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Caffe Mediterraneum

3.5 star rating
based on 55 reviews

Categories: Restaurants, Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: UC Campus Area, Telegraph Ave
2475 Telegraph Ave
(between Dwight Way & Haste St)
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 549-1128
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good for:
Breakfast
Alcohol:
None

55 reviews for Caffe Mediterraneum

Review Highlights   

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"Cafe Med has the most delicious and strong coffee available." (in 17 reviews)
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"This place is a classic cultural landmark of a cafe." (in 26 reviews)
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"There are outlets everywhere on the top floor and free wi-fi to boot." (in 5 reviews)
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Photo of Hannah H.

 

21

9

Hannah H.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
10/13/2009

I don't come here for the food and drinks, admittedly. While I was a Cal student, and especially during my senior year (because I lived five minutes away), I came here often for the WiFi and the occasional Italian soda or café latte, and many of my friends also met here for hanging out or doing homework.

The drinks are decent, though the service could use some work. Once a clerk forgot my soda, another time a different clerk asked me if I wanted sugar in my latte, and even though I said yes, my drink was sugarless. However, this is purportedly the birthplace of the café latté, and they make it well. The sandwiches and salads are also good; I never had any problems with them, though really, how can anyone mess up a salad?

As mentioned before, I came often for the WiFi. It's free, a rarity when most other shops require a purchase. It's up against Café Strada for best ample seating, though because Med has most of its tables indoors, it quickly becomes crowded on rainy days. That leads to another problem: there's no air-conditioning. There's just basic window-opening for ventilation, and on hot days, it can get pretty humid inside. But the lighting's good; it beats Café Milano in that area.

Overall, it's a decent place, nice for studying and hanging out with friends, as well as being a historic place in Berkeley. There's Moe's across the street to boot if you want to grab a book to read, too.

Photo of Danielle J.

Elite '09

11

195

Danielle J.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
8/4/2009

This place is really cute and a nice environment to sit over a pot of tea or a nice latte and catch up with friends, study, read a good book, etc. Their teas are loose leaf, nice quality teas, not the tazo or stash bagged teas I kept coming across whilst in search of a great little cafe to grab a tea. I was surprised that I couldn't find some great organic tea options in the area... but, I probably just don't know the secret spots.

The staff was helpful and the man gave me tips on brewing times, etc. It was kind of noisy and a bit dirty in terms of used dishes lying around, but I can see the appeal for students trying to get some studying done. Free wi-fi. A couple of outdoor tables, but they were full.

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Photo of Sabrina S.

 

1

37

Sabrina S.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
7/9/2009

-Good hours & location
-plenty of tables to sit and study at
-large food menu

I might go back, but I've been a few times and gotten a Cafe Mocha both times, which I probably wouldn't get from them again. They put way too much mocha powder in it, so it's all grainy and sludgy. Plus, all their drinks have two espresso shots, which is good if you like strong coffee, but if you don't, it sucks. I haven't tried asking for one, but I'm guessing with one it would be the same price. I might update later if I have a better experience. This review sort of gives them the benefit of the doubt.

Photo of richard m.

 

0

3

richard m.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
11/2/2009

I like the smoothies and the food is priced right.  I don't care for the coffee but the espresso drinks are fine.  I agree with the other reviews about the atmosphere and clientele.

Photo of Ligaya T.

Elite '09

3026

1026

Ligaya T.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
9/14/2009

The hey day of this place passed decades ago but the disheveled burnouts and hippies still keep the seats warm, heads buried in laptops and e.e. cummings. The food doesn't keep them coming back, but the colorful cast of characters and potent brews seem to still deliver a kick. I suppose an institution is nothing without its coat of grime. And its a good reminder to the Cal passersby of Berkeley's radically liberal roots. Props to these folks for keeping the spirit alive.

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Photo of Frances W.

Elite '09

133

134

Frances W.

Sunnyvale, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 7/13/2009

Not as good as Barefoot Coffee Roasters (I was told that the baristas here were trained under them, btw), but the taste just isn't the same.  I like the layout of the place.  I like that I was approached by a dude to test out some new strain of weed.  I like the crowd of hippies and hobos lounging around too.  It give me a feeling of home.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    3/1/2009

    oh man.. this place looks so cool.. all the cool kids come here..
    i don't fit in, no matter how hard… Read more »

Photo of Christine L.

