Easy to miss the parking lot if you're not careful. The turn is right before the light. It's the only business open early in the strip mall. There are regulars hanging out and greeting each other. Like neighbors catching up, it felt wholesome. I stumbled upon this place because my other coffee shop on the way to work wasn't open. Bad Barista was a great alternative! The cashier was patient as I asked questions and kept a positive attitude. The blue raspberry coffee was pretty good and unique. The color isn't pleasing but it didn't bother me. Their bagel sandwiches are petite than usual which was also a bonus because I didn't feel overly stuffed after eating both halves. Definitely keeping this spot in my back pocket and can't wait to try more of their specialty drinks. read more

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Cute little indy coffee shop nestled in an older shopping strip. Place has counter seating for about 6 peeps, but if the place gets busy(easy to happen) and if you eat there, people waiting in line will be directly over your head. Just fyi. Mint Iced Vietnamese Coffee ($6ish/5*). Tried this during the last holidays and it was fantastic. I already love Vietnamese coffee and this had a soft cream on top with grated mint candy. So festive and just hit for that season. Wonder if they can do it all year round? Smoked Salmon Bagel ($9.50/4*) Nice toasty smaller bagel with all the usuals of soft lox n cream cheese, capers and red onions. Loved the compact size as it didn't put a lead weight in my gut in the AM hours. The bagel crust tho is kinda hard and brittle, almost crouton hard which I thought was strange. But the interior was indeed soft yet chewy. Iced Cold Brew ($4/4*) Pretty smooth. I only asked for a kiss of cream and it was just right. I prefer a more robust roast finish but still quite serviceable. I liked how the owner knew a lot of the customers by name. Since I'm not a reg, I actually was the only one who didn't get called by name on a weekday morning. Love the small town vibe and even tho not a reg, I'd still hit this up if in the neighborhood. read more

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I ordered the Silky Caramel, iced. I usually ask for light ice but I didn't since it was my first time ordering, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they don't fill the cup with ice to begin with! Thank you Bad Barista! The drink wasn't too sweet, so I added some sweet and low. They have some additives on the counter. I also ordered the WTF sandwich. I came in the morning and they already didn't have ham. They offered extra of the bacon or turkey, so I took that. The bread wasn't toasted enough for me, or rather, I thought it would be pan toasted with some butter or something, but I think the slices were just put in the toaster. The space might still be in progress. There were tables that were put away on the corners of the room, and no chairs to sit at while waiting. I'll update my review when I visit again. I'm sure things will only improve! read more

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I love this cafe! They have some of the best prices in Alameda and the service is great. They always have fun specialty drinks and fun decor. Very local community feel, they really know their customers. read more

During my tour of Alameda's dining scene, I snapped some photos of Bad Barista's offerings for Restaurant Week and these are the coolest dishes I saw. They make sweeter drinks that are almost dessert-like coffee with cream and fruity flavors. Their colorful, fun drinks really stand out, and they also do sandwiches and plenty of other fun food additions. read more

Bad Barista - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alameda, California

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My co-worker friend arranged a coffee meetup with us four former co-workers that resided in Alameda. It was cool since I haven't seen two of them is a while. He arranged for us to meet up at 9am on a Thursday at Bad Barista, his favorite local coffee shop located at the Encinal Shopping Center, a small neighborhood strip mall. When I arrived, I remember this being the former Café Aulait. Checking out the menu board, offering consists of coffee drinks, teas, frappes, smoothies, shushes and breakfast sandwiches and bagels, square muffins and croissants. I got a large drip and was hoping their offerings would including pastries, but they only had bagels and the square muffins as they were out of croissants. They have a quaint patio in the back for you to enjoy your drinks and food. It was quiet and we were able to catch-up with our coffees. Worker was friendly. No restroom on the premises as it is located across at the Encinal Market Good local coffee shop with a quaint patio. Hope they expand their offering to include breakfast pastries options. read more

