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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Desserts [Edit]
Neighborhood: UC Campus AreaMon-Fri. 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
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Strada is the best cafe on the planet. Wake up at 5:45, get there at 6. Espresso and Biscotti, classical music, watching the sunrise. Studying the sciences and ideas of the universe for a few hours before the music from the campanile bells plays. Then the city starts to come alive, and the Strada is packed with people chittering and learning and getting inspired. Doesn't get much better than that.
The service is amazingly fast, the espressos are like 4x the size of starbucks and taste much better. Their biscotti and bran muffins are the best I have ever had, as natural tasting as any pastry can get. A place to study at before you die for sure.
My husband really likes this place because he has happy memories there.
The lattes are good. My rating is a 2 because this place is not very clean, which is a really important quality for me.
I have a hard time believing everything is sanitary when a place is visibily dirty.
Definitely a staple of mine since I've been here @ UCB. All my classes are on this corner of campus so it's always an easy stop for me on the way to class/from class.
- Open really late, which I've been thankful for.
- Regular coffee is STRONG (used to never be strong enough for me, so this was a good thing).
- Cappucinos are AMAZING. I'm not a big mocha/chai/sweet and creamy drink person but the one time I ventured out and got a Bianchi Mocha it was pretty tasty - very flavorful, but, VERY sweet - so be warned. Also, they have Italian sodas with I swear every flavor of Torani made.
- Always happy with the muffins/croissants/other pastries. Never had a stale one or anything. Never tried the cakes but they always look tempting inside that little glass case off to the side.
- The patio is a nice little oasis in the middle of the bustling campus area. There's heat lamps above the seats by the front doors as well. However I've given up on trying to come here to study on a rainy day since the minimal indoor seating fills up fast.
- Enough AC plugs around
- Free wi-fi
However, it's CASH ONLY.
I came here a while back in a slightly chilly evening. And this place was beautiful, especially with the outside terrace seating with heat lamps and ample seating and a very nice casual ambiance. You know here is where you can grab a book and a coffee and just enjoy life leisurely and appreciate life in a pleasant mood.
Overrated cafe. People just hog tables all day to "do homework AKA facebook" and talk about nonsense. It's super annoying too when the GSI's decide to meet with their students here and take over a whole section.
I've been consistently dismayed at how watery their drip coffee is. It's a nice place to study if you enjoy sitting outside with a bunch of people walking by all the time.
Very cute bustling cafe in Berkeley. It's at the edge of campus so you will always find students studyig on the tables with laptops. It's a great stop before class or a great place to hang out between classes
This is a nice little cafe/coffee shop conveniently located near the UC Berkeley campus. There isn't much room inside for seating, though they do have a covered deck outside, which is great for days when the weather is not as nice as one would hope for it to be. They do, however, have a good selection of hot and cold drinks as well as baked goods. I hope to come back one day on a future trip to California when the weather is a lot nicer...the outside seating area seems perfect for people-watching, especially while school is in session!
Free wifi, heated outdoor seating, good amount of outlets (except maybe need to bring an extension cord), and great food/drinks. It makes me so happy that they sell Noah's Bagels. They have cakes and some fruits... Perfect if you live on college or piedmont to grab a hot/cold drink right before class..since we all know that when it's hot there is no AC and when it's cold there's no heater. gotta love those budget cuts.
CASH ONLY
seats are hard to come by once midterms/finals roll around...duhhh
Not bad. I went on Thanksgiving so it wasn't packed. I liked the fact that they have AC plugs everywhere so you can charge your laptop whenever you need.
There isn't that much indoor seating so if it's cold or raining you're probably screwed. There is however, plenty of outdoor seating which is probably great on a nice summer night filled with studying and ice coffee.
Bathroom is in the back and it's kind of dirty but it's Berkeley, what did i expect right?
I didn't check if there was free wifi though which it probably has since it's a boutique/independent coffee shop but i was afraid to check because i get easily distracted... SO i just trick myself into thinking that there is no Wifi. But now looking at other reviews i know they have free wifi... great! Now i have to try extra hard in the future to fake myself out.
