Erica E.
Yelp
What a fantastic gem!!
When I'm home in South Florida, I like to spend my mornings working out and about in the city and enjoy the local cafes. Lucky me, this trips search on Yelp led me to Oakland Coffee and Juice Bar. I was drawn in by the wonderful 5-star reviews highlighting the delicious drinks and food, the aesthetics and the amazing team and had to check it them out.
Heading there, I realized that I was actually super familiar with this area, having grown up only a few blocks away so this was a wonderful welcome back to the neighborhood. There was no missing them, thanks to the large letters spelling out their name on the exterior. I'd call it a hidden gem if it wasn't for them! Parking was super easy but this was a holiday week. It seems like there weren't tooooo many parking spots out front but I wasn't looking around to see if there was more offered beyond those spaces. I loved that there was some great info written on the windows, talking about their specials and their fun events. Great way to get some attention!
When I walked in, it was such a cute lil coffee shop! There was only one other customer in that area and no one in line, so I tried to quickly peruse the menu and get out of their way. So many options! Not too many, just right! I ordered a Lavender Oat Latte and thought I was set until I looked down and realized that there was a food menu I missed lol. I placed my coffee order and vowed to come back and order food.
There was a section of bar-like seating and another small section in the coffee area, but it was a bit too snug for me. So I decided to keep pushing through the restaurant and see it all and WOW. I'm so glad that I did! Area #2 was a dim, club-type vibe with a long, beautiful bar top. They also had a piano, stage area and what looked like their own lil radio station, all topped off with a disco ball above our heads. What a party. And that's not it! If you step out of the door next to the bar and bathrooms, you'll walk into their lush, peaceful garden patio. Complete with a wishing well, slight covering and a few fans, it's a great little space to enjoy a hot morning or afternoon in Broward.
I ended up settling in the bar space as I loved the dim lighting and ambiance. There were "No tech-zone" signs all over but the team didn't raise the alarm to me, I'm assuming that they may be for busier days when tech can take up guest space. Once I was done working, I opted for a Watermelon mimosa and yummmm! So good! I had the absolute pleasureeee of speaking with their hard-working Bar Manager and what an awesome guy. I got to hear of their plans for the future and how far they've come. He even let me be one of the first to try their delicious Apple Cider Mimosas (which I loveeee) and told me that the owner had pressed the apples herself!! I also ordered a Lentil Soup and Chicken Sandwich - so good. I was working too hard and didn't pay attention to my sandwich while I was there but ate it later. But the Lentil Soup was so flavorful and filling, even better that the sweet cashier who suggested it turned out to be the owner so I know I ordered the best of the best.
Seriously, I've found a new fave back when I'm in Ft. Lauderdale. From breakfast to lunch to piano brunches, I know where I'm going! :)