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Grand Lake Coffee House
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
440 Grand Ave(between Staten Ave & Bellevue Ave)
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 922-1507
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sat-Sun 8:30 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
71 reviews for Grand Lake Coffee House
Review Highlights
"...gotta love the free WiFi, the comfy couches and the space."
(in 4 reviews)
"One of the reviewers said there is homemade RED VELVET CAKE."
(in 3 reviews)
"The Grilled Cheese was awesome."
(in 3 reviews)
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Michael H.
Seattle, WA
11/17/2011
Coffee: Good, cheap, and flowing
Staff: Friendly and awesome
Space: Relaxing
Wifi: Free, reliable, great place to camp out and work all day
Food: awesome
This is one of my favorite coffee shops in the bay area. -
Review from Anne M.
So I'd had a living social deal for this place burning up in my phone for months. The time just never seemed quite right to check out the quaint coffee shop behind the frosted glass. Boyfriend and I were famished after our run. Conveniently, we caught up right in front of the Grand Lake Coffee House.
This coffee house so much going for it. A great location, a quiet, chill vibe, late night poetry slams... The kind of place that makes Oakland so unique.
Walking in, I liked the quiet and the comfortable seating. There's a soft vibe to the place. Ok, I thought, this seems like a great place to sit and get some work done. Mmm then again not. On further inspection, I noticed some of the furniture was torn and the padding was spilling out. Not what I want to see, especially right before I chow down.
My carmel macchiato wasn't bad but the boyfriend reported his coffee was just a little bleh. The egg bagel was disappointing. While the egg was cooked well-- the bacon was lacking flavor and very chewy. The cheese was a badly melted Kraft single. Same with the egg on english muffin. We split a bagel with cc-- to our credit we aren't always heifers but had just finished running the lake--and we liked it but it was no different than a bagel with cc you could get anywhere else.
Service was friendly and quick. Two and a half stars. Not my first choice but I wouldn't be kicking and screaming if I went back. -
Review from Christopher W.
Oakland, CA
12/30/2011
I really want to like this place better. It's a small, locally-owned coffee shop that provides a venue for poetry readings. They are about a quarter mile from our apartment, and they rescue orphans from Cambodian drug lords (okay, I may have made up that last thing).
But, come on, guys. You gotta meet me half way. There is just no consistency. They are often closed when I walk by. Fine. The first time I go in, I was told that they are closing in 10 minutes. Really? It was like 4:45pm on a Saturday. Then, the next time I try to go, there was a note on the door essentially saying that the barista would be back in 15 minutes. Really? You are taking a break from a coffee shop job? Then, we finally go there during regular hours, and it was just "Meh".
Bad music- I like the 70s and 80s okay, but if you are going to play kitsch music, do it with some level of irony or just play The Clash on repeat.
Annoying patrons- Two middle aged women were having a bus stop volume level conversation in the middle of the shop. And the barista was okay with it (he joined the end of the conversation).
Okay everything else.
That's about my experience at Grand Lake Coffee House. If you just want somewhere to go for an Italian soda and internet, then this place works. If you are looking for something more, then just imagine all the rescued orphans. -
Review from Arnetta S.
Oakland, CA
11/27/2011
When I first went here, I was pleasantly surprised by the awesomeness of the soy mocha I ordered, made by the owner. A big plus is that they also have soy whip cream.
This was the only good experience I had. The last 2 times I went, the mocha tasted more like hot chocolate (and it was a double) and I had to send my food back twice. It was not the owner serving. If the owner is the only one that can make coffee great, then he really need to think about his hiring process. -
Review from Ed L.
Oakland, CA
2/6/2012
I got the Living Social deal. I need to use it before it expires on 2/9/12.
I was there yesterday at around 1 pm. When I walked it, I saw people using their lap tops. I gave the girl the printed coupon, ordered two sandwiches and coffee to go. They do not charge sales tax. The total came to $18.80. I left $2 tips. I think they deserves it. The sandwiches were a little over priced. But it was good. -
Review from Katey M.
Berkeley, CA
2/5/2012
I had a LivingSocial deal to this coffee shop and was excited to finally use it. However, I was very disappointed in the place.
