The Best Coffee Shops in Oakland for Every Coffee Lover

Oakland’s coffee scene is booming, and for good reason. From downtown to the Bay, this city offers the best coffee shops in Oakland for every taste: cozy neighborhood spots, pastry havens, and even sustainable bean purveyors. In this guide, we’ll sip our way through Oakland’s top cafés — perfect for remote work or weekend brunch — and highlight local favorites, hidden gems, and stylish interiors. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a digital nomad hunting for Wi-Fi, a student craving vegan pastries, or simply a foodie exploring the Bay Area, there’s a cafe here with your name on it. Let’s dive into Oakland’s rich coffee culture and find your new favorite cup of joe.

Best Coffee Shops for Remote Work

If you need a café with great Wi-Fi and a work-friendly vibe, Oakland has you covered. Many shops here balance caffeine fixes with cozy nooks and outlets for your laptop:

• Ain’t Normal Café (Lake Merritt) – This College Ave spot is a local favorite for working remotely. It’s praised for excellent coffee and reliable Wi-Fi, along with friendly baristas and a spacious dining room. Eater SF even notes that Ain’t Normal’s menu of “simple, punched-up dishes” routinely impresses its patrons, so you can grab lunch between Zoom calls. Locals love settling in here with a latte and a notebook.
• Modern Coffee (Uptown) – Thrillist highlights Modern Coffee as “a bright and buzzy neighborhood cafe” in Uptown Oakland. With plenty of seating, free outlets, and artfully crafted drinks, it’s ideal for hanging out all day. During our last visit, we saw students and freelancers tapping away on laptops — no wonder Modern appears on every East Bay Wi-Fi coffee map. The seasonal drink menu is a bonus: try their “burnt cinnamon latte” or a refreshing lavender cappuccino as recommended by Eater SF.
• Kinfolx (Downtown) – A new Black-owned cafe and wine bar on Telegraph Avenue, Kinfolx has quickly become a community hub. Beyond coffee and pastries, it features gallery walls and a book nook, but most importantly for remote workers, there’s lots of seating and outlets. The owners partner with Berkeley’s eco-conscious Bellwether Coffee for beans roasted with electric roasters. Expect a friendly vibe, and while Wi-Fi is available, Kinfolx prides itself on being a gathering place — so feel free to collaborate or catch up over a latte.
• Red Bay Coffee (Fruitvale) – Oakland’s own Red Bay Coffee roaster opened a massive café on International Blvd. This airy industrial space is built for community and work. Eater SF notes that on weekends it often hosts events, but on weekdays it’s quiet and laptop-friendly. Grab a seat at the communal tables or on leather sofas, and enjoy their single-origin pour-overs or seasonal lattes (charcoal latte, anyone?) knowing the beans are fair-trade and ethically sourced.
• Timeless Coffee (Piedmont Avenue) – Although known for its vegan bakery, Timeless Coffee has a calm, bright interior and communal tables that are great for working. The staff is welcoming, and you can order smoothies or coffee from their fully plant-based menu. It’s a favorite among remote workers on Oakland’s north side.

Best Coffee Shops with Pastries

For many of us, a coffee shop isn’t complete without treats. Oakland excels at coffee-and-pastries pairings, from artisanal donuts to flaky croissants:

• Timeless Coffee (Piedmont) – This North Oakland bakery-café is famous for sweets. Thrillist raves about churros, cheesecake, and Belgian waffles on the Timeless menu, calling it “perfect treats for Sunday brunch”. Every pastry here is vegan and made in-house, so you can indulge guilt-free. In addition to dessert pastry classics, Timeless turns out savory brunch items (benedicts, pizzas) and even soft-serve ice cream in summer. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Oakland – just look for the pastel mural and minimalist white interiors.
• Blue Bottle Coffee (Jack London Square) – The Oakland branch of the West Coast favorite Blue Bottle. This café offers the chain’s famous espresso drinks and also serves Bay Area-style pastries and bagels. The white-tiled, modern interior makes for a sleek setting. Locals often stop here for the guaranteed quality and seasonal treats (think savory sandwiches or chocolate babka) alongside their espresso.
• Nanny’s Coffee and Tea (Temescal) – A cozy neighborhood spot known for excellent cappuccinos and lattes, Nanny’s also stocks a variety of baked goods from local bakeries. You’ll find fresh croissants, blueberry muffins, and often gluten-free options behind the counter. It’s less hipster-crowded than downtown cafes, but still a cherished local joint — perfect if you want a flaky pastry with your brew.
• Coffee Shops with Onsite Bakeries: Several cafes in Oakland double as bakeries. Cole Coffee (Chinatown) offers organic brews paired with pastries from community bakeries. The Crown Coffee Lab (Oakland Institute) sometimes hosts pop-up bakeries. Keep an eye on weekly menus – if you’re craving a morning bun or a slice of quiche with your latte, these places often deliver.