 

3

5

Christine L.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
3/29/2009

When I'm itching for a good cup of coffee or a comforting place to study, I always find myself at Caffe Med. I first discovered this cafe on a cold, dark night with my boyfriend. He was looking for a strong cup of joe, I was looking for some dessert to calm my sugar withdrawals. Although I was wary of the colorful clientele in front of Caffe Med, I decided that my dessert needs were much stronger. My boyfriend ordered the house gourmet coffee while I got a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. And from that moment on, my relationship with Caffe Med began.

I fell in love with its inviting atmosphere, the vibrant characters who occupied Caffe Med everyday, and of course, the coffee! I was never too fond of coffee until I had Caffe Med's caffe mocha. Although a tad expensive, their caffe mocha is worth its price with its a rich blend of chocolate, complemented by two generous shots of espresso. I never have to add any fixings to my caffe mocha because it is perfect just the way it is. Don't tamper with perfection!

Although I personally do not like the taste of the caffe latte (because it is not sweet enough for my tastes!), I would recommend coffee lovers to give it a try, seeing as how Caffe Med is the birthplace of the caffe latte. Another coffee concoction I recommend? Try the Berliner! I'm even drinking it as I yelp :) The Berliner is comprised of 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with a cup of the house gourmet coffee, topped with a generous cloud of whipped cream and flurries of chocolate powder. A delicious, cold coffee treat for anytime of the day and anytime in the year.

The food is good, but doesn't measure up to their coffee. Their sandwiches are nothing too extraordinary. One thing I would recommend on their food menu are their hearty breakfast burritos! Their breakfast burritos are huge, large enough to prevent me from eating until dinner time (side note: I eat A LOT for a girl, trust me). I always get the Denver breakfast burrito, which has a generous serving of eggs, ham, black beans, rice, onions, bell peppers, and cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla. Yum!

Caffe Med is a nice, comfortable place to study, especially on the second floor. There are outlets everywhere on the top floor and free wi-fi to boot. Some people may not appreciate the homeless people or those who appear "different", but I personally like it because it makes Caffe Med, well, Caffe Med.

I wouldn't change a thing.

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Photo of Chester R.

 

5

61

Chester R.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
4/13/2009

It must have its pros and cons.  
Pros can't be the food though.  I had the nEopolitan panini.  mediocrity.  I'm not hostile to this place except that I feel like I wasted one of the meals of the rest of my life there.

Everyone's upstairs with their internet connections.

Photo of marlenee e.

 

7

25

marlenee e.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
3/13/2009

Damn good lattes, caps and espresso.  

The best, and depending on the barista, dare I say, better than Peet's Coffee.  

The older gentleman with the gray hair, is the best.  Make sure he makes your drink for you.

Photo of Stephanie W.

Elite '09

195

390

Stephanie W.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
11/3/2008

As a Berkeley institution, Cafe Med has most of what you could ever want. The espresso is strong, the upstairs seating is wonderfully cozy, Ginsberg wrote part of "Howl" in this location, and it can be seen in The Graduate.

I went in there and ordered a Caffe Latte because the sign on the wall proclaimed that they had invented the Latte in this location in the 1950s for individuals who requested extra milk to combat the strength of their Italian espressos. Though I am usually a cappuccino drinker, I had to try the latte, especially if that's what made them famous.

The espresso is very strong and the milk is steamed just right. Not too much foam, and absolutely the perfect temperature when served. The inside is a little grungy, but that's okay. It's the perfect place to stop with a newly found, used treasure from Moes across the street. It's great for people watching, and the upstairs area always has ample seating.

It's not my favorite coffee shop in Berkeley or elsewhere. For that, I don't even have to leave my block, but it's wonderful if you're in the area and don't mind a few dusty tables and slightly slow staff.

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Photo of Ryan T.

Elite '09

165

693

Ryan T.