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I can't believe I've only stumbled this place recently! Alameda is a great Island City, yet there's still so many places and establishments to discover. I have been a regular at Alameda Marketplace's The Beanery off Park Street (since college days LOL), when it comes to coffee & espresso beverages (usually my go-to) - but this small, independent coffee shop is as special as it can get! I was thrilled to make a pit stop here for a fresh cup of joe before I headed to nearby St. Philip Neri's for morning mass - and little did I know that you can hella walk to and from this place to the church with no need to get in your car to drive and park! #lessonlearned Upon my first impression & first time here, I already felt the sense of inclusivity & hospitality, since it seems like a regular place for folks within this part of Alameda - and I have GOT TO try their Vietnamese Coffee on my next visit, LOL. A small coffee shop that bursts to its seams - they have fresh-baked doughnuts & pastries, along with breakfast sandwiches, and other snacks that you wouldn't think of being available at this tiny establishment! Don't let the location and atmosphere fool you - this has been a family-friendly/oriented neighborhood staple amongst the regulars & from what I have skimmed along these reviews. Glad I found this place, and I now know where to get coffee once I step foot on the Island City of the East Bay! This is truly a #shiftlocal destination for those who support local all the way! read more

Walked in and visited Cafe Au Lait while across the street at the local plant shop and needed a little caffeine boost. The cafe itself is pretty simple with a menu spanning a variety of drinks. There were also small bites available but I was only interested in a coffee. - Vietnamese Coffee When I ordered the Viet coffee, I had the choice to choose between hot or iced. It was a really warm day and I almost always opt for a cold drink anyways so I asked for it iced. The coffee took about 5 min before it was ready. I was one of only two people in the cafe so it came out quickly. Flavor wise, I enjoyed it. It wasn't as dark, strong, or bitter as other Viet coffees I've had but I was okay with it. It was lightly sweet and I drank through it quite quickly to be honest. The only thing is that it could have used more ice. Usually when f I ask for an iced drink, I would expect it to come out cold but it seemed only a little bit of ice was iced so when the coffee was poured in, it melted almost all the ice and the temp was Luke warm at best read more

Pulled up for groceries near Encinal market & noticed this adorable sign outside- went inside for a cappuccino & it was on point! Worth a return visit for sure. read more

Bad Barista - a sign that says we love our paternian friends this is the way - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alameda, California

So glad that I skipped Carl Jrs this morning and got a breakfast sandwich at Bad Barista. The quality, ingredients and appearance of the fast food breakfast sandwiches are so poor in comparison! BB gave me a choice of bread types and cheese types. The ham was thick, the cheese was real, the bread was toasty and warm, and the cook is friendly and motivated business owner. It was everything the fast food places lack. Its my new place for a quick breakfast. read more

Worst coffee I've had in a while, drink was way too sweet and coffee was burnt. Had to toss it. Watched a barista make a sandwich without gloves. Heard the terror of screeching as milk was steaming. Seems like someone took over a coffee shop for fun and didn't really think logistics or quality through. Pastries look like they're from Costco being resold. Decor screams high school girl meets hot topic. The cafe could have potential, menu is interesting and creative but the ingredients are bit too basic and low quality. Give it a shot anyway if you dare. read more

Rude rude and RUDE. Awful customer service. If I could give a negative star I would. I wasn't even able to taste any coffee or food because whoever served me was such a complete and total B---- I went in looking for donuts which they used to have at Cafe Ole. I hadn't been in awhile Mainly because they are never open. 7-12? It's recently changed ownership and the woman's behind the register- possibly the owner was so incredibly condescending. In response to my question she very snootily said ... "we haven't had donuts in YEARS". I said oh you used to- and she proceeded to argue with me saying they hadn't had them in 3 years. Ooookay why don't you just say oh we don't have those anymore and tell me what you DO have and maybe not be so bitchy??? Kind of customer service 101 And whatever- I think I have been in there more recently than 3 years ago. Does it even matter?? Why are you arguing with me. Why are you treating a potential customer who hasn't been back in awhile like crap?? Do you want me to ever go there again? Instead I'm here writing a bad review for BAD BARISTA who is living up to the name. I could easily be convinced to order something else if you weren't such a freaking B to me. My god! I of course just went over to Feel Good Bakery and ordered my coffee there instead. Your 25 dollar loss. I never even write reviews and hesitate always on bad ones but this warranted one :( read more

