Parking is so nice. There is plenty! 2 hour limit though. I got an iced cafe latte and it was good. Staff are nice! read more

I am a symptomatic celiac, so I look for places that offer gluten free but also are knowledgeable about separate preparations to avoid cross contamination. We tried Well Grounded today because we heard that this was an option with them. Yes, they offer separate prepare stations, yes they have gf bread and bagels, but the portions are TINY. And when I say tiny, I mean 2-3 bites per side of the sandwich for an extra $3.85 to get gf bread options. We got a refund because of how small our nearly $15 breakfast sandwiches were. I appreciate the dedicated preparation stations and the knowledge of the staff, but I also don't want to get ripped off for having dietary needs. When I asked the staff about the size issue they said this was their standard gf bread size. People in line chimed in saying how messed up it was that the gf sandwich sizes were about half the size of their regular portions. The staff ended up giving us a refund and we still ate the food. Which was decent, but still certainly not worth $13-15 per portion. Also had a coffee, was decent, average tasting with Torani syrups. read more

Well Grounded - Size of breakfast sandwich - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

This is sweet local spot, and I've had great experiences with their food (the mega bagel is my favorite), their pastry offerings are always pretty well-stocked and tasty, and I like that they sell larrupin by the jar! I also appreciate that you can order ahead and generally things are ready pretty quickly (like I can order before leaving the house, get there 5-10 minutes later, and my order is ready for me). Overall, this place is the most convenient, best local option, and I just wish that their drinks were more consistently good. I go here maybe on average twice a month, sometimes more sometimes less, and for every one good drink I get, there's probably five terrible drink experiences. I think the fact that sometimes the drinks are good makes it more annoying, because I know what it tastes like when they make it well, so I'm extra disappointed. When I see that one of the owners is making a drink, I know he's going to make it barely lukewarm (that actually is consistent and kind of annoying, but at least I'm mentally prepared). Overall, no matter who the barista, drinks are not consistent. If I get a flavored drink, it's either grossly sweet or tastes like they didn't put any flavoring (or the wrong flavoring? Today I got a peppermint mocha and it was very sweet and did not taste like mocha or peppermint. Again, I've had this drink made correctly before and this tasted nothing like what it's supposed to taste like). My partner got the pumpkin latte, which didn't taste like anything either (again, we get this frequently when it's in season, and sometimes it's great and sometimes it's terrible). The chai tastes wildly different each time, and sometimes even just a regular latte tastes like there's no coffee in it. You just never know what you're going to get that day. I understand that there's always going to be variation, but it's getting to the point where the bad experiences are making it not worth going any more, especially with rising prices (which I don't blame them for, I understand that things are expensive. But do I want to keep paying this much when every time it's a gamble whether or not I'm going to enjoy the drink?) read more

A stylish, cozy café in a residential neighborhood in El Cerrito. The coffee was delicious--definitely my taste. Since I got it to go, I couldn't really comment on the service. read more

Well Grounded - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

A cute and local coffee shop located in a neighborhood! The cafe is tiny, but they offer seating both indoors and outdoors which is nice and the cafe also seems to be heavily involved in the community. I ordered an iced mocha, and two bagels. My drink was delicious, it wasn't too sweet and I could still taste the espresso. As for my bagel, it was a bit smaller/dry than my usual breakfast bagels, but I don't think that's their fault as they don't make the bagels in-house. They seem to sell other treats as well. The two baristas that helped me out was kind and quick. read more

Well Grounded - Spam and egg - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I've been coming to Well Grounded in El Cerrito since we've moved to the area ~ not only was this a safe haven during maternity leave, but also one of El Cerrito's most beloved coffee/bagel/brekkie grab & go spots. They do so much for the community, and love seeing their name and involvement in all things local. As a huge bagel and coffee gal, I appreciate my go-to's. Well Grounded does breakfast bagel sandwiches, I love the egg and cheese with havarti (I like to add avo and their special Larrupin Mustard for an extra cost). They also have lox options and meat options for their bagels & brekkie bagels, with specialty sandwiches like the Avocado Open Face and Grilled Turkey Pesto. For the price, I think there is a slight miss on portion sizes matching the value, but still solid and quality. There are seasonal drink/food specials and now an inclusion of local beer from the cooler. Also, a fun game to follow along and play with is their Name of the Day that they place outside for a complimentary house-made drink. Limited seating upstairs, but pro-tip for those on a walk with kiddo/doggy, head up the street like you're walking to 7-11 and make your first left at the corner for their outdoor seating. read more

