In a college town filled with mediocre cafes designed only as unofficial study halls, this new independent roaster really stands out. The owners and staff are super friendly, the coffee is outstanding (they make the best cappuccino in Berkeley), and the blueberry scones will ruin your life because no scone will ever compare. read more

Way Station Brew - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Bad customer service for over priced coffee. Granted the coffee doesn't taste burnt, more on the usual "sour" side but I don't think I'll be trekking all the way down Shattuck to pay 3.25 for a large and for some snippy barista to ask "are you sure that's what you want?" Yes I'm sure. read more

This Way Station is fantastic. It is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. They seem to have everything. A spacious indoor and outdoor area, beer on tap, specialty brewed coffee, and the option of turning your sandwich into a salad if you want to hold the bread. They have homemade yogurt topped with good quality local honey, which is delicious. However, my favorite is the chicken sandwich. I have now mandated myself to have at least one a week. read more

I've walked past this place while it was still under construction so I was excited to try it when it finally opened! I love the outdoor seating and the people who work here are all so friendly. Their ginger ales are really unique and a great choice if you're not feeling coffee. Definitely don't expect to stay here for long periods of time to study. There are very few (if any?) outlets and they don't have WiFi. I'm really hoping that they will start providing WiFi soon - seems like it's a necessity for most places now. read more

Chai latte tasted poor, and generally it's a wonderful place to be, with a gorgeous patio for you to sit outside. We, however, had an extremely unpleasant experience where one of the servers very rudely told us that we weren't allowed to sit at a table with another group even though the other group kindly said it was fine. We were also very rudely told that there was no seating anywhere and basically left to stand there with no choice but to leave. I completely understand the need for precautions due to COVID but am extremely disappointed in how rudely the one server was. I will not be returning. read more

If i can give 0 star i'll give to this coffee shop. the place is very dirty, smells like molds! and the food is really not good. I don't recommend this place and not coming back read more

One of my favorite outdoor coffee shops that is extremely dog friendly! I can order the food and there are dogs inside the cafe which is so great to see (unlike another spot I tried yesterday that told me my 10 lb dog had to be outside first before coming back inside to order). The owner seems to love dogs and is super friendly, along with the rest of the staff. And on top of that, the food is great! The outdoor area in back is usually nice and sunny and spacious. Cant get internet out here so would need to use your own hotspot. read more

Friendly, comfortable atmosphere, good food, and a patio space. Friendly staff and customers. Would be there every day if I lived closer!

As I think others have vibed in reviews if they haven't said it outright, it feels like more of a yuppie spot than a student spot, which is great and provides necessary variety. They have flat whites in the menu and make them appropriately, and not as lattes. Staff was a little slow to pay attention to the fact that I was standing at the counter. Good coffee. My flat white has turned out looking different in different days, with more and less milk, but tasty nonetheless. Small selection of baked goods but the few types that had looked good. Lots of food options and a pretty substantial kitchen area for a cafe. They have a case of different Numi tea bags. It was definitely quiet in a weekday morning, busy enough but the clientele were sitting quietly and reading or on laptops or chatting in small group. They're a a nice back patio. The inside and outside seating a nice, and spacious, and can accommodate groups. They put some little tables on the sidewalk, too. And I learned after a few trips that they make the baked goods themselves, or at least cook them--I got a cranberry scone so fresh I had to wait for it to cool a bit more before eating it! read more

See all

This was a great study spot. The coffee is great and they have a lot of great, healthy food options. I definitely want to come back when the weather is nice to eat on the back patio- so cute! read more

Way Station Brew - Roasted veggie bowl - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Solid coffee and really, really good food. The scones are to-die for--go for the blueberry one. The yogurt is thick and creamy in the best way--made with Straus Family Creamery dairy. The sandwiches are not huge, but I think especially the veggie one and the chicken one are super flavorful. The veggie soup is not particularly memorable, but the bread that it comes with is amazing. You can study here, and many do, but I would opt to bring material that doesn't require your laptop as there are not a ton of outlets here; there's literally one power strip by the bar. Also, note that because it gets so busy during the weekends, the place can be quite loud. There's also a really nice patio area. read more

Look and feel of the place is pretty great, nice outdoor patio and the menu has some solid beers. Came here for a coffee and avocado toast though and the avocado toast, which when it finally came out was super simple (avocado slices with olive oil on bread, which I enjoyed), took literally 30 minutes. 30. Even after I asked for an update. No one wants to wait that long for a simple breakfast item. read more

Warren and his staff continue to deliver. This is one of my favorite neighborhood spots and I am grateful to everyone who worked hard to power through this last year and a half. read more

I used to come to this coffeeshop on a regular basis, never appreciated their attitude but I liked their latte and the interior design. The last time I went they messed up my order and after telling them they didn't apologize or fix it and totally disregarded my request. read more

I'm almost hesitant to do this review because I swear Way Station is Berkeley's best-kept secret and I think that contributes to low prices and high-quality everything. You could say I'm somewhat of a brew shop hobbyist, and I've spent time in most of Berkeley and Oaklands coffee shops. With that, this was love at first sight for me. From the comfortable benches, the phenomenal high-quality food, and coffee, to the beautiful outdoor area. To top it off, the owner/manager (i think?) Warren is incredibly kind. I see him making genuine conversations with customers, giving samples of their phenomenal yogurt and really charming everyone who walks in. This place truly is a gem (and so are their homemade scones that will blow your mind). I can't reccomend it enough. read more

