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    Well Grounded

    4.1 (292 reviews)
    InexpensiveBagels, Sandwiches, Cafes
    Open 6:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Well Grounded Photos

    Business Info

    WELL GROUNDED ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Well Grounded

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    Menu
    Camila C.

    This coffee shop is super cool love the atmosphere and there bagels are super delicious

    Spam and egg
    Yvonne F.

    A cute and local coffee shop located in a neighborhood! The cafe is tiny, but they offer seating both indoors and outdoors which is nice and the cafe also seems to be heavily involved in the community. I ordered an iced mocha, and two bagels. My drink was delicious, it wasn't too sweet and I could still taste the espresso. As for my bagel, it was a bit smaller/dry than my usual breakfast bagels, but I don't think that's their fault as they don't make the bagels in-house. They seem to sell other treats as well. The two baristas that helped me out was kind and quick.

    Keita S.

    A stylish, cozy café in a residential neighborhood in El Cerrito. The coffee was delicious--definitely my taste. Since I got it to go, I couldn't really comment on the service.

    Egg/Havarti on a toast onion bagel with avo (Build Your Own Bagel Sandwich)
    Gina G.

    I've been coming to Well Grounded in El Cerrito since we've moved to the area ~ not only was this a safe haven during maternity leave, but also one of El Cerrito's most beloved coffee/bagel/brekkie grab & go spots. They do so much for the community, and love seeing their name and involvement in all things local. As a huge bagel and coffee gal, I appreciate my go-to's. Well Grounded does breakfast bagel sandwiches, I love the egg and cheese with havarti (I like to add avo and their special Larrupin Mustard for an extra cost). They also have lox options and meat options for their bagels & brekkie bagels, with specialty sandwiches like the Avocado Open Face and Grilled Turkey Pesto. For the price, I think there is a slight miss on portion sizes matching the value, but still solid and quality. There are seasonal drink/food specials and now an inclusion of local beer from the cooler. Also, a fun game to follow along and play with is their Name of the Day that they place outside for a complimentary house-made drink. Limited seating upstairs, but pro-tip for those on a walk with kiddo/doggy, head up the street like you're walking to 7-11 and make your first left at the corner for their outdoor seating.

    Size of breakfast sandwich
    Ashley B.

    I am a symptomatic celiac, so I look for places that offer gluten free but also are knowledgeable about separate preparations to avoid cross contamination. We tried Well Grounded today because we heard that this was an option with them. Yes, they offer separate prepare stations, yes they have gf bread and bagels, but the portions are TINY. And when I say tiny, I mean 2-3 bites per side of the sandwich for an extra $3.85 to get gf bread options. We got a refund because of how small our nearly $15 breakfast sandwiches were. I appreciate the dedicated preparation stations and the knowledge of the staff, but I also don't want to get ripped off for having dietary needs. When I asked the staff about the size issue they said this was their standard gf bread size. People in line chimed in saying how messed up it was that the gf sandwich sizes were about half the size of their regular portions. The staff ended up giving us a refund and we still ate the food. Which was decent, but still certainly not worth $13-15 per portion. Also had a coffee, was decent, average tasting with Torani syrups.

    Baked goods they offer
    AJ S.

    Very tiny little coffee shop, a little hidden. Got a cappuccino. They offer a few flavorings, normal ones like vanilla, caramel and hazelnut. It was okay! They offer alot of different lunch type foods like sandwiches as well, as well has breakfast products!

    The Caputo was delicious - Wild Alaskan Salmon Lox, cream cheese, capers, cucumbers, Larrupin ' Sauce
    Rachel M.

    I was craving a good bagel before going on my Costco shopping spree and came across this place on Yelp. Location of the outdoor cafe is in the middle of a neighborhood and street parking is available. They sold coffee, sandwiches, bagels, and pastries and it has a nice community vibe. Nearby there were some folks meeting up for a group walk. Ordering/pickup is done from an outside window. I ordered The Caputo, which is a bagelwich with wild Alaskan Salmon Lox, cream cheese, capers, cucumbers, Larrupin ' Sauce (tasted like honey mustard). I chose the "the works" bagel, which is like an everything bagel. Price was $11.95 but was flavorful and yummy. It can get a bit messy with all of the sauce so I suggest arming yourself with some napkins before digging in. I polished off the whole thing and it kept me full for most of the day. The other sandwiches on the menu look delicious and if I am back in the area, I'll definitely give them a try.

    Outside
    Christine F.

    First time here and I was honestly drooling over having a morning bun. I never had one of these before and I LOVED this. For those that never tried this, it looks like a cinnamon roll but it's made out of a croissant dough with sugar sprinkled on top. The inside of the bun is also nice and soft. Parking wasn't bad. It's just on a street so be prepared to parallel park. They are also slightly busy in the morning so be prepared to wait but they have an online ordering system too. I would highly suggest this place for anyone that likes to explore coffee shops!