First, I had to wait 25 minutes for my order of 2 veggie sandwiches and a smoothie. On the menu it says the veggie sandwich is served on whole wheat bread with hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, and your choice of one of three cheeses. I was served with two sandwiches (one was toasted, the other was not- I wasn't even asked whether I wanted it toasted) and all it had on it was tomato, provolone cheese, and mayonnaise. The person who took my order never mentioned that they were out of both the cucumber and hummus. I would have requested a refund, except that I had ordered the food to go and didn't realize what they had made until I was back home.
While my smoothie tasted okay, I was turned off when the person making it told me she was having trouble getting the smell of salad dressing out of the blender in which she wasnted to make my smoothie.
While I can't speak about the coffee/tea drinks, if the food is any indication, I wouldn't waste your money on this place. There are too many better coffee shops in the area. -
Review from Alexis P.
Richmond, CA
Updated - 1/19/2012 8 Check-ins Here
So pretty much since Kelly left, this place has been "No bueno"...I mean I still go because its convenient since its right across the street from my job. But the service needs some serious improvement. I understand that its a relaxed atmosphere...but there's such a thing as TOO MUCH! Their drinks are inconsistent, sometimes good, sometimes really bad. I do have to say that the Tuna Melt is still always phenom and the salad is too! Still it is not a consistent place, so I can't give them more stars. :/
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/13/2011
I love this place! Kelly is awesome! She is always by herself and it gets really busy...but somehow… Read more »
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Review from Kate Marie G.
Berkeley, CA
10/8/2011
This was a nice coffee spot to find after a walk around Lake Merritt. It was comfortable and clean, and I guess the ambiance and comfort/availability of seating is what will make me come back, especially because I think there aren't many lounge-able coffee shops in the area. The coffee was forgettable, but I'm hardly a coffee fan so my opinion is not especially important.
Like other reviewers, I got the impression that the barista was very tired from being there all by herself. She was trying to fix a broken machine, or clean it or something, and didn't notice us coming in. They were out of napkins but I felt sorry for her and didn't want to hassle her about it. Understaffing could be a real annoyance to customers (I'm sure it is already an annoyance to the baristas).
Yes, the bathrooms were odd but not a big deal. -
Review from Brittany B.
Oakland, CA
12/16/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I apologize to anyone I have served here and has had to wait copious amounts of time for your food/drinks.
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Review from Sierra M.
9/5/2011
Customer service needs to be severely improved here. Workers were disorganized, were shouting back and forth between the kitchen and general cafe area, and were less than successful in correctly taking a simple food order.
- Employee couldn't swipe a credit card, and was not a trainee.
- Employee said they were "out of forks" when I asked for one to eat my salad; instead, they gave me a plastic spoon???
- They got my order wrong to begin with, which was a side of potato salad, not green salad.
- The two coffee orders before me both resulted in spilled liquids on the floor.
- They completely forgot the two previous customers' orders for coffee, and served me mine first instead, at which point those customers were inquiring as to what happened to their orders.
- My BLT came with mustard instead of mayonnaise, which is either an order gone wrong, or an experiment in culinary creativity that I do not recommend.
The employee closing tried to usher customers out of the store 45 minutes before closing. Closed the doors, turned off the music, turned off the open sign, and started cleaning with chemicals throughout the general seating area. At 4:20pm (closing was at 5pm on that Sunday Aug 14th), a customer walked in and inquired with the employee about a smoothie, then left without a purchase, unsurprisingly. Employee announced at 4:35 that the store was closing in 25 minutes, adding "that's not a lot of time." Customer came in at that same time and asked about sandwiches, but they turned him away, unsurprisingly.
In sum, at Grand Lake Coffee house, you have to settle for what you get. -
Review from Muthoni K.
Oakland, CA
1/29/2012
I bought a Living Social deal for this spot a while back and was jonesing some caffeine on a crisp Sunday afternoon, so decided to check it out. Staff was barely cordial as I walked in. I told her that I had a living social deal and started to give my order. I whipped out my phone and started to pull up the deal. This girl rolls her eyes at me and says that it's too late in the day for her to be taking these deals. I'm like, what? She says I have to print it out and bring it in since she can't be sure if I'm trying to get one over them and will bring in the printed copy at a later day. Again, what? Did she just accuse me of cheating? I was appalled. I had barely said two words. I tell her, why don't you write the voucher number down and track it. I can assure you I'm not trying to get one over on you. She's adamant. Nope. She's not doing it. I tell her to have a lovely day and walk out. I have requested my refund from Living Social and will certainly not be visiting this place again. Very disappointing.
