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Au Coquelet Cafe Restaurant
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch
2000 University Ave(between Milvia St & Shattuck Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
(510) 845-0433
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6 am - 1:30 am
Fri 6 am - 2 am
Sat-Sun 7 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
330 reviews for Au Coquelet Cafe Restaurant
Review Highlights
-
"Open late and offers tasty good eats." In 64 reviews -
"My husband LOVES the tiger burger." In 11 reviews -
"God Himself must have crafted that carrot cake." In 15 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
330 reviews in English
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Review from Brendan P.
Berkeley, CA
The food is incredible (tuna melt... woot!), they're open till 1AM.. tons of room to study.. good, usually quiet atmosphere, and a cool looking interior. Oh and they have 4 flat screen's connected together displaying one giganto picture.. in case you love soccer on the HUGE SCREEN (on mute tho for studying purposes).
It requests that you order food before you sit down to study.. meh, they don't mind one bit. I'll order food when I get hungry, and that's what i think they assume, too. To study, have a good environment, and not be bugged so you can concentrate, go here. -
Review from Jennie R.
San Pablo, CA
DO NOT BE FOOLED! Last Sunday went looking for a nice cafe to have an early dinner, oh yelpers, I was misled.
I understand how students like this place, there is a lot of room and what looks like a nice well stocked bar. Also the place is open until early morning.
Unfortunately the food was horrible.
Service was horrible.
The whole experience was horrible.
Boyfriend, baby and I walked in, the place was packed. We found an empty table, sat down and waited for a little bit, then looked up and noticed the MANY signs with arrows pointing toward the back of the building for people wanting to have waiter service.
walked to the back and seated ourselves. Looked at the 3 different menus, poured ourselves some water ready to order and... waited and waited and waited and waited. Finally a young woman greets us and asks us if we're ready to order. In the middle of our order she begins asking me questions about my daughter, and speaks to me about her infant child as well.
I have no problem being social, I actually enjoy it, however, not when I'm ordering.
I order one of the specials 'Chicken Parmigana' and a bowl of clam chowder. My boyfriend ordered the Angus beef sandwich, also a special.
We wait, wait, and wait. Finally the waitress comes with the soup. It was salty, lukewarm and had barely anything in it, was mostly broth.
about 15 min later another waitress comes up and tells me that they ran out of the cheese that goes on my sandwich, I switch it for another and we wait.
I happen to get up and refill our waters, I look behind the counter and sitting at the window is our food.
The waitresses keep hovering behind the cash register looking at something, they're not even paying attention. I sit down and 5 min later our food is brought to us. Surprise surprise its a little cold. O well.
The biggest surprise was my sandwich. It said Chicken parmigana. What I got was chicken lunch meat on bread with mayo, lettuce, onion and tomato. The cheese was tossed on the sandwich and there was a small dab of some red sauce I'm assuming was supposed to be the marinara.
The steak was cold and very dry. We paid and left through the back exit.
I will never go there again, and I do not recommend the food to anyone! -
Review from Breanna M.
Oakland, CA
I'm really surprised at the number of negative/neutral reviews on this place. I come here once a month or so to study and its always served me well. Sometimes its crowded, but everyone is always nice - and sure the food isn't gourmet but its a coffee shop, and it definitely meets expectations.
Mostly its a nice reliable place when you need to get some work done at 10pm on a Wednesday night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/27/2011
This place gets 5 stars for being open late, having wifi, and vegetarian foods.
Come here to study… Read more »
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5/27/2011
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Review from Stacey C.
I tried to love this place, especially based on the fact that one of my favorite Yelp-ers gave it 5 stars. But, I think in the end I just don't have the nostalgia for it that she does and so I ended up giving it only 3. And it may have only gotten 2 stars but I had great company that may have made it seem better than it actually was.
It is in Berkeley so there are parking issues. The waitstaff were fine but not entirely excited to help you. The food was decent but I can think of better places and better omelettes. The home potatoes were really good though and the latte was fine, but nothing to write home about.
