Everyone else has said it already - friendly staff, good coffee, fast ethernet and wireless hookups, super eco friendly ... And now they have Trivia Night on Mondays - Woo hoo! Minus one star for the uncomfortable chairs. read more

I am a certified caffeine junkie and addict. Seriously folks, it's an unhealthy addiction. To the point where I actually get a pounding incapacitating headache if I don't drink a rather large cup of coffee by Noon. This can really be a pain in the ass, especially on weekends when I've been out dancing until god knows what hour and I need my fix, stat. Luckily for me, I live right around the corner from the Nomad Cafe. And double lucky for me, they have amazing organic strong coffee. Yes, the service is sometimes painfully slow, but once I have my piping hot crack, (umm I mean coffee) in my hand, all is well with the world. And I have to give props to an establishment that has never once given me a weird look, even when I'm wearing my furry white hood, sunglasses at 8:00 AM and an assortment of odd tribal clothes that smell like a dance floor. They also let me fill up my gargantuan glass beer stein for the same price as a large coffee, even though it's twice the size. Oh, and the bagels are good too. And so is the Toasted Roasted sandwich, if you're patient and don't mind waiting a spell for it to be made. Overall, I gotta give this place my "super yay" nod of approval. Seriously, they have saved my life more times than I count. And I don't even mind waiting. read more

I'm always searching for a great chai latte, because a bad chai latte is depressing. Seriously, I get really bummed out if it's: too sweet, not spicy, watery-tasting, made from a powder or Oregon Chai concentrate. I am so happy I got one here though. I asked the adorably boy at the register what kind of chai they have. I forget what he said it was called, but I asked if it was spicy and he said it was. I asked "It's not from a concentrate or powder, is it?" He said no; its really good. So I got it. And it was! Spicy, not sweet at all (except for what the milk added). My only complaint, which seems to always be my complaint no matter where I go, was that the milk was not foamed/heated to my liking. I like it really warm, with a thick, tiny-bubbled foamy head. But to remedy this, I add cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate powder to the top. Tasty! I definitely am going to go back, and will try to specify how I want the milk/foam to turn out. Hopefully they don't give me the stink-eye. I doubt it, since the baristas are pretty nice, and I know a few of them. Free wi-fi is sweet! Afternoon sun heats up the place like mad, but that won't be too big a problem, with Fall here and Winter to follow. read more

* Phone # is (510) 595-5345 * Now that I can call ahead from the office, this place is my ideal coffee shop. Decent bagels with eggs and breakfast meats, or veggies and cream cheese, and good coffee. read more

I've only been to this place twice, but had a great experience both times and if I lived in the area I'd definitely have become a regular. Super friendly staff, fast internet and propert Thai Ice Tea. The tea alone would get this place 5 stars from me as I know how impossible it is to find it brewed properly. They also have a yummy selection of treats by the register, I particularly enjoyed their rice krispie treat, which was fresh and soft rather than the usual coffee shop ones that you could chip a tooth on. All in all a lovely little coffee shop with much wider selection on offer than most of its size. read more

Nomad is super close to my house so I have been there many times. Really friendly family business. Bright, sunny set-up with indoor/outdoor seating. The menu is fresh and the service is fast. I rarely dine in but it seems like there are always people there. I also see a lot of laptops open which makes sense because the overall vibe is super casual without edge or attitude. Nomad is simple, bright, clean, and functional. read more

Nomad has been a cornerstone in this neighborhood forever. The new owners & staff are SO SWEET! It's really reasonably priced & has good food. read more

My favorite place to get coffee, the staff are amazing people always greeting you with kindness and a smile. The coffee is delicious and it's a nice quiet place to work with big tables. Great breakfast bagels and my favorite, the iced vanilla latte :). read more

While I come here pretty much every day for a $2 16-oz cup o' fair trade, I can still only muster up four stars for my local coffee spot. Here is what I like about Nomad: The coffee tastes great and is pretty strong (strong enough to get you going in the morning or whenever you need a caffeine injection). I get cold soy milk for free (the way it should be). And the staff is always friendly and helpful. However. I have now waited for over ten minutes on three separate occasions just to get that eco-friendly paper cup and fill it myself from the often-tapped Nomad blend drip. I understand that they get busy, but when they do, I find that they don't handle it particularly well. Whatever. Small and relatively insignificant detail. What knocks off that last star for me is that the food selection is relatively limited, is over-priced, and really isn't that great. If Nomad started offering a wider selection of food at more affordable prices, I might stop getting my coffees to go every day. Bottom line: Grab a tasty, environmentally-friendly cup of joe to go. read more

I just bought 2 lattes and the board says they cost $3.00 each/I know that the cups are extra thats cool but the final cost was $7.80...now that is a lot of money for green cups. I know other cafes that use these cups and do not charge the extra. If the lattes were amazing, well all would be fine... Other than that its a great cafe... read more