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Review from Patrick S.
Oakland, CA
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice little coffee shop with a lounge vibe. It's a little unusual as far as aesthetics go, but the seating was clean and comfy. Service was good. Beware the breakfast sandwich, it is like an egg baseball on an English muffin, but the blueberry muffin was a major hit with all of us. The latte was just dandy.
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Review from Priscilla H.
Oakland, CA
9/22/2011
I strolled around Lake Merrit with my $20 livingsocial deal in my hand. As approached the building, there was something a little... off. The glass windows were frosty and when I walked past the double doors, sure there were nice cushy couches and seats, but it was just kind of dim. Something about the space made it feel a little run down and cheerless. The pre-wrapped muffins and drinks just made the place look dingy. And it was eerily quiet (although there were a good number of customers)
As many others mentioned, there was only ONE poor woman working both the register, the kitchen, and the drink bar. She seemed frazzled and exhausted, but quickly took my order and was very kind and courteous to everyone.
I ordered an italian soda and a turkey and ham panini, totalling about $10. I anticipated a long wait based on other yelp reviews, but my italian soda came in about 4 minutes and the free wifi occupied me for the 15 minutes it took to get my sandwich. Note: as I mentioned before there was one barrista making 6-7 other drinks simultaneously. You gotta cut her some slack.
Food looked nice. Sandwich was on the smaller side but was still alright and came with a cranberry almond salad. Took a bite.. it was alright. Was a bit salty but there was nothing wrong with it, although I've have paninis bigger, better, and faster. Pretty simple, just turkey, ham, cheese, and sauteed onions. Salad was good too, nice dressing, although there was about one tiny almond and cranberry each.
One more thing.. the bathrooms. I heard it was strange, so as I strolled down the hallway there were nice pictures on the walls, nothing seemed out of the ordinary... then I turned and walked down another hall.. and another..
suggestions: hire another employee, turn up the music a stitch, and throw a lamp or two into the storefront. Perhaps more people would return if the food came faster.
Overall a pretty good experience. 3 1/2 stars is an accurate rating of this place. One for the rockstar barrista, one for the food, and one for free wifi, and half a star for the fact that they had a nice little Tupac playlist going on. If I didn't get the deal I probably would not return for anything other than a quick drink or a scoop of ice cream. -
Review from Jake C.
Oakland, CA
9/19/2011
So, I come here for coffee and that's pretty much all I usually buy. I have been going to Grand Lake Coffee House almost since it opened I think, and my experiences have usually been positive.
The view to the park by Lake Merritt from the tables out front is beautiful, it's wonderful place to sit outside and work on a project while you drink a coffee on a nice day. -
Review from Molly G.
Oakland, CA
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm all about neighborhood coffee shops, but
-if you leave milk on the milk wand, I'm going to need you to clean it. Just wipe it right after you use it. It's necessary.
Work on it, and maybe I'll come by more. -
Review from Marla M.
Oakland, CA
4/12/2011
I've given this place one too many chances.
Let's start with the last time I was there. My husband and I wanted to get lunch before he had to go to work. The girl said she was working alone so there would be about a 15 minute wait. We said it was ok. We also specifically stated no onions because my husband is allergic.
We waited not 20 minutes, not 30 minutes, not 40 minutes, but 50 MINUTES for 2 salads!!! Are you kidding me? How long does it take to make a salad? By this time the owner was there and he was in the back "helping."
Oh, and when we got the salads back, they both had onions. Thanks for taking into consideration a serious allergy. We will never be back and I steer people clear of this place. -
Review from eli b.
Updated - 9/28/2011
Have gone here a few times lately. The employees are exceptionally nice people. The food is surprisingly tasty and fresh, but also takes a surprisingly long time. Someone there needs to find a way to run the operation much more efficiently. The waits, especially for food, can be astonishing. And please, for your own good, wash the windows and patch the chairs! I want you to succeed and these things make your nice place look ghetto.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/14/2011
comfortable spot w/ coffee, tea smoothies, snacks and such. all v reasonable. wish they had a more… Read more »
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Review from Merika R.