Mountain View, CA

4 star rating
12/14/2008 1 photo

Very cool this coffeehouse has such a history behind it, being one of the oldest, if not the oldest coffeehouse on the West Coast. I have been visiting here on and off for nearly the past ten years, and have seen the place get a lift, some good much needed maintenance of the restroom and building in general.

Earlier this afternoon I had a cubano--it's like a rather strong espresso with caramelized sugar. Such rich flavors, ever pleasant even through the slight bitterness of the espresso-sugar mix. My friend had a mocha, which he described as "very chocolatey." Good to last drop, so I heard ;-).

I'm so glad an institution like Mediterraneum still graces Berkeley--nice to make a visit every so often.

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Photo of Stan O.

 

22

86

Stan O.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
12/9/2008

Back in high school, I used to come here every day. I thought this place was "electic" and "authentic" and was full of "vibrant atmosphere." I thought this place was Berkeley at its finest.

Much later in life, I began to realize that "eclectic", "authentic" and "vibrant atmosphere" are just synonyms for "urine stench", "lunatics with Tourette's Syndrome" and "too dirty even for rats and cockroaches." However, the fact that this place is emblematic of everything that is Berkeley still rings true.

That being said, I'm pretty sure there's still some of my old punk band's stickers stuck to the wall in the bathroom somewhere. Sigh, memories.......

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Photo of Brentt B.

 

5

13

Brentt B.

Cupertino, CA

5 star rating
11/17/2008

I'm not sure whether to be happy [for myself] or sad [for the owners], but this place is definitely an overlooked gem in terms of espresso around campus.

To think people even consider drinking anything less diluted than a latte at any number of the conveniently located coffee shops (milano, strada, brewed awakening, etc. etc., etc.) makes me cringe, especially when something like this exists. I know of no other place in walking distance that actually has employees who both know how to use an espresso machine, and actually seem to care about the art they are creating.

They preheat their cups with hot water before pulling shots, tamp the grounds correctly [and by hand] in the portafilter, are aware of how long they are pulling the shot, are skilled at creating the perfect micro-foam in one-person servings, and will actually make beautiful rosettas in your cappuccino. All other shops in the area use disgustingly over-roasted greasy charcoal black beans which some people might think is 'strong' coffee, but is simply burnt. Caffe Med not only uses properly roasted fresh beans, but they make their drinks with Organic Clover Stornetta milk (which I'm pretty sure they modestly refrain from advertising).

They have a sign claiming to have invented the Caffe Latte 30-40 years ago; whether this is true or not is most likely disputed, but if there's one place around campus that could have, it'd be here.

I haven't had enough of their food or pastries to make a conclusive judgement, but personally, I come to coffee shops for their espresso and their amiable atmosphere, and this place has the best of both. I totally agree with Chris M., who importantly has experience working at a cafe, that this place is BOMB.

Yes, there are the handful of regular eccentrics, but what would Berkeley be without them? The free and fast wifi, lots of space, nice upper seating, and knowledgeable staff easily make up for any gripes you might have.

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Photo of Patrícia R.

 

2

8

Patrícia R.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
2/8/2009

Good squating location for laptop doers. There were plugs everywhere, wireless access never lost connection, and nice atmosphere.

I would have liked so more comfortable chairs since I planned on doing hours work there, but that's not to say they were uncomfortable, very pleasing actually.

There's also a "read a book.... leave a book" shelve, nice!

I had a soy white mocha, perfectly served. :) The food looked delicious as well, next time I'll have breakfast..... stay tuned!

Photo of Gabby H.

 

1

81

Gabby H.

San Leandro, CA

4 star rating
5/24/2009

Every time I got out of class and my girlfriend got off of work for lunch we would head down Caffe Mediterraneum and order the strongest cup of coffee Berkeley has to offer. The people here are so nice that there have been days when we have been late for class/work b/c of us enjoying the company of other patrons and employees.

Photo of Nora J.

 

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Nora J.

Oakland, CA

2 star rating
6/23/2009

I've been  meaning to try out this place for a while and finally got the opportunity to when Ann's Kitchen was mysteriously closed this morning. I was pleased with the prices since they were lower than Ann's, but I would soon be wishing I was at Ann's. Whatever this place is known for, the food definitely isn't it.

