Cool spot to grab coffee and the staff are always friendly and kind. Their lattes and snacks are great!

Favorite neighborhood spot! Super friendly, family owned. Lots of regulars and they learn your name after a while. Can be hard to find a spot on weekends but when one opens up its a great place to work study, or meet with a friend. read more

There's only a few places I go to in Oakland knowing I'll get a good soy latte and so when I don't feel like being disappointed, this is subsequently one of the places I go. I never sit inside, so if you like to sit around and peruse the environment for a while, I'm not sure if you'd like it because it's a bit cramped. What I like most besides the good lattes is how unpretentious the staff seems. I am so sick of the classic, "I am a barista and fuck you just because" attitude I usually get when I go to a cafe around here. They aren't sickeningly nice at this cafe (which I wouldn't like either), but they do seem genuine, which is all I ask. read more

I love this place. Great service prices and food!!! Try the Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich and you cant go wrong with their breakfast options! I wished I lived closer so I could go more often! read more

The Nomad Cafe does everything right. Delicious organic food, earth-friendliness, comfy chairs, occasional live music, free wifi, friendly staff -- all priced *very* reasonably. This is a great place to spend an afternoon finishing off your favourite book. The Havarti melt ("The Toasted Roasted") is a must-have. read more

Is this a cafe or just a free wifi hotspot? I'm confused. I get a weird vibe here. No one talks, everyone just types. Forget sitting....every hipster from miles is there on their computer. And not moving. I have no idea what they could be doing for hours? porn? forwarding shitty emails? what? The coffee is good. Food over-priced, but decent. The single barista really cannot handle food and drinks. But this does not matter since people are parked for hours on their cimputers. Tap, tappity-tap, tap, tap-tap-tap, click, clickity-clickity-click, tap, click This place is annoying. read more

Randomly decided to stop by this place because I needed caffeine. Nomad Cafe looks nice on the outside, and when I walked in, I found it quite comfortable on the inside as well :). The cafe has a very 'chill' and relaxing feel, and I felt at ease very easily, unlike some of the starbucks coffee shops I have been to. I ordered a single Americano, and it was pretty good, but nothing special. I like their large glass cups they serve drinks in :). Free wifi, ample seating.. pretty good place I think. My biggest complaint... they don't have a parking lot :/. You have to park on the street, and there isn't much room available. Overall, 4 stars :). I'll probably come back if I'm in the area :) read more

Updating to 5 stars. Been coming here for years now and they are the best! The people who work here are so nice, they make my day a little better whenever I stop in. It's always calm inside with a little sun coming in. Good variety of food, and reasonably priced, and they always have hot coffee ready to get you out the door if you're in a hurry. read more

I too wanted to like the Nomad Cafe since I moved in around the corner. I tried my best to enjoy it, but rude service really turns me off a place. I went in one day, ordered a tea and had the barista's friend run in the front door and stand directly next to me at the counter. They proceeded to have a conversation during which the barista did not make any move to start making my tea. Honestly, I was surprised and have not gone back since. Yes, the coffee was fine and the wifi was alright, but maybe I just am not hip enough for the Nomad Cafe. Update: Came in the other day starving for a sandwich and received friendly service. read more

Great place. I usually have their delicious banh mi. Best banh mi in the best way in my sense. Also very nice staff. Not always east to find parking though. read more

Wonderfully prepared, organic, fair-trade coffee drinks, nice morning pastries and yummy sandwiches - though I would not recommend the black & white to anyone who can't handle hell of olive tapenade. And, while their wireless is gloriously free to customers, the in-cafe computer rates are pretty steep. It can be noisy and crowded, but the staff is friendly and good at what they do, so the wait usually isn't long. Plus, I love that they don't have any trash cans - just compost, a bus bin and recycling. Fierce! read more

House coffee. Dark, rich and delicious. Hit the spot for this weary traveler. . The locals steered me to this cafe and they were right. I'll admit I'm a coffee snob and this place knows how to brew. read more

This place is run by one of the hardest working, most socially conscience and environmentally committed folks I've ever met. Some of the things this cafe has done from an ecological stand point have been adopted by other places and even cities, it's a real pioneer cafe in that way. The cafe has done good by adding some culture to that part of town too. The music calendar is full of local talent, most worth getting a cup of joe for. Make sure to tip the musicians if you're just hanging out typing away on your laptop. I also like the modernest design of the building. read more