Well Grounded - Egg/Havarti on a toast onion bagel with avo (Build Your Own Bagel Sandwich) - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Yummmy breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Small spot so suggest picking up. Parking is easy and if your local walking here is lovely. Love love love read more

Busy little spot next to a gift shop owned by the same couple. Their breakfast bagels/sandwiches are hearty and they have a good option of lattes. I drop by whenever I'm in town. read more

Very tiny little coffee shop, a little hidden. Got a cappuccino. They offer a few flavorings, normal ones like vanilla, caramel and hazelnut. It was okay! They offer alot of different lunch type foods like sandwiches as well, as well has breakfast products! read more

Well Grounded - Baked goods they offer - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

As if our experience wasn't bad enough...now the owner responds (over a month later?) and has the unmitigated gull to lie about our experience on so many levels. First, we were absolutely NOT ten feet away while debris was being swept at us. The little table is facing the curb - everyone that goes there, knows where the table on the side is, and I was sitting on the chair closest to the curb, one foot from the curb where you (your husband) was furiously; yes furiously sweeping the debris toward us while we were both drinking our OPEN drinks. So I guess stating that they had lids made it ok to sweep the street toward us? I literally had to shake the dust out of my hair as we walked off dismayed. Also, we do not keep lids on when we drink; but good try. And yes, we also ordered a sandwich that day...hence the gluten questions. We were anxious to give your gluten free sandwich a try, although we have always only ordered straight coffee in the past - and while you attempt to discredit my review by stating I am not a local, you are dead wrong. While we own two houses, one in San Ramon and one in El Cerrito, we have been part of the El Cerrito and San Ramon communities as a couple for over 18 years. So yes, we were regular customers until this happened, and always met with great service by your employees. I would, however, like to know, why on God's green earth if allergies are important to you, you would think it reasonable to sweep street debris TOWARD your customers? You stated, "Allergies are important to us, too, because both owners and our staff have allergies." - clearly they aren't important to you. Also, why is the wife/owner responding when she wasn't even there?? So many attempts to save your reputation yet so very dishonest...you claimed we didn't attempt to talk to you about it. So how then did you have our phone number? Unfortunately for you, we did call within ten minutes of taking off upset, as that's how close we live in the community, and we left a message with your employee, and we waited....and waited....and waited...no return call. Another lie. Yet, well over a week later AFTER you read the review you suddenly called with feigned concern. If we didn't attempt to reach out to you, how did you miraculously have our phone number? So please, spare the libel. Because your call to us seemed disingenuous based on the timing, we chose to leave the review up. Maybe it seems mean...or maybe you should just take responsibility. And yes, I do wonder how you handle your kitchen if you sweep the street in the direction of your customers while they are consuming your goods. That's not slander, it's a very reasonable concern. And yes, we chatted with your husband, after he made a comment about the leaf blower, and then BAM started sweeping road dirt directly toward us as if he was angry. In fact, I initiated conversation with him after he slammed the chair down in the street, trying to feel out if he wanted us to leave, and clearly he did or why would he sweep debris directly at us? He seemed anxious, or angry, or wired. Either way, we were upset enough to leave immediately and write a review after we didn't hear back; and we chose to write one instead of two separate reviews, as we wanted to fairly let people know of our experience, but perhaps two would have been more apropos to your accusation of our "rudeness." You see, there is this platform called YELP, and we use it to inform one another of our experiences, both good, bad, and in between. I suppose if it's a review you don't like, then we're rude. And for the record, our ages have NO bearing on any of this. So now it's about our age? We live in the Bay Area, people have allergies at all ages...all the reason not to sweep the street TOWARD your patrons. But your issue with us wearing masks? Perhaps the masks we wore into the cafe is the reason you (your husband) treated us this way in the first place. Why else would you bring up the masks if it isn't an issue for you? People still wear masks for a multitude of reasons. I work with medically compromised children. But I shouldn't have to explain why we wear masks in public to anyone. If that's an issue for you, maybe you should let your customers know; especially for many of us who are, as you state, "elderly" though we in our 60's don't really consider ourselves elderly. Way to insult your customers with ageism though. Perhaps do better the next time someone calls you to directly speak with you about an issue instead of going on the defense once they inform others. Take some responsibility. Also, your Chai Tea or whatever you want to call it, is watered down milk; and I drink a lot of very good Chai. Yours is an embarrassment; I don't care what type of transparently gimmicky sales pitch you attempt to put on it. read more

