4. Restaurants

Elmwood Cafe

2900 College Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94705
  • (510) 843-1300
  • Store is closed

Elmwood Cafe Menu

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  • Sarah W.

    When I asked for a bacon egg and cheese, the cashier looked at me like I was a goddam panda- I had to correct myself and ask for the spinach, bacon, egg, and cheddar. While waiting no less than 30 minutes for this to go order, I had to listen to obnoxious women with no jobs coming from yoga class ordering Stratford yogurt with rhubarb jam and feel the frustration of 10 people behind me waiting for their lattes for 20 minutes- seriously. The bacon egg and cheese : 1 burnt piece of bacon- a BOILED EGG -who in their right mind would do this?- this anomaly was not only an insult to me- but to all bacon egg and cheeses. This place sucks- don't eat here unless you are trapped inside- not to mention it is an f-ing rip off. 1 star for the coffee which is good after waiting for 20 minutes.

    (1)

  • Maureen K.

    Food fine (ok). Iced tea sweetened (are we in north Carolina?) very inefficient tabling set up--sit down, food delivered, go to get utensils and the staffer offers to get a fork, but forgets napkins. Visit tacubaya, rolling dune, and ruby's cafe to observe how to do it right. So very cute and stylish but not very businesslike. Maybe a vanity business?

    (2)

  • Meghan M.

    I love this place! The food is delicious, especially the always changing (usually vegetarian) soup, coffee is made with care, and the staff is amazingly friendly. The only thing that can make me grumble are the other customers. People tend to be oblivious of how small the space is. It's not cheap but the ingredients they are working with aren't either. I have never had a bad experience here despite the dozens upon dozens of times I have gone in. And really I just cannot say enough good things about Elmwood!

    (5)

  • Karma S.

    Nice coffee shop/restaurant in Berkeley. The serve good coffee and have healthy options from which to pick. I had a "bowl" of Vanilla Latte and an order of granola with fruit&yogourt. The Latte was especially good. Also, the service is friendly.

    (4)

  • D S.

    Cute corner cafe on college (woooot. alliteration). The workers there are super nice, there's wifi, and plenty of seating--however because there are a ton of people in there (particularly on Sunday mornings) you might have to wait a bit. Lattes and drinks are relatively on the cheap side but good. Pastries = amazing. Perfect for a cafe date!

    (4)

  • Jerilyn W.

    fresh and local, a perfect sunny afternoon meeting spot

    (5)

  • Caroline S.

    Where the heck is the asparagus in my "asparagus salad"? Oh wait, there it is: julienned and subtly tucked away amongst crunchy sprigs of spicy arugula. Here is a lovely metaphor for Elmwood Cafe: a level of attention to detail makes everything quaint, from the red upholstered barstools and marble-topped tables to the sweet undertones of an iced chai. Elmwood Cafe brings the tradition of an old-world French cafe to the New World. An absolutely adorable venue for a quiet lunch or solo newspaper perusal. Both the food and ambience are delightful.

    (4)

  • Monica M.

    $4+ for a latte! If it was the best latte I've ever had, I would go back again but it wasn't. Im sticking with Blue Bottle.

    (3)

  • Sherry m.

    I ordered the turkey and cranberry sandwich, hold the cheese. One paper-thin slice of turkey on mediocre bread, with some unremarkable cranberry chutney. Just shy of 10 bucks. And they brag about giving half their profits to charity.. How about being more charitable to your paying customers and putting some of that money back on the plate!

    (1)

  • Seema S.

    I got the same feeling here from their lattes as I did when I first made the switch from Starbucks to Peet's. They really focus on the details to make every sip of your drink perfect.

    (5)

  • P T.

