Au Coquelet Cafe Restaurant

3.5 star rating
309 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes  [Edit]

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:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
$49 for $70 Certificate

Michelle M. said: "I'm trying to think of the number of times I've been publicly karaoke-ing, and I think it amounts to one Thailand Study Abroad group adventure at some…"   read more »

Review Highlights   

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"Open late and offers tasty good eats." (in 65 reviews)
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"My husband LOVES the tiger burger." (in 11 reviews)
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"God Himself must have crafted that carrot cake." (in 15 reviews)
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309 reviews in English

  • Review from Jenna L.

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    • 53 friends
    • 276 reviews

    Sunnyvale, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/11/2012

    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 Ingrid C.

    San Mateo, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here

    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 SHAWNA R.

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    • 4 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/30/2011

    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 Ari A.

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    • 4 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    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?

  • Review from Tom S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/5/2012

    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 Erika C.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/14/2011

    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.

  • Review from Bobby N.

    Everett, WA

    2.0 star rating
    9/19/2011

    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 Frank M.

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    • 5 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/4/2011

    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 Mike K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    New York, NY

    1.0 star rating
    8/30/2011

    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 Leslie S.

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    • 10 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/25/2011

    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 Tony W.

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    • 7 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/16/2011 1 photo

    I ordered an Au Coquelet Burger. It comes with either fries or salad. To me, it is just a burger. It is nothing to write home about. With tips, I paid $9.

  • Review from Rat a tat R.

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    • 63 friends
    • 698 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/11/2011

    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.

  • Review from HeartBeat Radio F. M.

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    • 12 friends
    • 189 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/5/2011

    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 Connie C.

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    • 104 friends
    • 107 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/9/2011

    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 Eric B.

    Albany, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/29/2011

    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 Jana S.

    East Bay, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/28/2011

    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 Katie S.

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    • 4 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Burbank, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    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 Tiffany O.

    Carson, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/30/2011 1 photo

    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 Nina Y.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/9/2011

    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 Kira S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Chester

    UK
    2.0 star rating
    1/19/2012

    No complaints regarding the food, it was nice enough. Service wasn't quite up to scratch though. I ordered a latte and a sandwich, but after waiting about 10 minutes I received just the sandwich and no drink. Not wanting to complain, I waited patiently, and ate my sandwich. A good fifteen to twenty minutes after I ordered, just as I was about to go and ask for my drink, it was brought out to me. There was no sugar or stirrers, none by the counter either, so I had to go and ask for it. Without a word, but with a frown, the guy got some sugar from behind the counter and passed it to me. I had to ask for a stirrer and I was given a small spoon, not really big enough for the mug. I took the mug back to the table, but it was super hot and, as I had finished my food and needed to be on my way, I went to ask if they could put it in a takeaway cup for me. Again without a word I was passed a takeaway cup to pour myself in front of the counter. I did, and spilled hot coffee on my hand :( Overall disappointed by the experience, compared to the great service elsewhere.

  • Review from Samantha C.

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    • 2 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/30/2011

    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.

  • Review from Melissa L.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/1/2011

    This review is for dining only as I'm way past the days when I would be studying in a cafe.  =0P

    The large cafe is in the front while the restaurant is in the back.  Each section has it's own entrance while also sharing a walkway between the two areas.  The cafe is dark and spacious and has a few flat screen TV's.  The restaurant is really bright and rather cozy, with decor straight out of the 70's.

    On my most recent visit, I stopped in for a late brunch.  Patrons are instructed to pick up a menu at the counter and find a seat at one of the tables.  The weekend brunch menu offers the usual morning proteins (Eggs Benedict/Florentine/Blackstone, omelettes, scrambles, breakfast meats) and carbs (french toast, pancakes), along with salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and quiche.  

    I ordered a veggie omelette, which came stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, avocado and cheddar cheese.  Crispy, seasoned home fries, fresh fruit and toast accompanied the eggs.  Everything was pretty fresh and the portion was certainly decent.  I only wish they accepted substitutions as I prefer a different type of cheese on my eggs, but that's me being picky.  The coffee was a bit weak for my taste but it was hot.  

