- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Zocalo Coffeehouse
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Restaurants Cafes Coffee & Tea, Venues & Event Spaces, Cafes
645 Bancroft Ave(between Dutton Ave & Oakes Blvd)
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 569-0102
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jason R. said: "I had another fantastic time at iFly last week!!! Brandon was a great instructor, very patient, and helped me work on a few cool moves in the tunnel! Cant wait to go back!" read more »
209 reviews for Zocalo Coffeehouse
Review Highlights
"They roast their own beans and make their own blends."
(in 9 reviews)
"Great kids play area, interesting art displays."
(in 12 reviews)
"Solid local coffee hang out."
(in 24 reviews)
Loading...
209 reviews in English
-
Review from Rachael H.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2012
I've written four books here. Seriously, I put Zocalo in the acknowledgments of my last book. There's just something about the feeling of community here that makes the creativity flow. I love seeing the same people, day after day; I love the smiles that go back and forth. I'm sad that darling Brian doesn't seem to work there anymore -- he was cute enough to base a romance hero on. I even like the kids' section -- I'm not usually down with the little ones, but since they have them fenced off, the noise and bumps and thumps are actually kind of charming.
The coffee's hot and good and please don't take the last carrot muffin because that one has my name all over it. I'm the one writing in the corner, pretending like I'm not noticing anything, but in reality, I'm jotting it all down. Grist, baby.Listed in: Where I Write
-
Review from Erin H.
Washington, DC
1/3/2012
This place has a great vibe!
I usually can't concentrate with noise, but there is something about this place, or their French Roast, that makes me highly productive. Hands down, among San Leandro's finest assets in my book!
It's got something for everyone- kids, "readers," art lovers, and worker bees alike.
The staff and patrons are equally friendly. I usually stick to coffee, but I'd recommend the Mexican Mocha if you're feeling wild. -
Review from Alexander R.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2011
Best Coffee house in San Leandro hands down my brothers and sisters! The space is bright and open, the staffing is friendly people without pretension or the attitude you may find at snooty Starbucks.
The coffee is roasted there and it's a good cup, no doubt!
It can get busy, it can get noisy and there may be little children running all over but that's community, yeah?
It also seems that you can go for a work out after your coffee because there is some sort of gym in the back. -
Review from Andrew G.
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I know I might be a San Leandro homer with some of my reviews but this is truly unbiased. Zocalo is one of the best cafes in the east bay, hands down! Great tasting coffee, friendly staff, plenty of seating, free wifi, great food to accompany any beverage AND it is in a nice local business friendly area of San Leandro.
-
Review from Cristina D.
Hayward, CA
2/7/2012
This is a really cool place with their tasty coffee beverages and their fair trade coffee!! People seem to enjoy the atmosphere and it's great! The staff were very friendly and helpful if you weren't too sure about what to get. If you come here, try the Borgia, it's amazing!
-
Review from Eric W.
12/19/2011
A college coffee shop... without the college! This is exactly how I'd describe Zocalo. This place reminds me of the cafés I've visited from Berkeley to UW to NYU, except that this one happens to be in the middle of a residential area with nary any institute of higher learning to be found in the immediate vicinity!
From the dark wooden decor, the ambient music blaring out of the speakers, eclectic paintings on the wall from local artists (all for sale, of course), young, relatively attractive staff, and varied collection of green organic drinks, to the long haired dudes with skateboards and guitars, Zocalo is definitely a college coffee shop. But wait... where are all the students?
Yes, trade the university kids with their backpacks and Macbooks for a slightly older demographic, many with children in tow. As a matter of fact, there is even a little children's play area tucked away in the back.
Parking is easy and ample, with a free lot behind the shop. There are metered spaces in the front, but since the surrounding area is mostly residential, there is really no need to have to pay. Just circle around a few times, and you are bound to locate a plethora of free spots. In addition, Wi-Fi is free, relatively reliable, and plugs are ample.
