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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Creperies, Sandwiches [Edit]
1423 E 14th StTue-Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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I stopped off here to fill myself up with caffine and to buy food for my husband and the kids. (We were bringing it to him at work for fun.) They had an awesome selection of vegetarian food, as has been mentioned before. The atmosphere was a little hippy/bohemian, but hey, what do you expect when they have such a great veggie menu? I got a breakfast burrito for the kids, and they actually fought over who got to finish it. These are not children who fight over eggs! It was superb.
The coffee was good, too. Yes, the service was a little slow, but the food was worth it.
Just got home from meeting some old friends for lunch and coffee. I had the club sandwich and a spinach/strawberry salad, both were good...really large portion size for the sandwich.
The coffee was sour so I went to try another blend, but that was sour, too. If I go back, I'll try their Chai--I hear they are one of the few places that make it from scratch. There's even a small bowl of unbrewed chai for you to smell right next to the register--yum!
Give me a C ! give me a R ! give me a A ! and a B! Planet Coffees crab melts make me so happy I want to cheer!
I am also a big fan of the artichoke bisque soup but that has too many letters to cheer for.
Plus the coffee is superior it tastes nutty and fresh
And the owners are real friendly.
Score 1 for San leandro!
Honestly, Planet Coffee should change it's name to Planet Awesome. It's rare that there's a coffee/sandwich shop that has so many vegetarian options on the menu. PC's menu easily contains roughly a half dozen of these options, including one or two vegan sandwiches as well, if memory serves.
At any rate, today I had the roasted portabello, gruyere and arugula on grilled levain (read artisan sourdough) bread with a side of bean salad and Guatemalan coffee. The sandwich was fantastic and obviously meticulously prepared for both optimal taste and presentation, traits that a sandwich glutton/afficionado like me greatly appreciates. The bean salad was a tasty combination of feta cheese, black olives, black beans, kidney beans, and garbonzo beans all marinated in sort of an herby, zesty Italian-style vinagrette. Finally, the coffee was a good example of a Central American medium roast, and was a little on the strongish side without being bitter.
Even though I've just been here for the first time today, if the quality of the meal I had today is any indication of the strength of the rest of Planet Coffee's menu, I have the sneaking suspicion I'll find myself becoming a regular.
On a rec a long time ago about how good Planet Coffee was I finally got around to going... about six months later. Well, not 100% true. I had gone with someone a while back for breakfast, eggs in a tortilla with a soy chai, that was pretty darn good but I'm not a fan of breakfast food like I am lunch food.
First of all, San Leandro has slim pickings for fresh and original food, not to mention trying to find something *really* made for vegetarians and isn't on the meat menu that you had to modify. Planet Coffee has *six* items for veggies, which isn't including their lunch special, salads, or breakfast. Not one or two like most places, but six. SIX! (It's the little things in life that get me excited.)
I popped in today and ordered their pesto wrap (grilled eggplant, zucchini, crimini mushrooms, tomato, spinach, roasted bell peppers and pesto on a tomato tortilla) with smoked tofu and, wow. That was good. No, not good, *great!* Normally I don't like eggplant or mushrooms, definitly not together, but that had to have been the best wrap I've ever had. Everything was clean and well cooked, the wrap was packed and I don't know how I managed to finish both ends of it. It came with a side option of fruit salad, potato salad, or a bag of chips and I picked their fruit salad. It, too, was just as fresh and clean as the food. So, so good. I'll admit the tofu was sparse in it but who cares, it was packed full of everything else that I barely noticed.
The entire atmosphere of Planet Coffee is also something in and of itself. It has a couch! there's a couch! And you know no one from outside has been sleeping on it either. I mean, the place is on E.14 of all streets and there's hobos running around. Truly a gem of a place. I'm going back for more!
I love the ambience but the sandwich I ordered was a bit sad looking and the took FOREVER to make it. There was no one else there when I ordered so I don't know why it took so long.
But the place is very relaxing and a good place to daydream or read.
I went in the first time looking for breakfast, specifically breakfast that was heavier on protein than on carbs. Hard to find in a coffee shop, but Planet Coffee filled the bill with a breakfast burrito that was really a cheese omelet wrapped up in a flour tortilla.
There was more to find, though: a really interesting menu with unusual choices for breakfast and lunch, free internet, and quiet ambiance. Best of all, it's a locally owned mom & pop -- I'd much rather give them my money.
Most importantly: spectacular coffee!