    Rhea A.

    Post gym had me feeling extremely hungry. I had a busy day ahead of me so I needed something quick and easy and figured that a bagel would be my best bet. My boyfriend found this place through Yelp and we decided to split the bacon and cheese bagel. We opted for the poppy bagel with havarti cheese. The bagel itself was ok. For $8, I would've at least liked to have felt like I am indulging in my food, especially with something so simple yet has the potential to be delicious, like a bacon egg cheese bagel! I didn't get that feeling from this bagel. The egg was quite bland and sad. However, the service here is EXCELLENT. Everyone was so kind and uplifting. It is the "local friendly neighboorhood spot" vibes - which is what I would imagine in El Cerrito. I really appreciate the kind service and the warm welcomes here!

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    15 years ago

    Great coffee and bagel sandwiches. Get the Humboldt with ham.

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    13 years ago

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    7 years ago

    There Costumer service is amazing even with it being a family business. they still have time to help costumers. food is amazing

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    19 years ago

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    16 years ago

    Great Great coffee. Really good bagels. Nice people. I'm a fan.

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    14 years ago

    Sweet little shop, locally owned with creative breakfast and lunch options! Plus good coffee. Yep.

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    15 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Friendly, small, local place. Great service. I enjoyed my coffee. Will come back when I'm in the area.

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    7 years ago

    I love this place. Family friendly, great gift shop next door, local feel and Humboldt flair. I get a mini Arcata los bagels fix.

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    9 years ago

    Great customer service and the best food and coffee! Support your local businesses! Baked potato bagel is the best!

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Great coffee. I really appreciate it when the barista asks me if I like my cappuccino wet or dry (dry for me).

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    14 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Great coffee great staff usually no wait. Bonus points for hiring local students to work there!

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    16 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Sandwich was too bready. Not a lot of flavor. Coffee was ok (basically machine made espresso). Nice location and good price.

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    12 years ago

    Really cute cafe. Not a ton of seating but staff was very friendly, and I liked the vibe. Chai latte was delicious.

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    Page 6 of 8

    Ask the Community - Well Grounded

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    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop

    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop

    3.8
    (182 reviews)
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    First time trying this business and I was impressed. I love the green garlicky sauce they add to…read morethe sandwich. Gives it more flavor and is a nice touch. Reminds me of a sandwich shop in SSF (iykyk). Definitely looking forward to trying other sandwiches from them.

    I have a soft spot for Mr.Pickle's in El Cerrito. Hearty sandwiches, freshly baked Dutch Crunch…read morerolls, yummy chocolate chip cookies with every order, and such sweet staff that are always so quick and efficient at the El Cerrito location. Typically always grab sandwiches to-go, but pre-pandemic this spot was always bustling inside. While the Mr.Pickle (chicken breast, bacon, avo, cheese) is our typical order, I noticed on this lunch trip they now have wraps/any sando can be made into a wrap. I ordered a Cali Tuna (tuna salad, Swiss cheese, avo, cucumber) in a spinach tortilla..delicious! Fresh, crisp, and felt like it came from an old school mom and pop deli...man, how I miss those! Each wrap/Sando comes with the "works" which essentially is mayo, mustard, garlic sauce, tomato, red onion, pepperoncini, lettuce and pickles..the garlic sauce is delish and kinda their thing! Also to note, they offer veggie and vegan options, and salads. Kiddo menu too! We have a soft spot for their old school mac salad found in the fridge, and their chip varieties. There is something about that feeling you get when you walk into a sandwich spot that is just indescribable..guess I'm just a forever fan of local shops franchise or not. This location has street parking out front (or if push comes to shove, park in the shopping center next door and walk over). Hearty sandwiches, fair pricing, fun interior, smiles upon entry, and just a really cool, well-oiled machine :)

    Photos
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop
    Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop

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    Roast & Toast Cafe

    Roast & Toast Cafe

    4.7
    (138 reviews)
    2.9 mi
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    Locally owned & operated
    Boutique

    Perfect brunch place for a group, many menu options and seats! My party got a caramel macchiato,…read morehot chocolate, green tea and a chai latte, all turned out great. Everyone loved what they got, croissant sandwich, egg/avocado toast, bagel sandwich (pictured). So nice to see they have gluten-free toast available! Service was quick especially for the amount we ordered. Everyone was nice, especially the worker that hand scooped our Booza icecream at the end. Didn't even get a picture because we were too excited to try it!

