This used to be my favorite coffee house--interesting atmosphere, few laptops open, quiet enough to have a long conversation, and occasional music. I invited up to 12 friends to socialize here on Fridays. But something is off. What changed? The floors are strewn with trash-- unswept, unmopped,--the paint is chipped and peeling, the tabletops need a new coat of varnish. And, to top it off, the friendly service has degenerated, too. Where is that personable fellow who knew me and was proud of his cappucinos? Please, owners, clean up the place. It still has charm, potential, and a few loyal customers, but I don't know how long we'll keep coming back. read more

I come here to get my morning americano (which is always perfect) and eye the decadent pastries. It's a great environment to sit and relax in and has plenty of windows to watch people surreptitiously duck into Good Vibrations read more

I found this place completely by accident and it is frigging great. Atmosphere, food, workers, customers, music, you name it - the works, it's just fantastic. I've now made a habit of it because I just can't resist. Of note is their bagel and lox sandwich (but probably other things are just as good, it's just that I had that the first time I was there and can't resist ordering it over and over again! got to try something else one of these days..) The lox is piled on and it's of an entirely better calibre than at most places - so much so that I asked to see the package. (The clerk showed it to me but I think you can only get it wholesale.) The pastries look scrumptious but I've always been too full after the lox and bagel to get one. You can imagine that you're in SF or even NY while there. Everyone seems simpatico and enjoying themselves. It is slightly upscale but without the attitude. Great energy. Highly, highly recommend. read more

Average cafe, average coffee, difficult parking. Good when you are walking in the area and want a caffeine fix.

I like the fact that the whip cream does not come from a can. It's the real stuff. Along with all of their food, it is nice to know it's made with care. Thanks guys. read more

Caffe Trieste in Berkeley has some of the flavor of the San Francisco original, but San Pablo Avenue is a far cry from North beach. The coffee is good, of course, and the food is varied and interesting. Old black and white photos on walls recall the original cafe. On the other hand, the tables are very close together and the place sometimes gets crowded, making it difficult to have a conversation. There's no Wi-Fi, which for me is minus, and parking can be a bit of hassle. It's worth a visit for the ambiance and to recall it's namesake, but it's not a cafe I visit often because of the inconveniences. read more

This is an ok place. Nothing special. I go just for coffee. There is always a line and the person on the register takes orders AND make espresso drinks, which takes between 3-5 mins. There needs to be another person on duty that can make drinks while the cashier keeps the line going. What an unnecessary, extra long wait for a cup of coffee. read more

I love this place. The food, though simple, is first-rate; the atmosphere is alive; and the staff attitude is friendly and professional.

I have visited this quaint little cafe three times in my short visit to the Bay Area. The first time, my husband and I shared their tiramisu for an after-dinner treat. It was good, not the best I've had, but definitely one of the better ones. The second time, I went in on a Sunday morning for a mocha and an egg sandwich (English muffin, egg, mushrooms, pesto, tomato, cheese), and it was phenomenal. The mocha was fantastic also. The third time, I went in for an afternoon snack and had their fruit, yogurt, granola cup. Loved the berry combination, the yogurt, and the granola. I only wish I could replicate it at home. Friendly staff, and plenty of people coming in and out. read more

The food isn't the best, but the atmosphere is homey, and it's a great place to meet for coffee early in the morning. You'll see many regulars, and the friendly staff behind the counter will quickly come to remember your favorite drink. These little touches have their place in the increasingly generic cafe scene. read more

What happened to this place?? A couple years back I used to come here and enjoy quality food and service. Today I walked in after a long time of not coming here and was greeted by the staff ignoring me. Finally after they were finished giggling and chatting behind the bar they asked me what I would like. I ordered the soup and a cup of coffee.. for almost 8.00!!!!!! I might have been okay with my 6 dollar bowl of soup if it were any good.. but this was Progresso at best.... terrible, terrible, terrible. I just consumed an artificial salt lick. The soup was advertised as some other brand as well... some fancy name, they tricked and ripped me off. If Progresso minestrone was what I wanted.. I would have gone to Long's and grabbed a can for half the price. I choked as much as I could down for the large amount of money I just paid. I can feel my blood thinning as I write. bleckh... If you are coming here to study and have a cup of coffee or tea.. great, stick to that only. many years back the food was very good... so sad to see what it has become. I will not be coming back. read more

I actually came here and had the chicken panini...not the coffee (I was starving) and after the first bite, I was sold. I got it on a french roll with cheddar cheese and it was delicious. Some people have said it was bland and overpriced. If you get the right cheese and toppings, it tastes fine and the price may be a dollar or two too high. The ingredients seem fresh and high quality so it may be worth it for you. read more