I used to work in San Leandro and the choices for eating out were meager at best. Who knew that there'd be a place I actually missed when I switched job locations?
The sandwiches here are creative, the soups are hearty, and the coffee is good and strong. They obviously put a lot of thought into their daily specials, too. Their menu is also varied - I bet you'll find something for everyone from your straight-up meat and cheese sammy lover to your foccaccia bread foo-foo fanatic.
If you're stuck in San Leandro, I'm sorry...but at least you can count on a good lunch and cuppa joe at Planet Coffee.
My first impression was this is a quaint little place. There was only one other customer in there on a weekday morning at 10:00 am. It was still during their breakfast hour and I really wanted to try the crab melt based on the photo's provided by you fabulous Yelpers.
An older gentleman took my order. He was the sweetest guy ever and said he would make me my crab sandwich anyway and recommended their mocha. This cost me a little over $10. The mocha was excellent. The crab sandwich looked better in the picture. It was not bad and they use REAL crab but I've had better.
The service was good though. I had my toddler with me and they gave her a free cookie and she was overjoyed. I'll be back but will try a different sandwich next time and hopefully, I'll be able to give them 4 stars because I think they really try to make their customers happy.
nice quiet place for good sandwich and good company for lunch... not much a fan of coffee but they got good sandwiches and stuff. I will go here anytime I want a gourmet sandwich with a smile!!!
This place is great! Went here a couple times last week. The first time I tried the coffee; it was just okay. I ordered a mocha, but it was kind of bland. The second time, I tried the iced tea and a veggie wrap. Both were very delicious! The people there are friendly & helpful. The atmosphere is relaxing. I wish they stayed open later, but I'm a fan; I'll be back.
This is how a coffee shop should be. Good coffee, friendly service and family owned.
I have only eaten a few things there, I usually just go for real coffee, but they have a pretty big breakfast and lunch menu. I can't remember the name of what I ate last time I think the breakfast special, it was a bagel, a slice of brie and some fruit, perfect.
The staff is super friendly, they have free internet access and it's a quiet coffee shop which I appreciate.
I just so happen to stumble across this coffee shop as i grew tired of going to starbucks (which is where i normally study, just because it's close to home, and is study-friendly). I decided to venture out and search for a different coffee shop within reasonable distance of where i live, and found this one.
The shop is very bright and colorful, and is pretty spacious, perfect for studying as they have cozy chairs, big tables, and free wifi! They are also accommodate to the health conscious people life myself, and offered a variety of healthy but yummy salads and sandwiches. I had the nonfat mocha & the avocado & provolone sandwich on herb focaccia bread. The sandwich was very tasty! They even give you a side of either chips, fruit salad or broccoli salad. i chose the broccoli salad, which was very flavorful. The coffee here is also FABULOUS, i particularly enjoy their mochas, but their chai tea is also great and they use all natural ingredients. It's a great place for lunch, & ideal for those who need a reasonably quiet place to study.
I highly recommend it & would definately go back!
GREAT FOOD priced very well.
the only reason they have 4 stars is the ambiance. they could afford to get some nicer dishes/silverware, put on some music, etc. their food demands it!
(i've since gone in & there was music on, art on the walls, etc.--i would bump them up to 4 1/2 if i could.)
the owner & staff are so friendly & accommodating. try the saturday crepes from 9am-2pm: not a huge variety, but they are delicious!
Thank god this is not another Starbucks coffee shop. Very cozy, mellow little coffee shop. I come here sometimes during my lunch break to grab a nice sandwich and a cup of coffee. Once you order the food, you get to take a number, sit down anywhere you like. While waiting for the food, you can browse the newspapers or magazines laying around on the coffee table. It is a nice place to come if you are a solo eater while enjoying some peace and quiet.
Their menu items aren't bad.
My absolute favorite cafe in San Leandro...maybe the entire East Bay! Talk about your diamond in the rough...
Amazing cappuccinos (Norbert makes the best--rich and smooth espresso with perfect foam!), lattes and mochas (with Ghirardelli chocolate!). Tasty iced drinks such as Vietnamese coffee, Thai iced teas and fraps better than $tarbuck$.
I would be completely holding out on you if I neglected to mention the gourmet sandwiches (I suggest the tri-tip sandwich!) for lunch and nice selection of breakfast items. For something different, try the Vietnamese sandwiches! If you're used to the ones from Oakland Chinatown you won't be disappointed...these (IMO) are even better. All sandwiches typically include either a side of green salad, fresh fruit or potato/pasta salad. There's even a vegetarian menu if that's your persuasion...and it doesn't disappoint!
