Peerless Coffee & Tea

WEBSITE REVIEW. I order from the web and have a subscription for only one type of their coffee. It’s amazing but we have ordered other mediums and they’re BURNT AND DARK. Not even close to medium. To add insult to injury- they say u can send it back ON UR OWN DIME for a refund even though we already have to pay for shipping. They don’t reward loyal customers and we spend $100+ per order and we don’t even get free shipping. To make matters worse, I have to email them each time for the UPS tracking bc they don’t add it to the email or ur account. The shipping is slow AF even tho I pay $10 for it. U can literally pack it in a USPS flat rate for a 2-3 day ship for a discounted business rate. After I had to email again for my tracking, I decided to write this and I’m just going to cancel my future orders. It’s the principle of the laziness of this business. I’m just over this company. After the amount we have spent to support it, they really have a lack of business acumen to show any appreciation to loyal high spenders. We never get a discounted code, free shipping for at least a subscription account that has $100+ and to tell customers to ship back coffee on their own dime is insulting,

BEST coffee ☕️ in the Bay Area. Cozy coffee shop with a friendly atmosphere and cool display of antique coffee makers. Also, the 2nd BEST(mom's is #1,lol) Banana Nut Bread in the Bay as well. I Highly recommend stopping by Peerless Coffee if you're in the area or passing thru.

Perfectly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. Im not sure why this place doesn't pop up in the whats near me on Google but it's the best coffee I've had in a while

First time trying this local place’s cafe seeing that this brand has something to be distinguished for. It’s nice you can sit outside to hang out and drink but unfortunately the vanilla latte I ordered tasted bitter like over burnt roast. There was nothing smooth about my drink and it was piping hot where it just burned my mouth when I wanted to take a first sip. I’ve had better coffee from other neighborhood roasters. The staff was friendly and helpful but not sure if I can recommend ordering a drink from here.

Worst coffee I've ever had, their coffee is burnt to charcoal, Its literally oily burnt carbon coffee and they listed it as a medium roast. AVOID this company if you like coffee.

Wonderful customer service. I had an Irish breakfast I ed tea with a dash of almond milk. It was refreshing.

We were running low of quality coffee on a trip and finding a 2lb bag of Peerless Coffee on the shelf at a local grocery store in Washington, we looked them up and found they appear to be a legitimate roaster (as I'm reticent to buy anything in a grocery store). We bought their Guatemala roast. I'm very sorry to find out they completely burned this batch (almost black and covered in oil) and dumped it on the market, scamming us basically thinking it was any sort of decent coffee. Obviously something went wrong and they tried to recoup their losses. As a roaster myself, I find this extremely dishonest, not to mention a stupid brand decision. Own up to your mistake and if you ruin a batch of coffee, throw it away. It was truly awful. Notes: burned tires with a side of roadkill

Wow, you guys outdid yourselves. I bought the columbia fancy light roast whole bean. I will forever be a Peerless coffee and tea customer! Keep up the great work. (From San Diego)

Always here to support local coffee shops. I am not much of a coffee drinker, but I was in the mood for an iced mocha and this place has been down the street for me. After 5 years, finally gave it a try. I really liked it. It wasn't to rich or to milky. I'll be back again.

I really want to give this roaster a 5 star because it is so much better than the more commercially well-known ones. However, the staff needs more training to know items, prices, the roasting process, etc. The quality of beans, variety, and perfect blends has made me a fan of Peerless for over 20 years. A gen in Oakland and established in 1924!! Bravo!!!

Long time customer. Have been ordering coffee online for pick up -- until today. Mandatory 15% or more tip for placing my own order, and picking it up myself. If was asking for personal service or a special order, sure. I normally throw a few bucks in the tip jar, but this is retail service, not table service, for which they are demanding a tip. Just really leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Peerless. unswayed. They have been around forever and still are the gold standard. Sumatra Organic Dark is my jam. Order some and get a coffee drink. The place seems unchanged since the 70s in a good way

I got a ice white mocha with whipp and it was so delicious. workers are so nice and place is clean with outside table . Plus prices are reasonable.

Their decaf vanilla nut beans is really good. We only wish they were open on Saturday's at times.

Best coffee in the Bay Area. strong coffee and best flavors. Super friendly staff. The ultimate ice frappé (mocha) made here

Good coffee, good smoothies. Staff could be a little friendlier and/or quicker. I really wish they were open on weekends.