Oh yeah, relatively good prices even though i never think paying anything over $1.00 for tea is fair for the consumer. It's only a tea bag with hot water. They probably make 1000% profit on every tea bag sold.
The service is kind of weird.
There were two workers standing there chatting. I asked for tea. The guy throws me a tea bag and takes my money. Thinking this is a cool hip spot at Cal where they "stand up against the man" and wanting to do things differently than other coffee shops, added to the fact that I didn't want to look like i'm NOT a regular, i take the bag thinking you fill the water up yourself with a cup that you get at the concession stand where they have like sugar and straws.
I take the bag then walk around the 5x5 area realizing that they don't have a concession area and go back to the counter.. "Can i get a cup of hot water?" and the cashier hits the other guy and says, "Hey! consígale una taza de agua caliente" as if he was supposed to right after the hitter tossed the tea bag on the counter.
I get my tea and walk away looking like a regular...
a regular idiot trying to be cool. DOH!
This place is a win. It's crowded sometimes and its like an anarchic struggle to secure an outlet amidst conditions of scarcity, i.e. circa finals week, etc., but they have outdoor seating and strong espresso. That's all I want from a cafe.
Caffe Strada offers it all - stong coffee, delicious pastries, lots of outdoor seating amidst beautiful greenery. Lattes, cappucinos, macchiatos, here these are real coffee drinks you can sink your tongue into. Coffee rarely hits the spot as well as it does here. Their selection of pastries is pretty commonplace, but they taste better than the standard. I love the espresso brownies and the carrot cake best -- BURSTS of flavor! The bianca mocha is absolutely yummy and an original here. My only regret is that they don't serve food, but hey, they're good at what they do.
Right across from campus, Strada is the perfect place to people watch, read, or meet up for a study group. It tends to get loud in the evening when everyone comes by, but if you can work with some noise, you'll love it. And it's open late, so you can drink great, even late! Strada has saved me from many a-late night and assisted in my decompression in between classes. To me, Strada is the quintessential campus caffe. Love you, Strada! Even if you only take cash.
Probably my second home during my 8-year saga @ Cal (undergrad, then grad school). Definitely part of the Cal experience. It's also a great place to go after listening to a Friday or Saturday night concert at the music department (Hertz Hall), or just to study/ read on a sunny afternoon.
Prime traffic times are between 745am and 910am (the 8am and 9am classes start on "Berkeley time," ie 10 min after the hour) and lunch time. The line moves swiftly, but don't expect anyone to wait for you while you rummage for change.
In short:
Seating: plenty of outdoor seating with heat lamps; only a few tables indoors (ambience is loud bc it's next to the coffee maker)
Laptops: "free WIFI" from AirBears or Bancroft Hotel (it's fickle, but it works most of the time depending on where you're sitting). More outlets indoors; some outlets lining the building outdoors.
Prices: $1.60 for an Americano (regular coffee), generous servings (affordable for students and faculty!)
Hours: open at least until midnight on most nights, esp when school is in session
Coffee: Decently strong; highlights include the Strada Mocha Bianca (white mocha)
Food: Pass. A bit overpriced, except for the muffins, which for some odd reason have a special place in my heart (no particular reason why).
Bathroom: bathroom around the back; can also go across the street to campus
Parking: street only, which is really hard to find since it's so close to campus
Random plusses: eco-friendly packaging, great for people watching
Strada is a great place to people watch, chat with a friend, or attempt to do some lightweight studying!
There are tons of spots outside to sit, so outdoors is perfect on a sunny day. Under the roof area there are heaters for when it's cold. Also there are a few outlets outside, at the seats closest to the actual building.
Indoor seating is minimal but the tables are so big you can usually share with a kind soul if you really want to.
Mocha Bianca is what people rave about, and it's worth a try, although it is really really sweet. I wouldn't get it on a daily basis. Maybe like... once a semester. I usually get a soy latte in a smaller cup because the normal size is too dilute. The cups are surprisingly big for the price. I kinda love it. Cappuccinos are good too.
