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Caffe Strada
2300 College Ave
(between Bancroft Way & Durant Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
(510) 843-5282
(between Bancroft Way & Durant Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
(510) 843-5282
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 12 am
409 reviews for Caffe Strada
409 reviews in English
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Review from Allister D.
Sunnyvale, CA
Once again, THE STRADA BIANCA for $3. Milky substance with a cloud of foam on top and a creamy blend of white chocolate. Ahhh yes!
BUT DAMN, I DIDN'T KNOW THEY BE CHARGING YOU $1.25 TO USE THEIR ATM MACHINE!! UGhhhhh2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/3/2012
Once again, THE STRADA BIANCA for $3. Milky substance with a cloud of foam on top and a creamy blend… Read more »
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Review from Zubin D.
Berkeley, CA
2/6/2012
The wifi has not worked for the past 7 months. Also they charge 10 cents extra for decaf which isn't a lot but still makes no sense since all the drinks here are espresso based. (no brewed coffee) Actually it's mostly aggravating because a half-caf coffee costs $2.05 and since it's cash only I always have 95 cents change in my pocket. Seriously, that alone is so annoying that I often choose other coffee shops instead.
Coffee tastes good, but they need to fix the wifi and get rid of the decaf surcharge. -
Review from Felicia C.
Berkeley, CA
2/2/2012 3 Check-ins Here
A favorite spot for UC Berkeley, faculty, and staff - and it's obvious why. In addition to the prime location of literally STEPS away from campus, Strada's coffee is strong, they have ample seating, and a heated patio.
Besides the usual coffee drinks, they also serve Italian soda, hot cider, and plenty of pastries and fruit cups.
Extra bonus points for exclusively using biodegradable/compostable containers and utensils. Yay! -
Review from Jennifer J.
Palo Alto, CA
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
A berkeley landmark. Been here since my freshman year, the coffee is pretty good. The setting is beautiful, outdoor seating (with heating) as well as indoor seating. Love their white mocha ("mocha bianca"), but they aren't really big for re-fills/byom. They give you $0.10 off...seriously?
That aside, just a really pretty place to have coffee, do homework, hang out. Sometimes hard to find setaing though. -
Review from Mauro M.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Some of the best coffee places in Berkeley don't have to be expensive or sophisticated -they just have to be friendly and casual to attract an awesome customer base.
Caffe Strada is that kind of place.
Good service, quality beverages and snacks, and a great location in the vicinity of UC Berkeley.
Sunny patio area, a relaxing indoor room, and lots of delicious treats to munch on.
The coffee is very good too.
My favorite place to meet friends for an easy morning/afternoon in Berkeley. -
Review from Alice H.
Berkeley, CA
1/7/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Caffe Strada is a great place to study for the nights that are warm because the outdoor seating is great, but during the cold months there is a total of 7 tables inside which can't fit that many people.
This place only takes cash and the coffee is pretty strong. I'm more of a Starbucks, sweet drinks, fan so I'm not a huge fan of the coffee. This place is super convenient for when you need that morning bagel. -
Review from Jen C.
Fremont, CA
12/9/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I come here often because it's so close to where I work. Their menu is pretty limited but it's good for a snack and some caffeine. I usually get a bagel and an iced white mocha when I'm here. Their coffee in general is pretty good along with their other drinks (like tea and lemonade).
This place is cash only though! (They do have an ATM inside if you're like me and rarely carry cash with you). -
Review from Yvonne K.
12/18/2011
It looks like I've found a new study spot!
I love the way that Caffe Strada is hidden behind some hedges. It creates a nice, hidden private atmosphere that's perfect for getting some studying done. Their wi-fi can be a bit shaky sometimes, but if you're patient enough, it'll come around.
My favorite is their bianca mocha. It's not super sweet like most white mochas can be, but it has just the right amount of sweetness to it to fuel me through my study session.
Being right across the street from campus, it's super convenient! The only downside to Caffe Strada is that it is cash only, so come prepared with cash! -
Review from Brittany B.
Lafayette, CA
1/23/2012
I came here just for the bianco mocha, or whatever it is. I loved sitting outside from the UC Berk campus, and working on school work, and watching the street life wonder past. Its a great location, and good barista. Check it!
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Review from Catherine C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yelp, it's been so long!
Anyway, here's to the rest of these Berkeley reviews!