Seems like this business is really struggling to provide good service. Ended up waiting 45 minutes for a sandwich, when they were out of the sandwich we ordered originally. It was a good sandwich though. They brought a consolation scone while we were waiting, which was appreciated. I would only come here if you have an hour to spare to wait for food. read more

I was sad to see Lindgrens go but happy to see Way Station open and retain some of the old staff. The scones are made of magic, the coffee is better (sorry lindgrens), the staff is always nice and the food is on point. A wonderful addition to our south Shattuck neighborhood. read more

Awesome place to hang out over a cup of coffee or study with a glass of beer (or whatever combo you prefer). Good amount of seating both indoors and outdoors. Indoor seats are really comfortable - the barstools in the back tables near the roaster are extremely cushioned, perfect for long study sessions. Staff is super friendly, the music here is on point, and the coffee is roasted in-house - what more can you ask for? read more

Best scones ever! They're fresh, flaky, buttery, and perfect. My daughter and I are obsessed and drove 30 mins one morning to get a scone, but the coffee shop was sadly closed even though Google hours showed it to be open. read more

The brisket sandwich and the chicken sandwich are very tasty. Great place to work and grab a long lunch, especially when it's nice enough outside to enjoy the back patio. read more

Way Station Brew - Omg tasty iced latte - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California

My new favorite morning spot to go to. Andrew is great when it comes to beer recommendations based on what I like and I can't help but always order the smash burger. Maybe I'll try something else one day. Anyways, at this point I'm a regular and decide to write a genuine review. :) read more

This is such a great place to grab a coffee with friends or nestled in and get some work done. This place has great ambiance, not too mention the great coffee and food! read more

The best chicken sandwich I've ever had! The bread, the cheese, the peppers, the chicken..mouthwatering sandwich cooked to perfection. read more

Great study spot in Berkeley! Fast wifi, ample comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, friendly staff, a good variety of food ranging from light to substantive, and I love that they serve both coffee and beer. Only downside I've noticed is that depending where you are sitting outlets are not always accessible. read more

Great coffee, friendly service! Patio is pretty neat. I wish I lived closer, I'd be there very often.

Great low key local option, I especially like the backyard area for an afternoon beer

This is a special spot. Warm atmosphere, exceptional coffee, delicious food. A true neighborhood gem.

Great cafe with excellent coffee, food, and staff. Been coming here since 2017 and this place has only gotten better with time, and that's saying a lot considering they are a very small operation that managed to survive a pandemic and recession. Excellent beer options, great outdoor patio, and they frequently host local pop ups in the evening that serve great food. I appreciate this cafe taking public safety seriously and following the mandates placed by the city of Berkeley. For those who don't like it - take it up with the city and stop trying to lower the ratings of a local staple because of your own pathetic anti-vax agenda. read more

Love Way Station! Neighborhood gem for sure. Great place to hang out with friends or just chill and read in the back, which has been like an oasis over the last year and a half. They make great coffee and have a really nice selection of wine, craft beers, and cider to chose from. The food is yummy homemade fare. Especially love that you can get breakfast anytime. Their keto breakfast is the bomb. Two fresh eggs, amazing gluten free toast, perfectly ripe avocado and some apple slices. My new favorite breakfast out. I also love that you can get a nice juicy impossible burger. The folks who work here are super nice. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd be there every day. It is worth the drive from El Cerrito. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. read more

I have never had a chai latte that was so bad before. For the price, this chai tasted extremely watered down. It almost tasted like a chai tea bag "brewed" in water for approximately 30 seconds. The ginger cookie was undercooked and was awful paired with the watered down chai. I would not recommend this place, and feel bad for writing such a bad review during a pandemic. However, for the price these two items were not worth it. read more

I think the food here is okay if a bit pricy and the coffee is fine. I used to come here to study but have been disappointed by the poor service - since the barista also works the cash register sometimes it will take five minutes or so just to put in an order for a drink. This has happened the past several times I've been here. Even worse the barista won't even make eye contact or greet me and ask to wait a moment while they're making me wait which really rubs me the wrong way. Definitely need to hire more staff. Also no outlets so not a great place to study for a long time. read more

This place is wonderful! Everything we had was beyond fantastic- lavendar latte, matcha latte, the most AMAZING yogurt with gluten free granola- both made on site and the best ever ever. Also enjoyed a scone that melts in your mouth- yum! And the service was wonderful- friendly and accommodating. You also can't beat the back patio! All in all, a really great experience! read more

Went there many times during grad school. Great spot for studying on their outdoor patio, amazing coffee, amazing food!

Absolutely love it here - our favorite neighborhood spot for both morning and evening sessions, coffee and beer! Amazing breakfast sandwiches, yummy scones, great beyond meat burger, and really kind people. read more

Food and coffee are fantastic, love the decor, neighborhood vibe and awesome back deck. Perfect spot to hang with friends.

This is my favorite new coffee shop in Berkeley. The coffee is excellent and the staff are super friendly. They take their time making sure it's right, and the food is yummy! They have a great happy hour special and a lovely back yard space. Soundtrack is excellent and ambience is perfect. Love this place! read more

The food and drink is good but the atmosphere is snooty. You can tell they cater to the upscale condos across the street. I went to have a coffee today and walked right out after they had both doors open when the air quality was over 170. read more

Nice patio and atmosphere. However, the coffee is not really great and servers are rude. read more

This place is a local "secret" where you can get delicious coffee in the morning or return to the local pub weekend evenings. Great coffee, delicious burgers and beers. Also has a back patio for quaint dining during COVID. Favorite place in Berkeley. read more

My favorite coffee place in town. They have their own coffee, not a generic flavor. It's delicious. They people are great always and I love the outdoor patio. read more