The walls will describe their heartwarming goals and accomplishments. They have a delightful espresso with strong flavors served at the perfect temperature. It was also served with some sparkling water as a palette cleanser. There was ample seating available, and it was very clean, calming, and pleasant. This would be a great study spot or place to grab some much needed caffeine after an all nighter. The people working there couldn't be nicer, and the location is pretty ideal. read more

Had the matcha latte with almond milk. It was warm, smooth and creamy with just the right about amount of matcha-ness. They also have oat milk as a non-dairy sub. I think I also saw some vegan cookies on the shelves to the right of the cashier. The guy next to me had the Chai latte and that smelled soooo divine, might have gotten too close to the cup trying to get a whiff of that, but gonna have to try that next time. The seating isn't the greatest since countertop and table space is a little cramped. But came to this coffee shop when a friend mentioned they were a non-profit supporting refugees. Also a have a dope board with more information about that topic (great study break read). read more

1951 Coffee Company - Matcha latte w/ almond milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Walking up to 1951 Coffee, there is an extremely clean, friendly outdoor window where you can order contact-free (clearly marked by the colorful lines!). My almond milk latte was delicious and I will be back for many more. read more

1951 Coffee Company - Almond milk latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This is a nice little cafe that provides delicious coffees and baked goods, while making you feel good about yourself for stopping by. 1951 is an organization that supports refugees with the money you spend on their coffee and food. Talk about paying it forward! They have a wall that illustrates the journey of a refugee, which provided for a good learning opportunity while I was waiting for my coffee. The coffee itself was quite good but the star of the show for me was definitely the green tea mochi muffin. I haven't had something like this elsewhere and they make it quite good. The predominant reason I came here was to hammer out some work (and Yelp reviews of course) and 1951 provides the infrastructure for that. There's free wifi, plenty of seats and tables, along with bountiful outlets for all your electrical needs. I came on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't packed at all. Easy to find a spot to hunker down and do some good work. I'm not a big coffee person so usually I walk into a cafe, study for a bit and drink some coffee, and leave without much of an impression. But I had a pretty good impression of these guys, from their altruistic cause to their green tea mochi muffin, and will def be back. read more

Verve coffee and mochi muffins in support of a social mission! (5/5 green stars also). It's pretty quiet inside - definitely a study spot. But then the owner got some music going and the place seemed to relax a bit. Staff members were friendly. WiFi signal is good. Tables and lighting are good (although the high chairs may not be ideal for some). Coffee: The Verve pour-over was excellent - Jurutungo Natural (from Panama) - best coffee I've had in a while. Natural (sun-dried) coffees have a wonderful sweetness to them from the pulp that's left on the bean. I recognized the mochi muffin from Sam's Patisserie and nabbed one. Sam's (whose bakery shares space with Catahoula coffee on 4th street) has been renamed as Third Culture Bakery. Their mochi hasn't changed, thankfully : ) The coffee and mocha muffin came to just over $7 including tax, which was very reasonable considering the quality of both - Verve coffee beans aren't cheap. The other pastries were from Starter Bakery. I tried their staff favorite - sour cherry Danish ($4). The pastry in the Danish was delicious and the cherry was sour, as advertised, providing a nice contrast. I'm also giving them 5/5 "green stars" for social and environmental impact, based on these reasons: * The whole refugee hiring and training program is legit and the owner seems to get along really well with the workers. * Verve coffee says: "Our direct trade practice allows us to exceed Fair Trade minimums every time, no exceptions." No information on growth conditions (e.g., shade cover) but the natural sun drying processing conserves water: "capitalizing on the complex sugars found in fully-ripe catuai cherries, without further straining the water-scarce region." * Sam, the maker of the wonderful mochi muffins bakes with organic (and pasture-raised) dairy, eggs, flour, and fruits whenever possible. He tends to use good local seasonal ingredients from sustainably-minded suppliers, e.g. fruit from Frog Hollow farm and flour from Central Milling. * Their other pastry supplier, Starter Bakery, say that their "flours and grains are non-GMO and/or organic; the only fats we use are butter, non-GMO canola oil and organic olive oil; we never use shortening. Premier local food companies like Clover, Guittard, TCHO, Central Milling and select farms supply us..." Interested in writing green star reviews? If so, contact me! read more

