Au Coquelet Cafe Restaurant
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley2000 University Avenue
(between Milvia St & Shattuck Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 845-0433
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:00 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
Fri 6:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sat-Sun 7:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Wi-Fi: None
- Good for: Late Night
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
170 reviews
Neighborhood: South Berkeley
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113 Reviews for Au Coquelet Cafe Restaurant
if I could give 3.5 stars I would. Its not bad, but it could be so much better. I like that they are open late. Coffee is good. I don't like sweets but it seems they are varied and tasty. The service sucks though and the prices are eh. Each time I go there it takes forever to get service and when I do the wait staff speaks any language but english and I am never certain if I will get what I order. Some of their specials can be pretty good and they seem to allow loitering for study. Overall a nice place to have around because they ar eopen late and far better than dennys but some things could change.
Three stops into our BART-crawl we got off at the North Berkeley station. Whoops! Not a bar or restaurant in sight.
So we began wandering aimlessly into the night--luckily towards the Berkeley downtown station. After a few shameless public-urinations had gone by, we stumbled in to Au Coquelet.
Can't believe I remembered how to spell that.
Perhaps it was the drunk tastebuds, but the food was damn good. A burger for me, and lasagna with a side of fries for my buddy. Specifically, I remember the copious amount of bacon that helped settle my bombay gin engulfed belly.
Perhaps I should have waited to review the place until I was in a healthier physical state.
But really, how much fun would that be?
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Decent breakfasts, good desserts, good sandwiches, nice people, friendly environment (one can get into some interesting - and heated, if that is your goal - political discussions with fellow diners here).
Oh yeah, good coffee as well.
This could easily be a regular spot if you lived or worked nearby. The kind of place that would remember who you are and what you order, "Would you like the usual this morning, Jonathan." Nice!
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This place is open all the time. The food is a little expensive, but when you're taking a class at GBB (1995 University Ave.), then this is the place to go when you have a break. There is a back section, but there is usually enough space right in the front.
Some of the reviews of this place are pretty humorous:) First of all, lets keep in mind this isn't a fine dining establishment- its a student cafe for crying out loud. They serve fantastic sandwiches, veggie burgers, pies, cakes, and espresso drinks. You can sit there for hours without anyone coming up to you and asking you to leave. Plus, its great for people watching. The people that work here are pretty chill too.
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I go here for French Conversation on Wednesdays twice a month. It's pleasant.
Sometimes I do my work here because I never get jack done at home.
They always let me even though it takes hours.
This is my attempt at free verse. Thank you Walt Whitman. I'm not so hot at the repetitive rhythm thing.
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It is my personal opinion that this place has expensive burgers and ridiculously priced omelettes, but at 1AM with multiple lab reports as well as tests coming up fast, I find myself left with few options. You'll probably find a bunch of Cal students studying inside as well.
I enjoy the Au Coquelet Burger personally. Yeah... I really don't have much to say about the food aside from that it's available late night.
This was a let down. I don't know what's French about it, can't find anything but the name. Drinks were blah, desserts were blah. Space is a standard coffee shop. A bunch of students frequent this place and I feel quite odd with my 25 year old out of college self sitting around in a place with a bunch of pimple faced, sweatshirt wearing kids. The primary reason we even went here was just because it's open late.
I like the atmosphere here with the brick walls and wood. The items on the menu are not that great and too expensive. Dont get me wrong. I recommend going here if you get the chance. Its a good place to study too!
But this is a health conscious city, white bread? come on!
Their idea of a sandwich is ridiculous: one piece of white lettuce with no nutrients left in it, some mustard, a tomato and a vegi burger.
But besides that some times they have jazz here or a flute player and its nice.
Just dont ever bring a drink or snack from some other cafe or store, they will get all up in your face about it.
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Decent food, excellent deserts and coffee beverages, and they are open LATE! I come here and play scrabble occasionally.
One of the waitresses has way more armpit hair than I do, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
This place get 3 stars for one reason--It is one of the only places open past midnight that serves food until 2am!! What other better study environment can you get than one that serves sandwiches, VERY TASTY FRENCH ONION SOUP, and tarts and pies and coffee ALL NIGHT LONG??? But the entrees themselves can be a little pricey for what you get, but I have never been disappointed with any of the food. Stick to their soups and sandwiches and fries in my opinion!
One star off though (it could have had 4!!!) because there is no wireless here and no outlets really for laptops because they claim they don't really want people coming and staking out a table all night....my thoughts to that are it is a college town and they should know that college students will always spend money on coffee if it is around!! But definitely a great option if you can get a table for an alternative study location!
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I know some people like this place but its mediocre. The food is at cafeteria level quality: no zest, no creativity.
