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World Ground Cafe
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
3726 MacArthur Blvd(between Loma Vista Ave & Brown Ave)
Oakland, CA 94619
Neighborhoods: Laurel District, Lower Hills
(510) 482-2933
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 6 pm
Sat 6:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 6:30 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
109 reviews for World Ground Cafe
Review Highlights
"They have free wi-fi, you can work/sit/chat."
(in 3 reviews)
"They make a good mocha and a really yummy (huge) salad."
(in 10 reviews)
"Bonus - there is also a wine bar."
(in 4 reviews)
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109 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany S.
Oakland, CA
1/13/2012
I love this place! The espresso drinks are good. The service is friendly. Great community feel/vibe. I really appreciate that the internet is "secure." The food is good too. I've had different salads, paninis, and pastries. Ooh, they make this one muffin- I can't tell you. You might snatch up the last one before I get there by the afternoon.
Oh they also have a limited selection of beer and a wine bar- haven't tried either of those. -
Review from Tiffany B.
Oakland, CA
9/12/2011
I went to World Ground on MacArthur this morning and the service was quite disappointing. It was early but it seemed as though everyone working there was still asleep or on slow (stuck) mode.
I ordered Chai and a bagel which was FAR more difficult then it needed to be because the woman taking my order kept asking me what I meant when I said Medium?????
Once that was figured out, after she made my drink I noticed that she made it incorrectly. When I brought it to her attention she informed me that she made it correctly but somehow foam got into the cup anyway and she had already poured the milk out so she couldn't fix it.
Suddenly, when I asked for a refund she was willing to remake my drink.
I informed her again that I would prefer a refund so that I could go somewhere else to get a Chai and Bagel-hassle free since my day had already gotten off to a rocky start with this visit, she told me that I was going to have to wait a long time to get a refund so it would be better for her to remake it.
After the back and forth, I FINALLY got my refund but didn't receive an apology for the dis-service. I have gone there in the afternoons for iced tea and haven't had any issues, perhaps there just not a morning group.
Next time, I will stick with Starbuck's where both the drink AND the service will go hand in hand. -
Review from Meghan M.
Oakland, CA
9/1/2011
I came here for the first time this morning, and was very happy with my visit. I am so glad that this place is in the Laurel district.
My latte was great, and my breakfast burrito was alright. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Kate M.
Oakland, CA
2/7/2012
I love this place so much that I've become a regular. The breakfast bagels are delish and the iced tea is tropical! The internet connection is great too and there is always space for me to spread out my work. I read some negative comments on herre about the service. I think these baristas are very good at what they do and they always go above and beyond to serve me. My general feeling is that their level of service depends upon how a customer treats them. Isn't that the way it should be?
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Review from Andrew J.
Oakland, CA
2/4/2012
Indifferent lackadaisical and generally sucks. There is a reason why Peet's and Sturbuck's do well. They take care of the people who pay them. My only question is, how did they make it ten years?
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Review from Adrienne O.
Oakland, CA
12/11/2011
This cafe is cool. They have coffee. They have plugs. They have smoothies. What else is there say? PLUS, they play good music to add to the "world" vibe. I wish they were a station on Pandora. Four stars because the coffee is not really that strong. *However* the tea selection makes up for the coffee. Also four stars because I had a few sandwiches that were too bready. But if you like lots of bread maybe that's not a bad thing.
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Review from Catherine B.
Alameda, CA
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
They serve coffee and beer and food. My three fave things!! The cafe is really spacious and they have free wifi. I like the bar where they serve their wine. Classy!
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Review from KAI S.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2011
*4.5 stars*
I'm sooooo happy to have WGC near my new home! Being as it's a jewel in the Laurel District (in my opinion), I had to "round up" the rating!
Earthy, real, cool... Delicious mochas and yummy food... Spacious place and competent service. The interior's nice too (you'd never guess how Bohemian and artsy it looks compared to the sort of bland exerior!) with tons of seating.
They had a few vegan food options when I visited, too, which was cool.
