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Peet's Coffee & Tea
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2124 Vine St(between Shattuck Ave & Walnut St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighborhoods: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley
(510) 841-0564
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am - 8 pm
Sun 6 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
153 reviews for Peet's Coffee & Tea
Review Highlights
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"At first Starbucks was just a roastery, not a cafe." In 28 reviews -
"...have purchased their Major Dickason's Blend whole beans to..." In 3 reviews -
"Alfred Peet STARTED the coffeehouse movement here in 1966." In 9 reviews
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153 reviews in English
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Review from Dana C.
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
For a quick walk-in, take-out coffee shop there is not better foam!
Try the non-fat vanilla latte, it's hard to believe it's non-fat!
Peet's coffee = Y-U-M
P.S.
Th fruit and nut scone is amazing! -
Review from Tiffany K.
Sacramento, CA
4/10/2012
Whoa...all these years of coming here and no review...until now. I used to drive down here in the 80's to stock up on coffee and then trek back to Sacramento. It was like a ritual. Now you can find Peet's everywhere, thankfully.
The corner location is like a tourist attraction; while sitting here two young women posed in front of the coffee grinder out in the back. The first Peet's Coffee. The back area, that was once the roasting room, is now like a mini-museum of sorts with lots of photos, a coffee grinder and plenty of space. They could probably add some tables and chairs back here too.
I discovered a secret button on the wall, push it and a video comes on the little flat screen monitor that illustrates the history of Peet's Coffee. Directly across from where the bar stool seating area is! -
Review from Andrew C.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2012
The coffee is always good and strong; I'm so not a starbucks fan. There is a good amount of seating. The walls have lots of info on them; if you don't mind reading a bit. Once this week the door handle was sticky with honey and once it was not. Can't blame them for patron's mess. Always seem to be plenty of people working the counter. Its the original Peets; you gotta go visit. You'd make Alfred proud.
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Review from Lia P.
10/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The other well-put Yelp reviews are adequate and there is no need for me to add.
This is the original establishment. The Vine Street location is the heart, soul, and birthplace of Peets.
This cafe has a museum in the back documenting the history of its beginnings. They offer Free Wifi.
It is always busy and they make a great cup of joe! -
Review from Ted R.
9/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The Pride of Berkeley. The birthplace, the center, point-of-origin and Mecca of the cult I joined shortly after I moved to SF in 1994. Now that I've moved to North Berkeley, I love to sit here and find my center, harmonizing self and place with a cup of holy Joe.
[chanting] Shanti ommm baby Peet's baby ommm [end chanting]
Love me some Peet's, y'all! -
Review from Xinwei L.
Berkeley, CA
3/12/2012
This is the original Peet's Coffee so it has some cool displays around. However this location does not have comfortable chairs and the wifi-code is only valid for two hours so it's not a good place to spend an afternoon in. There is metered parking on the street.
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Review from Dave Y.
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my absolutely favorite Peet's. I don't really know why, but I just love it. It's cozy but there's also a fair amount of space inside. There're enough tables (there's also a back room now) for you to stay a while, do work, hang out. The back room has some nice displays of Peet's history and coffee equipment, etc. From here you can also walk around the neighborhood or down to Shattuck to run errands or go to other stores there in the *gourmet ghetto.* It's just so pretty and relaxing and comforting here. I always feel parking is difficult here, but you can actually usually find street parking at least fairly close.
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Review from Allister D.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
I enjoyed the feeling of being inside here. It's cozy and I can smell the coffee in the air. The store is pretty small but has a nice history section of Alfred in the back. People study at the back as well just to point it out. The service kinda sucked and thy seemed very tired. That part doesn't matter much. I felt like I stepped into a house full of ancient peets artifacts. I ended up ordering a simple masala chai while my gf had lavender tea. We had a nice chit chat here while examining the place. I finally got to see the home of Peets!! It really is the heart and soul of the coffee movement here in B town.
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Review from Chiara A.