This place was literally my childhood. I remember back in middle school when my friends and I used to come here after school, and we get a smoothie and pastry and just sit outside in the patio for hours doing homework and talking. Since I've been back they have updated their menu extensively and they have so many new breakfast items! read more

Cute little coffee shop that makes fancy coffee drinks and various breakfast sandwiches. They don't have a ton of choices but enough to have a nice quick breakfast. There is a nice covered back patio area where you can sit and eat your breakfast as well read more

The WTF sandwich is not just good, it's good enough. apparently my review needs at least 85 words so here are some more words to fill up space. None of these words I would recommend that you actually read. I'm learning that the internet and apps have no concept of the value of brevity when it comes to content. What can I say garbage in garbage out. The reason I no longer actually read reviews or take any of them seriously. However on another note. It's nice to have somewhere to get a decent breakfast sandwich and a hot cup of coffee! Keep up the good work bad barista. read more

Bad Barista - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alameda, California

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Good cold brew and bagel sandwiches. Friendly staff and good location with parking available.

Best mocha around. I love supporting local businesses and I absolutely love this place. I usually come in a little later (around 10 am) when I'm in the area and they're out of croissants by then which is a bummer but understandable. I would get their croissant sandwiches when I can. read more

Great staff, especially Theresa. Good coffee and bagels, convenient location with parking.

This is a cute friendly neighborhood cafe. Croissant egg and cheese sandwich is soft and yummy. The specialty coffee drinks are sweet and warm for the soul. Service is good and the staff knew and welcomed all of the regulars. Worth the travel from Oakland. read more

I love the new rebranding- the coffees and service here are amazing. I also love that it is never too busy like other cafes where you have to wait in a long line for your order. read more

I discovered this cute neighborhood place to get coffee and a muffin while my kitchen was off-limits for construction. The barista was highly efficient and friendly. I'll definitely be going back regularly. read more

I came in on a Saturday morning at 10 AM. It was pretty dead. I saw this place on yelp and aesthetically. It looked pretty cool the reviews were decent when I got to the counter there was an Asian teen maybe in his late 20s working and I asked him what type of iced coffees do they have flavor wise? He looked at me super confused as if I asked him a question that he has no idea how to answer and he kept telling me the type of coffee grounds he has no I kept saying what type of flavors do you have so finally somebody named Casa stepped in, and kindly explain the type of flavors they offer for iced coffee because he saw his coworker was acting like I was speaking in a different language, then I asked him what kind of breakfast sandwiches the most popular, and he literally looked at me like he had no idea what I was talking about. Not sure if he was new, but he should really be having People skills if he's gonna be working the register, I give Casa 10 out of 10 he was very friendly and very informative, but the coffee and the customer service I received from the front was not worth it at all. I came from the East Bay, and I will not be returning do not recommend, coffee is not good and their service is not good except for Casa he was great! Also at 10am they had no bagels left but 2 the breakfast sandwich I got was dry the kid didn't add the cheese I asked for and it was overly toasted -10/-10 read more

This place is so awesome! My wife and I love coming here! They are very friendly. They aleays leave room for cream, and take your number of shots preference, very seriously!!! I put my business cards on their board, and read their complimentary newspaper. I come all the time. Cute lady at front counter. read more

Absolutely love this place. I live nearby and have been here many times. They have a great selection of drinks and seasonal and creative coffee flavors, and the staff are really nice; great food too. Beautiful outdoor patio space also! read more