Its the sort of restuaruant where the side salad is a smattering of anemic greens with two conspicuous cucumber slices, half a cherry tomato, topped with bottled Italian dressing. Very uninspired.
Recommended only for those with mid-western taste buds.
Ah yes, one of the other few Berkeley late night destinations. I'm generally pleased with their beverage and food options, though they recently changed how one orders food, and the signage is not particular clear on whether one should walk directly up the food counter or simply have a seat, even if you are just grabbing something to go. In the early stages of the change I sat at my table per the directions of "Have a seat in the dining area" for 25 minutes without even acknowledging my plaintive puppy dog eye requests for service. From friends I've heard that the service has improved or they re-instituted a take-out only line, but I haven't been back since then.
The Reuben sandwich is good, the hot cocoa is pretty okay, and the desserts are divine.
1:30 AM bitches !
One - O'fucking- thirty in da moanin'. When was the last time you were in Berkeley and were able to score a BLT + fries at Won-Frackin' Thirty O'clock to sooth you drunk ass?
Exactly! 4 fargin stars for the French Cock restaurant !
I wouldn't have a hard time coming back here, but their food is a little lacking in flavor. The space itself is really open and airy (restaurant area), which makes for a great breakfast venue. Their prices are fair for what you get, but the reason I feel people come here is because you get food quickly and without having to be around a ton of people. I had the cheddar and green onion omelette. The cheddar was not the right type of cheese for an omelette and the homefries were lacking (seemingly something from a bag of homefries one would pick up at Costco). They also get minus a star because they don't have mimosas nor bloody mary's on their menu. How else am I supposed to enjoy brunch?
I am not a fan. This place is good in a pinch, but the people here are rude (would not just sell me bread as a side), mess up orders often (sent out a meat burger to my veggie friend who very clearly ordered a veggie burger) and I hear that they raise their prices on the weekends. The food is not good- greasy and expensive- and the atmosphere is a little crusty. They have two good things- they are open later then most places in downtown Berkeley and I appreciate that, and my boyfriend says they have good coffee and pastries. I am not a coffee drinker, but it sounds like this place is better as a coffee shop then as a restaurant.
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Nice, quiet atmosphere. The desserts and warm drinks are a lot more impressive than the entrees. If I were starving at 1 AM, it would be a pretty even toss-up between here and Thai Noodle.
Au Coquelet has Tuaca, so I guess I'd end up going there.
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My usual hang out spot when I need to get work done past midnight. Service is great, food is ok (homemade diner style I guess) and the environment is excellent. Great diversity amongst the customers is what really makes this place pleasant to work or chill in. The pastry is a hit or miss depending on what you get...
This is a great place in Berkeley for studying or reading. It's comfortable and the tables are big enough to open several books and concentrate. The tables are not too close together either, so (depending on the other customers) it is easy to focus when you need to. The large windows also provide a good view onto University street and sidewalk traffic if you want some natural light or like seeing people walk by.
Another benefit is the two halves of this cafe - a true coffee-and-pastries cafe on one side, and a breakfast/diner on the other side. Take your pick! I have never eaten at the diner but it looks good.
Unfortunately the only problem I have with this place is that I haven't really enjoyed the taste of their espresso very much. It's just average. But the space itself is great.
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If having a sugar rush is part of your daily routine, or if you have an inscrutable sweet tooth, I recommend that you stop by at Au Coquelet and taste one of their baked delights. My absolute favorite is their heavenly scones that are freshly baked with raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, or blueberries. The sweetness is subtle, the berries wonderfully succulent and the pastry so soft and light. When I want to make my morning a little more special than usual, I will go to Au Coquelet and enjoy a cranberry scone with a cup of cafe bianco, accompanied by a cafe clerk's sweet flirtation. It is also a wonderful idea to have desserts at Au Coquelet, as they have a delightful medley of homemade cakes and pies that are beautiful and delicious at once. One piece of advice, though, is to make sure that the pastry you are getting has been baked in their kitchen; otherwise, you may be disappointed.
My brother sent us over here...he claimed they had the best carrot cake ever. And sure enough...they did.
I have yet to try the other things the have there, but if they are anything like the carrot cake, it must be heaven.
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I only come here when I need some real food or a piece of cake that is not from Nation's at an ungodly hour...or at an hour I normally operate during.
Problem is, I've come here to read with female friends who were studying and what not and inevitably every time there is some creepy 45+ dude staring at the ta-tas.
Nice place to study and chat! Their food is pretty good and their dessert selection is awesome too. My one complaint is that the lights are a tad dim for reading.
I was boozed up when I came here and ordered the chipotle cheddar burger. It was disappointing.
