Awaken Cafe & Roasting

I’ve always loved Awaken since moving to downtown Oakland. The espresso is top notch, there’s plenty of space to sit inside, and the Adirondack chairs out front are a sweet place to sip and people watch. Recently they upped their bagel game and do yummy egg and cheese and salmon bagels.

Awaken Cafe is a gem in Oakland! The space is clean and thoughtfully designed, with different seating zones that make it perfect for both getting work done and just hanging out. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the coffee—made from their own roast—is excellent. We had bagels with cream cheese for breakfast, and they were just perfect. Based on that, I’d bet their patties and other baked goods are just as good. The staff are friendly in a way that feels genuine—Oakland-style friendly, meaning they’re not putting on a show, just real and welcoming. If you’re looking for a solid cafe with great coffee and good vibes, this is the spot!

Just in town for a couple days for some meetings nearby and met a friend here for coffee before. Really like their cafe design and the ambience. Met the guy who does the roasting and the staff are all friendly. I like lighter fruitier coffees but they don’t do pour overs but they had a medium roast coffee on drip so I tried that and liked it. Good tasting notes and balanced. Honestly I’m a bit overwhelmed by so many coffee options in the area but this one seems to be a good one so I certainly recommend!

A cool shop with decent food and coffee and kind onions. The salmon bagel with capers and onions did not taste as good as it sounded. There were also little flies circling in the restaurant that freaked me out

When I'm working in Oakland, this is my go to coffee shop. The staff are absolutely fantastic, warm, and welcoming. They're also accommodating to a remote worker who is tired of being at the desk in a hotel. A few of us were posted up while working, sipping delightful coffees and teas. Lox & capers on a toasted everything bagel is my favorite.

The service was incredibly nice. The food was really good although I do recommend reading the menu and adding toppings for the avocado toast, however the toast drizzled with olive oil + avocado was really good just plain! The lavender latte with oat milk is the best one I’ve tried anywhere. Highly recommend going here. Also great for accommodating to the customer needs!

I loved this cafe. Got an Ube latte with the toast. The service was the best out of the 5 cafes I visited in Oakland. I'm also a barista so the coffee wasn't out of this world good but the food definitely is for a cafe. Got a hummus toast w the olives, I don't even like olives but it paired really well. The ube latte was a little grainy for my taste but not bad, just not for me. Seating was ample and handicapped friendly.

This coffee spot seems to be an awesome shill spot to grab a quick cup of coffee or even stay awhile and get some work done. The space is beautiful and the Ube Latte (only thing I have ordered from there - so far) is delicious. Unfortunately I did not know that it did not have coffee inside of it but the barista asked me if I knew that after I already ordered and added in an espresso shot for free 👌🏽👌🏽♥️♥️. Great customer service!! Check this place out. I'm sure everything is fantastic including the delicious looking food! The menu is pretty extensive!

Most days I want coffee, but this morning, I was really craving a matcha latte. Decided to venture a different way from my hotel and arrive to Awaken Coffee. Super cute ambience inside and their baked goods looked bomb. Cashier was super nice and was in and out with minutes. Super happy with my iced matcha!

Cute place, good coffee, fast service. I didn't try the food but it looked good. Note that they don't have wifi, so you'll want to tether if you want to sit and work for a while. Did not investigate the bathroom situation. Presumably they have one.

I've passed by many times when walking in downtown Oakland, but decided to finally stop in it. On Monday afternoon, there were a few people ahead of me so it took about 8 minutes to get my drink. I ordered a matcha latte, large, iced, whole milk. It's currently $6.50 for a regular size matcha latte and $7.25 for large before tip. It comes unsweetened by default which I like, since it allows me to taste the matcha better. It still had a little more milk than I prefer. I'm bummed that it costs as much as it does, but I know this is actually average or better for a matcha latte of that size in this area. They offer a seasonal fall special of pecan pie latte and I also saw they sell lavender, salted caramel, and ube lattes which I'm interested in trying in the future.

This cafe is well worth a visit! Their latte art is beautiful, especially for the lavender latte. We tried the lavender latte and vanilla latte. Both drinks were flavorful and satisfied our caffeine cravings. The service was also friendly and attentive.