Hayward, CA
11/8/2011
I love this place. I love this place like crazy.
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Review from Elena C.
Oakland, CA
10/20/2011
Disclaimer: I don't like the taste of coffee. I usually need lots of flavoring, sugar, and milk. Luckily, this place offers so much more. Free wifi, good drinks, nice food menu and snacks. Great for needing to study or work. They also have some night events, like movies. You do have to purchase a minimum to be able to use a debit card, but that's okay, their stuff is tasty.
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Review from Katelyn L.
Hayward, CA
6/2/2011
The space here is set up really nice. I'm liking the constant updates and improvements. There is work being displayed from Bay Area artists now.
The salads are on point and the grilled cheese sandwiches hit the spot.
There are also events here the last sunday of the month and on the first and 3rd tuesdays. Open Mics and poetry slams. -
Review from Erin G.
Oakland, CA
8/31/2011
My boyfriend and I did not have the best experience here. I took him like 15 minutes just to be able to order our food because some kids were apparently being really picky about their smoothies, and I guess the employees were not organized enough (or maybe there simply aren't enough employees? I don't know, I was outside) to help other customers in the meantime.
After ordering and coming back outside, an employee came out and told my boyfriend he'd just discovered they were out of chicken. I was a bit surprised, seeing as how it was about 11 am on a Sunday and that's kind of a major ingredient. Finally we got our sandwiches and it turns out the "potatoes" my boyfriend had been offered ("would you like salad or potatoes with that?") was potato salad. Highly misleading way to label potato salad, which neither of us like and we were disappointed to get. He had assumed "potatoes" meant breakfast potatoes or fries. Quite strange. Plus, it took a really long time for them to make two sandwiches. The place was not packed. We won't be back, unless I just need to run in and grab a cup of coffee or a muffin or something. I wouldn't try to order food again. They get two stars for having outdoor seating, so we could have our dog with us, and a relatively tasty tuna melt. -
Review from Angela N.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not impressed. I went in for a late lunch and a coffee, only to be greeted by a guy behind the counter who mumbled at a volume barely above a whisper. I ordered a BBQ chicken sandwich and a latte. He made my coffee, which was only ok...I'm not sure what kind of beans they use but it tasted a bit watered down and weak. A few customers came in behind me and I sat there and waited...and waited...and waited while he (and another guy who came out of the back) dealt with the other customers and served up their orders.
After about 15 minutes, all the traffic was gone and I went up to the counter and asked the guy about my sandwich. He said, just a minute and he went back to the kitchen. After about 10 more minutes of no one manning the front (the guy that came to help disappeared long before this point), I poked my head around behind the counter and into the kitchen. I said...so what's up with my sandwich. The response? Oh, I forgot. What did you order?
Now typically, I would have walked out of a place with such awful service...but I was stuck there waiting for a friend who was running late. Needless to say, I will not be returning anytime soon....or ever. Not even for the free Wi-Fi. It's too bad...the sandwich and salad was actually quite tasty. -
Review from Lisa T.
12/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Day-old bagels, windows covered in fingerprints, dirty tables, and drab coffee. Sometimes they don't even bother to open up at all.
This morning, the guy said they "ran out" of half-and-half. Really? With a mini-mart a block away?
I try to support local, independent coffee shops but when they're as clueless as this one, I prefer to take my money to Starbucks. -
Review from Chris M.
Oakland, CA
2/20/2011
Decent place to study, read or hang out. Espresso is normal American style (a little on the watery side) and food options go beyond pastries for some healthy light meals.
Pluses:
* Nice if sometimes frayed tables have character and interior in general
* They have kept the TV off when I have been there on Sunday afternoons.
* Non-disposable coffee cups as an option
* Wi-fi is reliable and no-fuss
* Takes credit cards and ATM (but prefers $5+ orders due to bank charges)
Minuses:
* Sometimes the tables are not cleaned enough so they get sticky
* The cashier more than once has been in the kitchen preparing food and couldn't take my order when I arrived. They should probably find a way for the person to do both in the room to avoid this.
* The food case seemed more than once to resemble a supermarket before a hurricane. There's got to be a way to have inventory there at all times so that it's both available and attractively presented.
