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Kaffeehaus
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 7 am - 10 pm
Thu 7 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am - 12 am
Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
102 reviews for Kaffeehaus
Review Highlights
"Plus, free wi-fi, lots of places to sit/stretch out."
(in 4 reviews)
"mentioned, their coffee is organic and fair trade."
(in 5 reviews)
"Also a multitude of pastries and cookies."
(in 17 reviews)
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102 reviews in English
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Review from wendy w.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
Wonderful selection of drinks -- espresso, fine teas, chai lattes.
The owner is warm and welcoming and obviously takes pride in what he offers - from the pastries, the coffee, sandwiches to the beer and wine selection.
It's a European coffeehouse where you can relax at the bar with a German or Belgian ale, or a nice glass of wine, and order an espresso as well. Whatever you feel like.
The WiFi works well, and the staff are attentive. -
Review from Tommy Bruin F.
Redwood City, CA
12/7/2011
I had never been to Kaffeehause before but given the mostly positive reviews on yelp, I decided to check it out with a friend. I was REALLY disappointed for the following reasons:
1] The service was mediocre and personnel taking orders were less than helpful. In fact, all of them seemed really bored, expressionless, and exhibited no enthusiasm and certainly didn't help create a positive, fun and light environment that one would typically experience at a coffee shop / cafe.
2] My friend wanted a salad -- they didn't have any. Why would you keep items that you don't have (such as basic salads etc) on the menu if you don't serve it?
3] They kept turning the lights lower and lower, making it seem like you had to go b/c they were closing. It was 6:30pm. A lady at another table told the waiter. "...umm I think its getting dark in here". To which he responded "yeah, we turn the lights down low at night" even thought the woman was studying!
4] I ordered a chai latte that was so disgusting, words can't describe. The mud water that's served at the office has more taste.
Although the ambience is decent, I'm sure I'm better off never coming back here again. -
Review from liz c.
11/30/2011
Yes, as good as it gets!
I've come here twice now, the first time I recommended this place without ever even stepping foot inside. It didn't really matter, from the outside you can tell this is a well-run cafe.
Wonderful selection of beers, wines, fair trade coffee (extra points for that), teas (even flowering teas!) as well as small food items. If we're talking gems, Kaffeehaus is a big fat diamond in the downtown San Mateo sprawl. It's a VERY welcomed break from the string of boba establishments, sushi restaurants and pizza joints (though many of them are great in their own right).
I really appreciate the owner's helpfulness and friendliness -- good testimony to go along with the good coffee. Free wifi, though I wish there were more outlets. You'll probably have to change tables if you come with a laptop that's low on batts.
Definitely a good meet up spot or locale for your "after dinner simmer" time. -
Review from P M.
San Mateo, CA
2/4/2012
this is a terrific place. It's large and therefore plenty of room to have a private conversation. And the desserts are great- best tiramisu I have ever had, including any restaurant
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Review from K O.
Hayward, CA
2/4/2012
Ever since I got hooked on cafe au lait in Europe a few years ago, I've been trying to find something comparable here in the States. Well, today I found it in Kaffeehaus. I almost got on my knees to genuflect after my first sip of their cafe au lait. Oh my goodness, it was so, so good.
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Review from Mike J.
San Mateo, CA
1/16/2012 1 photo
I personally dislike strip malls, coffee chains and sterile environments. That's why I enjoy KaffeeHaus! The owner plays a key role in giving the place its unique charm and authenticity. He always walks around making sure the customers are happy. The place is clean and bright will a lovely terrace, pastries are actually made with butter and taste always like in Europe. Definitely my favorite cafe in San Mateo!
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Review from Becky T.
Napa, CA
1/10/2012
I really enjoyed meeting the owner, Val. He's personable and fun. I also enjoyed the espresso with a piece of lemon peel in it..I forgot what it's called but it's wonderful. I always prefer going to privately owned coffee shops rather than large national chains. It's nice to support your local business man.
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Review from Steph C.
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but the interior here is almost exactly how I'd plan a great coffee shop... high ceilings, dark wood, comfy booths. Service is friendly and knowledgable, wifi is strong and the chai is very very sippable.
Sounds like they've opened the wine bar portion... can't wait to visit over thanksgiving! -
Review from David L.
San Mateo, CA
1/7/2012
Great local hangout to meet and chat with friends. I'm a tea drinker only, so can't vouch for the coffee, but everything else is good!
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Review from Vadim R.
