Dayummmm, this place isn't f*$#cking around when it comes to egg sandwiches. My $9 house special egg sandwich was insane. See pic below. This large buttery egg, almost omelette with spinach, crispy bacon and a ton of avocado, smothered in Swiss cheese on a buttery english muffin will straight up make or break you. Regardless, you'll enjoy it, but a nap may be needed immediately after. PRO-TIP: Maybe ask for no butter? The line and there was one can get long. It seriously does take about 15-20 minutes for your sandwich (they do suggest calling ahead and ordering ahead of time), but it's worth it. I can't imagine eating again today, maybe even tomorrow. The cafe has free wifi, about 12 or so tables with seating. I didn't try the coffee, but they have the usual suspects: coffee, lattes, mochas, etc.. All in all, a definite egg sandwich winner. If you're jonesing for one, super hungover, or really hungry, I'd say Kefa will not disappoint. read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - The special breakfast sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

DELICIOUS sandwiches! I have tried their House Special breakfast sandwich and the Turkey with pesto and provolone cheese. Both amazing. Their House Special is one of their most popular sandwiches. It comes with eggs, spinach, Swiss, bacon, and avocado in an English muffin. It is pretty big for a breakfast sandwich and it comes with a lot of avocado, which makes for a super creamy sandwich. I will probably go for their regular sandwiches next time since the portions are bigger and they are cheaper ($7.95). Their turkey sandwich definitely hit the spot. While I still have to find this place busy, there's not tons of seating, maybe 6 or 7 tables. I imagine students (Laney College is right there!) usually get their sandwiches to go. Their drip coffee is also pretty good and cheap ($1.89 for a small). Their service is very attentive and they have stamp cards if you are a regular. The location is super convenient-- right next to the Lake Merrit Bart station. I will definitely be back. read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - House Special Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Nice little place across the street from the Lake Merritt BART Station Parking Lot. The coffee tastes good. I drink my coffee black, the taste has grown on me over the years and can tell a good cup of coffee from a bad. The interior is clean and even though there's music, I've had meetings there. I've had some of their food like a sausage breakfast sandwich. They pride themselves in using fresh ingredients and making to order (e.g. they make fresh guacamole from scratch, and they sell $3 slices of pizza that are made to order). Since I work in that area now I like it's a great option for a chill coffee spot that isn't one of the main chains. I only wish it was open longer than 2pm because there are certainly times when I'm looking for late afternoon boost. read more

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Ordered a bacon, egg, tomato, and swiss english muffin through Ubereats. Pretty standard tasting (hearty, salty, slightly bland egg that is supported by the other ingredients), but for $8.95 it's REALLY large. Sandwich is literally the size of my face. Egg is about an inch thick of folded omelette with a noticeable stack of bacon. Tomato was cut a little thick so that the sandwich wrapping was damp, but I ordered a sandwich that boasted having tomato, so I should have expected that LOL I couldn't order a breakfast burrito with meat in it through delivery and wrote that in my special notes, and they left a note in my food responding that they'd fix it! That's ridiculously nice. read more

Kefa has been around but I just walked in on this jem, probably because I was desperate for coffee and Starbucks wasnt around. It's surprised modern and simple on the inside, with bench long tables and smaller tables for everybody to enjoy their drinks and food, conversation and even study time! It's so clean inside and cozy, considering the lesser part of Oakland that it's located and tucked into. They offer a variety of teas, coffees, mochas and expresso and juice. They have drip coffee and can/bottles. The prices for drinks are your average, 2$ for a large cup and it's delicious. They offer muffins, bagels, and cookies in their display case. Also, there's a variety of breakfast sandwiches and lunch sandwiches between 5-9 dollars each. The condiments bar is very clean, very organized. They even have a drain to pour the extra coffee down, talk about efficiency. And they do recycling, so friendly to the environment! They offer free wifi, with indoor and out door seating. Opened for breakfast and lunch. I really enjoy this place, and it's a perfect little cafe to study for school. Close by to Laney as Bart. They let a lot of natural light in, so even better for your eyes. Something about caring for the environment and benefiting the customers, I really appreciate. read more

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I love this place, the owner is the most pleasant person. They make a great Chai. They have caused me to get up earlier to get my morning Chai. It's a bright spot in a less-than-bright area. read more

Nice place to grab a coffee or green tea, good music and great staff. I've also, in another visit had a delicious breakfast croissant with egg and bacon. I really enjoyed this place, my only regret is that it wasn't here when I was a student at Laney in the early 90's. read more

I love this coffee shop! The food is amazing as well as the overall vibe. It's a great environment for studying and Saifu( the owner) is so sweet and hardworking. I love coming here before school and studying while drinking my morning iced coffee. They have WiFi, outlets and great table space. Everything you need. read more

Staple, hometown Oakland feel. Get the Laney!!! Easy to get to, fast, and friendly service. read more

Delicious food and generous portions! I would recommend this to anyone in Downtown Oakland!