Whether it be breakfast, lunch, snack or casual drinks, this place is Fabulous!! The service is always warm and welcoming on top of having great food and reasonable prices. This place is highly recommended for anyone looking for great food and on the run or even if you just want to chill for a while..... You won't be disappointed. read more

Nomad Cafe - Heartichoke sandwich with tuna. My own creation and fabulous! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

This local coffee shop is really cute, the staff is SO nice, and the food/ coffee is delicious! If you are a coffee lover, I would definitely reccomend any type of espresso/ mocha drink here- but as a warning, the "house coffee" is from dispensers, and is often lukewarm or a bit acidic. If you are here for the food, you MUST get the banh mi, it is absolutely fantastic and super authentic. I've been coming here for about a year now, a couple times a month to get some work done. Once in a while, the wifi is finnicky. but there is almost always a table to study at, and there is good lighting and productive energy here. It's really nice to see the interactions the staff has with the homeless community in the neighborhood, often giving them discounts or free drinks/ food and always treating them with the utmost respect, like the human beings that they are! It's really nice to see the staff so warm and welcoming- this place really feels like home! In short, this is a great place to study, with plenty of room, delicious coffee, and AMAZING service. On the bad side, the wifi works most of the time but not 100% of the time, and their batch brew coffee is a bit acidic. I would definitely reccomend this place, to anyone who wants a really good sandwich and espresso/americano/mocha/smoothie drink and a peaceful work space. read more

What I like about this place is the calm, open-space atmosphere that is ideal for working or studying. It doesn't get too loud in this cafe, unlike a few other spots I've visited where the noise levels are too distracting. I've started visiting Nomad after being a regular at another cafe in my neighborhood and must say I've been pleasantly surprised by their low prices and wide menu selection. First time I came here I ordered a turkey sandwich. They made it on the spot together with a side of fresh house salad, all for just $7, which was a healthy lunch meal and a good deal (compared to many other cafes which will try to sell only the salad for this price or a refrigerated sandwich). Their Iced Thai Tea was pretty good, too. Their selection of drinks includes coffees, smoothies, iced and hot teas (though the alcoholic drinks on their menu are not served any longer). The's a bike rack located across the street if you're bringing your bike along. They have Free WiFi if you're bringing your laptop along, password is printed at the register. Not all power outlets work as I've discovered, but they have extenders if there are more laptops than working outlets, or you can bring your own. Nomad also has a newsstand with local newspapers and event flyers if you'd like to catch up on local events, and a bulletin board hanging inside their bathroom for posting flyers and advertisements. read more

The $5 bahn mi sandwich is a delicious secret of North Oakland. Tofu and chicken are both fantastic- unexpected in a little cafe, but truly delicious. I've got my whole work hooked. The new owners are incredibly nice and helpful. The coffee is good and affordable. It's a bit geared towards people doing work, though if that's what you want to do, it's a super package. Their takeout on coffee and sandwiches is quick. The vibe is also nice to outside too. Enjoy! read more

This is a beautifully run, adorable cafe. I don't know whether they own it but a lot the people who work their are family and it's really sweet. They have *many* regulars whom they all know by name. The coffee is fantastic daily, they make delicious bagel sandwiches as well as banh mi and more traditional american sandwiches like tuna melts. They offer every time of non-dairy milk you could think of and are savvy with sustainability. I love this cafe a lot. read more

Since they changed their menu and upped the prices i have to lower the rating. Plus, they took away the currant scones and replaced them with apricot, and the daily selection of coffee isn't as good. I still go here, just not as often so i can afford the price hike. Bunk. read more

Poi-son-ally, I like the Nomad Cafe. Great locale. Caffiene is a-ok. read more

I wish I lived closer and that its hours were as late as Gaylord's so I could study here more often. If you're like me and try not to support Starbuck's so much, go here. They are computer friendly: they have two computer stations, for which you can buy time for $2.75/15 minutes and if you have a laptop with wi-fi capabilities, they have it too. read more