6/18/2011 20 Check-ins Here
I grew up like many yelpers with Peets coffee being a part of my life! The Vine Street location is the heart, soul, and birthplace of Peets. I love that Peets on Vine Street has a museum in the back documenting the history of its beginnings. And in this day and age of tech, I love that the Peets have wi-fi for its customers.
My favorite Peets coffees are Major D and the Anniversary Blend. Major D rocks my world! This is a coffee blend that Mr. Peet named for a friend of his. It is for me the quintessential Peets coffee blend! A true classic!
It's a Peets world! We just live in it! -
Review from Rany M.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I just started off drinking off and I got a light mocha frap and It was soooo strong. I only took two sips and I was done, I couldnt drink anymore. My head started to spend. Maybe because I havent ate anything that day but yea Idk. I usually come here to get ice teas, so I will just stick with that. Also I waited so long to get my drink it was ridiculous and when I went to ask, it was waiting for me on the counter. They should had called my name.. I'm never going back.
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Review from April M.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool to be at the original. Lots of seating.
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Review from Tam F.
1/29/2011
Hard to believe I have never written a review for this Peet's. I have been many a time since I was a teenager and for 3 summers straight, this was my Peet's since it is near where my daughter did summer camp (the Berkeley/Richmond JCC) and was on my way to work. This Peet's makes THE BEST foam for lattes and the drip coffee is always perfect. I love it when I ask for a "smarge" they do it exactly as it should be (small coffee in a large cup).
I was in the other day and was pleased to see they had expanded since the last time I was in with counters and art and more places to hook up a computer! What is also hard to believe is that it has been almost 8 years since I have lived back in the Bay Area. What a fortunate life I am living!Listed in: I Love Coffee I Love Tea...
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Review from Jasmine S.
Santa Clara, CA
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lovely establishment! The initial shop!
I love that they have a mini museum dedicated to the history of their coffee and tea. Their Ethiopian coffee is so smooth yet bold... Sweet enough to drink black, brewed right out of the French press. -
Review from Michelle S.
Oakland, CA
1/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
You can't call yourself a Peetnik unless you visit the ORIGINAL Peet's location in Berkeley's beautiful Gourmet Ghetto. Unless you don't live in the Bay Area. And if that's the case, then you get special exception points because you were able to figure out the delicious coffee on your own...without being snarked around by the Bay Area coffee culture. :)
Of the Berkeley locations, this one is the least dodgy. And I use "dodgy" in a loving way because while most will walk through the streets of downtown Berkeley and do nothing but complain about the smell of urine and the presence of bums and crocheted hats, something about that makes me feel at home. BUT, if you are sketched out by that scene, then the North Berkeley location is perfect for you. I haven't run into men dressed in odd costumes, transients shouting obscenities as they run out of bathrooms, or had transients point at their genitals and shout at me while having coffee here. Yes, that's happened at the other Peet's locations in Berkeley.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that this location is also in the Gourmet Ghetto and is, therefore, surrounded by other places to visit as well. And it is also surrounded by beautiful parks to walk/hike/cycle/loiter in.
Then again, I did recently update my Facebook page with: "It takes a special person to love Berkeley. I am that special person."Listed in: Good Coffee...
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Review from Erik A.
Milwaukee, WI
12/18/2011
The smell of years and years of roasting coffee is, by itself, a visit here. Also, their fair trade blend is as fresh as any coffee you can get anywhere. No real seating, but a bustling and charming coffee business!
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Review from Cassy H.
1/6/2011
I'm a coffee lover. Well, more like coffee addict, some would say. So, being able to visit the original Peet's whenever I wanted (when I was a student at Cal) was awesome!
This location is pretty big compared to other Pee'ts in the area. There's room to sit inside and outside but most of the time, it's full and hard to find seats. So, really it makes the store look small... Towards the back of the store is a little Peet's museum (at least that's what I called it), where they feature the history of Peet's coffee. The restrooms are back there as well.
