I'm really more of a 3.5 on this place in terms of coffee, but it rounds out to a 4.0 when compared to other coffee options (Peets, Noah's, Kingpin, Cafe Milano, etc) in the area. I usually go for the mocha bianca or the vanilla latte and don't really have any complaints about either drink. It's not the best coffee in the world, but certainly not the worst either. Service is usually fine and drinks come out at a good pace. There's both inside and outside seating though there are more seats outside rather than inside. It's location next to campus tends to attract lots of studying students, especially during midterm/finals season. Prices are fair for what you get, though I have to admit the orange juice is a bit overpriced. Overall, a good place to get coffee/juice/snack. Noise level is usually not terribly high which does make it conducive to reading, studying, or getting some work done. read more

Stopped by for a quick latte on the way to brunch. Big mistake. HUGE. While the outdoor buzzing ambience was inviting, the $5 latte tasted like stale iced coffee that had been sitting in a metal barrel for a week. Absolutely no hint of espresso, I've never had a more disappointing coffee shop experience in my life. 0/10 will never return. read more

Got in to Berkeley after dark the night before and quickly searched for a local coffee cafe for breakfast the next day - we were not disappointed. First, it's eye candy. The ambiance and patio and open space is an invitation on its own. But then you get to the counter full of beautiful pastries (get the croissant) and when you give your order the cashier rattles of French to the barista with your espresso order. It's also affordable. Our americano (large), red eye (small), and 2 pastries rung up to under $11. read more

Caffe Strada - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Strada has a wonderful ambience filled with outside seating and and greenery that gives a feeling of closeness. Since majority of the seating is outside, it is a bit louder, which means it's good for me eating up with friends and/or for interviews, coffee chats. The drinks itself are quite delicious as well with a variety of teas including fizzy matcha in the summer/fall seasons. Their hot chocolate warms up the soul with a nice foam on top with a design. Strada also is great at night since there are heaters to keep you warm. There are multiple outlets, some locations do not have it however but it's just finding the right seat. Seating is a bit difficult to find which can be a con but overall it depends on morning or night and waiting a little bit to get a seat. read more

Cheap is how I would describe Caffe Strada. I am employed and I go to school at night; I've been here on a couple of occasions to meet with undergrads who want to chat about careers. I appreciate that the location is super close to Haas. Other than that, it's not that special. The outdoor seating is nice when it's warm outside (which is never when I go there). The drinks come in huge glasses so you end up getting 2x as much than a usual coffee shop. Had a latte and it tasted ok. read more

Five stars just because Caffe Strada has been a life saver so many times + the outside seating under the patio with the heaters is so pleasant. Whether I need a place to study or meet at that's open late or open early while nearby campus libraries are closed, need food I can grab quickly when I am late for class or haven't had a chance to eat in ages, or am just feeling a sweet bianca mocha or fizzy matcha, Strada has never failed me. The workers are friendly and efficient. In terms of food, they just have pastries/cake/fruit and some refrigerated items like parfait/yogurt, and Noah's bagels (w/ cream cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes!) in the morning, but everything I've had in terms of coffee or food has been pretty solid and reasonably priced. read more

The coffee and espresso is really bad. 5/5 for service though, very quick. Sometimes I'm barely get my cash out and my beverage is ready. I feel the pastries and baked goods taste the same as any where else in Berkeley. read more

Best coffee/americano in Berkeley. Of course I love Peet's as well. Love the inside and outside cafe seating. Not a whole lot inside compared to other cages but I come here to talk an just hang out so I don't need the indoors so much. Mocha biancha is the best in the world. Seriously. And I don't even like mochas. I'm a die hard coffee guy. But love the mochas and the "coffee" which is really an americano here. Price is great. Atmosphere is lively and subdued at the same time. Price is good. Location is one street crossing from campus. Although uphill on the southeast side. Oh and FREE wi-fi. gotta love it. read more

Caffe Strada - From outside table on east side looking - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

over priced rude staff. gave me a 2 teas at boiling temperature 200+ degrees and tried to charge me for a double cup when you can't even hold it, after already paying and tipping more than enough to get me 12 extra cups. hoping that worker gains a terrible peanut allergy, peace and love. read more

My favorite coffee shop!!! The workers there are so nice and their customer service is great! Today I went to this place to study for my midterm and I was delighted to see a happy face in my coffee :) I also suggest that you try their expresso brownies. read more

