If I could give 6 stars, I would. I'd like to congratulate the visionaries at JAB Holding Company on a masterclass in operational optimization. You've taken a beloved neighborhood spot and, after last month's redesign, transformed it into a model of extraction efficiency that any private equity firm would study as a case example. Every design choice, from the streamlined seating to the app-optimized workflow, demonstrates a laser focus on maximizing throughput and eliminating inefficient customer dwell time. It's German engineering applied to the coffeehouse experience. My son and I were here this morning and got to witness peak operational excellence firsthand: more than 20 minutes observing how seamlessly the redesigned space deprioritizes low-value, high-friction in-person transactions in favor of scalable digital fulfillment. I was gobsmacked by your commitment to eliminating legacy experience paradigms like "neighborhood gathering place" and "third space" in favor of a pure revenue-per-square-foot model. Why waste valuable real estate on people who might linger when you could transform it into a high-velocity order fulfillment node? The pivot away from that outdated "community coffeehouse" concept shows remarkable strategic clarity. Those old design elements (the cozy seating, the welcoming atmosphere, the sense that you belonged there) represented significant capital inefficiency. You've correctly identified that sentimental attachment to "human connection" and 'happiness' was preventing optimal asset utilization. By redesigning the space to actively discourage physical presence while maximizing app-based transactions, you've unlocked tremendous value that was previously trapped in obsolete notions of "local gathering spot." This is what true innovation looks like: a lean team of workers executing at maximum velocity in service of algorithmic demand signals, while walk-in customers experience the acceptable inconvenience of learning they're no longer the target demographic. The future isn't about creating spaces where people want to be. It's about creating spaces that extract maximum value from every interaction, regardless of how that interaction feels. Kudos to the team at https://www.jabholco.com/ for demonstrating what happens when you stop being sentimental about "community" and start optimizing for what really matters: shareholder returns. My son asked why we had to stand there so long, and I told him he was watching capitalism at its zenith. My only regret is that I can never come back due to an inconvenient personal customer preference for not being treated like a worthless little meat puppet. But there is a large and growing customer segment of people who enjoy feeling degraded before they've fully woken up, and they will make my patronage irrelevant I'm sure. Bravo! read more

Loved the iced coffee, made my day. Staff were really nice and I had a chance to chill before starting my day.

And yet again the best latte in the area. Yes Ruben is awesome barista. I wish the oat milk was free but thats ok. Its worth it. I advise everyone to get a no foam so you get more espresso and long pull. Thank you guys for having an app so its there waiting for me. Service is great. I wish there wasnt a FedEx more parking or a drive thru like Alameda. But I will still give you 5 stars!!! read more

Peet's Coffee - Decaf oat milk latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I love this new drink from Peet's it's called the Zombie brew. It has matcha and cold brew and it's delicious. I ordered through the app and it was ready when I arrived. read more

Peet's Coffee - Zombie brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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The design is really refreshing. They need a refresh on service. I drink decaf drip. They usually make it fresh, however they always forget about doing it. Repeatedly an issue when ordering decaf drip via the app. Today I waited for over 10 minutes and they said "sorry need to start a fresh pot". The area where the creamer is, is usually dirty. Since it is smaller than before, it is a turn off. Seems like everyone works hard and are friendly and welcoming. read more

Peets new Berry Scone is awful. I'll never order again. The berries are fake and the scone is very dry. Bring back the Maple Nut Scone. That was delicious. read more

Peet's Coffee can be busy during the morning time. Thankfully for the Peet's app you can order your drink ahead of time and by the time you get there it is ready for pick up. Parking is hard to find at this location. Thankfully I am willing to walk from El Cerrito Plaza to have Peet's Coffee. The inside of Peet's Coffee there are limited seating. I have no complaints about the service. They are friendly when I order my drinks from them. read more

Peet's Coffee - Spanking Lemonade and Butter Croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I came here for a quick cup of coffee and scone this morning and to buy 2 lbs of coffee. First the "hot" scone came up quickly which was nice, but it has turned cold while I wait for my coffee. A few minutes later my coffee beans were ready. But my Latte - I'm sitting here still waiting for it after 15 min. Coffee shops are supposed to be quick and easy. Next time I just want a quick cup, I'll head elsewhere to buy beans and coffee. Unfortunately, the shop is understaffed and the recent "upgrade" has ruined the flow of the space so you have to walk back and forth across the shop to pick up various items. read more

Has anyone ordered a large sized drink and got half a cup? I order here all the time but this is the first time I've gotten less than what I paid for. And why is the top part of the cup dirty? read more

