Caffè Strada

Hey friends! This review is about sustainability only. I so appreciate your attention to detail when it comes to how folks here can use reusable mugs, and also limit their impact on the environment via plastic pollution. The real silverware, the real glassware, the real mugs, the real spoon for the bowl of sugar, and the recycled napkins are an excellent touch! That said, I was a bit disheartened to see how many people were enjoying their coffee to stay, but in to go cups. I understand that these to go cups might be compostable. But a quick glance into the recycling and trash bins shows that there is no delineation between the two. I wonder if there are ways that the barista can work clearly articulate the for-here option, by asking if people are staying to work or meet a friend. I was also a bit disheartened to see the sale of plastic bottled water here. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. And over 95% of the plastic that we try to recycle does not actually get recycled. But rather ends up in landfills, oceans, or burned in incinerators. By now, there are tons of options for at least better water. Maybe aluminum canned? Thank you for considering my feedback. All in all, I was impressed by your Sustainable offerings. Just would love to see some better communication to folks dining in, who would be able to skip the trash made entirely. Thanks again! Lovely courtyard too.

📌Seating: While there are numerous tables, especially outdoors, it can get crowded during peak hours, particularly when classes are in session. Finding a seat may require some patience. 📌Power Outlets: Some visitors have noted that while there are outlets available, they can be limited, especially during busy times. It's advisable to bring a portable charger if you plan to work for extended periods. ⚠️ Considerations Only Halal food is (chicken Panini) 💐Otherwise Great coffee spot near UC Berkeley with a chill vibe. Delicious espresso drinks — the Iced Strada Bianca Mocha is a must-try Cozy indoor seating with large windows + charming outdoor patio with string lights Perfect for studying, casual hangouts, or people-watching Can get busy during peak hours, so seating might be limited Friendly staff and relaxed, community-focused atmosphere

The location of this place makes it a perfect place to catch on the vibe of this university town. For most of the times this place has lot of traffic but it has lot of sitting indoor and outdoor to sit down and work. Regular black coffee tasted reasonably well and had a smooth yet bold texture. Blueberry scone tasted good and wasn’t overly sweet.

Cafe Strada in Berkeley: Hot Chocolate That Didn't Live Up to the Hype If you're searching for the cozy cafe to spend a weekend afternoon in Berkeley, Cafe Strada may come up on your radar — but don't get too excited about the hot chocolate. Despite all the hype, it didn’t quite deliver the rich, indulgent experience you might expect from a café with such a strong reputation. The chocolate was decent, but nothing extraordinary. The café, though, is a bustling hub of activity, especially on weekends. Expect to find it packed with students and those just chilling with friends. The ambiance is laid-back yet vibrant, making it a spot to catch up or get some work done. A friend introduced me to this spot, and while the crowd may be overwhelming at times, the environment has a certain charm. It’s a lively place where you can soak in the energy of the city, but if you're looking for solitude, you might want to come during the quieter hours. So, if you're in the mood for a bustling atmosphere and a place to hang out, Cafe Strada won’t disappoint. Just maybe skip the hot chocolate and try one of their other drinks instead.

cutest ambience. so cosy, very american town vibes. has an old school, classic, 2000s feel to it. plenty of seating. love their iced latte + lavender syrup update: came the day after reviewing ^^ and am here right now

Love their Bianco Mocha (THE BIRTHPLACE OF WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE. CREATED HERE IN 1969). Great atmosphere, across from campus. Fast and friendly service. Reasonable price

Nice, cosy coffee shop with light fare like sandwiches and pastries. Indoor and outdoor seating for nice days. My coffee here was rather good. I didn’t get sandwiches but those looked good too.

There are many seats, but the number of seats inside of the store is limited. There are heaters outside but it’s still very cold if you go there after sunset. I always order smallest size, but the smallest size of this cafe is bigger than other cafes’ small size. The staff members are kind. This cafe opens until midnight, which is amazing. Iced matcha latte was good!