Anyway, stop by Peet's for a nice cup of latte and then walk down a block and grab a cupcake from Love at First Bite. Yum.Listed in: Caffeine and Me: SF Bay Area
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Review from Seila K.
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not only did this Peet's bring me to a great neighborhood, but I was also able to learn alot as well. Did you know that the staff at Peet's helped train the original staff at Starbucks and also provide them with their first set of beans? Crazy.
Coffee quality -
Anyways, Peet's coffee is always pretty consistent. Strong, rich flavor that I love. I love the iced mochas there and you would be hard-pressed to find better iced mochas in my opinion, that provide such a good mix of espresso to milk to chocolate and mix it well. Some either taste too much like chocolate milk, some are too milky, and then some have too strong of an espresso taste to it. Peet's does it right.
Environment-
There is plenty of seating in the coffee shop and there is also some seating outside for those nice relaxing days. The unique part of this Peet's is that there is a backroom that has a TV where you can watch a very informative video on the history of Peet's. There are also little pieces of memorabilia in the back room, which makes it seem like a mini history museum. Very cool stuff....well at least if you're a big Peet's fan. :)
I'll definitely be back to this Peet's. Probably not because of the backroom, since once you see it once, you don't really need to see it again, but the neighborhood is so great. There are great places to eat and we can always stop in at Peet's for a post-meal coffee! -
Review from Gabi G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/16/2011
I used to come here whenever I'd visit Berkeley...but I'm proud to boycott any establishment that discriminates against people on the basis of their gender identity, which is what the manager Tommy Ko has done. Hopefully the higher-ups at Peet's take Tommy Ko's behavior seriously and re-establish a fair, just working environment for ALL of their employees.
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Review from Kara R.
9/6/2010
This is the location where I first discovered my favorite crack-like beverage, the Jasmine Lime Cooler. It is the best, most refreshing summer drink ever invented. Not too sweet, always icy cold, and wonderfully flavorful. Peet's is also the place where I had my first espresso drink, which led to quite the cascade of caffeine addiction that I don't regret to this day.
I have been disappointed as of late in the rapid expansion of Peet's, which seems to be emulating Starbucks more and more each day to the detriment of the in-store service and barista abilities. However, the coffee itself is so good that I just paid $11.00 out of my oodles of loan money for just 12 oz. at Kroger's in Richmond, VA out of homesickness. -
Review from Felicia C.
Berkeley, CA
4/20/2011 65 Check-ins Here
Ah, the perks of living across the street from the original Peet's. I love the little museum in the back, filled with historical photos, as well as recent photos of the exotic locations where they pick their beans and tea leaves.
I love the atmosphere - there are regular customers who have been frequenting this location since the 60s (when it first opened). People hang out, play music, and give off an overall good vibe. This store is always bustling, but there are plenty of tables/chairs and the line moves quickly. The staff is very nice, and the coffee is good!
My husband likes ristretto (short shot) espresso, which Peet's does not have (so far, there's Fellini and Chez Panisse...we're still on the lookout). But Peet's has excellent coffee and is our favorite morning pickup! -
Review from Jay U.
Berkeley, CA
4/7/2011 30 Check-ins Here
The Peet's on Vine gets the extra star for being the original location, and it's the store I've been coming back to for the longest period of time. I can't prove it scientifically, but the coffee from the Vine Street store always tastes better and feels stronger than the stuff they serve at other Peet's locations. The interior of the store is not exactly as I remember it from my youth, since there are now plenty of tables inside and out, a makeshift museum dedicated to the history of Peet's, as well as newer, cleaner bathrooms. No more sharing the bathroom upstairs with the Chester Cafe.
The Peet's on Vine is located across the street from a Mormon Temple, and a Friends Church (Quakers), but a cup of Peet's coffee has always restored my faith faster than any religion could. Oh, and you cannot under estimate the awesomeness of having The Cheeseboard located a block away on Vine at Shattuck. -
Review from Ken K.