Peet's Coffee - Large hot chocolate ....not really. It is less - Coffee & Tea Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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Aaron is an awesome barista at Peet's. He was friendly, quick, and made my drink perfectly--great temperature, balanced flavor, and exactly how I asked. Outstanding service and attention to detail. Thanks, Aaron! read more

wow, I've never had such terrible service at a Peet's. The guy making the drink operated at a snails pace. He also did not make the drinks in order. I waited 20 minutes just to be told they were out of peach to make an iced drink. I will never go back here again. read more

Went there a few days ago, had not been in a few years ordered a medium mocha it was good (over 6.00) asked to use B.R. the young. Ma. Gave me a code which I tried 3x did not work, when I asked him to come open it he had an attitude then gave me a different code which miraculously worked. I posted a review for the Salem incident which was removed, I think because I described him and the woke community felt it was racist on that note I will describe myself , I am a Black American female over 40; definitely felt disrespected. I didn't look like the rest of the people in the restaurant. So before you get defensive it was my experience. read more

Was there early this morning. Great service. Returned later to get the same drink. There were two lines, at least that was what appeared to be. So when the customer left line 2, I got in line as the person in line 1 was getting gift cards. The young woman serving line 2 walked off as I was standing there waiting to order and after several customers were served in line one, finally said, the other person can get you on line 1. Not in a friendly way bit rude toned. Fortunately the customer in line 1 saw it and invited me to go in front if him. Then they messed up my drink. Yikes. Cheer up people. read more

Dear Peets coffee managment, I stopped by this morning for a coffee at your location like usual and like almost every morning,, one of your cashier was not up the company standards, not welcoming, not good morning, not smiling , let put it this way" very blank" ppl like that should in the back. Hire ppl with costumer service skills read more

This Pete's does NOT recycle! I knew Mr. Peet when I was little and he cared about the environment. When I asked why they did not recycle, I was told that the city of El Cerrito didn't require it. So because the city doesn't "require," it, Peet's doesn't care about the planet anymore? Would it be too much trouble to have a bin that said: "Drink lids?" It kills me to think how many cups and lids there go into a hard waste dump. What a shame! read more

Stopped by for a quick coffee run before running errands. They seemed short staffed, so with one person ahead of us it took longer than usual to place our order. The staff was friendly and the shop had the typical Peet's vibes. It was nice to see some normalcy with people enjoying their coffee and being inside a coffee shop. After we placed our order we were ready to go in about 5 minutes. No complaints here! read more

Peet's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - El Cerrito, California

The girl at the register needs training, not good customer service. Unfriendly, I said good morning and she ignored me. The guy making drinks , same. Funny that they work at a coffee shop, I recommend they drink a cup of coffee ! read more

I'm a huge Peet's fan. Brew it at home. Sometimes French Press. Former shareholder. Always a balance on my card. Almost always order in advance. Lately, my drink of choice has been the Iced Dark Chocolate Mocha, not as good as the Scharffenberger Dark Chocolate Iced Mocha of years gone by, but still pretty good. Only thing is that 1/2 the time, instead of a drink with a domed lid over shipped cream, I get a flat lid with no whipped cream. Come on Peet's. Either change the description or make sure that your baristas are following the recipe. Either way is fine with me. Don't get me wrong. The drink I got today was okay. Service was quick. Baristas were slammed but efficient. But this is the third Peet's in a row where I did not get what I expected. Did I complain at the store? No. Why not? LINES. Alfred would be embarrassed. read more

BRING PEET'S TO THE PARTY! Entertaining? Then get your awesome tasty Roasted Fresh Daily Beans @Peets You can always count on Peet's batistas to make your coffee just the way you want it, in the mug you want it, with the sweetener, milk type, and condiment you want, but most importantly w/the BEANS U WANT!!! Garuda & Decaf Mocca Java get raves from all my guests!!! read more