Planet Coffee uses beans from Barefoot Coffee Roasters located in the South Bay. The coffee is organic/fair-trade/shade grown fantabulous. You can even purchase bags of whole bean or ground coffee to share with others or be greedy and keep all to yourself....my preciousss.
One of the owners is a culinary academy graduate and she oversees the catering side of this coffeehouse. Everyone at Planet Coffee is super friendly and makes you feel welcome. They of course also have a small pastry case containing the usual suspects and jars of biscotti and chocolates to suit every taste.
Other details you might be interested in:
- Decent sized seating area with a number of tables, benches and a couple of window nooks to hide away in.
- Wi-fi !!!
- Pleasant classical music for a relaxing ambience
- Artwork (for sale) from local artists hangs on the walls
- Ample free parking in the adjacent shopping center lot
- House coffee refills are FREE with meal purchases!
- ***UPDATE*** FREE coffee/tea -- they offer a stamp card where after you purchase 10, you get one free.
Ooh! 3 words: Crepes on Saturdays!
That is all...
First time ever today!
I will be back!
Delicious food, and if anyone thinks the portions are "small," they must be PIGS! I had the beet/walnut/goat cheese salad. Spectacular, and with the walnut bread, i got so full i had to get half of it to go!
The prices are very reasonable and the owner and staff are very efficient and pleasant.
Lovely ambiance too! I can't find anything bad to say about this place!
I am so glad to find a wonderful local place to dine!
Barefoot Coffee,
Great Sandwiches,
San Leandro needs more places like this.
I wish the menu was changed seasonally, other than that this place is great
Thank you Planet Coffee for Saving Lunch! Vegetarian BLT! plus like 5 other vegetarian sammys. The come with a side salad, either fruit salad or tabbouleh or something of the like.
There's not many vegetarian friendly options between Oakland and San Jose, so I'm really thankful for this place. And I'm not just settling out of desperation (like, uh, quiznos). These are really good.
I was craving a Farmer's Market gold standard salad today and logged onto Yelp and found Planet Coffee referenced as a place to find one. And the Yelp reviewers came through for me: There were plenty of homemade salads w/ good homemade salad dressings, sandwiches and coffee available at this little downtown San Leandro mom & pop.
I ordered a salad (under $7 for a substantial plate of mixed greens + homemade croutons) and a delicious cup of seasonal fruit salad. Every chunk of melon, berry was ripe & yummy. With a Martinelli's, I washed it all down for under $10. (As you may have guessed, I would rather pay $10 for a solid, wholesome meal from a local business than $6 all you can stuff ice berg lettuce with shreds of purple cabbage, plastic tomatoes and overly-sugared dressings.)
The cute owners are on-site and the food is obviously handled with care. At first I ordered the roasted beet & goat cheese salad but the owner told me that they didn't have the beets: "Been too hot". Gosh, they could have popped open a can of beets. HA HA. Like me, this place doesn't cut corners. I asked if they would add the goat cheese (I'm a sucker for goat cheese) to the mixed greens and they did; no charge.
Other folks ordered really great looking sandwiches and the coffee smelled really, really good. There's a vegetarian menu that is actually interesting. Had I not been craving a salad, I would have ordered one of the veg sandwiches although the BLT was also tempting!
Planet Coffee is not fancy and schlick but it's clean and comfortable and conveniently close to work. The staff is warm and friendly.
I'll be back!
corn chowder soup...crab sandwich...apple pastry...coffee.
very fresh tasting food.
cost about 16 bucks.
friendly owners.
After wondering aimlessly in San Leandro for weeks on end, hoping to find a healthy, tasty, quick bite, I happened upon Planet Coffee here on yelp. Why haven't I stopped into this place before since I have driven by it oh so many times?
On my first visit, I had the Chicken Toscana on wheat bread (instead of the herb focaccia). Shredded chicken, goat cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach & sun dried tomato aioli. This was very tasty, although next time I will definitely get it on the crusty walnut bread instead.
I also ordered a Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which I typically love... However, I was not happy with the one I rec'd. It was way to sweet and just wasn't prepared for the half and half they added. They promptly gave me the option for something else, and I settled on their iced tea, which was tasty enough.
