This coffee place is literally beyond critique. Every experience I've had there has been absolutely perfect. On a sunny corner of Rockridge sits Highwire. The baristas are approachable and friendly. If there's ever a line, they move it quickly and they take and pump out orders like there are 10 instead of 3. Honestly I've never had anything but my usual. I just can't bring myself to get anything else. I get an Iced Matcha Latte and it is absolutely incredible! It's creamy and they shake it so it's completely cold. I can see them make it and they use real matcha. It takes a fair bit of self control to not just chug the entire drink!!! Instructions for a wonderful morning: order a great drink at highwire, get a fresh roll from the baker next door, then sit in the sun and enjoy your blissful breakfast! read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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Yippee, another great coffee shop crossed off from my checklist DRINKS/FOOD: --iced mocha: yummy --iced latte: perfect balance between hints of sweetness/bitterness, would gladly reorder in a heart beat --chocolate mochi muffin from Third Culture: here it's priced at $4.50 vs $3.95 at the actual place, tastes the same SERVICE: great, baristas/staff very nice & friendly, a great smile is what you need early in the morning TIPS: A line starts forming even early in the morning, but the wait isn't horrendous (a wait of 5-10 minutes) & moves relatively quickly. Two lines are at the entrance, one into the coffee shop itself & the other one into the adjacent bakery STREET PARKING? is available, along a semi-busy street though read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

I just love this coffee. I am not even a coffee drinker. No matter how hard I try to be or order all the cool trendy short pulls, no water chai tea lattes, or brevé styles; it just don't be happening for me. Stumbled upon this place don't ask me how but I did and a match made in heaven. No for real y'all. I walk up in that piece ordering all the fancy shit ie. large breve latte w/ no foam extra hot please. Yeah that's my jam. They may see the order and roll they eyes because I just might be a bit too fancy for the coffee; it's delicious on its own. Could I be doing too much, prolly. Someone a long time ago told me that it was a democracy. Gawd LMFAO what does that really mean these days. But back to the coffee....it's hella smooth, dark, aromatic with a tinge of sweetness. Hm. That's sounds familiar... enjoy your cup of joe ... you will absolutely return for a second..third...etc...cup. Cheers!! read more

The seasonal Matcha Mint Latte with Oat Milk was pretty good, would get again. The baristas were super friendly and nice as well. Only complaint is I came here to find a study space but there was no indoor seating/outlets. There is outdoor seating but definitely not enough space to study. This is a grab and go place, so try the drinks out to see if you like them! read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Mint Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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The coffee is served nice and hot as it should be but I feel they should have a bigger sized cup for over 12 ounces. There is a great diverse selection of coffee which is amazing. I definitely recommend going here. read more

Alright, Highwire... you got me, you got me! Yeeep! You gotta girl HOOKED on your damn chai lattes like WHOA! Chai tea, crack tea, drug tea... call it whatcha want, but just know that this thang right 'chea is nothin' short of a fatal addiction in its' earliest stage. It's already bad enough that you're located in the Market Hall... AND next to the Market Hall BAKERY!!! Just... kill me NOW. So, look; I don't know what the hell that Highwire is putting in their teas but it sure gets me "highly wired". You see what I did there?! But honestly, their chai lattes are exceptional. I've tried both their Masala chai and Kashmiri chai hot and cold, and they both taste incredible. The Masala chai is my favorite of the two. The spices in this drink are so fragrant! I just love the spice profile here. Plus, they know how to make their chais nice and sweet. If you're looking for a fragrantly sweet and slightly potent chai with a bit of a kick, I would highly recommend their Masala chai. On the other hand, their Kashmiri chai is mild and has very subtle spices but is still really enjoyable. I can't really say anything about their coffee since I'm not a coffee drinker. But, I will vouch for their chai teas all day, every day! They have a nice assortment of pastries here too, but the Market Hall bakery is steps away. The service is awesome! The staff is always friendly and cheery. On a regular weekday morning, the line can get long but the wait has never been astronomical. The indoor seating is limited to just two counter tops but they have a few tables outside of the patio too. Their cups are recyclable and their lids are compostable, but my only nitpick about the lids is that it's hard to drink that cold drinks out of them. They don't carry any straws here which I can understand because they cause a lot of pollution. BUT... I would even take a compostable straw over sipping a cold drink out of their lids! Just me two cents. All in all, I'm super impressed with Highwire! Their Chai teas are life and I would highly recommend them to anyone who likes a tasty chai. read more