San Mateo, CA
9/26/2011
Kaffeehaus just became our favorite morning and late-night place when we are not up for a drive to SF. It's not really a coffee shop, but more like a European bistro.
Great selection of Belgian beers, all kinds of good wines, and a super-friendly host. Good for breakfast too, by the way, with tasty croissants that they bake in-house, and apple turnovers from some French bakery... yummy! Enough room for a large crowd and high ceilings complete the picture. Definitely beats a cookie-cutter Starbucks for me.
Agree, the parking is tough but what do you expect in San Mateo downtown, especially at lunch hour? I actually never had a problem finding a spot right in front -
Review from Amber M.
San Mateo, CA
10/8/2011
favorite place to study and work! LOVE the coffee and tasty hot sandwiches. has a European flair and is one of the few places in San Mateo with wonderful outdoor seating. Also inside they have floor to ceiling doors that swing open also if you don't feel like being outside but want fresh air. The back booths are SUPER comfy for the long hours of reading and writing papers for my classes.
Val is super warm and welcoming; I heart the neighborhood local businesses! -
Review from PK S.
Burlingame, CA
9/24/2011
Came here for tiramisu dessert which looked most appetizing in the dessert display. Keyword: Display. They don't serve from there. Instead, the man cut from a frozen tray on the back counter. Keyword: frozen.
We brought the tray to enjoy outside and that's when we discovered the tiramisu was frozen and probably still thawing, hence that's why it was on the counter. It was an okay tiramisu, not too flavored and also icy and hard. We really had to dig our forks into it, but we're both dessert enthusiasts and the tiramisu was decimated.
Ambiance is nice, quiet, and clean. But not in any hurry to come back. -
Review from Jimmy F.
Belmont, CA
12/10/2011
Ok beverage selections, very limited food selections. One of the only places I know where u can come and do homework with laptop. Aside from freezing my butt off with the front door being left open (which I asked for to be closed after an hour) and still waiting for over an hour and a half for a power outlet to free up at one of only four power-outlet accessible tables... I am getting some work done, sans the use of my laptop. - Three stars.
This is an update. After the door was closed for only 15 minutes, the owner came out and opened it stating customers don't know that the shop is open. He was a complete dick - an absolute asshole about the situation. I'm leaving right now and NEVER coming back here. This is not the way to operate a business treating a customer who is uncomfortable with total disrespect and degradation. Bullshit really. - if it could be ANY lower it would be negative 5 stars. THE OLD-PISS OWNER OR MANAGER IS A D-BAG! -
Review from Randy T.
San Mateo, CA
1/19/2012
By far my favorite cafe in the Bay Area (or any other area, for that matter). The space is everything you could want for reading or meetings. But what makes the place really special is the staff, especially Crystal and Jenny, who seem to remember everyone's name and what they want to drink. But they're all very good. Courteous, professional, and they really know what they're doing.
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Review from Michael H.
San Mateo, CA
11/30/2011
My favorite coffee place in SM. The espresso drinks are done right and the food is good too. Nice outdoor seating. They also sell excellent locally roasted coffee beans. The beans here are better than Peets IMHO.
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Review from Amy D.
6/26/2011 ROTD 9/25/2011
Kaffeehaus is sometimes open until 11 pm!
And they have sangria for the summer!
When I was here on Thursday night, I wasn't able to try the sangria (I was tired and drinking tea), but it looked delicious.
For tea enthusiasts, they offer Harney & Sons and Numi. I really like Harney & Son's Earl Grey, but I opted for something without caffeine.
A lot of items aren't priced, so you might end up spending more than you want. -
Review from Vince C.
San Mateo, CA
Updated - 6/9/2011
I only live a block away from this place so I've been here many times since my initial review. There's something sinister about this place that I just can't shake. I think it's primarily due to the owner, who I think is named Victor. He's a brooding, thick man who lumbers around the place and makes you feel less than comfortable. I can't fully explain it. It doesn't help that the ambience of the place, while semi-European in feel, already feels a bit sterile, with the high ceilings and sparse seating.
I still can't fault the coffee or the food, but the vibe of the place (which some would argue is the whole point of a coffeeshop), is just not welcoming. An odd quirk of the place is that the cashiers/baristas seem to quit pretty quickly - I've been served by at least 6 different people over the past year.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/12/2010
The only coffeeshop in San Mateo that you can sit all day in and not leave smelling like coffee.… Read more »
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Review from Apple P.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2011
Nice ambiance provides a great place to chat or work. I came on a Sunday afternoon and found plenty of seating. I settled on a table outside since it was a nice day. There was next to no line which was nice. The staff brought our tea to our table, which was another plus. I ordered gunpowder loose leaf green tea which was interesting. It was served in a tall glass mug, so you really get your money's worth on portion. All in all, a good place to chill.