Adorable indoor / outdoor cafe located right next to the campus at UC Berkeley. Here while school is out in the summer so parking was easy, but everything in vicinity is metered. Prices are very fair! I got a oatmilk latte that tasted strongly of espresso and chia pudding that was delightfully sweet and healthy. They're a little stingy on ice and I had to ask for more of it + oat to water down the bitterness of the drink. It is a great place to get some work done with open access Wi-Fi and plentiful outlets. A bit loud if you need to take meetings with busses going by and students chatting.

Really rude people, really rude answers and trying to convince it is the same usual thing you get it somewhere else A new cappuccino as if you never ordered cappuccino before The one star only to write the reviews

Caffe Strada is a classic Berkeley coffee shop with a vibe to match. It's always abuzz with college students cramming for exams or catching up with friends. There's plenty of seating, both inside and out on the patio under the trees. Though given how busy it gets, the seating area is almost always full. Their service is definitely fast, but sometimes that means drinks get sacrificed. I've ordered iced chai multiple times, and it has never been great. On other occasions, I've also tried their vanilla latte, and while strong, it barely had any vanilla flavor. The cleanliness can be a bit hit or miss, too. I've been there when it's spotless, and other times when tables haven't been bussed for a while. If you're looking for a quick coffee fix in a lively atmosphere, Caffe Strada will do the trick. Just be prepared for a bit of inconsistency depending on the day and time of your visit. The staff is friendly, though, which is always a plus. When you are in that part of the Berkeley campus, this is THE only coffee shop that's close by, so there's that for what it's worth.

Love this cafe if you're looking to study long hours. This cafe closes at 12 midnight. WiFi is easily accessible, no password needed to connect. PLENTY of seating inside and even outside. Ordered an iced vanilla latte which was okay, nothing wow'd me about it but it was made and given within seconds of me ordering. Right next to CAL which is great for the students and staff!

Love this cafe! They have lots and lots of outdoor tables in a cute garden with heat lamps! There's also an outdoor seating area with a roof if it's raining. Order at the counter. I got a ham panini and a double chocolate chip cookie. Both were delicious! I'll definitely be back to try the turkey & chicken panini. It was hot and bread was crisp, and ready very quickly. The cookie was nice and soft.

Iconic Berkeley cafe! One of my favorites with all the cafe chatter and sunlight ambience. Love how outdoors it is and the business comes throughout the day in different waves. Even if it looks packed you'll like find a seat with 5-10 minutes. They recently updated their lighting and outlets, so anywhere you sit you'll find an outlet right near your seat! Highly recommend the apple cloud they have and lattes. Docking a star because they always fill my medium americanos to just 70%. Bathroom exists but is also not the cleanest.

Though it sits on a busy corner, this is by far one of my most favourite Berkeley cafés! Their service is very quick, their pastries are delightful, and seating is almost always available. It can get a little noisy, but if you don't mind the chatter of students or the random revving of an engine rounding the corner, check this place out! Their blueberry muffins are delicious! If you don't like sweetened matcha, though, order something different :) I actually didn't ask if I could get it unsweetened--my mistake.

Caffe Strada has become my go-to for their convenient location across the street from campus - they offer solid espresso beverages and a cozy atmosphere. Usually I grab a coffee before class, but the other day, I tried one of their sandwiches when I was near campus one evening. I ordered the chicken balsamic sandwich, which contains grilled chicken, goat cheese, roasted peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette. Served warm, the hearty chicken sandwich hit the spot on a cold, rainy day. At nearly $11, this seemed expensive given the small portion size of the sandwich; however, these sandwiches were definitely more upscale than other offerings near campus. Caffe Strada has limited indoor seating, but there is plenty covered outdoor seating with heating lamps along the deck.

If you're looking for a good selection of coffees and most importantly a chill ambient cafe space this is the spot! There was a good amount of seating outdoors in the front of the entrance as well as inside. Located right across the UC Berkeley campus, I can see it being a great meet up and study location for students and community. The outdoor had both shaded areas and a non shaded area on the side of the shop. With glass windows all around the shop it was a very picturesque space and felt more open. As for the coffee the coffee baristas were very quick to get orders done and was patient to help me decide on a drink. I had ordered a large vanilla latte iced and a large caramel latte iced. The coffee was great and between the two drinks I liked the vanilla latte more! I prefer my coffees on the sweeter side, so thankfully they had a good selection of syrups, creamers and sugars for you to adjust your coffee to your liking. (I added about two spoonfuls of brown sugar into mine and it was perfect).