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I was introduced to this wonderful and sanctuary-like coffee shop by my friend who goes to Cal. A cafe that supports and actively champions for refugee rights?! By employing them and raising money for the cause? YAS! Finally. This is where you can hang out, do work, use wifi, drink your libations in peace and comfort, while feeling like a saint with your money going towards honest and upstanding supporters of social justice rights! There we go, Berkeley. I enjoyed an iced chai, which was more parts milk than chai, but I still enjoyed the slight spice. The one big bummer is that they don't have any other types of milk except regular dairy milk or soy milk. That's the biggest thing I'd ask to change to other types like coconut, almond, or hemp. I know it's a lot more work to carry those types...but I just think it's fair considering many of us have allergies or intolerances. Just a tip! The restrooms are clean (need a passcode), wifi is strong, and people just clearly love this BART-line-colored space with its variety of seating space, and open format. I would totally hang out here again. Street parking is available, and free after 6PM. read more

Great place to come to study, chat with friends, grab a cup of coffee, and study! The vibe in here is super chill, calming music playlist, and the baristas are so friendly. Also A+++ for the awesome presentation - latte art is on point, and if you order it for here, they're served on a wooden plate. I first came here to get a black coffee to go - personally, I wasn't a big fan because the coffee they use, Verve, was a little too strong tasting for me. However, decided to come back and try the latte with almond milk and it tastes great! The milk really balances out the full bodiedness of the coffee, and the milk was frothed so well. My friend got the chai latte and though I didn't try it, it looks so frothy as well! Combined with their mission as a nonprofit working with refugees, I highly recommend this place! read more

1951 Coffee Company - Chai latte $4 small - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I was in the area for just a short day and stopped by to get some breakfast. The mochi muffin was absolutely delicious (even though I asked for a matcha muffin) and my almond milk latte was hot and smooth. While I wish I had time to go back later in the day to try more treats, I would definitely return if I ever were in the area again. The mission itself, let alone the delicious food and drinks, was reason enough for me to try 1951 Coffee out! Additionally, the employees seemed relaxed, were joking around with each other and it seemed to be a fun environment. read more

Although I appreciate the mission of this place (supporting refugees with each purchase) and there is a decent amount of seating to do work, I was ultimately disappointed in the drinks. I ordered a rose lemonade ($4.50) and was shocked to see them prepare it using bottled lemon juice. Although I understand the relatively high cost can be attributed to a portion of proceeds going to a charity, I can't believe they actually stooped as low as to use lemon juice from a bottle for their lemonades. It barely had any flavor, and the rose component was solely contributed by the dried rose leaves sprinkled on top, which only added to the aesthetic. I may have just ordered the wrong item; I'm sure other drinks are superior and much more worth their price than what I got, but unfortunately this experience ruined it for me. read more

Stopped by to get an iced latte with almond milk (which I paid $1 extra for, on top of the already $5 drink). As I stand waiting for the barista to make it, I watch her pour from a gallon of whole milk. She presents me with my drink and looks me dead in the eyes and states it's an iced almond milk latte. At this point I'm quite skeptical, but I give her the benefit of the doubt and take it. Back at my table, I see the milk is a very rich white -- not at all what I'd expect almond milk to be. After I swirl it in with the espresso, I give it a taste. Lo and behold, it tastes like dairy! I return to the counter and ask if the barista is sure she used almond milk, as my drink tastes heavily like dairy. She stutters a bit and finally answers "oh... uhhhh... Here I'll just remake it." I see her reach below to grab a new carton of almond milk (the box of which looks very different from the gallon she previously poured from) and use that in my new drink. I'm guessing the barista was too lazy to open a new carton earlier? Either way, not really sure how she thought she'd be able to lie about using almond milk given its distinct color and flavor. Anyone who goes out of their way to order almond milk knows what it looks and tastes like lol. Seems like somewhat of a health hazard to customers that might be allergic to dairy products or vegan. smh read more

Nice spot for studying. Tons of indoor seats and some outdoor options too. Nice vibe, good coffee.

I love this place! It has a very cozy vibe even when there are a lot of people in the shop. The baristas are very talented and they always make beautiful latte art. I had a Honey Latte the other day and I got oat milk because they didn't have soy- turns out oat milk in the latte was delicious!!! I recommend it. The only tiiiiiiny complaint I have is that the 2 most recent times I have gone there, the cashier has given me a large and charged me for a large drink when I ordered a small. I don't really mind because I'm getting a delicious drink anyway, but some people might mind. Otherwise this is one of my favorite coffee shops in Berkeley!! read more

Absolutely love the initiative here :) Great job to everyone here!!!! Ambiance is great, really good place to study or just have coffee with a friend. Definitely will be coming back! read more