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I ordered an iced mocha and usually the baristas will mix the mocha sauce into the espresso. I brought it up to the barista today and she told me it must of not mixed well. Actually this looks like you didn't mix it at all! I Left wondering if this was worth $6.25. read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Small but mighty coffee shop! Theres also a very nice bakery next to it, although I didn't get anything from there this time. The barista told me their focus is no nonsense coffee drinks, so none of that typical starbucks flare which is great! Although I'm sure they can make a fancy latte for you. Ordering was quick, barista was knowledgeable, and the coffee was weighed and an auto tamping machine was used prior to pulling the shot. They have a nice variety of coffee, including single origin! My oat milk latte tasted great. Excellent notes of chocolate and some berry flavors. I knocked down one star because I felt that the oat milk might have been over steamed, which happens a lot because it usually requires a more aggressive steaming technique. read more

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Decided to take a stroll over to my local Farmer's market on Saturday morning and was in need of some caffeine. I ordered a latte, asked if they could make it iced, but was told that they only had hot options. This was the weekend of the heat wave, so I was a bit bummed that they didn't have any ice! With only one person working in the cafe truck, orders were a bit slow. Mine took about 15-20 mins to make, so be prepared to wait! The drink itself was mediocre. Unfortunately, the coffee tasted a bit burnt. I'm not a huge fan of overly milky lattes, so I definitely would have preferred less milk if I had known. TLDR; I got my coffee fix, but nothing special about the latte I ordered. Maybe it would have tasted better if I ordered it in the shop. read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Coffee truck at the Castro Valley Farmer's market - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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I stumbled upon Highwire one day after a long bike ride up in the Berkeley hills. I was heading home on College Ave when I spotted a gaggle of puppies (humans were there too unfortunately) outside on the sidewalk. Naturally, I had to stop to play with them (the puppies, not the humans, duh). In order to not make it too weird, I stopped in for a coffee at High Wire first. The cold brew was smooth and strong. I noticed they also serve Firebrand pastries which I adore. I really appreciate it when local businesses support one another. Anyway, I got to post up outside, pet pups, and sip on java. Life was good that day. As a bonus, I also discovered Market Hall and all the wonders the various boutique specialty food shops had to offer. Fast forward 6 months into my new life in Oakland and shelter-in-place, I continue to stop here following just about every bike ride. I now eagerly await post-covid life when I can stand outside at High Wires high tops to people watch and ready myself for the dogs of rockridge. In the mean time I guess I will just have to settle for a regular caffeine fix and the piece of mind that I am supporting a local business. read more

Delicious coffee, located in Market Hall. $3.75 for a cappuccino, so not exorbitantly priced. I got a decaf cap yesterday, and it was as great as the caffeinated option. Pretty good COVID protocols - cashier handed me a lid using tongs, which I appreciated. There were also markers on where to stand, and they limited the number of folks inside. Most people elected to stand outside while waiting for their drink. read more

Took one sip of my cinnamocha and I knew I had to tell everyone how delicious it is. The perfect balance between cinnamon and mocha without one overpowering the other and not overly sweet. I don't know if this drink is just seasonable but grab it while you can! read more

Great service. Fast. Tasty coffee. Good location. Parking can be hard in busy times and/or weekends

Chai delicious but inconsistent product. I bought two, one was given with a 1" gap to the top. The other 1/4". Another person also ordered 2, one filled to the rim the other 1/2" short. Crapshoot how much you will get. read more

Coffee aficionados should pay heed to this little operation at the bustling Market Hall right next to the Rockridge BART station. It's actually part of a mini-chain of local coffee shops run by three friends with about sixty years of coffee experience between them including long stints at Peet's when they used to rule supreme in the coffee wars. They now procure and roast their own beans under their own moniker. I recognized the name from the stand they have at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturdays. Anyway, I happened to be strolling on College Avenue to catch a train to get home but noticed I had about twenty minutes until it arrived. It was about 7:55PM, and the staff was about to close the shop. However, the cheery barista was generous and fulfilled my need for caffeine. It came in a $2.50 medium cup of their drip that evening which was the Tightrope blend (photo: http://bit.ly/2wwA9c8). It had a slightly fruity taste, and the overall brew had a satisfying rich flavor. I was almost tempted to get something at the bakery just across the space since they were getting rid of unsold croissants, but my conscience, the one that controls my urges toward calorific consumption, managed to avert me from potential gluttony. Thank goodness. COFFEE - 4 stars...a rich blend for the end of the evening AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...it certainly can get hectic in Market Hall but not then SERVICE - 4 stars...service with a smile until the very end TOTAL - 4 stars....not sure if they mean customers are on a highwire when they come here but it was a good, unconventional cup of joe read more