Caffe Strada - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best fresh orange juice in the area. Can't beat the price either. Service is always pretty speedy and the staff is nice. read more

Caffe Strada - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Friendly people but the place is dirty, messy, milk left on the counter ... The yelp HR is not actual store hours. Closes at 11pm not midnight Now I'm left in the cold waiting till midnight when I could have been somewhere else read more

Friendly staff , prompt service , and a lot of nice seating available. They have heaters outside and plugs to study in cooler weather. I recommend their chai lattes read more

Another good study spot! Nice little cafe, not much spots inside to sit but plenty of outside seating (there's outlets and heaters around the outside patio also). Gets pretty busy especially with students since it's across from UC Berkeley! They do latte art on the hot drinks which is pretty cool! Their hot matcha latte is good, way better than the one at Starbucks! read more

Caffe Strada - Matcha green tea latte art. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

I thought it was weird that I was going to be charged for some hot water after buying a hot apple cider. Won't be back.

I don't know how they make their drinks so fast and consistently good! Always strong coffee and a great flavor and the people working are always smiling :) read more

The location is great and their patio is really nice. But their coffee and pastries aren't the best. The cappuccino is so bitter

A popular coffee place on the campus. Many people comes here for the spacious seating area

Cafe that actually tastes good (as opposed to a lot of cute cafes around campus that are unfortunately lacking in this aspect). The location is wonderful early morning and late at night, wonderful to stay and study in (if you can catch a seat inside!) Would recommend here over any other cafe in the area. read more

I had a drink they messed up, and when I told them about it they said "that sucks". I got a hot cider and they used a dirty steamer and there were traces of milk in it. I'm lactose intolerant. read more

Berkeley establishment! You must have a Bianca Mocha with a pastry any time you're visiting Cal! Sit outside and study or just converse about deep topics...either way; it's a great place to take a reminisce about the good ol days. read more

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The coffee quality isn't anything mind-blowing, but the service is fast and friendly, and outdoor patio/gazebo absolutely cannot be beat. Great spot for both work and socializing, especially on a nice day. The carrot cake is also amazing. read more

Awful. Awful doesn't do it justice. The 4-star rating is a scam. Horrible service, poured the coffee out (all 4 of our orders)

They were very fast, but a little pricey. I was not really thrilled with what I payed for the portion I was given.

I hear that a short Japo hooker with a potty mouth and quixotic dreams who SHOULD HAVE GONE for his PhD in Comp Lit but instead elected to join the working world because he was a fucking idiot frequents Caffe Strada in the vain hope that he'll meet and possibly fuck a guy from Dwinelle Hall or some other like-minded Humanities whore. So he visits Strada after pillaging the stacks at Moe's, orders a Cappuccino doppio and a "trial mix bar," which he initially thinks is a misnomer until he realizes too late that it is indeed correctly named since the only guys who will flirt with him are lawyers-in-training from Boalt Hall and he thinks "Are you KIDDING ME -- lawyers AGAIN?!? I just wanna kvetch about the lesbo gender troubling ways of Judith Butler or maybe Adorno with a nerdy hottie, play some tonsil hockey and HEY WHILE WE'RE AT IT, let's give each other angry pirates, but NOOOOO, INSTEAD I end up talking to this asshole about John Torture-Is-The-American-Way Yoo! Do I look like a fucking ambulance chaser or something? Are you there God, it's me Darin -- I'M GONNA SUE YOUR ASS OFF FOR THE DEFECTIVE LIFE YOU'VE GIVEN ME!!!" while having stilted, awkward conversations. But he'll return because the cappuccino is frothy and smooth, and the outdoor tables get a lot of sun in the afternoon which is good for maintaining the tan he assiduously worked on while in Hawai`i. At least, that's what I hear. ... Wait, does this mean I should apply to law school? read more

Worst cappuccino ever, bad taste of watered down coffee and fat free milk! Came here around 4pm and they didn't have any pastries left. The cappuccino is made with 2% milk and they don't offer whole milk nor organic milk. read more

This business is NOT permanently closed, despite what yelp says. I went to caffe strada today. Great spot to work: outdoor seating, free wifi, tons of outlets, and public restrooms. read more