Updated - 6/18/2008
Let's see.
1) A lil' scoop of Japanese matcha (green tea powder)
http://en.wikipedia.or...
2) Ice
3) A f******kload of milk (or soymilk)
4) Blend into the Vitamix contraption
5) Pour into a cup
A nice attempt, but Petey boy, I wanna taste that tea, not the milk!
This is not a Tea La Tay freeze, Mmm-kay?
Our lactose intolerant Asian asses thanks you very much if you can modify the receipe and perhaps blend it with tea instead of soy milk or bovine juice.
Kudos at least for not using that Tazo stuff blended with whipped cream like *$ does.
In conclusion:
Peet's Matcha Green Tea Freddo
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| \ \ |
| ~~~ \ \~~~~~~~~ |
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| THIS DRINK |
| SUCKS! |
--------------------------1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/12/2008
What a big disappointment for the place that supposedly started from ground zero, right here in the… Read more »
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Review from Bob H.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2005
Everyone around here owes a debt of gratitude to Alfred Peet for bringing European dark roasted coffee to the Bay Area in the 1950s and then eventually opening his own shop in Berkeley in 1966, which is this one on Vine Street. The coffee is good, consistent and strong, and Peet is generally attributed with the reason West Coasters prefer a stronger dark roast coffee profile than East Coasters (who for reasons I cannot come close to fathoming appear to prefer Dunkin Donuts coffee).
Now, for those unaware, here is my brief summary of the tangled history of Peet's and Starbucks: Peet's was first. One student at USF (Jerry Baldwin) worked for Peet. He and his buddy at USF (Gordon Bowker) moved to Seattle after graduation, and started Starbucks, basing it on the Peet's model. At first Starbucks was just a roastery, not a cafe. They only did coffee "tastings" like wine tastings to get you to buy coffee by the pound. They were Peet's converts and proselytizers. Several years later Howard Schultz (who most people associate with Starbucks) joins the fold.
Then Alfred Peet retires, and then STARBUCKS BUYS PEET'S (no kidding). Schultz wants to take Starbucks national -- the founders say no, they want to keep high quality and expand slowly. Schultz leaves to start his own chain. But then the founders of Starbucks decide they really just wanted Peet's all along, and in 1987 sell Starbucks to Schultz's group (for around $4 mil) but keep Peet's. Starbucks goes IPO and becomes an international behemoth, and the rest is history. (My source: Schultz's biography Pour Your Heart Into It.)
So kudos to Peet's for keeping profits and expansion second to quality. For that, I give this location, the original Peet's coffeehouse, 5 stars.Listed in: Berkeley Coffeehouses
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Review from Herra Chink y.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2006
Peet's is Peet's is Peet's.
But this Peet's is special. It's the "first" Peet's. It's stuff is way better than any other Peet's I've been to.
Ok, that's a total lie. It's the same as the other Peet's. But dude, I was wandering around Chicago (land of weak coffee, LoWC) for two weeks, and I was having caffeine withdrawals. Starbucks (which LoWC has PLENTY of) just doesn't make their espresso strong enough.
So I wanted to express my appreciation to the first Peet's, which makes living life in San Francisco just *that* much better (and consequently, makes me *that* much wimpier whenever I go to LoWCs around the world).Listed in: Da Nickel Dime
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Review from AJ K.
Brea, CA
11/27/2009
I always come here in the mornings whenever I am back in the bay area. As we walk down the hill, enjoying the crisp autumn air, I get excited as soon as I see the bustle in the storefront and smell the wonderful aromas coming from Peet's. I just went today and bought a bag of whole bean house blend for $10.95. They offer a complimentary cup of coffee upon purchase which was perfect because I couldn't wait for that first sip!
The coffees here are bolder and richer than Starbucks or Coffee Bean, in my opinion. I also like how it is less acidic/bitter even with all that flavor. The place is small, but I always see this particular location packed with people enjoying a hot cup o' joe while chatting it up with friends or reading a book. It's a great way to start a day and makes me feel like I am back home. -
Review from Ian P.
