Ahh the sweet smell of coffee and faint stank of urine.... Seriously service is OK and taste is reliable, but dang there are some characters that definitely sullied the ambiance ...eer aroma of this establishment when I was there. Didn't realize that it's the original Peets but they definitely should hire more people to check the cleanliness of their bathroom read more

I like this Peet's, and it's fun to show it to fellow Peet's fans since it's the first one and I live just around the block. It does get a bit crowded, even on weekdays -- the lines can be super long, it's often hard to get a seat if you want to read or work, and if you come in at the wrong time, the floors and tables won't be what we call pristine. However, the staff are mostly nice and they clearly try their best. I've never had them mess up an order in more than a year of coming here! There is one sullen barista -- an older lady with red hair -- that I'm a little afraid of! She will give you the meanest stare when she takes your order, and a few times, she's looked me in the eye and put my change right into the tip jar without offering it to me. It's never been more than 25 cents and I feel uncomfortable quibbling about such a small amount, but it doesn't make the best impression -- I can't tell if she's trying to provoke me into asking for the change, or intimidate me into letting her keep it without saying anything. I'm pretty shy so she gets the latter result. :/ read more

This is the best tasting espresso in Berkeley. No contest. But it's waaay too strong. It's like having two cups in the volume of half a cup. I get high on this stuff. Really. The worst thing about this place is that you have to enjoy your coffee standing up. No seats. This place started out as a store, and that's what it still is. But since the espresso is so short, there is no real reason to sit down anyway. The other issue is the long lines. It's not that there are that many people wanting to buy drinks, it's the work-flow they've set up for the barista. They can only make one drink at the time. And that still doesn't explain how slow this is. Update: they've added a bunch of tables and chairs, both inside and out. I like it when they listen to my ideas... read more

Aaron's Big Eat East Bay: 100 Things to Try Before You Die http://www.yelp.com/list/the-big-eat-east-bay-100-things-to-try-before-you-die-oakland #20 - A cup of coffee from the original Peet's Thanks again Sara F!! read more

Fan since Prom 1988 when I ate an entire bag of chocolate covered blueberries and had stomach issues all night. Fan since it was a $1.50 haven, sitting watching people from the counter, from a bad job at the Palo Alto newspaper. (this refers to the Palo Alto store) Fan since it delivers to far flung family. Fan, because the roasted coffee is NOT burnt. If you think it is, you don't know what burnt is. Fan because, it's just very, very tasty. And consistent. Fan because they grew slowly, and didn't diminish the quality. Only caveat is that a friend in the fair trade biz said that Peets discontinued fair trade beans, which they should not have done. For that, I buy beans now at Trader Joe's which does have fair trade- and I get the occasional coffee at Peets. read more

I'm new to the 'hood and had heard about this Peet's for awhile because it's the OG Peet's. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- I was totally pleased with my experience here. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - It is tucked away in a very charming neighborhood that is very easy to get to -- by bike, foot, and car. - Despite the fact that it was raining really heavy out (and so they had a decent amount of people in here), the employees were super polite. - They have free internet for up to 2 hours, and if you're here more than 2 hours, you can ask for a re-fill. I did, and they didn't have a problem. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- A few reviews below say that they don't have a bathroom here? Or, that they have dirty bathrooms here? I went to the bathroom while here, and it is not dirty. In fact, I'm a bit of a nutso about public restrooms, and didn't have a problem with this one. Perhaps I went on a good day? -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- I also want to say that even though there are non-chain coffeeshops available in this neighborhood, I still recommend you come here because Peet's has never let me down. Even though this company is a bit bigger than others, it has a small coffeeshop -like feel to it. Their attention to detail is really what puts them head and shoulders above other coffee places I've been to. read more

I have been a Peet's fan for as long as I can remember. They have never steered me wrong. Each cup is heaven, and no coffee chain can ever compare! Please don't ever try to make me drink a Starbucks regular brewed coffee - *gag* *choke* I have this funny, but telling story about how much i love Peet's, even almost as much as I love Peace! My brother, his kids and my daughter and I went to take part in an anniversary of the Iraq war protest march. We went with our Peets coffee in hand (I mean, you can't really step out without your fuel for the day!) The people started chanting "What do we want?" the crowd answered back "Peace!" "When do we want it?" again the answer came "Now!" But, I have to confess, my brother and I had our kids chanting -- "What do we want?" "PEETS!" "when do we want it?" "Now!" Ahhh, the Sacrilege! I really do want peace --- only I am a realist --- Peets will be a lot easier to achieve! Love ya Peets! read more

