Okay, okay. I know that I try very hard to not support corporate coffee chains, but for some strange reason, I got it in my head that Peet's is the lesser of two evils between it and Starbucks down the street. I'm not exactly sure if they are more sound in their coffee harvesting an am fully aware that their prices are almost as high as Starbucks, but their coffee is SO much better. The beans are far better roasted, the flavor is richer and creamier, and the coffee comes out piping hot (which I love!). I especially love this location because the employees here are really cool. They're always really friendly and really seem to care about coffee which- though the Starbucks bunch is sweet- is something I can't say for all coffee places on pretentious Santa Cruz Ave. I'd always walk here, so the other plus is that if you don't feel like listening to the staff holler out "Medium Macchiato with Extra Non Fat Foam for Bob" every 10 seconds, then there's a lovely park across the way. They also have free wi-fi if you can brave the coffee auctioneer. One last HUGE plus... their cups are small, medium, and large or identified by capacity in ounces. NOT that venti whatever trying to be Italian or something crap. I'm sure if Italians saw what Americans were doing to coffee, they'd cry. read more

I used to work at Peet's so I am biased, but this is not a problem since there isn't actually any competition (Starbucks? puh-lease) Also, I don't really get the whole concept of comparing the various locations of a chain except in rare circumstances. I mean, the chairs are always lacking cushions in Peet's, but the coffee is always great - which makes up for it in the end. The good: Real coffee The bad: Uncomfortable chairs. This is purposeful, since the company wants people to come to get their coffee, then leave. However, it has occasionally caused me to wander over to the dark side (y'know, S*****cks) when I want to study in a comfortable chair. On the other hand, it's part of Peet's general policy of focusing on the coffee, not on the merchandise, the advertising, or even the ambience. They have their priorities in the order, in other words. HOW TO: (1) DO NOT say "Venti" "Grande" "Tall" "Frappuccino". That is sacrilege. (2)Save $: Buy a french press and buy fresh coffee weekly, ground to #10. You get a free cup of coffee when you buy a pound. (3) Get the good stuff: I recommend Sumatra (a smooth, full bodied Pacific coffee) and Major Dickason's (very complex and full bodied, Peet's signature blend). (4) Try the tea: Get a cup of Xiao's herbal tea with all of its purported healing properties. Black currant is unique and sweet and English Breakfast is always a good comfort tea with a little milk. (5) Cool off: Order a cafe Freddo (sometimes erroneously referred to as a Frappuccino - shudder). read more

I'm a huge Peet's fan. My personal slogan is "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks." That said, I am sad to have witnessed the downfall of this location -- which, incidentally, is the second Peet's store in the company's history. Peet's coffee is still among the best in the business, although Philz is clearly at the top of the boutique market right now. The problem with this Peet's location is the service. Something has recently changed in management, and there is a real problem with their staff. I'm going to be blunt: there is a fairly new assistant manager who exemplifies this poor customer service. I remember when she was just an entry-level barista, and I can't believe she's been promoted to management. When I see she is working I usually turn around and walk out. She is incredibly slow and her whole team follows suit. This is a repeat scenario: I walk in and join the queue -- 10 or so people. She is busy chatting with some other employee about her social life, and she ignores the fact that there are a lot of people waiting for coffee. I have seen her literally keep a customer's cup of coffee in her hand while she finishes a conversation, holding up the entire queue. This Peet's is notoriously busy. I go in 3-4 times a week, and almost every time I have to wait for them to brew fresh coffee. Hello, It's a coffee house. Why don't you continuously brew it? Some days there are only 2 people working: a cashier and a barista. If someone orders beens then the queue is screwed. Other days there are 5 people working behind the counter, but only one register open. When the line gets long 3 employees are standing around doing nothing or busy work instead of helping customers. That busy work rarely includes brewing fresh coffee. There is a real problem with management at this location, and the other Menlo Park location is no better, but at least it is not as busy. Hey corporate: your coffee kicks butt, why not equal it with customer service? The other guys do, and they will run you out of business. At this rate, being bought out by Starbucks might be appropriate. read more