Coffee: good, fast, eco-friendly Service: unimpressively competent Wifi: free and easy Atmosphere: comfy except for the chairs Chairs: godawful uncomfortable and rather limited (but hey, how else are they gonna keep people from sitting there all day long?) Restroom: noticeably unventilated - avoid sitting near it (can't you people hold that until you get home?!) Food: pretty good - I'm always happy to have grilled sandwiches and hummus/veggie plates as options. Everything's a tad on the greasy side, though, and not terribly cheap. The big cup of free olives is a nice touch. read more

I waited in here on a rainy day while my windshield was being replaced across the street. It was a bit crowded but the friendly staff pulled in a table from outside and provided me with a place to eat and drink -great! The egg and bagel sandwich I had hit the spot. I'm not much of a coffee drinker but the hot chocolate I had was just fine. It's a bit out of the way for me to come here on a regular basis but if in the area, I'd certainly come back. read more

Just had the worst cinnamon raisin bagel possible. The cashier asked me how many I wanted. Huh? Then she seemed unhappy with me not paying exact change. Unpleasant overall, but the coffee is decent. I wish all these Shattuck coffee shops would actually hire people with some customer service experience... It all seems to be friends and family. read more

Nice sunny little spot with organic coffee, pastries, bagels, juices, deli sandwiches. Wifi. Very friendly staff. A bit limited menu selection as far as sandwiches go but they have all the basics covered. I like to stop in for the breakfast items on my way to work. That's the better bet here. read more

A convenient and affordable coffee shop I'm the area. I normally get one of the breakfast sandwiches or the bun mi for a small quick meal

I love this place (and so does everybody else it seems from how busy it always is). The secret is to be an early riser and get here early. Then there's no issues with tables, or lines or any of that. I've been taking a bit of a tour of coffee shops this past week or two because I'm patiently waiting for my pregnant belly to "pop." I've always loved Nomad, but normally being a worker bee has prevented me from coming here too often because it is so crowded during those normal worker bee free time hours (weekends). Their drinks are great, they have great snacks, the staff have always been friendly and accommodating to me (even when I asked for whipped cream on my soy mocha - sin!). They love you more if you bring your own cup, and they either compost or recycle pretty much everything. read more

I'm hooked on the Vietnamese iced coffee. It's hard to go wrong with that! There's also a gluten-free brownie for wheat-free cafegoers like me. Wish there were more options, but c'est la vie. Not sure why people are complaining about the lack of free Wi-Fi and outlets. That wasn't a problem for me, though I guess it depends on the crowd. There are a couple of comfy chairs too! read more

Great staff, good coffee, excellent sandwiches -- the best all-around cafe near Berkeley. They also have wireless (and ethernet ports!) and plenty of outlets. As you might guess, nearly everyone here has a laptop (shades of Berkeley Espresso). Nomad's owners are smart, so the rule is you share your table with others when the place gets full. It's fair, and the tables are large enough that sharing is no problem. Highly recommended. Nomad and Fertile Grounds are my two favorite wireless cafes near Berkeley. read more

I like the Nomad. The coffee is always good, the breakfast bruscetta [with garlic spread] is lovely and the pillows on the ground comfortable. I will agree, service is slow. The staff is not the type to loudly let you know your food is ready, so you have to pay attention. And last, the patrons take over all the tables with their laptops, so if you go during a busy time- you really must fight for table. read more

I really wanted to like this place but everytime i order via delivery something isn't correct . The last time i ordered i received the wrong bagels . This morning i ordered a Jalapeño bagel sandwich with sausage which was correct & amazing . I like how the egg isn't too much so it doesn't over power the rest of the sandwich , I however also ordered a Thai iced tea but i received some sort of banana chocolate nutty blended beverage . Very disappointed because i was really looking forward to my Thai tea and i don't like banana . I will definitely order again , maybe the third time around it will be fully correct . read more

Nomad Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Oh, the Nomad. I have spent *hours* sitting in their surprisingly comfortable metal chairs, sipping tea / lattes / remarkably spicy chais / water / smoothies etc. It's a terrific place to be. Bring a book. Or don't. Stare at the local art on the walls. Stare at the locals (on the sly). Sit outside and enjoy the breezy warmth of an Oakland afternoon. Sit inside and absorb the jazz / downbeat / alt.country flowing from the speakers. If you're having a rough week and simply need some place to be alone in crowd, the Nomad has your back. Drain cup after cup of sweet soul-stirring coffee while you pen down your angst in your moleskine notebook. I have personally experienced several epiphanies on various subjects sitting in this place. Must be something in the coffee. Four clicks from an appreciative me. read more