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Review from Lindy K.
San Mateo, CA
Just added fab Croque Monsieur (grilled cheese, ham on artisan bread) for $4.25.
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Review from Margaret C.
San Mateo, CA
8/25/2011
Love this place. Always lots of space. Yummy fresh pastries. I love their ham and cheese croissant, which they'll warm for you. My other favorite is their salmon on dark rye with capers. The coffee is really good as well.
It could be a bit cozier, but the owner keeps working on it and continues to improve it over time. I like the fact that it's a little different in look and style, though a little cold.
In the evening you can go in and enjoy some wines by the glass, as well as coffee or tea. Great place to relax and get away for a bit. -
Review from Dana F.
San Mateo, CA
1/5/2012
My husband and I stop in many weekday mornings before work for coffee. They know our order and are always sure to let us know which is the decaf. The coffee is much better than the surrounding chains. I also drop by for a glass of wine some evenings after work when the lights are turned down and the vibe is more mellow. The owner can seem brusque at first, but he has always been kind to me and charmed by our kids on the weekend, making sure their cocoa or warmed milk is not too hot. The room is spacious and comfortable at the same time. It's not necessarily the place to stop in if you're in a huge hurry as things take time, but we prefer it to all the other options in San Mateo. Bonus points for the spacious yet comfortable interior and free wifi.
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Review from Jennifer P.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great coffee shop if you are looking for a meeting place other than an office conference room. They have excellent diffused lighting and free wi-fi for laptop users; and the place is very spacious, so you don't have to worry about your conversation bothering others.
Did I mention they brew a great cappuccino? -
Review from Hannah S.
San Mateo, CA
Updated - 4/26/2011
It isn't the same :(
The coffee isn't as strong as it used to be and I saw some drama mishap between the owner and a costumer (I think? Maybe an off duty employee.) Although I still really do love the atmosphere and I still think it beats Starbucks for if you want to kick back a little bit. I'll probably come back in a week or so and give the coffee another taste. Hopefully everything will go back to normal.
Oh I also forgot to mention that I heard the Owner complain about a costumer because she was studying for a long time in a booth while only purchasing a cup of tea. I mean I understand that could be annoying, but geeze don't say it in front of the costumers. It really does not rub off any good vibes.
Like I said, I'll come back soon enough and update a new review based on that.Listed in: FOOOOOOOODDDD, Coffe
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2011
I am usually a bit harsh, but all I can say is I ADORE THIS PLACE SO MUCH!
It has an amazing… Read more »
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Review from Fortuna L.
San Mateo, CA
1/2/2012
European-style cafe with a lot of charm. A much needed addition to San Mateo. But the place ultimately disappoints due to unfriendly staff, spotty internet, lukewarm tea, and exorbitant prices. Also, bring a coat, it's frigid.
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Review from Andy H.
Excellent pastries, service and most importantly good coffee! They will also do Turkish Coffee, but it appears maybe the owner is the only one who knows how to do it. I work across the street and frequent them for a pick me up over *Bucks and PeeTs.
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Review from Angela L.
3/23/2011
DRINK:
Beer! The guy sold me on Apricot beer. ^__^ Honestly, I'm not a beer connoisseur (yet) so.... it just tastes like regular beer to me. But it's cute to think I'm drinking rare seasonal beer made with a hint of apricot taste. yurm.
SERVICE:
:) Pleasant. FREE WIFI woohoo
ATMOSPHERE:
Love it. I'm connecting the dots, & it might be that I really enjoy cafe's with high ceiling. For example, Trieste in Sj. Nice & quiet, no music playing, good place to do work. Not enough outlets for every table though. Nice feel, open, spacious, quiet, ... nice subtle hint of earthy motiff, pale lima bean green walls, some cushy booths in the back, a cute little bar area, ... The feel kinda reminds me of a French cafe. -
Review from Kathy D.
Union City, CA
3/13/2011
I almost didn't want to write a review and keep this place all to myself. But because sharing is caring... I am yelping :)
Knowing how packed my usual coffee houses get on Sundays, I decided to venture else where... so through handy dandy Yelp, I found this AWESOME coffeehouse.
