I love this place. The coffee is quality (not bitter or skimpily-brewed), the sandwiches and salads made fresh onsite (try the prosciutto), the pastries beautiful (my favorite scone ever!). What's more is that it's a neighborhood joint, a great place to hang out or read the morning paper. It gets busy in the morning during the work week, and there's a definite after-church crowd on Sundays, but that speaks to WG's popularity. Also nice for a light dinner; they serve a fab Fat Tire amber ale, and a pear cider that's delish. Spoken word and live music in the evenings are a regular feature. World Ground is the gem of the Laurel District, and has helped transform the Laurel since it opened seven years ago (they've since expanded with a second store on Jackson and 3rd near Jack London Square). If you want a reprieve from the frantic-conveyor-belt-madness of Starbuck's, go here. Compared to the Big Green Empire, the espresso and food are scores better and the barristas much happier. read more

This is my go-to spot for lunch! I love their sandwiches, especially the roasted turkey with artichokes and sprouts. To die for! Sometimes, when I need a mid-afternoon snack, I'll walk over to World Ground and grab a bagel with butter, or a cup of joe. I even have a World Ground card-- ask for one. If you purchase (I believe) 8 cups of coffee/tea, the next one is free. :) They have free wi-fi, you can work/sit/chat. Definitely a cool little joint to go when you need a break from it all. read more

It's local dive of a coffee shop, but they often have local musicians and artwork that make it worth supporting. I go after a semi-long walk with the kids, I have a beer (yes, I go in the afternoon, usually on Fridays), then I rest and head back home. On a healthy day, I will buy a fruit shake from the fridge or an Italian soda which is very refreshing. I can usually get a cookie for my son, but the baked goods supply is not consistent. I don't expect much and I am not disappointed. The crowd is friendly, mostly students. Honestly, the service is pretty poor. I think there is a high turn-over in staff, since each of them seems to be pouring a beer for the first time or making their inaugural Italian soda. So, if you live in the Laurel area, drop in for a charity visit and see if it suits you. I like it for what it is, and I believe that we will only get more vibrant and consistent local businesses, if we support the ones who have demonstrated pride and perserverence first. Oh, by the way, the cash only thing is a drag, but they have gift cards, which my husband scored for me, and I use them since I rarely have a fat wad of cash on hand. read more

I know basically all waiters are students and this cafe is very local, but sometimes waiters just keep talking and chatting and let customers wait in the line. Several times you have to remind them about you order otherwise they may forget. They are super nice and laid-back but can be faster and more efficient too. And the WiFi is incredibly slow, hardly ever worked. read more

I love World Ground Cafe. But the past three Sundays I've gone in planning to get lunch (usually around 1 or 2) they are out of bread for sandwiches and they don't have any other food options. Why does this keep happening!?!? They've lost my business three times now because I've had to leave to find food. read more

The cappuccino is delightful, smoothies are tasty, and the drip coffee is ok. The food is also decent, but be prepared... it takes a very long time to get even a bagel toasted. The staff is cool, but you often feel as though you've placed the weight of the world upon them if you ask for anything. While the hospitality leaves much to be desired, I keep coming back... for some reason... oh, did I mention that they have beer?! Maybe that plays a part. read more

Free wifi (yay!), really good salads (yay again!), pleasant staff (though I have to agree they're a bit slow) and, oh yeah, good coffee. They also have this really good fruity iced tea. And their bathroom isn't gross. A sweet girl that works there let me in on the secret that parking across the street does not require a permit. Double yay! If I want parking police sitting next to my car, waiting to give me a ticket, I'll go to Berkeley ... read more

Great experience at World Grounds Cafe. My community group had a meeting in their backroom, and we felt welcome and deeply appreciated the space. Thank you so much for hosting us! Everyone enjoyed their drinks and food and we agreed that World Grounds Cafe is a great part of the community. read more

Piping hot coffee with rich flavors. Usually order the house blend dark roast. Latte are great, too!