I ordered a simple breakfast of eggs, sausage, homefries and toast. They were out of homefries but if I had the chance to try them I'm sure the most they would have been would be at best mediocre just like the rest of the meal. The one exception and the worst part of the meal were the eggs. I ordered sunny side up, the easiest egg dish to make, and it was ... way overcooked. The edges were pleasantly crunch and the egg yolk had solidified to a tasteless powdery block of blech.

I'll probably be back to try out this amazing coffee everyone raves about when I need a caffeine hit, but next time I'm getting breakfast won't be here.

Photo of Karen F.

Elite '09

310

1522

Karen F.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
7/18/2008

The Med is a piece of Berkeley history - for better and for worse.  Yes, expect some filthy conditions and some wack-a-doodle-doos who frequent (and a few who work at) the joint.  Meanwhile, the caffeine rush from the espresso based beverages will see you thru another day.

A good place to chill with a book or people watch.

Not my favorite and Definitely not elegant - but you gotta check out Cafe Med at least once or twice while in Bi-zarre-keley.

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Photo of Thomas R.

 

5

19

Thomas R.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
12/18/2008

This is a writer's cafe. Pay your dues by ordering a coffee--triple iced espresso followed by some half and half at the station--then take a seat and write. You may be joined by any number of characters who may find their way into your novel. Or may just pee their pants at your table. [To be fair, I think the guy had already done that by the time he sat down.]

One of the best writers cafes in Berkeley.

Photo of Ramon E.

Elite '09

140

428

Ramon E.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 2/22/2009

My opinion has been lowered a tad by the realization that there seem to be no outlets on the ground floor. Boo.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    1/3/2009

    They claim to have invented the caffe latte? Is this true?

    Hmm...I've only had the coffee here, and… Read more »

Photo of Jake B.

 

2

21

Jake B.

Walnut Creek, CA

1 star rating
4/26/2009

This place has truly fallen apart. Living in Oakland it takes a lot for me to come all the way out to Berkeley just to get something to eat, but I had some faith in this Caffe from my first visit a year ago.

Things have changed..

I stood in line for almost 15 minutes just to order my food. A kid who looked like he was still in high school didn't even know how to work the register.. k whatever.. big deal..

But it didn't stop there. It took the two chefs (calling them chefs is a stretch considering one looked like a crusty punk from people's park and the other looked like she was still in high school) about 25 minutes to make me my "Med Special" which isn't all that special (three eggs, sausage, and hash browns). Hash browns were nearly freezing.

To put the icing on the cake, they completely forgot about my friends order. When my friend asked for his money back the owner rudely slammed his money on the table and said to "GET OUT!"

This place is a joke.. Just because some hipster authors wrote some lame books here doesn't mean it deserves your time or money!!

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Photo of Allison L.

Elite '09

52

438

Allison L.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
4/27/2008

I wrote this cafe off years ago when I walked in and there were bloody tissues strewn across a table.

Times have changed.

No, the Med is not prim and clean. There's still suspect characters both in and out. But I just had a delicious hot apple cider, there's free wifi, the place has a new-ish paint job in parts, and the guy at the counter was far friendly than I've experienced before. Hell, even the bathroom was a lot better than I'd feared.

Besides, you could hang out here all day and the worst thing that will happen is that someone will spange you. That, or mistake you for Dustin Hoffman.

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Photo of Shannon H.

 

10

10

Shannon H.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
2/29/2008

I grew up in Alabama. I went to Waffle House religiously. I love sketchy breakfast places.

That being said, I stumbled upon this place after being in Berkeley for only a few weeks. I was looking for free wi-fi at the time and couldn't find any on Telegraph.

I then started making a habit of buying coffee and breakfast here.

What kills me is that I started getting addicted to the "Med" on my own, and THEN I find out it has some kind of past associated with a certain 70s film and a certain poet and a certain clientele of hippies.

Why does this bother me? Well, because I thought, in my egocentric universe, that I had discovered it first.  And I had loved it first.  Damn you, Beat poet people.

And you know, now that I am going to a place with that kind of history, I feel like those people that Danny Hoch whines about, you know, the people who are trying to be "hip" by trying to be poor.