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I like my coffee black and I love Highwire. Just a bold enough brew. Not bitter, but smooth and robust. Great service! read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Use and reuse. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

I stopped in on my way to an event. Convenient location right by the BART station with delicious, creamy espresso and quick service.

Consistently good coffee -- I haven't experienced a mediocre or overly bitter cup in all the time I've been coming here, and my coffee-snob BF swears by this place for his home stash. read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

i'm a regular customer at highwire coffee College Avenue and I always had a great experience. However, I was extremely shocked by todays horbile service. Liz, the shift supervisor was extremely rude and ruined the whole experience. She refused to serve as on the porcelain cup because she claimed that she's ready to close but the time was 6:20 . If it was a closing time I would have completely understand her. Nevertheless, it wasn't. We are confident that the company will address this issue and prevent it from happening to other customers. Thank you! read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Absolute BEST mocha that I have ever had, and I've had a lot. They make their own dark chocolate and vanilla in house. I got an extra shot so the beautiful coffee flavor came through the rich and delicious mocha flavor. Staff was over the top friendly. I even made a comment about the beautiful artwork on the wall and the gal wrote down the artist's name for me, so nice! Had a base of lovely flowers and the overall vibe was warm. read more

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Located in Market Hall, this branch of Highwire Coffee Roasters offers the high quality coffee I've come to expect from the brand in a bustling shopping atmosphere. Having a cafe in a market comes with its pros (ability to grocery shop, being located right next to the delectable pastry case) and cons (long lines, noisy atmosphere), but overall, I think this place is worth a visit if you are in the area. I usually go for espresso-based drinks, but I recently tried their nitro brewed coffee. The nitro brew had a sharp and bright flavor profile to it that paired well with the warm Oakland weather. I'm not sure if I would drink it regularly, but it was a nice diversion from my standard Americano. My server was friendly and helpful as she explained the various chai offerings and described the difference between their iced vs. nitro brew coffee. read more

Edit: Awesome, thanks for reading and replying so fast! Really impressed. Highwire's coffee is consistently the best around -- they use a nutty, dark espresso that's neither too bitter nor leached of all flavor by third wave pretensions. I love the atmosphere they've created that perfectly balances gentrified civility and casual hipness, and everyone who works there is great. Plus if you get there at the right time, the aroma from brewing iced tea is enchanting. read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Beware lest you pay for your coffee in blood - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

So excited to close the store right at 5pm. I rush up to the door with my four year old daughter. I look at my phone and it is 4:59. The woman at the counter says "Sorry we are closed" I say I just need a small cup of coffee. Sorry she says. The other guy working there pretends I am not there. This is a perfect way to be a hero for the customer or lose a client for life. Jan 22 - college ave Rockridge Bart store. Unfortunately a new high wire open in my Montclair neighborhood which I was excited about. Also tossing the sweatshirt I bought there. Yeah I really needed a cup of coffee. Does it show? read more

This location is really convenient because it is right across the street from Rockridge Bart. Market hall has a small lot and street parking as well. Sometimes I get the coffee from here but what really stands out are their loose leaf teas. I always get the Bourbon vanilla but I decided to try something new this time and also picked up the silver machine. They come in these small cylindrical containers with facts and even tell you the proper brew temperature. They work perfectly as gifts for friends and family! read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Silver Machine Tea, Bourbon Vanilla Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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Love the coffee here! There, coffee here is always strong and not too milky.Their service is amazing and fast.