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Oh Peet's Coffee you kept my spirits high and wide awake even during the most challenging times and for that I am grateful. From your intimate setting, which includes the wooden paneled walls to the lack of any real drive thru at most of your locations, I truly appreciate everything that Peet's has to offer from their drinks to the small backed goods so prominently featured on their front counter. Peet's (formerly known as Peet's Coffee and Tea) is a local institution in the Bay Area, as it was founded in Berkeley and currently has its headquarters in nearby Emeryville. What makes Peet's stand apart from the aforementioned behemoth that is Starbucks, is that they have considerable fewer locations. This Peet's location has been around for almost two full decades, ever since they remodeled the El Cerrito Plaza across the street, which signified a new boom in business for this corridor of the city, which leads to the busy stretch of Central Avenue and the nearby Interstate 80 freeway. When they opened this location we locals were so thrilled because now we no longer had to venture off to their nearest location on Solano Avenue in the Berkeley Hills. Peet's always represented serving a strong rich coffee brand with the smell of coffee beans wafting throughout their store and this location is no different. Things have become a little sunnier on the inside as they have certainly brightened things up both cosmetically and menu wise. I remember a time when at Peet's all you could get was either strong coffee mostly from Sumatra, or if you were lucky, a hot chocolate. Now, they've enlivened their menu considerably with a seasonal drinks menu and new additions to their iced drinks, which is Peet's attempt at taking on arch-rival Starbucks over their ever popular Frappuccino menu. Parking at this location is a real challenge on most days especially on weekends as they share a small parking lot with the FedEx Office store next door, so I personally just park on San Pablo Avenue and walk to their store. As things stand now, seating is no longer an option, and since our SIP began almost a year ago they've managed to dutifully handle the crowds that they used to receive by limiting the number of people they allow inside at any given time, and you can also order ahead via their app and pick your drink ready to go by entering through the back entrance from their parking lot and pick it up from that side of their counter. What I do find frustrating is that you can only order specific drinks with specific ingredients on their app, no changes or substitutions, which is to be expected but even minor changes or requests or comments are not permitted, which can be frustrating. Case in point, during the holiday season for the past three years Peet's sells something on their seasonal holiday menu called Dark Chocolate Orange Mocha made with espresso and steamed milk blended with chocolate, unsweetened Dutch cocoa, and sweet citrus topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa. The first year they offered it, they sold it hot, over ice and blended, but in between years they removed the blended option from their menu, both in the store and on the app. So imagine my delight that the amazing staff at Peet's were willing to accommodate my wishes and the make the drink, and blend it no less for me, well after their holiday menu technically was no longer available. In actuality, it was just a blended mocha drink with a little orange syrup added in, but the staff was super friendly about making my request a reality. Another example of their willingness to accommodate my specific order was when they introduced their new Golden Tonic to their seasonal menu. I was intrigued with this Mighty Leaf Green Tea Tropical drink that featured flavors of earthy turmeric, bright yuzu, ginger and honey, but instead of having it served over ice, I wanted to see if they could blend the drink like they do their Javiva's (or Blended Ice drinks as they call them now) and luckily Amanda, one of their cashiers on staff was more than willing to see if they could make my request a reality. Once created, it was a frosty blend of earth tone flavors mixed with a little spice on top that was perfect for combatting the winter flu season! Is Peet's the most perfect alternative in terms of franchise coffee shops? In relation to their numerous competitors, it may be your only option, which isn't terrible, as their service at the very least is always accommodating to the many challenges that demanding customers bring their way, and for that I am thankful for this location bringing El Cerrito locals both warm and cool blended coffee drinks for almost twenty years. read more

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I have never been a fan of their coffee, it's brewed/roasted too dark for me and strong. I like more mild light roast flavors, but their pastries are impeccable! Lol I love how Pizza always has some thing for people with food allergies such as myself like a vegan bar or gluten free items. This particular Pete's was very organized and I liked the local artwork. read more

Worst experience I've ever had at a coffee place. After ordering online and having the money taken from my account. I was told they don't have my order my email confirmation of the right location and bank statement that the money was taken out wasn't enough. I spent 30 mins talking though why I should be able to get something I paid for. read more

The Havana Cappuccino is simply amazing. I also love their feta egg white bites, warm and delicious. Peet's is a go to for delicious coffee and pastries. They also have me a free drink on my birthday, thanks guys! read more

I came to this El Cerrito Peet's Coffee one morning after printing a bunch of materials for work, specifically a class I was teaching on Oceans, at the neighboring FedEx Center. Printing had taken longer than anticipated and I was in a crunch time wise to make it to work. So I decided to try something new and come to this Peet's Coffee since it was only a few steps away from the shared parking lot between the two businesses. There was a line, but it moved quickly and the workers were fast and exacting in fulfilling my order. I was hungry and knew I wouldn't have time to go anywhere else so I got two pastries. They were filling and held me over the several hours I had to wait until I could get food again. Perfect spot to stop if you need something to eat or drink in a rush and are in the area. read more

