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Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Cafes Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Cafes
6925 Stockton AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 528-4709
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 4 pm
Sat 7 am - 4 pm
Sun 7 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar
Review Highlights
"They also have great bagels."
(in 15 reviews)
"They rock for offering gluten-free bread."
(in 2 reviews)
"Fresh + local + friendly staff + delicious = happiness."
(in 5 reviews)
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Adam G.
El Cerrito, CA
1/12/2012
Amazing coffee, food, staff etc...
Between the owner's son throwing impromptu Star wars Jedi party's and the awesome El Cerrito T-shirt they sell, what's not to love?!
I'm there 4-7 days a week. It might take you a bit to figure out who's in line and who's not but seeing all of your neighbors and friends @ the same spot makes the wait worth it. It's places like this that make you never want to move.
Coffee is off the hizzle...they grind the beans fresh for every cup! -
Review from Jana S.
2/6/2012
a solid 2.5 for me
just not pleased as punch as the rest of the surrounding community seems to be. My coffee ordered was not hot enough, and the entire small cafe space was really unkempt....I did not, however, order hot food.
Wish that things items out on display, occupying over half of the counter-top space was more organized and that the proprietors minded order a bit better.
However, what's wonderful about this location is that it's the only small business cafe around, and sometimes, that's all one needs! -
Review from Anna M.
Alameda, CA
1/11/2012
Oh, my. Where to start? I originally found them on a coupon site, and figured what the heck -- it would be good for a cup of coffee and a pastry. I had no idea what I would find when I went, or that I'd end up so darn fond of the place.
First off, street parking has been pretty easy to find, since it's in a semi-residential area. The shop itself is 'charmingly small'...in the same way that my studio apartment was billed as 'charmingly small' in the rental ad. (Translated, this means you can't stretch out your legs without accidentally kicking someone.) If there's more than three people in line, everyone has to do a little side-shuffle-dance when someone wants in or out. The only seating is a small outdoor bistro table.
Despite the lack of space, they make good use of what they have....boxes and boxes of NUMI tea, locally roasted coffees (whole and ground), pastries behind glass, T-shirts and eco-mugs. Oh, and artwork! Awesome artwork for sale up on the walls!
It's located right next to a kid's store, selling toys and knicknacks. Which MAY be why there was a jump-rope on a peg just outside the coffee-shop door, with a sign exhorting you to 'Use Me!' (I almost did, too....before realizing suddenly that I was: A) Over the age of 12 (in age, if not maturity) B) Neither training as a boxer OR in Berkeley, and C) Would likely end up on Youtube if I tried.)
But -- well, if this weren't already enough to keep me coming back, my co-worker has become addicted to the sandwiches. And they ARE good, if a little on the small size. If you are a big, hefty MANLY MAN, they might not be quite enough for you....but otherwise, they're perfect for a quick desk-lunch.
My suggestion? Try the Humboldt with turkey...cream cheese, cucumbers, sauce, all on a crunchy baguette wrapped in white paper and neatly divided. Nom, nom, nom.....! -
Review from lynn w.
El Cerrito, CA
2/5/2012
This is a real neighborhood gem. Forget the big chain coffee places. Well Grounded has the best coffee. Period.
I have only had a breakfast sandwich once in a while, but they were fine, too.
I understand they will soon be adding some inside seating.
Worth the drive.
Lynn -
Review from Lisa T.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh my goodness, what did the owner call it? "Swiss brewing"? It is some sort of magical technique that pushes hot water through the coffee grounds, but in a different way from espresso, slower or something. My cup of brewed coffee had this sensuous crema on top, and fantastic rich flavor. LOVE xxoooo
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Review from rekz k.
El Cerrito, CA
12/26/2011
Our regular bagel & coffee spot. Good, tasty, fairly inexpensive.
We go ~ 1x a week (but not so much when it's cold b/c seating is outside). -
Review from Lorissa W.
