As Ella Fitzgerald sang... My nerves have gone to pieces My hair is turning gray All I do is drink black coffee Since my man's gone away ...and Cole Coffee--my ideal neighborhood joe joint--is where I get my brew. It's a drip-before-your-eyes operation of superb quality. I've tried about six varieties of coffee so far, out of about 25 on offer, and they've been robust and delicous without exception. I've found the baristas friendly (well, friendly enough...); more importantly, they are precise in their weigh/grind/pour routine, ensuring a perfect cup every time. As for my fellow caffeine fiends: In the month I've been coming here since moving to the 'hood, I've met more interesting people than in my four years of cafe-going in Seattle. I've had conversations with random strangers and tablemates about, among other topics, woodworking, chihuahuas (one of whom was named after Ella Fitzgerald), pocket knives, knitting, crossword puzzles, nature vs. nurture, and hipster toddlers (totally nurture--there's nothing natural about a tragically hip three-year-old). Sure, I've felt underdressed compared to said hipster toddlers, but at least I get to drink fantastic coffee while they have to sip hot chocolate. Though, come to think of it, their cocoa is probably fantastic, too... read more

I drink mochas, only, pretty much, aside from the occasional New Orleans Iced Coffee from the Blue Bottle Coffee outpost at the Temescal Farmer's Market, or at their storefront in San Francisco's Hayes Valley. Very rarely I'll drink the Chocolate Coffee Cream at Great Bear, when passing through Los Gatos. Once every four months I'll cut loose and order a latte. But mostly I drink mochas. And I'll easily call the Cole Coffee iced mocha the best coffee shop-served mocha in the East Bay. It ranks behind only the mocha at Tartine which is made with melted down Scharffenberger. It's smooth and flavorful without the ruinous bitter coffee edge of some, or the lesser chocolate quality served in...well, others. The coffee fixings area is cramped and frequently overcome with unidentifiable spills and refuse and needs help constantly. I refuse to press on the garbage can lid with my bare hand. I put on a glove for that. I just keep the glove in my...glove compartment and don it on my way in so as not to cause a commotion. The only reason I'm wearing it now, at this late hour, and to bed tonight, is because I anticipate a stop here before work tomorrow. I like their poached egg on toast, although not to the same degree as the Cafe Fanny poached egg on toast. But I greatly prefer the experience of ordering the poached egg here, and even waiting for it, over that at Cafe Fanny even though the wait inside Cole Coffee is the most awkward of any coffee shop wait, in terms of determining where to stand. I'd recommend ducking into the restroom and waiting since there is at least one guaranteed seat, but I've not seen the restroom so can't speak to its condition. You could stray outside and wait but you may run into a stray dog, a stray person, a stray stroller, a stray bike, a stray chair, a stray backpack on the ground or even a stray dandelion weed. Might be best to just stay home and drink a cool glass of purified water. (Or, if you're not a mocha-only drinker, you can purchase their beans from their adjacent store.) read more

Cole/Royal Coffee has consistently made the best coffee I've had in the SFBA, yes, even better and more consistent than Blue Bottle. IMO... I have been roasting my own beans for 12 years, and pull great shots from an obscenely expensive espresso machine and have some expertise in this mud thing. Cole gets it right every time... Two things: More space!!! Not always easy to find a place to sit. And...SPEED UP THE SERVICE! Last Sunday, the service was ridiculous. Not only did it take 15 minutes to get coffee made, but two out of three orders were incorrect. Not good. One table next to us arrived long before we did and finally, after waiting over 30 minutes for their breakfast plate to arrive, finally went up to the counter to check..."We forgot your order," was the reply. This is NOT acceptable service. No excuse for this in a place that has been around this long. And I got the feeling there was no offer of a comped meal, coffee, nada, for this gross oversight. Shame on y'all, Cole. Great coffee, lousy service, but I'll keep coming back when I'm in town. read more

Every Sunday for 8 yrs: Walk my pooch through the lovely neighborhood from Shattuck to College Ave. Snag the perfect little bench next to the tree in front Order medium Red Sea (a wicked strong brew) & morning bun Sit, Hang, Chat, People watch...Perfect. Yes, Philz Coffee is coming, Starbuck's inside Safeway, Peet's at the end of the block, but Cole Coffee has a cult following. It has history. It's nothing fancy but people that come here- love routine, cherish community, and welcome authenticity. Is it the best coffee in the world...maybe not. Is the service Hit or Miss... sure. But that doesn't matter because the social vibe I experience every Sunday is what keeps me coming back. And that's good enough for me! read more

Today I had pour over coffee and it was hot! Now I know to get pour-over instead of drip-coffee so that it is hot. Now I know!

