Peerless Coffee is an endless wait if there is more than one person in line; if you see one person expect to wait; if there are two people ahead of you it will be an nearly endless wait. I know people like to buy beans here but why have counter service to sell coffee? I go to Peerless because I have to; I do think there are many better roasters around. So why the line? I think it is the illusion that just because the beans are roasted here they are better is what their consumer must think. Lots of comparables here -- just because you roast the beans here it doesn't mean a better cup of coffee; the beans and roasting are mediocre and then if you need to add service-- two stars I consider generous. read more

I used to stop here on my way to Jack London Aquatic Center last summer. If you go early in the day, they have an outdoor walk-up counter where you can get a cappucino made from extremely fresh-ground beans and a muffin for super cheap. Nice ladies working the counter too. I keep meaning to stop by later in the day to check out the rest of the place, but . . . . .. read more

I love Peerless Coffee! I buy it for home and on Saturdays my husband and I walk down to the coffee shop. My only complaint is that they open at 9 am on Saturdays. I wish the were open earlier as we are sometimes forced to go to World Grounds (aka: Filthy Grounds) or Sierra Market if it's too early. read more

It's cheap and close to home. I love the roasting aroma from the roastery in the morning. Bring your own mug for cheap but delicious cup of drip coffee. read more

My favorite beans bar none. And I love this place! It's an Oakland institution. The smell of roasting coffee......ummmmmmmmmmmm. They also have fresh roasted hot peanuts a variety of loose leaf teas, and spices. Always the nicest counter people. I have stopped by the outdoor kiosk a couple of times for a latte, and those are great too. I usually by their coffee beans to brew at home though. read more

Great coffee in Oakland that you can't find just anywhere. Like that they also provide frequent coffee buyer card, so after your tenth coffee, the next one is free. read more

Love the blended sugar free Carmel . To me .. Best blended drink I've had compared to the competitors ( though peets is pretty dang good ).

Normally I love Peerless and their coffee, but after today we'll have to consider going elsewhere in the morning. They normally open their window off to the side at 6:30am. This morning, myself and several others waited outside for almost 15minutes before leaving because they weren't opening and I have to get to work. There were some employees there, walking back and forth in the store, none of which came out to address the small crowd outside or apologize for running so late. You're a coffee shop, people want to drink your coffee in the morning, and if your hours start at 6:30am, you need to be open at 6:30am. read more

I will drive here for coffee even though it' not the closest. I enjoy trying all their creations -weekly special. Always find their coffee very flavorful and I jut enjoy the people that work here. Nothing fancy just good coffee. read more

Very helpful with my coffee, tea & soda-maker needs.

Today was my first time trying Peerless. My coworker and I just happened to be driving by so we decided to stop and grab a lil pick-me-up after lunch. I ordered the iced sugar-free mocha with soy and my coworker got the white mocha. Upon my first sip, I was immediately a fan. Chocolate was rich and oh so tasty. I can't wait to go back and try the blended drinks! read more

First time! Smelled really good! Very clean! Lots and lots of choices. I got the Iced White Mocha with half the sweetness and it's really good! You taste the strength in the beginning and ends with the slightly sweet taste, just how I like it. Perfect amount of cream as well. Will definitely come back again. read more

AWESOME!!!! This place is totally worth the trip. Great coffee, great shop, super cool history. Would go there again and again. Loved it!

Great long established company in Oakland...I like the coffee and after trying many, the Moka Java Yemen is my favorite. Service is good and it is great to make purchases and be able to see the roastery from the counter. Big plus is the fresh roasted peanuts. Coffee prices are good. The counter people are wonderful, but I would like them to be a little more proactive in describing the different types of coffee as I want to try more and learn about the variety. read more

Best coffee place ever. The Italian Roast coffee is the best coffee on the planet. It is perfectly roasted. It is bitter but not too overroasted it burnt tasting. The trend these days at Peets etc seems to be to make coffee very very thick and to burn it black. The coffee is a great deal too. $10 percent pound?! Compared to $15 per pound at Peets (WTF?!) it is a bargain. I wish their distribution was more widespread. It is hard to find their coffee without going to their store on Oak Street which is a bit inconvenient. read more

Not necessarily the best pastries i have had in my lifetime but they were definitely edible. Even though they weren't as fresh as i would have expected i would still like to come back. read more