Businesses like 1951 get me so excited... and no, not just because of the caffeine! Non-profits and quality coffee are near and dear to my heart and 1951 combines both. I was greeted with a lively and personal "Welcome in!" and served a delicious latte at a reasonable price, especially considering where the money goes. The walls are lined with their mission to employ refugees and educate the community, providing the perfect example of being a part of the solution. The trendy, well-decorated space is filled with plenty of seating but only a few tables and outlets. I hope they're able to add more since the easy parking, relaxed atmosphere, and fast wi-fi already make 1951 such an ideal meeting/workspace. I hope to try more food offerings since I only had a chance to taste the Vegan Sandwich - that was less amazing than the latte. However, the pastries were tempting. I will be back and look forward to trying their Chai Lattes and sugary treats! read more

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I've been on a honey oak milk latte binge recently and I would have to say they hit the nail on the head. Normally a latte or dry cappuccino type of guy. I've always drove down Channing and never noticed that this cafe was here. Finally had the chance to check them out today. What caught my attention was the line that was out the door. Also noticed the patio and a lot of people seated outside enjoying the day. So usually when you see a line it should be good!!! Or either a slow person on register or on coffee bar? Well besides that the person on register seemed to be new and had a hard time balancing pastry orders while ringing up Patrons which was fine, the barista on bar was fast and efficient. I used to be a barista myself and seeing the skills of pre mixing the add ins to the cup makes the drink stand out more, which she did!! Great job tapping the milk on the counter to even out the foam and pouring skills. But what stood out the most was the final product. The drink wasn't rushed to be made and it tasted as it was described when I chatted with her. So kudos for knowing your stuff!! I wouldn't say I'm a coffee snob but I had a lot of bad experience having the espresso taste burnt or milk wasn't frothed the right way. Once you learned how to make lates you appreciate a nicely made one. Over all experience was pleasant. Oh and indoor dining is open with proof of vaccination in order to sit down and enjoy your coffee, I didn't have the time to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere but I'll make time some day to relax there. read more

They only serve light to medium roasts! I used to prefer dark roasts but this place changed me! Highly recommend the Kouign Amann pastries. FASTEST WIFI I've ever experienced at a cafe- I got over 300Mbps! Go there often enough and you can get to know the baristas and the baristas can get to know you--makes you feel so at home. If you get to meet Meg please say hi to him for me! read more

1951 Coffee Company - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

After a short break from reviews on yelp, I have re-calibrated the way by which I rate visits. The overall experience to me relies heavily on the customer experience (cleanliness, customer connection, and product quality). I went to 1951 coffee shop because I had heard about this shop a while ago and was glad to join a friend there. We went at 1pm on Sunday so the shop was not crowded-with PLENTY of seating. CLEANLINESS 5/5 - the shop looked cleaned and well kept. I didn't notice any straw wrappers, napkins, or crumbs on the tables or floor surfaces! CONNECTION 4/5 - the actual connection with the cashier and the barista was excellent. Very friendly and patient (as I wasn't sure what I wanted to purchase). I'm only giving a 4/5 because of the level in coffee knowledge of their product. I ordered a cold brew iced coffee. It was delicious, so I asked the cashier if they make cold brew every day and what blend or roast it was. The cashier didn't know the date it was made but informed me of where it was from. But other employee with the cashier did tell me when it was made. thank you. However, no one seemed to know what blend of coffee or roast it was. I just wanted to know a little more about the coffee. PRODUCT QUALITY 5/5 - there was depth of flavor in the cold brew. Just the right amount of blend. I usually drink my iced coffee with a little bit of sugar but this particular type of coffee did not need any sugar or milk - sweet and complex on its own! I live an hour away from berkeley but if I'm ever around that area I would definitely come back. read more

Let's get to the point. The pour over is great! I take it black and though I'm usually a slow sipper, I couldn't stop drinking it. If I lived closer I'd definitely frequent this spot more. The fact that it's a non-profit that spread awareness and support refugees is even better. Go go go! read more

Definitely a coffee shop that I support. Combining good quality drinks with strong ethical values, 1951 is a place I can support both at a product and on an ethical level. Drink-wise, a 4/5. I ordered the iced chai with almond milk, and the flavors were incredibly fresh and strong. Loved the drink, but at a price of $5, it's definitely on the higher end of drinks. Service-wise, a 5/5. Kind and friendly servers who always serve with a smile. Ambiance-wise, a 4/5. There's not abundant seating inside, but there is some outdoor seating in the back and front of the shop. Highly recommend for a chat or to study (if you're early). read more