    Came in before the lunch rush. It was a random pick for brunch, on the way back to the car. It looked quaint, so I gave it a try. Coffee was decent and the breakfast sandwich (spinach, egg, bacon and _____ on sourdough) was really good but small. Costed me a total of 8-something which was alright. Since I sat at the counter, so I ended up watching the barista make the drinks, the staff working at their best, while trying to eavesdrop on a French guy even though I had no idea what he was saying. It made for an interesting morning. If I'm ever in the area again, I'd probably stop by.

    (4)

  • Tom M.

    Long overdue review: Elmwood cafe is a welcome reprieve from the usual choices of: (1) university student cafe, with drones of students packed in to write their theses or study for the Bar exam; and (2) every-city-block corporate joints that provide uniformity over originality. Both are predictable and flavorless (and in the case of Starbucks, their coffee is too). Elmwood Cafe feels as if it has been transplanted out of a Parisian city scene. The place is bright, airy, and bustling. Tables line the corner of College and Russell, so one can people-watch and soak in the scene. The walls are decorated as if this were a country kitchen, and on one side you have windows that provide a glimpse into the book store next door. The coffee is very nice, and the pastries too. I had an amazing biscuit there last week, and homemade coffee cake a few days before. I regularly buy their yummy breakfast sandwiches or the housemade quiche with a side of green salad. Two potential downsides for customers used to either of the two disfavored cafes I mentioned above: They have no internet access, and their coffees do not reach to the gastronomic size of 24 ounces. But I consider this a plus. I don't think we should drink enormous coffees, and I think these guys get that. That could be why the customers are not all jumping out of their seats with anxiety! And as for wi-fi access, when I need to sip coffee and work on a document or surf the web, I go elsewhere. But when I want an actual cafe, it is a dead-heat tie between Elmwood Cafe and Cole Coffee. Also, if you didn't know (and it matters little for those who go here for the food and coffee), they give half their profits to charity. That is an amazing thing. My guess is that whoever started this enterprise had money, enough to start a business without depending on taking home all the profits. Either way, whether it is a cafe fronting for a charity, or vice versa, or a marriage of both, more businesses should do something like this. Let the free market create charitable good works.

    (5)

  • Sam A.

    This is my favorite place, and I come here way way too much. The food is great, and the staff is wonderful.

    (5)

  • Ada T.

    With no wi-fi service, Elmwood Cafe has positioned itself as one of the campus area cafes not meant for intense studying...a smart business move (really, students who order cheaply and occupy for seats for hours on end...not the best model), but also refreshing. Yes, I was a little disappointed that I toted my Macbook here and wasn't able to get online, but it's nice that there is a cafe around where you can chat freely, catch up with friends, etc. The cafe was filled with lots of families and Elmwood residents, which is pretty different from most of the Berkeley cafes I've been to. I haven't ordered any food yet, though the menu sounds tasty (if standard) and all the food I've seen looks good, especially their bakery items. I ordered and enjoyed a cranberry soda (made by them) today in the lovely, bright, airy cafe. Really, the floor-to-ceiling windows that open to College Ave. afford you some of the best people watching there is.

    (4)

  • Mike T.

    Good food and coffee... Really slow..slow...slow..30 minutes to get a coffee to go....and still waiting..if you park behind you probably will need to pay for 1 hour.. Is not that the service is bad.. they are nice.. but too slow.. employees are eating or on break or whatever...you can see them seating while one has a line of 15 at the cashier...

    (3)

  • Tina W.

    Love Elmwood cafe! The food is delicious, people are nice, and lovely indirect sunlight that beams into the cafe. On a nice day, you can sit outside and people watch. They also make really good espresso drinks and create nice artwork on the surface of the foam. I can't eat too much at once so they offer half sandwiches and a salad on one dish, which is perfect for me! Everything looks freshly chopped and made when you order!

    (5)

  • Micky T.

    Love Elmwood Cafe! I enjoy Cappuccino in a cute cafe au lait bowl before work. Decor is lovely, food is delicious, people are nice. What else you need?

    (5)

  • Katie N.