Yes, there are days when I avoid eye contact with some of the men in there. There have been days when I have worried about the staff's safety when they engage in talk with strangers who look like they're ready to pull a gun on those of us who are on our laptops instead of on a guitar or writing in a journal.  But that's beside the point.

I love reading there, and I love that they take the time to squeeze oranges to make juice for me. I love the coffee with the perfect amount of steamed milk, and I love the Roma platter with French toast, eggs, and bacon.

It's my new Waffle House. I don't care that people think it's dirty or that the tables have specks of unknown material clinging to them from an earlier era.  So does the Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

It kills me how many "liberals" like to critique a place for not being as clean as their maid keeps their own home. Ah, the irony.

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Photo of Waffle S.

 

0

11

Waffle S.

Alameda, CA

5 star rating
5/4/2009

I grew up in this cafe, being born a few blocks away and my parents hanging around this place since the 60's. My dad now works there (Ask for Rusty), and he'll make you one of the best breakfasts you'll have in a long time (I should know). Occasionally things can get a bit busy, and the staff a bit confused, but can you blame them? This place is always packed! Not to mention the fact that most high schoolers can't work a register (This is pretty much universal and I know I can't work one of those crazy machines).
Every time I come in to eat I get excellent service and the coffee is always good. Not in the mood for coffee? Try the raspberry Italian soda. The baklava is also pretty damn good if i do say so myself. 16 years of coming here and I'm not planning stopping anytime soon.

Photo of Chiquita y.

 

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Chiquita y.

Emeryville, CA

3 star rating
1/10/2008 1 photo

One of my first jobs was at the Med, in Berkeley. They didn't train me at all, just set me to making coffee drinks and working the cash register.

Not surprisingly, I was fired after my first shift, and they refused to pay me. I have espresso-making anxiety to this day.

Saw a very elderly Julia Vinograd wandering Berkeley the other day, she used to hawk her poetry booklets at the Med...brought back memories. There was a point back in the 60's-70's when the Med was one of the few places to drink capuccino in California. The movie "the Graduate" has a scene at the Med.

Lately it is looking a little sad, like so much of Berkeley.

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Photo of Christie S.

 

5

19

Christie S.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
3/29/2009

Cafe Med--also fondly known as 'Homeless Cafe'--is my favorite cafe in Berkeley.  I drink A LOT of coffee and definitely know that when I enjoy it, it's good stuff.  Cafe Med has the most delicious and strong coffee available.  I live in Oakland now, and though it isn't that far away, I always make the trip to study at Cafe Med.  Even though sometimes the bums and grunge kids can be annoying, I really think they contribute to the unique experience at Cafe Med.  I love that it gets a little loud in the evenings because I need noise to concentrate.  Cafe Med also has really excellent huevos rancheros---they are a must have.  Their other food is not that great, but I come here for the coffee, the great owners and staff, the crazies and their hours--they are open from 7 am - 12 am!

Photo of Melissa L.

 

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Melissa L.

San Carlos, CA

3 star rating
5/24/2008

Tired from walking up and down University and Telegraph, my boyfriend suggested resting for a bit.  I agreed, and we started looking for a coffee shop of some kind.  We saw this place, and he just looked at me.  "Perfect," I said, and we walked into the seemingly small hang out.  That was deceiving!  This place is huge!!  Two floors of sitting area?!  Free wi-fi?!  Open late?!  Why can't there be a place like that near where I live?!  Oh, yeah- because it sucks down here.

Anyway, I got a chai latte (sweetened, as recommended by the friendly guy behind the counter) and the man got a lemonade.  The cost was pretty much par for the course for a chai, but the lemonade was something like $2.50 for a small- and they mean SMALL.  It was gone in 5 gulps.  

Two stars were subtracted for the miniature lemonade serving and the place wasn't really that clean.  Plus a smelly homeless guy was sitting in there talking to himself.  As entertaining as it was, I'm not so into that at a coffee shop.  But maybe I'm just a bitch.

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Photo of Shea A.

 

4

3

Shea A.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
4/4/2008

This place is a classic cultural landmark of a cafe.