I've been coming here for years. It's fast and dependable. The "coffee" is terrible. I use quotes because they don't make drip coffee - they only offer an americano. And unless you intercept the lightning-fast baristas and ask for a small cup, they make it in a 16 oz cup which is just far too much hot water for a double shot of espresso. Pastries are meh; sandwiches are overpriced. Lovely place to sit, the baristas are nice, etc. etc. but I'm perpetually disappointed by the lack of basic brewed coffee.

An easy stop for Cal students & employees. However, the food is mediocre and the coffee is pretty watered down. Wouldn't recommend. The biggest upside is the location and seating. Be careful about laptops and backpacks being out** It's not uncommon for thefts to happen around here either

I grew up in Berkeley, and I've always looked at this place fondly, yet from afar. I finally had a chance to go the other day with my shortie who went to law school up there. I really appreciated the friendliness of the staff and the overall ambience. It was a beautiful day and the outside seating was really nice. Great people watching too! This is literally one of the very best Iced Americanos I have ever had. It was super tasty and very strong, with the add shot. Exactly how I like it. I keep thinking about this cup of coffee and that's how I know it was actually that good.

Perfect for a quick breakfast before class. I love their matcha lattes, paninis, and egg sandwiches. Super positive vibes in Cafe Strada as I always see the servers give compliments to customers and service is quick! Also great place to study or rewind.

Nice place to study at Berkeley when the weather is nice! Lots of outdoor seating and a few tables inside. Caramel latte has the perfect amount of sweetness and doesn't seem watered down. Ham and cheese panini was nothing special, but a decent lunch to eat while studying.

The drinks I ordered were completed in a fastest pace, I ever encountered. I didn't have to wait for my drink as I received it immediately. I enjoyed the drinks and the outdoor seating was plenty . Great space to relax.

Very nice ambiance and service. A go-to place to hang out / chat with friends! Plenty of seating, you are never asked to leave. Open late at night too, which is great for those looking for a late-night pick-me-up. Have heaters outside when it's cold or nighttime. I ordered the iced matcha latte. It tastes average compared to other iced matcha lattes I've had. Though, service is very fast and the line moves quickly.

Decked out for students / work from home. Outlets everywhere and generous outdoor heating throughout. The outlets inside are hard to reach but there's some for every table along the covered side patio (adjacent to the Bancroft Hotel). Friendly staff. Meatball sub was piping hot, tasty. My hub liked his latte. Bathroom is very gas station-esque but the students and other patrons didn't seem to mind. This place is very popular and I see why!

Nice little spot off campus to try. Had the banana pecan muffin and an arnold palmer to drink. Quick and friendly service. Would've definitely stopped here often had I attended UC Berkeley.

Good place to hang out and work. Iced matcha latte is pre-made and is only ok. Only one bathroom operational, hiding behind the cafe. Lots of outdoor seatings and electrical outlets even though they are quite hidden.

Caffe Strada is my favorite coffee shop located near UC Berkeley! The service is very fast and there's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It's a great place to study and meet up with friends!

Probably the most famous coffee shop and cafe near UC Berkeley. Many students work here, part or full time. The service here is fast, fast fast. They have a great menu, with some regular items, and some special items, that are unique and delicious. The coffee drinks here are wonderful, but there are plenty of non-coffee items as well. Most people walk here, so there isn't really parking anywhere close. You should know that during the day, this location is very much crowded - you may have to wait for a table. In that regards, it may not be the best place to study, especially if you are looking for a peaceful quiet spot.

go to cafe near berkeley because i live right next to it, is it the best coffee ? not really but it's serviceable when needed and hungover. Also the iced mint matcha and the spinach bacon wrap have been lifesavers for a college student at times