Best Coffee Shops for Locals

Oaklanders know their neighborhood cafés, and some spots feel like old friends. The local favorite coffee shops tend to have a loyal following and consistent quality:

• Cole Coffee (Chinatown) – A veteran of the Oakland scene, Cole has been around since 2005, roasting its own beans and selling organic, fair-trade coffee. It’s more than a shop; it’s a community staple. The décor is homey and the baristas friendly – you’ll often see regulars lingering over pour-overs. Whether you’re in Old Oakland or Temescal, Cole’s commitment to quality makes it a local go-to.
• The Crown (Jack London/Imperial) – A cozy café and roastery known for its community vibe. Crown might not have the hype of bigger chains, but Oakland locals rave about its latte art and friendly staff. It has a dog-friendly patio (bring your pup), local artwork on the walls, and beans sourced from small farms. People come here for the chill, unpretentious atmosphere.
• Blue Bottle Coffee – Yes, it’s a big chain, but Blue Bottle’s Oakland locations (Jack London Square and Rockridge) remain popular with locals who appreciate consistent, high-quality espresso drinks. The Rockridge location, especially, is spacious with artful minimal decor — a pleasant place to sip single-origin drip coffee and watch the world go by.
• Timeless Coffee – It makes a second appearance here because it truly is a local darling. Oaklanders appreciate that it’s 100% vegan-owned, and they keep coming back for the friendly service and standout treats. Many non-vegans in town note that Timeless is their favorite spot for coffee and brunch (who says vegan spots can’t be crowd-pleasers?).
• Philz Coffee (Jack London) – Oakland’s branch of the San Francisco-based chain is popular for a reason: personalized coffees and a laid-back vibe. Philz doesn’t pull shots but hand-crafts each cup to order, often customizing sweetness and strength. It’s a local ritual to meet friends at the Jack London Philz for a refreshing mint mojito iced coffee or a warm cup of their signature Tesora blend.

Hidden Gem Coffee Spots in Oakland

Beyond the well-known names, Oakland has several off-the-radar cafés worth discovering:

• Kinfolx (Downtown) – Mentioned earlier for remote work, this new Telegraph Ave. spot also doubles as a hidden gem. It’s one of the few places in downtown that blends coffee with art and community events. They don’t brag about it, but Kinfolx sources beans from eco-conscious Bellwether Coffee, so you’re getting a specialty drink at a cool neighborhood hangout.
• The Caffè by Mr. Espresso (Downtown) – Opening in 2023, this long-anticipated shop is a surprise gem. Mr. Espresso was an old-school Oakland roasting company, and their first café — simply named The Caffè — opened on Broadway this spring. It features a huge oak coffee bar and copper countertops that gleam under a soaring ceiling of fine wood slats. The vibe is old-world Italian meets modern design. Be one of the first to order a classic espresso (yes, they even offer single shots) and an Italian sandwich while soaking in this amazing space.
• Damask Rose Coffee (North Oakland) – On the border of Oakland and Berkeley, Damask Rose has a Moroccan/Middle Eastern twist. It’s a tiny shop on Shattuck Ave with a big reputation for its cardamom rose latte (a must-try), Turkish-style coffees, and housemade baklava or cookies. The aesthetic is charmingly eclectic — think hand-woven rugs and open shelves with Mediterranean spices — making it a delightful spot to sip something different from the usual latte.
• Mamacitas Café (Downtown) – Though Mamacitas has gained attention as a cause-driven spot, it still feels like a hidden gem. This LGBTQ-friendly café (founded by Renee Geesler and Shana Lancaster) is tucked into a coworking space, complete with comfy couches and a backroom for working. They roast Red Bay beans and serve donut kebabs (yes, donuts on a stick) along with savory grits. It’s a unique experience — as Thrillist notes, it’s “coffee with a cause”.
• Projecto Díaz (Jack London) – A hybrid coffee/bakery/event space that locals are slowly discovering. They serve Daydream coffee and organic teas, along with fresh pastries from La Farine Bakery. The décor is bright and airy. It’s easy to miss on a side street, but those who find it enjoy the laid-back vibe and frequent live performances or pop-up markets.