Pastries are the same as FSM. I like the banana nut muffin :) The cookies aren't bad either. Prices are reasonable and typical.
Service is really fast so don't be scared if you see a long line going out the door in the mornings or in between classes.
Sucks when it rains!!
I live here.
People tend to love their Bianca Mocha, but I find it a little sweet. The Cafe Latte is really good, and I love their Mocha. Biscotti is super yummy (I always get the hazelnut chocolate). Skip the sandwiches, which are slightly overpriced for what you get.
Lemonade is sour, just the way I like it. Hot apple cider is SUPER yummy.
I LOVE THE APPLE PIE. SO MUCH. so so much. It's very different from regular apple pie though, because it doesn't have the goop! That's just the way I prefer it though ... :D
MY APPRECIATION FOR:
+wall of syrups (though i normally would not add it)
+high wireless signal (though sometimes still unconnectable)
+outlets (though not that many)
+lots of seating (though most are outside)
+people watching (though some will come up to you and ask you for change)
+hot office hours spot (though difficult with a big group)
+open late (though i have to hang out at work instead once it's past midnight)
Chai Latte: weak.
Bianca Mocha: too sweet to down.
Hot Apple Cider: sweet, but good!
CASH ONLY (so many times I've forgotten)
Coffee and pastries suck in the place. Wifi sometimes works. Chairs are uncomfortable. But what pulled me into this coffee shop almost everyday for six years was its charm. Reading journal articles was more bearable in this place. The best location to enjoy a sunny afternoon and to feel Berkeley at its best.
Not overly impressive. Yes, it's close to campus, but the coffee is passable at best, and the prices aren't anything to write home about. The heat lamps are good for working under in the evening, and it is open late. The biggest problem is the wifi - they run some third-party service that serves ads, and more importantly interferes with encrypted connections. It's not cool to have to avoid any site that displays a padlock like, say, my email. If you're looking for somewhere to hang out and use the wifi, try caffe mediteranium down on telegraph as a much better choice. Or stay on campus.
A Berkeley classic. They don't serve drip (you'll get americano) and they know how to make PERFECT foam. The tables and chairs are old and worn... but think of it as evidence of solid establishment - of the hundreds of thousands of students who dutifully pass under these eaves looking for a cup of morning sunshine.
Hungry? Try the:
- Apple Cloud (cream cheese, pastry dough, and cinnamon apples!)
- Blueberry Muffin (dense cake w/a crumbly topping)
- Espresso Brownie
I have to stay that Strada was a staple as an undergrad. Their drinks were pretty good and very consistant every time I come here. I also have to give them kudos for recently changing all their cups and everything to compostables which is a big plus in my book.
There is free wi-fi but its a hit and miss, sometimes I can get it to work and sometimes I can't.
The only problem with this place is the lack of inside seating! On a cold day, no one sits outside and it's impossible to get a seat inside.
There is PLENTY of outside seating and it's actually really nice to get some reading done outside with a coffee on a nice sunny day, but there are no outlets outside so if you have a laptop, its best to come fully charged. There are some outlets outside on some of the trees but they don't work.
I haven't actually ordered a coffee from them, but I've had their blueberry danish and a breakfast croissant. This is a good place to sit down, grab a snack, and have a chat with someone.
Service is good and they're pretty fast with orders.
Pros
+ OPEN LATE!! (midnight)
+ Conveniently close to campus (great morning pitstop)
+ Service is fast
+ Great place to study (if you can tolerate noise) or chat
+ Airbears wifi connectivity
+ Outdoor heat lamps
+ Double cappuccino for ~$3 = perfect for an all-nighter
Cons
- Berkeley's cold weather (not all outdoor areas have heating)
- Not the best quality of coffee drinks but the caffeine does its job well
- Not too many electrical outlets
I owe my thanks to Strada for making my all-nighters possible!