I can see how students love this place, they obviously encourage hanging out and studying so if I were a student, this might become one of my haunts...but alas, those days are long gone. Plus they have a massive TV in the study room so that was kinda cool (Lakers were on).
Overall...blah. -
Review from Josh Y.
This is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and study because its open LATE! There are plenty of tables in the cafe area and in the restaurant, and there is a relatively good amount of outlets. They also have a large TV in the cafe area showing the news.
The coffee here is good and the have a good selection of pastries and cakes. They also offer discounted refills on the coffee! If I get a bit hungrier I generally get one of the omelets served in the restaurant. Also, the home fries are really good and comes with SOUR CREAM!
In conclusion, Au Coquelet is a great place to go if you need to study late with sold food and coffee. -
Review from Alex K.
San Francisco, CA
This is the quintessential 3-star business.
The food and pastries are mediocre.
The service is mediocre.
The coffee is mediocre.
I'm grateful that they're open late. Many is the night I've come here to get some work done without the distractions of home. But that's really the only reason I go here; it offers a place to sit and work late at night, with WiFi and even power outlets.
I remember a few years ago when the management was staunchly against WiFi and would ask people to unplug their laptops from the few outlets they used to have. I do appreciate a business that adapts to the needs of its clientele (although I don't think they had much choice on this one.)
That said, I'm not sure whose needs are being filled by the massive TV on the wall. Most people are there to study or chat with friends. It's not a sports bar. I don't understand why this mega-TV is here, and I would be glad to see it gone. It just adds to the general mediocrity of the place. -
Review from Racheljoy R.
Emeryville, CA
I have been coming here for a very, very, very long time..about 16 years now, at least.
Giving this place 5 stars because it's consistent, the food and drinks are good and the big plus is that it is open late.
Last night, I actually tried to go to 3 other cafes that were closer to me but they were all closed: Remedy, a couple on Shattuck..but I remembered Au Coquelet. There is another place I learned of on yelp but in the rain and not knowing exactly where it was, I decided to go the tried and tested route.
Memories...this is the first place I ever had an irish cream Steamed mik. I used to come here in high school and it was the first drink I ever had here with a guy I liked. When I was in college, I would study here all the time, and get lattes, green teas and the occasional steam milks. I would order reuban sandwiches in the back restaurant area. They have amazing desserts..chocolate and regular cheesecakes, cookies, pastries...and I really like the burgers here.
I came here to grab dinner and to study. It's always kinda packed but you can also manage to find a spot. Street Parking is limited but you can park 1 block up on Berkeley Way in the parking lot and cut through the Laundromat across the street. If you can get here via public transportation or on bike or walking, so much better.
Anyhow, I think all the workers here are very nice, courteous and they do a great job at keeping the place clean for being a constant meeting spot for students, thinkers, and everyone..just doing their thing. Love, love the long hours they keep open, especially when you need to just get away and read or study away from home. -
Review from Ryan Y.
Bay Area
This is one of those restaurants where you wonder how they could provide such a large menu with such little space. I sometimes wonder here do they keep all that food?
Anyhow, the place doesn't skimp on food, its just that the food can get alittle boring after eating it once/twice a week for a month. I dunno, the BBQ sandwich and the burger taste nearly the same - not sure how that can happen.
But alas the food is of reasonable value and they are pretty consistent. Not bad, Not good - a perfect balance. -
Review from Christina L.
Berkeley, CA
I come here for coffee, but I haven't tried their dishes yet. It's just a place where I come to grab coffee before class, or I'm studying late night.
Service:
The girl barista is friendly and professional. I like her.
On the other hand, the asian male barista is totally opposite. He's super rude and gives you an uneasy feeling. Whenever I see him at the coffee station, I opt to go to another coffeeshop.
Drinks:
The drinks here are drinks! I would say they not anything special, but their not horrible. What can you say about it?
Overall:
I would recommend this place. -
Review from Gwen S.
Berkeley, CA
A good meeting place with friends, for a staff meetig, or any gathering.