You know how sometimes you go to a cafe and the people who work there are crabby and look like they hate life and you see the tip jar and don't want to put anything in it because the people act like they just expect you to tip them for NOTHING? Well this Peet's isn't like that. The people are super nice and make you WANT to tip them just for being so friendly (no offense to anyone who lives in the area but i generally think of menlo park as pretty snobby so it was refreshing to come here and find such nice people working at this location). My laptop was having difficulty picking up the connection and one of the baristas gave me advice on what to do, then came over to check up and make sure I was able to get on OK. You gotta love people like that. I also appreciate that there was a place for me to plug in my laptop. And lastly - Peets does have the best coffee : ). read more

Peet's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Menlo Park, California

As a Peetsnik, when I lived in Menlo Park, this was my Peet's of choice. They had two lines, one for beans, one for foofy coffee drinks. Great bran muffins. Nice place to happenstance meet men over 50 on SAT am's early morning.... Just sayin. read more

I love Peet's, but not this location. It felt old and crowded, and homeless people kept bothering me when I was trying to read. The barista was very nice, explaining a new type of tea they had...but I think I'll look for another location next time I'm craving some of Peet's great beverages. read more

Love Peet's Ice Mocha with 2 packets of equal. A nice selection of rolls, scones, and muffins. read more

Staff is unusually rude. Especially today, 8/27/14. Also, the regular coffee is too hot. I am by no means a "delicate" person. The regular drop coffee burned my skin when it spilled on me. You would think Mc. Donald's would have shown everyone what overly hot coffee can do. read more

Stopped in here a couple days in a row on a roadtrip in the city with family. Hallie made our coffee both days and we all loved everything. It's very fitting that she won "district barista champion". She's happy, warm, and makes wonderful coffee! The lobby is a little bit crowded, but seems to have a lot of regulars. Definitely recommend this location. read more

This is a pretty standard coffee chain. Comparable to Starbucks. The coffee I had was great (Latte) and the staff was super friendly. The seating area was clean, and even though there was a line in the morning, I was able to find a place to sit. For those looking for a place to work and enjoy coffee, this location has terrible wifi. Very slow, and would lose signal every few minutes. Had to pack up and move on. read more

Peet's, Peet's, Peet's! For knowing what a short pull is... And for not blinking (and remembering to turn the ceiling fan off) whenever I order my four shot espresso, short pull. For smiling knowingly when I get desert there: small Mocha in a large cup *loaded* to the top with whipped cream. For providing the ultimate bean, Arabian Mocha Sanani. (And for telling the unknowing that the Kona isn't worth the price.) Minus a half star because I'm not fond of waiting in line... read more

I like this peets. The people are great and have drinks done super fast! This location is great because its close to shopping and residential area. My latte was done in less than 2 minutes, the shortest waiting time at peets ever! Good snack selection..especially the citrus bread read more

Peet's Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Menlo Park, California

The food and drink options are like any other Peets, but what's notable about this location is how ... un-cozy it is. The space is open but there isn't much seating. Spotty wifi, long lines, tables weren't the cleanest. Maybe I went on an off day, but there's little bringing me back to this Peets. read more

UPDATE (7/27/06): the scharffen berger chocolate freddo is good too! i'm craving one now at 10 am! may have to step out for a bit. =) ********************************* i'm not a coffee drinker or lover but i thoroughly enjoy peet's cafe freddo (one bean since i'm weak sauce) in this HOOOOOOOOT weather! i prefer it over starbucks' frap since it's not as sweet. this location is remodelling so no space to sit. we were patiently waiting while people after us were getting their drinks before us so they gave us a coupon for a free drink....talk about customer service! read more