Sitting outside having an English breakfast tea watching all the dogs being walked and seeing the street lined up with Toyota Prius automobiles. Yes this is not Palo Alto, this is across the bay in Rockridge, the other cool place. It gets a little crowded but this is a neat place to have that first cup of tea or coffee. read more

Yet Another Royal/Cole Review: amazing high-octane coffee, excellent cyclist/biker/hipster people-watching, and the self-satisfied feeling of being among the Cool Kids while watching Rockridge privilege walk by. Only place with more hoity-toity passers-by is Peets on Domingo next to the Claremont. Friendly patrons, arrogant baristas, but isn't that what you were looking for? Voted Best Place In The East Bay to Take My Old BMW R60/7 Motorcycle to by Me. (it's gone, sniff) Currently, Best Place to Take The '70 Mustang Convertible I've Had For 16 Years. :) read more

Damn fine coffee. I go to Royal, or Cole, or whatever its called now, just about every week. I buy just enough in coffee beans to get a free small coffee (the coffee is strong enough that I don't need more than that), which makes Cole's beans just a hair more expensive than, say, Peet's. The coffee selection is excellent, and the guys who work in the back by the beans are much friendlier and chattier than the folks up front. But you know, despite all the comments about the bad service, I don't really think anyone at the front counter has been too rude; they just make my coffee for me (each cup brewed individually, by drip, with the beans and water measured oh-so-carefully), and that's all I really want anyway. Sure, the clientele can be annoying, but that's Rockridge. Any (good) coffee shop in Rockridge / Elmwood / North Berkeley is sure to attract a few jerks here and there, and unfortunately, jerks are like blood: a little bit looks like a lot. read more

While shopping in the Rockridge area, we walked into Cole Coffee for a coffee and espresso. After seeing the scores of people drinking coffee and relaxing outside and inside this cafe, we thought we'd give it a try. We order a single espresso and a regular coffee. For each order, Cole Coffee will individually drip each cup of coffee. This is the first time I've seen a coffeehouse do this. We found to coffee to be only ok. The coffee reminded me of Royal Grounds coffee. The espresso was ok too. Overall, Cole Coffee is a decent cup of coffee. read more

I miss living next to this place. Greatest coffee shop of all time. Incredible coffee selection. Regulars get a cup from the back door. Best part about it? No wifi, so everyone in the neighborhood hangs out and shoots the shit. People bring their kids and their dogs. I've had a lot of great conversations with very nice people here. read more

Oooo it's a happy day when you find a quality place to get your caffeine fix! I have to admit, I followed the masses to Philz and never thought twice until I noticed that Cole Coffee, across the street, was ALWAYS busy. This place makes you feel at home, like you're at your grandma's house on a Sunday morning and she is fixing your grandpa a cup o' Joe as he reads the morning paper. That is, if your grandma makes great coffee and everyone in the neighborhood flocks to her house everyday to get a cup. There isn't much room and it can get pretty hectic here but the staff is so friendly and you never feel like you're in an assembly line like you do at other places. And it's not quite as expensive as Philz ;) read more

Plus: - I love the atmosphere here - feels like a real community. - Good coffee and poached eggs, and other foods. Minus: - They use PLASTIC pitchers every time they pour boiling water to make drip coffee. Yuck. Boiling water in plastic? Who does that these days? Their coffee is good but I will not drink it again until they change that - I find it disgusting with all the articles about chemicals leaching from heated plastic into water. Couldn't you use a glass pitcher? Or stainless... It's a bit heavier but much more appetizing. - Crowded. Would be so nice if they had more space. read more

A nice alternative to the chain coffee shops around the area. Good prices for good brew. Ample space to sit and tap out emails with the WiFi service. Decor and atmosphere as well as service a bit indifferent. read more

The cappuccino was fine, but not as good as Blue Bottle's. The poached eggs were probably the best I've ever had (although they were much more well done than the medium done requested). But this cafe sucks. It's not inviting, cozy, or warm. And probably your best bet for getting an inside table on a cold day is to literally hover right over the person sitting trying to enjoy their breakfast until they're so annoyed that they call you something profane and leave. Success! If you call success sitting in an uncomfortable chair at a tiny table in a narrow aisle way near a door that's letting in a draft. read more

