Highwire sells the best beans ever! OMG this is great coffee, not bitter at all, just smooth as silk. Treat yourself to a cup of Highwire every morning, life's too short to drink cheap coffee! read more

Been here a few times, and every time I feel like they're more snobby than friendly. Don't they know we haven't had our coffee yet?! ... so lighten up, please! The products themselves are decent. You definitely get a bolder coffee but it does take longer to actually get your order prepared here. There are a few seats at the bar and some tables outside as well. Truthfully, if they weren't located next to one of my favorite bakeries, I wouldn't be back. read more

Amazing coffee and tea! The place to go for a perfect espresso drink or just a simple cup of coffee. To the people who complain about the "attitude". Have you visited Blue Bottle or Ritual? The pretentious attitude at those coffee shops are unbearable. It's really rare to find an exceptional independent coffee shop without the attitude, and I feel Highwire has filled that void. I'm really happy that Rockridge finally has a Oakland grown coffee shop to be proud of. The people really care about the quality of their coffee, tea, and service. It'll soon be the the talk of the town and Bay Area. read more

This place inspired me to start yelping and not in a good way. Pretty bummed to sea Peabody's go. I hear it's a lot of the same people working there but maybe there has been some kind of trauma with the change that caused everyone to turn into weird pretentious jerks. At least ordering coffee or tea at Peabody's never required anything more than asking for what I wanted and getting it. It's a pretty simple formula in the food service industry that Highwire seems to find unnecessary. I asked for black tea to go, because usually that is the fastest thing you can get at a cafe, and I got a pretty cool eyeroll from the barista. Then I got to hear about all of the magical teas they have. I said, "Really, just any black tea to go." And then I had to hear about all of the teas again. Cool. Whatever. Just tea, with caffeine, to go. It ended up being perfectly fine tea. Because it's tea. Leaves in water. Got it. I asked for it to go. I am asked if I want it brewed in a pot. I again ask for it to go. I am advised that the pot may take longer but it's really worth it. I just repeat, "I just want black tea to go, in a cup." I get a pot of tea with an empty to-go cup next to it. What is this? "A compromise," I am told, and smirky dude wanders off. Because at Highwire, apparently, you will have it their way, with a side of smugness that only the locals can brew. Last I heard, "compromise" meant a settlement of differences. I wasn't aware that I was entering into a debate when I ordered tea. But sure, a compromise. Get over yourselves. You aren't doling out the cure to cancer. I was kind of afraid to drink the tea because I thought it might turn me into a pretentious, tattooed hipster dick that only drinks single-drip coffee and loose-leaf tea brewed in pots because he's so much more progressive and cultured than regular people that just want some caffeine to be able to make it through another miserable day. I will never go back. I would rather suffer from crippling caffeine withdrawals and crawl to the bus stop than contribute another dime to the perpetuation of the snotty coffee cult that dominates this area. P.S. I realize I am emo, just give me my damn tea. read more

I used to be a regular last year and got hooked on their coffee. I moved from the neighborhood and now come to get my beans. Luckily, they grind them for me but oh brother super snobby barista dare not grind beans he is too beyond grinding beans. It's as if they find it a lowly act. The woman that rung me up, had to say, anyone, can anyone grind these beans. And all I got was a look from super snobby barista. The new guy ended up grinding them. The week before I had a similar experience with getting my beans grinded. A girl just wants her beans grinded. Anyways, I love this coffee but it is hit and miss with the people who work here. read more

This is my neighborhood Cafe & I love them... I never have to tell them what I want & it's always perfect. The staff are always friendly.