* Toilet is down two long halls so if it's occupied you don't really have the option to walk back since you've already walked so far. -
Review from C L.
Oakland, CA
10/22/2010
This place is so close to my house that I really, REALLY want to like it if not love it.
However, every time I have gone to this place I leave underwhelmed and now? I left completely disappointed.
I love mochas. The mochas here used to be just OK. Of the several visits I've made to this place, only once did I get help from a friendly employee. Otherwise the service has been either aloof or slow (even if it's not busy) or both. Thus I'm usually underwhelmed, but the OK mochas and mediocre service was fine because of convenience and my rating would have still been a solid 3-stars, 3.5 for being local.
My latest visit was during late morning and it was not at all busy. The service was aloof but I am used to that. I ordered my mocha and an english muffin with egg to go. I did get my mocha quickly, but it was quite hot so I let it sit while I waited for the food. And I waited. And waited. It wasn't busy at all, but there was only one person working so I figured the guy probably had a lot to do being alone so I tried not to sweat it because I didn't want to be an ass. Even after a good 15+ minutes passed, I waited, but I started to get a little antsy. It was then that the barista came up to me and said "Oh, uh, what was it you ordered with your coffee again? Sorry".
Okay, I understand if you were swamped because the place was packed full of people and lots of things were going on at once and you forgot that I ordered food but there was NO ONE ELSE ordering at that time whatsoever. How did you forget my order that I had already paid for?! And despite the "sorry", it was the most aloof, "whatever"-toned "sorry" I've ever heard. Why bother saying sorry if you say it like you don't even really care or aren't going to at least fake that you care?
So then I continued to wait so he could finally actually make the thing. I would have said nevermind but since I already paid, I wanted the food.
On top of it, once I finally got my food and left, I finally tried the mocha and um, it was bad. It didn't even taste like a mocha. And I know a mocha is supposed to be sweet, but it was so sweet it was sickening. In addition, the sweet taste did not taste at all like the chocolate that goes in a mocha, it just tasted like someone just poured an entire jar of plain sugar/syrup.
I might give it another shot at some point (again, that convenience factor) but for now, I rather steer clear. -
Review from Aisha M.
San Jose, CA
10/25/2010
I once worked across the street from this lil Oakland Gem!
2 thumbs up for the coffee, FREE Wi-Fi and oh my the DELICIOUS
red velvet cupcakes.
I always crack up when I have to go tinkle because the bathroom is down the hall, left, down the hall, Left again then at the very very VERY end to the right is the potty. WHEW by the time I get there totally doing the potty dance...Justsayin!
Love this place, check it out. A great date spot right by the lake at night with the lights.. ohhhh yaah -
Review from Z S.
Berkeley, CA
9/11/2011
I have passed up this cafe several times before visiting this past Sunday for the 'Golden State Slam"-a spoken word/ poetry event-that my friend was participating in.
I was disgusted that there was an entry fee charge and even if you were "on the mic" there was a charge too. Then, the hostess had the audacity to suggest that we should purchase items from the cafe. As far as I was concerned, the cafe got my money up front and I was not about to spend another dime on over priced Costco muffins.
Additionally, the event itself was nothing to rave about. It started late. The DJ was inconsiderate and played music filled with curse words then Tina Turner...enough said about that. And the poetry/ spoken word was a bit too contrived for me.
There is no reason for me to return to the cafe or the Slam. -
Review from M-C R.
Oakland, CA
9/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I go to this place all the time and am only now realizing that I've never written a review!
I live right around the corner from this coffee shop, so I'm a bit biased. This place is spacious with lots of comfortable seating and free wifi. The staff's friendly, of course, and the have a good selection of food and non-alcoholic drinks. Hell, I went in yesterday and there was even a football game on the TV. What I like more about this place, though, is that it just feels distinctly Oaklandish -- true locals. -
Review from Dimitrios K.
Oakland, CA
5/14/2010
The reason I like this place is that it has many outlets to plug your laptop, offers both G AND N wireless (the latter being up to 300Mbps) and has very comfortable seating (leather seats).
The food is great, coffee's OK, and they accept credit cards, a big advantage over most coffee shops in the area.