That morning buzz Remover of the brain fuzz Listen up fools Cole Coffee rules WORD read more

I had the cappuccino and thought it was below average. Way too much foam and tasted too bitter. The ambiance is nice though, with locals bantering away and it's conveniently next to a smattering of other bakeries, groceries, and bars on College Ave. It's always so packed and has wraparound outdoor seating that's always full so I'll have to go back and try something else so I can give it another chance. read more

Cole Coffee - Foamy cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

oh, good lordy, how have I neglected to publicly announce my devotion to Cole Coffee????? On one hand, Cole has absolutely ruined my ability to drink coffee anywhere else.(This whole "third wave" coffee movement has been a serious bummer for me, with nasty tea-esque coffee being served up all over town. I'm often stuck drinking ice tea now to get a tasty caffeine fix) But on the other hand... oh, Cole... how I love thee. I am a fair trade coffee kinda gal, and I usually stick with the Peru beans. Dark, rich, nearly impossible to fuck up at home, these beans are responsible for keeping me relatively sane (esp on days when I'm up at 5am and headed to the SF flower mart). Also, they have the much required (for me) vegan snack options. Nabolam and Pepples Donuts, always good to counter the coffee jitters. Oh, and there are almost always adorable furry four legged buddies hanging out, which warms my cold cold heart. (sadly, my Lou is horribly allergic to the trees outside of Cole, she breaks out in lumpy hives if we sit for more than a few minutes). read more

A freshly-dripped cup of coffee is what I indulged at Cole's. Good balance...rich...not much bitter...etc etc. Smallish in seats & size, but not skimpy on the coffee artistry. read more

Okay, MANY of you must be wondering why I haven't been "YELPING" I haven't been eating at all, been trying to diet and I finally got my size 8 back ....................... OKAY, I lied to you. First, let me get you on the right track here with "Cole Coffee" since I am a addict for coffee - They SERVICE many ways to have your coffee addiction - The espresso's The brewed coffee The grind and drip at the moment you order it (which is a great way) If you want the line to move faster to get your coffee, go next door which is part of Cole Coffee and you could get the brewed coffee or espresso and more pastries as well. Many do go inside and purchase their beans or be like me I like going inside because the guy with the salt and pepper hair is really HANDSOME ( although, I think he's married and BOY, does he have this smile that each time I go there he makes me feel like I just got out of a hot bath or shower ) meaning, it's refreshing to see a smile like his. I have to tell you that I fell in love & PASSION for "RED SEA" I love so many things about this place. The area is one that could suck you in, just plain people out having a really enjoying time out over what coffee is all about! REAL people, having DAM good tasting coffee with those you call your friends, relaxing and having a great old time - Just for the record, almost all the time I manage to get seats for 3 to 4 people, it's called quality time while you gather the EXTRA chairs ~ I love the breakfast - 2 slices of toast with two pouched eggs for $5.50 Come on, be real! of course the french bread is so goooood ( guess where it comes from? I'm not telling you ) but then your pouched eggs will keep you healthy and the protein we need. Good area, if you like to people watch, it's a busy little loop. If you don't want to pay for parking just park at Safeway against the brick fence. Bring, cash, your shades, Get ready for a beautiful view and stare at my Peppercorn Tree that I 'm madly in love with or the Berkeley hills. People that gave bad comments are those to me that are in a hurry and don't know how to RELAX ........................................................................ and are used to the watered down coffee plus coffee that sit's up on the burner forever. Okay, I have a niece who finds the coffee is too strong for her (that's because she really isn't a coffee drinker ) but how we fix that is she orders a extra cup of hot water to make the adjustment and she's all good to go! Heck! I tell her you're not in STARBUCKS with that water down coffee with all kinds of sweeeeeet hocus pokus - LOL The music is good, some you may have but I can't complain even though I'm a music lover - heck! bring your Ipod, I'm never alone 'coz JOHN MAYER is usually with me. So, I dropped one star and that's because most of them don't make the foam as good as the guy with the salt & pepper hair the "FOX" boy, I wish I had the nerve to know if he really is married (he wears a wedding ring ) does that mean he's married? Okay, in the mean time I'll dream and fantasies him and YOU go check out this place called "Cole Coffee" and don't forget to tell me all about it. Checking back to say that I found out he was married - that's right, so anyways coffee is always as good as it gets ~ read more

