Caffe Strada is a classic Berkeley coffee shop with a vibe to match. It's always abuzz with college students cramming for exams or catching up with friends. There's plenty of seating, both inside and out on the patio under the trees. Though given how busy it gets, the seating area is almost always full.
Their service is definitely fast, but sometimes that means drinks get sacrificed. I've ordered iced chai multiple times, and it has never been great. On other occasions, I've also tried their vanilla latte, and while strong, it barely had any vanilla flavor.
The cleanliness can be a bit hit or miss, too. I've been there when it's spotless, and other times when tables haven't been bussed for a while.
If you're looking for a quick coffee fix in a lively atmosphere, Caffe Strada will do the trick. Just be prepared for a bit of inconsistency depending on the day and time of your visit. The staff is friendly, though, which is always a plus. When you are in that part of the Berkeley campus, this is THE only coffee shop that's close by, so there's that for what it's worth. read more