Probably my only two complaints thus far are that they kinda close early in the day (I tend to prefer coffee shops open till 9 or 10pm) and that their wifi wasn't working on my visit, which I'm hoping was just a random freak occurrence.
The moral of the story: I can't wait to bike here frequently once the weather warms up a little more. It'll def be my new hangout spot close to home! -
Review from Faith A.
Oakland, CA
10/13/2011
I strongly believe in supporting any coffeehouse that serves wine and beer (though the place closes so early, I don't know when anyone gets to imbibe), especially one in my hood! Cool counter staff, good place to work. The baked goods are so crappy it never occurs to me to eat here, but recently I was desperate. I ordered the veggie sandwich and was blown away - it was the best of California - healthful, flavorful, fresh (and I don't even like vegetables!) My companion did not fare so well; they were out of everything he ordered. Fortunately, it's all about me.
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Review from Jason M.
Oakland, CA
6/29/2011
I wish I could write a review about their food... but EVERY TIME I come here they are completely out. Why even offer food if you don't keep enough in stock? Perhaps one day they will surprise me and I will be able to grab a bite here.
Other than that, the atmosphere seems nice and is an average coffee shop. -
Review from Soo Jin K.
Alameda, CA
3/10/2011 7 Check-ins Here
This is my go-to spot for lunch! I love their sandwiches, especially the roasted turkey with artichokes and sprouts. To die for! Sometimes, when I need a mid-afternoon snack, I'll walk over to World Ground and grab a bagel with butter, or a cup of joe.
I even have a World Ground card-- ask for one. If you purchase (I believe) 8 cups of coffee/tea, the next one is free. :)
They have free wi-fi, you can work/sit/chat. Definitely a cool little joint to go when you need a break from it all. -
Review from Laurie H.
1/23/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Years ago I would hang out here in the afternoons, on the way back from grad school in Hayward, and before the tots got out of preschool. Did many papers and homework, had their sandwiches and salads, and it was always comfy and I loved the vibe.
Yesterday stopped in again with the laptop...hadn't seen the wine bar addition! Totally cool! Got my coffee, then stood at the sugar bar looking around when a lovely customer asked "are you looking for the raw sugar?" Why yes I am! "It's right here - in this large container." Holy crapoly....raw sugar mecca! I am so tired of ripping open little packets because then everyone knows what a sugar fiend I am.....
As usual, the coffee was terrific, the people (those working and those customering) are sublime, and I love the fact you can get good food. Since one of the tiny tots has grown old enough for trombone lessons near here, I'll be back on Saturday mornings like a regular!
WiFi fast: 6 1/2 min video upload = 30 minListed in: WiFi Speeds
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Review from Malcolm P.
Oakland, CA
12/11/2011
Ive lived in this area pretty much my whole life and like to support local businesses BUT Ive tried to support this place I just cant do it anymore..too bad. The food is really good the decor is cozy the staff....well thats another story Im not really sure what their problem is, you walk in and they look at you like their pushing you out the door with their stare (not very welcoming at all) then you order and the speak to you only because they have to get the order. Not to sure about the vibe I think the staff sets the tone for the place.
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Review from Shannon L.
Oakland, CA
2/24/2011
Wi-fi: Free. Quient. Sometimes music, but they will always turn it down if asked. Excellent place to study. About 10 tables. Tons of outlets.
Location: middle of the Laurel district. There is a cute book shop a block or two away if you need something to read.
Coffee: Excellent. And it's served in really cool mugs!
Food: Good sandwiches and salads. Tons of extras that snobby coffee house peeps enjoy (read: sprouts, avocados, expensive cheese options). The person who said the food sucked should go to a restaurant if they want a meal. This is a coffee house. The main attraction is coffee and a quiet place for thinking/sipping.
Independent: This is not a Starbucks. I am using that as a compliment. If over-priced and over-roasted beans are your thing, then this place prob isn't for you. This is a true neighborhood coffee shop. The furniture is mismatched and worn. I think that is awesome. If you've ever felt like saying "Take your corporate venti skinny no-whip caramel macchiato and shove it in your a$$! Who spends that much on coffee and pre-packaged biscotti in this economy? Not a graduate student thats for darn sure!" If you've ever said that or wanted to... I guarantee you will like this place.