When rushing off Bart and needing a caffeine kick badly... I was very surprised that this place was able to pump me a drink out quick. Their espresso with a dash of caramel packs a serious punch. It's nothing like a sweet Caramel Macchiato but it gives exactly what I need for a dark delicious punch awake. Final Thoughts: Prices are a little $$ but it's definitely worth it for the quality. I definitely need to try the sandwiches and other drinks when I get more than 5 minutes to be here! :) Having punch cards are nice too! read more

I'm so happy this place exists, especially where it is located. It's a super convenient spot to grab food or a drink if you get off at Lake Merritt BART station. I've used the Yelp/Eat 24 apps a number of times to order ahead, making it a breeze to whisk by and pick up my food, already paid for! I've also called them directly to place an order, which they gladly welcome. The sandwiches here are on point! They use an AMAZING French bread that gives the sandwiches a real depth and heartiness. I've tried a number of the breakfast sandwiches, which are above average for a local coffee shop. I've also had the BLTA for lunch, which was not only tasty (get the French bread of course!) but I thought a good value for under $10. There's a couple of smoothies available, which are yummy too. Final thing to love here is the people. The girls that work in the morning are the nicest and help me start my day off on a positive note! The clientele is a mix of people who live/work in the area or have an affiliation with Laney College next door. Good vibes for sure. read more

Really friendly staff. Sandwich made to order. Had the egg and Swiss served on an English muffin and it was delicious. Clean interior with paintings on the wall for sale. Close to the BART station. I'm just passing through, but looks like a lot of regulars come here. If I am ever in the neighborhood again I would come back. read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is so cute! Came from out of town and the host (maybe owner?) was so kind to us! Served us great food and was obviously happy to do it. Would recommend read more

Excellent! Not a place to go to rush because food is expertly crafted, fresh, and homemade. I'm from back East, so I can appreciate a breakfast establishment like this! Sandwiches, salads, smoothies, sweets, and breakfast sandwiches didn't disappoint! read more

Looking for a cozy homey feeling and great customer service. With very tasty breakfast sandwiches smoothies coffee and more. Hopping on BART or near lake Merritt stop in and get yourself a treat. You won't be disappointed. read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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Best breakfast sandwich spot in Oakland/Bay Area. I haven't found a place comparable. They have two locations, not sure if the other is still open (near Fruitvale, with outdoor seating). Been coming to this place for over 5 years. My fav sandwiches are the house special sandwich and their egg salad sandwich with bacon. read more

Don't put coffee in your business title if you don't know the difference between a latte and a cappuccino nor don't raise prices for shots if you're just pulling singles for all your drinks. Rip off. Bad costumer service. The space smelled like cigarettes. read more

This is a great little gem in a sparse area of Oakland! We so enjoyed getting to know the owner and his journey to Oakland from Ethiopia so many years ago. The house special sandwich is absolutely the best breakfast sandwich ever. Heaping portions of bacon and avocado and what must be a full spinach omelette in there. The English muffins taste homemade. The omlette's a bit salty for my taste, but that seems to be the case everywhere info. Many patrons come in and get their usual which suggests this is a local favorite for many. Ethiopian coffee is great, and the Lane-e Chai is great (chai and espresso) for those who don't normally drink coffee (me). Prices are also great! We'll be coming back here. read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Owner is very welcoming and friendly! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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This little gem is about a 5 min walk from my apartment. It is located across from the Lake Merritt Bart station on 8th street. I had it on my list of places to check out and after being here over a month I decided to go this morning after getting off a night shift that was balls to the wall busy with no lunch, bathroom break, or water in sight. Sheesh I read the reviews and saw folks raving about the breakfast sandwiches here. The star here is supposedly the "House special". It has bacon, spinach, Swiss, and avocado. However, I passed on the bacon and chose the "Laney" breakfast sandwich which has turkey, egg, spinach, and Swiss on an English muffin. I also got an almond milk latte and yes they design the top layer of foam but have lids available when u are ready to leave. I chose to eat in. This place is amazing. I am really picky about my breakfast. Im not one who likes to eat "fast food" breakfast. It has to be fresh. I don't even get breakfast sandwiches at Starbucks. I feel they are microwaved to smithereens. The ingredients on this breakfast sandwich were so fresh and light. I want to try everything here now. This is not the average on-the-run coffee shop. I have to mention that the staff was so friendly, warm and welcoming with smiles. No one was in a rush and they still managed to have fast service even though there was a line when I walked in. They take their time to prepare drinks and food and they bring it out to you on plates when it's ready. The atmosphere is pretty cool and laid back with nice music. The busy street is outside but inside there is a break from it all. The staff even knew some of the customers who walked in (seemed to be regulars). I love that! I guess I will be a regular too until I leave the Bay area to go back home because I will definitely return! read more