Hercules, CA
Updated - 1/10/2012
I came back for grilled panini on foccacia. They ran out of foccacia at around 12:20PM. : ( I was offered a bagel or baguette. I chose the bagel and it turned out pretty good. Very crunchy exterior and a good amount of filling. Pretty good for a sandwich for about five dollars. Will come back. I hope they carry soup again. I called and they haven't had soup for awhile.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/12/2011
I came here and bought a cheese blueberry danish and an almond croissant. I didn't like how the… Read more »
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Review from elia g.
Bay Area
12/5/2011
I love going here for A nice good hot chocolate. It was my first time here a couple of weeks ago and ever since I've been coming here. I haven't tried there coffee but definitely it's up next on my list.
I recommend this place, the owner/s are extremely nice and friendly.
Good customer service. -
Review from Ana W.
Berkeley, CA
1/2/2012
Really nice local people and good coffee. They sell El Cerrito t-shirts and local items which are cute and promote that "buy local" feeling. Like the Mocha and availability of smaller sized drinks. Just a nice, basic cafe of the perfect scale and politics of El Cerrito.
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Review from Shannon H.
Albany, CA
1/13/2012
I really love Well Grounded's coffee and breakfast bagels, I just wish the customer service was better. Almost every time I have gone in, they begin helping you but then stop midway through to help the customer behind you.. Just because I order a bagel, does not mean I should have to wait while you prepare coffee for three customers behind me. I was in last week with a group of first-timers and one of their bagel orders was wrong. We went up to the counter and she reluctantly offered to make another, but did it after the five people that were in line. I would give this place five stars if they improved their customer service.
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Review from Ray C.
8/27/2011
Very quaint little coffee establishment tucked into a residential neighborhood near the BART station. They seem to be attached to another shop, selling small gift items from what I could see. Be aware that there are no tables inside, just a bevy of little shelves of bagels, and other prepackaged items. However, here are a few seats/tables right outside. Perfect for a sunny day.
I had the 3 seed bagel with lox. Quite good, and I think on par with other's I've had around here. Must ask next time where they get them from. Brewed coffee was good, as well.
Parking is ample, as it's a residential area with plenty of curb space. -
Review from Shonda D.
7/23/2011
Great coffee! Today was my first time visiting Well Grounded. I live and jog in this area and for some reason never knew the placed existed. Shame on me!
Its a quaint little coffee joint with a small seating area in front. The prices are reasonable and parking is easy, no meters. The staff was friendly. Its a great place to get a nice cup of coffee, a bagel and jet.
*My own update* I've been here every day for the past week (with the exception of weekends) and I absolutely love.this.place!Listed in: The Yea' Area
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Review from b s.
Daly City, CA
9/19/2011
Very small place, but packed with goodness. Friendly staff. Great coffee. Great bagels and pastries. I would travel to make it here again.
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Review from GAYA G.
Berkeley, CA
11/8/2010
A small cafe in a residential neighborhood of El Cerrito, with a small outdoor seating area that I find appealing as the sun goes down. A small counter inside by the window may offer seating for a few people. This seems more like a to-go place. Serves a wide slection of organic, bagged Numi teas, nearly 5 green tea variations amonst them. I prefer organic loose-leaf teas, and this option would most definitely boost the appeal of this place for me and bring me back; Numi is only somewhat fresh BUT awesomely organic.
The barristas offer a smile and kind greeting, which warms me even before receiving my Gunpowder Green.
They offer 5 convenient kids' snacks in plastic cups to-go, which is great. As a purist, I hate seeing processed gold fish as one of the options. But hey, most parents seem content feeding their kids this kinda stuff, so se la vie.
I would prolly only return if passing through the area. I love the low-key vibes and kindness of employees, though tend to prefer a comfy sit-down, artistic space with loose-leaf. Good for what it is, and seemingly super-local. They rock for offering gluten-free bread!
They were cool when I handed them a credit card for my tea, even though I really wanted to pay with cash. I cash it when I got it.Listed in: Restaurants
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Review from Amanda M.
