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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
4000 Bay StMon-Thu. 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
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This became one of my new late night spots, but i wish it was still open 24 hours. I never came here before 11 pm. Anyways, I usually order the swiss hot chocolate (a vanilla latte drink without the expresso shot.. pretty much sweet milk). There's flavored versions, and the blackberry one is delicious.
The barista there usually jokes with us, and he hooks it up with the donut holes. Ask for 4, and he'll give about what looks like 4 to him, which is actually around 7.
The place has a lot of seating and a good amount of couches. There's also a nice outdoor seating area and plenty of parking.
I came here this morning to sample a different coffee shop after reading all of the great reviews of non-chain coffee shops by Ivy R.. Usually, I 'would get a brewed coffee of the day, but after reading a review of espresso, I decided to try one today for the first time.
This shop is located in a historic-looking brick building and the interior reflects this historic look. It is like going to an old saloon but it is a coffee bar!
Service was great, efficient and friendly! The espresso was created in about 2 minutes from the machine. When I took a sip, I was surprised how strong it was - it really woke-up my "Senses" immediately. After that sip, I added some hot water to turn the espresso into an Americano, which was very good. Pricing was great for the service and espresso, which came to $1.50 plus tip.
The Coffee bar also offers various pastries, bagels and bagel sandwiches, to go along with the beverage offerings. I will return at a later time to try their pastries and bagels.
Overall, this coffee bar is a nice change from the chain and the interior is a great nostalgic change! I will return for some of my coffee needs when I pass-by again.
I went here because I was under the impression that they were open 24 hours. Unfortunately, because business has been slow, they close now. And because I went there on a Sunday night, they close at 11:30PM, as oppose to 1 AM on the weekdays.
I was bummed because I knew I "needed" to pull an all-nighter, something I hadn't done since high school, even with a few attempts at it during undergrad. I was feeling that the odds were against me.
So I asked the guy at the counter for the STRONGEST THING POSSIBLE. That sparked a conversation that I have to say, was really refreshing. This guy, Jordan, gave me that all-around, great barista-type conversation that's been lacking at so many other coffee shops.
He whipped up something strong, I don't remember the name of it, but by GOD, IT WORKED! I stayed up the whole night, and got my paper DONE!
This place was ok, I didn't get to stick around too long, but it gets 4 stars because of the customer service. The only knock that I can give this place is the horrid decor. Super old schoolish. Thanks again Jordan
I've been to this coffee shop a couple of times - mainly after plays from the local theater above - and they make a decent americano and italian soda. Nothing exceptional about this place but it's similar to most independent coffee shops you find in Berkeley or Santa Cruz.
I agree with my husband 100%!
I love this place. I'm sitting on the couch here as I type. The walls are covered in Alphonse Mucha style art. Everything is absolutely beautiful.... except for the bathroom.
The bathroom is by far the ugliest part of this entire building.
I wish someone would at least paint the walls and make it look as pretty as the rest of the building. And maybe clean it every now and then.
The other couple things this place could use:
Better music!!! I'm tired of this top 40 crap! There's only so many times I can listen to Miley Cyrus. Why not switch it up a bit??? Like reggae one day, maybe some classics another day, maybe even some world music in another language. Music is a big part of creating a nice atmosphere. Just this moment I counted 5 people with their headphones on. Why do you think? They're trying to tune out your music.
The only other thing I think this place is missing is more food. I don't eat donuts!
Other than that I am in love with Bay St. Coffee!!!
It's one of the only places in Fremont that is open late every day and is a great meeting place.
In an area that is dominated with Starbucks - it's a genuine relief to go to Bay Street Coffee Company. They have great coffee and I like their house coffee even better than Cyclo's. They also have very good espresso drinks - way better than Starbucks! (Friends don't let friends go to Starbucks!) I haven't had the chance to try anything else there and actually getting to the parking lot is a bit of a pain. But I will still drive past any number of Starbucks to get to Bay Street Coffee though.