Unremarkable café with decent sandwiches. Common meeting place for coffee chats. Ham & Swiss (warmed up): baguette sandwich with ham, cheese, mustard, and arugula - baguette was unexpectedly good--crunchy exterior and slightly fluffy inside - a good amount of ham, but not too much to outshine the baguette Apple Cloud: akin to a cheesecake but with another layer of crust on top and with apples - i.e. akin to an apple pie in bar form and with cream cheese in the filling - pretty good - crust is mushy Vanilla Latte (iced): sweetened coffee with milk - average, no distinct vanilla flavor Matcha Latte (iced, substitute almond milk): matcha with milk - tastes off, would not recommend Hot Chocolate (add whipped cream) - tastes like Swiss Miss and milk

This is a quintessential café for lingering over a poetry book or engaging in lively discussions. The outdoor tables are plentiful, with shade and sun options. I have gone here hundreds of times and have not sat inside, but that is available. You can stay for a long time without pressure to move on. (Though frankly the bathroom is to be avoided, so therein lies the pressure.) The coffee drinks are fine though not the best in the area, so you are coming here to drink on-site, to meet friends or read a book, to enjoy the ambiance. I particularly enjoy their moist bundt cakes. They also have Italian sodas and other typical café beverage offerings.

I've been coming here since it was Cafe Roma! And the atmosphere, service and quality of coffee remains superior. Whether it's a refreshing Italian soda or a perfectly foamed cappuccino, it's the best place on UC Berkeley's campus for a proper, European-style coffee.

good coffee, nice pastries and snacks, friendly service and chill vibe. indoor and outdoor seating. seems to be perfectly okay to sit and work/study for a long time. tons of students, but all ages represented. When I have meetings on the UC Berkeley campus, this is a go-to spot

In my tantalizing search for the perfect Berkeley coffee shop, Cafe Strada is a surprising contender. Sunny, temperature afternoons are perfect to spend at Strada's outside patio beneath trees blooming with flowers. Strada's impressive hours are perfect for the college student, as are the abundance of outlets, seating, and somewhat reliable Internet connection. Its interior is no-frills -- you won't find any marble tables or aesthetic indoor plants here -- but it still charms. Like other reviewers, I find the coffee and pastries here moderately priced and average at best. Their menu favors those with a sweet tooth (myself included), so I have no hesitation ordering a bianca mocha or indulging in the surprisingly tasty apple cloud pastry, though more serious coffee drinkers might have a different experience.

What a great little vibe right near UC Berkeley! Came by this coffee shop while touring the area/school for a little pick me up. Immediately I was very nostalgic with all the people studying indoors/outside. This place seems like the go-to for college students, or even catching up with friends. I love that theres both an outdoor patio and indoor seating, We love versatility!! It also just adds to the whole atmosphere. Menu selection was pretty good -- they have refreshers and frappes aside from their regular coffees/iced coffees. I went for a Iced Caramel Latte with Oat Milk, and I finished the whole thing! For some reason it tasted extra good with a straw lol, but maybe that's just me. Definitely hit the spot for my coffee fix. I'd like to try their refreshers, I'm super curious!! Stop by here to get a quick fix if you're in the area!!

What an iconic place. Seems crazy to leave a review but if you are new to Berkeley...this place is Berkeley. Enjoy.

Woow, how some places around campus can still stay in business. Walked in a bit before 7pm do grab an iced latte before delving into some evening productivity time. The staff looked like they were having a good time laughing so my first impression of this night crew is great. Moment I walk up the staff at the face of person at the cashier instantly shadows and blankly stares at me. To break the awkward encounter, I take the intitative and say hi. I ask if they do decaf espressos and the response is a flat "anything else." I correct them to say I was inquiring first and tell them I am looking for a decaf latte instead, but wanted to check before ordering since not all cafes carry decaf. Mind you, still a very dead conversation so far. When I dig my pockets for my wallet the staff turns around smiling and exchanges a fun dialogue between the two staff. In the meantime, I try to get their attention as I point out on the screen that I'd like whole milk. Apparently that's not a thing but they have 2%? Okay, interesting. I also point out it reads hot on the screen and that I'd like it cold. They respond, "yeah, I know." Another staff member pops out an iced latte and slides it across the counter before I can tap my card on the reader. It's quick, that's for sure. Been here with my team a couple other times - also lackluster, perhaps less monotonous attitude but even with different staff and my impressions are constant. Still considering COVID effects on small businesses so my rating has a one star inflation. Strada has never made an impression on me since the student days and I barely went. I guess this encounter might explain just why.