    Fantastic iced lychee tea! The curry chicken salad sandwich was delish!

    (4)

  • Mark B.

    Dunk the chocolate croissant in the mocha. Decadence...

    (5)

  • T'sters M.

    Love this cafe for its fabulous drinks (hello, lavender italian soda!), pastries and big windows. I also appreciate the lack of wifi, which makes it more of a relaxed, hanging-out-and-catching-up-with-friends-cafe than a pseudo study hall.

    (4)

  • Amalia C.

    Just went for an early lunch, around 11:30. The food (frittata for mom, chevre sandwich for me, both with a side of greens) was good, as was my lemonade. The only small downsides were: it was quite warm inside (bit of a greenhouse effect on the College-side seating area), there was a lengthy line at the counter, and even though I was holding my squirmy baby, the counter staff didn't offer to bring me my drinks to the table or get a high chair. (Again, it was just counter service, so that's what you get unless they want to go the extra mile.)

    (4)

  • Reema L.

    This place is amazing! The food is delicious, the atmosphere is great, and the cafe's setting is unique! Their frittata's are amazing. The cinnamon currant toast with cream cheese is TO DIE FOR! Also, their egg, mushroom, and cheese breakfast sandwich is delicious! I always get a double, soy, vanilla latte, which is flavorful since they make their vanilla bean syrup in-house. The servers are not always the nicest... Today, there was some miscommunication on the to-go order and the woman who took my order was sassy and passive-aggressive. She was speaking to another waitress, behind my back, but in a loud tone saying "well, this is the order she gave me," and proceeded to roll her eyes. I am huge on customer service and definitely did not appreciate this. I felt belittled. However, most of their staff is generally very sweet. The staff is always changing so you never know. Despite this, I will still come here because the food is amazing and they are very careful in bringing you the order you place! It can get a little crowded around lunch time (especially on the weekends), but you'll usually always find a place to sit whether outside or at the bar.

    (3)

  • David L.

    This is the place to go for breakfast in Berkeley. The breakfast sandwich is great, just needs a touch more salt, all the muffins I tried were outstanding and I should know as I make some mean muffins myself. The frittatas I tried were delicious, they poached their eggs to perfection and yes their coffee is great. Service and noise are average.

    (5)

  • Kayley I.

    Good coffee, cute place. Not a place to study (not enough seating and is too loud), but a great place to meet a friend for coffee and a small bite. I had regular coffee (very good) and a biscuit (also delicious). Their fruit bowl looked good--not your typical cantaloupe and honeydew mixture.

    (4)

  • Jessica G.

    My friend and I both got diarrea from the egg sandwich within an hour. It was horrible, and it was my birthday. WTF is up with this place? Pretentious for no reason. They hardly have anything on the menu, and they don't even cook anything (egg sandwich was made with hard boiled eggs!) but it takes them SOOOO long to get it out. I don't know how they stay in place selling just coffee and pastries that aren't that good in the first place. I vote to bring back the old pharmacy that used to be there. That way I could have purchased some anti-diarrea medicine.

    (1)

  • Edmund L.

    Digs: Interior decoration - I'm all about the seat-in coffee bar, similar to a diner. This is not a common cafe design. However, they are not the most comfortable seating. Vibe - It is more a socializing venue, less a mind-your-own-business-and-read-your-own-book cafe. So-so: There is nothing in the coffee here to be raved about, partially due to inexperience staff. This is a relatively new place and I will spare much criticism for now. Dumps: Slow service - More than 5 minutes to get my coffee. Business operation is quite inefficient, in my opinion. I haven't had a chance to grab a bite here, but I think it shouldn't disappoint (at least food smelt good when I was there last time).

    (3)

  • Dominique N.