The atmosphere is relaxed and interesting.
The menu has a nice variety from waffles to steaks.
Great coffee, cappucinos, and lattes.
A "Regular "Customer -
Review from Joyce L.
Berkeley, CA
I've been looking for a cafe that opens relatively late because I'm a night person and like to study at night, and I stumbled upon Au Coquelet! I love the atmosphere there. There doesn't seem to be too many undergrads foolilng around and talking, and it seems like everyone's pretty serious about their studies (yet in a chill environment), which I really need!
Everytime I come here, I have to scramble to find a seat, but I love that there are so many outlets which makes studying a lot easier!
I have yet to try their foods but their drinks (coffee/tea) are decent and also decently priced. -
Review from Kelly T.
I used to frequent Au Coquelet once upon a time when I lived a lot closer to this end of town.
The upside is, the food is consistent, and fairly priced. The downside is, the food isn't fantastic.
Another upside-- they are very friendly, and open until pretty late. I'd say that there breakfasts are the best of what they have to offer. I'd do there breakfast burrito any day of the week. Sometimes it can get crowded, and there can be a long wait for coffee and such. -
Review from Mary T.
Going to high school and working around the corner from this spot was great. I used to come here solely for their Roast Beef sandwich with fries. Don't know what is it about this place, but I really like this sandwich here and the fries are always fresh when you get the combo deal. It's quite an old restaurant/deli/cafe, whatever you wanna call it. It's been here for years on end.
Came here again maybe a year or so ago, and the sandwich still tasted the same to me, however, the prices were a shocker. From getting their combo meal at maybe $8-$9, my roast beef sandwich with fries came out to about $15, are you kidding me right now? When it says this place is $, it's really not, I would say it's more like $$-$$$. It sucks that prices have jumped so much, but I'd come back again if I happen to be in the Berkeley area and craving their sandwich. -
Review from Dana W.
Albany, CA
I used to come here all the time. I loved the chocolate insanity cake and the late hours they kept. But last night after a movie I stopped in to get something to eat. We sat there a long time and nobody came to take our orders. There was a sign up saying please be seated and someone will be with you shortly. Nobody came and when I asked a busboy if we were supposed to order in front instead, he just made some kind of weird noise that sounded something like, "Uhhhhmmmm, I...hold on." and walked away. We got up and left, drove to Rudy's and had a good meal. Never again...maybe for the cafe section...maybe. I don't think customers should have to wait to give a business their money.
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Review from J Y.
Berkeley, CA
I made a Yelp account just to write a review for this place! This cafe is amazing -- I wish I had discovered it earlier. This is the perfect place to study. There are a bunch of outlets and plenty of places to sit (the dining area in the back is huge) and the staff is super friendly. They have a bunch of different coffee drinks and teas to pick from. Also, the veggie omelet I ordered was super delicious. I'm not a huge omelet fan, but this was so yummy (mmm..avocado...)
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Review from Elizabeth R.
Renton, WA
Um, no. The cafe area is usually too full of students to get a seat (at least one near an outlet). The restaurant section has TERRIBLE service and mediocre food. Two stars because the soup I had wasn't half bad. The sandwich, on the other hand, was soggy and gross.
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Review from Camilla M.
Penn Valley, CA
Great breakfast sandwich, fast and nice service, big portions
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Review from Jenna L.
When I went to Berkeley I only went to this place a couple of times, but I really liked it when I did. When we were looking for a place to grab some quick food and some coffee, I was really excited to go back. I remember all the yummy pastries and yummy mochas. My friend really wanted real food after some dance practice, so she got real food there - some quiche, which we all took a bite (or 2 or 3) of. Everything we got was really good.
The mocha was just like I remembered - so good. We also got some hot chocolate and house coffee as well. We got some banana cake too, which looked really really good (and it was).
The quiche was good - drenched in cheese - definitely a more heavy quiche, but still good. And it came with some fries too. Very good - good company and good food (and coffee), who could ask for more? :D -
Review from Anand G.