****
On my second visit, I had the Roasted Beets & Goat Cheese salad. Roasted beets, shallots, italian parsley, organic baby greens, toasted walnuts, tossed in a walnut vinaigrette, served with toasted walnut bread and spreadable goat cheese. I added the smoked tofu for an extra $1.50.
I have to say my first reaction was of disappointment realizing how small the portion was. However, after enjoying the meal back at the office, I was pleasantly surprised how content and full I actually was, and glad that there weren't any leftovers to spoil.
I am only bummed that they will not be open for the next couple weeks (07/02 - 07/15) since I just found this lucky gem! Guess I will have to continue to wonder aimlessly until they get back from vacation!
Read reviews about this place and decided to give it a try.
Thought it was ok. My sister had a BLT and I had the crab sandwich. They used real crab so that was nice. I also had a mocha which I thought lacked a bit flavor but that might be because I like bold, semi-sweet/bitter coffee. The staff was friendly.
Planet Coffee is located on a busy corner of Joaquin and 14th. It is also backed by a Safeway, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and many other businesses. There is a busy shared parking lot in the back of Planet Coffee but parking it's limited to two hours from 9am-5pm.
Planet's outdoor sign is a little blue fabric overhang with white type. It doesn't shout, but if you drive by quickly you might miss it.
As you enter the rectangular coffee shop it feels homey and comfortable. There are about 15 metal overhanging lights that light up the space. The window also allows a lot of light in. Lighting isn't an issue, but the deeper you go, the yellower it gets.
The color scheme is a pastel mustard yellow and spinach green. Framed oil paintings hang on the left wall while a hand painted mural takes up the right wall.
The majority of the tables were just littered with bread crumbs and other food trails. For a place that offers wifi, do you really want to put your laptop on these tabletops? A quick wipe down would sure help this place out.
The cashier and open kitchen space takes up the back right corner of the shop. The menu is well organized through "jamba juice" like colors and big type. For a coffee shop, their selection of sandwiches is quite large. The sandwich menu actually takes up much of the space as the coffee menu is to the left of it. They serve cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, panini sandwiches, and vegetarian sandwiches. Each sandwich comes with either a bean salad, broccoli salad, or a bag or chips.
If you're eating in, they bring the food to your table. Nice touch.
I ordered a cold smoked turkey sandwich (with tax $7.57, yikes). It's a 12-inch sandwich that's about 6 inches high. They don't skimp on meat or bread, but that's basically all you taste. My sandwich also came with swiss cheese, tomato (mushy), spinach leaves, and the bread is slightly slathered in mustard. The focaccia bread was the best part of the sandwich; fresh, soft, fluffy, and served warm (hey wasn't this supposed to be a cold sandwich?). I think the sandwich should've been served with a pickle or a more zesty spread. It's a bit bland, though satisfying
I selected the broccoli salad as my side. It comes in a little glass sauce bowl. The broccoli salad is made up of broccoli, tangerines, shredded carrots, and this sauce that I couldn't distinguish. It was nice but the portions were small, about four small heads of broccoli only. Everything does taste fairly fresh.
This place has free wifi. It works fairly well and never has dipped into severity. There is a huge lack of electric outlets (only four outlets on the right wall, two on the left). During lunchtime the crowds range from 3-7 seven people.
This place can seat around 40 people although the seating is a bit close together. You will probably overhear conversations from nearby customers. The seating is made up of good wooden chairs with fabric padding, a couch, and a shallow booth seat.
The atmosphere is chill especially with the classical music. I can't even distinguish when the songs change, which may be bad or good depending on how you look at it. It's so chill that I could take a nap in here. Please not that this place is right next to the busy 14th street. When I was there you could feel the bass of passing cars, buzzing trucks, jack hammers, and construction.
____
Would I come back to this place? Well there's not much reason to come back. It doesn't really differentiate itself that much from other coffee shops. It's sandwich selection is above average yet the quality is average and overpriced. Some people may like it's consistency. The service is quaint, but not very friendly.
For having such a cheesy name, Planet Coffee is surprisingly good. San Leandro has a pretty weak collection of places to eat breakfast so I usually end up here on Saturdays. The lunch menu is great as well but I only go for breakfast. I really appreciate the quality of ingredients they use as well as the simple yet elegant nature of their dishes. Everything is neatly prepared with just the right sized portions. I love that the owners are there most days. They really care about their customers and go out of their way to satisfy them.