Tuesday started off a bit too quick & I scrambled to be on a job site without a proper start to my day -- I needed coffee, stat! A coworker pointed toward the sky behind us & said "Check out that place right over there, near the waterfront." Without even asking how it was, I was already walking in the direction he pointed to, like Babe Ruth, but without a bat. Didn't bother to read the reviews either, but like I said, I needed it, stat! * No line to wait in (when I arrived) * Friendly staff (2 people up front) * Ultra fast service (literally 60 seconds for a latte) * Limited menu & didn't notice what sets it apart from other coffee shops * Eclectic for sure & seemed a bit cluttered & distracting with marketing/selling a lot of... stuff * Bold coffee + great flavor After researching the company, it has serious history & maybe I'd come back to check out the coffee & tea museum, which sounds pretty rad actually! I'm no coffee snob, by any means but after living in Hawai'i for most of my life, I've been spoiled with 100% Kona coffee & I have yet to find one that beats it‍ The front lounge/lobby area will probably need to be expanded & renovated because there are a ton of new large condos being built up in the area. If you love real coffee & can't stand Starbucks or just wanna switch it up, then this is most def a place to sample. Cheers!

The best fresh coffee beans in the Bay Area, especially if you want something other than dark roast.

I used to come here all the time. I love the quality of their beans and would often buy in bulk (they make great gifts). Unfortunately, the staff here are so rude. And it's not just sometimes, literally every time I step foot in this place. I would walk in, feeling excited for a cup of good coffee, and leave feeling angry. Management sucks as they clearly don't address the issues. I won't even buy Peerless beans when I see them in a local grocery store.

I'm not a coffee drinker, so typically I feel out of place in coffee shops and don't really enjoy them. However the atmosphere in Peerless is unlike one I've ever experienced in any average coffee shop. It feels comfortable, every wall I look at is chalk full of interesting memorabilia or fascinating machinery. Whenever I visit I usually get a tea, my favorite being a mango iced tea. It's the first coffee shop I've truly enjoyed going to on a regular basis. Something is to be said about the staff as well, every employee who I've spoken to or ordered from at this establishment has been an absolute joy to interact with. Everybody here is very friendly, not to mention helpful (given that I normally have no idea what to order). Typically people go on Yelp because they have some grievance to express or complaint to make, but my experience at Peerless has been so awesome that I felt compelled to go on and make this one. I'm glad I've found a nice coffee shop to visit.

Oakland staple - Fantastic fresh roasted beans, loose-leaf tea, and ready-to-go coffee drinks! Lots of bean options, at whatever weight and grind you want. They brew a dark, medium, and flavored drip coffee every morning. This is a great way to try different roasts. They also offer delicious iced coffee and creative lattes-of-the-day. The pastries are solid, especially the savory scones. I highly recommend the President's Blend. Who doesn't love a blend of beans that gives a balanced, medium flavor? During the pandemic, they are serving at the make-shift window. (I understand their payment system being upgraded; I sure hope it includes an ability to order through an app or online system.)

I am a morning regular, black coffee and a pastry. The young guy in the morning always gets it right. The others however, always get it wrong. Black coffee is not hard to remember,especially after the girl turns to ask me twice what I ordered. After I get to work and have my first sip, I noticed she put milk in my coffee. I'm lactose intolerant. I will be grouchy all morning. And this is not the first time with the same employee and so I had to write this review. Other than that, the flavored coffee is great.

Great coffee, but geez, do I need a side of chastisement with my beans? The older woman who works there needs to just shut up and do her job.

Recently bought some decaf Nut cream and am pleasantly surprised with nutty almond flavored taste. Great tasting.

Great latte experience, great price, loved the team of two beautiful ladies :) Can't wait to actually enjoy sitting inside

If there is any kind of line here, I don't recommend it. I waited in line for 15 minutes only to find out they forgot about my order (They had recommended I try their special, an Iced cinnamon drink) I couldn't wait any longer so I Asked them if I could just have my money back and they said they cant. They did give me a card for a Free Drink but I won't be going back. There are a few other good coffee shops in the area. I'm giving two stars because they do know how to pour a drip coffee, that used to be my regular

I don't leave many reviews but I find myself going out of my way to visit this little coffee spot. Not a lot of fluff just good coffee and croissants if you haven't been and are in the area just go you won't regret it.