Berkeley, CA
Excellent place to grab a bite past midnight. Most of the other places close at 11 while this one is open till 2 in the morning on weekends. An excellent place to hangout on a weekend. The food too is good here.
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Review from Ingrid C.
Typical late night place. I probably wouldn't actively seek it out unless it was the only place still open and I was hungry, and chances are, that will happen.
Nice waitress, but the other staff wasn't as friendly. I went to use the bathroom and used up the last of the paper towels, so I went to tell the guy at the counter that they might want to refill the dispenser. He just looked at me.
The food is unremarkable. The decor is dated. I probably would've appreciated it way more if I was a broke UC student. The diners I went to in college seem way shittier now that I'm older (and hopefully wiser). -
Review from Bobby N.
Studied here for 6 hours yesterday and it wasn't a great idea.
My colleagues and I were enticed by the extended hours of operation. They're open till 2AM! We sat in the front and ordered Italian sodas to give us the kick. For $2.50, I'd say that's a pretty good deal if only the barista wasn't so offended when I inquired about smoothies. Her facial reaction, "Scoff, we don't have any smoothies!! Grrrr." Alright just give me the day Italian Soda. Anyway, we studied for a couple of hours in the front cafe and it was pleasant. We were just unfortunate enough to sit at the table that rocked like a babies crib. I was a little distracted with Family Guy runs in my periphery. (3.5stars)
We moved to the back where there's a restaurant. Now let me tell you, that was a BAAAAAAAD IDEA. Although there is more space, it was distracting and uncomfortable. You have tons of undergrads that have all their papers scattered like a recycling dumpster yelling over each other, "IS IT ML OR MS? ARE YOU SURE? WAIT, ML OR MS?" Seriously? And then, at around 8:30pm when those same students get delirious, they bust out some cheer moves and hop on tables. I mean I would be perfectly okay if she was cute, but this one was just annoying. Anyway, at around the same time, you'll notice actual restaurant patrons. I seriously don't understand why people eat here. The salad and Quiche aren't palatable, which bring the review down to 2 stars.
Be sure to stay in the front. The area is more conducive to serious studying. -
Review from Ryan M.
Berkeley, CA
The price is right, but the food is just ok. I had pancakes and egg breakfast, it was average. Nothing stood out about the meal to me, sort of a pro and a con there. The coffee and pastries up front look like a better deal, but I haven't tried that part out.
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Review from Frank M.
Sacramento, CA
Coffee Counter:
Pecan torte was so dry and disgusting, couldn't even eat it. Espresso was not made very well and served in a cheap glass mug that gets cold really fast. Regular coffee was OK, nothing noteworthy. Considering how many other places there are in the area, just avoid this place. -
Review from GiGi C.
Emeryville, CA
The food here is OK. I usually go for the basic 2 eggs breakfast or salad.
But the service can be a hit or miss. The skinny Mexican lady who works here in the morning can be a real bitch though. I don't know what I did to make her treat me so bad. I am never rude to anyone, I tip good, and I don't ask much. But that lady acts like my mere existence in this place is an inconvenience to her. For instance: if I order a cup of coffee, she does not give a refill unless I flag her down and ask for it. If I want water to wash down my meal, I have to beg her for it. Oh, and don't even bother asking her for a cup of hot water, you will never get it no matter how many times you ask her.
I guess I will have to find a spot where I can eat in between classes while my business is appreciated. -
Review from Mike K.
New York, NY
The coffee counter guy at night is incredibly rude.
He picks on certain customers (who seemingly he doesn't like even though they don't do anything bad to him), frowning at them, yelling, and throwing the receipts.
I observed it several times.
Obviously, there is no reason to go there to pay but to be treated like a trash. -
Review from Kelly J.