El Cerrito, CA
7/13/2011
Cute coffee shop in the El Cerrito hills. Far from San Pablo so parking wasn't an issue and the neighborhood was pretty quiet. They have free wifi but not electrical outlets so I docked one star for that but everything else was stellar. And they make their own pesto. That alone speaks volumes about their sandwiches and baked goods. Def coming back!
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Review from Rie I.
El Cerrito, CA
11/7/2010 12 Check-ins Here
Love their fresh brewed organic coffee! It's strong without being bitter. Really good coffee, and friendly service. Day-old pastries & bagels are only $1 each.
Too bad there's no space to really sit down. -
Review from Mari H.
San Francisco, CA
7/23/2010
I've worked in El Cerrito for almost a year and just tried this little gem today. *hangs head in shame* I could have been having their delicious sandwiches and coffee instead of all the other places in El Cerrito that shall remain nameless.
It's rather small inside, but absolutely perfect if you're getting something to go. It's not quick, so make sure you give yourself a few minutes especially if you're ordering lunch.
Fresh + local + friendly staff + delicious = happiness. -
Review from Mark G.
Austin, TX
12/16/2010
Nestled cozily in the beautiful hills of El Cerrito is the hidden gem of Well Grounded Tea and Coffee bar. Don't let the size of this fine establishment deceive you. What it lacks in size it more than makes up in the friendly service and attention given to each cup of brew.
For those who this may affect their decision, ample parking is available in the surrounding residential area. -
Review from Jin C.
El Cerrito, CA
5/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great coffee and bagel sandwiches. Get the Humboldt with ham.
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Review from William K.
El Cerrito, CA
11/7/2010
I great little coffee shop with a friendly staff. Great coffee and bagels.
For me, almost every weekday morning starts with a stop at Well Grounded. -
Review from A V.
Kensington, CA
10/31/2009
Really good coffee and very friendly staff. The E. C. cops refuel here
(which is always a sign the food/coffee is good) Since Well Grounded
opened, a small business district and "art walks" have sprouted around it. We have always had a running joke about trying to locate
"downtown" El Cerrito..........but, hey: maybe this is it. -
Review from Tam F.
1/7/2008
Small little gem of a coffee place in El Cerrito-away from the main stream and used to be down the street from my last place-or up the street from the place I lived before that one.
I have been in a few times, most recently today to get a cappuccino for my hairdresser while I was waiting for my appointment. I have tried the coffee before myself and I don't care for it (I am a Peet's girl). It isn't that it is bad or anything, just not strong enough and I have this old school type of admiration for espresso ground in front of me, loaded into a thing-a-magiggy, and brewed like that-this place, you push a button, and out it comes....
What I do like though is the great variety of Numi teas, Semi Freddi pastries, fresh fruit (great peaches over the summer), good bagels from Boogie Woogie Bagel's (fixings available), small sandwiches and juices. No indoor seating, a couple of small tables for outside people watching.
Nice customer service is always a winner in my book so even if I don't personally care for the coffee, this place still rocks! -
Review from Chalk A.
El Cerrito, CA
10/8/2007
I really wanted to love this place. That was my attitude going in. The service is friendly, the location charming and the bagels and pastries looked wonderful (I didn't eat any).
The coffee, though freshly made per cup, really was not strong enough for me. You see, I know there is a line drawn in the sand regarding people and their coffee. Some people like it strong (me) and others like it less than strong, even weak, i.e. water dressed in brown (and you have to wonder what the point of that is, but hey, to each an ice cream cone). The latter group would love this place.
I might even try going back, just because it's in my community, is locally owned and serves all organic coffee, tea and milk. Maybe I'll ask if they can brew my cup a little stronger. Make it work, right? Or, I'll just continue hitting Peet's where I am consistently served the rocket fuel I need (you think all this charm comes naturally? sheesh). -
Review from Trumom R.
CA
3/23/2007
The Bocadillos (sandwiches) are addictive! So tasty I could eat two a day... but seriously, I am daily thankful that Jen opened up such a great place to get my morning jolt.