    After months of construction, the site of the old Ozzie's Soda Fountain (corner of Russell and College) has finally re-opened...this time as an upscale coffee shop. The location is unbeatable (part of the Elmwood strip of shops centered around Ashby and College) though given the number of coffee shops, one might question whether another is needed. Elmwood Cafe differentiates itself by being more uspcale and having some hot foods in addition to the usual baked goods. The cafe itself is adorable - a cheery yellow paint with marble-topped tables and counters. It wraps around Mrs. Dalloway's bookstore (you can even see some of the shelves through interior windows to the store) and would be a great place to read your newly purchased book. The prices are somewhat higher than neighboring cafes (around $3-ish for a coffee or latte; a whopping $4.50 for hot chocolate) and the crowd reflects that - very few students here and no laptops. Mostly young families / older couples from Elmwood and Claremont. We didn't try the coffees / teas this time, but did have their breakfast items - granola and yogurt (around $6), hot grain cereal (around $5.50) and croissant (around $2-3). All were solid (the croissant was particularly good) though the portions were small given the prices. As a point of comparison, for $5-6, my favorite cafe in Harvard Square (also upscale) provides a large soup bowl of yogurt with granola and piles of fresh fruit on top. Here, it got me maybe 3/4 cup of yogurt with another 1/2 cup of homemade granola and no fresh fruit...while good, it seemed a bit unsubstantial. So bottom line - Elmwood Cafe is a charming new cafe with some solid food, but be prepared to pay.

    (4)

  • Steven C.

    Amazing chocolate chip cookies and savory biscuits like from grandma's double barrel oven. Very friendly fast servers.

    (4)

  • Sam K.

    Very nice decor for a cafe and the coffee are great. They have raw brown sugar in a cube which is so rare. We have only been here once for coffee and restroom break (only 1 restroom so expect to wait).

    (4)

  • Stephen M.

    There is no better ambience to enjoy Jane Austen Mad Libs in. Five stars.

    (5)

  • M. M.

    Elmwood Cafe is a local spot for me, and I've eaten there at all times of the day. When it is slammed, I prefer to avoid it. They also run out of things (multiple menu items can be unavailable) if you end up there on the later side. That being said, the food and drink I've ordered there are great. The soups of the day are always delicious, and usually vegan. And if you hit a somewhat quiet time, the outside seating is lovely.

    (4)

  • Adrienne D.

    This is one of my favorite local haunts. The staff is always friendly and the food is always fresh. The latte and hot chocolates are some of the best around. The baked goods are always yummy. So glad that Ozzie's was resurrected in this new form! It's also a great place for people watching :)

    (5)

  • Evelina O.

    It's weird to give two stars to a place you love. The Elmwood is just lovely; I come here all the time, but the service *really* annoys me. If they sorted this out it would be 5 stars. Essentially it is slow and disorganized, I think they are understaffed, seem ruffled and stressed. I am writing this rather long-winded and ultimately boring review in the hope that they will read it and improve. You have to wait a while to get your food. You have to wait to get your drinks, so you have to get back up to go and get them at the counter, whilst they write your name on a device they give you, which they collect when they bring you your food. But, when they bring you your food, they *never* bring silver ware (even though they walk right past it) so you have to get back up to go and get this. As the seats are too close together you feel like you constantly have to negotiate the backwards and forwards, to get drink, then to get silverware. Then you ask for milk with your tea, they don't give you a little creamer to use, but always point you to the self service. My tea pot has 3 servings of tea in it, which means I have to get up and use the communal milk every time I top up my tea. So I have to specifically ask for a creamer, at which they seem a bit irked and hasstled again. Then they often get the orders wrong, so you have to get back up *again*. Today, they forgot the ham in my ham and cheese toastie (for which you have to pay $3 extra). I couldn't be bothered to go back *again* to complain. This happens all the time. Last week, I got there hungry and tired after work at 9.54 p.m. I was told " We close in 6 minutes and I can't serve you. We can give you a drink to go". Baring in mind I come here several times a week, could they not have indulged me given that they were still open. And they don't have wi-fi - probably because they want to keep it a cafe, but people bring their laptops and sit there for hours anyway, so why not do your customers that favor. Such a shame because the people are super-lovely, but if you go there a lot you realize the systems just aren't in place to make this place work. The menu - (given that they play a very small homage to Ozzie's the place that was there before) is fine but no smoothies! No milkshakes! And if you go late, they are often out of basic things like fruit. Still I am very glad it exists, and if they got their act together it would be one of the loveliest spots in the bay area.