I'm a big fan of their coffee! I think they probably have the best coffee around Berkeley campus. The coffee is brewed perfectly and it's not too strong/bitter.
Mocha Bianca: I tried their famous Mocha Bianca today. At first, it tasted almost heavenly, with a bit of chocolate powder that I added. However, after having half a cup, I found the sweetness a little overwhelming. I'd still give it 4-stars since it was great for the first half. Definitely recommend!
Strada is a good place to do some casual studying or host small group meetings. It's a little too noisy if you want to concentrate. However, free wifi and outlets is great.
Summary:
**Great Coffee
**Mocha Bianca is worth a try
**Great place for light studying/group meeting.
Bottom line: This place one of the many things that make Berkeley unique.
Keys to a good coffee shop for a student at the Uni: free wi-fi, lotsa' spacious tables, and decent snacks/coffee.
While they have the snacks n' coffee down, they don't have the first two prerequisites. No wi-fi? The free wireless from the campus occasionally makes it over to Strada but it's not reliable. For a student who uses Internet often for work n' such, that's a no-no.
Space is an issue too: the big tables number in three and are only inside. All the outside tables are small and cramped. Some of the seats are cracked too.
It's cool that it's open later than the shops around them but it's not worth it due to the poor lighting and crappy tables.
Final Call:
Nifty coffee shop for some chattin' but not preferable for students. I'm obviously writing from a student/researcher point of view. As such, this is the shop I visit least during the year.
Happy -belated- Anniversary!
I still wear my Strada shirt to help with "word-of-mouth" =D
The drinks are great and this place is THE reason I drink Bianca Mochas and Mochas. I only started drinking coffee / espresso a few months ago and I pretty much drink it medicinally. I dislike the bitter taste of coffee and this place really makes it easy for me to get my caffeine "fix". It's also open until MIDNIGHT... which makes it automatically better then any other cafe in Berkeley.
The people are friendly and happy to make your drink "your way". I've tried Bianca / White Mochas from Starbucks, Yali's, and a dozens of other cafes and this place is still the best. I've even purchased a Nespresso and Ghiridelli's White Chocolate Sauce, but I still prefer Strada.
I've seen the owner, Daryll, a few times and he's always been friendly and nice to interact with.
The place was fairly busy when I went, so it's not a surprise the service wasn't particularly special, but yeah, it wasn't. I had a Strada Bianca (white hot chocolate) and a black bottom muffin; the hot chocolate was quite good on a cool day like that, and the muffin was decent, but a little dry.
What I do love about this place is the setup outside. There's plenty of space to sit, and a great place to read for hours on a gorgeous day.
Super cool! I love the interior design and the huge open windows. The five stars goes to the great guy who made my drink. I asked for an ice tea, and he gave me a funny look and said that I would like this other drink better. I couldn't quite make out what he was trying to tell me, only that it would be ice blended like the coffee drinks and that I would really like it. I said I couldn't take caffeine, but he assured me there was no coffee. Okaaaaay . . . I said. I don't really know what it is, but sure, I'll take it. I just wanted to chat with my friend. He charges me $1.90 for the "ice tea."
WELL, he starts making the drink, blending ice, some milk and a shot of vanilla syrup. In goes more vanilla, more ice. Then he takes the cup, squirts whipped cream and caramel on the bottom! What? Strawberry syrup, and then caramel flavoring goes into the blender. More ice! He pours the concoction into the whipped cream decorated cup, and pours more caramel and whipped cream on it.
TA-DA! He hands me my drink as I look at him astonished. WOW. It was tasty and clearly OFF the menu. Some lady asked me what I got, and I didn't even know what to tell her . . .
Thanks super cool nice guy at Caffe Strada! My personalized drink was much appreciated.
A thoroughly mediocre cafe rescued only by its great hours and excellent location.