For all you tea lovers out there, Well Grounded serves Numi, which is excellent tea. Definitely kicks Tazo (Starbuck's) bootie! Try the Chinese Breakfast tea but don't put cream or sugar in. Yum! -
Review from Kimi m.
El Cerrito, CA
1/1/2008
Best little non-starbucks coffee joint in El Cerrito. Friendly, cool staff and good, strong coffee... a big plus in my book!
p.s this place is a certified green business... i just found this out!! this quadrupled the points in my book. :)Listed in: El Cerrito, CA
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Review from Gloria F.
Oakland, CA
5/10/2007
The coffee here is AMAZING. They have this swiss machine that brews for each cup of joe!!! I had never seen this before but I am now hooked, it's hard to drink coffee elsewhere. I recommend you go in for a taste. You will love it.
The paninis are delicious as well as the
Bagels.
They really cater to my taste in food here.
they serve mostly organic, even fruit cups in the mornings,
simple selection of fresh daily pastries from Semifreddi's...(ooo, and did I mention the brownie bites??)
I love this place, I want to share it with Every One!
I can't get enough of it. -
Review from Jen S.
Berkeley, CA
3/14/2009
I hope that eventually this cafe prospers and is able to afford a larger space with indoor seating. What they have now is great for to-go, and if it's nice outside you can sit at one of the 3 tables w/ chairs they have, but the people and food and drinks are so good that you want to stick around awhile.
We tried the Caputo bagel sandwich-- smoked salmon, capers, onion, cucumbers, cream cheese on an everything bagel Very yummy. The coffee is organic, freshly roasted (mmm, creme on the top!) and brewed by the cup. The owner was really nice.
I'm super excited to find a great little cafe a stone's throw from my house. -
Review from Mary C.
CA
6/23/2009
I JUST (like 10 minutes ago) had coffee and a bagel here and man oh man, have I been missing out.
The place is tiny but I guess that's fine for a to-go coffee joint.
The coffee was perfect. I got a small and it was a bit smaller than I expected (which I should have known if I had read the sign more carefully) but it was just enough for me since I'm preggo and not supposed to drink lots of coffee anyway.
The Humbolt bagel was perfect with tomato, cucumber, avocado and cream cheese. Again, a bit small for my taste but still very very very delicious.
The teenage staff were friendly and fast and no hassle. The local police man came to get his joe on... and some local mommies were there with their babies.
What a cute place.
What great coffee!
Will definitely be coming back here loads of times in the future. -
Review from Jay D.
El Cerrito, CA
6/10/2011
Got introduced to this by my sister, who lives near here and whom we stayed with when we moved back to California. Now, even though we live closer to two Starbuck's. my wife insists I drive over here to get her coffee and bagel sandwich. The owners are great, the staff is great, and - even though you wouldn't think so - there's almost always easy and conveneint parking. Some of the customers are pretty interesting, too.
I should admit, I'm not a coffee drinker, so i can't get into the discussions about the finer points of "how coffee ought to taste", but the tea is great. -
Review from Yeny D.
El Cerrito, CA
6/6/2011
Coffee is pretty good, but they are always out of everything. The staff is nice and friendly, lady owner is really nice but the male owner should be more engaging (a bit on the rood side). Is convenient since I live in El Cerrito but I would rather drive to Albany and get my coffee there.
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Review from Jose O.
7/4/2009
Came in and had a day old sesame bagel and it was delicious!
The owner took a moment to talk to me about her humble shop and it made the experience that much more authentic.
An understated little cafe on a quiet street in El Cerrito makes for a perfect summer's day. -
Review from Rand W.
Belmont, CA
2/25/2008
Even my most organic-skeptical friends will admit, organic milk tastes better than regular milk. So when you make something with just two ingredients, the quality of those ingredients is paramount. Well Gounded's excellent espresso shots combined with real organic milk from real organic cows makes THE BEST LATTE IN THE EAST BAY (possibly the whole Bay).
