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

I go to a therapist nearby and I love stopping in here before to snag a coffee for a little bit of an upper before I detail a buncha debbie downer depression shit to a mental health professional. Something about their cafe au lait puts an apparently noticeable pep in my step bc when I have coffee from Way Station, I usually get a pretty immediate, 'well you're in a good mood today'. Which is an excellent cover because lemme tell ya... I'm in a good mood in public just about never. Therapy day Way Station Brew visit usually goes a little something like: + I go in and there's always one guy in front of me who'd "just like a ____", but then will stand in front and ask a question about each item in the pastry display case. Then waffle over everything while still making it so the barista can't go make just that one thing he wanted, and holding up the line. It's not his fault there's only one person at the register but cmon guy. cmon. It's a cookie. Pick one. Not that hard. + I get up to the front and now I'm like... shit, I did not account for all the time that guy in front of my took up badgering the barista about baked goods, now there's a good chance I'm gonna be late. But instead of me being courteous and leaving to make my appointment on time, I 100% always choose to roll the dice, order my cafe au lait, and then sweat it out as I wait and think about how fast I'm gonna have to haul ass several blocks away with a hot ass beverage to be on time and keep up the appearance that I have my shit together. + The baristas here are super nice whether you know exactly what you want (me) or need to ask 953843283923 about the plain croissant in the case that looks just like every croissant you've ever seen in your entire fucking life and lets be real prob tastes the same, too. + This part is important bc I feel like this never happens with me elsewhere but I feel like they actually make my drink faster than they make other peoples', Or maybe I just feel rebelious bc of the tardy thing and things feel like they're on a roll. I dunno. Hard to tell when you're that close to the story. + I've never stayed to hang out here but it is worth noting that quite a few hottie-bo-botties seem to chill here. Work, read, write, etc. Most are prob college age co-eds who I absolutely hate to admit are younger than my period, but there's some pretty 'distinguished' dudes there, too. On my last TWO visits guys who I am positive I am younger than (one was a real silver fox, lemma tell ya) made it a point to get my attention and compliment me - which is something I would normally tear a man to shreds for BUT, therapy day and all, I'm generally more open to uninvited convo bc I know I can talk it through (largely shit talk) in therapy right after. But the compliments are usually on the shirt I'm wearing bc I've been doing this thing for the past couple months where I a wear a funny and sometimes questionable shirt to therapy that says something like, 'in memory of when I cared' with a big grave marker, or 'dead inside' on the front and it's fun. We have fun. In therapy. Well at least now we do. We used to have no fun so the acting out by wearing an inappropriate shirt is a blessing really. Anyway I don't think I ever had a point here but I guess I'll add that it's a pretty friendly place besides when I'm internally shit-talking the person in front of me. + I get my drink, I spill a bunch on the webbing between my thumb and forefinger trying to put a lid on the cup, and I haul ass probably a 1/2 mile away + I never take my headphones out, even when I order my coffee so my phone is in my hand and I'm able to check the time and see the minutes tick past as I become slightly more late. Luckily I almost always get there within 3 minutes of my appointment and my therapist is usually no less than 3.5 minutes late so even though I'm sweaty and hopped up on Way Station, it generally all works out. read more

Picked up two grilled cheese sandwiches to take back to work for my coworker and I this afternoon. She highly recommended this sandwich and I was not disappointed!!!! It was loaded, and I mean loaded with cheese, so creamy and melted to perfection! I added caramelized onions and roasted tomatoes on mine and my friend added bacon to hers, there was no skimping here! So in love with sandwich!!! I work across the street so I will be back! Thank you so much for the most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches!!! read more

This is my favorite cafe. The avocado toast is amazing, and so are the sandwiches. The yogurt is the best I've ever had. The coffee is delicious as well. The atmosphere inside is super nice and artistic. The outside patio is very nice as well. I'd definitely recommend going here if your looking for a place to study meet friends, eat some amazing food and drink some great coffee. read more