The espresso? Really, really not great. The beans are stale and the roast is really dark, leaving the hapless espresso drinker with a mouthful of indistinct char. My cafe macchiatto finished with a mouthful of coarse coffee grounds. My cappuccino's milk was flat and textureless, though the foam was acceptable. I haven't tried the drip coffee; maybe it's better. Maybe. They don't seem to respect espresso very much, so I won't be betting the bank on it. (Update: There is none. I asked if there *was* drip coffee, and the guy at the register put in an americano order for me. I canceled it and ordered a chai and he was all "what, you don't like americanos?" and I was all "heh something like that.")
I don't really like mochas in general, so your mileage may vary, but I found the bianca mocha to be cloyingly sweet and otherwise uninteresting. But no wonder it's so popular -- you can't taste the damn coffee anymore.
The ambience is kind of nice, with the decking and the outdoor tables and the occasional musicians, but, incredibly, all of the seating is on unpadded metal folding chairs, which is especially cruel given the gonna-sit-here-all-day-with-my-laptop crowd the cafe draws. All these sore-assed grad students! Have you no mercy, Caffe Strada!?
But, in the end, I'll continue to endure the tyranny of Caffe Strada, and here's why you should, too: the pastries are pretty good, it's way easy walking distance from campus or the Units, and you can get a coffee and an espresso brownie at 11pm while checking Wikipedia over airbears and tapping out a paper. While that can't completely redeem Caffe Strada's sins, it goes a long way.
Update: Shucks, they seem to be closing at 11 sometimes this summer -- so much for my late-night refuge.
This place is oh so YUMMY!
everything is good here, the chai, the coffee, the muffins and pie. I'm wanting to make the trip over there just talking about it. goodness! The service is also super friendly and fast!
the only down fall is the CASH ONLY. also, watch out for the hustle and bustle of the students.
bianca mocha. it's pure HAPPY in a mug, and the one thing i come here for.
so glad you folks haven't changed this drink. time and again, still oooh, so delicioso! also, it's the perfect setting for coffee... i've always loved this cafe.
Strada is by far the quintessential of all coffee houses that you would think of. It is an excellent space with open air seating on the nice corner of College & Bancroft, across from the UC Berkeley Shool of Law. Here, you will find people drinking coffee and reading a book for fun, for study, or because they are trying to look smart (or all of the above). They will discuss everything from politics to movies. Many of the university's GSI's (graduate student instructors) will hold their office hours here during the spring and summer months. Even when it gets cold, they have plenty of heaters keeping you warm when it gets cold and the trees provide shade from the sun when it's bright. I truly love it.
Their prices are good and their coffee is excellent. I would always get a small mocha and, when necessary, request an extra shot of espresso. They also provide a delightful, though small, selection of pastries. The only downside is that they are cash only. I just dont get behind the cash only concept. It's just not practical. And if your laptop has range, you can swing free wifi from the campus' AirBears network.
the proprietors of Strada apparently also operate the Free Speech Movement Cafe (FSM) that is actually on the the campus in the undergraduate library (why do they split us up like that? that just seems mean). I prefer Strada over FSM personally, but FSM has more seating available. Especially during the summer because they have a bigger patio.
I do like Caffe Strada. I have no problem whatsoever with it's location, the quality of their drinks, or service or anything else. I am 100% in support of this cafe, and I hope future generations will continue to patronize this wonderful establishment.
What I do have a problem with is the GODDAMN GRAD STUDENTS WHO THINK OUTDOOR CAFES ARE THEIR PRIVATE FUCKING OFFICES.
There are some who believe that cafes like Strada should be the study domains of the Grad Students. To them I say, "eat shit and die".
To others who believe that cafes should be enjoyed by everyone, not just the academic elite who demand silence (at outdoor cafes), I'll give you a high-five the next time I see y'all.
To the uptight Graduate Students who can't deal with people playing music outside or having animated conversations that disturb your studying, I have only this to say:
"PICK UP YOUR BOOKS, AND GET YOUR ASS TO THE LIBRARY"
Yes, there I said it. THE FUCKING LIBRARY. If you want quiet and isolation, the Library has worked for generations of students around the world. Use it, and let the rest of us (and the less-uptight Graduate Students) enjoy Caffe Strada without your holier-than-thou attitude.