Bonus - there is also a wine bar. And they sell beer too.
I think we should all support local businesses whenever possible. This one is a great one to support. -
Review from Tamika C.
Oakland, CA
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
There coffee is not good. Have tried the latte, ice coffee, regular and they always brew it way too long. The breakfst sandwich is just ok. I have given this place a few tries. Will not be making a trip back.
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Review from Denise F.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really cute coffee place, relaxed atmosphere, & good coffee! Parking is hard to find...but otherwise, cool place!
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Review from Laura C.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2011
This place is around the corner from my boyfriend's house and he decided to take me here yesterday afternoon.
It's hard to articulate my feelings about this place. On one hand, I think it's great that there's a local coffee shop in this area, but on the other, I feel like this place could use a little something more.
The decor is typical of a coffee shop, but it needs an update or a renovation, something to make it feel cozier. The food isn't bad. I had the tuna muffaletta sandwich; it had good flavor and I appreciated that it was served on warm bread. The coffee was okay, nothing special really. I think I would have liked for it to be a bit stronger. If I come here again, maybe I will try an espresso. Overall, World Ground gets a solid 3 stars. -
Review from Jonathan E.
Oakland, CA
12/22/2010
this casual cafe is a great place to grab your favorite coffee drink or some light fare. Their salads and sandwiches are quite excellent for such a laid back coffee joint.
In 2010 they opened a wine bar that is a great amenity and keeps the cafe open in the evenings Wednesday through the weekend. They serve several varieties of California wine and have a good range of new belgium beers.
World Ground not only serves as a great place to relax, do some work, or grab a drink, but is also opens its doors as a community meeting house in the back. It is one of the places that makes the Laurel a wonderful neighborhood. -
Review from Miguel D.
San Leandro, CA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food, haven't tried the drinks but they look delicious. Usually pretty packed in the morning but the line goes by quick and it feels homey. The staff made me feel like family. I have a business meeting there soon, let's see how that goes.
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Review from Jana S.
5/11/2010
The cool vibe in gentrified Laurel District of Oaktown...within seconds of crosssing the threshold, I felt like I was in a Portland cafe in NoPo, Hawthorne, or Clinton district.
This is a wonderful place to chillax, study, write a letter, surf the web (free wifi), chat with a friend, play chess--even prepare a brief! Reggae and latin tunes fill the large-ish cafe that actually has two separate rooms, one filled with natural light, one with a more morose, darker (and quieter) vibe. Definitely different from the more sterile affluence of Emeryville and Albany.
There are great cushions for the back, and high bistro tables too...armchairs for kicking back...
Peerless coffee is just ok--it at least had some flavor to it. Came here for a trip to the Food Mill and stopping by here as I write to soak up the latest SF and EB Weekly. People-watching can be fabulishous too.
They do serve food too, and it's v inexpensive...but from the two entrees I spied, one sorta gets what he pays for here...all atmosphere. Remember: not all parts of Oakland are equal (i.e. Piedmont, Crestmont, Skyline) . Have a great, sunny day! -
Review from William T.
Oakland, CA
7/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Its right by my work place friendly people never really tried their food but always order my tuxedo mocha here and its always the way i like.
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Review from The X.
Albany, CA
2/18/2011
I used to like this place in the past, but lately I just don't think it's all that anymore.
Hopefully it comes back to life. -
Review from Gina L.
Oakland, CA
7/5/2010
I am also writing this review while sitting here. The upsides..I love the coffee here and the workspace is awesome. Very comfortable with nice music. I live in this area, so supporting local business is important to me.
The downsides..I have avoided this place like the plague for one reason and one reason alone. The staff.. They are very rude, short and pretentious. Today was no different. One out of three of the staff was cordial. The other two as expected were extremely rude and short. So that kind of kills the upsides for me .