Had a need to find a coffee shop nearby in downtown Oakland, I needed to cool my heels for a couple hours. I looked up and found this really cute coffee shop. Very bright and cheerful in a modern building, but that aside it has a nice feel and look about it. The chairs outside are cheerful and fun on summer days, today was raining so it just turned into a landmark frankly. Walking inside the staff were friendly and prompt and helpful. I opted for a bagel And cream cheese, the bagels are really good and they look very well done and a bit artisan in my opinion. I ordered a vanilla oatmeal latte and it was smooth and had a nice vanilla to it. That had great proportions. Not too sweet, but enough vanilla and the flavor that you could savor. I picked a window seat and this is a great place for people watching. Considering it's a downtown on a Saturday where there's not too many people out this place attracted a crowd. It's clearly a place where people enjoy being in meeting people and having long conversations. The music is not too loud, and the buzz and the friendliness of the people coming here is great. It is in Oasis in downtown on a Saturday for sure and I could imagine there's quite a buzz on the weekend. Due to all the good things I have to give this five stars. Some just stand out in our bright and shining and just need to be talked about and if I'm ever in the area, I will definitely go to this place.

First impression the place is very clean and has good air flow. It has a big space for people to come sit and have their coffee. It serves coffee, tea and food/lunch. I try their Ube Latte, that's what it was exciting me. It served its purpose for the hot weather. The barista was super friendly and nice. She told me that the Ube have no caffeine in it but you can also add an espresso in it. First slip was very good, I enjoy the small chunk of Ube. I added some honey for more sweet, but you don't to because it's already sweetened. Definitely come back try their coffee next!

I really love this place. I'm never disappointed. They have the cutest lattes and I got this pecan pie latte with almond milk from their holiday specials. The service here is perfect. It's always right on time and the drinks are quality for sure and I love the ambience it's always set up really pretty in there.

I have been going to Awaken for many years. The quality of their cold brew is very good. Since that is basically all I ever get, I can't attest to the rest of the menu. The cold brew is smooth but with the right amount of acidity and bitterness, very addicting to a coffee nut like me. I'll keep coming back here just for that!

My boss wanted to get together at a cafe and recommended we try Awaken Cafe & Roasting since they open early and stay open late! This was an ideal spot for us as coffee and tea lovers, though they also offer boozy drinks. As you enter inside, customers are met with a semi-quiet environment. The high ceilings, dark-colored walls and decor, and sizeable inside area provide a good cafe option. Plenty of customers were chatting like us and working but there was no WiFi. Service wasn't special or welcoming, drinks were made and called swiftly. You will become awakened at Awaken Cafe! Aside from classic and specialty coffees they also serve tea. I couldn't pass up on their Iced Chai Latte which I got with Soy Milk. The drink was on the more watery side and gravitated towards spiced versus sweet. It was fine but not my favorite. This is areturn good option for Downtown Oakland--good for pick-me-ups, spacious setting with lots of seating, and a central location. You can also order ahead online. Parking is limited to the street but close to public transportation since it's off-Broadway Ave. I don't think I'll come back but would suggest it for workers or people to gather at.

Spacious cafe with lots of seating. Not too crowded on a Wednesday afternoon. Aesthetic lights and a good place to relax, study, or chat with friends. No wifi though. I ordered a lavender latte ($5.99). It came out with some cute hearts and blue splattering as foam art and tasted good. The barista and cashier were friendly and courteous and complimented my outfit.

Awaken Coffee Shop is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends the charm of an art gallery with the coziness of a coffee haven. The moment you step in, the walls adorned with captivating artwork create an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. The fusion of an art gallery vibe and a modern coffee shop sets the perfect backdrop for a relaxing experience. As you settle into one of the cozy nooks, you can't help but appreciate the thoughtful design that enhances the overall ambiance. The staff in patient, attentive, and incredibly chill. Beyond the aesthetics, the diverse menu adds another layer to the experience. The beer and wine bar is a delightful surprise, offering a unique twist to the traditional coffee shop setting. The pastries are a treat for the taste buds--each bite filled with a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. I opted for the lavender latte, a fragrant and beautifully crafted drink that added a touch of sophistication to my coffee indulgence. My coworker's choice, the ube latte, sparked my curiosity, and I'm already planning a return visit to savor that intriguing flavor profile. Awaken Coffee Shop is a delightful fusion of art, ambiance, and exceptional beverages and treats--a must-visit for any coffee enthusiast or art lover.

This was a comfy and spacious coffee shop! Seems like there are quite a few locals that come daily. The ube latte was something different (in a good way). However, we should have added espresso to it. As my mom said repeatedly, "It's just sweetened milk!" I was feeling like trying something new so I ordered this really strange drink with orange juice and espresso. It was rather...Not good. I don't recall the name. Shame on me for trying something new and I felt ashamed of my poor choice to complain about it. So I'm just on here telling you all to avoid it! Why 4 stars? I think it was mostly my mis-ordering as the coffee smelled delicious. Seems like I should have stuck with the lavender latte.