The nicest staff ever, airy and sunny waiting area, super clean and affordable! Sign up for their drink card :) #bestmochainawhile #outdoors #thecashierladyissoniceiwanthertoadoptme XD

Weirdest moment at Peerless. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions the window store hours M-F end at 2pm. My workmate and I arrived at 2pm. We didnt know the closing time. Someone just left the window. We stepped up and the Peerless worker closed the window and all we could see were tatted arms trying to manually pull down the mini blinds. We still didnt know what was going on. We laughed about it. So weird. No big deal, but you could have at least said something like "hey sorry we're closed".

Great place to buy your coffee beans, drinks and coffee/tea tools and gadgets. They have a huge selection of beans and you can ask for a tasting cup for the brewed coffee they have out to sample. You can buy the beans whole or ground. The flavored beans are so fragrant and irresistible! My fave is the Cinnamon Frangelico! It is convenient that they have a parking lot. And all the times that I have been here, there's always several law enforcement patrons, so appreciate that they support Peerless too. And it is pleasant opportunity to tip off my hat to say "thank you" for their service. Explore this place! If you brew your own coffee, I recommend to get the beans here, as they are freshly roasted here! Maybe buy 2-3 different varieties to try. Once you run out, try another few until you find your fave! They also have a Cafe next door where you can buy their awesome drinks to go.

A tad overpriced but definitely worth it A breath of fresh air compared to a place like say, tarbucks-ay

I'm so sorry my review went from 5 stars to 1 star. I've been buying coffee grounds from Peerless for years. I first fell in love with it when I would dine a Scott's Restaurant in Oakland years ago. I believe they served Columbian coffee. Then a friend bought me a pound of Ethiopian Moka as a gift from Peerlesscoffee shop. I was hooked. My family loved it too. I started buying Ethiopian Moka every few months. I even enjoyed the smell so much, I would open the bag after I bought it just to smell the delicious aroma. Well that all came to a stop after recently buying a few pounds. I usually by a lot so I don't have to go too often. Anyway, this time I got home and opened one of the bags of ground coffee to brew some and it smelled strange. It had a burnt smell. I made some anyway, so my husband could have some for work. He tasted it and noticed it didn't taste that good. Something my daughter noticed was the changed name of the coffee on the bag was "Ethiopia Moka Fancy (Yirgacheffe) Light Roast). I thought maybe I was given the wrong kind. I decided to taste it and was sure this was not the same coffee we had been drinking for years. So I called Peerless just as they were closing and this nice customer service woman informed me that they were same kinds of coffee just another tag. She told me I could return the coffee. I went to Peerless Monday morning. That was the next business day. I wanted to exchange the coffee, hoping it was a bad batch. I explained to the cashier what the customer service person told me and I wanted to exchange the coffee. She seemed very annoyed but had the person tending the coffee orders grind more coffee for me. Since getting the new coffee, the first half of one bag tasted ok, not great. So far the second half of the bag is starting to taste bad, with a bitter taste. I opened the second of my four bags and it smells like burnt coffee. I'm very disappointed. Maybe the other Peerless coffees taste fine but at $12+ a pound, I think I'll pass on this kind. Such a shame.

I love their coffee and pastries but the service is just terrible. The girl at the register needs a major attitude adjustment. She's is rude and condescending. Every time I come here I always end up in a bad mood afterwards.

Peerless is my go to for stocking up on office coffee and for grabbing a simple cup of coffee. That portion is 5/5. Their espresso drinks are so so, there are many better shops in the area. They are also a roaster and not a cafe, so not a lot of space to hang out. 3/5

Would not recommend. Asked for a matcha latte and there was more milk inside than matcha. Also the paper straw lasted 30 minutes before it broke off and I had to find another way to drink it. Not a good first experience :/

For a roaster that's been around for almost a century they have the experience, skill and sourcing as well as the ability to keep trying new things (while keeping the old). This is where high end hotel/restaurant signature coffee around the bay has been born when they come into the tasting room & have their own blends made. They have rotating coffee blends for the coffee bar & great tea & coffee spices in bulk.

I love this coffee shop/window! I like to stop by before my morning ferry when I need a special something to pick me up. I normally enjoy the coffee available on the ferry, but it's pretty basic. They have a pretty spacious parking lot for their customers. When you open the door to your car, you can immediate smell the delightful smell of fresh coffee! Shoutout to Noon for always making my drinks just the way I like! (;

I really like peerless coffee. Good coffee. Their location is simple to find. Website is easy to look at. Their logo is very nice.