Matcha there is good, but the people who work there are so so rude. I ordered a matcha with oat milk, but I saw him put almond milk in. I am allergic to tree nuts, so I asked them to remake it with oat. They fought me about it. I literally can't drink almond milk, so it was a big deal for me. They ended up remaking it with almond milk again and I didn't want to argue so I gave the drink to a friend. Never going here again.

Atmosphere: fantastic. Staff: friendly. Quality: nonexistent. Ordered two lates. Were handed ice waters essentially. Our drinks were just briefly introduced to coffee beans!

I love Caffe Strada and have been going there regularly for years. The baristas are the fastest I have ever encountered and make truly delicious coffee drinks. I like to mix up my choices and have seen other customers who choose the same order. The baristas remember that. The staff at the register are always friendly and helpful. Over the years, the menu has changed and expanded, beginning with breakfast pastries and now including more breakfast options, some with protein which I always want, and lunch with healthy, delicious, and fresh items. Whether served hot, cold, or at room temperature, all are created for fast take out or enjoying in their charming and inviting space that has seating inside and out. Yesterday I was excited to see salads. It is great to be able to pick up coffee, breakfast, and/or lunch in the morning when I don't have time to bring them from home and know I won't be able to go out midday. While I have not stopped to enjoy the cafe at the end of the day, I have passed their full patio and enjoyed seeing folks reading and others engaged in lively conversation. I hope you get a chance to check Caffe Strada out for yourself. Enjoy!

My favorite cafe! I have been coming here for 30-plus years. I wish I lived close by so I could go here every day like the old times. The coffee is quality, the staff is super friendly and the customers are all tanned and smart. On this visit, I had a cranberry scone and a latte. It was perfect. I always visit Cafe Strada when I am in the neighborhood. I had a video interview arranged with a Hiroshima survivor and they accommodated us on short notice. All it took was permission from the kind owner. Awesome place.

Super fast service and up to 9pm or so, a great place to collaborate and share ideas that will effect the future and mankind. First class efficient here too. Order twenty foo foo lattés and it takes about the same time as if you ordered twenty black coffees. If there are 50 people in front of you, expect to wait no more than 5 minutes. They have your back here. And most importantly: the coffee here wakes you up.

Average coffee. Used to be much better when this place was Cafe Roma. However, the location is the thing!

Located within UC Berkeley campus, this cafe offer quick eat and drinks. Parking is on street meter and there were plenty when schools are out. Free motorcycles parking are plenty right in front of the cafe. Food and drinks are quite good but the service is lacking. Cashier and barista can really use a smile and should have tell me which coffee is which when I picked up (or write on the cup). Outdoor seating are nice and plenty but it was crowded on a weekend.

Popular cafe located at Berkeley that is packed with students. There's a ton of outdoor space to do work and there's free wifi. Limited food options but there's pastries and coffee. Perfect for a place to get some work done and do some people watching. It can get quite crowded during peak hours so get a spot early!

Caffee Strada is a must-visit coffee shop if you find yourself in Berkeley. It attracts all sorts of interesting people: local Berkeley residents, undergraduate and graduate students, professors, entrepreneurs, investors, etc. The coffee itself is good, although its the ambiance and the environment that make Caffe Strada special. It has such a nice outdoor area where you can sit and drink coffee while reading, studying, conversing, or simply relaxing and enjoying the sun. Given its proximity to the UC Berkeley campus (literally across the street), you are better off walking than attempting to park. But its worth the effort if you're in the area!

The outdoor patio seating is what keeps us coming back here. Under the trees, campus is a few steps away, nice aesthetics of the surrounding buildings, hot coffees, sandwiches, patisserie and folks are the total vibe. One thing on the downside is restroom issue which is unclean that rubs off one star away. Hope the management takes a serious attention on the cleanliness and sanitation of their restroom.

Bathrooms are gross, overcrowded, coffee mediocre. The only plus is that it's open late.

