Great place...one of my favs at Lake Merritt. Owners are very friendly and fun to talk to. The prices are slightly lower than the chain stores. I go there to work a bit on my computer. Check it out!! read more

It doesn't look like the food is celiac-safe, so I haven't tried that, but the coffee is decent. The smallest size their iced coffees come in is way too big, I think - the coffee is too diluted by way too much milk, and it's like a full meal drinking that much - but otherwise it was good. They have pre-packaged sushi rolls if you're into that kind of thing and in a rush. The staff (owners?) seemed really nice, and there's a decent amount of seating inside. I dropped in around 11:30 on a Saturday, and there were plenty of tables open. read more

It's cute but filthy inside. Smells like a dirty mop :( Their smoothie was tasty and the service was decent read more

Excellent customer service and the owners are super friendly! Plus, they sell Clif Builder Bars :)

Got a quick bite/catchup with a friend and was really impressed with Merritt Station Cafe! I got the spicy tuna roll (fresh) and my friend got a smoothie. There's ample seating, a water station, fridge with to-go sushi, and pastries, coffee, and bagels for order. The tables and space were clean One thing I wish is that there are less plastics (plastic cups/to-go containers/straws). Maybe the cafe can consider non disposable smoothie cups for patrons enjoying their smoothies at the shop. Would come again! read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Spicy tuna roll - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

I feel like after the cafe switched owners, the price has increased and the quality/quantity has gone down a lot. Grab a quick lunch from here and has never been so disappointed. I get inflations but i literally got 1 very thin slice of ham. The bacon was add on for extra cost. This sandwich cost me almost $16!! Never again, SMH. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - ham and bacon sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

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The smoothies tasted amazing it was very cozy and they were refreshing the service was good read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Peanut butter bodybuilder - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

Chill vibes and friendly service! Grabbed a pineapple mango smoothie and a ham and cheese croissant the smoothie was super refreshing and hit the spot. Will definitely be back! read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Pineapple mango smoothie Ham and cheese croissant - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

Just popped in randomly with the intent to buy a cookie or something. Noticed that they are doing sushi now. It was SO GOOD. Like I didn't have any particular expectation but it was really really good. Highly recommend! read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Salmon sushi - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

I love this welcoming space! The coffees and smoothies are delicious and the new addition of fresh sushi rolls made in-house every day is great! Lots of regulars pop in because they know! Prices are good too. It's a great place to meet up with friends after a walk around the lake or shopping, and weekdays it's a nice calm space for work meetings and coffee. It's easy to walk past it so look for it next time you're on Grand by the gym, or Kume spa! read more

TL;DR: Wi-Fi, outlets, seating. Easygoing atmosphere and yummy drinks. Open early and closes later than most cafes. AMBIANCE Merritt Station Cafe is in a beautiful little spot near the lake. There are couches in a little alcove in the back perfect for a group chat or hangout and thick wood tables at the front perfect for working. There is Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and it was relatively easy to get seating when I popped in around noon. Despite being near the street, it was relatively quiet. Additionally, they weren't playing music so I do recommend bringing a pair of headphones if you prefer to work in a noisier environment. SERVICE The service here is really friendly and kind. I ordered a chai latte and went to sit down and the server brought me my order even though I was willing to pick it up and they had to walk around a long bar to bring it to me. A few regulars filtered in and the baristas knew their orders even before they ordered which I found charming. FOOD The chai latte was delicious, I wish I'd ordered a larger size. The sandwich was also pretty good and I love that it came with a pepper and pickles on the side. All of it was very reasonably priced. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - BLT on Sourdough - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