Eek. Coffee not worth the attitude. Could go for a lesson in customer service. Bring back Peaberrys

Great tea selection and wonderful employees, it's also nice to be inside market. The coffee is confusingly terrible. Like, actually pretty bad. Skip this and go across the st over to BiCa. read more

Trekking out to Rockridge at 7:30am on a Wednesday from the city for a cup of coffee takes commitment, but hey, I'm a committed kind of girl. In going with my fellow coffee snob out to Highwire, we both were ready for a solid cup of coffee after enduring BART. One of the coolest things about coming to Highwire is that there is a constant wave of people who are passing through or staying around to enjoy their morning bevvies. The neighborhood feel is real here, and it's enjoyable and not pretentious. Both of us went with their Guatemalan pourover option. In getting that, we also got a quick lesson on a new way to make coffee via the Bonavita immersion dripper. Just when you think you've seen it all, you find out that there are still ways to make a simple cup of coffee look like a grand science project that would win you a prize at school. The barista who talked to us about the process was welcoming, and surprisingly extremely friendly for two people who were just passing through and hanging out. While I can't say that I'm too keen on their nitro cold brew that has been brought to the Ferry Building Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings (a little too much fizz, methinks), their pourover today was delicious and something I'd venture back to if I was in the area. read more

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Just had a phone call from one of the owners of Highwire who was excellent. He apologized for the bad experience and said that he would be talking to the staff. I will certainly give them another try later this week and assuming it's all OK will remove the review of my previous bad experience. Always a good sign when the owners follow up. read more

Fresh new look, coffee and coffee concoctions have ratcheted up a peg or two in quality to be the best I have ever experienced, same smiling employees, high quality baked goods combine flawlessly here with new owners who are actually on hand, working side by side with the legacy gang to deliver the coffee world's best. 5 stars and getting better! read more

Have only been here once, in passing, but the latte I ordered was one of the best latte's I've had in a while. Not much else to say, but I know I'll be back! read more

Great coffee, even the drip is better than most places $6 pour over, good vibes, good work space. Regular spot

I wish I could give 6 stars! Best espresso drinks and coffee in the east bay! We go here often and every time it is so great! We are coffee snobs and this place does it better than anyone! Everyone is on point, the coffee is so good and fresh, the pace of the place - no matter how busy - is consistent and well done. And everyone is so nice there too. They are coffee masters and great people! Love it and love Market Hall that it is connected too. Such a gift to have it in Oakland! read more

Staff are always friendly, even in the early hours of the day. Their soy latte is the best I've had.

I knew of this place since the owner Robert had previously revolutionized downtown Oakland's coffee experience, but I rarely get to Rockridge, so I was unable to see what he had been up to. I finally had the chance to drop by, but it was ten minutes before they officially opened, which normally means that I have to pace outside awkwardly and pretend that I'm meeting someone. To my joy, the two baristas were letting people in and serving coffee. This doesn't sound like a big deal, but I've been to numerous places before they open and never expect to be let in a second before the posted time. I mention this because a lot of the reviews here talk about the attitude of the people working here as being snotty or terrible, but they were showing courteous customer service to me and a tiny group of people in the typically grouchy time before 8am. The courtesy continued when the barista was suspicious of the first shot he served me (grind was too fine) and gladly pulled me another. Like Modern Coffee in downtown Oakland, I look forward to seeing what this small roaster/shop will evolve into. My one issue is that I wish they carried a full line of Hario glassware. I like to buy stuff. read more

These guys are le dopest. I'm picky and i pick Highwire. Its not easy to find a good quad-capp and these guys do it right every damn time. Especially when the A-team is on in the mornings. Actually, i take that back, they kill it in the afternoons too. Keep it up guys, you are appreciated. read more

Crowded place, but VERY nice to grab an early morning coffee and croissant. Their almond croissant was flaky and light and deeeeeelish!

I miss Peaberrys! They no longer have stevia, no longer have the variety of teas they did before (the main reason we drove 25 miles to get there) and they weren't really friendly when we asked about the name change. Response was "we've been here for six months", like duh? Sorry, we aren't from the neighborhood. Also, no more screen with Bart departure times and register broke while I was there. On a positive note, my chai was yummy! read more

I had a weird experience here where the staff wiped chocolate off the rim of my cup with a bar rag that seemed to be used to wipe counters and who-knows-what. I asked for my money back and the owner kindly returned it to me. I hope things start to improve and that the staff will be trained more. I was very comfortable with Peaberry's and not sure why the layout and everything else had to change in order for a new roaster to come on board. Also, not sure why the counter area is just plywood. Not very attractive. read more