Best Ethically-Sourced or Sustainable Coffee Shops

For eco-conscious coffee lovers, Oakland has options that prioritize sustainable practices and community impact:

• Red Bay Coffee – This local roaster/café is celebrated for its social mission. Red Bay’s Fruitvale headquarters doubles as a cafe; Eater SF highlights it as Oakland’s Black-owned coffee hub with an emphasis on community and sustainability. You’ll find single-origin coffees, espresso drinks, and even seasonal specialties like a charcoal latte or candied yam latte made with responsibly sourced ingredients. Red Bay’s founder often speaks about building equity in coffee, and the cafe space reflects that mission through events and partnerships with local artists.
• Kinfolx (Telegraph Ave.) – In addition to being a gathering spot, Kinfolx was founded explicitly as a Black-owned, community-focused business. They source their beans from Bellwether Coffee, a Berkeley startup using electric roasters to cut emissions. So while you sip your flat white, you’ll know it was crafted with an eye toward reducing environmental impact and highlighting underrepresented communities.
• Mamacitas Café (Downtown) – Its mission-driven model fits here too. Not only do Mamacitas’ founders aim to empower young Oakland women through business training, but they also use locally roasted Red Bay beans and partner with local charities. It’s coffee you can feel good about — they’re transparent about using ethically-sourced beans and even partner with Qulture, an inclusive coworking space. Plus, free scholarships from the cafe help fund Oakland youth programs.
• Cole Coffee (Chinatown) – One of Oakland’s oldest indie roasters, Cole Coffee has always marketed itself on organic and fair-trade beans. Their online store even boasts the “largest selection of organic and fair-trade coffee beans in the East Bay.” Their Chinatown café offers 24 rotating single-origin brews, all Organic Certified. If you’re serious about ethics, you can buy whole beans here with the knowledge that Cole has strong sustainable sourcing.
• Other Notables: Many indie roasters and cafés in Oakland commit to sustainability. Keep an eye out for places like Forty One 80 (if/when it reopens) or Philz (which is working on sustainable sourcing), but the ones above lead the pack. As a rule of thumb, any shop that’s San Francisco Chronicle– or Eater-approved for community impact is a safe bet.

Best Coffee Shops for Weekend Brunch or Vibes

Weekends call for a different kind of cafe experience — one that blends brunch menus, music, or people-watching into the coffee run:

• Timeless Coffee (Piedmont) – We can’t say enough about Timeless. On weekends, the lineup of menu items reads like a brunch lover’s dream. Belgian waffles dripping with (vegan) butter, fluffy pancakes, and over-the-top lattes with housemade nut milks. Thrillist even warns you about the summer soft-serve — it’s so good you might get “addicted”. Bring your friends and dig into loaded breakfast sandwiches and dessert pancakes under the café’s rose mural.
• Awaken Café (Downtown) – Known as one of the only downtown Oakland spots that pumps hip-hop and R&B while you sip, Awaken has a cult following. Its menu includes Latin-style espresso drinks, and on Sundays they often have live music or DJs. The atmosphere is lively, making it more “vibe” than study spot. It pairs well with their paninis and sweet, sticky cinnamon buns.
• Hella Vegan Eats (Soul + Flavors) – Okay, not a coffee shop per se, but they often offer boosted cold brews and amazing vegan donuts or cupcakes alongside their soul food. Locals hit this spot after brunch for a caffeine-and-dessert fix. It’s very much an Oakland vibe: inclusive, plant-based, with a spacious parklet perfect for weekend lingerers.
• Grand Lake Kitchen (Lakeshore) – While technically a diner, GLK’s coffee and brunch draw Oakland crowds, especially on Saturday morning by Lake Merritt. You can sit indoors or outside, sipping expertly pulled espresso or nitro cold brew. Pair it with a fluffy brioche French toast or chilaquiles. It’s as local as it gets – regulars will recommend the pecan pie with whipped cream!
• Chickpea Oakland (Koreatown/Northgate) – For a fusion brunch feel, this Mediterranean-inspired cafe has creative drinks (think cardamom cortado) and weekend specials like shakshuka or banh mi. The bright mural-covered interior is hip and relaxing. It’s a newer spot that’s earning rave brunch reviews among Oakland foodies.