Love the spacious vibe in here. Note that on hot days there is no a/c running. Nevertheless, breakfast menu is available all day so I ordered an egg and cheese sesame bagel (hold the butter please). Pretty basic and I could tell the egg was warmed up or freeze dried. The salted caramel latte, however was smooth as silk, just the right sweetness and so very tasty. Great quiet place to work or chill out. The conversation is muted by the tall ceilings and the low lighting gives you a warm sense of anonymity. Would definitely come back. That's all...

Beverages: great Ambiance: great and chill Service: great and inviting If you're walking the streets of downtown Oakland and need a cup to recharge or warm you up, this is the place to go to. You will get exactly what you're looking for served to you with a genuine smile. I ordered the Ube latte. This is such a rare flavor to find in a coffee shop, so I couldn't pass up the chance to order this. It did not disappoint. Not only did it look like love with the design but it tasted like it was made with love as well. The sitting area is spacious, chill and fairly peaceful. Not much noise. I'd definitely come back. They also sell cool artisan kombuchas, ciders and brews in the fridge. This an attractive and unique spot that's a refreshing break from the typical, cookie cutter chain coffee shop.

A truly lovely little coffee shop, Awaken Cafe served wonderful coffee, and provided a calm but cute atmosphere to sit, chat, and enjoy a drink. My friend and I both thoroughly enjoyed our cappuccinos, and the staff were very friendly, and made the orders quite quickly. They do not have WiFi, so it is definitely more of a place to sit and experience rather than a work environment. But overall we loved our visit!

Service 5/5 super friendly and patient barista Ambiance 4/5 - huge inside dining area, lots of tables that weren't bussed yet though. Food 4/5 I got a poppyseed bagel with butter and nectarine frog hollow jam (that is the brand name - I asked and there is no frog in the jam ). It was pretty good for a west coast bagel, not too fluffy. By the time I got there the selection of bagels was limited but they had both regular and gluten free options. I also got a hot non-caffeinated chai tea, and their coffee bar had both honey and simple syrup sweetener options. The price of a medium and a large tea is the same - the only difference is the amount of water. Overall, it's an excellent place to grab coffee with a friend on a Sunday. I saw a few people working as well but didn't check to see if there's WiFi:

This place is so good! I stopped here for a quick breakfast and was not disappointed. I ordered a Lavendar Latte with Almond milk and the Bagel with Cheddar, Egg, and Butter. I opted for the everything bagel. The sandwich was the perfect blend of salty butteriness in combination with the egg and cheese. The latter was so cute and absolutely delicious! This coffee shop is a great choice!

I was at Afrocomicon and Art and Soul and needed a pick me up! The festivals were at Frank Ogawa Plaza and my feet and energy couldn't carry me to Red Bay or Delah. But they could carry me to this lovely little spot tjat isn't so little.

I was visiting Oakland and looked for a good coffee shop near our hotel. The staff was friendly, the coffee was good and there was ample seats for everyone. Would recommend

To start, it was $40 for two coffees & two bagels. I know that it is expensive to eat out but that to me blew my mind, that being said I kept an open mind (i was also quite hungry) but to my disappointment my bagel came out with a hair right in the middle of it. I went up to get it remade and was hit with a "oh sorry!" and then the person who remade it hit me with me with a "i'm sorry sweetheart" and the tone was notttttt it. No offer of a refund, no partial refund just two half assed sorry's. As someone who's worked in the service industry for years that to me felt unacceptable. The bagel is grainy, the cream cheese is smooth and creamy & the salmon was smooth and didn't get stuck in my teeth. I also ordered a mocha with soy milk and it tasted wonderful. Seating inside is spacious and plentiful. There is no Wifi so unless you have a hotspot this isn't the place to get your work done. Overall, I would not return here. The worker who took my order & made my coffee were both sweet but overall the experience was not one i would want to have again.

I had a flat white with vanilla and husband had gibatara espresso. We also shared scone with currant and cream and salted Carmel cookie. Everything was delicious! It was a short walk from our hotel,Marriott City Center

My daughter and I stopped by this morning and ordered a vanilla latte (cute art!!!) and a chai latte, and I couldn't tell you which was better if my life depended on it. They were both just that good. Friendly staff, clean environment, quick service, and great taste. What more could be asked for? Thanks again!!

I hadn't visited in some time and great to see Awaken has only gotten better. Not many businesses or restaurants can stay great. They roast coffee on site and you can taste the difference. Subtle and nutty flavor. Love the simple menu. Avocado toast is a winner as is the homemade granola parfait. Enjoy!