A Berkeley Coffee Paradise for dark roast lovers everywhere. This is the original location and is still a great place for a cup a joe. Sometimes, I wander over and buy a cup. But, usually I am there for beans every week-10 days (depending on how thick I am brewing it). We serve Peet's in my office and if we brew two pots a day for the 4 of us and a pot is 12 cups, then we produce 24 cups a day, 120 cups a week, 520 cups a month, and 6240 cups every year. That coffee maker is one hard working machine. read more

For a quick walk-in, take-out coffee shop there is not better foam! Try the non-fat vanilla latte, it's hard to believe it's non-fat! Peet's coffee = Y-U-M P.S. Th fruit and nut scone is amazing! read more

Not only did this Peet's bring me to a great neighborhood, but I was also able to learn alot as well. Did you know that the staff at Peet's helped train the original staff at Starbucks and also provide them with their first set of beans? Crazy. Coffee quality - Anyways, Peet's coffee is always pretty consistent. Strong, rich flavor that I love. I love the iced mochas there and you would be hard-pressed to find better iced mochas in my opinion, that provide such a good mix of espresso to milk to chocolate and mix it well. Some either taste too much like chocolate milk, some are too milky, and then some have too strong of an espresso taste to it. Peet's does it right. Environment- There is plenty of seating in the coffee shop and there is also some seating outside for those nice relaxing days. The unique part of this Peet's is that there is a backroom that has a TV where you can watch a very informative video on the history of Peet's. There are also little pieces of memorabilia in the back room, which makes it seem like a mini history museum. Very cool stuff....well at least if you're a big Peet's fan. :) I'll definitely be back to this Peet's. Probably not because of the backroom, since once you see it once, you don't really need to see it again, but the neighborhood is so great. There are great places to eat and we can always stop in at Peet's for a post-meal coffee! read more

This place is a piece of coffee history. It is the first Peet's location and the one that started it all. Not only did I get my great mocha and find plenty of seating here, but there is also a mini-museum here. There are display cases in a separate room with the old coffee-makers, signs, and even the old price chart. Must have been nice paying only $1.60 for a mocha way back when! The only bad part here is that homeless people tend to hang out at this location quite a bit. However, that just goes with the surrounding neighborhood. I would gladly show this Peet's to one of my coffee drinking friends. After all, that's what someone did to me! read more

My wife Jean and I are originally from Berkeley, and Richmond (born there actually). I used to go to the only Peet's on planet earth when Alfred had just this one on the corner of Vine & Walnut. Now, we happen to live in Merced. We are desperate for a real Peet's Coffee & Teas. There is a faux "Peet's" in a deli/bakery here at a grocery store, but it is located in their bakery department. Having to wait in line behind people ordering birthday cakes and using the deli register to buy non food products is ridiculous, then there is no real coffee shop to enjoy or sit down and relax to enjoy the coffee experience with all of the grocery shopping going on. I don't even bother anymore. With UC Merced taking off, you would think Peet's would catch on to the fact that there is an enormous untapped market here in Merced. read more

Peets did start the specialty coffee phenomena on the West Coast. And for what is now a largish corporate enterprise, they produce a reasonably good product that is never wimpy. But I am NOT grateful for the dark roast culture that Peets has engendered. I like my coffee strong, but not burnt. Over-roasting tends to emphasize the roast over the bean. Some of Peet's coffee taste like charcoal to me. And at this point, the company is so big, I am not sure when the beans were roasted and how long they've been sitting there. A true specialty roaster will post the day of roast so you know what you're getting. Give me Blue Bottle or Pacific Bay Roasters, who both have a wider (and generally lighter) variety of roasts. Of if you want to save a few bucks, try the Cheese Shop on Hopkins for decent, discount coffee. read more