Just discovered this little coffee shop by my house and it is amazing!! The food is delicious and the drinks are as well. read more

Bad Barista - Turkey, egg, and pepper jack breakfast sandwich on a croissant! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alameda, California

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Cafe Au Lait is small and has a cottage feel about it. wi fi is available though no one was using it post lunch. just a few tables available. drink: mr. expresso french roast (m, 1.75) -robust but not harsh -smooth with no distinguishing body. coffee drips: -cordial, friendly service. read more

I came here one day for a latte and to work remotely. It's a family owned cafe and they have coffee as well as snacks and food. The latte was good; I was more interested in people watching, though. They have a lot of regular customers. I think the mom and son were at the store while I was there and they were so nice to me and all the other customers. Nice little mom and pop cafe. read more

How to love Cafe Au Lait: Go near the beginning of your day when there's still lots of parking in the lot. Get coffee to your specifications, or tea ... as the case may be. Know that the owner has already had a successful Cambodian cuisine restaurant and makes Cambodian dishes at this location from time to time. You never know what might inspire her. Her mission is to support the daily regulars that depend on her for their standard coffee and early part of the day nourishment. But keep an eye open for new and unusual treats that she might be inspired to make. Let her know you're interested in that kind of thing. See if that magically causes interesting things to show up in the glass case. Her daughter is an RD with an MBA. The food business runs in their blood it seems. I hope the family continues in this location. I'll be back. read more

I'm giving this tiny cafe/mini mart feel of a place 2 stars, because the people are friendly, but the food atrocious. Again, I'm not from the area and couldn't seem to find anything close to where I was headed so I opted to try it out and I thoroughly regretted it. I'm sorry, but heating up my eggs in a microwave and slapping some ice cold ham is not my idea of a decent breakfast. I'm even ashamed to say this, but even dirty greedy Mc Donald's does a way better job than this place. For some "insane" reason I actually thought I was walking into a real breakfast joint, where they cook the food. I was dead wrong. I'd say this place is at best a 7/11, which is not good. If I wanted mini mart gas food then I would have just eaten at a gas station. Long story short I hated the food, barely ate any of it and I just couldn't wait to get the heck out of there. I left hungry and annoyed and was super disappointed. I guess next time I'll have to plan ahead and make sure I do some serious Yelp research before I make another half *ssed decision like this one. I absolutely do not recommend this place, but if your into mini mart gas station food at Starbucks prices then knock yourself out, but don't say I didn't warn you. read more

Really nice people who work here...they definitely go out of their way to ask the questions about how you want your coffee. Seemed like a lot of regulars came in as we hung out doing homework and computer work and drank our coffee and hot chocolate. Will definitely come back. Wifi slow: 6 1/2 min video upload = 217 min read more

I often stop by when I'm in town. They make great coffee and bagels. The croissants are humongous. I would recommend this place for coffee.

I live in the neighborhood and have been coming here almost every weekend for years to get a medium black coffee and sometimes a jalapeno bagel or a salmon bagel, almost always served by teens getting their first job experience. Full transparency - these teens have included my daughter and a niece and a nephew! So instead of the usual food and service review, the most important thing I want to say is a big THANKS to Somi and Theresa and Kasa for giving my kids (and so many others) a great learning experience, and for going out of your way to encourage them. There are so many reasons to support local small businesses, not least of which are the opportunities and care that places like Bad Barista offer to local teens. I imagine it must be challenging to constantly hire and train these young people when their life journeys so quickly take them out of Alameda. Beyond youth jobs, this cafe was one of the few bright spots during the pandemic: I really looked forward to my weekly brief visit to pick up a coffee - and often 3 salmon bagels for my family (back then it was Cafe Au Lait). Finally, congratulations to everyone there for the completion of your makeover. It was a long step by step by step process, but the result is pretty fun! So if it isn't obvious, yes I encourage everyone to stop by for coffee and the giant croissants, and to spend some money here knowing that this place is a real asset for the neighborhood. Don't forget to pose with the bat! read more