Berkeley, CA
I've been fighting with myself as to what to rate this place for the longest time. Their daily specials can be nigh-on inedible, culminating in a lamb shank with brown sauce/gravy that I couldn't bring myself to finish (I never knew 'brown' had a taste until now, and I'm all the more sorrier for the knowledge :( ), but their fish and chips are always tasty and the turtle cheesecake is a great way to kill diets dead. Because their food is so inconsistent, it's a safer bet to grab a snack and a hot drink for late night studying because their hot drinks, especially their chai, are very good. When Cal's in session, it's practically impossible to grab a table in the cafe section, so be warned!
(I hear the burgers are also good, but I don't have firsthand knowledge.)
One last tip: Saturday and Sunday brunch prices are up anywhere from .50 to over a dollar from their regular prices from what I can tell from their brunch menu. Makes it a little harder to want to try out their admittedly good steak and eggs when you realize this. -
Review from Ari A.
Oakland, CA
Came here to study during the playoffs for the super bowl (Go Niners!) and the place is okay. Good place to study late but bring cash, they DON'T accept credit cards; idk why it says it does on here. Thus, I cannot rate their food. However, I did have a medium soy vanilla latte and their house coffee, I wish their coffee was a bit stronger; or else I wouldn't have needed to go back for the house coffee. Oh, and after 3pm they don't serve fries alone. -_- Who does that?
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Review from Leslie S.
Oakland, CA
Au Coquelet is the epitome of okay. Lunch and dinner food that's never wonderful, but always edible. Hours are awesome, and if I'd gone to college in Berkeley can totally imagine getting comfy here with my books into the wee hours. The service is also okay, never terribly efficient even during light times.
The one thing better than okay is the location; two blocks from my office, across the street from my evening class. Two thumbs up for this! -
Review from Rat a tat R.
San Francisco, CA
The layout of Au Coquelet is sort of odd - you go to the front of the restaurant (cash only), and you can get a beverage and pay for it wish cash. Or you can go to the back and find the actual restaurant.
I just got a coffee here during my long day of sublet-hunting, which took me to Berkeley after a day in San Francisco. I used to be a student in Berkeley, but I never studied here. I regret not finding this place earlier, as it would've been a pretty cool place to hit the books. It was a nice place to nurse on coffee between appointments during the later afternoon. While not blown away, I'd definitely want to come back... and maybe try the food.Listed in: Bay Area Delicious Cheap Food
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Review from Erika C.
I used to get the french dip sandwich and Italian soda here all the time. It was just okay but sometimes, I'd just crave it. People tend to study here. I couldn't study out of my apartment so I don't think I ever accomplished any studying here.
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Review from Eric B.
Au Coquelet is like a long term friend in that you often lose touch, but always know that they're available when you need them. It's on the corner of Milvia and University and is a natural meeting point for Town and Gown alike. And depending when come in, you'll see a different mix of folks and the associated "entertainment".
I pretty much stick to the Coffee House selections, but more substantial food choices are available. There's also plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the comfort and hospitality that defines this place. I just wish more folks would close their laptops and actually engage with real people. -
Review from SHAWNA R.
Berkeley, CA
Since AC has become my office-away-from-home this fall, I feel like I've gotten to know it pretty well (spending 10-12 hours there a week helps!). Yes, the ambiance isn't great, but contrary to reviewers below, I've found the staff to be very friendly and cool, especially the restaurant staff.
The food isn't great, but it's decent, and reasonably priced for the Bay Area, especially considering the portion size. Yes, you gotta buy to sit--it's a business, not a library, and it's annoying that people don't get that. I used to go to that cute cafe on Shattuck near Hearst owned by a friendly young couple, but it closed--maybe people were hogging tables without spending enough?
Anyway, I'm team-AC. It's too bad that the wifi was down this week, but it's not their fault. I called to check if it was back up before I came over, and the guy said they had been waiting for days for AT&T to come by. (that's for those of you complaining about the wifi being down. Sh** happens!) -
Review from Connie C.
San Francisco, CA
Great cafe! I've almost graduated but this was my first time studying in a cafe. Thanks to Joyce B. for grabbing me a seat, we were here early and got the ones facing the window, which were really nice.
The table we were at was spacious. Wireless was fast and easy to use. Lots of interesting people walking by too if you need a study break - at one point the Pagan Alliance was marching by....