Made a quick stop at Merritt Station Cafe with Mom on Saturday, October 2, 2021 for some coffee. Venue: This is definitely not a fancy place with modern furnishings. This is a standard coffee shop with no-frills surrounding; the interior is of concrete flooring, basic tables, chairs, condiment bar, and a back room with some old couches and coffee tables. They have outlets for charging computers and phones, which is great, especially for those who want to work or study while enjoying a cup of joe. It was a warm to hot day, so we opted to sit inside at the counter against the front window instead of at one of their outside tables. The temperature inside the cafe remained very comfortable. Coffees: Mom ordered the Ice Mocha and I had the Ice Latte, both with oat milk. That was my first time trying oat milk and I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and texture - it was perfectly creamy and, for the first time, I didn't need to sweeten my latte. Both drinks were satisfying. Kudos to them for their pour-over station at the counter. Service: We were served by two different guys. The first gentleman was pretty patient with us, describing their different drink offerings and dairy alternatives. Not sure why they switched places, but the second guy seemed a little colder, less patient. He may have been frustrated with us due to the language barrier or maybe that is his normal disposition? Not sure, but we were able to order without issue. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Entrance to cafe - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

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Located near Lake Merritt on Grand Avenue. Enjoyed a freshly made breakfast bagel sandwich with an extra foamy and subtly sweet chai latte by the lake. The interior is a bit lacking of decor but spacious and tables are socially distanced. Service was friendly and helpful. Great place to stop by for a quick grab and go breakfast and enjoy a walk at Lake Merritt. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Everything bagel ham egg and cheese sandwich. Freshly made! - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

I was looking for a good bagel shop and this place, nestled away, caught my eye while I was on a walk. From the moment i stepped in the door, about 4 months ago, until today I have been met with unmatched service and deliciously consistent food. K2 and James are wonderful, full of life, human-beings and were eager to allow me to have a small family get together here with my family for my birthday. I hope you can also enjoy Merritt station cafe just as much as i have! read more

Merritt Station is across the street from the eponymous lake and is bigger than it looks from the street extending back to more seating past the counter, though the rear space seems underutilized with screened off section in the far back towards the restrooms. Free & quick Wifi, numerous outlets, and some comfortable seating options (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/merritt-station-oakland?select=RTzvYgwwMIJW5tVU0Fo9YA) make this a laptop warrior's dream and it doesn't hurt that they have some decent fueling options from sandwiches and smoothies (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/merritt-station-oakland?select=Mb9ocGOLNujoNEUeOffuYg) to Semifreddi's pastries (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/merritt-station-oakland?select=37QUjm_QSYfrIIIlpSGX9Q) to go along with your standard selection of coffee drinks. Sandwiches are pretty basic (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/merritt-station-oakland?select=3z0FMs2J4ZotvJILg5PvHg), but also don't break the bank. Bonus . . . dare I say it . . . relatively hipster free? ;-) read more

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One of the best places for coffee/breakfast/sandwiches/smoothies. The staff are awesome and so are their services. Highly recommended.

I come to the Merritt Station cafe because of its quiet Ambiance, Great Service and courteous owners. A nice place to chat with friends, diverse cultures, gentle atmosphere and free WiFi. I recommend it highly. read more

This is my go-to cafe in Oakland. I am very particular about my coffee, and I go here most every day with my dog, Finn. Best coffee around (and I have tried most of the other coffee purveyors in the area) and a great food selection! Like the previous owners, the new ones are very service oriented and super friendly. They greet me and Finn by name, always with a genuine smile, and are quick to accommodate all their customers. My cappuccino comes consistently just the way I like it. I always feel welcome and valued. I highly recommend. Tom H. read more

i work the early shift at a business up the block. i used to love this place but store is under new ownership and the new owners suck. posted hours say they open at 7, but every day they open the doors between 7:15-7:45, and don't have coffee made when they do. today they opened at 7:45. when i complained the guy told me i should go to starbucks. would rather support a local business, but point taken dawg. i went to peets tho bc i still have taste. read more

This place is disgusting. Old pastry bar coffee!! I will never come back . Bad service they are very rude