Berkeley, CA
1/2/2011
This place is a holy place for coffee Pilgrims everywhere...the very first Peet's coffee. Other than that, this is just like any other Peet's just with more history, nicer staff, and a very nice recent renovation.
The history: Peet is really the father of modern coffee in the U.S. Between his own chain and his work for Starbucks as an early adviser, he really lead the development of modern well-roasted coffees from the instant coffee junk that people became accustomed to drinking in the post-war years. This location is where it all started.
Peet's coffee, is pretty standardized. It's roasted on the very dark side...sometimes a bit darker than I would like. You have the full array from the basics to the double cherry, hazelnut, syrupy, whipped cream what-have-you's with a triple shot of espresso and nonfat extra hot milk.
The space is light and airy, but be warned that seating is minimal. I rarely find a seat here either at the indoors or outdoors tables.
Anyway, make your stop here on the coffee-lovers' pilgramage and then stroll the nice North Berkeley neighborhood. -
Review from Alex P.
Hayward, CA
6/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I grew up on Starbucks,natural ice, high fives, good times, epic sax man, youtube, coffee and brotherhood. Pete coffee could be something I could see myself getting into. If not another beer blast with the bro's. This place is great to go to after a hard nigh of drinking and male bonding. Berkley is very BRO friendly and the hipsters here have really taken a liking to me, I mean come on who wouldn't, my mother thinks I'm the best looking bro at my frat. I can out drink all of the brothers and I always pass out 1st. BEAT THAT BRO. Anyways back to the coffee yeah it's good here, It's a local spot to make or meet up a bromanic. If you play your cards right we can BRO OUT tonight :) Catch you at Peet's BRO!
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Review from Lisa C.
9/27/2008
I like this Peets because it's tucked away in the neighborhood. I was surprised to learn that this is the first Peet's ever...I feel so privileged to be so nearby!
I'm glad it's that time of year again...the pumkin spiced latte has debuted once again!Listed in: I'm in need of a Cup-of-Joe!!!
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Review from Katherine F.
Dublin, CA
3/13/2010
This is where I had my *real coffee* cherry popped in 1969...what a day!!
Peet's coffee and I have had a long, and complex relationship.
For many years I drove to get my fix, then I mailed ordered, and now I have my very own Peet's just 5 blocks from home.
I have always been a sucker for the full, rich blends...French, Italian, but now it is Major Dickinson the twangs the magic twanger!
Their teas have also provided many hours of enjoyment.
Fond memories of the *very first time*!!!Listed in: This little piggy went to…
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Review from Elle C.
Berkeley, CA
3/19/2008
Madrigal for St Peet's Day
Tran sated from Olde Englishe by St Ell C
OhPeet's, Peet's, Peet's
Thank you, tra la, la, la, lala
You get me going in the morning, tra la, la,lala,
Your coffee tastes like coffee
That's why you are the saint of which, Tara la
Searching from Abyssinia to Zanzibar , trar, lar, tral lar,
From Guatemala to Guinea. la, lalala.
We sing your praises near and Fa, la, la, la
We grind and measure to your command , Ladiadah, didah
Dear St Peet, in heaven above. lura, lura lu.
Danika, thanks, Merci and gracias. Las, Las, Las -
Review from Charles K.
Los Angeles, CA
9/2/2009
This place is special, because it's the mother of all Starbucks. Thank you Peet!
It's located in a rural portion of Berkeley. This area has a certain charm, and so much character. I feel like it was built for Alice in Wonderland.
I had an iced mocha. It was made fresh, as all the drinks here. I loved it. Their coffee doesn't have an acidic aftertaste, and the beans never taste burnt.
There's a few outdoor seats, and PLENTY of space inside.
I never try the baked goods here, but they look glorious (especially compared to Starbucks).