An extra nicety is that the Bay Street Coffee Company is situated close enough to the local farmers market that its possible to get a great cup of java before strolling up and down the street for fresh fruit and veg on Sunday mornings... which is a really nice way to spend a Sunday morning...
Noooooooooooo... Why did you have to quit the 24 hour schedule on Sun-Thurs? Is it because Nicole is in labor? She's so nice. I was going to meet a date at 1:30am this morning and I was telling him of the awesomeness that is Bay Street. He got there first and called me saying it was closed. WHAT?!?!?!? That was my reaction. We hit up IHOP in Santa Clara instead and now I need to do some investigative work as to why this happened. Fremont native here, born and raised, is truly saddened by this and now Fremont just sucks that much more now. So happy I reside in Oakland now.
But bad review is strictly about the hours changing, otherwise I give it 4 stars for their amazing marshmallow hot chocolate and milky way mocha. They sell Jones soda which many places do not do even though it is the best soda of all time. They take credit cards with no annoying minimum fee. They have a free Wi-Fi connection for all to use. And they have comfy couches and plentiful amount of tables and chairs. Hopefully this will only be a temporary act. I really really hope.
The vanilla nut drip coffee is superb. The employees are always friendly and nice, even when you have to charge a $1.50 because you don't have any cash handy. Only downfall to the place is that there is usually only one barista working, and even a couple people in line can cause a long wait.
Why??!!!
This review does not reflect on the service I have received here, it is in response to the management's regrettable decision to end the Mon to Thurs. 24hr service to closing at 12am. ARE U KIDDING??! I never step inside this place before 11:30pm. This use to be one of the VERY few places in the area people could patronize at late hours. It would have been more acceptable if they were to close at 2am but 12am? Thank you Management for taking my motivation to spend my money at this place, Please rethink your decision.
love this place.
Perfect for college students. Open 24 hours, Sunday - Thursday, other days close at…
Read more »
Miss going to Bay Street at all the funky hours I used to when I was a Fremont resident. Last night was a treat in that a friend and I made a visit before checking out Half Price Books. Same strong coffee drinks and good treats I remember. And fun and friendly baristas. And just so cool that the building that houses Bay Street Coffee is one of the oldest in Fremont. The only shame is that they now close at midnight every night. But better than wimp out places not far away which close at 9pm. For sure, 1 star for the business hours issue, but a solid four for the coffeehouse experience.
Great to have a 24-hour non-corporate coffee joint in Fremont where I can study and get a good… Read more »
I have never had an experience here that I could say was great.
Since it is a 24 hour place there are a lot of strange rift raft coming through here. I don't particularly like the crowd.
If you get here early enough to grab a couch, you'll be cozy and feel at home. Their tables are not that spacious depending which kind you get. Basically only enough room for your laptop to sit on and maybe a small notepad. The style is alright... looks old pretty old fashioned and looks like it used to be an old studio. BUT, im not complaining because this place has free wi-fi. I just wish they were open 24 hrs. There are not too many places around here that are open 24 hrs and have free wi-fi which kinda sucks. Otherwise, I like this place.
I have been going to Bay St. for several years and thought it was the only game in town as far as non Starbuck coffee shops. It was fine when I just wanted to go in, sit down, and have a cup of coffee.
HOWEVER
When I started school, that place turned into a pain in the a** to try to study. There are few plugs and they look old and I would be scared to plug my laptop in, no surge protectors, that place is old and I can't imagine the plugs are grounded. Plus, they are strewn all over, so if you are lucky enough to find a table near a plug the tables are too small to fit a laptop and books on..
Its more for socializing and not studying. That is my take. I went one day an tried to study, I got to hear about this girls ingrown pubic hair, some teacher was talking about her terrible inner city adhd kids and how their moms were crackheads, some other guy who talked about himself in the third person aka The Rock, how he got to go to some thinktank, because he is so smart, blah. I gave up and just left and went to Suju's.
BLISS !