I like the workspace..So I may return and just stay clear of any contact with these people. What happened to customer service with a smile? -
Review from Don M.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2011
I have been going to this place for a while but it has went down hill since I now see a trend I will voice my opinion I have had better coffee It tastes burnt, I had a bagel which I assume was a day old and it was stale, This place went down hill Go to Peet's on fruitvale good service and good coffee it is worth the drive
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Review from Corey M.
Oakland, CA
2/2/2011
Great veggie sandwich on the menu and a great atmosphere to do work or hang out with a friend.
Also they have wine and beer and free wifi! -
Review from Kristin M.
Santa Clara, CA
9/19/2010
I work nearby and visit World Ground a few times a week.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and not in the corporation-mandated manner of Starbucks and the like. When they were out of bagels for an egg sandwich one of the girls recommended an egg and pesto flatbread which has since become one of my favorite breakfast treats (and get it with tomato).
Great coffee, delicious pastries, and a cool, down-to-earth vibe. I am lucky I don't have to resort to Starbucks for work-adjacent coffee. -
Review from Max A.
Oakland, CA
6/7/2007
Edit 2/4/08: please see my East Oakland caffeine list for contradictions to the statements I made in this review!
I can count the number of cafes in East Oakland on one finger, maybe two. To my knowledge, there's this, Grounded Coffee on Bancroft, and now there's a "coffeehouse opening soon" sign on 98th across from Bishop O'Dowd, which my housemates and I are eagerly anticipating.
So, World Ground doesn't have any competition within a several mile radius. If you're in East Oakland and you want to hang out in a cafe, this is where you go. Thank god I love it here.
I love to sit here for hours with a friend plotting the revolution over caffeinated beverages. The breakfast panini with sausage makes a tasty breakfast. The pastries are great. The coffee is good. The patrons are my favorite breadth of Oakland diversity. There's a bunch of little tables and a community table with newspapers and such strewn about. It's homey here.
The seating is comfy enough for all sizes of folks, and the bathroom is big and accessible. Highly recommended.
They are not open at night, which makes me sad, but if I were a business owner here I probably wouldn't stay open at night, either. -
Review from Gracie B.
Newark, NJ
4/16/2007
How psyched am I that this is in my new neighborhood. I stopped once, soon after I moved on my way to the city and got a...
Pineapple green tea chai smoothie.
Don't make that face. Seriously. Really, it's good. It isssss. Well, your loss.
The best way to describe it is like whipped up pineapple sherbet and gingersnaps. Which is only one of my favorite combinations (just after mango sorbet and gingersnaps). So tasty.
Then I went back with Mom and my cousin for breakfast before church on Easter. I got a breakfast panini. yummmm. and a cafe au lait (meh - I've had better...but how do you screw up an au lait?) They both got pastries - which must have been good cause they did not share. Mom said her hotchocolate was divine. Which means it was pretty good.
A couple days later, we came back on their way out of town (not a lot of options up here), I got my fave smoothie. Mom and cousin both got the tuna muffaletta. Apparently it's very tasty. Mom had a woman looking at her enviously in the air port.
So that's that - I'm so psyched that this is here. It reminds me of the Dav at American U. So studiously hip, but very comfy.
Note: their morning buns are NOT semifreddi's therefore they're dry and not as good - but the croissants...very goodListed in: My new neighborhood, Places in East Bay that have…
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Review from LuX P.
Oakland, CA
1/28/2007
Lattes are great and the service is friendly. Don't know where they get their bagels, but they are perfectly fresh and chewy.Vibe inside is positive with strangers chatting, people on laptops, and families.
AND they serve beer which is always a good thing. Support this place.
UPDATE 1/13/07-Not loving this place as much recently. The last THREE TIMES I have gone there they have fucked up my order. And today, no bagels or anything else available to eat. I hope they pick it back up again or I'll just go to the new Peets on Fruitvale. C'mon guys! -
Review from Adaku T.
Oakland, CA
2/3/2010
Let's see...where shall I begin?
