Cafe DiBartolo - CLOSED

4.0 star rating
96 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

3310 Grand Ave
(between Lake Park Ave & Santa Clara Ave)
Oakland, CA 94610
Neighborhoods: Grand Lake, Lower Hills
(510) 628-0982
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The quiet and sunny back patio area was nice and breezy." (in 17 reviews)
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"...to go after picking up a cool book or three in Walden Pond." (in 6 reviews)
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"...tasty selection of bagels, sandwiches, and bagel sandwiches." (in 3 reviews)
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96 reviews in English

  • Review from Sussu L.

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    • 39 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/12/2010 1 Check-in Here

    This is my new hangout. I wanted a coffee shop with character, and good strong coffee, also with character, and nice light, and generous portions of good food. Then I found this place and got all that, plus a bonus back patio, good music, free wifi, and nice art on the walls.

    I am quickly becoming a regular. In fact I am chilling here right now.

  • Review from elle x.

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    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2011

    Ohhh nooooo! I was heartbroken to find this place closed down!
    Cafe DiBartolo has had a place in my heart for the longest time, the place I'd go whenever I needed a terrific cup of coffee, great music, and an inviting oasis in the midst of town. And now what'll we do????

  • Review from Chimichanga N.

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    • 3 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/10/2011

    This place is now
    CLOSED......

    SO sad :{

  • Review from Anna G.

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    • 290 friends
    • 343 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/21/2008 ROTD 5/23/2008

    I don't often venture over to "that side" of Grand Ave., save for occasional trips to the GL Theater, Mijori, Silver Screen Video and the infamous Alley. I'm not sure why - one of those not-so-interesting life mysteries. Regardless, I actually stopped at Cafe diBartolo and therefore found another reason that Grand Ave. is just the place to be.

    It's pricey - but the coffee is GOOD. Like, Peet's coffee good. My breakfast sandwich (croissant, egg, bacon) was HUGE. I wasn't even hungry for lunch after that bad boy. Whoa dang. And the atmosphere was nice and mellow, perfect for hanging with a book or a friend over a strong-ass cup o' joe.

    Take THAT, Lakeshore Ave., with your stroller-infested tiny Peet's and overly-expensive Vine Wine and silly Starbucks and never-actually-set-foot-inside Noah's Bagels. But, you still have Arizmendi and Trader Joe's, so I guess the battle continues.

  • Review from Cara Y.

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    • 223 friends
    • 324 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/3/2009

    I (mostly) like this place.

    It's in my 'hood, and I love to support local businesses - although I can definitely say the service has been hit-or-miss at times.

    I've had some good drinks, and some pretty great (although extremely pricey) breakfast sandwiches here.

    That being said, it always rubs me the wrong way when establishments post snide, bitchy signage about their personal customer pet peeves.  Case in point:

    "NO MUMBLING"
    (complete with cartoon sketch of mumbling customer)

    and

    "think HERE" (arrow pointing away from cashier)
    "order HERE" (arrow pointing towards cashier)
    "yes, REALLY"

    Sorry, I (mostly) like you DiBartolo...but that's just annoying.

  • Review from Ryan W.

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    • 142 friends
    • 102 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/19/2007

    I think I'm becoming Generic Man.  Last time I was in here, the foxy girl w/ the interesting ink behind the counter did a double-take when she saw me.  "Sorry...You look just like my ex-husband."  Fortunately, from what I could tell, she's still on good terms with the guy, cuz she didn't poison my Joe.

    But this was like the 3rd time THIS WEEK someone told me that I looked just like someone else.  Wtf?  Do i have that many doppelgangers in the hood?  Is one of my other personalites making friends (and marrying people) while I'm asleep?  Or am I just f'n everyman?  Any way you slice it, its not good...

    DiBart's is a rootsy little Oakland coffee shop with some cafe-style seating on the sidewalk and in a nuggy little back patio so you can enjoy the sunshine.  Cool-ass staff, and close to beautiful Lake Merritt (when the wind comes up, you can catch a whiff of the goose shit and burning sherm).

    Negative one star for closing @ 6P and for not having A SINGLE electrical outlet ANYWHERE in the place (nevermind WiFi).  That's a huge bummer, but i guess it keeps laptop dorks like me away.

  • Review from Cassandra C.

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    • 24 friends
    • 72 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/27/2008

    I had a few bad experiences here and kept trying again since it LOOKED like it should be good and it is close the The Nail Shop. But after giving it several chances, I've decided I'm right. This place sucks.