This Peet's does what a Peet's is supposed to do. They serve a mighty fine coffee drink in a mighty fine store that doesn't smell of filthy bathroom every time the bathroom door opens. The only issue I have is the postage stamp sized parking lot. It's way to small and getting in and out is a nightmare. But otherwise, I have absolutely no complaints. read more

Peet's Coffee - Coconut black tie. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - El Cerrito, California

My breakfast sandwich had raw bacon in it I was so mad cause i had drive all back to return the sandwich

Not a bad option for the area. (Ethical rating: 3.5 Green Stars) Interestingly, there's no Peet's in Richmond. This is the only Peet's café between Albany and Pinole. Anyhoo, when I first walked in, I found this location to be a bit lacking in ambiance, mainly because of the seating arrangement and the constant heavy traffic outside. However, as it filled up with more customers it actually became more pleasant. Staff members were friendly, there's parking out back, and it was a decent experience, overall. As a vegetarian who's trying to be more vegan, I can now find a few things to eat at Peet's - like the "Everything Plant-Based Sandwich." This consists of a sausage patty from Beyond Meat combined with JUST vegan egg and vegan cheddar on a thin bagel. It's also nice that we can use our own mugs again at Peet's, avoiding coffee cup waste and the 25 cent charge that Berkeley folk now pay for disposable cups. I'm also giving the Peet's 3.5 out of 5 "Green Stars" for social and environmental impact, based on this: · Reasonable selection of vegetarian items and now one good vegan sandwich and a vegan brownie. · Beyond Meat (who makes the Everything Plant-Based sandwich patty) rates highly in my book (4.5 Green Stars) · Peet's now allows customers to bring their own coffee mugs again & gives a 25 cent discount for using one. · Peet's disposable cups and lids are now both compostable. This helps quite a bit in terms of waste sorting, because everything can go into the compost bin. Let's face it, at many coffee places (hello, Starbucks!) customers' trash pretty much ends up in random bins. But bring your own mug, for goodness sake! · Peet's main coffee roastery in Alameda is certified LEED Gold- the first in the US. (LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) · Peet's have been a bit better than other US chains (Starbucks, Philz) at introducing coffee that's organic, songbird friendly, or processed by the natural method, etc. · Las Hermanas blend is "100% women-produced, Fair Trade certified." Burundi Turashobora is also women-produced. In 2019, Peet's helped establish the Women's Center for Entrepreneurship for women coffee famers in Columbia. · Peet's has now merged with Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) and the joint venture had its IPO in 2020 on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. JDE scores poorly for ethics, for example on Ethical Consumer. · Peet's sells coffee pods (and JDE sells two machines that use pods), encouraging plastic waste. · Peet's doesn't reports enough on social and environmental impact (e.g., coffee pricing) for a company of this size. So a mixed bag from Peet's: Better than Starbucks or Philz but not as good as some other local spots. Interested in writing green star reviews? If so, please check out the Green Stars Project. read more

Ok coffee place Located at Berkeley, this peet's coffee is actually pretty roomy inside. The coffee quality is ok, pretty much what you'd expect. Lots of seats inside, and quite a number of folks who work there from their laptops. The staff is pretty friendly, and the coffee comes quickly. The tables are ok clean, some small debris, but nothing major. The parking is kind of hard to get to, because it's behind the store. But it's there if you look for it. Overall, a good place to grab some quick coffee. read more

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My first time going to this place was yesterday and I enjoyed it greatly five starts might I suggest the caramel macchiato I got it twice AMAZING the service was incredible I couldn't have asked for better read more

I love peet's! I worked at this particular location about 12 years ago, and not much has changed. However, now that I come in to do work sometimes I've noticed that it can be really loud. This morning I went in to get some work done, but I ended up quickly relocating to Barnes & Noble because the music was so loud I couldn't even block it out with my headphones! Overall, sweet kids working here and yummy coffee, as always. It's a great location to hang out with friends, or to grab some coffee before taking a walk. read more

Free medium beverage accompanying purchase of either a tumbler or a mug. My closest Peets: available sitting area is almost always taken up 90% of the time I frequent (regardless of time of day, unless an hour before close)....disappointing. Too small to have any kind of ambiance, and all the bar and tables are wrapped around the cashier counter. "Parking lot" is bit dreadful as well, given that it's very limited. Park across the street at either Macaroni Grill or Payless shoes, and hoof across the street! Happy Earth Day---interesting listening to democracy now at 0630 this morning on 94.1 to see what sort of worldwide referendums are in process and what sort of politics surrounds very real issues for various countries around the world. Sighh---Libya, Tunisia, North Africa in general, and the Middle East..... read more