Stopped by Strada for lunch today because I forgot my lunch bag at home and grabbed a bacon, egg and cheddar spinach wrap. This was the second time I've ordered a food item here. The last time was their egg sandwich. Both of which are subpar but for Bay Area standards, they are pretty decent for the price. I've usually ordered beverages here which I enjoy. I really like their chai latte with oat milk! I really love the ambience here especially on a gorgeous sunny day and I have some busy work to do!

Great cafe located right in front of UC Berkeley! I'm glad to see it's still popping with both students and members of the local community over the years. The espresso drinks here are solid for their price! They have a more burnt/roasty flavor, but I do appreciate how their beverages taste stronger. For example, the plain iced latte here immediately catches your eye because it just looks so much darker than other iced lattes anywhere else. It definitely tasted a lot stronger and more bitter. I do think, however, that their flavored drinks are way too sweet. The caramel latte tasted like melted candy. If you want something flavored, I would suggest asking for half syrup. Also, as a bonus, their espresso brownies are quite unique and delicious! I got it many times as an (unhealthy) breakfast when I was a student :)

Has good menu selections & decent prices. Lots of college students, professors, and working professionals come here. One of my go-to places for good coffee near campus! Pre Covid there's a lot of outdoor dining spaces.

I come here about 4 days a week at varying times of the day but, tonight was the first time I stood just a little past 11pm and right at 11pm an insanely loud volume of pop music started playing and I just don't think this type of behavior is appropriate. A simple reminder that they would like to close a bit sooner than 12 would have worked just as well. Not knowing that this was their intention, I asked the employee if he can at least lower they music, he blatantly told me no because this is how they kick out customers. This really left a bitter taste in my mouth because I come and support this business so often..

The chicken soup is way too amazing! I can't believe there's so much stuff in it and it's only a couple dollars. I would recommend it to everyone. And the environment is perfect for studying and working. Good spot for UCB kiddos

Dear Caffee Strada, I love sitting outside on your sunlight dappled patio amongst the tres international academic community of the UC Berkeley campus. But yesterday I parked in your lot on the other side of the Bancroft Hotel. The sign in the kiosk said you would charge me $3/hour, but your counter staff charged me $10 and insisted that's what it cost. I'm not sure how else to contact you about this discrepancy, so sorry for putting this on yelp. The photos attached tell the story which you might want to straighten out. Thank you, Louisa

Since the beginning of my undergrad career at Cal, I could always rely on strada to provide me a place to study, hang out with friends, or just to grab a full bodied cup of coffee. Now more than ever, I am even more grateful that they are open and have modified their hours and store to practice social distancing measures. They are wiping down tables after every customer, and at the end of the day, I have witnessed them spraying their entire outdoor patio/seating to make sure it's clean for the next day. They also clean all tables when closing. +Outlets sprinkled throughout +Parking along Bancroft Ave +Where the Iced White Mocha started so you will definitely enjoy this here if it is your first time! +Amazing cappuccino/lattes (smooth & foamy) +My go to now is their iced coffee ($2.85 for a small) or an iced americano Definitely my favorite cafe in the Bay for easy parking, reasonably priced drinks (I would say cheaper than most cafes), and for a beautiful outdoor patio that has an abundance of outlets. It will be my favorite place for a long time, even after I graduate Cal!

I've been consistently coming to strada for 2 years. It's fast, conveniently next to campus and pretty consistent with their drinks. My only complaint and reason why I come here less frequently is that they keep charging for a splash of nondairy milk in my drinks. It's like a punishment for a dietary restriction and I don't agree with the hefty extra charge for ordering a simple iced coffee or iced americano. If it's a latte I understand since it uses way more milk but please stop charging for almond milk when it's just used as a creamer.

Convenient, great hours, decent pricing, great seating, theft risk. I've been coming to Strada since my freshman year at Berkeley, and it's a great place to get work done or simply chat with a friend during the day. The closed off indoor seating for COVID reasons, but there are still plenty of areas well served by space heaters. I usually spring for the poppy seed bread, which is a great quick snack when I'm in a rush to class. Their teas and breakfast items are good as well. Overall, Strada is definitely a go-to for any Berkeley local. Definitely recommend.