    It's expensive for what they offer. They charge more than anywhere else around for beverages and sandwiches. They think ALOT of themselves, as if there is no other place to get coffee, pastries, or sandwiches nearby. Hence, they charge inflated prices for things like refills on iced tea (who does that?) and are never gracious.

    Last time I was in I asked for 2 different things on the menu and they were out of both. I mentioned that this happened the last time I was there, too. The woman behind the counter replied "and yet, you returned" as if they were trying to tell me not to come back.

    OK, I get it. They are RUDE to customers. Glad I no longer fall into this category.

  • Review from Spratt M.

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    • 46 friends
    • 190 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/5/2006

    If you've never been to DiBartolo and you're thinking of going, go now. NOW. The flowering vine in the back patio is flowering, Bowie is coming out of the speakers, and good times abound. Note to those with babies: I tolerated your toddler making "music" with her little toy drumstick on the glass tabletop...once. Next time, you may not be so lucky.

    And to those with "mainstream" tastes: Don't be stupid and ask for a frappucino. Next time, YOU may not be so lucky either.

    Edited to add: Cafe DiBartolo is SEPARATE from the restaurant/bar DiBartolo (though next door and obviously owned by the same owner, two very different vibes, kids). I just don't want reviews for the restaurant keeping my baby down. Nobody puts baby in the corner, biotch!

  • Review from Ryan M.

    Orange County, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/8/2008

    Ah yes...the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup.

    Too bad I didn't have Folgers, but I had a cup of Bartolo on this gloomy morning. This spot is across the street from Coffee Mill & Bakery, it's a nice quaint cafe. Very roomy, and plenty of seats offered including a backyard, with tables and chairs in the front to accommodate the customers. Jake the Snake and I came here for a morning rendezvous for some drinks which were the following:

    -1 small cup of Cafe Mocha
    -1 medium cup of Hot Chocolate.

    Spent overall a total of $5.50 with tax included. The service was excellent and the patrons of the place were really friendly. On top of that they offer wi-fi which is a definitely a plus with any cafe. The catch? No outlets to plug in your laptop to Yelp, conduct Business, and get college work done in a timely manner. Other than that, it's definitely another spot to check out on a moment's notice. Cheers!

    P.S. The Bathroom is a bit cramped so if you have the case of claustrophobia I highly suggest getting over it quickly to take care of your bathroom manners.

    P.P.S. They can also shape the milk in your mocha with little illustrations like an autumn leaf (the same offerings that Gaylord's in Piedmont does for its patrons as well).

  • Review from Kelly S.

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    • 22 friends
    • 111 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2008

    In an extremely RARE moment of charity, I gave my last $2 to Michael, a man standing steps away from Cafe DiBartolo and selling Street Sheet, "a publication of the Coalition of Homlessness San Francisco since 1989."

    In a not-so-rare moment of impulsiveness, I decided immediately thereafter that I needed a nonfat cappuccino while I waited for my car to be serviced.  I don't even think I like cappuccinos....I just keep hoping one will taste like the pure, sweet goodness that is Blue Bottle, but I digress.

    So, I had already ordered when I realized that I probably had 72 cents in my wallet. I tried to stop the barista (think he's also the owner) from making my drink due to my lack of funds, but without flinching, he just said "no problem, just pay the next time you come in." I told him I'd come back later that day, and he just casually said, "no rush, just whenever."

    Good guy, nice place, and if I let myself get a lowfat (instead of nonfat) capp, I know it would taste more like heave....i mean Blue Bottle.

  • Review from Beth B.

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    • 18 friends
    • 125 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/23/2007

    Great coffee shop -- delicious beverages, friendly staff, good local art, often good music, lovely patio in back....  I personally find the slight attitude to be more indicative of independent coffeeshopness than of something more sinister.

    Yelp mix-up alert: there's an adjoining restaurant, DiBartolo, that is it's own thang -- so please move your reviews to this page: http://www.yelp.com/bi....   :)

  • Review from Joe B.

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/1/2008

    Wifi: yes - I hope they update the description soon!  I was on my way to check out Cafe 504 - my weekend falls midweek and I try to get away from the house and from errands for at least a couple of hours - but they were closed due to electrical issues, according to the sign. (?)

    Love; the back patio, with umbrellas.  Sit out in the sun, get  some shade for your laptop, and enjoy sun and wifi with just enough people noise to be a good background, but not intrusive.  Usually.  Read on.