Ok, Peaberry loyalists..please read this with an open mind! What could possibly have been worth staying up 21 hours for?! The chance to attend Highwire's tour and cupping lesson, courtesy of fantastic biz-idea Yelp is what! Did you know that sure, couples may spoon, but true and great baristas cup! In fact, both coffee and tea are tasted and evaluated via cupping. So say the World Barista Championships, and as well, an upcoming event up north of us, in Pdx (http://www.scaaevent.org/?) I was lovingly educated and generously treated to 'cafetiere a piston' and pour-over espresso when walking into their roasting facility, which is located across the street from Pixar. The whole space smelled, sweet, rich, nutty, earthy, 'roasty', but not cloying when the door first opened for me. The entire philosophy here among the head honcho team of Robert, Rich, and Erik H. is meticulous quality, blend and taste, source small to form genuine relationships, and taste taste taste! Each member is adroit at a different aspect within the business of the industry. One serves as a judge for tasting, another roasts, another understands the QA of the trade, etc. Their passion translates into their beans! Learning about the C. arabica vs. C robusta and how the beans come in those burlap bags was incredibly interesting. And then actually witnessing Erik roasting an Ethiopian batch (region Yergecheffe, if I recall correctly) for 12.5 mins in that sturdy Probat was a trill in my song, a lilt in my voice!! But when we all launched into a completely delectable cupping between a Colombian, Sumatra, and an Ethiopian variety, I was truly beside myself. How elated was I to be taught what to notice in coffee---you know, those "experiences we can't put into words" when we drink coffee. Was taught about the 5 various characteristics upon which coffee is evaluated and described. So, so very cool. Each person who attended the tour was given not even an hour old roasted Ethiopian beans, and also a free card for a beverage when visiting at the Market Hall store. Among all of the various events that I attended during Field Trip weeks, this one was the most soulful. It's evident that the owners of this new business, acquired last spring and open to the public last fall, are filled with passion and yet humility when it comes to coffee. Now that matters! At their cafe, Specialty Bakery and Scream Sorbet partner together with them. Thank you so very, very much, R squared and Erik. I'll be buy for a visit, redeem that wonderful beverage, and get some of your quality beans..just need to deplete some supply first! read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Typically great coffee at reasonable prices but very rude servers. Had the same experience 2-3 times on this location. One time we bought a coffe mug, the person at the counter poured our coffee directly into it without asking/thinking..when we pointed out that the cup had a layer of dirt/dust as it was on display and should be rinsed before use, the server got really annoyed at us. They behave and respond like they did not understand what one said/ordered. Seemed like they weren't excited about serving Asian customers. These very employees will happily take generous tips from Asian customers..not going there again. Cannot recommend. read more

Not really a fan of their coffee but the customer service was amazing. Honestly - if I could give 5 stars for favors and not flavors I would. But I can't :-/ Honestly I want to because I love coffee and love Local roasting companies but i can't get behind the burned flavor of their espresso I guess I'll stick with Subrosa and Red bay read more

Everything you can expect from a great coffee shop. Coffee and espresso both brewed expertly by friendly baristas. Parking on the street or BART. Other high end goods in the marketplace as we'll. read more

Two guys, a few beers, and a dream of one day owning a coffee shop is what got Highwire Coffee Roasters off the ground. Robert and Rich, the founders of the business hit the pavement running in October 2011 and haven't taken much of a break since. Accompanied by very close friends Eric and Courtney to help run the show, HWCR hopes to be your neighborhood "IT" spot for coffee. I got the privledge today of attending a fun-filled fully informed class at their roasting plant in emeryville. The group was given the grand tour and engaged in the proper way to taste coffee. It's funny when your the only one in the class amoung eight other people who really like coffee but don't know much about it to even ask a good question. Never-the-less these are some of the the things I learned which I hope will also help others in thier coffee-seeking experience. "A Cupping Room is Hallowed Ground. It is the Heart & Soul of Any Coffee and Tea Company" -Rich What 5 things To Look for in Good Coffee? 1. Fragrance/ Aroma 2. Acidity 3. Body 4. Flavor 5. AfterTaste If there was a number six to add to the list, mine would have been Awful Breath..as in which one can you get away with talking to someone while your invading thier 3 feet of personal space! Due to the useful info( more than my poor brain could comprehend), great hospitality and a feeling of comradarie between this intimate group and the owners, Highwire is definately on the recommend list :-) read more