As I always preface my cafe reviews, I'm one of those cheap WiFi users, roaming around looking for the best place to sit down with my laptop and get some work done (or pretend to at least). That being said, here are my lists of things that I like and don't like about Nomad: Yay!: 1. Varied seating area - not only tables and chairs but they also have a couple of sofas and seated cushions laying around. 2. Plenty of power outlets for laptop users 3. Decent selection of food available. 4. Generally good vibe, a good environment of people working around me usually improves my drive to work. 5. Takes credit cards and good wifi connection. Boo!: 1. Can get crowded. 2. The snacks that they offer aren't the best in the world... it can also be a tad expensive Over all, this is a good place to hanker down and get work done in my opinion... plus there does not seem to be too much around in this area of Oakland/Berkeley: read more

Its local, and from time to time I crave a coffee among neighbors... or just don't really wanna go too far. It sometimes has a warm vibe, but I've usually experienced its colder side (but good thing they changed the large metal furniture to small and wooden cuz that helps)... and even when its packed with people, that doesn't seem to warm up the vibe... I don't know, maybe I just don't like it too much. --Oh, and don't try to ask them for their newspaper at the end of the day!! read more

Closest cafe to my apartment which means I really, really wanted to like it. Large latte with tip cost me 5 bucks, which is more than I'm used to paying. Service is friendly and prompt, but it does take a while for drinks to come up. Internet is free, but pretty spotty. Seating kind of sucks, and forget about smoking outside. Crowd isn't very friendly, especially towards smokers, but if that's your bag than you should give this place a try. I went during one of their open mike nights, I wasn't a fan. read more

Good food, good coffee, good people. A solidly good cafe, and the best in walking distance of my house for sure. Ambiance could be improved slightly inside, and it's often too warm, but that's minor. read more

I love the warmth the owners give you when you come in. They have delicious breakfast sandwiches good coffee and always treat you well.

Great neighborhood find. I should have posted years ago because this place is a solid go-to. Great coffee, organic food and atmosphere for whatever you need to get done. Meeting with clients in this casual spot has worked out well for me. read more

Lovely cafe, sweet baristas and great coffee- my go-to place to start the day off right, whether I am traveling or not!

Best cafe in the Bay Area. They are very friendly, cordial and will always adjust any menu item. Their coffees are good and their Vietnamese sandwiches are always on point. Lots of locals gather here which makes this a great spot to catch up with folks. read more

Amazing coffee -- the medium roast is some of the strongest coffee around and is so yummy and smooth. They have Zoe's cookies which makes the experience even better. No plugs though.... read more

Only off thing is they don't play any music... So the place can be pretty quiet. Maybe good for work. Maybe bad for chatting with a friend.

I love stopping at this friendly cafe with lots of little tables to duck into. The earl grey latte made me get on Yelp and spread the word. Mmmmmmm read more

i would give this cafe 2 stars but i can not agree more with Zak who's review is exactly on point with what I wanted to say! The coffee is good(most of the time), soy milk is free upon request, the food is good(pricey), the service iss nice and the cafe it self is visually pleasing. However, every time i go in here it takes FOREVER to get anything! I mean this is a coffee shop right? Don't these people drink what they sell? Why is it that every time go in here it takes 20 minutes to get my iced latte? I've even had to stand in line for almost 10 minutes while the previous customer flirted with the cashier(knowing i was behind waiting to order....now most people would step in or leave but I know at my place of employment that impatient customers can ruin a day). When I order coffee out I want to run in somewhere and leave, I realize that sometimes it takes a little time but why with 3 people working and 1-2 orders ahead of me does it take this long???? I would also like to point out that today I went to get my regular iced latte(which took described wait time) and when i finally got it the girl put the ice in while the coffee was still hot, causing it to melt and make my latte all watery. I felt like i was drinking from this mornings coffee pot that was left in the coffee maker and got cold....so much for my $4-. PS-the soy milk is free, a highlight since usually you have to pay to substitute but then you have to pay for your to-go cup? is this really ecological or just another way to charge people? ----i was just thinking about this place and talking about it with some people who equally dislike the slowwwwww service and we decided we hate this place. yes, hate with a passion. drink some f-ing coffee and wake the hell up!!! people are giving you their money for a cup of coffee, serve it in a resonable amount of time. i will NEVER go back! EVER! read more

Love this café and its owners! Their fair trade coffee is amazing and the food is very good. I love the chicken sandwich. One of the best café I know :) Highly recommended. read more

They jalapeño veggie bagel is bomb and the Ladies are so sweet that work there will definitely be back read more

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

This place has some really great Vietnamese sandwiches. If you have been to Dragon Eats in SF, their sandwiches come very close to that. Great food and decent portions. I liked it! read more

The owner is truly a coffee connoisseur who is more than willing to find you the best selection for your tastes. The coffee is exquisite. I had no idea coffee could even be that amazing. And it's not expensive for the quality you receive. Wonderful service, fantastic coffee, free wifi and a sense of community among the local clientele....what more could you want in a coffee shop? I look forward to returning often. read more