My only gripe about Zocalo is that they close so darn early! If you are looking for a place to burn that midnight oil, converse with your friends after dinner, or have a hot date with one of your favorite Yelp hunnies, best look elsewhere. If you are interested in reliving your college days without having to deal with the overflow of students, Zocalo is your spot. -
Review from Fermin R.
Oakland, CA
All it takes to see why this coffeehouse has such good yelp! Reviews is one visit. They have a good assortment of pastries, bagels. An amazing selection of roasts, tea, and other non-coffee drinks, i.e., juices, smoothies and soda even. Zocalo offers plenty of seating, comfortable seating, a book collection, free wi-fi, a 1/2 off pastry special after 3PM, and a conveniently located fitness and workout studio (Hot Body Fitness) at the very back end of the coffeehouse. In addition, the lighting, the music level and not to mention the temperature of my coffee, were all ideal!! Come to Zocalo!!
-
Review from Isabelle R.
San Leandro, CA
2/4/2012
I live near by which is why i love to walk over enjoy a coffee or tea depends on how i.m feeling and get through my email play a few games and just relax. I usually like the music a little of everything parking can be a pain. otherwise all good
-
Review from S B.
Castro Valley, CA
1/13/2012
I love the vibe and the people who work there have always been great. I really like the coffee and food. I can see myself spending hours here. I love that there is a kid area and room for me to sit and watch my kid while enjoying my coffee. The only thing is I don't know how long it's been since they've cleaned the kids play area. The toys look dirty and every time I've taken my kid here, she ends up getting sick. The only other negative was there isn't a lot of parking, it's not easy to find parking on a busy day. I could have easily overlooked the parking issue because there's paid parking in front, but I can't get over the unclean kid area. That's the only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars.
-
Review from Lauren S.
12/20/2011 7 Check-ins Here
My neighborhood joint! Amazing atmosphere, families, loving energy, politically relevant art, and gorgeous decor. AMAZING EGG NOG CHAI!
Listed in: San Leandroooo!
-
Review from Adrian C.
San Leandro, CA
11/1/2011
LOVE IT!!!
We live right down the street and we all walk down there together on the weekends. Good coffee, great staff, VERY nice atmosphere. Play area for the young kids.
We love having them so close!!
---
- added on 11/17/11
The owners take pride in their place and are on top of their customer's views regarding their coffee house. They listen to what we have to say and make sure to meet all our needs. 5 stars!!! -
Review from curtis l.
Auburn, WA
1/14/2012
This is the sort of coffee shop that communities need, very nice atmosphere and always top quality coffee. Very refreshing to see a coffee shop like this doing well. Keep up the good work.
-
Review from Vanilla P.
San Lorenzo, CA
8/30/2011
This coffeehouse has awesome ambiance, but the coffee itself is pretty... um, well, something. I ordered a mocha caramel drink that they've created, and it was downright disgusting. There was so much syrup in it that it was undrinkable. I did take it back up to the counter and the girl actually refunded my money with no beef, so I was very pleased with the customer service. I bought a regular cup of coffee, and the flavors were too strong, half the canisters were empty, and the milks were empty too. Just kind of little things that a coffee house should be on top of (since they do serve coffee as their main product, being a coffeehouse and whatnot).
The kids area is great but there is limited adult seating. Either you're a parent who knows your kid will play well with others and you can turn them loose, or you're a parent who gets there early to snag one of the two armchairs in the area. Good luck. -
Review from Gabriel C.
Pleasanton, CA
9/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My brother lives in San Leandro and when I visit him I need to stop by this place. I love the attentiveness of the entire staff. They are helpful in asking any questions you may have and are quick to give you your cup o' joe.
The space is pretty neat. They showcase local art and they even have a spinning class area behind the coffeehouse. They roast their own beans and create their own blends.
My favorite is their Americano. My wife likes their fruit smoothies.
Take a trip to Zocalo and find out for yourself. -
Review from Julie C.