Review for: Matcha latte (fine powdered green tea drink) I was in Peet's, Vine St., Berkeley, CA, yesterday and ordered a hot Matcha Latte. It's one of my favorite drinks that I've had at home and at Peet's, both cold and hot. I am so happy that Peet's now offers this high quality tea, with its health benefits. I like the drink for it's delicate flavor and natural, subtle sweetness. Usually, served cool or warm, it's quite delicious. However, yesterday, the barista prepared it with water that is too hot. Boiling water kills the delicate flavor of matcha and makes it bitter. This is a hot drink that one can actually ruin with boiling water. According to major matcha producers, matcha should be prepared with *pre-boiling* water. Please inform your staff! It would be a shame to ruin more of this fine, unique tea. http://aiya-america.com/consumer/quality/how_to_prepare http://www.domatcha.com/why/faq.php http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02050/Matcha-Tea.html Hope to keep enjoying more matcha drinks, prepared with the same care as the coffee drinks. Keep up the good work and high quality offerings. Thanks in advance. PS Would love to see more mellow, *lightly* sweetened vegan desserts offered as well. read more

I love Peet's, but why does this one smell? Seriously. When I walk into a coffee shop, I expect to be overwhelmed with one aroma, and it's not supposed to be must. Peet's, I love you. I'm addicted to you. This is the closest we've ever been to each other physcially, and yet I can't enjoy it. Help me. read more

The OG Peets, I worked here a decade ago, and still a loyal peets enthusiast, visit various peets all over the bay. I wish the place still had standards. Rule 1 in customer service. Greet your customers and smile. If you stare at me expectantly, are you ready for my order? hating your life? Counting in your head how long till your next break is? I don't care about the personal story, I know mornings are tough, but drink a cup of coffee, and do your job, or go stock something. Don't be the jerk at the cash register. Thanks. read more

Peets has some good coffee with a wide selection of different beans. They brew it pretty good and it taste fresh and unique. The teas are decent and they have a wide selection as well. The cold drinks are not good though. They taste powdery and sometimes are chunky with who knows what. read more

I grew up like many yelpers with Peets coffee being a part of my life! The Vine Street location is the heart, soul, and birthplace of Peets. I love that Peets on Vine Street has a museum in the back documenting the history of its beginnings. And in this day and age of tech, I love that the Peets have wi-fi for its customers. My favorite Peets coffees are Major D and the Anniversary Blend. Major D rocks my world! This is a coffee blend that Mr. Peet named for a friend of his. It is for me the quintessential Peets coffee blend! A true classic! It's a Peets world! We just live in it! read more

This place is a holy place for coffee Pilgrims everywhere...the very first Peet's coffee. Other than that, this is just like any other Peet's just with more history, nicer staff, and a very nice recent renovation. The history: Peet is really the father of modern coffee in the U.S. Between his own chain and his work for Starbucks as an early adviser, he really lead the development of modern well-roasted coffees from the instant coffee junk that people became accustomed to drinking in the post-war years. This location is where it all started. Peet's coffee, is pretty standardized. It's roasted on the very dark side...sometimes a bit darker than I would like. You have the full array from the basics to the double cherry, hazelnut, syrupy, whipped cream what-have-you's with a triple shot of espresso and nonfat extra hot milk. The space is light and airy, but be warned that seating is minimal. I rarely find a seat here either at the indoors or outdoors tables. Anyway, make your stop here on the coffee-lovers' pilgramage and then stroll the nice North Berkeley neighborhood. read more

Cool store, friendly barista and great coffee! Didn't earn a 5-star from me because of the lack of seating. read more

When I was in college, all I knew was watered-down Starbuck's. Then I moved to Berkeley and fell in love. Again. It was a much deeper and meaningful love. But that's because Peet's is more complex, deeper, richer, and more sustaining...I didn't know coffee until I drank a cup of Peet's coffee. And now I'm hooked. We're in a long-term relationship. Seriously, though, for all those "real" coffee drinkers, Peet's is still #1. It's so good, you can drink it black (without all those frou-frou condiments). As for this location, it may not be the newest, the cleanest, etc., etc., but it is the original. The wait is sometimes long, but it's worth it. Best of all, it's in the gourmet ghetto. You can get your slice of cheeseboard pizza, then walk over to Peet's, get your coffee, and drink that coffee with a wonderful cookie or pastry from Masse's. Where else can you indulge yourself in that fashion?! Where?!!! Peet's may be my second love, but this is "it." I'm sure of it (ask my hubby). read more