I was down near Lake Merritt and needed a place to get some work done. I happened to be across the street from Merritt Station so I decided to give it a try for the first time. I spent the next hour eating a good tofurky sandwich while sitting at a desk - yes, a desk! - and using their fast, free internet. This is an excellent little spot to work from. They have lots of work space, and it wasn't too loud. I was able to take a call and there was barely any noise in the background. They also have numerous power outlets spread around the place. This makes it so much easier to get setup; you don't have to do that awkward hunt for an outlet with your phone charger in hand - there's usually one within reach. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - They have lots of workspace here - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

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Only giving them 4 stars because when I came to them ( first time going ) they had no more bagels for the day and it was only noon . But besides the fact I didn't get what I wanted to order , I ordered something else and was very satisfied ( simple ham egg and cheese on croissant with avocado ) it was perfect ! If you're around the lake enjoying the sun , exercising , shopping with friends this is a great little cafe to try out . They have table seating inside and outside . Perfect for a Sunday morning ! read more

Another great cafe along Grand Ave! They are open late (7pm) and don't have a limit on their wifi (although their wifi speed is a little on the slow side). Their chairs are cushion-y and more comfortable than some other cafes I've worked out of. Plenty of seats (5 tables? and a few couches further inside) Fast and friendly service and laid-back environment without any distractions. They also have fresh sandwiches that are generous in size. Iced mochas ftw :) I'm a fan. read more

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The friendly sfaff greets it's regulars and often remembers their orders. People hang out here to use the free Wi-Fi and enjoy the wonderful coffees, teas, and smoothies as well as the wonderful made-to-order sandwiches. Good food, excellent staff, great location. You can also eat outside and look across to the park, library, and lake. read more

Man I always come out here to read my book and try the delicious smoothies they make to make you feel refreshed and energized. Thank you for the genuine costumer service it really makes my day happier read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Passion Fruit smoothie mmmm Delicious - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

When I tasted my caramel soy latte, I felt like singing that song about the best soy latte I ever had , because it was. Servers were friendly and pastry was decent, but the latte sealed the deal! It was so good I forgot to take a picture . I'll be back, so nxt time I'll try to remember to take a photo to share. Good job, Merritt Station Cafe!! read more

I work in the Gym next door and coming here is always my best option. The peanut butter bodybuilder shake is delicious and also the sandwiches this time I chose the cheese bego with turkey and avocado omg it is a bomb and the best of everything is that men always serve you as if you were their only customer! I really love this place read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Turkey Sandwich on Bagel - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

Great place to study and the BLT was on point. They have lot of outlets to charge your laptops as well. Took a walk for a break from my paper as well. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

TL;DR wifi + coffee = work Pluses: + free (somewhat fast) wifi + vegan options (cream cheese) + friendly staff + large space, many tables + couches in the back + great location read more

I live near the area and this cafe offers such reasonably priced and delicious sandwiches! The owners are very welcoming and humble, I'll definitely be a regular if this cafe! read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

The worst place ever am 8 months pregnant walking around grand ave I stop to buy something to drink but I wanted to use the restroom first person working there refuse to give me the code to the bathroom he said to buy something first I told him that I would be buying something when I come out of the restroom that I didn't want it to take in with me he said no buy first so I told him so you not going to let me use the restroom first he said no i would recommend people not to buy from business like this that they careless even if you're pregnant read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

TL;DR I give this place 5 stars because it checks all of my boxes. Consistently working wi-fi, coffee/food that I enjoy, plenty of outlets and kind staff. Good lil' mom n pop shop in a great location :D I see why people wouldn't give it 5 stars, as it doesn't soar above and beyond my expectations. I work at Philz which is definitely a 5 star coffee shop- easy to compare. But honestly, when I'm on the customer end, I'm a simple cafe-goer that just needs a freshly made croissant sandwich with egg, cheddar and bacon. You don't even know how difficult it is to find a place that doesn't just throw it in the micro to heat the whole thing up. I'm really also into how they do pour over coffee as well as insta-pour to go coffee (in case you need to get going). With the pour over, they measure the beans on a scale to make sure each one is consistent. As a person used to Philz non acidic coffees, I enjoy that their coffees here are not acidic nor bitter. Try the Ethiopian pour over, yum! The atmosphere inside isn't the most spectacular and the chairs are pretty cheap with these upholstery coverings on them. Some don't even have that and you can see how many years they've been in use. That being said, they are certainly comfy as heck to sit in for hours and hours. There are also plenty of tables in the shop. I enjoy that the staff are friendly but not too chatty, they seem to really gauge each customer, which to me is excellent service. Anyway, thanks for being here Merritt Station! Would recommend:) read more