San Leandro, CA
8/12/2011
My daughter calls my favorite cafe in SL "Localo" and I don't think it's because she has pronunciation issues. From the kids' play area to the comfy couches to the affable crew of baristas to the numbers of educators meeting/grading/lesson planning and the awesome art displays, this place feels like home. I've been here so many times my laptop connected to the free wi-fi automatically yesterday.
I'm not a coffee drinker but they make the best decaf chai. I also get an Italian soda now and then. Yesterday, I had the one soda I'll have in six months, an orange Fanta in a glass bottle.
Can't recommend this place enough! -
Review from Joan D.
San Leandro, CA
8/25/2011
Zocalo is THE place to meet up in San Leandro and is a model example of a community coffeehouse. I've been a big fan and customer for years now and I can't tell you how many times I've brought out-of-towners into the shop as proof of how cool San Leandro really is.
I'm not a coffee-drinker (though I love the smell of it), so I really appreciate that they serve premium-brewed iced tea over gourmet ice (I'm picky about my ice). Perfect for sipping in the early morning sun that filters into the shop's front windows. Love that light! -
Review from Edwin Newbetter A.
San Leandro, CA
8/23/2011
I've been coming to Zocalo since they opened -that is to say even before they remodeled, and I've got to say, it is HANDS-DOWN what I look for in a proper coffeehouse.
The coffee is always fresh and delicious. All of their roasting happens in-house, and they create their own unique and flavorful blends. Between that and the skilled staff, you know that you'll get a fantastic beverage EVERY time you show up.
One thing to note, which I appreciate, is that the fresh coffee blends have descriptions listed, giving you an idea of what flavor experience you'd like to participate in; some are listed as "full-bodied with a hint of chocolate" or being noted as having a having a very nutty tone. As an avid coffee drinker, it really warms my heart to see that the tones are described in ways that previously I'd only known with wine tasting.
And that's just a word on the coffee...the ambiance of Zocalo, again, is all that I'd hope for in a coffee house. The staff and clientele are friendly, vibrant, and full of good energy, that lends to the namesake -Zocalo Coffeehouse is bristling with a feel of community, and is easily a meeting place in town for people to congregate and blend and pleasantly as the beverages that are offered here.
The furniture ranges from Quite Comfortable, to Cozy, to that elusive feeling of being inviting enough to want to pass a few hours there with a good book or a sketchpad, or even elbows deep in artful coding on your laptop.
The fact that they constantly have local art up on the walls only adds a little bit more to the proper Way Of The Coffeehouse. As an artist who has had the opportunity to show his work at Zocalo 3 times now, I can say that this experience too, has been lovely. Not only have I gotten great reviews and feedback, but it's been a very easy and pleasant process in bringing my art down there, setting up, even hosting an opening for my works. It is obvious that Zocalo supports local artists, and opens the way for us to be seen and heard.
On top of all that, Zocalo sports free wifi, a gym that offers zumba, as well as various other classes for getting and staying fit, and being a child-friendly environment, they even have a kid's play area that, again, blends well with the overall ambiance and feel of the establishment.
When anyone comes to visit San Leandro, I always recommend a visit to Zocalo Coffeehouse, both for the beverages as well as the overall experience. -
Review from Kiki R.
Concord, CA
5/23/2011
San Leandro, with it's plethora of rock gardens and strip malls, is not known as a cultural or food destination. What we do have, for those of us who live here "for now", is a kick ass coffee shop.
Zocalo could very well pass for a great Oakland or Berkeley coffee shop in that there's local art on the walls, free wi-fi, lots of tables, etc. But here's where it gets even better. The baristas are attitude free (friendly even!!), the coffee is good, they really know how to make a drink (latte art!) and the music is varied and cool but never blaring.
My two wishes are that they would stay open later and offer gluten free pastries. But hey, I know, I know, we're in San Leandro. Thanks Zocalo, don't know what I'd do without ya. -
Review from xtina d.