10/10 nice outdoor seating great coffe pristine Sanfwich high quality veg best hot sandeich ive ever had diffrent coffe selections every mornign the mushrooms in sand which were hot but so tastey read more

Sorry, no time for one of my long-winded reviews. I'll just say that this place is excellent. stopped in for a quick breakfast with my family before our long trip home to San Diego. The staff were welcoming. No complaints on the service, food, or coffee. Restaurant was clean. Artwork was nice. They provided me a take home cup of coffee for my long trip and our server took a family picture for us. You won't be disappointed. read more

this is the definition of a hidden gem. It's in South Berkeley, not north, so not chi-chi. From the outside, it looks meh, and from the inside it looks meh too, BUT OMG the food! Breakfast sandwich on exquisite homemade bread and it came with greens that had a delicate invisible dressing of some sort. The coffee is superb. Have you gone to a lot of restaurants that have really faux bacon? This has EXTREMELY good bacon! Did not love eating from a paper plate with a plastic fork, would recommend they at least include a plastic knife. I did have to eat the bacon with my fingers. Still, really loved it. read more

Lots of students study here while grabbing a bite. Very nice and cozy environment to study and socialize

Their food was good, but as a student looking for wifi, this is not the place. They also have no outlets for charging. I talked to the other customers in the place and they too had no wifi. read more

A 5-stars well-deserved. A grown-up's cafe. Full disclosure: the friends I was meeting at Way Station knew the owner, but I was as good as anonymous till they showed up. Before their arrival, I ordered an Americano. Simple, but delicious, and pretty to boot. The person that rang me up had such a lovely disposition; we had a brief, spirited conversation. Made me feel welcome. The inside atmosphere is dark-wooded classy cabin; outside is immersive nature picnic hangout. Eventually ordered the fried egg sandwich, which was exactly what I wanted - a little too much bacon for me, but I'm probably the only person that would ever say such a thing. Hit the spot otherwise. I would make this my spot if I lived closer! read more

Fantastic chicken sandwich. Beautiful interior and the backyard is so nicely done. Highly recommended.

Yayy love the vibe and their service is incredible. I had a blueberry scone and it was seriously the best scone I've ever tasted in my life. All the other scones I've tried were always dry and just bleh. I tried and tried again to see what the hype was about scones, and they all disappointed me. Yes, I've tried sconehenge's scones... I overheard a customer raving about the scones here so I thought I'd give it another shot. I will only buy scones from Way Station Brew from here on out haha read more

I ordered two flat whites and both were excellent. They're breakfast sandwiches are huge, but pretty tasty. I came to study and I really like this shops ambiance and good service. read more

I am really enjoying getting to know the offerings at this 4-month old establishment. While relatively new to the scene, the staff, menu and execution have a real gravitas and grounded passion to the tastes and combinations, whether pastries, soups, salads or sandwiches. I remember this space from when it was Lindemann's, and the garden was a real draw. It is even more inviting now, spacious but intimate. It gets a good degree of sun, and will be comfortable in all seasons. Back to the food! The ingredients are top quality, and the chicken sandwich should become a classic. So moist and well balanced and served up on Firebrand ciabatta roll - lip smacking yummy. On a previous visit, I enjoyed the daily soup, which was a generous portion and a unique combination of ingredients. I would say that description applies to the entire menu. I think the uniqueness can be really appreciated in the foodie Bay Area. Way Station has a quiet sophistication of flavors and environment, while being comfortable, inviting and welcoming. This is definitely a place to return to for favorites and new discoveries. read more

Thank You! I am Parisian and this is the ONLY legit Cafe in Berkeley. Super versatile, you can drink a coffee and journal, grab some simple food for lunch, drink some wine, and enjoy their backyard patio/beer garden. Awesome and Thank You whoever put the work to create this beautiful space. read more

I am in love with this place. Very fresh coffee, nice and cozy interior and amazing yard. Muffins are decent too. The owner is a very pleasant person who makes the visit experience even better. read more