Yes, Jesse W., it's the first Peet's! What keeps this location's charm is that it has not become inflated in size like many of the other locations. Just up the street from Shattuck, in the Gourmet Ghetto, with an interesting corner door and cozy interior. I could look through a thesaurus at this point to find other words for cozy, but by now you're way past getting the idea. One tip: this location and the other Berkeley locations are the best ones to get the freshest beans, it seems. Other Peet's in the South Bay and on the Peninsula don't seem to meet the mark. read more

Damn it peets, why do your Lattes, hot and cold suck so badly? The cold ones are never REALLY REALLY cold, kind of luke warm actually. It pisses me off how watery it tastes too. And why do you always have coffee grounds on the bottom of the cup? And your regular drip coffee always tastes so acidic. -_- I threw away half my latte today. I can brew better on my own. read more

This is a Berkeley institution. The peanut gallery of guys outside at the newspaper stand having a deep discussions never seems to change. The customers in line for cups of coffee never seems to change. I am not a 'let's go for a cup of coffee' kinda gal at all, but I like to buy my beans at Peet's because they always give you a freebie cup, and it is always something different, and a chance to educate one's palate. The atmosphere is relaxed despite the contact high from the caffeine, with classical music playing, and the folks behind the counter are trained in coffee. I really missed Peet's when I went to UCSC, and then in my final year they built a store down there. Starbucks is just down the street on Shattuck at Cedar, but they don't hold a candle to Peet's. read more

this is the worst location in berkeley. the manager might as well be a fly on the wall with how unhelpful and inept they are during a rush. i've seen them take out their own frustrations on the workers when they've literally done nothing wrong, someone is a little polly prissy pants can't handle having to actually do her job. please fix your oven and do your job correctly instead of taking it out on people who are simply trying to get their coffee and your own employees that are just trying to make money read more

Why the low score? They DON'T serve fair trade coffee even though they sell a Fair Trade Blend by the pound. It just doesn't make sense to me. A Berkeley originated coffee house not serving fair trade? It's blasphemy. Despite that huge factor. I love their teas and the fact that they don't charge you for soy is a huge plus in my books. If anyone else finds a coffee shop that does this then do please tell me now. When I come to this original Peet's location I like to imagine how it was back in the day during the revolution that we call Gourmet Ghetto. Another reason that I love Peet's is because I have a fetish with wooden floors. read more

Peet's is a five as chain coffee shop for the quality, price and convenience. This Peet's is the original location and while the homage/small museum to Peet's and Coffee is interesting, the service was a little too carefree, not deliberate and slow. I recognize that I am actually the one out of place since this is Berkeley. I think if I had a student well into the semester serving it may have been different but the barista the day I visited was one of the slowest I have ever seen doing anything, from charging my card, changing out the trash liner (which absolutely had to be done before taking my order), to eventually making my drink. It wasn't a busy time of day and I was the only one for 10 minutes so I don't know what the problem was except that demanding faster service via corporate authority is the anathema of Berkeley. The coffee is still good, although at this location I don't know if it could be counted on in a rush. The museum and the original location in general is worth seeing. There are various pictures and artifacts on the origin's of coffee, the history of brewing coffee around the world, including several antique devices, and of course Peet's memorabilia. read more

They definitely understand coffee. When I first came to Berkeley on vacation three years ago I was told the story of Peet's and Starbucks. It made me want to throw a brick through Starbucks' window. However they'll bring themselves down with that crap that they serve. It's like sugary dirt water. Anyway, when I moved here last year I started to go to this Peet's on a regular basis after work. The ambiance is just as wonderful as the coffee. There's definitely an air of originality in the place and I like that. In conclusion: Screw you Starbucks! read more