Last 4 times I've gone here they leave at least one ingredient off of my sandwich. Most of the time I'm not charged for it on the receipt it's just the person taking the order not paying attention. Last time I bartered a rice crispy for my bacon missing, no biggie. It was ungood, instant regret. This time I asked to just pay for the missing cream cheese. $2.10. Then on closer inspection my bacon was missing that was the basic sandwich ingredient. It's hella frustrating. Then I thought about how many times it's happened... Almost feels intentional at this point. I won't be back. If someone is paying $8-16 for a breakfast sandwich care enough to get it right I shouldn't need to eat it deconstructed and cold. It always sounds so good after the gym and is convenient. Good coffee but do better. read more

The most amazing veggie bagel topped eyed cucumber , avocado and tomato! Well grounded is a hidden gem in el Cerrito! They have a good variety of SANDWICHES and salads ! Service was excellent and highly recommended! read more

First time here and I was honestly drooling over having a morning bun. I never had one of these before and I LOVED this. For those that never tried this, it looks like a cinnamon roll but it's made out of a croissant dough with sugar sprinkled on top. The inside of the bun is also nice and soft. Parking wasn't bad. It's just on a street so be prepared to parallel park. They are also slightly busy in the morning so be prepared to wait but they have an online ordering system too. I would highly suggest this place for anyone that likes to explore coffee shops! read more

Well Grounded - Outside - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

See all

Amazing bagels and coffee. Loved that it was organic coffee as well. Service was friendly and quick with orders.

I was craving a good bagel before going on my Costco shopping spree and came across this place on Yelp. Location of the outdoor cafe is in the middle of a neighborhood and street parking is available. They sold coffee, sandwiches, bagels, and pastries and it has a nice community vibe. Nearby there were some folks meeting up for a group walk. Ordering/pickup is done from an outside window. I ordered The Caputo, which is a bagelwich with wild Alaskan Salmon Lox, cream cheese, capers, cucumbers, Larrupin ' Sauce (tasted like honey mustard). I chose the "the works" bagel, which is like an everything bagel. Price was $11.95 but was flavorful and yummy. It can get a bit messy with all of the sauce so I suggest arming yourself with some napkins before digging in. I polished off the whole thing and it kept me full for most of the day. The other sandwiches on the menu look delicious and if I am back in the area, I'll definitely give them a try. read more

See all

Great spot. Lots of snacks, beverages, and even beer! Indoor and outdoor seating. Fantastic gift shop right next door. Enjoy!

This is a great neighborhood coffee place with terrific made to order food. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Jenny and Kevin, the owners, have created a much appreciated gathering place for El Cerrito. read more

Nice neighborhood place with good simple sandwich and coffee. We usually go when we need to pick up something for a picnic.

Post gym had me feeling extremely hungry. I had a busy day ahead of me so I needed something quick and easy and figured that a bagel would be my best bet. My boyfriend found this place through Yelp and we decided to split the bacon and cheese bagel. We opted for the poppy bagel with havarti cheese. The bagel itself was ok. For $8, I would've at least liked to have felt like I am indulging in my food, especially with something so simple yet has the potential to be delicious, like a bacon egg cheese bagel! I didn't get that feeling from this bagel. The egg was quite bland and sad. However, the service here is EXCELLENT. Everyone was so kind and uplifting. It is the "local friendly neighboorhood spot" vibes - which is what I would imagine in El Cerrito. I really appreciate the kind service and the warm welcomes here! read more