I learned today here:

1.  that the famous latte was made here in 1950s.  The Italian trained barista adapted the strong cap to the likes of the Americans taste buds...adding more milk...at first it was served in a soup bowl then it progressed to the latte being in a beer mug...who would thought...things morph from adaptions...

and a barista here will take the time and educate you about the essence of a good espresso and how it can become bitter if drawn too long of a pull...showed by application and taste even..

Love the space here, lots of space to internet surf upstairs...food downstairs..culture.

one more thing on a civil tip, the black panthers used to hold meetings here through a secret door upstairs that looks like a shelf in the upstairs area...

very cool, great coffee, integrity...a truly authentic cultured berkeley classic cafe....

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Photo of Glaciala A.

 

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247

Glaciala A.

Palo Alto, CA

4 star rating
3/22/2009

Great coffee. Like the giant coffee mugs. Like the available tables outside.

Photo of Karen S.

 

2

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Karen S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
3/20/2009

$2 Short stacks! $3 Tall stacks! My egg was done perfectly.  My meal was excellent, unfortunately my coffee was super watery.  All the employees were really nice.

Photo of Bob H.

 

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Bob H.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
11/3/2005

The sad part is that this coffeehouse has history and potential on its side, but fails.  I remember 15 years ago liking this place for providing cafe au lait for the price of a regular coffee, back when I was a college student and that kind of bargain was a big deal to me.  

But having been back recently, it looks like they have not cleaned the place since I was there a decade-and-a-half ago.  The bathroom is "interesting" in that the graffiti has piled up so much over the years that not a square inch of unadulterated wall space survives.  Of course, you would only find that out if you were brave enough to ascend the rickety staircase to the dark and gloomy balcony where the bathroom awaits.  The balcony is the most like a back alley I have ever seen in a space that was actually inside.

The coffeehouse is a good place to go to study semifunctional mental illness, if you are ready to hold one or more very unusual conversations with the other customers.

I hope one day someone buys this place, gives it a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint, and draws back the old crowd of intellectuals, poets and artists that once frequented it.  In the right hands, I think this coffeehouse could be great, but today it is just depressing and miserable.

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Photo of Ginger R.

 

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Ginger R.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
3/30/2009

On my quest for the best hot chocolate (non-Starbucks) I am pleased to say I am deeply impressed  with Caffe Med.

Despite its landmark status, I avoided it for years because it looked so dingy and there were too many people frequenting the place who needed serious interventions (i.e., rehab, psychiatric meds) or who simply smelled really, really bad.

Just went today for the first time in about four years.  It looks like the joint has been cleaned up.  The inside was bright, there was a nice buzz of conversation but not too loud.  I might actually be able to get work done here, and not go broke.  

Oh, and the important thing: awesome hot chocolate at a fair price.  Awesome as in, really chocolate-y, rich, not too sweet.  Plus, the young woman working the coffee counter and register was efficient and a pleasure to interact with.

Photo of Sarah H.

 

1

8

Sarah H.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
4/7/2009

cheap consistent food. really nice baristas. AWESOME TEA!!!
i agree with another review on here, if youre near oakland then go to cafe nomad and if youre near campus go to the med!

Photo of Liza P.

 

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Liza P.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
10/25/2005

If you shower twice daily, look well kept, or godforbid DON'T care about violation of Right to Privacy, this is not a place for you!

Mediterraneum is an important insitution on Telegraph Ave, or at least what Telegraph used to stand for. All the old radical intellectuals, and hippies and passer-by anarchists congregate in and around here to, well, be radical. Unfortunately Berkeley has long stopped being the cradle of rebellion, so mostly all these guys accomplish is scaring off freshmen UCB students to the other side of the street.

The coffee and pastries are like the ones you can get at any 24-hr doughnut shop, and I've never stayed long enough to try the food.

Valuable as a kind of time capsule of American liberalism. If you have time, chat with one of the scarf-wrapped men who look like they are in a perpetual existential crisis- you will be surprised how many interesting things they have to say!  You might even be tempted to google Camus or Cocteau when you get home.

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17

Dan W.

Hidden Valley Lake, CA

4 star rating
3/2/2009

Nice enough food and coffee. Plenty of room and tables. Two stories. Cool but grubby atmosphere.