Best Espresso in Oakland

If you’re after the perfect shot of espresso, certain Oakland cafés stand out with their machines, training, and bean selection:

• The Caffè by Mr. Espresso (Downtown) – Here’s where to go for serious espresso. The new Mr. Espresso café on Broadway boasts dual Faema espresso machines behind a huge Italian-style bar. The owner is intentionally reviving the tradition of ordering single-shot espressos — rare in the U.S. These are pulled expertly (as they have 45 years of roasting experience behind them). Pro tip: try a straight ristretto or a classic espresso martini if you’re visiting after dark.
• Red Bay Coffee (Fruitvale) – Besides sustainability, Red Bay’s roots-trained baristas make an excellent espresso. They serve single-origin shots and creative seasonal drinks using that espresso base (e.g. their candied yam latte). The rich, chocolatey Oakland Blend espresso is a go-to pick-me-up for many. The cafe’s chilled-out industrial vibe also means you can stand at the bar and watch the pros pull your shot.
• Ain’t Normal Café (Lake Merritt) – It also deserves mention here. Using high-end Slayer espresso machines (known for customizing extraction), Ain’t Normal’s house espresso is smooth and well-balanced. Whether you want a Macchiato or a double shot, they’ll treat it like liquid gold. Locals say this coffee shop has one of the best espresso-to-milk ratios in town, which shows in every latte.
• Blue Bottle Coffee – Their baristas across Oakland are trained to brew consistently great shots. While their espresso beans rotate seasonally, the classic Annie Mac blend is reliably smooth. You’ll often see a line at the counter — a sign that the crowd trusts their extraction. The minimalist café vibe (especially at Rockridge and Jack London) is also great for tasting espresso flights.
• Other Notable Espressos: Smaller roasteries like Bicycle Coffee and Likely Coffee Company occasionally pop up at Oakland cafes (and they know how to pull shots). Also, don’t overlook any local cafe offering single-origin or blend espressos by knowledgeable baristas — many of them take pride in their craft and welcome nit-picky orders.

Coolest Interior Design or Aesthetic Cafés

Oakland has no shortage of style, from historic brick buildings to sleek new designs. Here are cafés that double as eye candy:

The Caffè by Mr. Espresso in Oakland features a 17-foot-long oak island and a suspended wood-slat ceiling, blending Italian coffee-bar tradition with modern design.

• The Caffè by Mr. Espresso (Downtown) – We have to mention it again. The interior is jaw-dropping: an enormous communal counter made of white-oak slabs sits under a “crown of concave timber slats” that floats from the ceiling. Copper counter surfaces and marble accents complete the look. It’s been featured in Interior Design magazine for good reason. Even if you’re just stopping in for decor inspiration, the airy space and warm woods make it memorable.
• Timeless Coffee (Piedmont) – Step inside and you’ll see white walls, hanging Edison bulbs, and a huge peach-colored mural by local artist Freddy Corbin. The minimalist shelving and counters keep the space open and Instagram-ready. The aesthetic is light and airy – a wonderful backdrop for a pastel cup of chai latte or a stack of vegan pastries.
• Modern Coffee (Uptown) – The Modern has an industrial-chic feel. One wall sports bright white subway tile spelling out “COFFEE” in red letters. The other side is lined with chalkboard art and local photos. There’s black terrazzo flooring and playful wire-frame decorations. It’s functional yet trendy, and naturally bright since it occupies a corner of the historic Leamington building.
• Awaken Café (Downtown) – Not visually “clean” in the traditional sense, but Awaken is known for its eclectic, bohemian vibe. Neon signs, rotating album cover art, and walls plastered with concert posters give it a late-night lounge feel. Murals of Oakland scenes add local charm. It’s loud and lived-in in the best way, matching the hip-hop playlists they often blast.
• Laica Coffee (Uptown) – A relatively new spot, Laica’s interior feels both vintage and modern: think deep green tile work, brass light fixtures, and hardwood floors. The back patio with string lights is also quite charming. It’s smaller, making it intimate and stylish.

Every cafe in Oakland has its own personality. The ones above stand out, but the whole city is full of cool coffeehouse designs if you care to explore — from graffiti walls in pop-up cafes to cozy brick-lined venues by the lake.

Conclusion

Oakland’s coffee culture is a journey through neighborhoods, flavors, and communities. In 2025, the best coffee shops in Oakland are those that match their delicious drinks with distinctive atmospheres and values. We covered everything from remote-work friendly cafés like Ain’t Normal and Modern Coffee, to pastry-packed spots like Timeless, to locally beloved haunts like Cole and Blue Bottle, plus hidden gems like Kinfolx and Damask Rose. We also highlighted places with a conscious mission, such as Red Bay and Kinfolx, and noted where to find the best espresso shots (hint: Mr. Espresso’s new Caffè is top-tier) and stylish interiors.

Whether you’re sipping a latte with friends, grabbing a quick espresso on a weekday, or lounging over brunch, Oakland has a coffee shop that fits the bill. Next time you find yourself searching for the perfect cup, remember: Oakland’s coffee scene is all about quality, community, and creativity. Each café has something unique to offer, and we hope this guide helps you discover your next favorite spot in the Town. Happy caffeinating!

FAQs