I love the coffee here and the total chill atmosphere. Been going here for years but today, as I stood in line, I was passed over twice so that the staff could help a white person who walked in after me. ? Really? ?! read more

My son introduced me to Cole's coffee in Oakland over twenty years ago. Now that I live in Oregon he knows the only thing I want for Christmas is a visit from him and another year in the Cole coffee club. Try it...you WILL NOT be disappointed read more

This review is based on several visits. I've been an occasional patron of Cole Coffe (and Royal, as it was formerly known) for several years. The selection of coffee types and the fact that they grind and drip beans per order is awesome! Espresso drinks are great too! But let's face it...one of the real draws here for me is location. Location, location, location! Great people watching and close to restaurants, merchants, and not too far to BART or UCB. On a personal note, my wife and I vacationed in Europe for two weeks earlier this year. Saw family in Denmark, a friend in Belgium and had a great 4 days in Paris! I fell in love with Paris and how there is always an abundance of fresh food and great people watching spots in all different neighborhoods. Hence my love for Cole Coffee and their location. Within one block there is a boulangerie, butcher, wine merchant, produce market, candy store, florist, drug store, and coffee/tea places, & more! Everything is walking distance - I SO want to be able to live around here and ditch the car in favor of walking everywhere! OK....I guess I've got to mention these desires to my Realtor friend - If he can get me an affordable house around here you'll see a 5 star review for him here! Cole Coffee...good drinks, people watching, attentive staff all in a prime location. Perf! read more

Sought this place out from across town. I'm YELPING and COFFEE'ing my way across the Bay Area. I entered and scanned the coffee and 'sweet stuff' options. Sweet stuff was low in supply and not looking all that special...although it was 4PM so my expectations were low on supply. I ordered a drip coffee and the woman behind the counter asked if I wanted something delicious to which I replied YES, bring it on. She poured me her fave blend...I can't actually remember it but it began with a "T" and was low acid and a bit nutty. A small coffee for $2- prepped as a 'pour over' was perfect for a late afternoon cuppa. Identified myself as someone from out of the area and the woman gave me all sorts of data on the neighborhood I was in...including informing me where I was...as I was unsure...she gave me the 'low down' on Rockridge while making my coffee....I SO appreciated her recommends. Including her advisement to visit the bakery down the street (La Farine) for something sweet! I'd be at Cole Coffee most days if I lived in Oakland/Berkeley. read more

I'm new to Oakland and Cole Coffee looked cute, so I just walked in for a cappuccino to stay. When I saw my drink hit the counter I was disappointed; the milk was clearly over frothed, and when I sipped it it was god-awful. It was so burned and bitter I poured it out on the curb. They have a Marzocco espresso machine- WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO IT?? I let the barista know (politely) that their espresso machine is not pulling good shots and that my drink was really bitter. She just kinda grimaced at me. No apology, no "whoopsies!", definitely no offer to refund my $$ or recalibrate the (magnificent) Marzocco. In a town with such great coffee (I'm lookin' at you, Blue Bottle), Cole Coffee needs a wakeup call. Or, a barista that gives a f*ck. read more

Still the best - don't let new fancy roasters, or "ground-breaking" drip-cup coffee shops fool you - they're just trying to do what Cole nee Royal has been doing for a long time. The only place in the Bay I will buy coffee and the only place that I actually enjoy a cup. A great place to hang out and watch the world go by, and NO WI-FI so people actually talk, laugh, write, and read instead of turning into zombies while hogging a table for hours. Grab a cup of Sumatra and thank me later...... read more

My coffee loving friends and I gave re-named this lovely coffee shop Crack Coffee. Why would we, coffee lovers that love Cole Coffee do this? Because they seriously put something in their drip coffee! First off, I can't get over the Mexican Organic, I just keep going back to it whenever I try something else. And I buy this amazing bean from the store for home and also ship it back to my family in Seattle cause THEY are in love with it. But here's the thing. When I brew it at home, its not quite as good. Its dang good, but there is this edge to the flavor that I only get at the shop. And then there is the lovely ambiance there. Nothing finer on a sunny late morning than to stop by La Farine on College on the way to Cole for a swiss twinkie and then get my freshly brewed Mexican Organic coffee and sit and do some amazing people watching as I sip my coffee with a friend or two. Don't forget to bring cash! read more

Mocha tasted great but served it in a pint glass, which I felt was too hot to pick up and who really wants to drink from a glass with a cardboard sleeve on it? Service was also a little slow, a little too many strange old men hanging around, and not that much selection...and of course: CASH ONLY... cause its not nearly 2010, get with it. read more

I like the urbane atmosphere!