Bay St. for buddy
Suju for Study
Consistency is golden in my book, and I can always expect the same great service at Bay Street. The workers are always easy to talk to and willing to help suggest a drink or pastry to satisfy your thirst or hunger.
The major plus here is that it is always open (open late for a coffee place-midnight on Sat.) so when I am feeling bad that I didn't get any studying done, I know I can come here, and Bay Street will take me in. Lately, I have gotten that procrastination bug back so Bay Street has been such a safe haven and sanctuary to help me knock out practice tests and give me a second chance to redeem myself. ( I really should be studying right now rather than writing this review.)
I am writing this review at Bay Street at this moment so the other major plus is the free Wi-Fi.
The drinks are excellent. I'll have an iced chai or a hot green and white tea. They also have Italian sodas, and they have an excellent variety of coffee.
Many tables are available (some are kinda tiny-my laptop and book barely fit-hope it doesn't get knocked down) and access to electrical outlets are decent, but please, if you see me here with my cap pulled down, and my head buried in my book with pencil in hand and tucked away at a corner table, that means do not disturb. It's happened on two occasions and left me wondering how that could get misinterpreted and miscontrued by fellow patrons.
Parking is ample. Gotta go now-can't let the procrastination bug prevail.
Newsflash: Pay no heed to Stefano and Jonas.
This coffee shop is an amazing place to even visit on a night when you'd like to meet people and mingle. Right now it's almost 5am, and I'm sitting and listening to this guy named Jordan that I met tonight, jamming on his guitar to the most beautiful music I have heard in a very long time.
There are a lot of teens that come here to study. A LOT! MSJHS is just down the street and the kids there are very serious about studying. Be prepared to wait to find a spot; it's very popular here.
When you do find a spot, be sure to talk to the barristas, especially the night crew. They are always more than accommodating, friendly and unlike other barristas, they treat you like a real person. You don't get foofie-fakeness. You get a real person to talk to. That in itself is rare!
Coffee is amazing. Try the Americano. If you need a real caffeine boost, try the PERUVIAN! It's additively satisfying and keeps you up and about throughout the night. Not to mention that if you buy the large, you get a free refill. Did I mention that it is less than $3 and is more caffeine than a mocha? YAY!
Beautiful ambiance. Screw what anyone says otherwise! You're not coming here for a "Starbucks" ambience, you're coming here for real coffee, real people, and a real experience. And if you come to Bay Street Coffee, that is something you will get. Did I mention that it's open 24 hours?
Enjoy! I sure do.
I have to say that I actually like this place,but it has it's good points and bad. The good is very good and the bad is awfully bad. The first time I walked in here I swore to give this place a 5 star. It was that enjoyable. Quiet,decor is lovely old building, with 1890's architecture....counter guy was great... cool guy.
The next time staff was kinda indifferent , non attentive might be the word...the third time( they seem to have different staff every time I go there) the guy was loud and incompetent..I mean this place is schizo...it's hit or miss- catch the right day or time and (usually mornings or early afternoon) and it's quiet an peaceful to read a book or surf the net..people can be friendly or overstep boundaries..I'm not surprised they had bums hanging out overnights when it was 24 hours it get's a sketchy vibe sometimes..like late afternoons or evening,OMG, I thought I was back in high school..and noisy, I'm talking adults here! All in all, you get what you pay for....
The coffee's fairly good...they have a great refill offer...there's a no rush to leave feeling, yet some people hang out and buy nothing! This coffeshop could rate a 2 - 5 depending on your luck of the day..
Wow, I just love coming here light nights doing hw or sipping some joe. The dude that works here late nights always looks tired, but he still manages to crack jokes and smiles!
Coffee gives me the tension headaches and crashes me but I always buy a bottle of water or a smoothie! The banana strawberry smoothie is the BEST! Definitely worth the 5 bucks! mmMMm The mint mocha freeze is also so clean and refreshing! I'm having it right now! Great atmosphere and soothing drinks are the BEST!