Well Grounded - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

See all

I was in the area, saw this place on Yelp and wanted to try it. I ordered a 2 salmon lox bagel on the works and 2 lattes. Service was okay but took some time. Seems like it was just a teenager working there with one other person. I got my latte and it wasn't piping hot like how it is when I get it from Starbucks. I personally love my coffee hot but most places can't do that because the directly use the cold milk the coffee becomes much warmer rather than hot. So that's fine, not a huge surprise. I do want to clarify the coffee wasn't cold but just not Starbucks hot if you want I mean. I went home and opened the bagel and realized the bagel seemed off... then realized the gave me the 2 bottoms to my bagel and it was missing the "works". I was pretty disappointed to be honest. The bagel was also not soft or fluffy, it was also not warm or felt toasted. Cream cheese was good though and the salmon was too. I did like that they offered an autumn menu with pumpkin items. There is nearby street parking. Located in a quaint neighborhood. read more

See all

My boyfriend and I wanted something nearby and quick this morning for breakfast. I came across Well Grounded on Yelp and figured, why not! The service here was nice and smooth. We liked the pumpkin pie latte and the cinnamon bun. My boyfriend ordered the turkey spinach pesto sandwich and we both ordered what I want to say is the jasper - bacon, egg, and their sauce that starts with an L. I wish I knew they offered jelly on the bagels because their specialty sauce wasn't for me. The bagel was less than appetizing - very plain for a bagel. Maybe I should have added cheese but even then, the bacon wasn't cooked to my liking - delicious and lightly crispy. It was soggy, and if I didn't see it in my bagel I wouldn't know it was in there. I only ate half. As for the turkey spinach pesto sandwich, i tried it and I thought it was good. My boyfriend, however, wasn't much of a fan. The only way I can explain this is some people just like pesto and others only like it on their pasta. I'd have to say my boyfriend is the latter. read more

Well Grounded - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

See all

Really good local coffee spot! I was in town visiting and I usually get coffee everyday and a friend took me here because it's one of his favourite places! He says they specialize in drip coffees but I've been on an espresso phase recently so I just got a cappuccino and wow that coffee is strong but also really good! My boyfriend tried the drip coffee - just black and said it was pretty good as well. They also sell breakfast food such as assorted bagel sandwiches and paninis and sandwiches and I saw that the other customers that came all ordered food so it has to be good and it smelled really good too so I would definitely try something out next time! I remember going to this place years ago and it was open but with Covid it's closed off so you just order at the window and wait outside for your order. read more

Well Grounded - the outside of a coffee shop - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

The sandwiches and coffee here are excellent. Can't get enough, keep coming back for more. Service is also excellent. What a neighborhood gem, so grateful for passing by and deciding to drop in that one day, now it's a favorite place for snacking on the run. read more

Well I wanted to live this place! Since wise Bros in Marin closed, the need for a good Jewish bagel has been tougher to access! El Cerrito????? made and delivered fresh everyday???? Hm we gotta give it a go. Bae the bread queen knows her bagels. We both got everything ones with bacon and cream cheese on the side. Meh was the bagel once we got home. However according to Bae also the coffee queen said her double macchiato was better than 4$'s. (Starbucks) And they were so polite energetic and effervescent, with everyone coming by whom they seemed to know personally, it's hard to argue. Definitely go for a cup of Joe! read more

Well Grounded - Apparently a place to have a cup o Joe, a nosh and work if you need to have office space - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Well Grounded had a short line so got into as i needed a brew offerings: sandwiches, bagels, coffee brew: freshly brewed organic coffee (m. 2.50) -smooth sipping light roast coffee, no acidity. semi-robust, it's better than starbux' blonde 3.5 stars drips: -takes about 10 minutes -everyone has to wait... -no outside seating in front, read more

Well Grounded - Organic coffee (m. 2.50) - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Lovely local spot for breakfast, lunch or a beer. Delicious bagels. Efficient and friendly.

I got some bagels, a sandwich and an iced coffee from here today. The sandwich was 'hecka good' according to my 13 year old, and the iced coffee was delicious and strong. I also spilled my *entire* first iced coffee, and the young folks working there were so sweet, refused my help cleaning it, and gave me another iced coffee no charge. read more

5 stars for a great cup of java! Ordered an Organic cup of coffee and I must say, it was smooth and tasty. Have to go back and try their sando's. Parking: street Customer service: nice read more

Wanted a tasty breakfast but didn't want to cook, yelped a bagel spot and just tried it out! I want to apologize in advance because I did not take a picture of my egg and cheese bagel and my husbands mega breakfast bagel because we INHALED them. Service was great, a line from the little window, and such a little hidden gem in a neighborhood. Everyone was kind and just a charming space. Decent prices, I was going to say a little steep for me but then I ate the bagel and said, "oh, that's why". Overall, I'd go again if I was in the area and get some coffee next time! read more

