Helacio's Deli & Cafe

Wonderful place! ☕️ The coffee is excellent – rich and flavorful. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, creating a cozy atmosphere. Everything is clean and well-kept, making it a pleasant spot to relax. 🪑🥪 The sandwiches and snacks are fresh and delicious, with great salads and smoothies to choose from. A perfect mix of quality, comfort, and service — definitely a place you’ll want to come back to!

I have been coming to this establishment since it was known as Mo Joe’s. The previous owner was amazing—always friendly, welcoming, and personable. Because this is a community neighborhood café within walking distance of my home, I wanted to continue supporting it when it became Helacio’s Deli & Café under new ownership. My family and I have continued to patronize the café, even though we’ve noticed prices have increased. However, after today’s experience, I will think twice about returning. Today, my kids and I made a 15-minute walk to the café shortly before closing. We ordered smoothies and a matcha latte and paid for our items. After completing the transaction, I realized I had forgotten to enter my phone number at checkout to receive my reward points. Before leaving, I asked the owner if it was possible to still add the points to my purchase. He told me no, explaining that the number needed to be entered before the transaction went through. While I understand policies, his response was very matter-of-fact and dismissive. He didn’t seem to care that I was upset and made no effort to offer a solution, such as refunding or reversing the transaction so it could be processed correctly. Considering that I have supported this café for over 10 years—both under the old and new ownership—I was really disappointed by the lack of customer service. The interaction left such a negative impression that even my 7-year-old daughter noticed the change and commented, “This place has changed, Mom.” I truly value supporting local businesses, but positive customer service makes all the difference, and today’s experience fell far short of that.

10/10 – Absolutely delicious! I’m a huge coffee lover, and the iced white mocha I got here was next level! I also had the Helacios sandwich, and wow… the ingredients were so fresh and flavorful. I only ate half at first because I didn’t want it to end! And the little Star Wars touches? So cute and personal — you can really feel the love in this place. Can’t wait to come back!

Good food to put you in a good mood! Employees full of smiles. Uplifting music, bright and airy, lots of seating. Add Star Wars Legos and local artwork for sale, and you have a great combo. Will be back some day for ice cream!

The Lego decor is very charming! The food tastes good, it's a little pricey for something you could so easily make at home, but maybe that's more of a critique of cafes in general than of this place specifically. The service was very friendly, I enjoyed the spot.

I love this place! I have been going here since it opened and it has always been wonderful. Everyone is always so kind and welcoming, and the food is great. They are also very fast, which means my family can always get food when we are in a rush.

Service was horrible. It took about a half hour before someone finally decided to take my order even though I asked if I could give my order during the half hour wait. I order a three egg omelet. When I was given the bill it was for $57. I informed them they gave me someone else's bill. Then they gave me another one fore $35 for a simple omelet. I asked them why are there two tax charges and was told the second one was for tip. I laughed and said the service was horrible so forget that! That dropped it down to $28. This place was where I used to eat before and felt nostalgic eating here again. Never coming back hear again.

Honestly was just looking for a coffee shop in the neighborhood and this was a perfect find. Open, warm, welcoming, strong coffee, great staff, nice pastries, and WiFi. Honestly perfect and exactly what I was after. Plus, the music they had playing was really nice coffee shop vibes (mix of oldies, 70s-80s, and more recent stuff too). I only wish they had more outlets but that's easy to get around if you arrive early. I will definitely be back and a regular here (will update when I try the sandwiches too)

A lovely, chill cafe with really great veggie options and a lot of heart & soul. The food employees are friendly and welcoming. Love this place

Helacio's was a pleasant find! It's a nice little neighborhood deli and cafe that serves a great assortment of both food and cafe drinks. I found my matcha latte to be okay. I think it was a bit grainy and needed a little bit more mixing. I did appreciate how they did not skimp on the matcha. The environment and service were great! The employees were welcoming and funny. I could tell they treat their customers with care and they even recognize their regulars! I would love to come back and try their food and other drink items.

Visiting from LA and wanted to find a small ,quaint local cafe near our stay and the PowWow at the MLK Civic Center Park. I searched and found Helacio's ! No regrets here ! Our breakfast croissant sandwiches were yummy, coffee (latte expresso ) was on point. Iced cafe latte was also delicious! Friendly and welcoming service. They had some interesting wall art from local artists and what was humbling to see and read was the story behind the 2 bricks on the wall. Go check it out! This store was determined to keep on keeping on and did not give up after their store was broken into. You guys rock and thank you for making mine and my mom's morning! See you guys again soon

No idea why this place has such high ratings this is the most mediocre, dull coffee I've ever had in my life. Worse than Starbucks. Come on guys.