We have been eating and drinking at Caffe Trieste for many years. I wish the menu was a little more varied, but it's not the end of the world. What we really love about Trieste is that live groups play on various nights and it's free (no cover,) except for the tipping, which is of course voluntary. On Monday nights there is really wonderful mandolin playing ( traditional instrumental Italian style,) and also on Mondays is a great traditonal Brazilian music group. The music rotates so you have to see their calendar online. It always seems like the place should be packed with this great music, but I guess the secret is just not out enough! read more

if it weren't for the sparkling personalities of some of the staff, i would have stayed far far away from this coffeeshop. the food and coffee are too expensive, the music is too loud, and the portions are too small. as a cafe, this place is snobby and the tables are too small. as the only place to get coffee near my job, it will have to do. read more

I'm a bit shocked at all the low ratings this spot has received. I can understand in comparison with the original spot. I mean, nothing can compare to the authenticity of an original North Beach beatnick cafe. But hey, we're not in North Beach, we're in a growing neighboorhood down on San Pablo in Berkeley. Admittdly the lines are long, but then you have the pleasure of sitting at one of their numerous tables (inside or outside) for as long as you like. The food is pricy and not nearly as good as what you can get in NB, but the pasteries are yummy and go even better than quiche or sandwichs with a good cappicino. And that's what you get here. A good cup of coffee or espresso. I did once have a funny situation where I had to teach one of the guys how to make a chocolate milk, but otherwise service is fine. This is a good spot to read a newspaper or strike up a conversation with a stranger. All in all, this is a good neighborhood spot. read more

three stars, really? i thought this place rocked. i was in the neighborhood for some shopping and i stopped by here afterwards for a tea. it was just a vanilla rooibos but it was seriously satisfying. the best herbal tea i've had in a long time... and i get them a lot. and it came in the coolest eco-friendly to-go cup. perhaps maybe i'm just a bumpkin from beyond the tunnel, but i'm still amazed by eco-friendly packaging. the barrista was really friendly, the vibe was chill and the pastries (semifreddis) and other food items looked (and smelled) delicious. read more

First time there yesterday (Tuesday morning, 12/22). The cashier was very pleasant. Received something of a death stare from the guy who prepared my coffee because I apparently should have moved it out of his way quickly enough regardless of it being filled to the brim and unsafe for me to touch with just one hand available at the time. The same guy questioned if i did indeed order my lox bagel after I picked it up from the lady who prepared it. Not sure what kind of underground or lawless shop he thought he was working in. Such unprovoked anger and aggression. SMH. read more

Coffee is fairly priced but not particularly distinguished in flavor. Food is overpriced. Guys behind the counter just speak to each other in Spanish. I'll only bother to go for a quick shot of espresso. read more

Wow I haven't written a review in over a year! Anyways, I came across this quaint little cafe that's close to my consultant's office and he just brought me here. I came here twice. The first time I came, I looked at the menu and it said spaghetti and meatballs so when I went up to order I asked for spaghetti and meatballs but they said they couldn't make it. Looking at the 5 people behind me in line, I just got the sandwich special and I seriously have no idea what I ate LOL but it was pretty good. The second time I came I asked for spaghetti again and they said they were out of marinara sauce...they should really take spaghetti off of their menu or something. So I ordered some sort of panini which was a lot better than the sandwich special in my opinion maybe because the panini was warmer. This place is pretty quiet and a lot of people are usually on their laptops or phones. It's like a local starbucks sort of. Anyways I would totally come back here again! But don't expect them to have many ingredients so I guess you're limited. read more

My husband, sons and I popped in here for a little breakfast a few days ago and we won't be back. The place stunk like bathroom mildew. My husband also commented about the "gang members" behind the counter being unpleasant. If I were the owner of this place I certainly wouldn't keep employees like this in this economy. Certainly there are people who would be happily say "good morning" and "come again". read more

very good chicke panini with red pepper , nice dessert selection a lot of more things to try but 4 stars for that panini for sure

The cashier was the rudest I have experienced in a LONG time. It's my first time here today and I have heard good things but I may not come back. read more

This rating only reflects the level of service and hospitality. I was looking for a nice coffee stop on the way to my new job. I stopped in at 7:30. There were two people being served and I waited. There were three people behind the counter, two with their backs to me. The other lady did not acknowledge me as she waited on the previous two people. I was NOT greeted nor acknowledged by any of the three people. In the meantime another customer came in as the previous customers were leaving and was immediately waited on and his money taken. I protested that I had been there first but as greeted with a blank stare as the girl behind the counter drew coffee for this other man. No response??? No patronage. I walked out the door and as I looked back in the window I saw both the customer AND the girl behind the counter laughing at me, as they were both looking at me through the window. I will never patronize this place nor any other Cafe Trieste. Trieste is very close to the spanish 'triste' which means 'sad'. read more