I'm serious, drink something from your regular chain and then come and try the same thing here. It won't taste burned, plastic, or bitter. The coffee and the milk really combine into something special.
Fantastic baked delights brought in really fresh from Semifreddi's, excellent little sandwiches, and a staff that seems to know everyone by first name...what more could you want? -
Review from Jacob M.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2008
Great Little, and I do mean little, Coffee shop.
The coffee is Lapert's, which outside of Peet's is a dam good bean. The coffee is good, and a little something extra with the crema on the top. The bagels are good (Boogie Woogie) and they have a variety of options, yet I get the same bagel almost every time i order one (Asiago with cream cheese, onion, and tomato), but you should try the grilled bagel! The service is personal, friendly and mostly effective (sometimes it takes a little longer than you might want). Both of the Owners are local, down to earth, cool people, who you will find there almost every day. But the real reason why I got hooked on this place was because they serve Bocadillos ( little spanishsandwiches). The traditional (with jamon serrano) definitely takes me back to Madrid. They got something good going on here. -
Review from Ben W.
Richmond, CA
3/6/2011
I can remember when this place first opened. The owners, Kevin and Jenny are two of the nicest people you could hope to meet, and the service is always outstanding. I used to go in every morning when I lived in El Cerrito and they would usually start making my large coffee before I even had to ask. Benefits of being a regular.
I am a bit of a coffee snob (I used to roast and bag beans for a small gourmet roastery) but their coffee is always up to my standards, and the pastries come in fresh everyday. The sandwiches are quite delicious as well.
on top of being a nice little cafe, Well grounded has been a catalyst of sorts in growing the community within the area and helping to start the neighborhood's own "first friday" art gallery crawl.
If you live in the area this place is a must.... if you are visiting, try it instead of on of the 3 or 4 starbucks that are all in the El Cerrito Plaza.... -
Review from Jan C.
El Cerrito, CA
7/22/2010
Small little place with easy parking. I like the coffee and I REALLY like the cheese and tomato sandwich with olive oil......
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Review from Ju S.
Pinole, CA
Jen and family have set up a pleasant small cafe in el cerrito. They serve the most delicious concoctions that are simple in creation yet made to allow each ingredient to spark taste bud excitement. Not one ingredient is placed in each item that doesn't send the taste buds firing. The traditional with manchengo bocadillo and the humbolt bagel are 2 of my faves. The ingredients are molded perfectly together. The crunch of the bread and moisture on the inside from the tomatoe rub on the bocadillo is deliciously put together. You can even order one and eat it hours later and taste the melting of ingredients. I typically frequent well grounded with my boyfriend and we normally order one bocadillo and one bagel. We share the halves. Add a newly discovered Russian soda (new for us really) and pelligrino and we're set for lunch. Friendly staff, delicious eats and a nutritious (mixed greens, NOT lettuce) side salad make me a regular. Of course there is the organic aspect of this cafe which is an added plus. Don't expect a giant fully loaded sandwich made for gluttony. They are conscious about flavor and health here. The joy of simplicity.
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Review from J O.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2010
Great coffee, sandwiches, and bagels plus friendly staff. Family-oriented place with kids playing make it a cheerful place to be. For me, it always feels better to give money to a locally-owned shop rather than a large corporation.
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Review from Aspen M.
San Pablo, CA
12/14/2010
Perfect spot to grab my occasional cup of coffee, sine the cafe ole was nice and foamy. Glad the owner brings the delicious Larripuns mustard sauce down from Arcata. No if only we could ship in the Los Bagels Slugs too. Thanks for the nice neighborhood zone, so happy to be walking distance to this now!
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Review from Aaron M.
6/18/2008
Walking the dogs in the summer heat, wifey and I stopped by for a quick chat with Jen and Kevin, and a couple iced coffees. A local neighborhood business run by super friendly people, serving super tasty drinks and snacks. What more could you want? They even brought out water for the pups!
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Review from L B.
Berkeley, CA
8/25/2007
Yes, I agree! Great coffee. Check it out.