No ....unacceptable...JUST NO... I asked for a chocolate chip cookie and they didn't have it in stock... okay...okay I can deal with that... But when I asked for my favorite Medium roast Big Bang... the XL barista refused to brew me a batch and said they only brew one kind of medium roast per day ... i don't believe this because I am a regular patron here...it takes two minutes... None of the baristas have ever denied me a regular cup of some Big Bang... I am a regular customer who comes here daily... not anymore! There was nobody in line!! SO NOT OK... I love Peets but I won't be returning to this location!! She wasn't even nice about it ... so for that reason ... I'm out! Sorry Peet's ... but you can do better than that! read more

I find this place is really cozy. Every barista is friendly and the customers are very talkative. If you want to study something or work with your laptop computer in a quiet place, you should find another place. But if you want to talk with somebody, you should come here. You can definitely find a conversation partner. When you use a rest room here, you should ask barista the code. They change the code everyday for security. read more

Peet's Coffee - Vanilla Latte with cute Latte art, and Maple Walnut Scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I can finally update Peets to the full 5 stars they deserve. The landlord has installed security cameras outside and is coordinating with ECPD to catch the smash-and-grab thieves that target this parking lot. Still: Don't leave your laptop in the car. Not even for a minute. The space is kinda small, with the limited seating often all taken. The parking lot is awkward and tight, with few spots. And Peets coffee is the best coffee in the Bay, and has been since before I can remember. Wifey and I are regulars here and they always take excellent care of us. read more

Raquel is Ah-mazing!! My daughter accidentally ordered from the wrong location, and she took care of us, no questions asked!! Also she runs her location like a BOSS!! The flow was amazing and the team was smiling. Very impressed! read more

Been coming here since its opening. Changed over the years. Lots of overturn in employees and management. Inconsistent with orders. My mobile app order was not made to my specification. Whats the point of spending the time to customize my order if it is not going to be followed. Today both of my order were not made correctly. No need to get into details. Coffee was strong though. Todays visit was surprising cuz the dining area was actually WARM. It is rare that they do not have the AC on. Let's see how long they continue this practice. read more

Peets uses concentrate plus tap water to make their cold brew! I get the water part but room temperature water in a cold brew is just not cool. read more

This is the 6th Peet's location I've reviewed & all those reviews have 1 thing in common... I love Peet's coffee! Based on coffee alone it's 5 stars. So the overall rating comes down to the who, what, where variables of the specific location. This Peet's is across the street from El Cerrito Plaza &, consequently, has certain, ummm... idiosyncrasies. Yeah, that's the euphemism I'll go with. Traffic around this place can be a mess. The parking lot is tiny, so parking around here can be a total pain. It gets super busy at times & at those times service may not be totally on point. Honestly, I was expecting a 3 or 4 star experience on my last visit here. But, I suppose I got lucky. The girlfriend & I were on our way to a Labor Day weekend road trip to Monterey & stopped in for some caffeine before hitting the freeway. The parking lot & inside was mostly empty. Service was friendly & prompt. We got our drinks & were on our way in no time. It was just about as good as it could get for here, or anywhere really. I love Peet's coffee & I love getting lucky! Put the 2 together & it's 5 stars, for sure. read more

Although I don't drink coffee every day, I found myself here a few times this weekend. You can say we were Re-Peet's Customers, I crack myself up on cheesy jokes and get my caffeine on at Peet's! I really like the customer service here. People are friendly, even the other customers are friendly. Lines are never too long and there is always at least one parking spot. I get my large iced coffee with room for cream and found out that Peet's roasts all their beans in Alameda. So now I'm wondering if that neighborhood in Alameda smells like roasted Kona beans or Major Dickenson's Blend. Either way, it sounds delicious and love to support the local businesses. read more

During my latest visit to this Peet's Coffee, I encountered a few issues that significantly detracted from my usual experience. One of my primary concerns was the state of cleanliness in the seating area. I noticed a situation that particularly stood out: an individual had taken up considerable space and the surrounding area was not as tidy as I would expect. This included a noticeable mess on one of the tables, which detracted from the overall cleanliness of the café.Another aspect that has changed is the music selection. The current playlist heavily features a specific genre that I personally find less harmonious with the coffee shop ambiance. It's a style I usually hear in different types of eateries, and it feels out of place in the setting of Peet's, where I used to enjoy a more varied or classical music background.These recent changes have altered the atmosphere of what was once my daily happy place. I hope my feedback can help in restoring the inviting and comfortable environment that Peet's Coffee is known for. read more