    The service overall has been okay.  On my most recent visit, my server could have been more forthcoming with information about the menu.  Instead I had to conduct a Q&A with her regarding the various options available.  The answers came in the form of a "yes" or "no".  No answers in the form of an essay were granted.  Other than this, the other waitstaff were pretty friendly  and efficient, greeting me upon my arrival and departure, keeping my water glass filled, making sure I didn't need anything, etc.  

    The cafe is counter service only and they expect patrons to bus their own tables.  They offer a wide variety of pastries, fruit and desserts, along with a good assortment of beverages.

    Was the food the best I've ever had? It was a-ok.  Was it the worst?  Not by a long shot.  Overall, the food, service and ambiance are pretty good and I'm sure I'll be back as I often patronize a nearby business.  I would certainly say that this place is better than some of the other dining options in the area.

  • Review from Todd O.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    El Cerrito, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/6/2011

    I have been coming here for over 20 years, mainly for coffee or a pastry. But I wanted to review the restaurant. The main draw for me is that they are open and serving food late. 1:00 am during the week, and 1:30 on Weekends. I am always looking for Late night food options, especially in the East Bay. A place to go after shows... They have a decent variety of food, serve breakfast all day/night. I like The Burgers, Onion Rings are tasty. They have full coffee bar plus a good  selection of beer(some on tap) and wine. Overall the food is not remarkable, but very satisfying, always seem to be good size portions, and the prices aren't too high. Good option if you are looking for good, simple food after Midnight in Berkeley. Free wifi too.

  • Review from Veronica D.

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    • 12 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Late night restaurants in Berkeley are, sadly, few and far between, but I avoided Au Coquelet for quite awhile after a few different friends told me to stay away. Finally, after picking up a friend from OAK pretty late at night, I decided to give Au Coquelet a chance and we went here for a late dinner.

    It was honestly pretty good! I had a vegetarian hot sandwich, and with my hot tea, it was a really satisfying, warm late-night meal. My friend had the Tiger Burger, and, if I recall correctly, seemed to enjoy it, too.

    The best thing about my trip to Au Coquelet was the adorable restaurant itself. It was really charming inside, and the ambiance added a lot to the meal. Service was a little unresponsive, but  Au Coquelet did a wonderful job of providing a quiet, relaxing way to spend the late evening! As far as Au Coquelet's value as a coffee shop/study haunt-- I'll have to get back to you.

  • Review from Joana R.

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    • 14 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Inglewood, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/24/2011

    I found this cozy lil place while in town to see Portishead at the Greek Theater. =) One of the few places I found that were still open at 1am!  I had the Chicken Parm sandwich and my sister ordered the Chicken Pesto sandwich, both of which were REALLY good! but the Chicken Pesto was beyond that...idk...my sister ate it as slow as she could! haha the service was friendly, and their desserts are delicious. My sister got the Chocolate Mousse while I got a Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake slice...while both of us were in HEAVEN, we both came to a conclusion that the Chocolate Mousse slice is definitely for the die-hard chocolate lover, delicious nonetheless

  • Review from Vy H.

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    • 31 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/7/2011

    I've never done a Yelp review before, but after last's night experience, I just had to tell others how AWFUL this place was.

    My boyfriend and I were looking for a place to eat and we knew that Berkeley was THE place to go when wanting to eat at a late hour. After passing a few places, we saw several people inside this place and decided to give it a try.

    As soon as we walked in, nobody greeted. The people behind that cafe counter looked up at us and said nothing. We followed the signs leading to the back area for sit-in restaurant customers. We must have passed by at least 5 different employees there and not one greeted us.

    We took a seat since there's no host in front of the dining room area. After 25 minutes, the most unfriendliest waitress came up to us and said "Did you guys want anything?" We decided to split the Tiger Burger. Immediately after we said the word 'burger', she walked away. She didn't ask us if we wanted any additional drinks (Tiger Burger comes with a drink), no waters, soups, or anything else.

    We got our food after about 15 minutes (not bad), but the food itself was AWFUL. The burger was tasteless. Not even a pinch of salt ANYWHERE on the patty. The massive amounts of ketchup and mustard couldn't make up for the piece of crap burger that was.