    (2)

  • Jess H.

    I passed this cafe several times when I visited my daughter at Cal. We finally got a chance to go for A Sunday brunch two weeks ago. The cappuccino came out fast, but the waffle and quiche took over half an hour to arrive. However the lemon waffle was worth the wait! It's the most delightful waffle I have ever had, light as cotton candy, fluffy with crunchy crust. I will definite go back just to wait for the waffle.

    (4)

  • Arizona R.

    Everything is delicious, but be sure to get there early- the waffle sells out by afternoon! Great hours, early and late. My go to is currently the veggie sandwich, the homemade hummus-yum! The BLT is also damn good, I've never had anything like the tomato jam. Great atmosphere, good drink selection and tasty little sweets if you don't want a full meal, plus they donate large part of their profits to charities.

    (5)

  • Shannon A.

    I have such a torn sentiment about this delightful cafe in the perfect spot that is a welcome addition to the community. As a local resident who lives mere blocks away, I want to enjoy my neighborhood cafe and support it. The food is truly fantastic, tasty and inventive but also healthful unless you get the waffles which are irresistible and so fun to see on a menu. But where I am a "naysayer" is the service orientation. The actual "service" is cheerful and fun. The process is UNBEARABLE. The lines are ridiculously long and that's fine and a positive show of a successful place but you need to MOVE through them at an acceptable pace. It takes FOREVER....truly forever...so much so, that whenever I see a line now I just go somewhere else. Which is what I'm sure countless other patrons do. There is NO reason why they don't have a 2nd register, or a separate line for takeout or a second person to assist grabbing the items or a mix of ALL of those time-saving, customer focused processes. The SAME person does everything so the ordering process takes FOREVER. I'd love to be so leisurely that I could spend half my morning waiting in line just to get a latte and muffin and leave, but I can't. I walk by and keep moving and shake my head that the management hasn't figured this out months ago. Somehow Peet's coffee down the street and La Farine (making references to places who have huge lines all the time) move through people lightening fast. I am only writing these comments to truly be helpful. I adore this cafe and want to see it exist forever as its perfect for the neighborhood....but it's so painfully and inexcusably slow that I will only stop now at random times when there is no line. Please please create a 2nd line for express/takeout so those who are "grab and go" can be on their way!

    (4)

  • claudia V.

    I pretty much love this place, its super cute and I love the huge windows that let in all the wonderful sun shining on College Ave. This is pretty much my go to spot when I want to tea it up and read for a while. That and I pretty much have an illicit love affair with their Quiche LOVE IT!!!! the best and most custardy cheesy Quiche I've ever had! Their fountain drinks are also super great. They have seasonal things on their menu that are tasty and wonderful and they change things up on a regular basis but keep their core things around. The other thing I admire about this place is their charitable actions. They have various charities that you as customers have a chance to choose gets contributions too by voting which charity you feel deserves the donation.

    (5)

  • Felicia B.

    My boyfriend and I wanted to try a new place for breakfast, so we found ourselves here. I liked the atmosphere. It's cute and has its charm. I ordered a breakfast sandwich and he got a waffle with fresh boysenberries. Both items were delicious, but the waffle with the fresh boysenberries was the best waffle either of us have ever had. The boysenberries were perfect and sweet, and I was so happy to see a place serving them. That waffle is a 5-star item, but the prices are expensive and the portions small; you'll leave hungry. After paying over $20 for breakfast to feed two people, we didn't want to order more, and I would have thought a sandwich would have at least come with a small side. I would have given the place a higher rating if the portions had been a bit more filling considering the prices.