    Screaming kids on the back patio: sadness.  I'm sure on some other day I'll come and it'll be 5 stars, for relaxing in the sun with a great coffee and some wireless, but the relaxation just ain't there . . .

  • Review from Bonnie M.

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    • 45 friends
    • 141 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/13/2007

    This super adorable cafe is a great coffee shop to take someone to if you want to actually have a conversation. I've found many coffee shops in the area to be just too damn loud and busy for my taste.

    When you walk into the cafe from the street, there are a few tables and chairs out front and someone usually has a pooch or two sleeping on the sidewalk next to them while they chat away. The cafe also has a cute little patio out back with some umbrellas to shade you from the sun-vines creeping over the high fences surrounding the place.

    I basically stick to the best morning drink of all time (second to the bloody mary if you're including alcoholic beverages)-the soy latte. Di Bartolo knows their soy lattes because I've never been disappointed. Their menu also boasts quite a few different vegetarian options that I have yet to try but I can taste with my eyes and assure you that the breakfast sandwiches are delicious.

  • Review from Annie T.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2006 2 Check-ins Here

    I love going in for a latte or chai. The staff are friendly! Their back patio is fantastic and people often sit back there and read. There is internet there and the owner doesn't mind if you hang out for a good long while.

    Oh, and their side salad is awesome!

  • Review from Alfonso E.

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    • 103 friends
    • 411 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/13/2006

    Two bucks for a pint glass of regular cuppajoe.  WTF -- it ain't that special, really.  I'm the fool who keeps paying up though because I do enjoy the cafe's setting and environment once in a while.  Sometimes not by choice as co-workers like to rendezvous here for a casual meeting (one of the culprits did meet the woman who would become his wife here, and their gooogoo gaga each time they encounter each other at the cafe is becoming intolerable.. just kidding, JS).

    Good people watching from the sidewalk tables.  Good looking staff (I'm not talking about owner John though... doh!).  LOL.

  • Review from arnel a.

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    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/5/2006

    Had dinner here on Tues. Nov 28th.  Our waitress wasnice.  Our apps was cauliflower puree (delicious) but the main entree of Mixed seafood parellada  was so, so.  It was too much acidity in the tomatoes and not full flavored and well developed enough to make it outstanding.  It was also awkward to eat served on a pedestal.  The shrimp tasted of the fridge it was in.  My friend had a blue nose sea bass.  The sauce was delicous as was the delicate fish.  

    Our desserts were okay.  I ordered the bread pudding which was soggy, wet, runny and seemed like the milk/cream/custard was undercooked.  The middle of the ramekin was cold while the outside was hot.  The best part of this dessert was the ice cream (ciao bella of course)  The pumpkin cheesecake ( I normally don't oder this)  but my friend insisted was also okay.  The best part about this was that the cheese was light and the sugar was low.  But again, after Thanksgiving our palate's been harassed and abused with that awful pumpkin spices that most American's associate pumpkin with.  Pumpkin flavor is light and almost musky.  Why we hide it all with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg is just a mystery to me.  
    It is refreshing however to find a place as hip as this on Grand when all we see are  are endless nail salons and hair salons.

  • Review from A I.

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    • 8 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/29/2007

    One of my most favorite spots to go for a coffee.. the flavor is so delicious! They make my Double Hazelnut Low Fat Latte taste like it was made by the good lord himself. I dont know what it is, but it just tastes like that.
    I dont really like Starbucks coffee... it tastes like barky dirt, and Peets is ok.. yet, my delicate palette can taste the difference.

    Love this little coffee shop with its ever so relaxing environment complete with back patio. I sit in sun drenched chairs and sip a provocative lattes with such pleasure.... oooh and dont forget about the breakfast sandwiches... my favorite: eggs with a generous helping of bacon a toasted croissant!

  • Review from Katya J.

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    • 99 friends
    • 365 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    2/27/2007

    LOVE THIS PLACE! It makes me want to move to Oakland (along with Zza's). The coffee and teas are amazing, the service is wonderful, and the staff are mostly hotties. I don't know what all this talk about the snotty staff is about... I'm unassuming, direct and completely non-local, and they've always been really awesome to me.

    The food, I don't know much about. I've only ever had typical coffeeshop fare like pastries (delicious) and breakfast bagel sandwiches (with sprouts and tomatoes... awesome!!). I've always liked it, but have never had any hot food offerings.

    The music is always rad and the atmosphere is lovely (particularly the patios). I could stay there all day in nice weather.