    By then, I was fed up. I ate half of my half and decided to not finish the rest. But just as I decided to not finish the rest, behold, I found HAIR in my food. The cherry to top off the night of bland food and horrible service. Immediately, I told the older gentlemen over the counter (don't know if he was the manager) that we wanted our check and that there was hair in my food. His response? "Oh, well, that's not supposed to happen...." .......?!?!?! He didn't even discount our check or anything. He just didn't give a crap.

    As soon as we paid, the guy didn't even look up at us, so I proceeded to tell the lovely couple waiting to be seated to not eat here and that the food and service was horrible and that I found hair in my food. To my enjoyment, they left after I said that.

    I will never eat here again nor will I be recommending this disgusting place to anyone.

  • Review from Gary G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Richmond, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/8/2011

    Poured a bottle of calistoga into a glass of ice, and the glass had that washed-in-dirty-dishwater stink to it. I had to decide whether to throw the whole thing away, go up and ask them to give me another bottle of soda, or get a straw and finish drinking with my nose as far away from the glass. Dirty glasses are just disgusting. So just don't use the glasses. If you get coffee get it in a paper cup.

    Someone wrote here that they only take cash: not true. Credit too.

  • Review from Gypsy J.

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    • 1 friend
    • 74 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/28/2011

    Came here once with friends and had a decent wait for a bland quiche, bad coffee, and I had to ask for new silverware because my set still had food stuck to it from somebody else's meal -- which left me wondering about the cleanliness of the other dishes.  None of us enjoyed or finished our food.  We were only glad we didn't pay too much for it.

  • Review from Breanna M.

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    • 20 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/27/2011

    This place gets 5 stars for being open late, having wifi, and vegetarian foods.

    Come here to study when I need to stay out past 7pm and the environment is always consistent. It can get a little loud at times but usually isn't too bad.

    The food is decent (cranberry tarte is not as great as expected) and the coffee is ok.

    May not be the most stellar joint in the world but is an asset for a town that shuts down around 8pm.

  • Review from Phan H.

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    • 1 friend
    • 194 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/3/2011

    came here for lunch one day. The service is fast and the food very tasty. Had the french dip with a salad. Would love to come back and try other of the many varieties of sandwiches they offered.

  • Review from Kevin J.

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    • 51 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/25/2011

    This cafe is a great place to hang out or study with friends. The place is pretty big, and they have some good food and coffee. Considering I live on Southside, this place is pretty far, but it's well worth it to at least try before graduating from Berkeley!

    This place has got to have the best white mochas in Berkeley, from what I've had, as it's not too hot and not too sweet, but just right! I've also been here for brunch, and I'd definitely recommend their Eggs Benedict. The Hollandaise sauce is pretty solid, and the eggs are cooked just right! Although it may not look like much, it's a filling order.

    As an actual cafe/restaurant, computer plugs are sparse, and it seems like a war when people try to claim the seats with the plugs. They have 4 big screen TVs which they combine into one, so that everyone can watch the hottest sports game currently playing.

  • Review from Dan A.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/13/2011

    I really appreciate the fact that they are open late and I Love the Tiger Burger. But the service....sucks. Its not that they're mean or rude. Just...inattentive. You need to scream and wave a flag to get any attention. Either they train the staff to ignore you or they are understaffed. Don't come here if you're in a hurry.

  • Review from Grace Y.

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/26/2010

    Hey look! Another review that went missing. I've been watching my review count and noticed that yet another review went missing.

    So mad.

    To recap:
    -Open late for students to study
    -Coffeeee!
    -Other baked goods and cafe foods
    -Kind of noisy in an ambient way
    -There's lots of street parking
    -The hot tubs are right down the street
    -Food is so/so
    -Can be busy and hard to score a seat.

  • Review from Vicson V.

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    • 0 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/22/2011

    Loved the omelette we had yesterday. Pretty good quality and good quantity as well. Good service and great open-sun-lit dining area in the restaurant.

    Definitely an option for a weekend brunch IMO.

  • Review from T L.

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    • 19 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here

    Oh Au Coquelet, I loved you so much before this very horrible experience that has tainted all of my following visits. To be fair, I really enjoyed studying here before... lots of tables and plugs. Plus strong coffee and decently good food. One of the only study places that has meal food!