This place doesn't get ridiculously crowded like some of the other cafes I've seen. The coffee is good but a bit on the small side. There's also a nice food/dining area out back for sandwiches.
Would definitely come back here! It's a little far but worth it! -
Review from HeartBeat Radio F. M.
Berkeley, CA
God Himself must have crafted that carrot cake.
Hot damn!
An otherwise typical Berkeley haunt: very open and clean space with plenty of seating, filled with academics poring over books and laptops, and of course brimming with top-notch eats.
A hole-in-the-wall that is not to be missed. -
Review from Jana S.
Did not try any of the food food, so yelp review is for cafe stay and cafe-like order....
HUGE TIP: BEST CARROT CAKE AROUND (see SueAnn's photo). One of the only wonders and sweets not made on site.
I haven't stepped foot inside of these doors since the days of college, when I lived off MLK Jr....nostalgia hit me like ton of bricks.
Just back from a book club meeting held here... loved seeing other nerdies filling up the spots, almost every table filled with peeps studying, engrossed in their own worlds, laptops open and fingers flying.
Ordered a dbl tall capp...it was well made.. asked for extra hot milk.
One slice of the very very best carrot cake that I have had.... so much so that I commented on its quality and how rich it was to the man who sold it to me.
He then told me that folks from SF City come across the bridge, because their carrot cake *is* that special. The cafe pays $26 for the cake wholesale, and at $4/slice, they're only making a $10 profit on that beautiful thing that caught my eye.
Opens late for those in need of a cafe stay.
PS 2 brews I can def hang with for a long while are on tap: Trumer Pils and Widmer from Portland. -
Review from Nina Y.
Brunch here was kind of awkward to be honest. We walked to the back and there were all these tables to choose from. There were 3 of us eating together a nice brunch. There was a group of guys
Spanish Omelet - pretty good. It wasn't that good, a bit spicy because of the jalapeños, but still pretty good. The hash was good too.
Open decently early for brunch. -
Review from Tiffany O.
Carson, CA
Au Coquelet was the last "first time" place in Berkeley, considering I ventured there with my (former) roommate before departing back home, for good =(
Atmosphere: It's a lot more spacious than it looks! You walk to the back of the place to sit and eat food.
Food: I was there for breakfast. The Home Fries are delicious! I ordered a breakfast burrito, and it was good, but nothing great.
Service: Fast and friendly. Maybe when I'm in the area again I'll try their lunch/dinner. -
Review from Katie S.
Washington, DC
Food is okay. Atmosphere is fine. The waitstaff seems to be in a moderate state of disarray whenever I am there.
The length of time it took them to come to my table on a not-busy Sunday afternoon leads me to wonder if:
1) I have noxious bodily odors of which I'm not aware,
2) there is some kind of illegal dwarf-tossing ring being operated out of the kitchen, thus taking their attention elsewhere, or
3) they are just not that motivated to work.
Either way, not pleased with the experience. -
Review from Tom S.
San Francisco, CA
The food ranges from burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, some italian dishes, pizzas. Overall, the menu is pretty broad and the food is good, but not spectacular.
I was pleasantly surprised when about a year ago the menu expanded and the overall quality seemed to improve slightly. Also, now they also serve beer on tap, which is a nice bonus.
The service has never been particularly fast, but the folks running the joint are dedicated and usually friendly.
I've always appreciated Au Coquelet's late hours and decent food, desserts, and coffee drinks. I have been coming to the establishment for years. I'm sure it will continue to be one of my haunts for years to come. -
Review from Samantha C.
Berkeley, CA
The House coffee tasted like some brown stale liquid, even WITH milk & sugar all added in. It was seriously worse than the instant coffee I make at home.... yeah..
The service didn't make it many better. I was counting out my change and the cashier man just kinda stared at me impatiently. (there was nobody waiting behind me btw)
HOWEVER! It seems like a decent place to study, and I heard the food is semi-decent.. so I won't rule it out completely yet.