Good vibes and great music in the morning. Friendly staff, decent latte with pretty art work.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Awaken Cafe in Oakland, and it turned out to be a delightful experience. As I drove by my favorite coffee shop, only to find it closed, I was feeling a bit disappointed. However, my day took a turn for the better thanks to the kind suggestion of a couple of gentlemen sitting outside. Awaken Cafe is a hidden gem just a block away, and it truly lived up to its name. The service was exceptional, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home. The menu at Awaken Cafe offered a variety of options, though I did not see any specific gluten-free choices. However, their selection was still impressive. The ambiance was perfect for either a casual conversation or some productive work. There were plenty of tables to choose from, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. I decided to try their hot Matcha latte on that warm afternoon, and it was nothing short of perfect. It served as the ideal pick-me-up, hitting the spot just right. I'll definitely be returning to Awaken Cafe for more of their great offerings and wonderful service. It's a hidden gem worth revisiting.

Their coffee is not my type. Service is normal and I expect faster as they are not busy. Nice environment for people to work and handout.

This cute little coffee shop is located in downtown Oakland. I came craving a matcha latte and this place was open pretty late which I appreciated. I got the iced matcha latte with oatmilk and it was really good. It doesn't come sweetened so definitely note that! I also got an everything bagel with cream cheese and it was okay. The cream cheese tasted a little off but definitely a decent bagel. The staff was also very sweet and friendly which I definitely appreciated. Overall, a cute spacious spot to grab some caffeine

This cozy cafe has everything I look for in an independent cafe. Except WiFi. Lots of tables for working, meeting or socializing but no WiFi. I had a chai which was clearly made in house. It was well flavored with cinnamon but was more watery than I like and lacked the complexity of other hand made chai. Service is great.

Awaken Coffee boasts a rich and flavorful cold brew that offers a refreshing and smooth taste. The indulgent hot chocolate is a perfect treat, especially for my son, providing a decadent and satisfying treat. we also love, the Morning Bun is an absolute delight, serving as a perfect pastry pairing with their stellar drinks. What truly stands out is Awaken Coffee's friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The exceptional baristas and clientele create an inviting space that elevates the overall experience. A visit here not only satisfies taste buds but also leaves you feeling welcomed and at home.

Stopped in for a quick pick me up around 5pm. Grabbed a 12oz latte with almond milk ($5.45). The service was quick/friendly and the latte had great coffee flavor and smooth taste. It was also really hot in temperature, which I appreciated (sometimes even when the coffee was just made I feel like lattes can be more lukewarm). There's a lot of seating inside, which seems like a great spot to meet up with a friend or do some work (though other reviews mentioned they don't have Wi-Fi...). Didn't try any food. Really glad a coffee shop was open later in the day cause some of us still want a coffee or need caffeine after 2pm; they stay open till 7pm Wednesday thru Sunday!

First time checking this place out and def will be back. Great service and coffee options

Best lavender latte in the east bay. Visually pleasing too. I come for the latte and also for the gluten free bagel with cream cheese & tomato with pickles on side. It's my pleasure and treat every week.

Much better things to do than risk getting your car broken into at $3/hour street parking (for a max 2 hours, of course!) and walk ten minutes to deal with cold, bizarre staff. The real icing on top is when you're finally settled in with your overpriced (though good) coffee and ready to get some work done that you see up on the board that this is one of those one in a billion cafes WHO PROUDLY DO NOT HAVE WIFI. Get real.

Great food albeit a bit pricey. The morning bun I had was not a morning bun at all but a muffin so they get 4 stars. Service was great but even after tipping they won't bring drinks to you, but will bring food to you. I guess this makes sense I guess. Overall good experience and great place for first date, casual business, or meeting with old friends.

I ordered an iced soy lavender latte and a chocolate chip cookie. They both didn't disappoint! The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating. Decided to sit outside on the Adirondack chairs (best people watching spot) to enjoy my treats. Will definitely be coming back!