It is very unfortunate to have to leave a negative review of this place. I recently moved to the neighborhood and have been visiting the espresso bar window on my way to work for a few weeks now. The baristas, J and Oscar are great! J makes one of the best lattes I've ever had anywhere by far. I rarely visit the retail shop next door because the folks that work there in the morning leave much to be desired when it comes to crafting espresso drinks and so on those rare occasions when the line outside the espresso bar is too long I'll go inside for just a cup of coffee which is very good. There are three reasons for the negative review: I went in on Saturday morning as the espresso bar is closed on Saturdays. I walked in and was greeted by a very long line and two very busy baristas, Oscar and another girl. Apparently Saturday's are busy and often understaffed. If management knows Saturday mornings are so busy, why not staff accordingly? Perhaps in a feeble attempt to save on labor costs I assume, but all that was accomplished was the loss of several sales as people were not able to wait and walked out, as I did. I got my cup of coffee at Blue Bottle and continued with my day. I returned to Peerless around 3:45 as I know they close at 4 to get an afternoon pick-me-up in hopes that there'd be no line. They were closed. At 3:45, when the sign clearly says 4. Okay, second strike. The third and final strike was yesterday. I went in to the retail store for a drink, the window closes down at 10 am, i saw the blond kid making the drinks. I haven't had one of his drinks before, so I thought I'd see how he did. I had a nice exchange with the older woman that works there and then stood and waited for my drink, and waited and waited. I walk towards the counter to see what's taking so long as I was only person in the store and I see him, the blond kid with his pants straddling just below his bum with his underwear out for the world to see, it also appeared he had attempted a plastic wrap belt? Like as in putting Saran Wrap through his belt loops. Really? His movements were odd and jerky and very slow and pouring milk into a pitcher seemed like a challenge for him, leading me to believe he was on something. When he finally turned around to hand me the latte his eyes were bloodshot and glazed. Maybe he was tired. Maybe not. he was nice enough but I waited for 10 mins for a bad latte. I left disgusted. I don't want to see someone's bum hanging out of their pants while they're making something I'm about to eat or drink. Never again. read more

- one star for the sign above the counter saying, no need to tip the employees. What customer actually feels at ease seeing their barista only make their base wage? Regardless, the lady who made my drink was very nice, and the coffee was rock solid. read more

So.. I originally made a yelp account specifically for this haven of friendly deliciousness. That should say it all, but just in case that's not enough.. They brew all their beans here, so it's fresh. Their guetemala antigua, sumatra, and hazlenut coffees are just to die for. Fresh, smoky, delicious. omnomnom. The staff are pretty cool. Peerless hires sweethearts. The coffee is dirt cheap (1.65 for a large or LESS if you bring your own cup!). The espresso drinks are really good, but if you go into the main store it will take a looong time depending on what time it is. Personally I prefer the mocha, it's usually nice, rich, and creamy. They sell random candies, snacks, knickknacks, and spices. They recently started carrying a chocolate bar with maple/bacon in it. Usually I have to go to Santa Cruz for my chocolate bacon fix! Yay! So to recap: Cheap, amazing coffee. Amazing mochas. CHOCOLATE WITH BACON IN IT. read more

Nice place in Oakland. It would be great if they had indoors but, I like their white mocha.

the walk up window is the fastest coffee this side of the rockies! great quality coffee for a low-low price, specially if you BYO mug service inside the store is a bit slower... watch out for scratchy!! read more

Peerless Coffee Company roaster transforms huge amounts of green, fairly traded beans into toasty roasts for many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and homes, but inside, there's a cafe and retail store that's the best place to taste the goods. Ask for a peek at the factory operation after you taste a cup - chances are you'll want to know how they made coffee so good! Each cup is freshly brewed to your liking, and no matter how picky you are about your bevvie these talented baristas will oblige. Touring around the neighborhood is highly recommended after your sit at this understated gem of a cafe. read more

Great, convenient coffee. It is actually the location of their HQ, so tours are also available if there is interest. Makes it easy to forget there is no Starbucks in the area. read more

Awesome tea, great pastries and a friendly staff. Their dark chocolate covered espresso beans are AMAZING!

Love !! Obviously great coffee but also super personable staff. Love starting my mornings at Peerless.