On Saturday they offer a brunch menu with eggs benedict, eggs Norwegian (like eggs benedict but with a soft, thick toast and salmon instead of muffin and ham), freshly made crepes, and more. The crepes are fantastic and she even serves them with a homemade whipped cream (I usually ask for extra).
Apparently they cater as well. I've been in the shop while they were preparing for an event once and everything looked spectacular.
I'd give it 5 stars but I'm always disappointed that Planet Coffee closes around 2pm and is not open on Sundays. They also tend to run out of bagels and pastries as early as 9am. Also, the service can be a little on the slow side. It's fine if you want to sit, sip coffee, and read the paper while waiting for your food, but I usually order to go and have, at times, waited 30 minutes for 2 crepes. Even with these complaints, I still like this place a lot and order there almost every week.
Not just coffee!
I love their vegetarian lunch selections - quite tasty and very interesting selection. My favorite is the avocado cheese sandwich with sun-dried tomatoes; my man gets the portobello grilled cheese panini.
The sandwiches are served with a choice of a surprisingly good side salad (the tabbouleh and the broccoli salad are my favorites, and there's usually a fruit salad) or chips.
My non-vegetarian co-worker recommends the ham and cheese panini, and damn, it smelled good when he brought it into the office!
Great coffee for cheap-o.
Haven't had a thing other than the coffee, but I gotta throw stars out for the happy folks I see sitting in their happiness.
Besides, the jolly dude serving up the cups? he's fun.
This place use to be better, when the old owners ran it. They had the best tuna in the world...good times.
Gone here several times with my fiance, Jeff H. He loves the coffee. I love the Ice Tea!! Great service and great food!!!
I love love love the smoked turkey poblano. I can honestly say I crave it..The bread is homemade, Its a really good size for the money and you have a choice of fresh made sides or chips.The owners are very friendly, and there is art on the walls to look at while you wait. Its a must if you are in San Leandro and are hungry.
Planet Coffee has gone through an amazing transformation. Formerly a funky neighborhood coffee shop, it is now an esthetically-pleasing-to-all-the- senses kind of place. I am amazed at the extensive selection of lovely vegetarian sandwiches offered. The walnut bread, one of the bread options for sandwiches, is a tasty surprise. Last time I was there, my friend and I were writing a script for a retirement party, and guffawing at our own humor. The staff appeared to enjoy the kooky noise we created in the place. Definitely, a place to where my friends and I will return.
It is really cozy here. I'm not big on coffee but I think it would satisfy anyone who's tired of Starbucks. They make really tasty kinda gourmet sandwiches here and have Vietnamese food too. The service is so friendly and they're pretty socially- and environmentally-conscious with the coffee. I think it may have Wi-Fi. It would be a cool hang-out if it had a better location.
cafe style food. good taste. good coffee. the owner believes strongly in what he does and it shows in the menu, culture and environment of the coffee shop. good to see the big chains haven't closed his doors.
I can't believe it took me so long to find out about this place! The owner and workers are all very friendly. The atmosphere is very mellow- a good place to study. They have a vegatarian friendly menu which deserves and extra star! My favorite sanwhich is the Veggie BLT. And I usually get the tabbouleh with it or chips if theyre out of the tabbouleh. The Thai Tea is pretty good too. The only downside is that its not open too late
cute place.
they actually have vegan and vegetarian sandwiches here! impressive! my friend got one, it was pretty good.
i got a blt. came with a nice bean salad, i'll have that again. sammy was also pretty good. neither were cheap, nor were they fabulous, so the 4 stars is all i can do.
also, the close early, just open til 3 daily.
i didn't try the coffee, but i'll be sure to do so the next time i come.
i don't feel the need to write a book, as another reviewer did a nice job of summing up the place completely. and she's right on!
comfy, casual, and a nice alternative to starbuck's.
the owner/operator was nice, but not too friendly.
i've only been here once but my goodness, their sandwiches are delicious!!!
Best thing to happen to downtown San Leandro. The couple that own the place are creative in their approach to food. The wife was a chef at the Palace Hotel in SF. Kind of funky/relaxed and the selection makes you want to start at the beginning and work your way down til you have tried everything. A nice big plus is that they also cater as well. great for those who aren't quite as inspired in their ability to pull together great food for the masses, small or large. **Like me**
they have great sandwhiches and salads and they're always friendly!!! the chicken toscana is my favorite!
San Leandro, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
San Leandro, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
San Leandro, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
San Leandro, CA
Category: Delis
San Leandro, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
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