Castro Valley, CA
7/2/2011
Met up here with a friend who frequents this place. Mid-week, mid-day. First visit. GREAT first impression.
I love how there are so many places to sit. The place is huge. You can have a conversation without worrying about being eavesdropped on.
It was a very warm day so I ordered a blended mocha. It was absolutely perfect served up in a glass. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. Glad to have found this place as its close to home! I spied a small kid play area that my kid would love. -
Review from Nick N.
Austin, TX
5/4/2011
Free wifi, great tasting coffee, friendly staff, good ambiance, casual crowd, relaxing atmosphere to work on a Wednesday afternoon.
Couldn't ask for more from a coffee shop. -
Review from Joan S.
5/22/2011
This is my kind of coffee shop.
Ample seating...check.
Comfy couch...check.
Free wifi...check.
A variety of yummy drinks...check.
Books to read...check.
Overall, I really like this place. It's a good place to come to chat with your friends or relax and read the newspaper. And, they make fresh whipped cream.
You might not want to come in here if you're in a hurry but if you want a quaint little coffee shop to relax in, this is your place. -
Review from Jazzy P.
Pleasanton, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing, cheap, and wonderful service. This place is sooo great. Itvhas amazing pastries,a wide varietyvof teas, and YUMMY coffee drinks. I totally recommend his place because you can be here for hours and the atmosphere is so peaceful and it is also a very diverse place to be.
-
Review from julia m.
Oakland, CA
10/29/2011
Oh, I love you so wonderfully, zocalo. The most nicest and fabuloustest people working here. I mean, knitters at the big table and chalk board walls in the kids corner??? Love. The ONLY reasons a 5 star review is not in place are the minimal evening hours and the alcohol-free environment. Stay open late, serve some booze, and you will forever rock in my world.
-
Review from Rose R.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2011
I love this coffee shop. They know how to make cappuccinos just right.
-
Review from Charrise L.
Hayward, CA
12/13/2011
Had a great time today at Zocalo coffee house. I met my daughter's education specialist here today. My daughter and I came in and saw the yummy pastries available. We ordered the Asiago bagel with cream cheese. After finishing that, we had the apple pecan roll. It melted in our mouth. I really felt that the customer service was better than I had at ANY coffee shop in many months. The cashier that rang up my order-while on break-remembered my name as I left. The people that were there at the bar were very kind and talkative. I explained that I was a coffee-snob and they were 'ok' with that. I know for sure that from now-on I will be arranging for all of my meetings to be at this place. Free wi-fi, very spacious, clean. I also noticed that since I ordered an extremely sweet coffee drink (coconut mocha triple shot), the barista even made my drink to where it wasn't a sweet 'over-kill'. Very nice place to be.
-
Review from Nicole R.
San Leandro, CA
10/7/2011
Zocalo is all hearts! I stop in every weekend and any weekday I have off.
I like the self serve coffee they have going on with multiple kinds to choose from. The staff is friendly, the snacks are delicious, the coffee is good, they are all about the community and...well really what else do you want people? Its the best local coffeehouse, for reals -
Review from NiceTryFail F.
Oakland, CA
3/16/2011
Absolutely superb coffee & excellent service from Winny!!!
Had a pleasant Sunday Morning cup o' java with my Wife, took in the locals coming and going, just a great place to kick back and watch the world go by!
PAPASAN OUT! -
Review from Morgan M.
San Leandro, CA
Updated - 3/26/2011
After 8 years, Zocalo continues to be a great place to hang out and a consistently good place for coffee.
The atmosphere is by far the best cafe atmosphere I've encountered in Alameda County...the music is varied, the pastries are to die for and the coffee is REALLY EXCELLENT. My favorite house roasted coffee they have is called Bali Buzz...good kick w/o a bitter taste. They also have designated kids area that gets a lot of use.
My favorite thing about Zocalo is the clientelle and the workers. The workers have personality but aren't rude. And the folks who come here are as ecclectic as the roasts offered.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/2/2008
When we were looking to buy our first house the only absolute requirement was to be in walking… Read more »
-
-
Review from Fräulein J.