The staff here are like friends, and they treat you that way. -
Review from Tom D.
Washington, DC
9/24/2007
I was an assistant manager at a coffee shop in Santa Cruz while in college. After I graduated I was involved in a start up and oversaw all of the roasting operations.
As luck would have it, one of the founders was a friend of Alfred Peet -- and was able to arrange to have him as consultant to enhance my coffee and roasting skills. I was already a huge fan of Peet's coffee -- and to this day I can still remember the first cup of coffee I ever had at Vine street.
Alfred was the Warren Buffett of the coffee world -- he was the country's authoritative voice on all things coffee. That being said, he was not a quiet or soft-spoken man, he knew what he was talking about and was quick to let you know if you didn't know what you were doing. We had a rep from the roaster company come to our facility and Alfred quickly put him in his place -- and reduced the man to tears For a reason unknown to me, Alfred was very patient and helpful with me. My time spent with him was as valuable as it was memorable.
Granted, there is a connection between Alfred Peet and Starbuck's -- but the origins of great coffee in this country start with Alfred Peet and his first store on Vine Street.
This is where I had the cup of coffee that will be the yardstick I will always measure all others to -- it was a cup of Kona -- and secrets be told.....Peet's Kona is not 100% Kona -- and in that secret is why their Kona was always soooooo good. -
Review from Zeke S.
Santa Clara, CA
6/23/2007
This is the mothership. This is where specialty coffee in America was birthed. This is mecca! The original Peets coffee. Please bring sacrifices to the alter and offer them up while you down a perfectly brewed cup of Major Dickason's Blend.
Long before Starbucks turned coffee into a fruit drink (and long before they stole their type of roast from Peets), Peets coffee was roasting up brilliant and hand selected coffees from around the world and selling them to the happy people of Berkeley. Its not just the speed that kept all those hippies marching up and down Telegraph Ave!
This Peets is nestled right into the gourmet ghetto, walking distance from the Cheeseboard and Chez Panise. It is a beautiful shop made of dark stained woods matching the coffees nicely. Don't go in to get a mocha caramel whipped cream topped bowl of milk, go in to get a great cup of coffee. Notice how they brew it, notice the coffee to water ratio! Its perfect.
Also note that the Teas here are really good. The Irish Breakfast is some of the best around. And the herbal teas are also of the highest quality. So really this is the place for hot liquids of all sorts.Listed in: My Favorite Reviews
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Review from Eric G.
Berkeley, CA
1/9/2007
Dark, but not burnt. Strong, but not caustic.
I'm a lifelong light-medium roast feller. Cream and 2 sugars. That's my drinking profile so you can put my comments into perspective.
If you're not really paying attention and tasting the different varieties, you might want to look elsewhere. The flavors are deep, balanced and understated. If you're just jonzing for a coffee fix, the best parts may be passing you by. Adding cream and sugar really makes it difficult to appreciate the flavors. Fatapple's restaurant brews up an amazing Peet's coffee. All of the drinks made here are really good and the mixed drinks aren't sugar bombs like at Charfucks.
There's one guy who made a really lousy mocha once. He's gone. And there's a female employee that while smiling and cheery with everyone else, treats me like I said to her- "NICE TITS" or something else reprehensible. I must look like an ex-boyfriend who boffed her BFF or something cuz I am pleasant like a monk in my transactions.
Be sure to listen in on the bums outside this Peets discuss the world, philosophy, and politics. -
Review from Eva V.
11/5/2009
When I'm in North Berkeley, my morning starts at this Peet's. Why does this Peet's rock the house so much? Three words: vegan breakfast goods. I don't know any other chain coffee joints that have vegan pastry options and while I'm not sure that Peet's does this in every store (I suspect not), but this one has won me heart and soul for this thoughtful addition.
Of course, great coffee, nice location, and free Wi-fi don't hurt a bit!Listed in: Best Veg*n Bay Area Eateries
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Review from Stephanie N.