Lovely small local business. Everyone there was incredibly nice and supportive. We were sitting outside because we liked to people watch and a few of the workers came by to remind us that we were welcome to sit inside since it was a little chilly (and no it was not excessive, it was enough that they were keeping an eye out and wanted to make sure we were taken care of). Got a chorizo breakfast burrito and a latte. The latte was HOT, so be careful. Overall it was an okay latte but for the cost and the size very worth it. The breakfast burrito is a highly recommend from me. Tasty and with a good balance (note: not too much filler, quite a bit of chorizo). Overall, for the cost, service, and general vibe, I recommend Helacio's. Will definitely find myself back here soon.

My favorite little neighborhood cafe! Super friendly staff. Great ambiance. Great coffee. Great food. Can't recommend this place enough.

It is very good and the employees are very nice, they have a big selection of foods and drinks. Every day they have a soup of the day, and they have cozy couches and it's a great place to work!

A nice environment to hang out and chat. Reliable coffee and cafe food. A lovely neighborhood spot!

Was recommended to me by the smog place down the road, and what a pleasant surprise! Lovely people, good food, decent pricing. Would come back again!

Great lunch spot! I had a rich and fresh salad and my friend had a tasty sandwich. The service is friendly and efficient. It's a great place to meet a friend or to work. I will be back for sure!

Great breakfast options and coffee. Very friendly staff and subsequent service. Highly recommend.

Helacio's is more than your local coffee shop. It is a warm inviting locally owned place with delicious food. I am always greeted with a smile, even when I was not a regular yet. The workers here are part of the same family and they invite you in. Chairs and booths are comfortable and there is always good music playing. Now the important part- the food! They have a large varied menu that is not overwhelming. I haven't tried everything on it but I have tried every category. My food always has fresh ingredients and tastes really freaking good. Even when I order avocado it is fresh and I get a lot of it for pretty good price. There are options for if you are a vegetarian or a carnivore and I've even seen them have gluten-free cookies. So it's a pretty easy place to go with anyone to meet up. I highly recommend Helacio's they're one of my favorite places and I haven't had a bad experience once.

I finally stopped by this cafe after eyeing the "fresh smoothies" sign every time I passed by for weeks. Their smoothies are AMAZING and I can't understand why I never stopped by until now. The service is also great and the people who work here so nice! I definitely have to come back again to try their pastries

In the area waiting for my car to be serviced at the smog test station. Service is friendly and courteous. Cafe is inviting and pleasant with relaxing old jazz classics playing. Local artwork on display. I ordered a green juice. It was nice and refreshing, I felt healthy after lol.

I love this place, even if they did just raise their price on the ultra-affordable picnic sandwiches! ($4.99 to $6.99, I believe, still a deal.) Their brownies are fantastic and their staff super sweet. I took Baz here the other day and he said: "Helacio's is great!" I agree.

I was served a hot cup of coffee (not lukewarm or cold) with a smile and greeting from the employee that attended to my purchase. The service, quality and pricing is important to me as a supporter of independent small businesses. In contrast, I have visited other independent small businesses that were indifferent or not friendly to their customers, the quality was questionable at best and their pricing was exorbitant. I will return to try different offerings from their menu and support this independent small buisness. Héctor B.

Best breakfast burritos I've had. Not greasy and very tasty, many options (vegan included)

Love the feeling of the place as the Latin music in the background gives it an artsy vibe. Great place to read or write, or have lunch with a friend. Their sandwiches are excellent - fresh bread and ingredients. Staff are always nice and courteous. It's sad we've lost Homemade Cafe but it's nice that Helacio's is serving our community.

Great sandwiches and friendly service. Sunny cafe with neighborhood atmosphere in Berkeley

We are so happy we found this place on our way to the airport! Great food and great service! We definitely recommend!

Helacio's took over this space which is a great location for a neighborhood cafe. Its medium sized, clean, quiet and very friendly, with a clean restroom. I wanted to try their food, so I ordered their Beet and Avocado salad. It was a basic green salad, with grated carrots and grated beets. What a disappointment! I had hoped for a bunch or roasted beets, or at least pieces of beets I could actually fork and eat. The beets were grated and just looked like a regular salad. I have never, ever, seen an avocado sliced in this fashion. It was probably a quarter of an avocado, if that, and it was so thinly sliced you could see through the slices. Most of the items in this salad were salad greens and spinach, a few slices of red onion and about 5 slices of cucumber; the dressing on the side. Most of it I left on the plate. I didn't even take the remaining home, that's how disappointing this salad was. I'm not a fan of plastic dinner wear. It's a huge turnoff. Also, not happy with the skimpy napkins. I never get this...why do establishments buy those thin, cheap, napkins that should only be used for a pastry or coffee, NOT A MEAL!! They deliver the meal with a fork and one napkin, hmmmm....where is the knife, salt and pepper and more napkins??? I liked the look of the sandwiches I saw served to other customers, so maybe when I go back, I'll try one. I like to give places more than one try. I only know I won't order another salad.