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The rudest place I've ever been. Coffee tastes like water anyways. I'll never ever buy from this place or bring my friends. I've been loyal customer due to their croissant for years. Today, they refused to serve me even though I had perfectly fine face covering. Few people in the shop weren't even had their nose covered and they asked me to leave. I felt like they discriminated me/racist!!! I went to blue bottle nearby and they didn't do that; and coffee is so much better. A clerk even asked me I needed a mask on the way and gave me one. read more

Love Highwire Coffee. When it comes to coffee, I am not a snob, but I only get black coffee or an americano. That being said, it allows me to be able to tell if the coffee taste good or not since I have no milk or anything along those lines hiding the taste of it. A lot of coffee at other places taste burnt, but both the "coffee of the day" and the americano tasted great here. I don't drink lattes or cappuccino's but other friends of mine who have got them here really liked them. The location: The location is in Rockridge Market and it could not be better situated. There is street parking, it is right across the street from BART and right next to a lot of AC transit lines. The Staff: As good as they come. read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Just want to say 'thank you' to Highwire for being open through the crisis. This has become an 'essential' occasional treat for us to enjoy their outstanding coffee over these weeks. Even though we make pretty good coffee at home and have reduced the amount of coffee we're drinking due to a lot fewer visits out to or ability to sit in coffee shops to work.... happy to have Highwire :). read more

Early morning meet and greet, and the venue couldn't have been more inviting. Highwire Coffee Roasters has an open atmosphere, with a long table available in the back for a more private feel. The food is standard café fare; however the coffee was robust and full of notes, rather than the burnt bean swill of more conventional coffee shops. What made this venue scintillate were the smiles behind the counter, preparing food and brewing java. I'll certainly return :-) read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - #Coffeeart - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Friendly friendly give YA hug niceness. I was visiting from out of town and needed to purchase a specific item for a friend for Christmas. The guy behind the counter was super nice and answered all my questions and gave me a sample too. I will definitely go back when I am in that area and will probably go all the way back to Oakland just to visit and pick up another bag or two of espresso even though I now know that I can buy it online. Last thing buy the caramels. You must buy the dark ones the lighter colored ones are good too but please try the darker ones. I wish I bought more. Next time read more

Highwire Coffee Roasters - Buying coffee here after our awesome coffee experience at the Eat Real Festival. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

This little coffee spot located inside Market Hall makes one delicious latte! Paired with a pastry from the display next door and you've got a perfect mini meal. The service was friendly and quick and the playlist was bumping. I would come here every day if I lived nearby! read more

$6.25 for a OATMILK mocha drink. Wow pretty outrageous for coffee - even the cashier "agreed". She just kept apologizing which was gracious but doesn't take the sting outta paying 6 bucks for coffee. If I return I'll go for just a drip. The owners may feel its equitable tti charge this based on ingredients and barista labor - but I disagree. read more

The coffee is decent here, and it's busy in the morning when the commute is on at the adjacent Rockridge Bart station, but thats to be expected. Also the Market Hall Bakery is right there so you can pick up breakfast or lunch while they "do the brew". Prices are fair for this toney neighborhood. Two minor peeves - they refuse to provide refined sugar, despite requests. They claim the molasses-tinged Sugar in the Raw enhances the flavor of the coffee and is healthier, I disagree. Also I am frequently charged a price that varies by as much as +/- $1 for a Red Eye (house coffee with a shot of espresso), so I've started to be all Zen and shit and just use that chance result as an omen for the rest of my day. The house staff are invariably polite and cheerful, so please tip your baristas folks. That is all. read more

When You need strong coffee, this is the place To go ! Great coffee , young great staff and it's connected to a bakery! Only downfall is parking ! lol overall good place tho . read more

You guys. I totally get the coffee craze - delicious coffee is delicious. But holy lord, should a cappuccino really be $4??? It's $4.75 for a mocha, and that's just adding chocolate syrup. Le sigh. I do love Market Hall, and the ambience in Rockridge is really charming, but a) the cost at Highwire is a bit *ahem* high, and b) there's nowhere to sit. There are a few tables outside (3? 4?) but that's for all of Market Hall. The coffee here is better than average, but certainly not the best I've had. Bags of beans from Highwire make a good gift for fancy friends who like fancy coffee. TL/DR: good coffee, a bit too expensive, nowhere to sit and enjoy it. read more