One of the best and freshest salads I've ever had - and FILLING, too! The insalata is more often than not, awesome. It changes daily, so calling ahead to find out what they've thrown together is great. Or if you're like me, you just order it and get a generous amount of tender warm chicken with eggplant, mushrooms, artichoke, russet potatoes and blue cheese tossed in fresh baby greens and balsamic vinaigrette. $8 and absolutely plentiful! They also throw in a yummy buttery crostini. Coffee is good and strong, Free Wi-Fi. Cool lil wine bar there if you need a pick-me-up. Beer for sale, too. Don't forget that there's more space in the back room. read more

I wish I could write a review about their food... but EVERY TIME I come here they are completely out. Why even offer food if you don't keep enough in stock? Perhaps one day they will surprise me and I will be able to grab a bite here. Other than that, the atmosphere seems nice and is an average coffee shop. ***Here's my update. I haven't even tried to eat here in a while, but am very pleased with other aspects of World Ground Cafe. One of the biggest is their wine club... or should I say Roland Rosario's wine club, which holds events there. Join the wine club and get free admission to the events which provide several bottles of their fantastic wine as well as a gourmet feast. Fantastic! I also love their involvement in the area. They are a true treasure of the Laurel/Allendale area. If they would keep that kitchen stocked (maybe they do now?) I would give them the full 5 stars. read more

They make a good mocha and a really yummy (huge) salad. They also have a nice selection of food items and comfortable seating. A great option for a reasonably healthy lunch and a good stop for a quick morning pick-me-up. read more

This is transcribed from my bf who had the coffee. He really wanted coffee and I live in the hood so yea let's try it, I said. He had house brew (he is into dark roasts) and wasn't really into it. What really got to him and me in general is being charged extra for SOY MILK. really, nowadays is that necessary? why are people who cannot or don't want to have cow milk (or rather secretions) punished? we are VEGAN and we would appreciate not being charged extra for an addition to our coffee when our omnivore friends are not charged. it's pretty ridiculous at this point. cost is bs b/c organic milk is expensive, more so, than alternative ones anyway. ok, done with rant. Staff was a bunch of young men who were joking around the whole time. Yea makes me sound old but you know professional is professional. They were attentive but it was a bit distracting, say, if I was working there or something. place has potential... read more

My new favorite coffee spot! Good vibes ... Good coffee ... Good people ... Good music ... AND, they have a wine bar! What more can I say? I am so excited to live close to this cafe. I will frequent this spot often. read more

You have no idea how much I want to like this place.... been there twice.... 1st time- Iced Mocha was one of the worst I've had in 20 years of treating myself.... yuk..... The menu looked good though.... Cute place, wifi, etc.... 2nd time- Iced Mocha again tasted like crap... ordered a veggie sandwich (the workers couldn't tell me where their meat was from or anything about it- it's 2014... you're in hospitality in the bay area... you should know... no excuse for that).... and the sandwich was served on a roll that was stale!!! Damnit... Threw away $11... Boo! read more

I ventured to this coffee shop to wait for a friend who was coming to work with me. I grabbed a white tea and a bagel for the wait. The staff was very helpful and lively. The atmosphere of the cafe was mellow and mostly quiet, mostly due to it being close to closing time, that was until the owner came in with Who I believe to be his daughter. He came in shouting orders, like a crossing guard directing traffic in Time Square. This is not the first time I have witnessed this. He doesn't seem to be personable at all, he needs to consider his approach and who's within ear shot of what he says when he's addressing his employees. Three stars for the staff being good people. read more

World Ground wins points because I can walk there when it is sunny and because there are ample outlets for my laptop charger. The coffee is great, as are the food options. I'm not a pastry eater, but I eat the Baby Green salad at least once a week, on average. Cranberries, blue cheese, vinaigrette, no almonds (I'm allergic) seems basic, but something about their ratio of blue cheese to cranberries really makes this a winner. And there is toasty cheese bread too. Staff isn't particularly cheerful or quick, though the weekend morning crowd seems to be a little quicker to smile... read more

Terrific, little neighborhood place. Very comfy and welcoming. You can order a fantastic cup of coffee, tea or a sinfully delicious smoothie and spend the entire afternoon! They also have a terrific lunch menu, although I am addicted to their Tuna Sandwich which is long fin tuna, some sort of terrific vinaigrette and sprouts...no onion, celery, or mayo in sight! Absolutely divine...wonderful, fresh, home made bread and a lovely baby greens salad... read more

