I learned about Hal's from Lara W. ("first to review") about three years ago. Because I rarely come down to this segment of Solano (Wojia Land), I didn't visit the cafe until this morning. My bad! A really good point to mention -- which is how we got here today -- is that the cafe opens at 7AM on Sundays. Thank you, Hal's! The coffee itself is excellent: Counter Culture coffee that's prepared perfectly by young coffee zealots. (My espresso was made with Big Trouble.) The ambiance is in the general direction of 2017 Brooklyn hipster, and I liked it. I liked my croissant as well. Conclusion: I'm sold. I hope to return soon. read more

Living in the El Cerrito area, I appreciate this small coffee shop being so accessible in Albany! It coexists with many other stores along the same road so if you get hungry for snacks or dinner or lunch, then you can walk there. Coffee is moderately priced but delicious (smooth latte) , and the pastries are good too. Super friendly staff too. I always like to come here to work/study as it has outlets, free wifi, outdoor seating, and a long table. Granted, if it is a busy time then it might be difficult to find a spot but they recently put out a parklet next to their café that is perfect to bask in on any sunny day. Highly recommend this place to work, or just chat over a cup of coffee. Too bad it's not open later! read more

A cute little cafe with a really perfect blend of people working and in/out traffic. It really feels like community. Who is this Hal? read more

Hal's Office - One of cutest little spots😍 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, California

This is an adorable little coffee shop. I found it by taking my kids to "As you Wish, frozen yogurt". I didn't know what to expect with a name "Hal's Office". But now, I truly enjoy and appreciate the name. I love their espresso. It's bold, strong and easy to drink without adding sugar. Americano or Cortado, depending on the day are my favorites. My kids enjoy the hot chocolate. The pastries are awesome! They are the same pastries as the ones at Cafe Reville. The menu is simple. Not too many elaborate drinks here, which works for me. Bathroom: Clean, accessible, especially if you have kiddos. Customer Service: This is hit or miss. Sometimes it's exceptional, while other times, frustrating. Most of the barista's are fantastic! There are two that I believe, may be in the learning stage. Keep working at it! Parking: Weekdays between 9am-1pm, there is ample parking. Weekends can be a few blocks walk, if you don't live in the area. Still worth it the walk. Parking on the street (no charge). I would give this place five stars if the barista's were consistent, but still a worth going to place for the espresso drinks. read more

This is a cute little coffee shop on Solano Ave that seems to just have opened up recently. The place is a little small with just a couple bar stools, little tables, and 1 big table. They had pastries here from Firebrand, so the croissants are delicious! They also have a nice coffee selection as well. I love how they serve their pastries on little slabs of wood, making the aesthetics of this place very nice! The best part is that they have free and fast wifi, which allows you to work hard here while enjoying your food and coffee. Hal's Coffee seems like a great addition to the neighborhood! read more

Hal's Office - 2.1.17 Butter croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, California

Tiny place in Solano Ave. Tasty oat milk latte. No vegan food options, otherwise they would have earned an extra star!

I ordered a cappuccino to go as I was heading to my hair appointment. Nice coffee spot with lots of seats inside and outside. The design inside is very modern and stark clean. My cappuccino was made quickly. The coffee roast and the milk blended well to the taste. The coffee was not overpowering. With so many other coffee spots nearby in a short distance, I wonder what the landscape will be in the next 6 months. Hopefully Hal's can create a unique niche for themselves. read more

Changing my review because the last few times I've been here the service is just weird and really cold. My dad has come here with my sister who has special needs and the girls at the counter are always stand-offish. Definitely not that warm neighborhood coffee shop vibe. It's conveniently located and nice for emergency coffee, but definitely not a fan favorite. The staff at the counter give off the vibe that they're doing you a favor by taking your order. read more

Hal's Office - Mocha! Not too sweet and good chocolate flavor. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, California

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It brings me no pleasure to write this. I have been a very regular customer and I will drive half hour to get my coffee here. For the last few months I have continued to burn my tongue on a latte that is too hot and burnt. It compares to Starbucks now which I try to avoid at all cost. Please please fix this! read more

Excellent espresso! The place is crowded, hardly any sitting inside, but if you are looking for a proper espresso, I don't think there's a better spot around read more

Nice little place! Staff are super friendly and it's got a cozy, take-your-time vibe. But what really got me were two things, each of which are hard to find on their own: 1) the chai doesn't come pre-mixed with milk, meaning you can get it lactose free! (And they have OAT MILK WOOHOO), and 2) they have *decaf* cold brew coffee. Yes, that's right, no need to settle for a sad iced Americano when you're already jittery but want coffee anyway. Not much indoor seating, but there's a cute little outdoor area that's perfect for people watching on a sunny day. read more