As I'm writing this review, I'm working on a project so it's VERY conducive to working. The people who run it are friendly, too. -
Review from M S.
Oakland, CA
11/19/2008
So this place JUST opened, and I think I was one of the first customers, but so far, so good. It seems like this place has been in the works forever, and because I work across the street, I have been dying for it to open.
It was inviting, and had a coffee shop feel to it, with leather bar stools, big cozy couches, and chairs. The people that worked there were friendly, and assuring me things will get faster and better. The latte took a few tries, but the end result was smooth and delicious. The pastries look good, and it looks like they will be adding a salad menu too.
This is a family owned joint, and I appreciate that. I will be updating this regularly, because if this place lives up to my hopes, I will be a regular.Listed in: My Hood
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Review from Lady J C.
Oakland, CA
10/26/2010
I really like the feel of this place: comfy chairs, good volume on the background music, Black owned, chill vibe and tasty salads. Wouldn't change any of that.
I would change the kind and price of their coffee. A small coffee is $1.85. It is neither organic nor fair trade. Organic and fair trade should be a given, especially for that price. There is a place nearby that sells organic fair trade for $1.50 and also offers free wifi. That place is not as cute, I'll admit.
As another reviewer mentioned, the bathrooms should receive more care especially given that menu items, though not outrageously priced, are not cheap.
The people on staff are pleasant. I'd definitely go there for a meeting or for a change of pace in my work environment. -
Review from Michelle S.
Brookline, MA
Updated - 1/11/2009
Just kidding. I tried studying here today and the atmosphere is far from conducive to studying. I could have adult-onset ADD or could just be in denial that I should take all these exams that I have coming up. I don't know. The lights are too dim and the tvs are too loud. Maybe that's not an issue for you. However, interviews with college football players and commericals playing Mary J. Blige are very distracting to me.
I'm still trying to like the coffee.
BUT, I don't hate the place because it is still conducive to surfing the internet, journal writing (I am most prolific and provocative with my words in the strangest of circumstances...acquired talent from when I lived in Berkeley), light reading, and sober socializing. AND, despite its distraction to my desired productivity, watching sports at a coffee shop with wifi is kind of a cool idea. After all, since Golden Bear was closed and turned into the Honky Tube-esque Dapper Sports Lounge, maybe I can watch my Warriors (lose) here. Also, I noticed that they have kinda neat sodas that I have never seen before...and I will probably get those instead of coffee next time.Listed in: 510 Represent, Good Coffee...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2009
This is really a 3.5 star review. The coffee is mediocre at ok. However, I'll let it ride because… Read more »
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Review from leena k.
Oakland, CA
12/20/2008
This place is right around the corner from my pad, has free WiFi, and is open reasonable hours. It's spacious, and includes barstools, couches, and tables of varying sizes. And there's a little area for spoken word and live music. Cha-ching!
There are some problems, but it's a fairly new establishment, so I'm thinking those problems will be resolved with time. One issue is that service is incredibly slow. There is just one person working behind the counter, and so you have to wait forever to place your order, and then to receive your item. Also, one time the wireless network went out and the staff person just gave me a blank stare when I asked whether she could reset it. For a place that prides itself on wireless Internet, the staff should be trained to resolve that shit!
Also, I believe that it's cash only for now.
Anyways, me likes.Listed in: East Bay Love
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Review from Crystal M.
Berkeley, CA
5/1/2011
nice atmosphere, locally own, good music playing, tv where the sound either very low or on mute, good choices of drinks and lunch food. BUT they need more people working on each shift. the wait for food is very long because they always have only one person working at a time. and i prefer the person who prepares my food NOT be the person who handles the money. that's just gross.
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Review from Mindy K.
Oakland, CA
11/30/2008
This is a hopeful four star review. We only stopped in for coffee, but the counter service was delightful and the space itself is very friendly and inviting. Nice and quiet but not too library- feeling either.
Pastries looked tasty - the croissants and other assorted goodies are mostly from Semifreddie's and the cake is baked by one of the owners. I'll be back for a slice of the delicious-looking red velvet quite soon! Also a small but fresh-looking selection of salads, sandwiches and other little snacks like carrots 'n' dip. They make smoothies too, if you are not looking for a caffeine fix. Cash only for now - but once they've been open more than a week they might start accepting cards.