Caffe Strada is a cute little study cafe with lots of tables and outlets outside. It's right by the Cal campus, so it's frequented by a lot of students.
I had a vanilla iced latte, which was strong and delicious.
However, I was there to study under the impression that they had free wi-fi. What I found out though, was that they had no wi-fi! I mean, they offer it, but it's shoddy. Didn't work for me at all. :(
Suggestion - take your coffee to go and study where your internet access is guaranteed! -
Review from Annie L.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The wifi is awful.
The toilet is outside and grubby.
The servers seemed on another planet mixed with aloofness.
On the plus side, it is a beautiful space to sit and read or chat over coffee with friends, so taken in that context if you can go there without technology needs and an empty bladder - please do.Listed in: Free Wi-Fi locations, Coffee & Food in Berekley
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Review from Nanna B.
San Jose, CA
1/27/2012
Overall one of my favorites around the Berkeley campus. Service is great, fast , and the food is great. The outdoor seating surrounded by greens and open doors make it an attractive place to meet with friends, study, or simple people watch.
Their drinks (mochas and lattes) aren't overdosed with sugar and their pastries are baked fresh from next door (Bancroft hotel). I am a chocolate lover and highly recommend the chocolate cake (which can also be found at Cafe Zeb or Free Speech Movement).
However, for the amount of people that want to sit down there, unless the weather is nice, it is difficult to find a spot inside. Another regular concern is that the Internet connection is pretty bad/very unreliable. So if you're going to need consistent connection and that's all you are there for, I would go elsewhere. Otherwise (depending on how you look at it), it's kind of nice to be forced to close your laptop for a while. -
Review from Jessica M.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2011
Customer service? what is that? Caffe Strada needs to invest in some new workers. I understand that you are poor college students trying to make an honest dollar in the big bad Berkeley world. I too was a barista in school. So why would you give terrible service and then look hurt when you get no tips?
I waited in line twice, once for a drink and once for a pastry. Had two different cashiers, and both of them were unfriendly and less than helpful. Even the patrons inside were rude and hurried.
The drink and muffin were mediocre at best and I see no reason to return here. -
Review from Linda T.
Monterey Park, CA
10/1/2011
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
came here everyday in AM before classes during my undergrad years!
always got the same thing...soy latte and occasionally a muffin or cake.
soy lattes are delicious!! im hard to please on soy lattes..and this place just makes it right!
silky, rich, strong! yummmm
seats are amazing too!! huge tables, which makes it a perfect studying and chatting setting for me.
place is constantly busy and line moves quick!!
i miss strada....one of my fav cafes in the world! -
Review from Allie E.
Danville, CA
9/13/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Strada has mastered the foam.
Their Vanilla Lattes are absolutely addicting.
Patio provides a prime people watching spot. -
Review from Bianca U.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011
The coffee here varies from great one day, to so-so the next. I don't mind, I enjoy coming here with friends to grab a coffee and hang out for a bit. But, when they get it right it is so right! The fioam is perfect.
Their pastry selections don't look the best. I had a slice of cheesecake on one visit, but it looked better than it tasted. It wasn't bad, but not great.
It's a busy place, but they don't stay open as late as was advertised, which is a shame. It's a great spot to sit n' sip.
Go with the Bianca Mocha. It's named after me. Seriously. -
Review from Elisa C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/5/2011
Right by the Cal campus, it's swarmed with students all the time. There's really nothing special about any of the drinks I've ordered but they're good. The set up of Caffe Strada is PERFECT for people watching, inside or out. And studying too I suppose, but who's actually doing work there anyway?
Sucks that it's cash-only though. -
Review from Brian S.
Berkeley, CA
10/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've always had a soft spot for Caffe Strada. I've only had their mocha, latte, strada bianca, and strada bianca mocha...(I know only 4 drinks...haha.). But I believe that their drinks are are at best average. Whenever I get my drinks, they are at best lukewarm (I know I should ask them to make it hotter), and the drinks get cold quickly.
But the setting at Caffe Strada is great. I always love coming here, whether I study inside or "study" outside.
In conclusion: Drinks = 3.5 stars at best. Atmosphere = 4.5 stars (go inside if you want to study, stay outside if you want take a nice break!) -
Review from Hannah C.
Berkeley, CA
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best place to go for a quick cup of strong Americano
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Review from Katie M.