Always open 24hrs on sun-thurs nights where I can study and do my homework even though I live a good… Read more »
For a coffee lover, it's weird that I've only had hot chocolate here. But it's fun that Bay Street's hot chocolate comes in a few varieties, swiss, peppermint, hazelnut, among others. It also serves croissants, which Paddy's in Union City needs to have. There is nothing better than a croissant and coffee for breakfast. All of you late night bookworms should jockey for a table early as this place is usually filled after dark.
The coffee isn't fantastic, but this place has a lot of other things going for it. Free, fast wi-fi-, lots of room, cozy couches, and nice hand-painted murals on the walls make for a nice atmosphere.
Oh, and apparently they're open 24 hours, which is more than I can say for most cafes in San Francisco :P
I gave this place four chances.
FOUR.
You know, there's not much to do in Fremont late night. Okay - that's an understatement. (Ever wonder why Fremont is the meth capital of the Bay? No nightlife.)
So, when I want to go sit down at a cafe that doesn't close at 9PM, I have two options in Fremont. I'm not telling you my other option because I need to keep that place from getting inhabited by the people who come to Bay Street.
See, the real customers - the salt and pepper of Fremont, are now forced to sit outside.
Why? Why you ask?
Because all of the tweeners from Mission come here to study. Why they'd want to leave their 800k+ homes is beyond me, but if you're looking for a place to, oh I don't know, SIT THE FUCK DOWN AND DRINK YOUR DRINK, this isn't the place.
I came here four times, book in hand (no, not laptop - book) to sit down with a drink. No seats, not one. Some outside, but there's no light to read.
Doesn't matter if it was 5PM or 11:30PM, little dipshits with their laptops & books were studying like it's the local library. Absolutely infuriating.
I remember when they'd check your receipt and kick people out who didn't buy a drink. What did I witness? Someone studying with a goddamn Pepsi cup tucked under their seat (newsflash - they don't have a soda fountain)
Therefore, I resoundly say "eff this place" and will resoundly tell my group of friends to never visit again. I will tweet this from the highest treetops, post it on Facebook, and sing it to those I meet.
No more Bay Street Library & Study Hall for me.
Oh, did I mention the back hallway smells like Urinal Cake? Yeah.
Fremontians love Bay Street because it is possibly the only place that stays open 24 hours in this franchise-filled suburb. Bay Street adds a lot of character to the Irvington area and even the people who work there look like aspiring artists or actors (yes, I am judging). FREE WI-FI is wonderful and their drinks are legit. Bay Street is really like a community hub - you always get a good, diverse mix of people inside. Fremont needs more places like this!
Could be a little bit cleaner, but hey, it's Fremont. 4 stars.
Bay Street Coffee Company is a conundrum and contradiction in itself. On one hand, it's located centrally in a chain-cafe infested area, open 24h a day on some days, and has free WiFi, all of which are big plusses.
On the other hand, it's easily one of the most passive-aggressive places to spend your time. Both the inside and outside areas are liberally covered in "stand here, do this" and "don't do this, do that" signs. Most power outlets are covered inside to prevent mooches like me from sitting around, sipping one latte, and perusing the WiFi. Chairs are old and either uncomfortably broken or just broken. There's two sofas, neither of which would last a week even in the most broke dorm room (and both of which smell a little like they had been in said dorm for years).
The staff here is hit or miss. I've been served nicely and gotten my drink, and I've been made to wait ten minutes while the barista chatted with her friend who showed her guys' pages on MySpace. Food is OK, general, non-offensive, non-tasty, cafe food, coffee could be better but does nicely on those days a trip outside Fremont is not in the cards.
Bottom line, don't come here for the ambience, staff, coffee, or food, but if you find yourself in the area and want coffee it's always better than a chain cafe.
No longer 24 hours. Place smells like bug spray (makes you wonder...). Staff can be really unfriendly. Bad selection of products. You are better off at Starbucks or some other chainey-chain. On the good side - there is free wifi and sofas. I love sofas.
im a fan of the environment. A great place to study and my favorites are the free Wi Fi and Italian Sodas, not to mention i can ride my bike there cause im an Irvington Local.