    A truly beautiful and inviting place.

  • Review from Tracy A.

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    • 173 friends
    • 1272 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2006 1 Check-in Here

    I have very recently become a fan of the lattes at Cafe DiBartolo.  Today I even took time to enjoy mine on the outside back patio.  I also had one of their 2 egg, cheese, and bacon on a fresh bagel sandwiches for my breakfast/lunch.  Next time I would forgo the bacon.  It was bit too crispy for my taste.  I might even ask if they could limit it to only one egg instead of two.  If I was really feeling it, I would have it on a croissant.

    Another day...

  • Review from Pouria Y.

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    • 22 friends
    • 195 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    4/28/2009

    Stepping into this feels like you have been on a road trip forever, and you stop at the 3rd or 4th place because you're just done trying to choose.

    The first thing you notice is lack of chairs and tables, it's small.  Then you notice at how horrible the drinks are being made (I am a former Barista trained by the best).

    Then I ask for chocolate chip cookies, but they have peanut butter chocola.te chip.  This is a good thing.  But then the barista says, "it's gluten-free, if you care about that sort of thing."  Like I'm an ass if I don't.

    I don't.  Cookie was really good though.

    Also the americano was horrendous.  I don't think I've ever had an americano that was messed up.  This one was.  I threw it in the trash outside immediately.  Undrinkable

  • Review from Anna K.

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    • 7 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/1/2008

    One of the first things I try to do when moving to a new neighborhood is find a good coffeeshop within walking distance. DiBartolo seems to be my best bet around the Grand Lake area (as in, it's not a damn chain). A few fantastic things about it:

    1. YEEEEAAAAH JET FUEL COFFEE
    2. Super cute fenced-in courtyard makes for an excellent place to read a book and get wired up on the aforementioned jet fuel
    3. Free wi-fi

    The bad thing: only open until about 6pm most days. What's up with that?

  • Review from Mike K.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/10/2007

    Great neighborhood bistro with elegant decor. I had dinner here last Saturday and we had a great time. We arrived around 7 and seated promptly. They don't take reservations, but we still managed to grab a great table.

    Our server was friendly, outgoing, and knew the menu well. The dining area is clean, simple, and it was nice to see the kitchen and pizza oven in the main area.

    I had the Moroccan spiced lamb while my date had the salmon, both were delicious, well proportioned and beautifully presented. We finished sharing the creme brulee which was fantastic.

    Their wine selection was decent, and overall, we had a great time here. It is a simple place, however it was in the details that made the dinner spot on. From the friendly service, to the outstanding dishes, Cafe Di Bartolo is a great little get away on Grand Ave for a nice, private night out.

  • Review from Marisa F.

    Tuckahoe, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2007

    Not a coffee drinker so I can't add to the praise that others seem to be lavishing on that, but the food is yummy - sandwiches are on the pricey side, but are large and come with a nice side salad. I particularly like the field greens salad - mixed greens, dried cranberries, walnuts, apples, and a scoop of goat cheese served with warm focaccia, for less then 6 bucks.

    The restaurant next door is not nearly as good.

    Update:
    Boyfriend tried the coffee; says possibly it's the best he's ever had.

  • Review from Chris M.

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    • 11 friends
    • 140 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/2/2010

    Pluses:
      * Nice atomosphere, with brick walls and a skylight (or just good lighting)
      * A back patio for rare hot Oakland days

    Minuses:
     * Housekeeping wasn't great when I went.  It wasn't busy but the bussing tub for the patio was way full.
      * Wifi didn't work
      * Espresso was watery like Starbucks but was otherwise fine, served in a real cup
      * Disposable cups for cold drinks.

  • Review from Sarah L.

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    • 33 friends
    • 167 reviews

    Albany, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/11/2006

    Good panini, great lemony-minty ice tea, and a perfect spot for afternoon studying.  The quiet and sunny back patio area was nice and breezy.

    There is a fancy restaurant with the same name next door that some folks have reviewed here.  Check out the reviews for some fancy schmanz pizza and $9 cocktails here:
    http://www.yelp.com/bi...

  • Review from Maynard R.

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    • 178 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/28/2008

    Not expecting much but a quick bite to eat before a movie at the Grand, Cafe Dibartolo surprised me with a wholesome, fulfilling meal and with delicious espresso to keep me going.