Very cool, hip little hang out. Good espresso, tea and baked goods. Nice parklet in front. read more

Hal's Office - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, California

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I really enjoyed the outdoor seating available and the iced latte was great! The people at the counter could have been friendlier, but they were not rude by any means--just would be nice to have approachable baristas! read more

One of the best spots in the neighborhood, my go-to! The folks that work here are always wonderful and the espresso drinks are great (I usually get an oat cappuccino). read more

Dropped in for the first time and ordered a cold brew coffee. Very good service, very good coffee.

ATTN 3/2021: CURBSIDE PICKUP NOT AVAILABLE EVEN THOUGH THEIR WEBSITE SAYS OTHERWISE I chose this cafe knowing it has solid coffee and because their website indicates curbside pickup as an option during COVID. I pulled up to the cafe with 2 small children in my car and called. The man answering the phone told me in a perfunctory manner that they "don't do" curbside pickup. Ok, I am not clairvoyant. How was I supposed to know this when their website clearly states otherwise? I informed him the website states they do and I had 2 young children in my car and was parked right in front. He had nothing to say. Didn't offer to come out, didn't give me any other options. He simply repeated they don't do curbside. I had to do what I have NEVER done in my life and leave my 2 babies unattended in my vehicle and sprint to the window to pickup my order. Dear Hal's Office, please correct your website so it accurately reflects your services. It is extremely misleading and caused me grief. Also strongly consider training your staff so if there is a goof-up and the establishment is at fault, to make it up to the customer in some way. I was offered zero recompense for the trouble your error caused. I will not be returning. read more

Fun wine bar with a great outdoor area to enjoy delicious natural wine and bites. Rhubarb pie is yummy too.

Pretty good coffee. i got the iced coffee with almond milk and it was decent, probably a 8/10. Almond milk just wasn't amazing. my friend got the iced coffee with oat milk and rated hers 9/10. we all agreed the oat milk was best. My other friend got the iced coffee with whole milk and rated it 7/10, didn't find the coffee that great. however great service! read more

I love dropping by this cafe! It's quite small but I have studied there before. I would recommend this place to any coffee drinkers!

Love this place! A friend suggested we meet here for coffee and it's fantastic. Polite and friendly service. Great coffee and presentation. Warm and welcoming atmosphere. What else can I girl ask for...? Oh, I know, student discount- yup, they offered. Get over here today and get your stamp card going, you'll be back again, trust me. read more

Hal's Office - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, California

Really liked this coffee!! No real inside area to sit, but nice benches / seating outside

I came to this cafe the Sunday before finals to study and get some work done. Bad idea. Maybe my stress biased me, but I had a fairly negative experience. First off, I called them to make sure it wasn't too busy and I could get a place to sit. They said it was very slow and there would definitely be a place to sit. So I walked there with my laptop and when I got there only one seat was available at their exceptionally narrow bar counter. I was unsure what to order and asked a few questions--the cashier answered them but seemed irritated and acted like I should already know everything. I asked if the almond croissant had marzipan in it, she said yes, so I got that and a latte. The croissant did have some sort of sweet filling, but NOT marzipan and I was very disappointed. The latte was good. Then I sat down to work. This was the worst part. It was incredibly noisy and difficult to concentrate. The two girls working had very loud conversations with the customers and each other. I tried to put in headphones and listen to some music to drown them out but they also were playing 80's hits very loudly in the tiny space so it made it hard to listen to my own music. I did not get as much work done as I wanted. Overall -- good drinks, bad service, not good studying environment. read more

I've become beyond addicted to coming to this cafe! I love their lattes, scones and quiche. Definitely recommend coming.

Hal's is such a nice spot off of Solano. It's a small joint, but definitely serves up a good cup of coffee. A tiny spot at the end of Solano towards San Pablo, it's pretty easy to access by car or foot. DRINK: A set variety of options on the wall to be expected of any solid coffee shop. SERVICE: So pleasant, especially with their outdoor seating area and the sunshine, what more could one ask for? read more

Homemade chai was divine! Freshly ground spices (in house) make the chai spicy (but not over the top) and delicious. Adorable shop, tasty pastries, and I'll be back for sure. read more

I love this cafe! The best neighborhood spot with delicious coffee and friendly service. I enjoy my cappuccino most at the community table in the back or in the beautiful parklet outside on a sunny day. Support your local businesses! read more

Obviously this place is aweful. The barista's make small talk with you & try to get to know you. The space is tasteful without being pretentious. The coffee and food selection is good, local and fresh. Who the hell wants a coffee shop like this? ;) read more

Ok coffee. Tried the oat milk latte. Cute, cozy interior. Lame hipster service. Not the neighborhood cafe I was looking for.