Meat was bland. Did not taste any chipotle at all. The bun was dense. Tomatoes were old. Fries were whatev. I ate the whole thing though since I had the drunk munchies but to you, the burger lover, there was nothing special about my meal.
I noticed a handful of people on their laptops. I asked the lady at the counter if they offered free wi-fi. With a sarcastic grin, she said "we have absolutely no wi-fi whatsoever." And the smile never left her as she rang up my food.
People on laptops = posers
Honest lady at counter = LEGENDARY
One thing I must mention are the very bold desserts at the counter which are, ahem, NOT SELF SERVE according to the 10,000 signs signs at the counter. Y'all need to chill with that shit for real. Anyways they've got things like corn and coconut cake, apple sour cream tart and some chocolate mousse thing that I don't really remember. But desserts like that are something I might come back for... just to try.
Something tells me this place was all about great dessert when it opened, and then desperately expanded to at hot menu (which serves 'til 1am) to make more money. Whatev. You gotta do what you gotta do.
I was visiting a friend of mine up in Berkeley and he took me here after the long drive.
I was tired and hungry, but the food was refreshing and the girls at the counter were patient and helpful.
I got the Au Coquelet burger with no mayo or peppers and it was DEE-LISH! I washed it down with some Anchor Steam and all was right with the world again.
The seating was abundant and the atmosphere was casual and relaxed. The decor was sort of artsy... overall it was a great experience.
I wish this place was around the corner because I would love to go back.
Ahhh, Berkeley on a Saturday afternoon. I didn't get a chance to have my morning coffee, and we had plowed through four hours of shopping. What better way to stave off hunger and sleepiness than with a delicious fruit torte with almond paste and a cafe au lait?
None, I say.
This little cafe on University is quiet, clean, and open late...they have a whole two cases of delectable desserts and their coffee is quite good. Thanks for telling me to pull over, Cindy!
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I really like this cafe for multiple reasons. First, its close proximity to UCB means plenty of younger people to meet. Since it is open later, it is a place to hang out with friends and have warm drinks or food. To my surprise last night, I never noticed they had a really big back room that is about twice the size of the front area. I am sure this place gets busy but with all of this space you are almost always assured a table. The food here looks hit or miss. I have always gotten desserts that were o.k....nothing with any wow factor. The menu has some good entree options but nothing really looked good once it was served on the tables. I recommend this place if you are looking for a spot to talk with a good friend over coffee.
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Lovestoned for Au Coquelet
I grab 'the onion'
I read Obama's got juicy tits
I get to the bottom
It gets me cracking, all right
I might be a little drunk tonight
The cake's so groovy
except it's packed with sugar and fat
"Want to order?"
I don't remember that thing that I like
It's like soup but it's got veggies inside
"It's called chili" and it smells like hair
It's that perfect thing after rounds of bee-ee-ee-er
It's got me love stoned
Man I swear it's sooo bad that it's good
I think that it's good
It's so ichy and I know it
It's so nasty but I like it
The Au Coquelet Burger can turn any Monday into a pleasant experience. It can bring friends closer, it can build bridges, it can be the food through which you solve the secrets of the universe or deconstruct the latest book/play/movie you've overanalyzed.
Prices are intern friendly for the most part, and the seating is plentiful with many opportunities to linger without feeling like you're robbing someone of an instant caloric injection.
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I totally dig this place if only for the decor and decent vegy burgers. Wine menu needs some work but if I could actually afford UC Berkeley, I could see myself here more often.
Oh man, I hate to tell you the first time I came to Au Coquelet. I was a young, greasy-haired freshman living in Unit 3. I used to go to the now-defunct UC Theater up the block on Friday nights to watch a double-bill of old classics and come here afterward to gorge on some decadent dessert.
Flash forward an eon or two later, and I'm here with Jamie W. last night. Only this time, I'm the old classic, and we're gorging on some decadent dessert. I've come a long way, baby. It's still the same casual place for coffee and a hefty piece of whatever is on display for a much cheaper price than what you would find at Sweet Inspiration in the city. There is still lots of seating out in front and hidden around the wall in the spacious dining area.
Sitting back there, I flashed back to an astronomy teaching assistant with whom I had a big crush at the time. We had dinner here, a big coup for me at the time, but then....well, let's just say it's a fond distant memory now. Ahem. Anyway, I still love the vibe here, even though I rarely make it to Berkeley anymore. Not sure what pulls me back - the brick walls, the chicken art, the huge dessert selection, the memories of my Berkeley days. Hmmm, I need to google that TA...