I'm sure Strada is for many, including me, the sustenance in completing a Cal degree. My favorite time to do is to come here on a sunny afternoon and sit outdoors with a good book. Can't go wrong with the Strada Biana, my personal favorite, or the Strada Bianca Mocha. Both are equally delicious depending on one's mood. Most pastries are, as mentioned, common but slightly better than average. When friends and family come to visit, I like to hit this spot before taking a walk around campus!
It was my first time revisiting this cafe since 2002. I had their green tea and had a great time hanging out with friends. The place is still filled with students with their lap tops and the outdoor patio located on the street corner bring a cute, romantic ambiance made perfect for people watching. They also have a better pastry selection than others nearby, and their white mocha is still one of the best around.
Unfortunately last night was cold but we were told that the heat lamps to the side of the cafe were not working. The servers never made an attempt to fix them and this led to overcrowding on one side of the cafe while the few who sat to the side had to bear the cold in the dark. Another limitation: No outdoor outlets for laptops so expect to bring a laptop with a long battery life. After all considered, this cafe is still the perfect place to hang out on a warm summer night.
So here's my rating for the cafe during winter and spring: 3 stars. I can't wait for the weather to get better so I can really make use of this place.
The always popular Caffe Strada is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so owner Daryl Ross will be giving away a FREE cup of coffee all day on February 20th, 2009.
Also that same week (2/16 - 2/20), they will give away many prizes: T-shirts, gift certificates to nearby Adagia Restaurant and the Bancroft Hotel.
According to Ross, the caffe is the birthplace of the white hot chocolate and white mocha (bianca) drinks, copied by others. Great outdoor seating!
Best coffee/americano in Berkeley. Of course I love Peet's as well. Love the inside and outside cafe seating. Not a whole lot inside compared to other cages but I come here to talk an just hang out so I don't need the indoors so much.
Mocha biancha is the best in the world. Seriously. And I don't even like mochas. I'm a die hard coffee guy. But love the mochas and the "coffee" which is really an americano here. Price is great. Atmosphere is lively and subdued at the same time. Price is good. Location is one street crossing from campus. Although uphill on the southeast side.
Oh and FREE wi-fi. gotta love it.
Classic Berkeley coffee joint - and good hot cocoa, too.
You could literally stay all day - and many students do, so come early to stake your territory.
Super location right on College Ave.
Love love love this place because:
- out door seating with heaters. Perfect for studying, catching up with a friend or just soaking in your surroundings
- proximity to my second home, Wurster. Made lots of 11:55am coffee run.
- bianca mochas are delicious, though drinking it daily caused me to pack on a few pounds. Inactive life style may also contribute to that. Also tried Milano's and it didnt compare. Iced hits the spot on hot days.
- great service! Nice people behind the counter, fast service, though I wouldnt go in 5 minutes before the hour--it is packed. 10 minutes before may get you out in time, 15 is safest.
- i've seen a live jazz band playing on a sunday afternoon.
It is pretty hard to get indoor seating during finals week. Any other time's not as hard, though I dont usually see a lot of availability. If not, just grab a drink and walk over to the fountain and enjoy the sunshine (if weather permits). I miss this place.
i'm not a coffee person.
but the bran muffin.... makes me love bran.... only there.... oh so good... now that i'm no longer a student, even if i can grab one for later, i do, and savor it!
(same source as the bran muffin at free speech on campus...so you have 2 chances to try it!)
also, amazing amount of seating for students...
who puts walnuts in their chocolate chip cookies?!
1) ever heard of nut allergies? thankfully, my bf only had a bite and the reaction wasn't too bad, how about a bit of consumer consciousness please? a little responsibility for correctly labelling your products would be appreciated.
2) the nuts don't even add anything to the cookie. bitter without complementing the chocolate, it detracts from the whole experience.
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: South Berkeley
Category: Coffee & Tea
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