Excellent tasting coffee and espresso drinks. Food tastes good and every one is very friendly. Very kid friendly, with a sitting area with some toys in the back. Recently changed owners and pricing but necessary in today's environment and on par with other cafés. Supporting local non-corporate businesses are key in small communities. The new owners are trying to fly the cafe as an upstanding place to get good coffee and food on the East End. Lots of new staff, and they are quickly learning the art of being a barista and food creation. So some patience may be needed. Remember, everyone was new once. No one was born knowing how to do everything. Cut the kids some slack. BE KIND and treat them how you want to be treated. With kindness, comes understanding and kindness back. read more

Why do they run out of bagels or croissants by 11 am on a Saturday? They are open from 7 to 2 pm. They still have 3 hours of service and all they have now are donuts. This rarely if ever used to happen here back in the day with the original owner. Just think how much extra revenue they are missing out on on the weekend when everyone is out and about yet some of us sleep in a little bit later and aren't here at 7-8 sharp as we would be on the weekend. I want to like these guys and give them way more stars as the staff is very nice but hard to do so when they don't offer more food variety midway through the hours they are open. I wanted something substantially extra to go with my latte but oh well, got to go elsewhere for that. See what I mean Au Lait? You are driving away business but not having enough on hand to last most of your business hours. Suggestion: order more bagels, popular varieties especially, and you'll bring in more revenue and keep your regular customers happy. I want to add that I would be much more of a regular customer if I didn't come here time and again disappointed with the leftovers. Oh, and, please have heavy whipping cream available for my low carb Keto friend as well. Why is it she can go to nearly every other coffee shop and they know how to take care of her but you are puzzled by such a request? Again, revenue lost! read more

Delicious iced Thai tea and friendly service! Easy convenient parking. Looking forward to returning soon.

I love it here. I would rather spend my money here for a marchiatto than in any other big names location on Park. Staff are lovely, vast choice, delicious coffee. read more

i don't have any specific experiences here but i enjoyed every time i've gone, weather to pick up a latte or smoothie or bagel or even a blt- all times i've enjoyed. customer service is friendly. it's super cute and for me convenient since it's down the block from me. my sister even notes that she loves their croissants. the environment is very neat and i love coming here! read more

This morning, on a desperate search for anything but gas station coffee, I flipped open my Yelp app and did a nearby search for the aforementioned. Low and behold, off in the glittering distanced danced Cafe Au Lait. Promises of specialty coffee and morning munches drew me in and after pulling open the chim-chimey door, I was greeted by everything I could've ever hoped for. The standard cafe fare of muffins and bagels extended into a real menu that featured bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. Ham even made an appearance. I selected my bread, english muffin, then my protein, eggs and bacon, followed by dairy, American cheese, and topped with a fruit, tomato. A Colombian roast and 5 minutes later, my toasty, melty sandwich appeared before my mouth and I devoured it without haste. With convenient parking, dog and people friendliness, Cafe Au Lait will definitely become a morning staple whenever I'm in the hood. read more

Great little hometown cafe with decent coffee drinks and great service with a really nice outdoor patio outback to sit and enjoy your coffee or bagel....they make a great bagel and lox sammy here ...love to support small local shops ! Parking is ample in the larger lot just beyond the entrance off Encinal ave. read more

I have fallen in love with this family owned coffee shop. It's about half a mile from my house and I enjoy walking over early on a Saturday morning with the baby. It's literally half the price of some of those corporate coffee shops, but you get the satisfaction of supporting a local business and the coffee isn't burnt. I'm always greeted with a warm smile. Their decaf lattes are amazing and they bake their butter croissants in-house. If you're lucky enough to be awake on a Saturday morning around 7:00 AM, stop by. The also have a back patio, which is great to hang out on with your dog while getting some school work done. They also have Wi-fi! read more