Love Love Love this new addition to the Berkeley scene!! Ambiance great, services friendly and food delish!! Had the cauliflower toast --it not only satisfied my tastebuds but also made me feel healthy enough to splurge on their over the top cookies! Oh, and their homemade yogurt is to die for! I agree with the yelp review I read before coming: A definite hidden gem in Berkeley. read more

Great addition to the neighborhood! I've been waiting for a low-key place to get a nice cup of coffee and some hot food in the morning, and a beer in the evening. People, atmosphere, food, and drink are all as pleasant as can be! read more

Love this place and regularly head over here to get away from the usual slew of lunch spots on my street. Great indoor and outdoor space and nice folks. The check sandwich is so amazing I haven't tried anything else despite coming here quite a few times. They make a wonderful cappuccino and have a great selection of brews! Really rooting for this spot! Don't be fooled if you stop by and it isn't full of people, this place is a gem, but everyone hasn't figured it out yet. read more

I normally looove coming here when I have an extra hour in my day for a quick bite and coffee or beer. So I couldn't bear myself to give it the zero star review it deserved yesterday. I ordered a cup of soup. I asked the girl behind the counter what the soup of the day was, she said it was vegetables with quinoa. I asked how it was. She said "it's good." No further info or charm lol. I asked, "so is the tomato soup better?" "Yea..." she replied. Ok, got a cup of that. I actually checked the time on my receipt and it took 24 minutes from when I paid to when anything came out of the kitchen for me. For a cup of soup and bread. When it came out, it was the vegetable soup she had said wasn't as good as what I ordered. She brought it out after I checked on it after 10 or 15 mins, saying, "they made the wrong soup. Do you want me to ask them to remake it?" I said no, that I didn't have time. She thanked me for understanding and set down the bowl of soup. I told her that I needed a spoon. "They're inside." She said and walked away! The girl at the table across from me actually made eye contact and started laughing! That's how ludicrously bad the service was. I went inside and got my own spoon. Took a couple bites and left. Tasted like frozen veggies heated in a tasteless broth. Maybe the soup I ordered was better lol. Can't see myself spending time or money here again. Total bummer. The place wasn't crowded and I was asking for pretty bare minimum service...cup of soup with a spoon to eat it...but that was too much for way station brew to handle at 2 on a Friday. read more

Went there for the rest time today. Really loved the atmosphere and very friendly staff. Cappuccino and yogurt/fruit/granola bowl were both delicious and at a decent price (not cheap but totally in line with everything else around here). I will definitely come back read more

What a hidden gem! Amazingly friendly people work here and make you as comfortable as possible. I love everything about this place, including their delicious food and drinks. I'll definitely be coming back here, especially on a sunny day when I can enjoy the back patio. Highly highly recommend!! read more

Great place and menu. Some room for improvement, could use some outlets to charge up and do work.

They don't have outlets, I get the impression (from the response of the barista) that this is purposeful -- to limit people staying and working too long. Fair enough, but be warned! read more

I really, really wanted to love this place for many reasons: 3 blocks from home so I could talk my husband into walking with me, a local business to support and comfy chairs. But I am giving 1 star for the following reasons after 3 visits: 1) Music: too loud. There were only 4 customers this morning, yet the non-stop rap music kept going. I politely asked the counter person if she minded turning the volume down. She said she will turn it down. But the music was still too loud. I and my husband couldn't tell if she really lowered the volume. 2) Price: Over priced. $3 for a normal sized cup of coffee. For their commuter special, you get a cup of coffee and a baked good for $6. I don't know what a single pastry costs outside of the commuter special window, but must be more than $3. There was nothing special about the coffee. I think it is too pricey. 3) Inconsistency: I had a side of toast another day, and it was indeed 2 slices of bread cut in halves, a total of 4 pieces. This morning the same order came with a single slice of bread cut in half, just 2 small pieces. I am sure I am not the only customer who looks for and relies on the consistency of the quality and the quantity of what a business offers. I left to go to my regular Peet's where the music is never too loud, the coffee and the baked goods reasonably priced and the consistency is valued. It is really unfortunate but I don't think we will be going back to Way Station Brew. read more