The best part about this place is that Sunday - Thursday it is open all night and the night my cousin and I were there until 3AM the wait staff was neither rude nor resentful at us for being there, so that is a BIG plus.
I've always had the swiss mocha here and I have to say it is one of the better White Mochas I have had - definitely better than the Starbucks one. Their staff is always nice and accommodating even if all you want is the restroom key.
There are definitely regulars here but if you find yourself at Bay St. around 3PM on a weekday be prepared for an onslaught of high school students.
LAME.
although they are open 24 hours a day, this place still sucks. it's DIRTY, it's TINY, it's DARK, the tables are too small to actually study, the couches are just nasty.
today i went, bought a small iced coffee and asked to used the soy creamer.
the girl charged me!!! wtf?
she charged me sixty cents for half an inch of soy!! i think she may have just been being a bitch, but if this is actually their policy i am horrified. i've never been to a coffee place that charges for using soy creamer... it's discrimination against those of us with lactose intolerance.
honestly, i've never met a friendly staff member at this place... except for the older woman who ALWAYS shamelessly flirts with my bf... awkward.
side note: coffee is shitty... foam isn't good...
oh, also it's an awkward place to study because of the hostile hipsters who constantly glare you down...
24 hours!
I go to this coffee shop at least once a week to get some studying or work done. They have good coffee and tea. I've never tried any of their food. I am here usually 5/7 days of the week during Finals. It gets very busy at night time 9-11PM and pretty difficult to find a seat. There is free wifi inside AND outside. There are ton of plugs for your laptop. I will continue to come here.
One medium cup of coffee with a side order of attitude coming up! This place would get more stars if they can be a little more on the friendly side. My coffee was served to me very fast and it tasted really good, so that at least deserves three stars and is enough to get me to come back at a later time.
I like the fact the coffee shop is right near the Sunday farmer's market. I can get a cup of coffee before I go an mingle for my fresh veggies.
If I am in the area, I'll go in for a cup of coffee, but I won't go out of my way to visit. There are other independent coffee shops that are more than happy to serve me coffee without the doom and gloom attitude.
I used to come here all the time, whether it was to hang out with friends that lived in Fremont, or to study for school. I love how they have couches on the inside where you can lounge and casually read a book. Or sit at a table and crack down on some hardcore studying. Also, there is outside patio seating when it happens to be a nice day. The 4 stars is for the environment at Bay Street Coffee which I happen to love and the free WiFi. However, the coffee is kind of blah. I have only ordered the Americano from this place and always thought it was just mediocre.
I have to tell you, I used to be a huge fan of this place... and at one point, I thought their coffee was too strong. Oh, how times have changed. It remains a cute and cozy little hang out with a great atmosphere, but the coffee sucks. I've gone back and tried it again and again to give it a chance, but the mochas are ridiculously sweet, the lattes taste like warm milk, and the drip coffee tastes burnt.
Let me put it this way - if a friend invites me to meet them for a cup of coffee, I'll gladly go and enjoy the quaint surroundings, but I'll order tea.
I've been here a few times, but only because I love italian soda, and by far they offer the best tasting ones. Tapioca Express and quickly just don't cut it.
I have yet to actually hang around here or brought anyone to hang out, but it looks like a cool place to just chill. It's quiet so you could probably get some major studying done.
Oh and the bearclaws, can't forget those, I absolutely love the bearclaws. hahaha. *sigh* im such a fatass.
This is my hood's local, independently owned cafe that houses much of Fremont's history. Serving as one of the first few original sites of Fremont (there are cool black and white pictures along the wall of the cafe that date back to the early 1900s), this place definitely has personality and good drinks to boot.
I don't know if it is timing, but I always find a bunch of rowdy high school kids hanging outside in the patio area entrance, older adults and random college kids, and friendly baristas serving up some delicious hot and cold drinks in the actual establishment. My favorite drink here is the mint hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream to top it off.