Intoxicating mix of tea and coffee aromas, classic music in the background plus buzz of a rather large crowd on a Sunday morning. Long and narrow seating area well lit being on the corner makes for good people watching. Nice variety of artisan baked goods to keep one's interest. read more

There is God and then there is Peets coffee. I am one of those people who thinks Starbucks is 90% marketing muscle and 10% substance, and would sooner see Starbucks focus on frappes and milk shakes and stop ruining the good name of Coffee. Peets on the other hand is instrumental in my ADD. Getting off on Peets, one of the primary food groups in my life, is killer. Holding a new fresh pound of Major Dickason's Blend up to my nose and taking a deep whiff is Heaven, Mama. Now about the remodel this summer... Nice intention. Big space, But it's missing that Je-ne-sais-quoi. I hereby request counsel with the Peets Space Planning Committee, thank you very much. Not exactly worthy of your Godlike Coffee. But I remain severely in love. Whipped in fact. read more

The baristas are super friendly and kind. It's always pleasant to visit this location. There aren't too many outlets available- but if the charger cable is long enough there are some on the ceiling. There's wifi available as well. The black tie coconut is super smooth and delicious if you like coconuts - it's not too sweet which is definitely a plus. read more

In the winter, I'm a sucker for the gingerbread lattes. Yum.... In the summer, they make the best Cafe Freddo. I've been to other Peet's locations and they just don't do it the same way. I like this location during the day. It's a great place to study or read, but as soon as the sun goes down, the lighting just isn't sufficient for reading anymore. read more

Peet's is so much better than any other coffee place in Menlo Park. They make nice, strong coffee if that's what you are looking for. Much better than that bitter sour Starbucks swill. And they have really smart employees. Me, I have a hard time with caffeine. If I have any regular coffee after noon, I won't be able to sleep that night. I wish it wasn't true because I love the buzz of caffeine, but that's the way my body functions and I can't just down cups full, get really wacked until my eyes spin around in my head and stay up all night anymore. Those were the days my friend, those were the days. Plus, I live a very clean life now, no alcohol, no illegal drugs, exercise, healthy foods (except pizza and Mexican food) and diets whenever my weight gets 10 pounds over weight so I guess I would get buzzed off one beer, stoned on one hit, etc. You can also get delicious cold coffee slushes at Peets, at least that is what I call them. They are so good on a hot day. I just love the taste of coffee anything. I love coffee candy, coffee toffee, coffee ice cream, chocolate covered coffee beans (what a buzz those give you, like little hits of speed), coffee smell, I'm a coffee nut from head to toe. If you want to sit and people watch you can do that too. It is just a nice place to go on the corner or you can just pick one up and go to Fremont Park and soak up the rays and do some real people watching. read more

Great coffee. Bad remodel. Like ordering from a bathroom. I think the grey floor is the worst part.

The noise level here is astounding -- because it's all tile and windows, everything echoes. Add to this a staff member who positively YELLS everything, even when there's little competing noise, and it makes for a very unpleasant, stressful environment. They removed most of their comfortable seating several months ago, too, which was a mistake. read more

This is my go-to place to buy coffee and tea. I consider myself a snob when it comes to both types of caffeinated beverages, but both the staff and the products here are good enough for me. I especially like that I can get a cup of a given tea before buying a tin of it. The location is nice as well, about 2 blocks from where I live... The problems? Sometimes the line is too long. There is rarely any space to sit. This is both problematic as someone who wants to get out of the apartment sometimes, and as someone who would like to sit and work in a coffee shop. I'd much rather sit with a pot of tea then get it to go, but that is often hard to do here at all. If I want to sit and relax somewhere, I'll head to Barrone's. read more

Hmmmmm.... I'm almost getting palpitations just thinking about a big cup of peet's coffee. I love how rich and smoky the coffee here always is, and the little high you get after it kicks in.... it almost feels like it shouldn't be legal. It's all the fun of having a meth lab, without the constant danger of explosions. I did knock off one star because of the constant crowds of annoying people that seem to flock here... but that's not really their fault! Probably need to check with your physician first before starting a peet's routine. read more