I loved coming here in high school and pretending I was a sophisticated University student while drinking my double espresso and reading my Jane Magazine tucked inside of Kierkegaard. I clearly had no idea what it meant to go to UC Berkeley because if I did, I would have spent the afternoon talking loudly into my cell phone about who I got with at last night's kegger and OMG isn't the walk of shame THE WORST?! i mean, damn, that is one formidable greek system. I wonder if the Mocha Bianca made with soy milk is vegan? If it is, I will become a regular once more because that is the drink of the GODS! Ooh also one time at Strada, I was wearing my homemade, "Damn, Gina!" t-shirt (it's as fresh as it sounds) and some frat boy approached me about where I bought it and I was like, "VERY EXCLUSIVE STORE. IN SWITZERLAND. THEY JUST LOVE MARTIN LAWRENCE THERE!" and he was like, "oh really, well i'd love to order some for my frat." (NO SHIT!!) so i'm all, "great, that will be $500." so i silk screened him a bunch of, "Damn, Gina!" shirts and made a pretty penny off their date raping backs. So anyway, if you ever see a paunchy former frat boy wandering around town in a fly bright pink (that's right, bright pink as they did not specify color), "Damn, Gina!" shirt, you know who made it. read more

I've lived/studied/worked at UC Berkeley for 10+ years of my life and have always liked Caffe Strada...until today. I stopped by today around 3:15pm on my way to an appointment on campus. I ordered a small hot chocolate from the woman at the counter. I waited a couple minutes before I heard them call out "Hot Chocolate." I looked up and there was a beverage on the counter that she gestured for me to take. In a hurry, I placed a lid on the cup and walked across campus to my appointment. At my meeting 20 minutes later, I took a sip and noticed something...bitter. This was not hot chocolate, it was coffee! Bummed out over the mistake, I put the cup aside. After my appointment was over, I had to go back in that direction and stopped at Strada to tell them about the mistake and maybe get something else. The woman was no longer there, but the two guys who were working earlier (the taller, scruffy guy who makes the drinks and the shorter guy with glasses). I approached the short guy and said I had ordered a hot chocolate earlier but was given a coffee instead. The taller guy piped in with something about it had been two hours ago (wrong--it was an hour) and I had taken the wrong one. I said that the woman told me to take this one and that I was just able to come back now. The guys seemed incredulous that they could have ever made such a mistake, and proceeded to just stare at me like I was trying to scam $2.95 off them. At this point, I didn't want another drink and asked if I could have my money back. The short guy hesitated, saying something incomprehensible. I asked again and then he took out some money, put it on the counter, and said "Take it!" That was it. "Take it!" No acknowledgment over the mixup, no offer to make another drink. I *did* take the money and promptly left, disappointed with the poor service and bad attitude. I always had good experiences with Strada for the last decade but now I'm left with a taste as bitter as the non-hot chocolate I got today. read more

When I think of Caffe Strada, it occasions images of mocha biancas and afternoon cigarettes. Well at least that's what Caffe Strada meant to me back in circa 1999 when I was a college freshman who still thought a mocha bianca was good coffee and that smoking cigarettes was cool. Fast forward 10 some odd years and I found myself on the corner of Bancroft and College Ave, amid a flurry of doe-eyed aspiring scholars with their Cal sweaters and messenger bags. One sip of a small mocha bianca (an extra shot of espresso for good measure) and I revert back to a moment when my responsibilities lasted a semester at a time, walking to class was my daily exercise and the world was my oyster. read more

I do like Caffe Strada. I have no problem whatsoever with it's location, the quality of their drinks, or service or anything else. I am 100% in support of this cafe, and I hope future generations will continue to patronize this wonderful establishment. What I do have a problem with is the GODDAMN GRAD STUDENTS WHO THINK OUTDOOR CAFES ARE THEIR PRIVATE FUCKING OFFICES. There are some who believe that cafes like Strada should be the study domains of the Grad Students. To them I say, "eat shit and die". To others who believe that cafes should be enjoyed by everyone, not just the academic elite who demand silence (at outdoor cafes), I'll give you a high-five the next time I see y'all. To the uptight Graduate Students who can't deal with people playing music outside or having animated conversations that disturb your studying, I have only this to say: "PICK UP YOUR BOOKS, AND GET YOUR ASS TO THE LIBRARY" Yes, there I said it. THE FUCKING LIBRARY. If you want quiet and isolation, the Library has worked for generations of students around the world. Use it, and let the rest of us (and the less-uptight Graduate Students) enjoy Caffe Strada without your holier-than-thou attitude. read more