Berkeley, CA
6/14/2011
Real talk: I would likely be dead/fail out of grad school if it weren't for Caffe Strada.
I go here at least 4 times every week during the school year. I survive on their espresso and white mocha drinks. I have done some important reading and writing here. The atmosphere is arguably inspirational.
Problems: cash-only and bagels that are not toasted. Still, I am eternally grateful to this place. It's convenient, it has caffeine (and is open late!) and it has outdoor seating that constantly reminds me that I'm in California and should stop whining. -
Review from Cassy H.
7/22/2011
One of my favorite cafes in Berkeley... located literally across the street from Campus, more specifically Kroeber Hall, this place is always happening. You'll find students, professors, just people sitting at this cafe all the time with their laptops.. studying, reading, doing research, discovering the next great thing, b/c duh, it's Cal. (Go Bears!)
So, why is it my favorite cafe...? Well, their mocha bianca, which is essentially a white chocolate mocha is UH-MAY-ZING. (Yes, I realize I spelled it incorrectly.. and yes, it was on purpose). It's the best, way better than Starbucks. Add an apple cloud, which is their apple pastry, and you got yourself power food to help you get your study on.
The downside is that too many people love this place and camp on here all day (literally, I feel like they just live there), so I rarely study or do work there... usually just take it to go and enjoy my little piece of Strada on campus. -
Review from Yumi H.
Fremont, CA
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cafe across the street from campus w/ heated outdoor seating. They're also open late! I ordered the Bianca Mocha half-sweetened and it was muy excelente :) I'm not a fan of their really slow wi-fi though... so the 4 stars is based on convenience, my drink, and view of pretty lights at night :)
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Review from Louisa T.
11/2/2011
I absolutely LOVE Strada. Despite not living in Berkeley anymore, I still crave this ALL the time. Their lattes are absolutely amazing. It strong and has a very nice layer of foam on top of it. It's right across from campus (law school), so super convenient to get to. It also has great outdoor seating for studying in the summer, and some seating inside as well. The pastries as far as I recall are actually not bad, especially the croissant. I'm actually craving one right now, hence my review. =)
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Review from Patricia K.
Berkeley, CA
7/2/2011
amazing, amazing cafe. I love this place and everything about it. if you come here, you have to try the bianca mocha. its delicious. they have pastries too... mostly the normal croissants and muffins... they don't serve any actual food here except for bagels, which is sometimes a problem.
it gets super crowded here both during the school year and the summer, but its an amazing place to study. the internet is pretty slow though and shaky, but it works, and probably makes for higher productivity anyways. -
Review from Faith H.
Berkeley, CA
10/28/2011
Sometimes, the people who work here can be rude.
I tried their vanilla iced coffee... it wasn't the best, in my opinion. But I LOVE their brownies (even though I feel that it's a bit on the pricier side).
Wi-fi isn't the best but the view is definitely nice. It's nice to just walk there to take a break.
One thing that did bother me within the last couple times I went was that the person who works there treated someone very rudely because he didn't buy a drink. The old man told him that he's a regular and that he buys something everyday (except that day) and the worker asked him to leave. Eh... -
Review from Alex P.
Hayward, CA
5/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This place is always packed with college students trying to get in a coffee fix before class. The lines can be quite long from time to time. The service here is good. It was no some slap jaw yolks or town folk working here. It was not even a typical Berkley beatnik or hipster. Although if your into skinny jeans this is the place to be. Plus the coffee isn't bad.
It's a good place to chill with the bro's after a long night of drinking. Just make sure that you bro covers the coffee cost!
FRAT LIFE!Listed in: Best Place to meet a Bro
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Review from Victor K.
Berkeley, CA
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Caffe Strada has got it right: a super large outdoor seating area. It's a great place to catch up with a friend, or meet with a study group while enjoying a quality brewed coffee or whatever you like getting from these places. Beats out Starbucks and Peat's any day. In the summertime when the livings easy, having a curbside table will allow for a fine eye candy experience. That is, if it's the summer. If it's the winter it's still a fine spot to hang out as long as it's not raining.
Bring a potential honey here, it's the perfect place to have a one on one and truly get to know another human being. Make sure you are having a sweet drink. Don't ask me why. Just do it. -
Review from Gypsy J.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 8/27/2011
I gave doing my work at Caffe Strada a try, since so many other people do. And, surprisingly, my experience was almost, almost perfect. So close to perfect that when it wasn't, I had to hang my head like a player on the bench watching their team lose in overtime.