I like 'em way better than Starbucks. I also like how they have grown-ups working at this location who are friendly and converse...and make coffee well. And...and...and yeah! -1 star for not having free wi-fi...though that seems to be the case for all the coffee places in Menlo Park! But *if* they did, I'd totally be here more! read more

This location is one of my all time favorite ones, with good seating. I enjoy popping in for a hot chocolate now and then, often in a ceramic mug, with something like their coffee cake, which is delicious. I see a lot of regulars go there, and like to hang out on the bench outside, most of them retired men, but people of all ages go there, sitting in groups or perching at a seat in the window on the long bar like table with a lap top. It's a good location near Draeger's for groceries, or any of the boutiques along Santa Cruz Avenue. Parking is easy to find, especially in the residential area where it isn't metered. The environment is warm and cozy, not crowded, which draws people in. I highly recommend this particular Peet's, over some of the smaller ones, because of easy to find seating. read more

This is my favorite Peet's for several reasons: 1) I grew up on this Peet's. 2) It's the closest one to my parents' house. 3) My parents go so often that the staff all knows them. 4) Out of all the Berkeley - yes, even the original - Emeryville, San Francisco, and Palo Alto Peet's I've been to, this one has the BEST foam because it's always hot, thick, and frothy (athough the one in Rivermark Plaza is a close second), regardless of the barista. 5) The loaf cakes here are always cut super thick. The SF Fillmore location skimps out. So does the SF Turk and Van Ness one kinda. 6) The staff here is actually happy and acts like they've already had their cup of coffee in the morning. So in short, I love Peet's, and I love this one in particular. Also, this is for all Peet's, but if you go a lot you should get one of their cards and put $20 on it, because they actually charge you $19 so you save a buck. And they always offer a free cup of coffee when you buy coffee beans. read more

Yes, I know it's kind of strange to write a review of a chain with lots of locations. How can it be that one Peet's coffee is a wonderful experience, while another consistently frustrates me? Alfred Peet may be rolling in his grave; though, I suppose he never imagined the way Peet's is corporate-owned now anyway. To my point: I continue to be offended by the afternoon help at this locaiton, usually late teens to early 20s. Generationally, these are people who find it completely normal to be checking their phones constantly and to cast lazy/surly glances at the people who are paying their bills. So, I suppose it's a management issue. Hard to find and keep good help these days. The coffee is still good. Location is good. Just need to work on closing the deal that makes me wanna be a regular regular. read more

Of course, if you care about your beans, I hear this is the place to go. I am actually a tea drinker and find Peet's tea packs a big caffeine punch. This is part of my daily ritual morning walk. They recently had a major renovation and unfortunately got the ambience wrong. It just doesn't seem to work with the new layout. So I don't hang out there, I just get my tea and go. But its good tea... read more

I'm becoming more and more a fan of this Peet's when I decide to drive to work instead of taking Caltrain. The location is gorgeous in downtown Menlo Park, and the interior space looks spacious and cozy. The drinks are what you'd expect, which to me is not as burned of a taste compared to Starbucks. I'm a sucker for iced mochas, and I find them consistently smooth at Peet's without an excessively sugary taste. Parking on the streets can be a pain in the morning, but in general it can't be that bad since it's Menlo Park where the average age of the people living there must be at least 70 :) Haha kidding, well, maybe... read more

Solid Peet's. Lots of tables, decent service, fast drink making. They know that they get busy so I think that they work accordingly. read more

Peet's Coffee - New packaged items - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Menlo Park, California

This Peet's features the same high-quality coffee, espresso and pastry items as other Peet's. I recently had their Gingerbread Latte, a holiday special, that was terrific. The Santa Cruz Ave Peet's is often crowded in the mornings, with a line 6 people long or longer. Definitely not a place to read, computer, or hang out for an hour. If you're looking for a more peaceful Peet's, visit the one a few blocks away on El Camino next to the Safeway. read more