Awaken Cafe is the BEST coffee and cafe in downtown Oakland. Service is always friendly and expediate. This is a great place to meet up with a friend or even have a coffee while meeting for work. The vibe is just right!

cool little spot to meet up with someone over coffee and have a catch up/date (which seems like what most people were doing here) or set that laptop up and work a bit! their machine and beans are spectacular, my partner loved his oat milk latte and decided to take some espresso beans home to replicate the taste and experience :') they also offered a free cup of coffee with that purchase! I tried their woakland tonic cause my go to test drink is always an espresso tonic. I'm not used to the lime taste, I usually see orange used in tonic drinks so this was brand new to me. But That's my bad for not asking! I could not get used to this taste sadly but it did grow on my husband and he finished the drink for me. I kept taking sips to see if it'd be better but tbh the lime taste didn't fit right - for me personally. Just noting they use LIME FLAVORRRR for anyone curious!! We also got a scone to share, their pastries taste kinda fresh and delicious! The staff were insightful and seemed polite :)

Great coffee! Cool atmosphere and vibe. Right on broadway clean and friendly staff. Staff members are informative of what's to offer on the menu, which helps if you're in a hurry. They will also try to remake your coffee, if you're not happy with the outcome....I like that! You've gained lifetime customer

I really like this coffee shop and my fav was th avocado toast. However on more than one occasion I end up missing a portion of something I've ordered and paid for . There is not enough hand washing going on and a lot of wild har out around food . I've gotten hair in my food twice. I hate tht I won't ever be going back it's two blocks from my job . So convenient

Awaken offers a warm, nourishing cup of bougie coffee and it's one of the best in the Bay. Rose Pistachio Latte 1000%. When I first came ~7ish years ago I didn't notice anything particularly special, but I recently gave it another shot (there are simply no decent open coffee places around uptown/lake Merritt on the weekends). I have been back 4x since just for the Rose Pistachio latte. It makes you feel loved. The Rose Pistachio latte is seasonal but is seriously the best cup of coffee I've ever had. They sprinkle pistachio bits on top and the rose flavor is soothing - nothing like soap (which is what lavender lattes taste like to me at most establishments). This place gets the floral flavor right and it delightfully complements the bitterness of the coffee. I have recently considered trying the lavender latte too, but can't say no to the Rose Pistachio - it's that beautiful. Once it regrettably leaves the seasonal menu I shall take the leap and try the lavender. Awaken also offers Beauty's bagels with various toppings like lox, etc. Haven't tried but looked good from other's plates. They have some large wooden chairs outside. The neighborhood isn't the greatest but it's decent enough for Oakland. There is an option to order online via QRcode and just pop in to pick up and avoid waiting. But the line isn't long and the staff is quite pleasant and friendly. Order online: https://store.awakencafe.com/

I've been going to Awaken since I first moved to Oakland several months ago. The avocado toast is a great part of the menu, and can easily be paired with any bakery item. There are tables for days and are great for sitting down to write a book and sip on some coffee. Each brew is simple and consistent. My favorite is the vanilla latte. The only thing that might take away any stars would be the music. It's a little loud for me. BUT I have sensitive hearing and the playlist is all bops. Besides, it doesn't interrupt any conversations.

Nice happy cafe with good coffee and bagels, a good stop for a weekend morning walk downtown. A bit too open in a way, could be cozier but I think the wedge-shaped space is what it is. Funky art on the walls, and of course downtown Oakland right outside. Staff was very friendly.

Both service and food quailty is the best! The coffee latte were sweet and had the perfect coffee hinch to it!

Excellent coffee, great and fast service. Ambiance is lovely if you stay in, sometimes there's a rotating gallery of art!

This is a clean and spacious coffee shop with crafted lattes, I got a lavender one, as well as pastries and other small bites. I was working for a bit using Oakland wifi because they didn't have their own which was a bit frustrating. Their lattes were delicious, but expensive. I would definitely return and try others, but this may not be the best spot due to the wifi issue and I really shouldn't be constantly consuming $7 lattes!

Great space. Got vanilla lattes! Will be back. No WiFi if you're looking to study tho

When you need that coffee in the morning to stay awake.... Oh the struggle! Awake coffee is super smoothand I really like their lavender latte. I wonder if they can make an ice version because sometimes Oakland get too hot if you know what I mean. This place is solid and I will always come back. Please make nitro coffee! Because this place would be cracking with caffeine addict!

Decided to come here as an alternative workplace. The cafe has an ample amount of seats as well as a nice atmosphere. The music there can be a bit loud, so make sure to bring headphones if you want some quiet. The temp is a little chilly inside as the doors sometimes stay open, so make sure to bring some layers. There is no public wifi here, but there are outlets! I ended up getting the Gibraltar and a custom salmon lox bagel for my morning fuel. The portions were great, and the quality was very good!

I love the atmosphere and I dig the energy of the staff. It is conveniently located downtown next to everything. It is nice to stop here and pick up a coffee on my way to BART. I like the variety on their menu but I wish there was a little more to choose from as far as coffees.