Kefa Cafe takes over where Lane-E Cafe used to be. the interior looks about the same. pics on wall. jazz music. free wi-fi. sandwiches coming soon presently serving muffins*(2), crossaint(2) pastries, brownies, (4+), coffee. kefa has their own branded coffee now. tried a chocolate crossaint(2) which was tasty but not very filling. the med expresso (2.40) was smooth and strong, the usual for ethiopian coffee. parking isn't good in this area. kefa is near the museum and the bart station. read more

This little restaurant is conveniently located right across from the BART station. It doesn't look like much from the outside but it's actually larger and more pleasant than you might think. Very friendly people and great food. I purchased a albacore tuna sandwich for 850 and a Diet Coke. There are some local free newspapers near the entrance. The restaurant was very clean. I had a chance to talk with the owner, and he showed me all of the local artwork on the walls. They rotate the artwork I'm on various different artists in the East Bay. read more

When I started to commute through this area I soon realized that there are not many good coffee places within a few blocks ratio. As a coffee lover, I almost had a heartbreak on dismay. As soon as I step into Lane-e Kefa, I smell the exotic smell of Ethiopian roast blend in the air and my ears marveled with the upbeat sound of a soothing yet intriguing Brazilian jazzy drum-and-bassy tunes. The prices of the espresso based drinks are over the same drinks compared to Peet's or Starbucks. But for some reason I love to patronize this place. They also have some limited selection of pastries and some made to order breakfast items. It takes a while for them to make it so don't order them if you are in morning rush. But they are pretty darn good! I also really like the wall art they have there, which are rotated frequently exposing local artists and photographers. Great business! read more

Love this place!!!! Rachel and Nancy are always soooo peronsonable. They know our names and what we drink. Always smiling...you can tell they like their jobs. My favorite thing ever.....the salmon scramble. Its RIDICULOUS. Omg. I try not to have one more than once a week....but its so hard. You have to try it! They make them fresh to order. So yummy!!! read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Salmon Scramble -- half to go. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

I tried their coffee a while ago, and it wasn't that great, and the price wasn't that fair... BUT, but besides that, they have amazing sandwiches. Their portion sizes are generous for the price! I really enjoy eating their breakfast egg sandwiches, those are somewhat addicting. Oh, and i cannot forget the staff. Staff are always friendly and they always give you that small town feel! I love it! read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Egg, spinach, and swiss - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Lane-e is my go-to morning spot. I became a regular while I was still a hardcore coffee drinker; their prices are unbeatable (less than $2 for a regular coffee) and the brew is always fresh. Even though I don't drink much caffeine anymore, I've still managed to make my way over on a regular basis for the amazing green smoothies and even a decaf americano here and there. And that's just the beverages - their sandwiches are also ON POINT! All that, plus super quick & genuinely friendly service? You've got a customer for life. I just hope they manage to keep up with the aggressive trendiness creeping in from all directions in Oakland...some refreshed interior decor would help this fantastic little business stay on top where it belongs! :) read more

I've been here a handful of times and they're definitely consistent in almost everything -coffee: I HATE when I go to a coffee shop and their house coffee tastes old/sour. There's a distinct taste of coffee that's been sitting in its pot for too long and I have never had that issue here. -staff: absurdly friendly! Seriously, nothing but smiles and patience. -food: bfast sandwiches are massive and delicious. Made piping hot fresh to order. Their lunch sandwiches are also fantastic. -very reasonable pricing and a lot to offer! -location! This is right on my way to work and right across the street from both Laney college and lake Merritt Bart. read more

I can actually say the sandwich was fire for me being a first time customer and i go to the store next door all the time and never had this place but its actually hella good read more