Very good breakfast sandwich eggs bagel and veggies. Very good price and and convenient! Cute interior quite and you have plenty of tables where you can sit and enjoy ur food. I ordered to go. Service was quick and efficient!

A friendly little neighborhood cafe and coffee shop. They have tables and some low chairs, and sun all day.

This spot is right on my way into work and is the perfect spot to grab a latte and the most delicious morning buns. The owner is so sweet and friendly, so I find myself splurging more than I should. Highly recommend for really good espresso coffees and breakfast/lunch. Good music too.

It is refreshing to have such a wonderful new breakfast/lunch option in our neighborhood. The service is outstanding, and the food and drink options are delicious!

Bright and friendly Helacio's is my favorite café in Berkeley. It has a relaxed atmosphere, so it's the perfect place to read, study, or work while you have a simple meal or a delicious cup of coffee. It's also a good place to visit with friends. Rubén and all the staff make every customer feel very welcome, so if you're looking for an old-school, neighborhood vibe, you should definitely check out this café!

Had an amazing tuna melt and loved my freshly squeezed OJ too! Love how friendly and accommodating the staff is - will definitely be back again

This is a wonderful coffee shop and deli. It's quiet, comfortable and inviting. The coffee is great and the prices are very reasonable. The service was friendly and helpful.

Perfect neighborhood spot! The service is extremely friendly and it's a welcome addition to the area.

I stayed a few blocks from Helacio's and was a regular for the week I was in Berkeley visiting. This deli and cafe is top of the line, incredible service, corner cafe charm, gluten free bread (!) for sandwiches which by the way were incredibly flavorful and delicious, and the sweetest staff. I love this place. Incredibly cozy. Can't wait to go back. Thanks Helacio's!

Excellent cappuccino! Setting warm. Inviting and clean You sweet spot to relax and enjoy morning cup

I love this place , food is delicious wonderful people. great customer service...I come here almost every day

This is a lovely neighborhood cafe. The manager and the staff are very friendly and the service is quick, efficient, and good. I like their breakfast menu and the iced tea. I look forward to trying the sandwiches, paninis and salads in the future. Very clean and calming atmosphere.

Absolutely love this cafe! The staff are so nice and helpful. The food is very good too.

Great for the price and super nice people. The food and coffee are good. It's a good new addition to the area.

Excellent cafe. I got a Cobb salad, a fruit iced tea and carrot cake. All were delicious and I appreciated that they followed all my personalization instructions (dressing on the side, added ingredients, etc.) They clearly took pride in their food and customer experience. Had wi-fi. Will definitely go again. Looked like a great place to work or read a book.

I had a delicious veggie breakfast burrito! Very friendly and responsive staff. I love that they are now open earlier!

The mediterranean salad plate to go was disappointing, cold store-bought falafal and NO salad dressing rendered my lunch dry and inedible... total bummer!

I love having a neighborhood coffee shop that offers coffee, smoothies, bakery items, breakfast, lunch, child's menu. Nice place to relax, work, hang out. Staff are very hospitable. Good hours! I had a dirty chai and was disappointed they didn't have decaf, and was a little pricey. Nevertheless I will support this place and come back!

Helacios is a wonderful new cafe in Berkeley. The hosts Mayra and Ruben, are warm and welcoming. Coffee drinks and food are excellent and reasonably priced. The cafe very comfortable and expansive, a perfect place to spend time with friends or alone. Highest recommendation!

Came in last week and enjoyed the rustic vibe, for once! The coffee was decent and the service was amazing. All in all, did enjoy this cafe!

So happy to have found Helacio's! This is hands down my new favorite cafe in Berkeley. I got the tuna melt sandwich and it was SO good. Also loved the almond croissant and my freshly squeezed OJ. Can't wait to come back! Highly recommend this place. I especially loved the sweet and attentive staff - 10/10 experience. Will be back soon.

So great to meet the cheery crew at Helacio's. I was grieving the loss of Mo Jo's when I spotted the open door. We turned the car around and discovered the same friendly, sunny vibe, outdoor tables and varied, reasonable menu we so loved. The bread and pastries were great, coffee just strong enough and the service was downright sweet. We weren't looking for internet, so not sure. I wasn't observant enough to see what others were doing.