I like that all the walls are different colors and I like the paintings on the walls. Some of the tables are treasure trunks! Its very spacious here, lots of tables and places to put your lappy on life support. I noticed they were selling postcards designed by a local artist at the front counter, true to the Oakland spirit of supporting and cultivating local talent!
Salsa music was the ambience, followed by jazz. Nice variety and good selection of music. The people at the front counter were quite nice = )
I had the tuna muffaletta (while not knowing what a muffaletta is) and found it to be a very interesting and delicious twist to my favorite tuna sandwich. It seemed to have pesto sauce and was served on wheat bread.
I am actually on site writing the review for this cafe thanks to their free wifi, and considering how cool this place is, I wouldn't mind being on site in the future = ) -
Review from Jaymie L.
Emeryville, CA
8/8/2008
You always want to go into your neighborhood "spot" and feel like Norm from Cheers. I often feel this way when entering World Grounds. I get no collective "Norm!!!" because it is a coffee shop and they fully realize that my being there in the morning means that I have not had coffee and am in no mood to be greeted by more than a slightly perceptible head nod. What I do get is someone who knows my coffee order (single red eye) so well that I don't have to say much, which is good because I am barely verbal that early in the morning. I've been going there for years, and my coffee is always good and always the same and always high octane.
Another plus is what I like to call the 'Knights of the Round Table', but in this case more like "Lovely and Opinionated Oakland Residents at the Square Table'. The prime seating at the large square table is occupied daily by various local and perhaps otherwise patrons that discuss the news of the day. I always hear a refreshing take on the goings on of Oakland and beyond. I never fail to say to myself "now that's the way to start a day."
In addition, it is an area of Oakland where fast food, Chinese take out, and Mexican, lunch options abound. They, in contrast, offer some decent and healthy lunch choices. I am personally a fan of the prosciutto sandwich.
Added bonus - free wifi. Need I say more? -
Review from Micki B.
Carlsbad, CA
2/17/2006
It's local dive of a coffee shop, but they often have local musicians and artwork that make it worth supporting. I go after a semi-long walk with the kids, I have a beer (yes, I go in the afternoon, usually on Fridays), then I rest and head back home. On a healthy day, I will buy a fruit shake from the fridge or an Italian soda which is very refreshing. I can usually get a cookie for my son, but the baked goods supply is not consistent. I don't expect much and I am not disappointed. The crowd is friendly, mostly students.
Honestly, the service is pretty poor. I think there is a high turn-over in staff, since each of them seems to be pouring a beer for the first time or making their inaugural Italian soda.
So, if you live in the Laurel area, drop in for a charity visit and see if it suits you. I like it for what it is, and I believe that we will only get more vibrant and consistent local businesses, if we support the ones who have demonstrated pride and perserverence first.
Oh, by the way, the cash only thing is a drag, but they have gift cards, which my husband scored for me, and I use them since I rarely have a fat wad of cash on hand. -
Review from Derrick V.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2008
Lately, Arizmendi's coffee has been inconsistent so we've been hitting up World Ground for our morning Joe fix. Their coffee is plenty smooth and they have nice areas to lounge or get some work done.
I also noticed they do a $2.50 happy hour pint. Nice. -
Review from Mel H.
Oakland, CA
7/26/2005
I love this place. The coffee is quality (not bitter or skimpily-brewed), the sandwiches and salads made fresh onsite (try the prosciutto), the pastries beautiful (my favorite scone ever!). What's more is that it's a neighborhood joint, a great place to hang out or read the morning paper. It gets busy in the morning during the work week, and there's a definite after-church crowd on Sundays, but that speaks to WG's popularity. Also nice for a light dinner; they serve a fab Fat Tire amber ale, and a pear cider that's delish. Spoken word and live music in the evenings are a regular feature.
World Ground is the gem of the Laurel District, and has helped transform the Laurel since it opened seven years ago (they've since expanded with a second store on Jackson and 3rd near Jack London Square). If you want a reprieve from the frantic-conveyor-belt-madness of Starbuck's, go here. Compared to the Big Green Empire, the espresso and food are scores better and the barristas much happier. -
Review from B K.