I live in Oakland, so of course I have to like local, good ass coffee. I used to be a strictly Blue Bottle kind of gal, but a few months ago I discovered Highwire and I've never looked back. The coffee is amazing, the people that work there take tremendous pride in what they do and are very knowledgeable about the different roasts that they carry. Also, everyone is super nice and make pretty designs on my latte. Starbucks can suck one, Highwire is the dopest. read more

I don't write a lot of yelp reviews but this is case where a place isn't getting the recognition it deserves. I've had plenty of awesome coffee from most of the bay area favorites and this place makes a very tasty cappuccino. There was no trace of "meh" in my cup. The service was very friendly. Sorry, but I'm going to speculate that this place would get stellar reviews if it was in another part of Oakland...some of the crowd shopping at this market probably need a little extra attention. read more

I have very fond memories of Highwire Coffee from my first go around residing in the Bay Area. Upon return a few years later it was delight to revisit Market Hall and see familiar faces behind the counter at Highwire. It was also fantastic to have my memories of latte deliciousness reaffirmed! It's quite simple, if you're in Rockridge go to Highwire, if you're anywhere near Rockridge go to Highwire, if you're visiting the Bay Area go to Highwire! read more

Even slower than peaberrys... I used to come for the tea specifically. Now it manages to be both pretentious and sloppy (who cobbled the counter together?), and not worth finding parking. read more

Good roasters that are passionate about their art. Nice and friendly atmosphere. And they use a la marzocco stada.

This is espresso done right. No flavors, no 30 oz cups, no frappuccinos--just real espresso. The kind of place you don't need to look at the menu to order from. And what espresso it is. Not only is the espresso here as good as I've had anywhere in the east bay, but the espresso blend they sell in whole bean is also the best I've found anywhere in the bay. Now, I can't speak for their drip coffee, tea, or pastries. But with espresso like that, who cares? read more

I really enjoy their coffee here. They have super tasty drip that is always good alone but also stands up to milk. (I usually drink it black but I sometimes get cravings for coffee with cream). I like their teas too, the oolongs are really special and the earl grey is nice and strong but not too bergamot-y. Best part is the staff is really endearing and easy to talk to. Though Sometimes it gets super crazy busy in there so I understand if there isn't much time for small talk (like a line out the door with the baristas pumping out lattes like a factory busy). I always leave super happy with money well spent. Try the blue nile btw, its crazy delicious!! Keep it up my Highwire homies!! read more

This is yet another great coffee joint where they blend excellent beams to make tasty cups of java with the assurance that I am the most ignorant coffee drinker in the world. And although this is probably true it's nice to see it advertised in my face from a tattooed barrista named Apple or Minxy, because these folks can't have normal names. Of course not. They have solved the mystery of horribly bitter and disgusting brew. Pats on the back all the way around. read more

Love the iced coffee! Fast service, strong coffee. Starter bakery goods . Yum!

This is my favorite coffee shop in the East Bay, although I must say that I haven't been to Blue Bottle in Oakland (SF Blue Bottle is awesome, though). The location is tiny and doesn't have a ton of seating - but you can find some with a little bit of work. The ambiance is pretty much classic coffee shop - not too pretentious for non-coffee snobs. The baristas are super friendly, and I've had a bunch of conversations with them about brew methods, origins, roasting, pretty much everything. They had a tasting one time and I got to try their Colombia pre-first crack, during, and roasted to their preference (around full city). I bought a bag of their Yirgacheffe Blue Nile and talked with the barista about using it as an espresso - he said it was worth trying, and it was incredible. It was also awesome as a pour-over coffee (chemex, V60) and not as good in the aeropress (loses its aromatics). Anyway, here are some thoughts on what I've tried Espresso - classic third-wave shot; some acidity (ie sourness), but not too much, some lemon peel aromas, nice body and thickness Decaf Espresso - actually not far off from the caffeinated shot, just lacking some aromatics Cappuccino - awesome sweetness, chocolatey, pretty latte art Yirgacheffe (once auto-drip, once pour-over) - absolutely incredible - great sweetness, strong floral and cherry aromas; not much body, but who cares? Colombia (pour-over) - orange peel, nice sweetness, balanced body - great classic cup Papua New Guinea (auto-drip) - awesome acidity, lemon-orange aromas I've had others - one from the Sumatra region had plenty of body but also surprisingly good acidity. I've also bought some of their coffee for home - the Yirgacheffe was incredible as I stated above, and the decaf Highwire was very well-balanced. It's super buttery from the Sumatra base, and there are some herbal aromatics. It pulled nice thick shots, and it was pretty tasty although not terribly exciting in pour-over. It's a great shop, and I'll be back. read more