I came here one time, and it the coffee wasn't really at the best. I think it might have just been on the day that I went and the employees that were working there for were making the coffee, but Peets was just all right. read more

I tried Peet's for the first time at this location which I later learned is the original location. I was so relieved upon entering that it was not the starbucks clone my friends had made it out to be. I'm not a habitual coffee drinker, but when i'm running late in the morning I like a Cafe Americano and a pastry. Lately, Starbucks' pastries are simply, well, awful. Soggy, and awful. PEETS, however, had wonderful pastries, very fresh, crisp or soft as they should be according to their identities, and the coffee was fanastic--not nearly as over-roasted as Starbucks'. To top it all off, the staff was pleasant but not overbearing (they didn't try to be my best friend), and the atmoshpere was unimposing and more refined or sophisticated than the starbucks' across the street. I definately recommend Peet's, and especially this location. read more

Thank you, Peet's, for consistent coffee! I recently went to a Peet's in Seattle (yes, they are in Seattle now), and I got a good solid consistent cup of coffee. Thank you, Peet's, for teaching me the difference in taste between different beans, e.g. Sumatra (my favorite) vs. Ethiopian. (The good cashiers will tell you what you are having) Thank you, Peet's, for letting me have a small size coffee in a medium cup. That way I don't have to pour coffee out of the cup to make room for milk. Very accommodating! Thank you, Peet's, for having yummy pastries and sweet treats. (the cranberry orange oatmeal cookie is my favorite) Thank you, Peet's, for having simple syrup to use when I get an iced coffee. Minor detail, but so thoughtful. And finally, thank you, Peet's, for having cute friendly baristas. I wish you continued success. Please please please don't change! read more

The original. I get coffee from here almost daily while working in North Berkeley. What did we do before Peet's? read more

I had my "fall has arrived" moment for 2007...droplets of water glistened on the brances of trees as the sun began to filter through, and red & golden leaves danced their way down to the pavement that was still saturated from the night's rain. When I think of this time of year, two things immediately pop into my head--wait, no...one thing pops into my head, warmth. Which then leads to two other important things, sweaters and pumpkin. Peet's temporarily helped take care of the latter. I'm not usually big on pastries that aren't baked where they're sold, but the pumpkin bread at Peet's is good, especially since it's on my way to work and they take plastic. Aside from its convenience factor, the moist loaf has a cream cheese swirl running through it. On this visit I paired it with a cup of Earl Grey with Lavender. Not because I thought they went well together, but because our recent houseguest from England got me (re)hooked on EG with cream. Good Earl Grey with heavy cream is like crack. But anyway...I didn't care for Peet's EG. Instead, I'd go for a soy chai with the pumpkin bread. Theirs is made with masala chai, a little sweet with the vanilla soy but always frothed up nicely. Chai--one of my favorites no matter what season--is a lovely hot beverage for Fall. read more

The staff is so nice here and accomodating. The layout allows for multiple options including main room, back room and outdoors with quaint surroundings. read more

Peet's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

This location is like a Peet's museum. In loitering there we discovered it was the first and original Peet's. Go figure huh?

I enjoyed the feeling of being inside here. It's cozy and I can smell the coffee in the air. The store is pretty small but has a nice history section of Alfred in the back. People study at the back as well just to point it out. The service kinda sucked and thy seemed very tired. That part doesn't matter much. I felt like I stepped into a house full of ancient peets artifacts. I ended up ordering a simple masala chai while my gf had lavender tea. We had a nice chit chat here while examining the place. I finally got to see the home of Peets!! It really is the heart and soul of the coffee movement here in B town. read more

Pretty much where it all began. Great coffeehouse in an area of Berkeley that's secluded yet vibrant with locals.

4p caramel sauce not syrup makes me enjoy my coffee much more!

I seriously, seriously cannot STAND Major Dickison's Blend. Okay....moving on... Arabian Mocha Java is my favorite way to start the morning. I'm also a fan of Sumatra. I don't know what I'd do without my Peet's! I love you! read more

I am a Peet's fan and this is one of my favorite locations because it is such a nice place to sit on a sunny day and it is a open nice and early if you wanna swing by on your way to the train. Pastry options far superior to starbucks read more