Lovely atmosphere; stylish but comfortable. Staff is very friendly. The roasted veggie bowl was delicious! Very tasty sauce on top. After a week of traveling, it was just what I needed. Very cute patio in back. read more

Picked up two coffees and was a little let down, this place is always very busy and hyped up but the coffee was just okay, the staff was nice and handled the rushes of people very well. read more

Incredible coffee! I was a regular and Lindgren's, and this spot's coffee is maybe 3x as good. The amazing pasties, friendly servers plus the ambience of the patio make this place a 5-star cafe. (The breakfast and lunch entrees that were served looked great too) read more

Just came here for Sunday brunch. This place knocks it out of the park in terms of food quality, atmosphere, and price! Very veg friendly, and the staff is as friendly as they come. Can't wait to come back here again, and to try the beer! read more

Not a place I would go back to. The pastries came out of a box and they were pretty dry. My coffee (regular/black) was awful. The guy working there in the morning was rude. Need I say more? read more

I've never left a review before but this place was so cute and delicious I had to. I stopped in after a meeting in the area and had a great cold brew and chocolate banana muffin. Good tunes and cool vibes. read more

Really nice atmosphere. Food and coffee really good. Decor very appealing. Owner is super friendly - he saw me writing on a napkin, asked if I wanted some paper and then brought me 5 sheets! Will be back. read more

I give them credit for for their fried egg sandwich. It's great!! But when it comes to service this place is slow and they never call your name when your drinks are ready. By the time you find out or they tell you your drinks are ready they are cold and bitter. COME for the food. DON'T stay for the drinks. read more

I used to come to this location in its previous incarnation. The food and ambience is definitely improved and the owners are very nice! However, my favorite thing to do was come here, order breakfast and tea, and work a half-day on the computer from the cafe. Now that they have purposely covered up all of the charging outlets, those of us without hours of laptop battery can't work here, so I'll have to find a new place :( read more

NO WIFI. -1 star. NO OUTLETS. -1 star. UNTREATED TABLES AND BENCHES ON BACK PATIO. -1 star. great place, but not conducive to any kind of computer work. good food and coffee, but if you need anything that requires electricity or internet, not a good choice. would have been 5 stars if you could get connected. i get that they're trying to go for a "thing" by not having those amenities...but it's the 21st century's and they're now more necessities than anything else. :/ also, the untreated furniture on the back patio is just asking for extreme splinters, unsanitary conditions, and a potential lawsuit for both. THESE DESPERATELY NEED TO BE TREATED. DO *NOT* SLIDE ON THE BENCHES AND DO *NOT* EXPECT THEM TO BE WIPED DOWN AT ANY POINT THROUGHOUT THE DAY. sat in back for 4.5 hours and did not see a single employee come back to clear or wipe down any table. definitely not okay. read more

one of the dudes that works here is not only extremely unhelpful, but also super rude. kept on asking for stuff that they were out of and he wasn't really offering me any alternatives and acted annoyed af...also proceeded to leave in the middle of him taking my order. this place is way overpriced. read more

We were coming down from a hike on the Grizzly Peak trails when we were on the hunt for some tasty libations. This place popped up and we decided to try it even though it is advertised as a coffee joint. Great local beer choices on tap and they are going to get more taps in to hold more beers. Also they roast and blend their own coffee and the own and staff are crazy nice and attentive. They have happy hour prices and an amazing back yard patio. I highly suggest you pay a visit for brews and coffee! read more

Way cool cafe! And I go to cafes literally all over as a freelance writer. Comfy seating, cool outdoor area and the sun hits just right. Dewaine is way awesome with customers, you can tell he is really loving his job. read more

Great little place and much needed in that area. Incredibly good coffee. Food is excellent, too. House-made gluten-free bread! They have a lovely patio out back. The staff is very friendly. read more