See all

You don't expect to find this tiny coffee spot on the way up the hill in El Cerrito because it's heavily residential around these parts. Glad it's here just for convenience, but I think they could put a little more effort into this operation. First of all, the young servers appeared a lot more interested in talking to each other than taking my order. I almost felt guilty intruding on their conversation by ordering the $3.20 Medium Cafe au Lait (photo: http://bit.ly/2nIZcoY). It was certainly good enough, and they offer seating up a tiny flight to the compact space next door. Hang out if you like. Me? I just felt I was eavesdropping. COFFEE - 3.5 stars...nicely executed AMBIANCE - 3 stars...if you like walk-in closets SERVICE - 2.5 stars...I forgot I was the customer TOTAL - 3 stars...a brief respite in the middle of a hillside climb RELATED - Hanging around in this part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2VyCP18 read more

See all

Horrendous. Service is bad, but food is even worse. They charged me hidden fees. The capote was supposed to have salmon and some cream cheese. Well, it was mainly hideous cream cheese with a tiny portion of salmon. The coffee I got was extremely dull, flavorless. No thank you read more

First time here. I work in EC and was starving but didn't want something heavy ( it was 10am). Yelped and this place came up. I got the Egg and cheese (havarti) asiago bagel with ham. It is really good. Perfect saltiness and bagel is perfectly toasted. Will be back to try the pesto one. read more

Well Grounded - Breakfast bagel egg, havarti, and ham. - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

We love this place! If you're in the area, it's worth a visit. It's a cozy, friendly environment with solid food and light bite options. read more

Well Grounded - Outside of the shop - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I'm starting to question the taste buds of people in the area you call this place good. I just paid 11 bucks and change for a store bought bagel, with liquid eggs, loads of pesto, and dry ass bacon from maybe a few days ago. Are y'all kidding me!!! I can tell not a single person that eats there or works there ever had a real bagel in they life, and that's sad read more

Well Grounded is a great go-to for coffee and a quick bite. The coffee is consistently good, and the breakfast sandwiches are solid. They've got a nice selection of pastries that are reasonably priced too. It's a chill spot to hang out or grab something on the go. Service is always friendly. read more

This was my second time here with my husband. We got their salmon lox both times and I love that they have a few options to chose from. Their salmon is always so fresh. The only reason I gave them four stars this time is because their bagel didn't seem as fresh as last time. Their service is fast and efficient. I got the caputo this time read more

Well Grounded - The Caputo - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

A family member didn't have a good experience. He ordered a coffee with two shots. When he was handed his cup, it felt a little light. So when he pointed this out, he was told that if he wanted a refill, he would have to pay for it. Now let me make sure to state that the person who said this was the same person who handed him his cup seconds ago. Did she think he was some kinda of ninja who could down all that coffee in front her without her noticing? I think that when he finally convinced her something was wrong, she removed the lid. At the bottom of the cup were the two shots. Um, he'd like some coffee with that please? read more

Best Coffee House in El Cerrito! I drive 11 miles from El Sobrante to enjoy their best Cappuccinos.... Superior Coffee and a laid back Staff 5 Stars !! Highly recommend this Coffee House read more

I'm blown away by how horrible this breakfast sandwich was. My avocado was literally rotten and black and they put barely any on for an absurd up charge. The egg was so rubbery and all one color (suspicious). Even the cheddar cheese was rubber. There was no flavor to the whole sandwich and the onion bagel was straight up flavorless cardboard. I legit spit up my first bite and had to throw the whole thing away. A true waste of money and now I'm still hungry and $10 poorer. read more

Well Grounded - Bagels Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Well Grounded...on a small steep hill in El Cerrito. This business has a catchy name for a coffee shop. I discover this place by the advertisement on Facebook and Instagram. This place can surely advertise their business. I gave this place a try on a beautiful Saturday Morning. I was able to find parking next to the business. The people that came to this business surely seem like regular since the person working inside the business knew everyone. Well Grounded took COVID-19 protocol by not letting anyone inside. They did a window order which is great. They display the pastries out still wrapped up to show what they serve. The business is doing a fantastic job on the social distancing. Well Ground Well good job! read more