Decided to stop by this morning for a breakfast sandwich due to being in the area for work. It has a super warm and homey feeling to it and the food goes right along with it. Everything is made from scratch and it doesn't get any better than that. This is by far the best breakfast sandwich. I've had in a very very long time. This is definitely something that I would recommend to any and everybody. I will definitely be coming back every time I'm in the area. read more

Came here before an interview and enjoyed the coziness of the shop! Conveniently located across the street from Lake Merritt BART, plus a walk away from Laney College, Chinatown, and Jack London. I tried the mocha here and was enthralled that such a simple drink could be so delicious. Definitely going to drop by again! read more

When I hitch a ride from my mom to the BART station to get to work, I'm really glad this place exists! It's a chill little little coffee shop with chill music and really friendly workers! I would usually get a cup of coffee/tea and a bagel and just sit for 20 minutes while I pass time before heading off to work in the city. The atmosphere is relaxing, it's actually really calm for a coffee shop, I'd be expecting hella people coming in and out, especially in the early morning around 7-8am. At first I was surprised to only see one barista/cashier and one chef in the back, but for this place it really works, since they don't get like, stampedes of people In the morning. I appreciate how they showcase local artists' work on their walls :) This place is reasonably priced but there is not much pizzazz other than being a relaxing and friendly coffee shop, conveniently located by a BART station. But either way, I like them and their service and would recommend anyone to stop by read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Banana mocha and everything bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

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The *best* coffee in Oakland -- and one of the nicest staff around! Another 'must-have' are their sandwiches; the breakfast house special really is quite special. Their sandwiches are made-to-order, they are fresh and delicious and *huge*! And, while they warn you it might take time to make your order, it only takes moments and is well worth any possible wait. For an added treat, ask for their house-made pesto sauce, as it takes an excellent sandwich to a gourmet level. I was going to add a picture of the house special breakfast sandwich (egg, cheese, bacon, spinach, avocado, on an english muffin) but frankly, once I'd unwrapped it, it had 100% of my attention. So good! Very highly recommended! read more

This is a five star breakfast cafe. It's not michelin, it serves every day sandwiches, but it's a five star one. I love starting my mornings here bc the lady who works here.... --forgot her name she has a wavy brunette hair usually in a bun.... -- she always makes me smile w her pretty smile and cheerfulness. One of those rare sweet people. I collect good vibes here to start my day. Whatever i can do to smile more bc trust me my life is stressssful. Freshly built breakfast sandwiches. I recommend the egg and salmon sandwich on english muffin or french bread w cream cheese. It comes w veggies but I add extra cucumber and tomatoes for abt 50 cents each. It comes out so fat, dripping goo. Get it every morning. It's affordable, unassuming, solid, and warm. Id like to be a regular for a long time. read more

One of the best cups of hot or iced coffee out there. Super friendly staff. That bald guy named Mike is too friendly with his free samples of his delicious pastries. Keeps luring me back! Highly recommend trying their Laney sandwich as an Omelette! Ask for the toasted english muffin on the side. read more

Great coffee, great business. Their breakfast sandwiches are great, but because they make them fresh it takes some time. Great environment -- very quiet! Good for studying or small groups. Also be aware that they have a $2 card minimum. read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Cheese, Egg and Swiss - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

I love this place. The atmosphere is so chill, and they play neo-soul in the background. It starts my day with a good feeling, and the staff are awesome. They remember you, what you like, and treat everyone like they're part of the family. I highly recommend you stop by to find your favorite item on the menu: just recognize- you'll be back! read more

The best breakfast sandwiches EVER!! Really good coffee and super nice staff. Only wish they were open on weekends, too. Love this place! read more

I love love love this little gem!! Great food, great drinks and wonderful service!!! I hadn't been in a couple of months then popped in for a vanilla latte, not too hot...and the barista remembered my drink immediately. Giving her normal cheery greeting "Good Morning! Haven't seen you in a while, your usual?" I appreciate that so much and the drink is ALWAUS perfect!! AND she always makes a beautiful design on the surface! LOVE KEFA!! read more

Staff is very friendly and greet me with a smile every time I come in. I love their delicious coffee and sandwitches. Perfect for a quick stop in, in between classes. I would highly recommend this cozy little cafe! read more

Lane-e Kefa Coffee - Iced mocha on a hot summer day 3 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Great coffee! Friendly staff, delicious sandwiches, nice art on the walls.