The place is comfy and has some old, sink your ass in sofas, along with cute tables that overlook the traffic on Fremont/Washington Blvd. It's also a good place to study but there isn't free wifi, which kinda sucks.
Yet another solid indie coffee house standing against the tide.
Free WiFi, open till late, outside patio with heat lamps, spacious seating, good tasty cup of coffee! What more can you ask for?
The only problem here is that they don't sell CDs. Oh wait, did you ever buy any CD at a coffee house? I think not.
This place is really close to where I live and has been a pretty solid cup of coffee since I started frequenting back in high school. The staff is friendly and easy to talk to. I often ask for suggestions and they've never done me wrong. They also have a selection of drinks in a cooler and some pastries that are in a glass display.
Also, they have chocolate covered espresso beans in a quarter machine. Yum! Seating is pretty casual here, lots of tables, a few couches here and there, and they have wireless for the people who want to work on some homework or occupy an hour of their time.
I meet up with a lot of friends here, it's a great place to just get together and catch up with people. There's always been room as busy as it can get, and if you don't want to sit inside, you can sit outside on their patio area. There are two entrances, one facing Washington Blvd, and one facing the parking lot where Kragen auto parts is.
I really like their italian sodas. They combine syrups for maximum tastiness!
I prefer local coffee shops like this as opposed to the manufactured feel that Starbucks and Peets have. I like this place simply for staying open late and offering free wi-fi access. The layout is pretty big with lots of elbow room and they have plenty of couch's for a pretty relaxing atmosphere. There's also an outdoor area with plenty of tables and chairs to accommodate a lot of people. Parking is as easy as getting a table as they're parking lot is located in a large plaza.
The service is so-so. Not quite service with a smile, but they are pretty quick with cranking out drinks. During the day, I've had a variety of their mochas and lattes which have been consistently good. I don't drink coffee late at night, but for something hot and sweet, I really like their Mint Hot Coco.
I hate to have to write a bad review about Bay Street but I don't have much of a choice. I have been going here for about 12 years and since the change in owner ship a couple of years ago it seems Bay Street has an identity crisis. While the coffee and desserts remain good, the atmosphere has gotten very uncomfortable. I have yet to put my finger on it but clearly I am not welcome there. If you aren't goth or despondent move on to the next coffee shop. Seriously, sometimes they are 24 hours, sometimes they close at 11pm, but always they look like they are 10 minutes from closing.
It is sad really, I don't have complicated coffee orders and tip well and I am not that old, so I don't know what there issues are. Maybe they think I am a cop and will discover something...
I think what made this place great for me were all the little surprises i got while I was there. Unlike most places I go to, I hadn't checked yelp before, so I knew nothing about the place. In fact, it was just recommended by someone that had checked yelp.
For instance, we got here at 11 and I wondered how long it was going to stay open for. It's open 24-hours. cha-ching. that's awesome.
Then we were looking at the menu and deciding on what to get. I get a hazelnut latte and the guy at the counter is super knowledgable and tells us it's called a royale and he even says he's going to make an abnormal one for us (european style) but guarantees it'll taste better. nice.
we're eyeing the scones and he can tell so he asks us which one we think looks good. We point it out to him and he pulls it out and cuts us a piece off to sample. He said we're going to order one once we try it out. We do.
All in all, a quirky place that's packed at even a late hour...it's a good place to know if you're in the area and need somewhere to get coffee/chill/study any time of the day. :)
So things have changed. They are open 24hrs on school nights.
The regulars' conversations are hella hilarious.
There is so much going for Bay Street. It is a great building with funky innards, it has a good… Read more »
There is so much potential for this coffee shop but it needs a thorough cleaning before I will go sit down there and relax. They also need to clean up some of the employee's attitudes it's really not that hard to be nice to people even if they order a small extra foam extra shot sugar free vanilla soy latte with two splenda (I don't but someone probably does). And there's some shady folks that hang out here especially if you go at night and doesn't make you want to walk to your car by yourself.
I want to like you Bay Street, I do, but you need to clean up your act. Please?
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