Caffeine is a UC Berkeley student’s best friend. With incessant midterms, papers and assignments lurking at every corner, coffee offers students a necessary boost in focus that sustains us through the tough days. And this quintessential study buddy has been around for hundreds of years! Here are a few of the Clog’s favorite spots in Berkeley to grab some coffee.
The Coffee Lab
Hildebrand Hall
This coffee shop is located on campus right below the chemistry library. It’s typically open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, which makes it perfect for your morning fix. The coffee here is rich, delicious and fairly cheap in comparison to other coffee shops on campus — a small latte costs less than $3. But make sure to dig out your coins because this shop is cash only!
Way Station Brew
2120 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
This coffee shop gives off cool vibes, has an aesthetically pleasing layout and is ideal for a weekend hangout with friends. Its coffee is light and tasty, and the food is amazing — we highly recommend you try a cookie with your coffee. The shop has a relaxed indoor and outdoor setup with baristas who are kind and helpful.
1951 Coffee Company
On campus and at 2410 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
If you want to get your caffeine fix and support a worthy cause at the same time, visit 1951! It is a nonprofit coffee company with shops staffed entirely by refugees. The company has two locations that are convenient for UC Berkeley students; there’s a small stand on campus in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union and a full-size shop near Unit 3.
Philz Coffee
Multiple locations in the area
You can’t go wrong with Philz. There are locations in North Berkeley, on College Avenue and beyond. It’s a beautiful place for studying, reading or hanging out among friends, and the mint mojito and mocha tesora are fan favorites.
Blue Bottle Coffee
2118 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
Blue Bottle Coffee is well known across the Bay Area for its decadent coffee and incredibly modern decor. The Downtown Berkeley location is almost always packed with people who are working away. The baristas are friendly, and the drinks are truly delicious.
Tip: Blue Bottle’s yummy hot chocolate is made from scratch.
PIQ Bakery
91 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
PIQ Bakery is located right across from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. This place has a quaint, Italian coffeehouse vibe and specializes in a wide array of pastries. It’s worth a try if you’re Downtown!
Timeless Coffee
2965 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705
Timeless Coffee is a cute (vegan!!) coffee shop on College Avenue with aesthetically pleasing decor. The shop makes its drinks with almond milk, oat milk or soy milk and has a decent selection of good food! Timeless Coffee is a great place to stop for a bite after a walk around the quaint neighborhood on College Avenue.
People’s Cafe
61 Shattuck Square, Berkeley, CA 94704
People’s Cafe is an iconic Downtown Berkeley stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can watch the Downtown bustle from the shop windows and can also hang out among Berkeley locals at this classic coffee spot.
Press
On campus
Press is located in front of Moffitt Library and adjacent to Memorial Glade. It is a quick, open-air stop for coffee and light snacks on your way to study or class. We recommend the matcha latte and the cappuccino from Press.
Free Speech Movement Café
On campus
Last, but definitely not least, is the famous FSM Café. This café is attached to Moffitt Library and pays tribute to the historic Free Speech Movement that was born right here in UC Berkeley. You can read about the movement on the walls as you wait in line to order. The outdoor space is pretty, with the Valley Life Sciences Building within sight and various trees around the area. Beware of the iconic Berkeley squirrels here, as they will often try to steal your food.
Today, our appreciation of coffee is lost in an effort to stay awake. We at the Clog encourage you to take a breather, grab a few friends and enjoy a delicious cup of joe.