The best best best best best. This is why: 1. The staff are very smart, caring, hard working and most of all make me laugh! 2. I'm a coffee snob. This is real coffee. The right temp, the right foam etc... plus they have oat milk which I love now. 3. Good music. 4. Social: my friends here in the neighborhood come here 5. Outdoor parklet in the front is a great hang out - plus the wifi reaches it so I can have online meetings outside 6. The decor is spot on. Cute and hip. Plus they keep this place CLEAN which I love. 7. Hal's makes me happy. I'm here at least 4 times a week working on my laptop, taking breaks to have funny conversations, or doing handstands outside in the parklet read more

Decent coffee, and excellent pandemic protocol. No customers are allowed in the store in keeping with precautions one would take given an airborne pathogen. I strongly recommend, just on their good sense alone. Also, excellent cookies. read more

We were out for an afternoon stroll and stumbled into this marvelous little coffee shop and what a wonderful surprise !!!....The server was so awesome, so sweet and bubbly, which set the stage for such an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere. Ordered a decaf cappuccino it was sooooo yummy... the best coffee I have had in a long time...we will be back again soon. If you are in the area, give this place a try, you won't regret it!!! read more

Clearly a neighborhood anchor. Kids, dogs, painters, outdoor seating. The coffee is top notch, too.

Let me start off by saying I love Hal's office. I'm in here at least once a week and love the space and friendly staff. (I even backed their Kickstarter). I've noticed over the last few months a change over in staff. And my question is this: are they now allowing dogs inside? I'm a dog owner and I also have spent most of my career working in food. So unless it's a guide dog, animals are generally not permitted in food service spaces. So what's the deal with now allowing in dogs, letting them wander around off leash, and barking at other dogs in the area, just because you're friends with staff here. Does this mean I can start bringing in my adorable, and very large dog? read more

Handed my card over to the young barista & was about to tip with real money in a separate jar when I noticed she had tipped herself without asking. So I asked for a receipt and I wasn't incorrect. The two staff members of course deny giving their manager/owners number & the young barista claims she thought she heard me asking her to tip. (This was never in the conversation & as a worker who likes to tip, & at time's have worked two jobs to be able to pay for common things, I couldn't help but notice it seemed glaringly weird) read more

Yaaaay! My wife and I have been waiting for a serious coffee shop on Solano for years. We even considered opening our own. But, thankfully, somebody else took up the effort and delivered Albany a great urban sit down coffee shop. Now onto the review: Coffee is wonderful, they source well and I expect them to keep up with the everchanging quality of roasters. They rely on what looks to be a mostly automatic La Marozocco. At present, the machine is in tip top shape, and with it the staff make a great cappuccino. For those not interested in coffee, they make their own in house chai and have a variety of teas. But best of all is the warm and engaging staff behind the counter. They are already gaining regulars after only a few weeks. This place is great! Yay! read more

great coffee, ambiance, and customer service. the shop is small but they have plenty of outdoor seating. our favorite little spot in albany. :) read more

Hal's Office - latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, California

Hal's coffee shop is hands-down the best coffee around, and everyone who works there is an absolute gem. Whoever is doing their hiring deserves an award. Lovely boutique feel, with coffee to match. Don't miss this place. read more

Yay! Finally a coffee shop for a coffee snob :) Gourmet Counter Culture coffee and delicious hot chocolate and Shrubs, grapefruit, ginger and sage-yummy! Artisan baked goods are from Firebrand, your sweet tooth's best friend. The vibe is chic and cozy, the perfect place to sit solo and contemplate life or meet your friend for a chatty catch-up. So excited to be a regular at this new neighborhood gem! read more

A good cozy coffee shop in the Albany area. Coffee is solid. A nice little workspace inside and outside. There's only a couple outlets.

Hal's Office and the shack at Flowerland tie for my current favorite hipster coffee spots on Solano Ave. Cold brew is my usual at Hal's, but they have so much more. It's cute, cozy, and has both some indoor and outdoor parklet seating. I've never been able to score a spot inside however, so I usually just get my cold brew to go. Not a spot I can reliably go to get work done since it's so popular, but from a business standpoint that is a good problem to have! read more