Lots of seating (and lots of windows for natural light) to get some studying done and since they are open till 9pm every night, I can stop in on weeknights too! Free wifi and comfy couches means more review to come after a few study sessions here.Listed in: Get to know Oakland, Adams Point
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Review from Vandana M.
Oakland, CA
11/19/2008
Yippee! Finally, a coffee house I can stumble to on bleary-eyed mornings! I've been waiting for this place to open since my very first night living in Oakland. While walking down our street, my BF and I met a guy who asked us how we'd feel about a coffee shop opening on our corner, and what kinds of suggestions we had for the place. We were super excited, and for almost a year, we passed by the "coming soon" sign posted in the window and shrugged -- really? Coming soon?
But it came! Huzzah! Welcome to the neighborhood, Grand Lake Coffee! I'm happily sipping my hot chocolate and looking forward to stopping in again soon. I enjoyed the EXTREMELY friendly service and the clean, comfortable atmosphere. -
Review from Rebecca F.
Oakland, CA
12/4/2008
THEY'RE FINALLY OPEN! This is an awesome family-owned coffee shop around the corner from my house. They have clearly invested a lot into this place. The decor and lighting is posh and lovely, plus there is FREE WIFI. Score! The service at the counter is super-friendly, if a weeee bit slow. Prices are fair (I pay a dollar less for a latte here than I do at the Tully's in SF by my work). Plus, when I get off the bus in the evening after work I now have a safe place to meet my husband. I hope people will continue to patronize this place, because we need to support our locally-owned businesses!
And P.S. One of the reviewers said there is homemade RED VELVET CAKE?? I haven't seen that yet, but I would rather get it here than that rather sketchy looking liquor store across the street.
P.P.S Owners, if you put red velvet cake in here regularly, my husband and I promise to eat it. Seriously - you don't know how often we discuss wanting red velvet cake for dessert but being too lazy to drive all the way to the other side of the lake for Merritt Bakery. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2009
This place is right around the corner from me. The service is a bit slow, and as someone else mentioned the drinks don't come super warm. I love the decor and they've obviously made an effort to make it a comfortable place to hang out. However, they just changed the hours from 7am-7pm. Those 7-9 pm hours were great before... but I guess they are adjusting.
Definitely a great location, wish it was open later. -
Review from Uriah F.
Oakland, CA
1/24/2009
So, I live REALLY close to this place. When I saw the coming soon sign, I was giddy with anticipation.
Let me also say I REALLY want to like this place. I will even go so far as to say I REALLY want them to improve so I CAN like them and change this review. I've even gone there quite a few times before writing a review to make sure I was getting a general experience for the place and not just a bad day. I will also say that I understand they are still new and may need more time to get things together.
I'll even START with the good news about this place. The place is really clean and a nice environment. It would be a great place to sit and write and whatnot. Free Wi-Fi, of course. Most of the staff is nice, courteous, and engaging.
All that being said, I'm gonna have to make this overall a negative review for now. For NOW.
The coffe drinks are...passable. That's all. Not great...not even what I would call good. Not terrible, but I wouldn't "go there for the coffee". One of the recent times I went there, they had bagel, but no cream cheese! Now, this wasn't like they ran out of cream cheese on a Friday night at 8pm. This was a Monday at 11am. That's a major no-no.
I went there today to get a pound of coffee for my french press at home. They don't even sell coffee by the pound. Lemme say that again for emphasis. They don't even sell coffee by the pound. That's another MAJOR no-no for a coffeehouse.
The above things are why I'm gonna have to give this place a very reluctant thumbs down for now. Not so bad I would avoid it if I was on my way somewhere and needed to grab a quick cup. In fact, I will call this a "Thumbs down for now, I'll check back with them later to see if they have things together more."
I even plan on contacting them, to give them my perspective of how they can improve and possibly make me into a die-hard regular.
We'll see. -
Review from Paul E.
Oakland, CA
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I very happily live about 4 doors away from this place. They are all friendly inside, and even remember who I am! The coffee is decent and the ATM that dispenses 10's is more amazing than anyone probably gives it credit for. When I need to buckle down on homework I will walk down the block to this place and can pretend that I get "out" to do work.