The beans at Peet's are the best! However, this location doesn't have any indoor seating space and gets overrun by stroller-pushing moms needing their caffeine fix, so it's not a good place to enjoy a leisurely coffee. Luckily the beans are sold at a separate counter from the drinks (just head straight to the back) and the line there is never ridiculous. Update: I really enjoy the renovations done to this location. There's now indoor seating near the front, and with the layout reorganization the beans line is closer to the door than the drinks line, which makes it much easier to negotiate through the door. read more

Bought a small coffee and trusted their WIFI enough to take an online test. Everything worked great, the coffee helped too. read more

Peet's Coffee - Super motivating... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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You won't find me complaining about the coffee at Peet's in Menlo Park. Like all Peet's shops, I like the coffee. Then why am I less and less likely to go to this coffee shop? It's the service. The workers are friendly enough, but it can take so long to get a coffee, even if you only have a couple of people in front of you. I've studied this situation because I have patiently continued to frequent this coffee shop. The location is convenient and, as I said, the coffee is good. It's the service and from my perspective the reason is management. There are frequently not enough workers. One barista and one cashier is not enough. As a result the service isn't good. And, in addition, the place is not clean. The counters are not wiped clean, nor are the tables. All in all, I say stay away until management changes or changes its ways. read more

I don't hate Starbucks** -- I just love Peet's. Especially this one on Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park. Since the recent remodel, there is now adequate seating, although Menlo Park weather means you can sit outside about eleven months a year. There is a nice small park with benches in the shade just across the street. The staff are friendly and apparently well-trained. I was impressed by the range of their ages: From what seemed to be high-school kids up to the senior citizens. I've tried just about every coffee that Peets offers. When I don't want to think about it, I order a half-pound of their signature blend, "Major Dickason", which I understand was the product suggestion from a Peet's customer in Berkeley back in the 60s. Their French and Italian roasts are excellent, dark and tasty. But a bit one-dimensional -- the Major is complex. The Sumatra is also a fine product. At one time I would buy a half-pound each of their Mocha Sanani (from Yemen) and their aged Java. Blend these half-and-half for the greatest Mocha/Java you'll ever taste. I don't believe they have the aged Java any longer. The coffee purist would probably take the Sanani straight. Hint: Buy only a half pound at a time. This give you a good excuse to visit more often and you'll wind up with fresher coffee. And you get a free cup of coffee when you buy it. If you're in a hurry, ask for a rain check. And by all means, buy beans and grind them at home. A reasonable grinder is less than $20. **Re Starbucks: Let us not forget that it was Starbucks that educated the average American palate to reasonably decent coffee. Sure Peet's is better, but it was those gazillion Starbucks shops that got us away from MJB, Folger's, and Chase & Sanborn. (And Starbucks founders were well trained -- by Alfred Peet!) read more

Fire people do to religious, sexual preferences, and partiality. Yeah the coffee is great, but behind the scenes I know that the mark up is 300%. Buy from private entities; guaranteed fair trade and local read more

Disagree with the negative reviews on this location. When some genius doesn't like the place because it is busy....well it probably says they are doing something right. As far as Peet's go, this one is def better than the one by Safeway which used to be great but has gone downhill. read more

On the rare occasion I go here, I'm reminded why I visit so infrequently. The service is consistently terrible!! Three examples today: - One of the baristas didn't help people in the order they were in line. She seemed to randomly pick people. - There were several baristas wandering around socializing with each other instead of helping people in line. - One of the baristas was constantly touching and rubbing her face and then touching the insides of cups and food she was giving patrons. Very unhygenic. I got disgusted and left without placing an order. read more

Great store, nice vibe, amazing staff.

Really love this place--great coffee and freindly service Beat The other guys--You know who read more