    BUT (huge caveat)...I came on President's Day holiday, which I suppose is a busy study day? There was almost no seating and it took awhile to find a place to settle down. I bought a cup of coffee and finished it over the course of 2 hours. I was there for a total of 4 hours. I don't really know what the etiquette is...how many cups of coffee per number of hours you're there. But I honestly don't think it was worth the Asian man working on the cafe side, walking on the way over to the other side (between the dining side and the cafe side) to yell at me. He said something to the sense that...if you're going to be sitting here for so long you better buy something. We can't be running a cafe where people just sit forever and don't buy anything....OUCH rude much? Can't he say it in a more considerate way? I have been hesitant to come back here since.

  • Review from Mercy D.

    East Bay, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/16/2011 1 photo 4 Check-ins Here

    I came here to study on a Thursday night and it was pretty crowded.  I only stayed in the cafe portion of this place but I glanced at the back where the restaurant is and it's pretty big back there too.  So I'm kind of weird where I like coffee (I prefer hazelnut coffee but regular coffee is fine when there's none available) mixed with some hot chocolate.  Well, I asked the barista for this and she said sure why not.  It probably wasn't the best tasting coffee she used but I liked the fact that she didn't say no right off the bat AND she didn't make any snide comments about my preferred choice of beverage nor did she give me a funny look like some people do when I tell them I like half hot chocolate and half coffee.

    My PROS:
    - Plenty of seating
    - Plugs for your laptop (depending on where you sit)
    - Food + coffee/tea/soda/etc.
    - Free wi-fi
    - Within walking distance from BART
    - Open Really late

    My CONS:
    - Dessert/pie/cake was kind of stale.

    So I had a piece of cake or pie with my coffee mixture.  I wish I could say it was the best tasting piece of dessert I've had but unfortunately, it wasn't.  I don't remember which one I got (it might have been the banana nut pie/cake or other) but it was stale.  I think it had been sitting out on the counter pretty much all day.  It was disappointing since it looked so good.  I have yet to try out their restaurant food so I hope that would be better than their pies.  But I still like this place just because they're open late!

  • Review from Ana C.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Hercules, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/12/2011

    This place gets 4 stars for these main reasons:

    -Open late. Great for when I want to grab a cup of coffee late at night.
    -Free wifi
    -Great place to meet up with people or to study.
    -White Mocha is really good.

  • Review from Yelper Y.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/11/2011

    Coming to places like this one, make you feel a little less guilty about making humongous corporations like Starbucks richer. Why? we are supporting community businesses, small business or so I was thinking to myself when I walked into this place and saw all the great ambiance.

    My good (so far) experience was quickly shattered when I encountered the older Asian guy working at the bar. I ordered a Coke and I asked if there was refills on them, his answer was 'WHY ARE YOU ASKING FOR FREE STUFF, YOU PAY EVERYTHING!!"

    I'd be in jail right now had I given him a piece of my mind.......
    it is extremely sad how this amazing place with lots of tables, good lighting, opens late and has free Wi-Fi can be a sad place due to the service. I guess I'll continue to make star

  • Review from kim-van t.

    •  
    • 111 friends
    • 390 reviews

    San Pablo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/14/2010

    My coworkers love the french dip sandwich at Au Coquelet and after hearing about how delicious it was for the millionth time, I finally went over there with them.  

    If you haven't been here before, ordering can be a doozy.  There are chalkboards EVERYWHERE with items that you can order.  Just step aside and decide.

    Strangely, none of us ordered the "famed" french dip and we all had cheeseburgers of a different variety.  I opted for their regular cheeseburger with cheddar and a side of fries (of course).  The burger was tasty, although nothing to write home about.  The buns they use are super fluffy though!  I must say that I do love those fries though, after a generous application of salt and pepper.  I am even contemplating ordering just fries from there as I write this review.

    Plenty of seating.  Service is super quick.

    I'll be back.. for the fries.

  • Review from Dave Y.

    Westwood, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/10/2011

    A pretty good place to do work, lots of seating, ok coffee and foods. I don't think I've ever tried the restaurant itself in the back, but if you're looking for a no-frills place to meet people or do work/study, this is a decent place.

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