Dorothy is absolutely amazing. She's so knowledgeable yet so nice, and makes trips to buy coffee something i look forward to. The coffee is very good. the shop is cozy and warm and has goodies all over the place. If you want they will keep track of your orders which is very helpful. Don't forget to pick up your peanuts before the game. Also, flat white....yes!!! Not on the menu but if you ask you might be rewarded.

Great customer service! Ordered an iced Americano and I was able to try the cold brew and various batch brews. I was given samples with a smile. Great retail section too, perfect for every coffee need. Quick service and great price.

Went there because someone said they have great coffee. I am an espresso lover and a good espresso is hard to find but Peerless gets a 5 out of 5 from me. One of the best I've had in the Bay Area for sure. Staff (or owner) is super nice and friendly and very genuine. Will be going back for sure.

I really, really like this place! Once a week i have some extra time to just chill in the morning. Peerless Coffee is my spot of choice. I arrive around six and there's no wait to order. There's usually nobody in their outside patio area (their only seating) so I get some alone time with a primo city view on a street that's just waking up. Their coffee is delicious and their baked goods (last I checked, from Raison D'etre A Bakery) are on par with their coffee. The staff is cheery (but not annoyingly) and knowledgeable, and very helpful. The inside is clean and pleasant, and there's an assortment of other food and related items to peruse and purchase. Prices are also very reasonable. I counted fifteen parking spaces in their lot. I haven't purchased any of their coffee beans, but I will as soon as I run out if I can remember. My only qualm is that I wish they had a location closer to home so I could come here more often.

This is my GO TO coffee shop for the best coffee I have ever had. I treat myself to their weekly specials around 3 or 4 times per week, and every week it's a new surprise! From a mocha with almond roca to a white mocha with strawberry... They're all amazing. HOWEVER, nothing brings me back to this coffee shop like the STAFF. The ladies working at Peerless are absolutely the sweetest, most considerate, friendly and patient people. They know my name and my orders, too! Claudia, Jihad, Dorothy and Naomi make me come back to Peerless devotedly. I work in the mental health field and I am often drained from work, and somehow I always manage to have a smile put on my face when I am greeted and served by any of those four ladies. Thank you, peerless, for giving me something to look forward to in the mornings when my work is exhausting and I need the motivation to face the day. Oh! And let me not forget to mention their bearclaw pastries! Yum!

I'm not a coffee snob by any means but their Guatemalan coffee is great. Plus, their staff is so friendly and always remember me. If you live in the neighborhood, give these guys a shot because imho, this is the best coffee in the neighborhood -- Blue bottle is way too expensive, Bicycle coffee tastes terrible, and Starbucks is Starbucks. The only downside is that there is no seating indoor, just outdoor seating.

Coffee: I love the cold brew and oat milk latte here. Can't beat the size for the price either! I have gotten some beans here and they did not disappoint. I also love walking home in the evening on Oak and smelling their roasted coffee. Service: 90% of the time the staff are so friendly. However, I do see what some of the reviews here mean - the other 10% the vibe is real unwelcoming. Just all depends on who's working.

I ordered Jamaican Blue Mountain online. Terrible. There was no roast date on the bag and the beans were stale. It was so off that I wonder if they put the Jamaican Blue Mountain label on the wrong beans. To make things worse, I attempted to contact them about the problem through their website email, but no response! Therefore, I will never order coffee from Peerless Coffee Co again.

91 yr old local institution. Factory location w/ retail store front. The only store location since they are a wholesaler/roaster. Very reasonable rates (ie, $3.35 for a 16oz latte). They also offer teas, and meechandise. Great taste, friendly service. Extra perk-There is also a frequent buyer card. Wonderful place to get your caffeinated ne fix.

Best coffee ever! We get a 5lb bad of vanilla nut every month and drink it every morning!

Its used to be excellent. Their blended white Mocha used to be perfect..way way more better than Starbucks'. But that was like 3 or 4 years ago. Recently, the quality of their blended white mocha has gone down significantly. I cant really taste what Im drinking right now other than ice, just a tad bit of the coffee favor. I so miss the old recipe. The texture was so thick, so strong, so sweet. The white mocha they have right now is so Bland... so bland.... boring... when they make 2 orders at the same time in a blender, its even worse. So disappointed ! Thats why I dont come here to get it so often.