Like many others I want to be in love with this place. It's walking distance from my home, it sells wine and beer, the decor is cool and relaxed, BUT.... Food is not the best. The first time I ate there it was fine. The second time I took the food home, ate it, and puked. I have a pretty cast iron stomach, so I was very surprised. I have tried ordering other stuff there (that won't make me sick) but either they ran out (like the lox) or they forget the add to my order (like avocado and tomato). The service is interesting. Some days it's cool and some days it's whenever they feel like serving you. I guess it's because they are the only coffee shop around in the district, so they don't have to make an impression on the customers, but still.... The coffee, wine, and beer are basic, but probably the best things about this place. I come back for these things for sure. If they could tighten up on their service and treat customers like they count then this could be an awesome business. read more

Nice find in the Laurel. Cute coffee shop with a good cup, nice jazz, some great food options, and a cute wine tasting bar in the same venue. Plus beer. Good beer! The Laurel is sorely lacking in these kind of places... Too many beauty shops and nail salons, not enough good coffee shops and decent restaurants. This place definitely deserves local patronage! read more

Their sign says they are closed now at 5. not 6:30! Perhaps their early closing hours reflect staffing problems or patron problems. The decor is dingy - at best. If they brightened the paint job a lot more to let more light in, it would be much more inviting. The staff are hit and miss. Some of the women seem utterly distracted and glum. They don't acknowledge you. The coffee is all right, I do enjoy that there. read more

Awesome and chill place! :) always come here for a chicken salad. The staff is very chill as well! Come check it out... chill music, lounge areas, and free WiFi read more

this casual cafe is a great place to grab your favorite coffee drink or some light fare. Their salads and sandwiches are quite excellent for such a laid back coffee joint. In 2010 they opened a wine bar that is a great amenity and keeps the cafe open in the evenings Wednesday through the weekend. They serve several varieties of California wine and have a good range of new belgium beers. World Ground not only serves as a great place to relax, do some work, or grab a drink, but is also opens its doors as a community meeting house in the back. It is one of the places that makes the Laurel a wonderful neighborhood. read more

I like the coffee and food here enough. However, at least half the times I've ordered here, they forgot to make my food. Every time I remind them of my order they make it and have never said so much as an apology. I'm easy going and never make a fuss about this sort of thing, so why not just say sorry? I live walking distance and continue to go here, I wish they would just step it up a little and be a little more considerate. I'll be happy to change my rating if things change. **After return visits, they seam to remember by order but, staff seems a bit dismissive. read more

I've loved this place for years! Consistent quality drinks and food. The breakfast panini is pretty much the most decadent thing ever. It's rich and satisfying and got and delicious. The service is good if a bit slow. Prices are on par with most coffee shops. Overall a very good shop. read more

I like to come here but they Need to update their hours. Says they are open until 6:30. Came by and there is like a permanent wooden door with a lock on it and no other way to get in. Strange. read more

The atmosphere here is nice. However I feel like every time I come, there aren't any pastries or sandwiches or anything appealing. It's a bit overpriced and the decore isn't appealing either. read more

Cute local coffee shop in the Laurel! Great place to study (free wi-fi), good coffee, most of the food is good. Right between Farmer Joes on 35th and the Laurel bookstore, So it is a great place to stop and grab lunch and coffee on the way to the grocery store. They have a bike rack out front with enough room for 2 bikes, which is nice. The only issues are that they tend to run out of some of their food by the afternoon, and i wish they stayed open later (6pm Monday-Wednesday?). read more

Banana bread? Standard. Flavor latte that I paid extra money for? Did he even put caramel in my drink? Doesn't taste like it. Decor? wouldn't be my go to place for a date or to study. This place needs work. The music is a bad choice too. read more

Nice, casual atmosphere, great music and free wifi. Had a cheddar scone--that was yummy. Had the panini of the day which was turkey, avocado, pesto, cheddar....it was super salty and cold...it also had only a small but of avocado and arugula and copious amounts of pesto. Overall there just was no care given to the sandwich at all. Ordered the kale and potato soup of the day and it came in lukewarm. Tasty, but just not hot or even warm. Note: this isn't a particularly busy or crowded day. Was underwhelmed but that's okay. 3 stars because they could've done better on a not-so-busy day but didn't. read more