    (3)

  • Stephanie C.

    I love Elmwood! The service is very friendly and half of the proceeds goes to a charity of your choice in the back of the store (drop in your receipt). The hot chocolate is delicious and comes in a giant cup. It's worth the walk from campus and is in a cute neighborhood so you can hang around and window shop.

    (4)

  • Debbie L.

    Great food but the other day, their service was horrible. They used the excuse that they were busy but the previous day I was in and they were equally as busy. They took care of "to go" orders before my order; they let my order sit on the counter (I observed). I said something to the cashier about my order, they were a little arrogant and one person said oh do you want a cup of coffee, muffin, cookie, my response was no, you missed the point!!! Great food AND GREAT SERVICE make a fabulous place. two stars only for Elmwood Cafe. Don't need to waste my money here. There are lots of other great food places to spend my hard earned money. Hope there service improves

    (2)

  • Robin M.

    Seriously? Eight dollars for a smallish ham and cheese sandwich with no side? You've got to be kidding me. I like the vibe, the space and the pastries were good but the prices are ridiculous. My hubby got an $8 salad and with that he got, well basically a small side salad - some dressed up field greens with walnuts on top. Woo hoo. That said, I like drinking my coffee out of bowls so I might stop by again for a beverage. I don't want to be a hater because this place is cute but I hope they figure out their pricing and proportions.

    (2)

  • Lauren N.

    Hands down one of my favorite Berkeley cafes. The ambiance is so quaint, complete with diner-style bar, window seating (perfect for people watching), and al fresco tables to boot! It can get a little crowded though, so sometimes seating is a bit of a struggle (hasn't deterred me yet, though). Their lattes come in bowls which I think is the greatest idea, and the food has yet to disappoint. I'm a huge fan of the quiche, personally. An employee once recommended a drink to me- lavender lemonade with soda water- and I'm obsessed. The perfect warm day refreshment if you ask me. I love coming here on strolls down college, while I'm waiting for laundry cycles, or to meet with friends for lunch. A Berkeley gem!

    (4)

  • J. M.

    Went here with a boy for a post-dinner mocha. Seems like I love every place he takes me (is it the places, or is it the boy?). Anyway, the peppermint mocha was so rich and delicious... served in an oversized decorative bowl. Charming decor, friendly staff. Great place to share conversation and canoodle.

    (4)

  • Toren V.

    After a hard fought soccer game in the hills of oakland, we cruised down to Berkley to eat lunch. After wandering down the street we decided to try out the Elmwood. We were not let down. From the Turkey Club to the pumpkin waffle everything was outrageously good. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Annie H.

    Ok, even though I am one of those students who moves into a cafe with my laptop, stack of books, and then orders only a cheap tea, I appreciate good food when I can get it. Hello Elmwood café coffee cake. I haven't had coffee cake this good since Philadelphia, 1999. I love the spices, the crushed nuts, and the nice twist of tart cranberries. It's not stale or, god forbid, drowned in vegetable oil like the usual specimen of coffee cake on this coast. On another day, I tried the grilled cheese, which was nothing special besides the great bread. For a dollar more head down to Summer Kitchen Bake Shop (the other new kid on the block), their grilled cheese has tastier cheese and a brilliant stroke of mustard. Back to Elmwood café, it's a sunny, beautifully-appointed (lwood, marble tables, and silver platters), and roomy place gracing the generally underutilized crossroads of College and Russell. Contrary to the notion that College Ave has enough cafés, it's been lacking a crisp, clean place serving good food. When Roma feels too cavernous and scattered and the Beanery's run out of bagels (again!) and their over-cold old pastries won't do, try this café. As for Elmwood café not having Wifi, this will cut 1-2 hours off my occupation of a café table and THAT may mean the dissertation actually gets written.

