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

$

Cafenated Coffee Company

402 reviews

North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto

$$

Way Station Brew

205 reviews

Downtown Berkeley

$

Nabolom Bakery & Pizzeria

451 reviews

Elmwood

$

Hella Bagels

126 reviews

$$

Fournée Bakery

711 reviews

$

Polaris Cafe

215 reviews

$

Cafe Brusco

Cafe Brusco Photos

Cafe Brusco menu photos

CAFE BRUSCO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Cafe Brusco

Reviews With Photos

More info about Cafe Brusco

Food & Alcohol

Outdoor Amenities

Other Amenities

Ask the Community - Cafe Brusco

Review Highlights - Cafe Brusco

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

1 review that is not currently recommended

Cafe Brusco - coffee - Updated May 2026

Best of Berkeley

People found Cafe Brusco by searching for…

Trending Searches in Berkeley, CA

Browse Nearby

Browse Brands

Related Searches in Berkeley, CA

Browse Articles

People who viewed Cafe Brusco also viewed

Cafe Brusco

Cafe Brusco Photos

Cafe Brusco menu photos

CAFE BRUSCO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Cafe Brusco

Reviews With Photos

More info about Cafe Brusco

Food & Alcohol

Outdoor Amenities

Other Amenities

Ask the Community - Cafe Brusco

Review Highlights - Cafe Brusco

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

More businesses like Cafe Brusco

1 Cafe Brusco review that is not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

1 review that is not currently recommended

Cafe Brusco - coffee - Updated May 2026

Best of Berkeley

People found Cafe Brusco by searching for…

Trending Searches in Berkeley, CA

Browse Nearby

Browse Brands

Related Searches in Berkeley, CA

Browse Articles

People who viewed Cafe Brusco also viewed