I got the 1. Iced latte ($4.25): 3/5. Too much milk. That is all. Pretty quiet, nice studying environment, can get very crowded. read more

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Non-profit coffee shop that supports refugees, educates the community and ALSO has great coffee? Awesome!! The wi-fi is fast and they use Verve coffee for some of their drinks -- the latte I got was tasty. The seats inside aren't the most comfortable and it gets crowded on the weekends (students gotta study of course) but it's a great atmosphere to get work done. They also have lovely looking pastries and snacks. read more

New coffee shop on the block serving Verve! Honestly I'm more of a tea guy though, So I was was hoping for some good variety and wasn't disappointed! They're only into their soft opening but already had 5 'Blue Willow Brand' teas that I enjoy featured on the counter. I got the Mochi muffin paired with the organic Hojicha Japanese green tea. I loved both of these. Mochi was soft and flavorful (with some red bean at the bottom), alongside the more lightly roasted Hojicha--which is normally a little stronger so maybe I'll ask them to brew it longer next time. Plenty of seating available, didn't notice if there are wall outlets to charge my laptop, will have to check when I'm back next time. I spoke to the Co-founders and their team and everyone was engaging, friendly, and passionate about doing social good. Turns out the name of the Coffee Shop references the year that the United Nations set forth mandates on protecting refugees! Their mandate to help train refugees is inspiring and I heard one of the graduates of the program (really nice Mongolian girl) sing the praises of how she's benefited from being a part of the cohort. read more

1951 Coffee Company - Mochi muffin paired with the organic Hojicha Japanese green tea. I loved both of these. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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After reading the Daily Cal article "Refugees serve up coffee in new Berkeley café," http://www.dailycal.org/2017/01/23/refugees-serve-coffee-new-berkeley-cafe/ , I couldn't resist making a trip over to see the new business. It would have been natural for me to navigate to 1951 Channing Way, but I made sure of the correct location before setting off for 1951. As the article explains, "The name `1951' comes from the year the United Nations introduced guidelines to protect refugees." That the café seems to be housed on the premises of a Presbyterian church reminded me of a visit I once made to a brewer up north of Washington: "Drink two bottles of this barleywine and you'll have a religious experience"! It's a bit unfortunate that drinking my macchiato ($3.50 + tax) was not a religious experience. Nonetheless, the cup of coffee that the barista made for me was pretty good. (Experts would probably say that the bubbles were too large -- see photo.) The coffee shop itself is nicely appointed with tons of natural light and beautiful wood counters. A drawback for students is that there doesn't seem to be any available open WiFi (even airbears2). [Edited: see the comment to the effect that WiFi is available.] 1951, by the way, is across Channing from Unit 3 and only a few steps from the dark and mysterious SoDoI Coffee Tasting House. While 1951 is pretty far from my natural orbit, odds are that I will return when I'm in the area. read more

1951 Coffee Company - A macchiato "for here" -- $3.50 + tax + tip - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

The sweets are diverse, tasty and makes you want to try them all if you stay long enough. The coffee options are good, the staff is friendly. read more

1951 Coffee Company - Matcha donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This place is brand spanking new in Berkeley--1951 is a nonprofit that trains and employs the refugees who work there. What an awesome coffee shop concept! We went during the soft opening and really loved it. Pros: coffee quality, atmosphere, people! Cons: pricy, average pastries Food/Drink: We ordered an espresso, a macchiato, and a blueberry scone. The drinks come on beautiful wood planks with the logo engraved. I believe they were serving Verve beans -- really well done, good flavor. The scone was just ok, would have been better warmed up and lacked real flavor. Atmosphere: Great location very close to Unit 3 dorms, clean, bright, has that whole "warehouse feel" with wood and aluminum. Value: Espresso at $3. Definitely on the higher end prices-wise for Berkeley -- but I'd be willing to pay for a nonprofit with a cause I care about. :) Service: Staff were very kind and accommodative. Drinks took a little while to come out, but they're brand new, so I'm sure it'll improve with time. Go check 'em out! read more

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Solid place to study. The Iced Honey Lavender Latte is great, good level of sweetness.