Merritt Station Cafe - yum sammy n corf - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

Merritt Station coffee is partially hidden (the signage is, for sure) but not the store frontage. it's next to a fitness spot. ambience is homey, sparse, and clean. sofas and armchairs all over. menu: sammies, bagel combos, smoothies, coffee, expresso, hot drinks, and cold drinks. eats: sesame seed bagel (semifred) with cream cheese (2.25) -meticulously sliced, toasted and spreaded with cream cheese -unbelivably delish! almost filling. brew: organic french roast (Duetorri Coffee), l. 2.25 -smooth, bold, on the edge with an hint of acidity. -probably awesome with cream, drips: -polite, meticulous service, not speedy but deliberate -looks owner operated. -free wifi, lots of seating available. read more

Perfect place to come and work for long hours on homework or w/e. I showed up with 3hrs to kill and just worked on music on my laptop the whole time. There is wifi, plenty of comfortable seating, lots of outlets, and cheap food and coffee if you need. FYI u get what u pay for in that dept. Parking isn't great in the area so it's better if you live nearby, but there is a 5$ lot just around the corner if you're willing to pay. Otherwise the location is great, there's bars, food, and the lake all nearby. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - View from the entrance - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

This is a review long overdue...like by a year. When I first started working at my job a year ago, I didn't know where to go to grab a quick breakfast in the morning or where to get lunch. Since this place is right on the first floor of my office, it naturally quickly became my usually place. By now, I have tried almost everything on the menu so I will just highlight a few of my favorites. For breakfast I like to get a Bagel with peanut butter & banana. The toasty bagel softens up the peanut butter to just the right consistency & the banana keeps me feeling full until lunch time. I actually each half when I get into the office and the other half as my morning snack. For a lighter breakfast or as an afternoon snack I tend to get the Mango war smoothie. Having seen my smoothies made in front of my eyes, I can say that they are made with lots of real fruits. I don't buy my lunch much anymore but once in a while I will run down to get a Tuna melt if I only have 30 minutes between conference calls. The service here is wonderful & I always walk out with a smile. read more

Merritt Station Cafe - Whole Wheat Bagel with Peanut Butter & Banana - Cafes Near Me - Oakland, California

The neighborhood coffee shop just got better. The staff here is friendly, the environment nice and quiet for working (plus free wifi) and now, they have vegan Tofurky sandwiches and hummus bagels. This on top of the awesome soy lattes. Great place to stop in when you're in the Lake Merritt neighborhood, on the way to the farmers market, or just want a quiet place to enjoy lunch. Updated 7-28-11 Now they have vegan cream cheese too! My new favorite breakfast destination. read more

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I always pass by this place, but randomly decided to pop in to do computer work here and try the iced dirty chai (translation: chai w/ espresso). There was a lot of seating, enough plugs and it was a nice environment to work in. The iced dirty chai was expensive, but so good! I definitely got a little cracked out on it (not lacking in caffeine). It's nice to support a local business. Free wifi, food and a good place to study/work in. read more

Was craving a BLA. This hit the spot. Easy - fast- tasty and no fuss. Friendly staff and a couple outdoor tables.

Love this spot!! Got a large mocha iced coffee and a yummy breakfast sandwich for $10. Convenient location at the lake and nice views, decent street parking. Seems to be family owned maybe? Plenty of outlets and seats available, they have wifi.I'm definitely coming back here again!! read more

It's nice and comfortable in here. Lots of tables, soft music , couches, good coffee, easy parking and good coffee. Smoothies, sandwiches, cold drinks, coffee and breakfast foods. You'll like it here. read more

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