My review of Cafe Strada is about ten years late, but here it is. What I love about this cafe is the outdoor seating area surrounded by boxed plants and greenery which makes me feel as if I am sitting in a courtyard. The food is not why I go here, and the espresso drinks are decent. On my most recent visit I had a cappuccino which I thought was actually very good, with silky foam and not too much milk. What I am about to say, I say with utmost affection. The patrons here are often the nerdy types, representing students, faculty, and staff from the nearby law school, business school, architecture and chemistry departments. This also reminds me of one guy friend of mine with whom I visited Cafe Strada long time ago and he introduced me to steam milk with almond syrup. I don't know why, I just remember that it was a sunny morning and I was surprised at his choice of drink but I now sometimes get it here too, and it makes me happy. I have other memories of this place, too. Like a long long time ago it used to be called Cafe Roma, then because of lease problem I think the ownership changed and the name changed to Cafe Strada. But the best part about the place has stayed pretty much the same and for that I am grateful. read more

Simply appalled at the lack of customer service witnessed today. It's a shame because I enjoyed this place, but will no longer return after what happened. I met with a friend this afternoon who seemed a bit distraught. She then explained to me IN TEARS that she was discriminated against and made fun of BY THE STAFF (one dude with patchy facial hair making the coffee and one girl with overdone eyebrows at the register) due to her lack of English ability as she was ordering and paying at the register. She is an adult ESL student. She isn't an idiot - she understood everything they were saying and laughing about her. Infuriated, I let them know that what they did wasn't okay and that it's not cool to treat their customers like that. The guy didn't seem apologetic and just recommended I speak to his manager the next day - which I will probably do. We're in Berkeley, CA where we celebrate diversity and embrace differences, not some little town in the middle of nowhere. Super disappointed with how they handled things. Will not return unless it's to speak with the manager. read more

Caffe Strada. Growing up here in the People's Republic of Berkeley, The Family used to pass by here a lot; we would be picking up The Mother from her classes at Cal. Lots of people, students and faculty, drinking coffee and talking amongst themselves. Came here with a group of friends after walking around the area in the 1990's, we sat outside and drank lots of coffee while carrying on amongst ourselves about life and personal philosopies. Oh, the good old days . . . . I had virtually forgotten about Caffe Strada until I passed by the place on the way to the Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive this past fall. It was one of those hot days and I badly needed some water. Is it a mirage--no, it's Caffe Strada. I bought myself some Crystal Geyser (I know, I know, a no-no) and made a NTS (note-to-self) to pass some solo time at a later date here. Today was the day. This morning, on the way to Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive for an appointment, I decided to hang out Caffe Strada for an espresso and water. The guys behind the counter were so cheery and energetic. It was obvious they had their morning cup of Java or Joe. Great! Brew me a single shot of espresso per favore! I was lucky to get a table near the till so I could put my feet up--no, not literally! The espresso was smooth and very tasty! Kept me going for the rest of the day. No need for a double shot--less is more--one shot is enough! One of these days, I will have to try their bianca coffee/chocolate drinks, which they are known for. Coffee and white chocolate. They better stock up on whipped cream for me, beaucoup de creme fouettée! They had some great looking desserts/pastries in the refrigerated case. Oh, it would have been nice to have a slice of cake. Well, it is too early in the morning. Perhaps another time in the middle of the day. (And hopefully not too crowded--I will be the one wearing earplugs! Or I will be the one wired for sound!) Free wi-fi at Caffe Strada--they are keeping current and relevant! Checked in on the Yelp! app and perused some emails. I had an appointment later in the day at Cal with an undergrad advisor seeing if I can get a class waived or two. I had to check for her office location, so having Caffe Strada's wi-fi helped me out! They have free wi-fi! Oh yes, saw lots of notebook computers, smartphones, and tablets amongst the customers. Caffe Strada will definitely be one of my personal and perpetual study halls for me at Cal! Already feels like home considering the history with Cal and moi. Go Bears! Caffe Strada totally rocks! Fresh Review #39 of 100 Yelps! for 2013. read more