San Leandro, CA
5/2/2011
It's a coffee house...Ill keep this short and sweet.
Coffee - good, consistent, market-priced (so, not more than other coffee shops), fresh whipped cream = yum.
Ambiance - loud, loud, loud on the weekends if there are a bunch of kids running around the play area while their parents sip mochas in the front allowing them to run amok. I typically don't stay to drink, although we love the dog-parking stations in front. Very convenient!
Pros - service is always very nice. Love the pastries (semi-freddi's maybe?) -- mom and pop owned/operated feel which I love.
Cons - don't come here if you are in a hurry...no, really. I mean it. While their baristas are nice and friendly, they are in NO RUSH to get your coffee made. Its actually so slow, I wont come here before work. Twice they've forgotten one of my drinks...and it will take at least - AT LEAST five minutes AFTER you finish paying to get a drink in hand -- and that would be fast for this place.
But, on a lazy Saturday where me and boyfriend don't care how long it takes, and nephew is playing in the SARS pit aka the playroom...I really don't mind the wait. Standing there for 10 minutes on my way into my commute for a single drink, however, is annoying. -
Review from Michael C.
Albuquerque, NM
12/13/2011
Zocalo is my hangout when I'm visiting family in Oakland during the holidays. The coffee is always fresh, as are the pastries (love the fresh-baked muffins), and the people are great!
-
Review from Dawn V.
San Leandro, CA
Zocalo Coffeehouse is my favorite coffeehouse in the East Bay! Great espresso, cute baristas, kid friendly, in-house roasting, and fun people - what's not to love?
-
Review from Thai Hien H.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2011
The reason why I gave this coffee shop a 3/5 star is not because the coffee was bad nor was there bad service.
When I walked in the door - I didn't feel very welcomed. I felt that you're only welcome if you know the people there. That the shop wasn't welcoming any newcomers.
The coffee was good and there was alot of tables - a plus for students. It also has free wifi - so if you're searching for a place to study and live close by, i would suggest you come here. If not, I don't think this place is worth the drive. -
Review from Justin C.
I think I found my new coffee shop. It's a cozy setting with friendly locals and great espresso. I loved seeing the art lined walls, bookshelves, and many comfortable sofas; plus my Americano was great.
It's great to see a neighborhood coffee joint thrive when there are so many big nameds out there.Listed in: Great Places, EspressOHHHHHHHHH!
-
Review from Melinda H.
San Leandro, CA
8/30/2011 1 photo
Long before I moved to the Bay Area, my friends here continuously talked about Zocalo. And having visited several times since my move here I can say with all honesty, I see why. The place is lovely. Open with large windows and inviting. Local artists hang their art on the walls and the staff is beyond friendly. They make the best espresso I've ever had, and a great milkshake and smoothie if coffee isn't your thing.
If you're curious about trying a new spot, or if you're like me and can't stand the cookie cutter big chain spots, you MUST come and visit Zocalo. You won't regret it. -
Review from Anne T.
10/5/2010
Mellow vibe. Just the way I like it! My small coffee was $1.65 or so and very good with my usual 1/2 1/2 and two Splendas.
Gluten-free items: They carry small sesame candies as well as small heart-shaped "breakfast bars" up by the register that were locally made and labeled as being gluten free. I checked the ingredients and they were..no lie! -
Review from Ashlee J.
12/6/2010
Went in with my toddler for a cup-o-joe. He had fun playing in the kiddie area. There were alot of toys to choose from & the space was limited but it was free so I can't complain.
This coffee house has a cozy vibe, is large & in need of updating. Couches & chairs look very used. The curtains hanging from the ceiling were frayed, pictures had fallen off the wall & lay lazily waiting to be rehung. The giant roaster had a bunch of items next to it in need of being storaged away (it's December spider wed decorations need to be put away) & the toys were in need of refreshing (many in need of tossing).