Cole's serves consistently great espresso drinks and drip coffee. The prices are very reasonable. I love the poached egg with toast warm dish. You can tailor it to your preferences by ordering 1 toast with 1 egg, 2 toast with 2 egg, 1 toast with 2 egg, or 2 toast with 1 egg. ANY combination! The toast is really thick and it comes with this delicious jam. read more

REALLY delicious coffee. In fact, I think this place gets better flavor with its simple drip filters than Blue Bottle in SF with its fancy $40,000 Japanese Mr. Roboto meth lab coffee brewing system. It's cheap too ($1.85 for a medium). Come here on a sunny afternoon, get a coffee, elbow hipsters and old people to secure a seat, and enjoy some quality jittery caffeine eye reading time. read more

Ordered an Ice Mocha but never got it because they were taking a very long time, 6 people behind me in line got their drinks before I did; when I asked if the mocha was still coming the woman was annoyed with me, waited 5 minutes more than decided to leave. read more

That's the most disgusting mocha I've ever had. It tastes like watery heated milk. Perhaps they forgot the mocha and the 2 shots of caff. Nevermind the place stinks. It doesn't smell like coffee. read more

Don't get me wrong, I love small coffee shops who offer high quality coffee, coffee drinks and small snacks, pastries etc. Cole Coffee is one of these neighborhood gems, who I would visit frequently to sit outside and enjoy the vibrant scene IF the service would be better. The last couple of times, the ladies behind the counter were simply rude. I am not asking for anything outrageous but simply friendly service... Sorry Cole Coffee, I won't be back until your attitude changes. read more

This place is old school! They've been doing pour-over coffee since before any of us were even born. so great that the entire coffee menu is available as pour-over and they have tons to chose from - blends, single origin, decaf, medium to dark - and there are actually sizes to chose from. Their rare Yemen coffee is really good. Also interesting that their beans shop is around the corner as a separate space. read more

I consider myself an average, normal coffee drinker. I go through about 5 lbs. of coffee beans a week (that's normal, right?) and so I come here every week to stock up. My old stand-by is Max's Blend of French Roast, I buy 3# a week. They feature a Coffee of the Month and so far (knock on wood) I have loved it every time I've tried it so my routine now includes 1-2 #'s of this + my Max's Blend. This place is for people who enjoy coffee. Yes, if you are a hipster you will feel comfortable here but so will just about anyone else. The only thing that Cole does not do (which is just one more reason I love them) is add syrups or weird flavors to their coffees. They sell espresso drinks, not caffeinated milkshakes for adults...and while they could probably do a better job of advertising this - they also offer alternatives to dairy (almond milk and soy milk.) Finally, there are two locations that are next door to one another. The corner shop is for drinks and food while the next door down on 63rd is the place to get beans, some drinks and donuts/baked goods. read more

One of the great joys of my life. I know it may sound like sarcasm, but it's not. Best cup of coffee I've ever had. It's the only place I get my coffee from. I buy it by the cup, I buy it by the pound. No frills, no hullaballoo, no BS... Just perfect (very strong) coffee. read more

Yoooooooo honestly this place is sickkkkkkkkk. -Cheap -Really nice service -Dank coffee -Big bean selection If you're looking for good quick affordable coffee and large but quaint outdoor seating I'd go here. 10/10 read more

Historic. Awakening. Flavorful. Finally a satisfying cup of decent latte. I've been missing good espresso drinks since I moved to southside. Cole has a nice variety of Organic Free Trade coffee. I went into the old location (located in the back) and had a low-fat latte. It was really well made. I am definitely a fan now. I will be back to sample more of their productivity drugs. read more

i love to people watch here and feel so cool that i have time to sit down and drink my freshly brewed gourmet coffee while the people passing by have to go do stuff :P seating is scarce and sitting inside is whack so just wait it out. I am a control freak. this place satisfies my need to pick the beans, see them ground and have them freshly brewed into my cup. Also if you bring ur own cup u get like 25 or 50cents off ...OH and the coffee shop opens at 6 but the main shop to get pastries opens an hour later. I HEART this place and all the cool ppl u get to meet & DOGGIES !! read more

Whoa whoa whoa. Iced coffee never tasted this good before. I think the kindness of the gentleman who served me my coffee made it taste even better. Dang. I can't believe I just discovered it now. I've been missing out! read more