Although this establishment has been robbed by african americans a couple of times, doesnt mean that all african americans will rob them. Ive gone here a few times hoping and wishing that each time, the owner (asian guy) would treat me a lil differently each time. He is not the friendliest. Im a young african american woman who grew up in this neighborhood. I knew the lady whom owned the Thrift shop before they converted the building to the cafe years ago. I refuse to patronize this place any longer due to the obvious judgment looked upon me every time I come in with sweats on or dressed up with my afro...it doesnt matter. He makes me feel very unwelcomed every time...WHY? Because I dont belong in the neighborhood and why am I there? This neighborhood ised to be predominantly black. read more

Hip little spot on Shattuck. There are always people here studying or working on their laptops. There is plenty of seating and having tables outside is always a nice touch. They have a great selection of food and drink, but beware of the $5 minimum for cards. Bring cash if you are just grabbing a cup of coffee. I'm definitely going back and bringing my laptop. read more

Really friendly service, knew the names of customers. Quick and tasty bagels sandwich and smoothie to get me going in the morning. Would recommend! read more

Very nice decor, very friendly service, but falls into one of those elitist commie places where in a perfect world if we are all rich we can eat free range vegan meatless meals that no student can afford. read more

I really want to give 5 stars, I really do, but they have consistently failed at 3 things for the last two years. 1) when one orders drip coffee rather than an esspreso drink: give it to them right away. Its easy, get on with it, let them get on with it. Do not penalize the customer for not buying a fancy drink, because for a full coffee house (and not a drive in), the space and cost and time of making drip coffee is low. 2) do not randomly switch your roasts, sometimes giving them burnt horrible tasting dark roast when they expect and want medium. 3) if the house is the one supplying the creme, do not be stingy, such that the coffee still looks as dark as tree bark. No no no. * To repeat, I have observed this coffee house's performance for multiple years and they have earned this less than stellar review. ** after two years you still offer mostly rice crispie treats as your main to go pastry? = lack of imagination somewhere in management. read more

I stop here for coffee a lot in the morning, and it's pretty good in general. One of the cool things about this place is that they try to recycle practically everything (even the grounds), and are conscientious about being as eco-friendly as possible. read more

this place has changed for the better with new more mature & experience staff the salads include everything. Most things like avocado, sprouts, etc. you would have to pay extra for elsewhere. If you ask they will include what ever they have available on your salad the sandwich's (more variety) always fresh! the atmosphere good this is a place not just to sit all day with one cup of coffee although many do! I would suggest you try taking a friend there for lunch. It have proven to me to be priced where I am actually paying less for coffee & lunch there than going elsewhere for a sandwich! The bathroom is a plus as well now its always CLEAN I hate going anywhere eating or drinking anything when the bathroom is not great thankfully they are on top of sanitation & cleanliness considering how many people frequent the place the tables, etc always get cleaned after each customer (I've watched)!!!!! children friendly (peanut butter sandwiches) nutritional snacks read more

Juicy pineapple chicken Vietnamese sandwich, friendly workers, fast Wifi, free street parking outside, and good enough coffee. Does the trick for a neighborhood cafe, and I also appreciate the historic Berkeley photos that are hung up. read more

This cafe is quiet, close to Ashby bart and serves food, so naturally it's busy during the day. Whenever I come here with my friend, we always manage to grab a table, which is nice and they have outlets near the windows. This space gets a lot of natural light, which is amazing, and the wifi is incredibly consistent and strong. read more

This is where I come on weekends to contemplate the misery of my existence. After lying around all Sunday morning, dreading the upcoming week that's less than 24 hours away and the looming deadline in which I still have absolutely ZERO inspiration, cuz the well is dry and I'm creatively constipated, and therefore I am going to be so screwed, SO SO SOOOO screwed, because I have nothing to pull out of my ass and no motivation to even try to conjure up any brilliance... I eventually drag myself out of the house and head over here, so I can mope in public. And pretend to work on shit. And stew over a glass of iced hazelnut latte. At least the scenery is different and the coffee is organic. Eureka moments and an empty table not guaranteed. read more

They advertise that "lunch and dinner" are served, yet the menu is VERY limited. I got a horrible food poisoning from eating stale pita bread and lettuce. The hummus was sour and didn't taste fresh. The sandwich was pretty bare boned.Other than that ,their commitment to fair trade coffee, organic produce, etc. is a the only plus for this cafe. read more

Yep, I just returned to this cafe after not going there for several years. I went there specifically because I was stuck in the East Bay for a few hours and wanted to do some work and eat some lunch. Unfortunately, they have blocked all the power outlets so that no one can plug in their computers. Also, they have changed their menu to things that were, well, not terribly enticing. This is an unfortunate change... read more

OMG. The TV news just indicated this place got robbed a little bit past 10 PM tonight. You regulars should go by and make sure the owners are OK. read more

There food is blah and over priced. Cool that they have beer, but never again. I don't like how they run the place. They advertise free wifi, but they are COMPLETE CHEAPSKATES and they covered all 500 power outlets so that you can't charge your computer...enough said. Other local places are able to offer wifi and power and better lunch, so I have moved on. I guess they feel stitch and bitcher's are all they need to make a profit. Oh well. read more