Their gelato is great. I took home a cappucino, which my girlfriend drank, so I can't comment on their cappucinos (she said it was good). Their menu for espresso coffee and gelato and other items, aren't posted on the wall. One must find a menu on the counter to see what they offer. This is too much work! Also, tables aren't cleaned off expeditiously. Personally, I find it disgusting to sit at a table with the previous customers' dirty dishes and napkins sitting there, and the table hasn't been wiped clean. But as long as their espresso drinks and gelato are good, I will keep going there. 8/4/07: I want to comment on the comments of others who complain about high prices for mediocre quality/service. this is an epidemic problem in the Bay Area. I grew up in Berkeley and I am appalled by what is happening here. Restaurants charge outrageous prices, houses and rents are exhorbitantly expensive, historic buildings are being demolished so that condos and buildings can be built ... if I can get involved in stopping this madness, please contact me. Thank you. read more

Amazing coffee with a fun hipster vibe. Busy mornings but it clears out around 10 am.

This place is pretty awesome. Great place to enjoy a cup of coffee. However, I am disappointed that they no longer offer Wi-Fi hotspot. They used to have it, but lately it's gone. So now I need to look for another cafe that offers free Wi-Fi so I can have my cup of joe while doing some work. read more

this is a good neighborhood place. good coffe and lots of stuff to look and talk about. i will frequent this place for sure.

Hey! This is a great little neighborhood cafe. Take your coffee snobbery and your sensitive butts elsewhere! Where else can you find FREE LIVE MUSIC! These people are providing one of the few venues for locals with talent to come out and do their thing for the rest of us. Show a little appreciation - eat a pastry, drink a cap and enjoy the music! read more

Caffe Trieste has a great atmosphere, and it's in a part of Berkeley that doesn't have many good cafes. It's small but warm and pleasant with lots of Italian touches. They sell tiramisu and cannoli as well as tea in the pot (and are nice about refilling it). read more

This is one of our favorite coffee place in Berkeley. I love their breakfast deals. The kids love their gelato. I do not usually drink coffee but I do in this place. Love the owner who sings and performs sometimes. It is a really cool neighborhood cafe. read more

Would it be possible form the kitchen staff at Berkeley's Cafe Trieste to crash the dishes and scream at each other during a **harp** concert any louder? At least do all that crashing in key! read more

I had a mocha which was absolutely, shockingly bad. They made it with some kind of powdered stuff, and it tasted like it.

Love their veggie lasagna, but they no longer have wifi so that's a total deal breaker for me on coffee shops.

I came here to get some work done on my laptop on a Sunday afternoon. They have a great selection for non-coffee drinkers. I got a pot of their black currant tea. Decently sized for the price ($2.75 after tax), and they offer soy milk and honey. There are plenty of outlets and a reliable wifi connection, and the person who rang me up was very friendly. I'll be back if I happen to be in this area! read more

Coffee: bitter, acidic, overpriced. Service: beyond bad. Prices: for sandwiches, reasonable. For coffee & beer, way excessive. The menu pretty much never changes. The counter help pretty much ignore you if they happen to be on their cellphones or engaged in conversation w/each other. Pastry overpriced, and not made by Trieste. Bus service horrible. But....it's pretty much the only game in West Berkeley for an espresso bar, so they don't really give a rat's ***! read more

I have been drinking lattes in Berkeley for 30 years and this is by far the best coffee I have ever tasted. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, the staff is great - the barista, Zazou, is fabulous! What more can I say? I travel a long way each morning to have coffee here! This place deserves five stars for sure!!!!! read more

Poor service and bad attitude from the wait staff. I live in the neighborhood, stop there regularly for coffee, and I will not visit the store again. read more

za zou... i think is his name. he makes the best lattes in the world, well at least where i've been. the boys know what they are doing. if all cafes could do coffee drinks like that... even if the line is long, they are super fast there. they rock! read more

Just moved here from San Francisco. Coffee was great as usual, but not much of an Italian Ambiance with the Mexican Staff. Another time, I ordered a decaf coffee(don't usually drink that) so I was wondering if it was fresh and was told in a rather condescending manner that it doesn't pay for them to make that much of it...nuff said about their service.Will go to one of their other locations in the future. read more

A welcome escape and a nice place to kick back and relax. Not as special as the original Caffe Trieste in San Francisco. Food is decent but nothing to write home about. They always serve coffee in glass instead of ceramic mugs which makes it almost impossible to hold onto without a sleeve which they usually don't provide. read more