Overall, this place does good. Decent coffee, rare big parking lot right off the highway. Not blue bottle, but easier in and out, and way cheaper. read more

I like this place, and I love their coffee. You can't get it any more freshly roasted than here (Okay, Blue Bottle will give it to you just as freshly roasted)! Heck, the roasting equipment is directly behind the retail windows, and they're going strong. There's a wide variety of freshly roasted coffees to try. Some suit our palates, while others don't, but for the ones that do...Wow! Not into the flavored coffees, or milk shakes masquerading as coffee drinks, just coffee please. And these folks do it right! Plus it's one of OakTown's own, and they've been here for years. The staff, management, and owners have all been welcoming and extremely helpful and that's a welcome change from the sneering art college student who is more interested in discussing their art-board arms than in serving those in line. Now, if they'll only share the "secret" blend that they deliver to a certain 4-star SF restaurant, my experience with them would be complete! Check it out! read more

Awesome coffee. Great teas and coffee by the pound. Friendly staff and cool gifts and items to purchase inside.

when i need that strong cup of joe to get my day going, i will now be coming here! good stuff all around!

i enjoyed the tour of the place and the museum is filled with interesting items!

Our group attended the coffee tour and it was excellent. Sonja, the President was very amiable, open, and generous with her time. She gave us a tour of the marketing room, coffee factory floor, and the coffee/tea museum. You can really feel Sonja's personal touch in the different parts of the factory. It smells so good! We were able to meet also the CEO of the company, George who was very entertaining and informative. It is like sitting in his boardroom. He explained the current economics of coffee and so forth. The retail store had beautiful items that were lovingly curated specfically for the store - Sonja's pick! Some of the items were very charming, witty, and delish! Example: Conversational M and M's and some artisan candies! I ordered the dry cap and it was very well done!!! Mocha was great as well. This is a local coffee company that we definitely should support. Thank you Sonja and staff. read more

I cannot tell you how amazing this coffee is, when you drive to several stores to find it, and they are out should tell you how great it is. My local Safeway stopped carrying this coffee just a few weeks ago. I will have to start ordering it on line, or go to the company and get it. I called the company and the service was unbelievable over the phone. I am officially a customer for life no matter what it takes to get it.Thanks Peerless for making such a great product! read more

exceptional service.... nicest coffee house in the eastbay! gotta order their daily special - gourmet coffee at only $2.50.... can't beat that price anywhere!!! read more

Great coffee! I haven't had many cappuccinos or soy lattes better than the ones at Peerless. Temperature and foam is perfect. Service is usually awesome but the younger ladies are pretty cold. Win some you lose some. read more

This review was initially written by someone named Abradolf and stole an email address that belongs to me. This should be a lesson for Abradolf L. to not write fake review using a fake account. read more

Peerless IS good coffee and the staff IS incredibly friendly... they know regulars' names and their drinks! I've been getting the special once a week for the past 3 years. For $2.50 you get an ingenious 16oz espresso with a shot (or two or three) of the most decadent Torani flavors! The ability to custom pick/mix beans, and have it freshly ground is amazing. Though yes, the wait can be torture, I've never had a bad experience with any of their baristas so it is sad that someone has one (which by the way sounds like normal practice at any other place) and they jump to use the r word. This place does not deserve that. read more

I rarely write reviews but THIS WAS THE BEST CUP OF COFFEE I'VE HAD IN YEARS! And so cheap, especially considering the quality of coffee. I'm glad there was a long line of firemen at my usual coffee spot or I would have never stopped by. You can also get spices in bulk! I'll be frequenting this place for sure. read more

Way overrated... Went in here a few times and 3 of them I had the owner's wife talk my ear off. She is a bit of a nutjob who likes to talk about herself a bit too much. Employee's do not seem very happy. Can't blame them. read more

This is the best coffee in the bay area...HANDS DOWN!! When you go to their shop near jack London square, you can see that it is truly a family run business and they take a lot of pride in their product. Even down to the people working the counter and making drinks...they take their time and make each drink as delicious as the last. Their is a pride to their craftsmanship and you should take the extra few minutes that it takes to get a cup of Joe here, its worth the wait. I wish there were more of these little shops sprinkled around the bay area. read more

I'm not writing a review about the retail location, I'm writing about the product. Growing up in Oakland, this is the stuff that was served in the good restaurants. Something that was called east side blend I suspect is now the Presedential Blend is just the best. In a perker this stuff is bold, and in your face, drip or vacuum it is smooth and lovely. The teas are the best around. I don't know if Peet was trained here or not, but as someone who was suckled at the teet of Peet's original Berkeley store, I can tell you that the blends of that era are very much like the dark roasts of Peerless, but Peerless is better. Living away from the area, I've gotta order my tea now, but can buy the coffee bulk locally. One star is taken away because the shipping on the product is pricey, and maybe we'd all drink more tea if we could get good stuff, loose-leaf, along with our bulk beans. read more