Wish the chairs were more comfortable.

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Julie R.

New York, NY

4 star rating
4/17/2008

I've walked by this cafe about a million times and never went in.  But I needed some after-dinner tea and Peet's was closed, so in I went.  And it turns out that this place has a pretty nice loose leaf tea selection.  And the barista was really knowledgeable about the different teas and gave friendly advice on how long to steep each variety of tea.  I had no idea this place cared so much about tea!

Very well lit, free wifi, not nearly as crowded as Milano or Strada in the evenings, and has talented and friendly staff.  I can't believe it took me this long to "discover" this spot.  I'll be back for espresso soon.

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Patrick T.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
1/21/2006

I'll go here if I need caffeine right after hitting Moe's, but that's about it. The menu is more extensive in some ways than most cafes (I think they do smoothies and milkshakes). Ambiance here is deadly -- despite the huge space, it's dingy in a way that makes it feel cramped.

UPDATE: I've had second thoughts about this cafe and raised my rating from two stars to three. Why?

The staff is friendly and the upstairs section has outlets and is spacious, so I can work or talk with friends without feeling cramped. It's not like Milano or Brewed Awakenings, where the tables are crammed together.

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Jana T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/19/2007

The best thing in the former left-wing radical glory that was Berkeley.  

It does look run down; but really, that's a plus in my book because I feel comfortable here, not like I'm in some upscale dining room.  The cappuccinos are by far the best I've had in Berkeley (good coffee in the Bay Area usually ends up with me going into the city), the food is cheap and honestly good.  The food isn't gourmet, but like something your grandmother who wasn't big on presentation, but heavy on butter and giving you a good meal would cook you.  And again, let me emphasize: cheap.  A lot of food for under 5 bucks.

The wireless works and it's free (unlike Milano, which obviously likes taking money from Cal undergrads with daddy's credit card).

It's never too packed, and not deserted.  It's a good work environment.  

Legend also has it that this was where Alan Ginsburg put 'Howl' to paper.  It's always good to support your local old school bohemian haunts, and it's even better when they are worth the money you pay.

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Jimmy L.

Oakland, CA

2 star rating
11/20/2006

This is one of those sad Berkeley places that has a Past, and that seems to have never got past that Past, giving it a pathetically anachronistic or tired air nowadays. As someone else says, the aging regulars here do a good job of either scaring away or repelling the younger (student) set (which admittedly might be an advantage to some).

It's often difficult to sit in peace here -- there always seems to be some damaged hippy or aging unreconstructed Boomer talking at the top of his or her voice about the Past here as though it were of interest to everyone, when in fact it's usually just toe-curlingly embarassing stuff. Urgh. And it always feels gloomy inside, even on a sunny Saturday morning.

Having said all that, the coffee can be quite good, it's usually not too hard to find a large table, the staff are friendly, and the food won't kill you. And it's near Moe's...

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5

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Aisha L.

Santa Monica, CA

3 star rating
2/10/2008

Nice space, and perfect lighting to study, read, etc. Mediterraneum has good chai and they were nice enough to suggest I try honey over regular sugar.

When using the bathroom, I found the light was out. Fortunately there is a window and it was still light out.

Despite the toilet being for customers only, a homeless guy found ways to continue using it without the key (waiting for people to come out). He also kept going up and down the stairs. Also, a bunch gathered on the 2nd floor (where I was) and hung out, constantly using the bathroom.

If the bathroom light had worked and if there weren't as many homeless people inside, I'd give Mediterraneum Cafe 4 stars (not 5, because of the neighborhood).

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Blake P.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
4/5/2008

5/4 Update: Why do I go back? Breakfast last week took 25 minutes. Really. It's not a fancy place either.

I wanted to give this a 3.5

As the previous reviewer said, this is sort of the 'waffle house' of Berkeley. It's a bit ghetto, and a bit of a homeless hang-out, but I have to say that their Breakfast Sandwich is the best deal in town. It's $2.50, and has more eggs and toast then their $5 - two eggs and toast. Go figure.

The coffee is good. Be warned it takes about 10 minutes to get your food. 5 minutes for the cook to realize you are waiting and 5 minutes to make.

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