    Upon entry, as other reviewers have pointed out, it's not the cleanest nor coziest nor inviting atmosphere one could ask for, especially on the type of rainy or cold day that warrants the comfort of the movies and other indoor activities. What they lack in interior flare though, they make up for in flavor.

    The excellent sandwiches (especially on croissant!) made to order, might make you impatient - since the wait staff doesn't always seem to be in any particular rush to bring it to you; and especially if you're in a rush to get to the theater to see a show. But once it's on your table, you can forgive their lack of haste. If you're late for your show, bring it with you - it's worth the risk of being caught sneaking it in.

    There's no free wi-fi here, so you're just going to have slow down and enjoy your food without checking Yelp or Craigslist every 45 seconds. There will be plenty of previews in the movie for you to watch without having to pre-pre-screen them on Youtube from your iPhone. So relax and disconnect for a minute.

    Grab a pastry or cookie or something too, for the road. They're really good.

    Or you can always come back after the movie!

  • Review from Alicia E.

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    • 5 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/22/2006

    The new restaurant next to Cafe DiBartolo -- di bartolo -- is a welcome addition to the Grand Ave. area.  

    We stopped in early on a sweltering Saturday night and had a much better meal than we bargained for.  The New York Steak with frites was delicious, as was the rack of lamb.  The service was smooth and conscientious, and the desserts were a perfect and complementary end to the meal.  I highly recommend the sorbet, which came served in a martini glass, with three scoops -- one meyer lemon, one champagne peach, and one Cabernet berry.  The pear tart with calvados was also quite tasty.  We'll definitely be going back (and hopefully they will have gotten their creme brulee torch fixed -- though they kindly comped one of our desserts once they discovered the problem!)

  • Review from Nena G.

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    • 3 friends
    • 109 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/30/2006

    What is more appealing than a New York style hidden bar with a friendly tender and a comfortable atmosphere in which to wait for a friend over a dirty martini? Well, I think I have found a jewel in the East Bay. Don't I love "little holes in the wall": little-known joints to promote to friends and consider it "yours" by simply being a "regular"?

    That's what I found in Di Bartolo.

    The food was great, too. Perhaps a tiny bit on the expensive side; but that's a choice one makes. The service is friendly and there are still some areas to improve, such as wine temperature, right cutlery for the food served, etc. But, that's always a work in progress when the restaurant is still finding its own balance.

    Overall, highly commendable and an experience I would like to repeat.

  • Review from Lhm M.

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    • 9 friends
    • 110 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/19/2008

    If only they would have Wifi, (don't know why others say there is)  they would be the best cafe in town.

    The coffee is strong and delicious.
    The make a decent cappuccino.
    The iced tea is a blend of earl grey and peppermint, WONDERFUL
    The back garden is cozy and a gem to enjoy with friends.

    Other complaint is they need new chairs in the cafe.

  • Review from Ete A.

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    • 29 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/2/2009 1 Check-in Here

    I really would like to make this place into a favorite and give them the 5 stars that their drinks deserve. Alas, I cannot. Their pretenciousness and arrogance do not allow me to frequent this establishment on a regular basis. Every once in a while I will go in while hoping the moody owner is not around (more often than not, he is around and in an unfriendly mood).

    Their drinks are very good. The lattes are the right mix of creamy coffee and frothy milk and their Italian sodas are decadent. Their pastries are also pretty good.

    I would like to give them more stars and I will if the quality of their service improves AND if they post their hours!

  • Review from Frankenstein J.

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    • 11 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2007

    love love love Cafe DiBartolo!  The absolute BEST coffee in oakland. They also make great salads and panini. I love to have my lunch out back on the patio where it's nice, quiet and shaded with lot's of trees.  
      Di Bartolo also has a restaurant next door that is such a beautiful (and delicious) addition to the nieghborhood. Opened about 9 months ago it"s got a really great urban vibe and a cozy bar. A must try.

  • Review from Sara K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/19/2009

    Best chai latte in town!  

    Although, they have this "No mumbling" sign by the cash register that always makes me nervous so I mumble when I order.

  • Review from jen d.

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/21/2011

    I always like this place for a cup of tea and a pastry. It had a great outdoor patio for sunny days. Unfortunately, the owner decided to close down and focus on other endeavors :(

  • Review from Ashley V.

    London

    UK
    3.0 star rating
    12/1/2008

    Ive only had a cafe o lait and plain latte here before. So far so good.

    Really strong tasting coffee. Good tasting strong coffee.

  • Review from Olivia P.