I had about 3 people ahead of me on a Saturday afternoon at 2pm and the line went by quicker than I could guess! Being that it was a beautiful sunny day outside, I wanted an iced beverage! I told the barista I wanted to try their Mint Matcha Latte, she said it didn't come Iced but with a friendly smile, she recommended their Matcha blended drink! It was a good consistency and easy to still drink through the straw. Great way to cool off on a walk touring the campus by foot! read more

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I don't even want to think about the number of hours or the amount of money [thanks Dad!] I spent here during college and grad school. But it's for a reason. The coffee and the food are fast and fab-u-riffic. Nothing fancy, but just what a coffee shop should be at it's best. The staff is smarmy and slightly disengaged, but if you look closely, you occasionally can see a smile creep in at the corners of their mouths. When you're a regular they get to know your order, but act like they don't. This is a great place to and read for HOURS unaccosted, except by the occasional squirrel or grad student asking if they can take the chair your purse is sitting on so they can hold office hours. read more

Professor office hours, a quick break from class, meeting with friends, coffee dates, mad sprints at 11:59pm to buy a cup of coffee before the next days midterm....the list could go on and on for what this place has been for me. My experience in Berkeley would have been different without Strada. I used to walk by the place everyday without fail. I love sitting outside on a sunny day, being surrounded by trees and people watch (yes I know what you're thinking, but ey a girl can do what she wants during her free time). The pastries and drinks are good, if it's your first time try the Mocha Biancha (white chocolate). Overall, Strada coffees were life-savers during my final seasons and definitely a staple at Berkeley. Caffe Strada, thank you for continually serving the Cal community. read more

If you have an hour or so to hang out doing nothing, the patio at Caffe Strada is a decent place! Unfortunately, the "je ne sais quoi" evaporates once you've sampled the mediocre cafe with its forgettable bakery items. Don't get me wrong, it's still "A-OK." But if the owners ever decide to up the quality of the cafe, they could have a seriously addicting hangout on their hands. It's a killer location with potential for across-the-board fives in ambiance and food/drink. But in the meantime, don't walk too far out of your way to find it...Berkeley has too many other choices. The roundup: Food/drink: 2 - Bakery items need a redo. Service: N/a - Counter service. Setting: 4 - Bring a book and hang out under the pergola. Value: 3 - Right in the middle. Date worthy: 3 - Great for a casual hang, but the coffee's better elsewhere! Dogs: Nope, don't try it. read more

Real talk: I would likely be dead/fail out of grad school if it weren't for Caffe Strada. I go here at least 4 times every week during the school year. I survive on their espresso and white mocha drinks. I have done some important reading and writing here. The atmosphere is arguably inspirational. Problems: cash-only and bagels that are not toasted. Still, I am eternally grateful to this place. It's convenient, it has caffeine (and is open late!) and it has outdoor seating that constantly reminds me that I'm in California and should stop whining. read more

Strada and Milano on Bancroft were the two coffeehouses most responsible for making me into a coffee (and coffeehouse) fiend. Before Starbucks invaded every nook and cranny throughout California, Strada was serving up cup after cup after cup of hot, delicious espresso drinks with an Italian roast profile (similar to, if not the same as, Trieste in San Francisco). I passed many an afternoon studying among a sea of students in Strada's plentiful outdoor seating area, sipping cappuccinos and feeling very collegiate. These formative experiences eventually led to my family and I opening our own coffeehouse across the Bay in Haight-Ashbury (named Coffee to the People http://www.yelp.com/biz_details?biz_id=HZThElQfFLIqGc8ZVdRh7g, a take on Power to the People that should be familiar to any former Berkeley students like my wife and I are). So I owe Strada thanks for tuning me in. Today Strada is still there, just as when I was a student, with its same laser-like focus on the espresso. You can get espresso, coffee, tea, and pastries, and that is about it. No "real" food. But there is often a line formed by the students, faculty, and neighborhood residents that swarm to get Strada's coffee. Strada may be the only place I know that consistently runs two 4-group espresso machines constantly, with another 3-group to spare. The only real difference is that laptop computers and cell phones have replaced books as the tabletop accessory of choice. But you can still go to hear one of many interesting conversations about philosophy, art, politics, or just about anything else while you enjoy the slight breeze and the warmth of the espresso keeping you alert and ready to move on to that next paper, book, project, or maybe even to that next espresso. read more