FOOD - 4 stars...they serve actual hot food here, but I come for the reasonably priced desserts....gotta love the student pricing
AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...relaxed, good atmosphere for deep chats
SERVICE - 4 stars...you just queue up, and she is speedy as all get out
TOTAL - 4 stars....memories like the corners of my mind
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Just as other reviewers have said, this is a nice place because it's open late. The food is good, but not great. There's a lot of variety (Sandwiches, burgers, pastas, salads, pastries, etc.) and the prices are reasonable. I always like to check the board of daily specials.
It's definitely one of my choices after an evening class at UCB.
For me being able to order hot food late at night is a big deal.
It beats going to a grocery store or a 7-eleven store type for microwavable food.
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I like coming here late at night and hanging out with some dessert and a hot drink. However as nice as the desserts look, they tend to not be as good as one would hope. I have not eaten a meal here. But my friend had a salad there tonight and found a couple of hairs in it that did not belong to her.....Yuck. In their defense, at least it wasn't a pube. You can get yourself a glass of wine or beer here as well, and as far as I know I think they are pube free too.
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Haven't been here much since moving a little farther south and being the Oakland booster that I am, but there's no denying it: Au Coquelet's coffee bar and everything about it is delicious. Food, not so much. But that doesn't take away from the coffee, so read this as just a coffee-and-espresso-drink review.
the drinks at coquelet are so good, they're almost coquettish. ;-) I can see them stealing glances from the other side of that bar right now. :)
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WHY WHY WHY did I ever bring dates here? I can't figure it out, because the desserts are inedible. On the other hand, it gives you something to talk about, a la:
"This dessert sucks, doesn't it?"
Some stars because they make real food (eh, mostly sandwiches) in the back, and you get can your great big greasy Reuben on there.
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Trusty Au Coquelet, all day, all night. It's hearty food at reasonable prices. The omelettes here are total perfection - hearty and rustic! The home fries the omelettes come with are also excellent - it tastes more like baked potato than fried potatoes!
I've tried the hamburgers and a couple cakes - those were pretty tasty too, as expected.
There's great seating in the backroom. BUT NO WIFI D:
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there are lots of things i miss about living in berkeley, but one of the biggest is curling up in a cafe with books to study and coffee to drink, and the fact that this was something i had to do.
HAD TO GO DRINK COFFEE & READ.
it was a nice life.
one of my favorite spots for aforementioned curling up with coffee and reading was au coquelet, if only because i don't think i ever once ran into anyone there who was in any of my classes. (it wasn't that i minded, it was that i always hated awkward conversations in italian about what so-and-so was going to write their next paper on. BOR-ing!) i could sit, for hours, undisturbed, and actually get things done.
the coffee is really yummy. i can't comment on the food.
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I wavered between giving two or three stars for this review but finally settled on three because on the whole Au Coquelet is better than average when compared to most Berkeley cafes. It's one of your best non-bar options when it comes to late night chillin and the food from their restaurant is decent. I've had a variety of their omlettes and also their turkey burger once. All were good but standard and nothing worth going into great detail over. As far as drinks besides the typical assortment of coffes and teas I'd say their Mango fresca is their tastiest offering.
Stay away from their deserts. I've tried their cookies (dry and bland), their coconut corn cake (dry and bland again, see a pattern?), and their cheese cake (really runny and gross) and all have been huge disappointments. Their deserts really do look better than they taste.
All in all this place is a good option if it's late at night and you're looking for a laid back spot to just catch up with some friends. As long as you're not expecting to satisfy a sweet tooth you'll be ok.
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Au Coquelet is like a museum of nostalgia for me. It is almost exactly the same as it was when I frequented this place in college, down to the very same pastries (how the apple tart brings back memories).
I can't really think of anything that is spectacular about Au Coquelet, but it is consistently mediocre with occasional sparks of good. I think the regular coffee has changed. I'm not sure if I recall correctly, but it seemed to me that "coffee" used to be a really strong Americano rather than the weak, brewed stuff it is now. So I guess things aren't really the same anymore. That's how it always is: just when you think everything is the same is when you realize that something key has changed. The coffee has changed. And I always notice the coffee every damn place I go because I'm just a burnt out old coffee hole (it's surprising I can really taste anything anymore).
So, don't expect great things and you won't be disappointed here. It is truly standard, no frills caf fare and it is appropriately priced. This is also an excellent place to study, and despite what other reviewers have said, I've never been asked to leave after meeting with my tutor for an hour, even when I only ordered an Italian soda.
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TASTY!!
Me and my roomate came here with some friends after we had just driven 11 hours to get to Berkeley! Very relaxing atmosphere, which was just what we needed. I got the Au Coquelet burger...sooo good.
The deserts looked AMAZING, but I had no room for those once I was done with my burger and beer.
This place seems like a great place to go to just to relax and catch up with some friends. Too bad it's hundreds of miles away....
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