Specialty beer, wine, and good coffee. Does it get better? Yes. Service is is super nice. It is very spacious, good lighting and there's definitely a more mature crowd. I will for sure be coming back again!
:) -
Review from Anna V.
8/31/2011
An interesting place. My friend and I dropped in here when I was seeking tea after dinner and ended up with a glass of prosecco and a pot of jasmine flowering tea. The space was a very posh looking room and since it was not crowded after 9PM, it was quite intimate. The service is also quite great as well. The employee was very friendly and extremely helpful. I don't mind coming back for more tea and wine.
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Review from S L.
Menlo Park, CA
11/24/2011
I stood in front of the counter for 5 minutes. The owner ignored us and did not bother to take the order. When I asked if he can take order, he gave me a look and turned away. The guy next to me is from NYC. He said that a coffee place like this will be out of business. So both of us walked out.
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Review from archie r.
San Mateo, CA
5/19/2011
Love this place... Nice ambiance .. Awesome strong coffee served with a cheerful smile ..
Overall a good place that is open into later hours ..
Note: Credit cards on a min purchase of 5. -
Review from Megan L.
Pleasanton, CA
3/21/2011
I wished I lived closer so I could come here all the time! This is quite rare for me to say since I have particularly high standards for cafes at which I am willing to go to study - but this place is close to perfect for getting work done. I came here at 3:30pm on a Monday afternoon and there was one booth still available, in addition to a couple of other table spaces. The booths are SO comfortable. Even the chairs at the regular tables are padded - no sore study-butt! I could really stay here forever. The free wifi and the atmosphere are really conducive to studying and being productive.
The space is extremely welcoming - really high ceilings, plenty of outdoor light flowing in, and no glaring fluorescent lighting. The place has just the right amount of light. The background music seems to be a mix of avant-garde jazz, a bit of electronica, and some other calming but upbeat genres that fits well and isn't too loud.
Coffee is on point - the barista was a friendly and very cute blonde girl. She made me a perfect caramel latte. The blueberry scone I had was also perfect - I highly recommend it.
I love it here and will definitely be back whenever I'm in the area. This is the epitome of a local coffee house business that I am totally down to support. :):):) -
Review from Susan S.
1/18/2011
I was meeting with a friend for coffee in San Mateo the other day and couldn't decide where to meet--at Bean Street Coffee, which I had always meant to try, or at Kaffehaus, which I had read about in Steve L.'s yelp review. I was intrigued by the name--it conjures up visions of German pastries and (non-Dutch) European coffee house charm. We decided on Bean Street, and after a latte, I felt like browsing a bookstore. We couldn't find an open bookstore and my friend's train was still an hour away. So we headed to Kaffehaus.
In the end, then, I never did have to choose between Bean Street and Kaffeehaus. I was impressed by Kaffehaus's space. The art was actually pleasant to look at. (Why is it that so many cafes have really bad art--usually of oversized coffee cups?) The boar's head on the wall is strangely charming. And there's plenty of space and seating.
I decided to go in for a second latte, even though it would leave me wired. But a latte, to me, is the true test of a cafe. Bean Street was a tough act to follow, but Kaffehaus measured up. I sipped and sipped, yet honestly, can't pick one over the other in taste.Listed in: I like coffee and I like tea .…
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Review from Bill T.
San Mateo, CA
11/27/2011
While the coffee drinks are fine, rude owner and stale pastries makes this coffee joint a non-starter. Ordered a blueberry coffee cake, owner assured us it was fresh, one taste and I returned it to the counter. After informing owner that the cake is stale, his response: "no its not, its fresh." Really?!? There are so many coffee bars to visit in San Mateo/Burlingame... no reason to go to Kaffehaus.
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Review from Laura J.
San Mateo, CA
4/26/2011
this place is super clean and has the potential to be a great hangout but it seems sterile and lacks character...plus, i forgot cash and there is a minimum of $5 charge...booo...
I will try again someday with cash in hand.... -
Review from Justin B.
San Carlos, CA
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been on a mission to find a coffee shop on the peninsula between Blue Bottle in San Fran and Red Rock in Mountain View that matches their caliber - Kaffeehaus comes darn close. If there was an option, I would give it four and a half stars, but I'm happy to round up since they take the time necessary to serve every customer and make sure it's a quality experience.
Make sure to try the California Coffee Cake, they're delicious! -
Review from Steve L.