I got some fresh cash from the ATM, walked up the hill and ordered the mocha bianca and a black-bottom muffin, for here. I found a great bench seat unoccupied indoors, with relaxing views and natural sunlight from the windows and a power outlet right there for my laptop, and I'd memorized their long, funny wifi log on correctly -- score!
The mocha bianca was amazing, and the black-bottom muffin was even tastier and more moist than the ones I love from All-Star Café downtown. It got a bit noisy as the afternoon wore on, but the quality of the food and drink and the complexity of my work were enough to distract me.
I was really, really pleased with the whole situation, and wondered if there is anywhere nicer to work in Berkeley.
Then my internet went out. After turning my wifi off and back on again a zillion times, it would work again for a second, then fail again. Oh well. Airbears? Nope. Why can I use Airbears from Starbucks at Center and Oxford, near only nature areas and pathways into Cal's campus, but not at Caffe Strada -- right across the street from Kroeber, Wurster and Boalt halls, I wondered. Then I noticed my computer was not charging. I jostled with the charger in the wall. Nothing was going to make the little green light blink on. When it comes to internet access and battery power, you don't get three strikes -- it's two strikes and you're out, unfortunately.
I will definitely be back, when I have cash, my computer is fully-charged and I don't need internet access. That is not often! But I am looking forward to my next visit.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/21/2011
I like to stare at Caffe Strada. It's so pretty and even glows after sunset. The people eating… Read more »
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Review from Audrey C.
It's hard not to stop by and grab some hot chocolate and pastries/cake on a cold day. I seriously pass by everyday on my way to class and I love seeing everyone sit outside having conversations. The atmosphere is so friendly and open!
They don't take card but there is an atm machine inside. They have really good chocolate croissants! Their apple pie is soo good, with really thinly sliced pieces of apples! I regularly get hot chocolate to sit in and to go. The small size is ample enough to fill you up!
Great place to study and chat.Listed in: Death by sweets!
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Review from Meghana S.
Berkeley, CA
8/27/2011
Location, location, location. Strada is convenient for grabbing coffee on the way to a boring early morning class, and if you're really hungry, you can pick up one of their delish danishes (I like their blueberry the best). Their lattes are good. However, if you want to study here, you should get here as early as you can (this place is always packed).
I deducted the two stars because they're cash only (always complicates things), their restroom is really gross and stinky, and their internet isn't always reliable. -
Review from Annie S.
5/22/2011
This is a nice place to come if you're in a rush, if you want to chat with friends, or if you want to grab something small. I usually get a cup of Americano, Apple Cloud, or Banana Cream Pie (which is not always there). I tried so hard to train myself to drink the Americano plain, but I just can't because of the quality of the coffee is not that great. Out of the different cafes around/on campus, I think this is the only (or one of the few) place that has a big bowl of brown sugar out. Yay! The same Americano and Apple Cloud can be bought at other places around campus, so they're not the reason why I like Strada. I like Strada because of the friendly atmosphere. So nice on a sunny day :).
Pros: Heat lamps outside. The brown sugar hehe.
Cons: Doesn't take card :(, but they have an atm machine that charges a few bucks. Few outlets. Limited seating inside. Small tables outside (hard to study). Poor Wi-Fi connection. -
Review from Ericka V.
Berkeley, CA
7/26/2011
I am not a coffee person; I get anxious and jittery. I should stop trying to be one; I'm lactose intolerant and the 60-cent-for-soy-milk charge starts to add up after a while. Ah, but the mocha's so good! Plus, I've never had to wait around longer than 3 minutes.
I used to get annoyed when the staff spoke in Spanish when they took my order--I remember talking to one of the guys in Spanish about a year ago and that was the end of it; no one's said hello to me in English anymore...but I guess it's nice to practice it once in a while. I got my order wrong once, though.. -
Review from Eric B.
2/10/2011
I joined my class group on Campus today to chat with our professor about our semester project. And afterwards, we met here to talk strategy and to just get to know each other a little better. So let's just say that Caffe Strada might be considered as a Living Room for past and present Haas Business Students (among others).
There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating which still fills up quickly among the "hordes". However, today's line wasn't so bad and the weather was decent enough for a warm and comfortable conversation. I very much enjoyed my soy latte and my recollections on how enjoyable graduate school once was. -
Review from C. B.