Oakland, CA
8/15/2009
I've lived here for almost 2 years and didn't discover this place until about 3 weeks ago (can't say I hang out on MacArthur very often). Love, love, love it. So nice to only have to walk down a mile to get a nice cup of joe. The days that I take my cup to go, I'm thrilled to be able to get in a 2 mile walk before my first sip of coffee. Otherwise, I head to the room in the back and if I'm lucky, the big black couch is available. Their breakfast burrito was good and amazingly cheap.
My only complaint: there's one girl there who charges me more for a large coffee. WTF? She must be the only one that charges tax or something. Too weird. She charges $2.10 and everyone else $1.90. $2.10 seems pretty steep for plain old regular coffee without cream, but on the other hand, I'm apt to tip more because I have more change. Maybe she's just crafty that way.
UPDATE: Have they read my review? Possibly...I'm not being charged more by this gal anymore AND she asked me if I wanted to join their frequent buyers club. Nice!
I hesitate to add this last part. Just discovered their back patio...heavenly except for the occasional KFC drive thru order.
UPDATE #2: Ok, so in the spirit of full disclosure, I now work here. Not only is this a great place to hang out and get some coffee but its a great place to work too! -
Review from Lauren B.
Oakland, CA
8/24/2008
Free wifi (yay!), really good salads (yay again!), pleasant staff (though I have to agree they're a bit slow) and, oh yeah, good coffee. They also have this really good fruity iced tea. And their bathroom isn't gross.
A sweet girl that works there let me in on the secret that parking across the street does not require a permit. Double yay! If I want parking police sitting next to my car, waiting to give me a ticket, I'll go to Berkeley ... -
Review from Daniel R.
Oakland, CA
8/12/2010
Excellent espressos and macchiatos. Delicious food selection, much of which is made to order (sandwiches, salads), or at least house-made in advance (soups); my favorite menu item is the Prosciutto, an open-faced sandwich smeared with basil pesto, covered with sliced fresh tomatoes, prosciutto (go pig!), and aged parmesan shavings on large slices of good rustic bread. They also offer wine, and 4 taps of New Belgium Brewing Company beer (some of which are sometimes out), currently including the new Ranger IPA release (one of my favorites).
This is my favorite local coffee shop and hang out. When my son had child care in the Laurel, I came here often to work for a bit in the morning (free WiFi, whoot!) before heading into the office. A funky, chill, down-to-earth atmosphere that reminds me of my home town of Santa Cruz.
The large community table that used to adjoin the food/coffee prep areas has been replaced with a bar, which offers the same friendly atmosphere without reminding me of a poor public school. In response to some of the other reviews, I find that the staff tend to give what they get in terms of attitude; if you're polite to them (even if you "need your coffee"), you won't find them rude or indifferent in response. -
Review from Sharon M.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2006
They make a good mocha and a really yummy (huge) salad. They also have a nice selection of food items and comfortable seating.
A great option for a reasonably healthy lunch and a good stop for a quick morning pick-me-up. -
Review from Jason M.
Rockridge, CA
3/9/2010
Nice cafe in a new (to me) part of Oakland. Laurel's pretty cool. Reminds me of Piedmont Ave back in '88. Actually feels like Oakland. Cool local shops during the day, might be the victim of a drive by shooting at night.
Anyway, the cafe's excellent. Chill, spacious. I'd give them five stars if they had added a few plants and couches to the front room. Love the big communal table in the front. Brings me just that much closer to feeling like I'm being social, while sitting in a cafe staring at my laptop screen with headphones on. -
Review from Ron L.
Oakland, CA
8/31/2005
This place is great for a light breakfast. Their breakfast panini is excellent, the coffee and the pastries are so-so . The bagels from Boogie Woogie Bagel Boy are my favorite bagel in the bay area (especially the jalapeno cheese), but you better show up before 11am on the weekends if you want to be sure to get one.
C'mon World Ground, you must order more bagels on the weekends!