One of the things I love to do whenever I'm off from work on a weekday, and when the kids are still at school, is to settle in a nice, cozy coffee shop. I would order a nice large latte and a pastry, settle in a table or booth, pull out my laptop to check email, or even do some light work.
Most of the time, I've ended up going to a Starbuck's or Peet's, but I really wanted to find another place.
I had a chance to peer inside of Kaffeehaus when it first opened, but never found the opportunity come in and check this place out. Fortunately, I had a few opportunities over the past month. It's very spacious inside, with walls painted a soothing light avocado green, complemented the dark wood cabinets and displays (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). The ceilings are high, from where there are large overhead fans.
Each time I've visited, it's been around 8:30AM. This place doesn't get too packed with people, as there is a lot of takeout business.
Not for me.
I usually sit in one of their booths, with an electrical outlet nearby to power up my laptop. Wi-fi is free!
As Jennifer L. mentioned, their coffee is organic and fair trade. Nicely roasted, strong, yet tasty. Each time I've been here, I had my latte accompanied with an almond croissant. Lots of sliced, toasted almonds on top of the buttery croissant, filled with a nice almond paste.
Between sips of my coffee, bites of my croissant, I'd look up from my laptop screen, and enjoy the how relaxing this place is. There's a boar's head mounted on a wall to keep things interesting (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
I look forward to my days off so I can come here and unwind.
Note: The first time I tried this place, I had the treat of finally meeting my long time Yelp friend Jennifer L! She made sure the staff person gave me a coffee card. -
Review from Linda V.
San Mateo, CA
4/18/2011
Kaffeehaus is fantastic!
Here you Will find organic, free trade coffee, good selection of tea; Harney & Son's and Numi, classy looking deserts, flaky pastries, cookies, quiches, sandwiches and salads.
The owner has exquisite taste for quality ingredients. If you order a panini sandwich, it will have the best quality prosciutto, probably imported from Italy, and top quality cheese.
He uses organic produce from local farmers for his salads.
We have also enjoyed wine with an antipasto plate. The meats and cheeses are like a party in your mouth. The best tasting olives and plenty of acme bread to enjoy with it.
Our favorites are their espresso, lattes, H&S tea, Boston Cream cake(out of this world delicious), freshly baked scones(flaky and tender), almond croissant, proseco(not sure of the name) sooo delicious!
We are so lucky to have Kaffeehaus in San Mateo.
Save yourself from Starbucks and Peet's. You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Nathan C.
Cupertino, CA
4/16/2011
Love the decor and atmosphere of Kaffeehaus, not to mention that they know how to pull a great espresso shot for a multitude of drinks.
Kaffeehaus is situated in the heart of downtown San Mateo, so whether you are up for a good cup of java or just want to be sitting and lounging outside doing some people watching, this cafe is a great place to do it.
The decor inside boasts a bunch of interesting artwork and gives a very good European feel. Most times when I went, there was ample seating for groups and I've even taken advantage of the outside seating area when just kicking back.
It is a good change from the hustle and bustle coffee joints like Starbucks and Peets. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Belmont, CA
Suck it, Starsucks. So long, Peet's. It's all about Kaffeehaus from now on. http://www.yelp.com/us...
I went in out of Yelpcuriosity, and I was won over by the organic, fair trade, delicious coffee made strong the way I like it. They have a frequent buyer card - buy 9 cups and get the 10th free.
The atmosphere is fantastic in this spacious, gorgeous coffee house, er, kaffeehaus. http://www.yelp.com/us...
They will need more staff if they get flooded by Yelpers. This is my new favorite place for coffee and a great spot to chill out. They've been open less than a year, and I hope they stick around for many years to come.Listed in: Organic Bites
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Review from Dawn D.
11/22/2010
Where was this place 2 years ago when I was constantly looking for coffee houses to study in but defaulted to Panera in Millbrae? Had Kaffeehaus been around back then, I can see myself a regular at this spot.
My hair stylist at Time Salon (a block away), told me to try this place out, when it opened earlier year and let's just say, I've been hooked ever since. The friendly owner helped me each time, even though there may have been different baristas. I remember the owner showed me these cannolies (sp? ) that he made. They looked sooooooooooo super yummy. I wish I tried them out that time, but I was on my prewedding diet back then. lol
Anyways, it's now my routine to swing by after I get my hair appointment and order a non fat, sugar free latte and each time they have been delicious and made perfect! I actually look forward to my "after hair appt. latte" each time.
I'm definitely a fan! I always want to swing by when I'm in the area.