Super cute coffee shop that opened on Southside with the mission of training and employing refugees. It still has that new shop look on the inside, but gives off a warm, cozy feeling too. I dropped by on Saturday afternoon with a friend and fulfilled my craving for a vanilla latte. I got a small and opted to have it there rather than just grabbing it and running out. My drink came out in on a 1951 board type setting and the portion was quite generous for a small. Taste wise it had just the right amount of vanilla and wasn't too sweet. I really enjoyed it and will probably go back to try other drinks and the infamous mochi muffin. My friend had the kouign amann which she really loved as well. They do have wifi so this is a good place to study! read more

1951 Coffee Company - Small vanilla latte with a kouign amann. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Good coffee, good pastries, good vibes. The prices are comparable to other coffee shops around, and they have a solid - although always crowded - place to work! If you're hungry, their mochi muffin is a good way to go. They also do have some vegan and gluten free options, although it looks they do run out of those early in the day. read more

1951 Coffee Company - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

I'm a huge sucker for hipster-feel, Bay Area coffee places and this place immediately caught my eye when I passed by before. I noticed that they also serve Verve coffee, a plus! I decided to try their 16oz Latte (the larger size... it was a tough morning and I needed a pick-me-up), and added a bit of vanilla syrup (+$.50). I'm always nervous to try lattes with added syrups because they tend to end up too sweet, but this one came out perfectly! I feel like the coffee flavor is a bit faint, as the latte is very creamy, but tasty nonetheless. I'll definitely try "dining in" in the future since I noticed they serve their coffee on unique wooden platters for dine-in customers. However, their latte art is lackluster. Overall would come back! read more

1951 Coffee Company - Latte art is almost there, but not quite. 16oz latte with vanilla syrup. ($5) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

These guys roast coffee in their cafe using a boujee electric coffee roaster. The coffee tastes amazing, and their baristas come from all over the world. Amazing place to grab a coffee next to the campus. Highly recommend for those love coffee! read more

great if: - you like nutty and smooth coffee - looking to study/work My favorite coffee shop in Berkeley - great coffee, many tables with strong wifi , good music, and quality pastry options. With its proximity to UC Berkeley, it can get crowded during the school year, but otherwise you can normally find seating. My go-to drinks are their lattes: iced latte and iced honey lavender latte. While I wish they opened for longer, they're open daily pretty early. Good, fast service. read more

The cashier and baristas seemed very hostile for no reason.. not welcoming at all. I asked for an iced latte and they gave it to me hot instead, however, I didn't mention anything as they were already giving unnecessary glares. Also, I don't understand why nondairy alternatives are $1.25... that's ridiculously overpriced-- I'm practically paying for half of what a whole bottle costed them. I wouldn't recommend this place nor would I go here again. read more

Came here on a Saturday afternoon to study somewhere off-campus & I'm happy to say that 1951 lived up to its reviews. I ordered the Honey Oat Latte and it tasted just as it was named! If you enjoy tasting your espresso, I'd opt for something else on the menu - but delicious nonetheless! Only inevitable downside was the lack of space to study. Love this place and the value they stand for! read more

Got the oat milk matcha. It was pretty expensive at $5.50 but it was so good. The person up friend wasn't really the friendliest but I'm not really sure if she understood English. Overall. Love the place and, as a child of immigrants, I love the idea behind it! I really wanted to try a pastry there too but I figured I'd come back and get one but I never got the chance. Maybe next time I come to Berkeley! read more

1951 Coffee Company - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This is an amazing non-profit coffee shop that directly helps the refugee community! They just opened and I can't wait to make this my regular spot. They have everything a coffee shop lover could want: great customer service, a beautiful environment, nice seating, a delicious menu, covered parking, etc., and all for a wonderful cause. Mochi muffins are sooooo good! Can't wait to try their kouign amanns! Their chai lattes and hot teas are delicious and they come on the cutest wood trays. This is a must try place to gather with friends or study! read more

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If you want good lattes in Berkeley, 1951 is always reliable! I'm always satisfied with my go-to order of iced honey lavender latte! Whenever friends are visiting I always come here to get a latte and sit outside when it's nice out:) seating is definitely limited inside though! read more

I was looking for a decent coffee shop near campus and found this one online. Cool inside with lots of seating - great for getting some work done. They also have a great mission - helping refugees. read more

Great ambiance for studying or spending time with a friend. I got an iced mocha and it had a good balance of coffee and chocolate, not too sweet. It was a bit pricey but it was what I'd consider a medium size and it goes to a good cause! Baristas are very friendly! read more

Really cool idea with really good coffee! I'm sure that you have probably read by now that this place is totally refugee run, but it has also really really good coffee! (And I don't even like coffee that much) Deserves a perfect 5 star review. My only complaint is that it needs more outlets and more places to sit but besides that it is awesome! read more

Matcha muffin paired with espresso is great! There are plenty of seats and nice views and decors inside the store. Non profit! read more

1951 Coffee Company - Matcha muffin - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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