Davis, CA
12/28/2009 2 photos
I walked into this -the FIRST Peets! I'm not sure why this is so exciting, but it is- and was a tad confused. It looked like any other Peets, so why I was I especially excited to visit this one? I mean, other to get some strong coffee and a delicious latte.
BUT, then as I was waiting for my drinks, I noticed a sign, talking about the first store and Alfred Peet and how they dedicated it to his memory. AND THEN I turned the corner to visit the restroom and it was like a free mini coffee museum! Now I don't know about you, but I love me some free stuff, and who can pass up some free education? It was pretty neat to see old school coffee makers and roasters, and an old menu tells me they've only doubled their prices since 1966.
Anyway, as always Peets has great coffee and service, and in addition this location has a lot of history and an interesting little museum in the back. -
Review from Sal G.
East Bay, CA
9/21/2007 1 photo
Peet's is a religion and a way of life.
Alfred Peet STARTED the coffeehouse movement here in 1966. The culmination of beats, hippies, and LSD blanketed Berkeley at that time, along with all that was going on here at the time socially, politically, intellectually, and this local movement started an awareness, a state of consciousness that spread the country over. All because of Peet's? Don't be silly. But I'm sure Peet, and the coffeehouse, filled it's purpose.
See how popular the coffeehouse is here now, and not just in places like the Bay Area, or Seattle, but in almost every major city. And a LOT of that, has to do with Peet.
Seattle? There would be no Seattle without Berkeley. Here is where it began, when Peet used to roast the beans at his only store, in a North Berkeley neighborhood, in what is now referred to as the Gourmet Ghetto. Starbucks? Hell, the guy that started starbucks was trained, by Alfred Peet. He taught him how to roast coffee beans, and how to sell coffee, so I think it's time to give respect where respect is due.
Too bad starbucks took it too far, often accused of over-roasting beans, which is why Peet's is a far stronger, far superior tasting cup of joe.
This year, very recently, Alfred Peet who was long retired from the business, passed away.
Ah, this makes me kind of sad, as the guy who came from Alkmaar, Holland - a small town surrounded by a medieval stone wall and moat, who came to fulfill his fate, and who has directly contributed to SO MANY people's daily happiness, is no longer here to feel the appreciation that so many people had, indirectly, for him and all he has done.
Thanks Al. And don't worry - your loyal followers will continue to wave that flag. To wave it wide, and high.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Aaron M.
3/31/2009
Aaron's Big Eat East Bay: 100 Things to Try Before You Die
http://www.yelp.com/li...
#20 - A cup of coffee from the original Peet's
Thanks again Sara F!!Listed in: The Big Eat East Bay: 100…
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Review from Joyce C.
Berkeley, CA
2/11/2009
Love the history of this place and I love Peets in general.... But this particular location (ironic because it is the original) and it's workers are more hilarious than anything else. Maybe it's the eclectic Berkeley charm.
I order a normal coffee because I actually like the taste of coffee sometimes (although I also like the sugary espresso drinks from time to time) and she fills up my medium cup half way... I'm kind of confused as I paid for a medium and take it back to her... 'uhhh I don't use THAT much cream... can you fill it up a bit more' .... is she high on coffee beans? She then offered some excuse like 'oh i thought you said small' blabla but.... you put it in a medium cup... simple mistake okay whatever... just kind of a blotch in their service.
In addition to that, there is limited seating plus very very awkward high stools for a ledge/counter thing that is too low. The stools are about the same size of the counter... is this supposed to be comfortable? The age range of the patrons are slightly older... which also makes me wonder about the whole really high stools thing... There are only like 3 tables and a few benches... can't really do any sort of reading or studying here comfortably.
I really like the other Peets location on Shattuck though!! PLUS it has a bathroom (unlike this Peets on Vine).
*trivia: Starbucks learned how to roast their coffee beans from Peets ... they basically just had a better marketing team and reproduced like bunnies across the world. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Berkeley, CA