They roast a good bean, but prices are now out of control. Used to be $17 a pound, now is $21 a pound, and they made bags 4oz smaller, so less convenient. Maybe because I've only bought beans, but over two years baristas constantly made me feel like I was putting them out, super rude. read more

Reminded me of a cup of coffee from Verve in Santa Cruz. Glad I tried it out instead of just standing in line at Blue Bottle which has been disappointing of late. read more

One of my favorite coffee joints in Berkeley. The customer service is very sweet, they do latte art, and the wait is never endless. The coffee itself is great, although I always order lattes. Also, you can't go wrong with buying the coffee beans and taking them home yourself. Yup, so great :) read more

When I moved to Rockridge, I just assumed Highwire was another dime a dozen local coffeehouse, but was pleased to discover that the Markethall stand is the "end of the funnel" for an entire coffee selection and roasting operation with a knowledgeable staff and a commitment to producing excellent coffee that can stand up with some of the more established 3rd wave roasters like Blue Bottle or Ritual Roasters. The Tightrope blend that Highwire produces is perfectly dialed in for my home espresso machine, and I buy it regularly. (When I'm not trying out something else.) The consistency in the blend is admirable. I know what to expect and I've not been disappointed in the two years I've been buying here. They also sell you about 4 more ounces of beans than their competitors for about the same price, and the coffee is always recently roasted and has never once been as much as a week out of date. I( also really appreciate the line art on the packaging. It's unique, eye catching, and it makes it hard for me to throw away the bag.) They have the BART train schedule up and updating in real time on the monitor in the morning so that you can gauge how long you can loiter, which is very nice, and they have a small selection of Starter bakery baked goods to go along with your brew if you do decide to grab one of the bar stools and sit for a moment. read more

Creamer location moved to a better spot! Yay! I feel that the coffee has gotten a little more medium-roast with a more "wine-y" taste, rather than dark roast-y, and I do prefer strong dark roast, but oh well, that's the trend. They do offer a quality product. read more

Meh. Stopped for a decaf late this morning and it wasn't great. It was luke warm and a bit of disappointment. With all the coffee spots on College they're going to have to better! read more

Best coffee I have had in a long time. Enough said - solid spot - if you're in the area and need a fix, definitely try this place out. They also have a cool little market. read more

I've marveled at how the baristas at Highwire prep the best macchiato in the East Bay. Now I'm gratified to know that they're taking to heart some feedback about service issues. The response from management to my note about an experience that left me grumpy was heartening. It was a stellar example of how folks in the service biz should respond to feedback. Looking forward to rating them with 5 stars real soon. read more

I like the strong, hot coffee and their pastries are very good, if a bit expensive. I don't eat many pastries but I like that Highwire's are unique - I don't think anyone else carries this bakery. I'd go more often but I don't have 10 minutes to wait for a drip coffee when there are only 4 people in line ahead of me. Even after a redesign, the place exhibits fkd-shui. Everything takes the customers and servers lots of extra steps and seems full of obstacles. If you get a coffee, you have to cut through the line in back of you to get to the milk and sugar. It also looks like the servers have to walk back and forth for routine tasks. I think this accounts for a simple order taking a long time. read more

Came for the coffee but the real highlight is the bakery next door. I much prefer Blue Bottle, Four Barrel, Sightglass, Catahoula, and so forth. The latte lacked flavor and had a slight ashtray aftertaste. I wanted to love this place as the location is perfect, but I was sorely disappointed. read more