I really like the concept of the place & my chai latte was tasty. Staff was pleasant. If the owners put a little more love into updating interior features this place would be 5 stars. -
Review from Laurie H.
4/13/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Very cool place. It's spacious, has groupings of different areas...ie couches, tables, etc. so you have your choice depending on what you're doing that day - hangin' with a pal, working on your computer, reading the paper, etc.
And my personal pet peeve...the floors...5 stars Zocalo - immaculate. Thank you for that.
Service was super-friendly - everyone seemed like they were a regular and were greeted by name.
The only reason they don't get their 5th star is a small glitch that I will help them correct next time. I ordered a regular coffee with a shot of espresso. So I get a cup, need to pour in my regular coffee from the coffee-pumper-thingers (what're they called?) and then set it back over near the espresso machines to get my shot. Unfortunately it sat there too long waiting...and waiting....so when I finally got it the whole thing was lukewarm. Next time I'll tell them - "you let me know when you're ready and I'll pump my coffee in then." Or I'll just get a very dry cappuccino.
Either way I'll be back. -
Review from Ree-och G.
San Leandro, CA
7/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is BY FAR my favorite local coffee spot in SL. Their coffee is very good and their ambiance is non-pretentious, welcoming and comfortable. The staff has always been friendly and the service fast, yet unrushed.
-
Review from Ryan E.
San Leandro, CA
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This coffee house is very unique. It's not like a coffee shop that's mixed with another type of business, its a real cafe. They have wonderful arts on the side of the shop with very interesting work from children. There are plenty of seats to study, or just have a little chat. There is also free wifi!
I had a Chai Tea, and it was not good at all. It seriously tasted like water with the chai taste to it. It had foam that made the drink taste a littleee better, but still not worth the try. My friend had a white mocha which tasted really good. However, the coffee was a little on the stronger side. It sounds like this place is good for its naturally brewed and roasted coffee.
The drinks here are about $3-4 bucks per cup. Average price for higher quality coffee.
The coffee shop has free wifi for anybody who would want to use their computers or a tablet of some sort. There are two workers, and the line got a little on the longer side, but this is totally understandable.
Appearance 4.5
Drinks 2.0
Price 3.5
Service 4.0
(Out of 5) -
Review from Jon W.
Hayward, CA
3/20/2011
I've been looking for a new place to call "my" coffee shop since moving to the East Bay in June of last year. I've settled for less and killed a lot of time, gotten a lot of writing done, finished a lot of crosswords, and people-watched for hours, all with the vague feeling that whatever coffee shop I was in was no Queen Bean (Modesto) or Iron Bird Cafe (Fresno).
The music's loud enough to tap your foot along to, without drowning out conversation. The drink... all the flavoring blocked out the taste of coffee, but maybe I need to suspend judgment until I've explored the menu more. The sandwich was tasty, but for $8, I would've expected more than something pre-made from the refrigerated display case. Free wi-fi, relaxing atmosphere...
... and here's the thing: you go into a coffee shop and you see kids - you go ANYWHERE and you see kids - and you can probably expect some obnoxious little brat to pitch a fit or run screaming through the premises, mostly unsupervised by their distracted parent(s), and the whole experience to be ruined.
I don't know what it is about this place, where they can have a little dedicated back corner resembling a small daycare center, where crude children's art takes up over a quarter of the wall space, where, even without being able to see over a three-foot wall blocking that corner from my current vantage point, I can count over half a dozen little tykes...
... yet they're all well-behaved, engaged in something, attended to by their parents. I've even seen a couple of them reading. Is this where all the good mommies and daddies come to take a load off? Is this where all the mute children demand to be taken on a Sunday afternoon? Or did someone slip sedatives into their hot cocoas?
Whatever it is, it's hard enough finding a coffee shop that feels like home. Now I've finally found one not only good enough for myself, but that I'm even willing to share with children.
There is something magical going on here.