Davis, CA
6/12/2011
- Cash only.
- No splenda.
- Dirty bathroom with a HEAVY door and no seat covers.
- Internet did not work; had to steal from the Bancroft Hotel
- Uncomfortable seating inside.
- LOUD music inside (I couldn't hear myself think, let alone the music in my headphones).
+ Outlets at almost every table.
+ Live music outside. -
Review from Soo Jung R.
Berkeley, CA
10/21/2011
Strada is good for anything - chatting with friends, doing homework, just sitting outside to feel the breeze... The location is prime, right next to campus - and the best part is it's open till 12a.m. I had their Strada Bianca Mocha - it's on the sweet side, and the after-taste isn't that good, but atleast it's warm! But honestly, if you want good coffee and that's all you're going for, don't go here. If you want a place to chat with decent coffee and favorable location near campus, this is the perfect place.
I love their outdoor seating because they heat it - considerate move. Although I wish they'd make us feel more welcome sometimes - I was studying here with a friend just after dinner, so we didn't order anything (but we were going to, once we recovered from our meal!!). The employees kept on walking past us, organizing the chair in a loud fashion, and even started dusting. I get that it's annoying for them to see people using their space while not even buying their stuff, but it was 8PM, plenty of space, and guess what - this is right next to a college campus, so maybe it would be nice to just let college students go without bugging them about buying their stuff. In the end I ordered something even before I had completely digested my big meal, and my coffee was turning cold. Not a pleasant experience, but being able to study outside in the breeze at 9pm made up for it. -
Review from Dongwan K.
Berkeley, CA
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
caffe strada is Berkeley students' favorite cafe!!!!
it is super close from the campus (right across the law school), reasonably priced, offer variety of awesome drinks and pastries, provide spaces for group studies outside!
It also gives you free wi-fi and it's open till midnight so it's a great place to get some work done too! -
Review from Nicole B.
3/14/2011
Strada was the spot to study and people watch. I have spent a lot of time here outside on the patio, chatting with friends, "studying", people watching, and daydreaming.
I don't drink coffee anymore, but when I did, I used to always order the Bianca Mocha. After I quit coffee, I stuck with their Italian sodas.
I kinda miss this place, and I miss chilling on the patio. :( -
Review from Bonnie Z.
4/12/2011
My go-to study snack here: mocha and an apple cloud. Yum! A few bucks in exchange for caffeine and sugar to keep me going during midterms and finals.
Atmosphere: light classical/jazz music is always in the background. I don't mind hearing the buzz of conversation in the background as I do light reading. If I need to pound out a research paper, that's when ear plugs come in handy. Around lunchtime or afternoon is when the cafe is constantly buzzing with people. I love the abundance of seating and tables and if you grab a seat by the windows you can usually score an outlet. It is also handy for them to provide heat lamps outside when the weather gets chilly.
Downsides: unreliable internet, but you can usually log into Bancroft Hotel's wireless since it's right next door. Airbears sometimes works here. There is also no bathroom here so you'd have to run across the street to campus or to Unit 1. This is a problem if you're not studying here with people b/c I would not trust a stranger to look after my laptop if I needed to step away.
GET: mocha, apple cloud, hot apple cider. -
Review from Christina P.
2/20/2011
Love their patio seating with the heat lamps ! :D
They have OK selection of pastries/baked goods... coffee is meh - kind of bland tasting & wish they'd have a bit wider selection though
It's right across from the campus too so very convenient ... esp for the music/architecture students
But it is loud there so it's more of a place for mingling than studying.. -
Review from Miles H.
Fresno, CA
1/19/2011
This is one of the nicest places in Berkeley to grab a coffee on a pleasant Berkeley day. The Cafe offers plenty of outdoor seating, with nicely shaded areas. It's always busy, but most people take their coffee to go, so there are plenty of seats available. In addition, the staff is SUPERB. They have the quickest baristas in Berkeley, and always make high-quality coffee. They have a plethora of daily fresh pastries, fruits, and snacks, catering to everyone's liking. I honestly can't say anything bad about this place. Free internet as well!
Definitely come visit this place on a warm Berkeley day for a nice afternoon coffee!!! Enjoy! OH AND IT'S CASH ONLY!!! DON"T FORGET!Listed in: Berkeley's Hot Spots