    I've become a regular at Roasted and Toasted because it's a great place to grab a coffee, get some…read morework done, or just relax. They have plenty of seating, and one of the biggest advantages is their excellent Wi-Fi speed, which makes it a reliable spot for remote work or studying. The atmosphere is enjoyable as well. There's usually music playing or a sports game on the TV, creating a comfortable, laid-back environment without being distracting. Their food selection is also better than you'd expect from a coffee shop. In addition to coffee and pastries, they offer cakes, breakfast items, and a variety of other snacks and treats, so there's always something to pair with your drink. Their hours are convenient, making it easy to stop by throughout the day. The only area where I think there's room for improvement is cleanliness. I've noticed on several occasions that when I arrive shortly after opening--sometimes within 30 minutes to an hour--there are still crumbs on the chairs, tables, and floor, even when there haven't been many customers yet. First impressions matter, and the café should be fully cleaned and ready for guests before the doors open. Customers shouldn't have to wipe down their own tables before sitting. Overall, I really enjoy coming here and would absolutely recommend it for the atmosphere, Wi-Fi, seating, and food options. With a little more attention to cleanliness before opening each day, it would be an even better experience.

    Photos
    Original Knafeh Nabulsiyeh
    Original Knafeh Nabulsiyeh
    Arabic booza with pistachio/phyllo dough & rose petals topping
    Arabic booza with pistachio/phyllo dough & rose petals topping
    Arabic booza witb pistacho topping

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    Arabic booza witb pistacho topping
    Ike's Love & Sandwiches

    Ike's Love & Sandwiches

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    My husband and his bestie remember a time when they visited Ike's first location in the Castro,…read morenever thinking it would grow to the empire it is today. With a franchise location now in El Cerrito (yay!), I can't help but love the fun and quirky sandwich titles like the Jaymee Sirewich and Going Home for Thanksgiving, also all the nodes to Bay Area sports like the Beast Mode and Madison Bumgarner. From the famous Dutch Crunch sandwich rolls to the dirty sauce that's added to every sandwich (secret recipe), to the Caramel Apple Lollipop (very nostalgic to grade school), and Zapp's potato chips with a node to Nola, it's always a good time with Ike's. I recently tried the Mozzarella's Big Cheese: Halal Chicken, Honey Mustard, Real Honey, Provolone (and added avo) on Dutch Crunch. Delicious! You can order your sandwiches also in a bowl, with gluten free bread, or can ask for the innards of the roll to be removed for those that still want some bread but not so carby. To note, you can also request Vegan dirty sauce. They have a pretty cool array of vegan and veggie sandwich options, really catering to all sandwich lovers and folks that don't mind stepping outside the box, getting their hands a little messy, and enjoying an overall exciting experience from the norm. I'm all for it. With this location you can order ahead on the website for pickup, which seems to be the move to beat the school/kiddo rush during peak hours.

    My first visit to them was ages ago in Oakland. The downtown Oakland location was around during the…read moreart walk and my husband wanted a sandwich. I was overwhelmed by the offerings and wanted to go. But the lure of gluten free bread was too much. And I didn't have to pay extra? I was sold. Especially after they asked if there was a preference or an allergy. With the allergy, they have a place dedicated for preparation, which greatly reduced cross contamination. I fell in love. But now??? This is my second visit. The first visit consisted of a guy scratching his arm as he was on his way from the sandwich prep area to the cash register. He was scratching a lot. I left. I turned around when I saw a woman come from the back to prepare sandwiches. Unfortunately, when it was time for my sandwich he prepared it. He wasn't scratching himself, but initial impressions are hard to shake. This was my second visit because my husband wanted a sandwich before our trip to LA. First, you have to pay $3 for gluten free. They make their own buns? Why do they do that? And the buns are so much smaller. So, I know which sando is mine in the bag because it's the smallest. I don't like that. Next, you have to check on the sauces. One sando that I ordered was fine until they changed the marmalade to one that has gluten in it. Why? I couldn't think of a reason. Luckily, the person at the shop (this was in Emeryville) was also gluten free and knew about this. I had to order another sandwich that'd I'd never had before as a result. It was fine, but not what I wanted. Then, they went from having slices of meat to it being more of a bits of meat surrounded by a lot of mayo and other things. So what used to be slices of meat with fixings became a meat salad with fixings. Also, can someone explain to me why it is that every time I order a drink, there are dark hard sand-like bits at the bottom of my cup? I know they clean it because I taste the cleaner, literally. But the dark gravel-looking bits at the bottom of the cup is disconcerting. What used to be a special experience isn't so special anymore. Especially with expansion. I used to dream of them being closer to where I'm located and now that they are here, the specialness is gone. A smaller substandard sandwich with a soda with brown crunchy bits at the bottom of the cup? No thanks. And not to mention the fact that the last time I ordered flavored chips, they didn't even hav salt on them. The only flavor was potato - no BBQ. No thanks.

    Photos
    Ike's Love & Sandwiches
    Ike's Love & Sandwiches
    Ike's Love & Sandwiches

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    Well Grounded - bagels - Updated July 2026

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