As a workspace: Bright, open airy space. Had no problem finding a seat, but it could be tough if you want a padded chair rather than a hard wooden one. Also couldn't find any power outlets. Internet is average. Was very quiet, with no one being loud, and no music playing (woot!). Lemonade was tasty, although not fresh/housemade. Chicken salad sandwhich was also pretty good. $10 for the combo. read more

I feel like folks writing negative reviews about this place have all knocked them for pretty petty things, and/or before they've had their coffee. I've only stuck around to do work once or twice when my internet was down at home, but both times I had an average cafe experience. The wifi did go down one time, but they fixed it as soon as I mentioned it to them. I've only ever had very friendly service from the people behind the counter, and they remembered my order somewhere around only the 3rd time I went there even though I certainly don't go every day, which is pretty impressive. From what I've heard this place used to be owned by someone else who was horrible, which might account for some of the older negative reviews. Bottom line: the new owners have been friendly every time I've been in there, the food is good and decently priced, and they make a good cup of coffee. Solid 4 stars. read more

It's probably been two years since the last time I was able to visit Nomad, back when I was an undergrad trying to find a cafe that wasn't full of students. Back then, my go to was always either a plain old latte, vietnamese iced coffee, or their thai iced tea. It was my favorite place to sip and study, especially when their outdoor tables were available. I was always torn between recommending this cafe to everyone I knew and keeping it a secret from the crowds. I recently came back to Berkeley for a visit, and I was able to stop by. I excitedly ordered a thai iced tea for myself and recommended the vietnamese iced coffee to my companion. It just wasn't the same. I don't know if it was the change in ownership or nostalgic expectations, but the thai iced tea was just way too sweet and the vietnamese iced coffee too bitter. The place was also a lot more crowded and not as roomy or clean. I'm happy to say that the employees are still just as friendly as I remember, and I plan on coming back anyway for a latte in the hopes that those are still as creamy and strong as I remember. read more

This is one of my favorite cafes in the South Berkeley/North Oakland border area. No frills but welcoming layout. Always warm service. I usually get the Vietnamese coffee with either a #2 sandwich with ham, or the banh mi, and they've never disappointed. read more

I recently spent several hours at this cafe interviewing people for a job. A total of about 8 hours in 2 days. I received quick and friendly service. I didn't feel that I had to keep buying things to hang out there. The food and coffee is good. This is a green business, so they don't automatically give you paper cups, they actually wash dishes! I ordered something (a salad) and when they were out of basil they offered to make me anything else on the menu without charging me more. read more

It's rare to find the tri-fecta: Good coffee, good pastry case, good environment but Nomad has all three. Service is sincerely friendly and each cup of espresso is made with care. on the flip side: The area is so-so (across the street from a muffler shop). It's true they don't tell you when your coffee is ready so you have to sit down and guess when to stand by the counter. read more

Quaint neighborhood. Cozy atmosphere with plenty locals tapping away on laptops. Live music on random Sundays. Tasty & reasonably priced food. Coffee! What's not to love? read more

See all

I go to Nomad just about every morning to get my coffee. I do this for a few reasons: 1. Eco-friendly everything- I try and spend my money at privately owned businesses that are environmentally conscious. Considering the owner lives nearby and they are officially the 'greenest' coffee shop in Oakland you can't go wrong if this is important to you. How green are they? Not only do they recycle everything, use fair trade products and non-abrasive chemicals to clean but the building they are in is also green. It integrates nicely with the neighboring buildings that were built about twenty years earlier, they took full advantage of the sun and lights are rarely on and all the equipment is centralized producing enough heat to warm the place up when it's cold. 2. The people: the baristas are always nice and despite being caffeinated, very relaxed. There is also a warm neighborhood feeling in here that I love to be around. 3. Quality Product: to me it seems like everything they sell is either local or fair trade. I like coffee but I'm no connoisseur and even I can taste the difference between their coffee and other shops. 4. I think the chain coffee shops are a plague on our society and try never to go. 5. Free wifi!!!! I really appreciate this business being around and think everyone should hang out here. read more