World Ground Cafe - Had to take the cheese off because it was too salty - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

Good choice of drinks including a great Java smoothie which is a chocolate shake with espresso. Nice availability of seating, not too crowded. Power available. They have free wifi but the performance is terrible, almost unusable. If you are coming to work or study you will get frustrated. read more

Free wifi, friendly staff, and a great place to work from "home"... I don't know what they put in the coffee here, but it's magical, and I don't know what I'd do without it. read more

this place is spooky and in a crime ridden neighborhood where you could be jacked or mugged on the way back to your car..if you value your safety, be very careful visiting this place..bring mace, or something stronger. Hide your valuables in your car or trunk. Do not I repeat do not go alone. People at the wine and beer area at 7.30 in a drunken stupor looking burnt out on life mean mugging you..please do yourself a favor and go elsewhere.went there recently and the staff was horrific. some guy at the counter didn't know how to work a register and was fumbling the order ahead of me; further he running beverages out to various tables as lines of bewildered customers wondered what the heck was going on..lastly, this lady was making sandwiches and looked like she had been up all night, and was mean as a junkyard dog and refused to smile, be polite etc.. Beyond that, coffee tastes great but is it worth all the precautions u must take to protect yourself from all the public safety issues associated with visiting this place. . read more

This is my favorite local goto coffee spot. I am not a morning person, but Man, I had their mocha the other day before work and I was on a roll! I finished my laborious house work (for a disabled lady) by 3pm, skipped lunch, then came home and tackled the 7 foot tall bushes in the backyard. "weeee!", (hedge trimmers!). I really felt dandy and accomplished so much, thanks guys! ...also I am excited about their happy hour, Fat tire is delicious, but have yet to check it out. read more

Good tea? Check. Nice atmosphere? Check. Wireless? Check. Cushy couches that keep the girlfriend happy? Check. You win. read more

I love this place! The espresso drinks are good. The service is friendly. Great community feel/vibe. I really appreciate that the internet is "secure." The food is good too. I've had different salads, paninis, and pastries. Ooh, they make this one muffin- I can't tell you. You might snatch up the last one before I get there by the afternoon. Oh they also have a limited selection of beer and a wine bar- haven't tried either of those. read more

Awesome study place for students, especially with the two large tables in the very back! Friendly & down-to-earth baristas / owners..they seem super laid-back (no pretentious-corporate-like-customer service!) Metered parking in front, but also, non-metered on side streets. They have two types of chai lattes, "spicy" and "sweet". I've always wanted to try the spicy chai but the guy always tells me that soy (and I only drink soymilk) & the spicy chai doesn't mix well, so he somehow convinces me to get the sweet chai every time. Nevertheless, good service and the dirty-chai satisfies my craving every time. Friends had the veggie sandwich..beautiful presentation. The lox bagel looked tasty too! Salmon loaded with tons of cream cheeese.... read more

This was my go to spot to study years ago. It's a nice neighborhood coffee spot. However when compared to other coffee shops in the area.. This place is lacking and outdated. read more

World Ground Cafe - Slim pickings. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Oakland, California

It seems as if the previous poster was misled because they only began to do Breakfast Bagels just recently. They do make a Breakfast Panini that some folks like and some do not. I have gone in at 7:40 a.m. and there is no line. I get a chance to read the paper and see my "coffee buddies". Whne I leave around 8 a.m., the line sometimes goes out the door.... And, no, I can't make better lattes at home..I've tried. One of the great things about this place is that they have a meeting room in the back that is available just by signing up. They also give a lot back to the community in donations of coffee, etc. Note that this is NOT a Starbucks. There is music on Sundays as well as poetry readings on Thursdays. Check the blackboard. read more

Great local place to grab some coffee. Its cozy, free wi-fi, and the coffee is great. They recently obtained Spoton - so you can get some points for your purchases. The soy coffee au lait is my favorite. read more