Let the aroma of this little shop sweep you away to coffee Heaven, and then let their liquid concoctions float you around on a caffeine cloud. This shop is stocked with the most robust blends for every pallet. It has the quaint feel of a homegrown coffee shop and the service and product to back up that Mom'n Pop feel. It's not as trendy as the Blue Bottle down the street, but once word gets out, I'm afraid this spot will take over as the waterfront's coffee mecca.

First time here! The attitude at this place is so unwelcoming. Worst customer service experience ever. We entered and greeted them with no answers. Asked a question only to get a rude response.

*WARNING* If you are a drone that supports Starbucks on the Reg, the material to follow may not be suitable for your drab, monotonous taste buds. Total hidden gem. Nestled in an old warehouse neighborhood, lies a small coffee retail/shop. The shop actually lies in a small corner of their large distribution facility where they may even roast. The shop itself is very small and quaint, almost country-like versus city-like. Parking is super tight but don't let that deter ya, just park somewhere on the block and make a relaxing jaunt of it. Outdoor seating ideal. I've been sipping Peerless coffee long before a Starbucks even entered the Bay Area, though exclusively at restaurants/donut shops. I learned early that if a place took their coffee serious then Peerless may have been part of the equation. They do many styles of roast, so there is something for everybody. The European Royale is an extremely bold yet incredibly smooth blend. It is my go-to. Recently just tried an iced coffee here and it was one of the best I've had, right up there with Peets. It was smooth yet with backbone. No acrid coffee aftertaste as I believe they may cold brew it, so the acids and oils don't interfere. And for a massive 24 oz PLUS a decent Apricot Danish, all for under 5 bucks, get the f&% outa here, right?! Can't get that quality, at that price over at Starbucks, now can we?

This is my new place for coffee. I've fallen prey to their delicious blend of French/Columbian, and the thing is, it's right next to Cash/carry, where I've been shopping for year now. I learned of Peerless via a friend and I'm so glad he mentioned it to me.

As a native Oaklander, I feel like it is both an obligation and a privilege to patronize another native Oaklander like Peerless Coffee. I really enjoy the homey feel and all of the colorful knick knacks displayed for sale. With Valentine's Day around the corner, I am currently welcomed by pink and red hearts and Snoopy mugs every morning. I get coffee and cheeful colors chasing my morning fog away. I used to drive down here to buy their beans, but I recently started a job just a couple of blocks away and so now I walk over every morning for a little coffee break. Initially, I was going to Blue Bottle every day. But that was adding inches to my waistline (that's what happens when you chug whole milk cappucinos) and making a dent in my wallet. Nowadays, I have the Peerless travel mug and it only costs me only $1 to fill it with their regular ready made coffee each time. Sure, it can be a little slow sometimes, but at least I already have my coffee in my hand and can sip it as I wait. These people are always nice and friendly and I really appreciate that. Next thing you know, I will be the Duchess of the place!

Peerless is great. From coffee to staff, everything is really fantastic and unpretentious. They brew a good cup and have tasty pastries. No prepared food, but I'm okay with coffee and a croissant on a Saturday morning. They are very dog friendly and put out a jar of treats for all the doggy visitors. They have love outdoor seating, a frequent buyer card, and plenty of parking. Literally they have everything I could want in a coffee shop.

I became hooked on Peerless brand coffee years ago after having it at a restaurant. Last year a friend of mine bought some Ethiopia Moka and I couldn't stop drinking it. I just recently found out about this little Peerless coffee and tea store in Oakland. This place sales coffee and tea from all over the world. The lady that helped me when I went in to buy a coffee drink was very nice and answered my questions. They have three different coffees a day that you can sample. So far my favorites are the Ethiopia Moka and the Kona blend. The only thing that I didn't like is that the store is small and has too many things in it which makes getting around in the store difficult.

Talk to the people who work here! They are all so nice and knowledgeable. They will let you smell and taste their wonderful products and never pressure you into a sale. Their coffee drinks are fabulous and I especially love the hot chai. I highly recommend their coffee, tea and spices. They make wonderful sampler gifts and you are supporting a local company. The Java rub is really a nice blend of spices to that nice piece of steak or chicken.

I love the coffee but the lady who made my coffee has the worst personality I think I have ever experienced, enough to write this review. Never smiled or showed any sign of professionalism. I won't need to come back. Sad...I was excited to support a small business. I chose to come here. They need a manager who takes pride in customer service and product and pick up the litter in the parking lot. Disapointed.