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    • 66 friends
    • 114 reviews

    Austin, TX

    5.0 star rating
    3/13/2008

    O, DiBartolo, how I do miss thee! With aching heart, I long for those summery days past when Ren and Luke and I would make the happy trek over the rolling Oakland hills to complain over coffee about how much we hated the Bay Area (how much better things look in memory), when Jes and I would smoke and brainstorm out front, when I would take all of my out-of-town guests to chill and catch up on the gorgeous, sunny patio.

    That patio alone is to die for! But also, the coffee is delicious and so is that panini thing I used to have sometimes! The staff is amazing - I even invited Jeff to my 23rd birthday party way back in the day, and he totally showed up! Sigh...it will always have a special place in my heart.

  • Review from Kate B.

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    • 42 friends
    • 307 reviews

    Albany, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/2/2006

    I had noticed this place getting fixed up for opening for several weeks and was looking forward to trying it out.  The decor is very simple and modern yet attractive.  It has an open kitchen and the bar is in the back room.  The bar is especially cool looking.

    A great new addition to the neighborhood.  I went here with  my mom, brother and husband on a Sunday evening.  My mom and brother ordered  pizzas which they really enjoyed.  My husband and I each ordered this seafood sauteed dished that was excellent.  It wasn't too expensive and was packed with shellfish. Too often these sort of dished have a couple of shrimp and a lot of potatoes, but not this one.  It was definitely mostly seafood.  We both loved our dinners.  Of course everyone had to have desert.  We all let each other try tastes of each of them.  Al of the deserts were great, but the chocolate cake was my favorite.

  • Review from Chris W.

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    • 339 friends
    • 471 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    4/9/2008

    This place is cute. And it's not slanted on the inside, the first cafe I ever went into in Oakland was all slanted and while I was eating in there my first impression period was "wow, it's going to suck everywhere." You know, because it's super hilly.

    But onto the food, we hit this place for breakfast one morning. Their menu isn't really that big, and after all it is just a baby cafe, most people strolling in were getting coffee, but my boyfriend got this crasaunt with egg and cheese in it and my friend got this bagel sandwich with cream cheese and lettuce and tomato, so it was basically a salad on a bagel and it looked really amazingly delicious. (Correct me if I'm remembering things wrong Nikki!!!) I was on a crappy medical diet that morning so I couldn't eat anything from there but my friend has been there a few times and really likes the bagel sandwich.

    They take your order and you can sit down and when it's up they'll let you know so you can come and grab it.

    My boyfriends milk was warm, they poured it from a gallon which was cool but he said it was kind of disgusting because it wasn't in a real refrigerator or freezer or anything, it was just being kept a little cool, and that was the beginning of the day too, so its assumable all through the night it wasn't being kept cold. He said that the crasaunt too was just whatever as well.

  • Review from Loli L.

    •  
    • 166 friends
    • 579 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/4/2009

    Not a big coffee drinker, but it was a nice day out and I saw this woman walking down the street with something that looked tasty, so I asked where she got it.
    I'd been to DiBartolo's before (and promptly forgot whatever non-exciting drink I'd had) and ordered their fairly tasty iced-coffee thing. I ordered by explaining what I'd seen and they obliged. It's a simple-looking little place- but if it's during the daytime, why would you want to be indoors?

  • Review from Sofia L.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 55 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/26/2007

    Inside, it's red brick and tottery tables, a Continental quality that is at once romantic and plied, like old leather. There is art on the wall, it rotates, but always seems suffused with color. Of course they can make good coffee. That's the minimum. Sandwiches are on thick puffy slices of salted focaccia. Smoothies on the good days. Inside, the light is soft.
    Outside, there are a few tables and chairs barely protected from the sun. This is where, four years ago, I spent all summer studying for my exams, trying to pretend that the sunlight alone would make it a summer "vacation." Outside, it is bright and white, and diBartolo's herbal iced tea cools your throat like fresh slices of watermelon might, but with the astringent bite of lemon.

  • Review from Dimitri T.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Lafayette, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/25/2007

    Positive:
    Great garden seating in the back
    Good coffee
    Nice decor

    Negative:
    Dirty
    No wireless
    Expensive
    Tables never cleaned
    Toalet next to food storage
    Homeless people taking tables outside and keep hustling
    Staff turnover and some of them were not polite ether not trained to make food like one before/after them.

    (I been there over last 5 years at least once a week).

    Overall 2, for clean place and good food, go across the street to Jenny's but good for nice cup of coffee or people watching.

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