    (4)

  • Jack C.

    Smooth. European. Atmospheric. Excellent pastries. Unique items freshly baked. Excellent drinks. Although you are paying more for quality and atmosphere. European-style atmosphere. Good for people watching. Tasty Italian soda & leche iced tea. No WI-FI :-(

    (4)

  • kelly b.

    Amazing everything. Service, food, clean. Amazing egg salad, coffee, chili, quiche. yumyumyum

    (5)

  • M F.

    Amazing place for breakfast, coffee, or hanging out. Yummy food (fritata was delicious) and decadent drinks (mocha, chai, steamed milk). Service is fast and friendly. And Charles always seems to know your name. I will be back many times!

    (5)

  • Andrew K.

    Loved this cutesy little place - simultaneously bright and airy with some old-fashioned charm. Really earnest staff. I liked my skim latte A LOT. Very solid. We'll see if they take my oligofructose advice...

    (4)

  • Elise M.

    I have driven by this place for years, always wanting to go inside. Since I started working down the street, I haven't been able to go a day without coming in. It is such a cute, charming environment. The staff, for the most part, is very friendly and helpful. I have now tried many items from the menu and haven't had a bad one yet. I usually start out my morning with a mocha, served in a large bowl, and a banana muffin. SO GOOD! Lunch items are good as well. Great BLT and grilled cheese sandwiches. My coworker is a huge fan of their French sodas too. Great cafe all around!

    (5)

  • Ashley L.

    I've walked past the Elmwood Cafe several times and kept thinking it looked cute and cozy and that I should definitely try it out. My roommate went there the other morning to study, and said it was a nice environment, so later when we wanted to get a quick dinner out, we went there. There weren't many menu options, but the few they had sounded pretty good. My two friends both ordered soup and I got a grilled eggplant sandwich. Here's what happened: one soup came out in about a minute. Ten minutes later, neither my other friend nor I had our food. We had to ask them to re-heat the first soup that came out once the rest finally did arrive. My two friends weren't super keen on their meals, because the soup (priced at $6.something) was in very small portions, and didn't even come with bread on the side. My sandwich was tasty, but it was also tiny and cost me $8.50. It's a way cute place, but the service is beyond slow and the food is simply not good AND way overpriced. Also, everyone who works there just seems clueless. I'll probably never go there again, even for coffee.

    (2)

  • Eric W.

    Good cafe and a local institution. The place has a classy decor, and the pastries both look and taste good. I'm not a fan of their drip coffee, but their espresso is good. They have indoor and outdoor seating and are located in a pretty area. They are often busy during the evenings on weekends, and from the number of people with backpacks and books, it looks like it's a destination for students as well as families.

    (4)

  • Julie Z.

    I have nothing bad to say about this place. The food, service, and ambiance are all top-notch!

    (5)

  • worm f.

    Wow. I love Elmwood Cafe. It has the difficult balance of delicious food, good service, and nice ambiance down. I've been coming here since it opened (or re-opened, since it used to be Ozzie's and they've kept some of the details of the original place) and in the beginning, they definitely had some confused servers and slow service but this is to be expected. Now that they've found their groove, it's become that perfect neighborhood place. More casual than a restaurant but food is deeelicious unlike at a regular coffee-focused cafe where food is usually gross. Mostly, I am writing this review to mention their waffles. Their waffle is just indescribably perfect. Just go and get one. The chocolate one is am-a-zing. Crispy, fluffy, fragrant, golden.... One star was deducted because of the prices of some of the items. I know that they are charging a fair price (what the food actually costs) and that some of it also goes to charity. However, some of the drinks, like the iced tea and seltzer water are very small for the price. It seems like since these drinks are mostly water, they should charge a tiny bit less or offer a refill as their glasses are small. But still, Elmwood Cafe is just about perfect.

    (4)

  • Sierra V.

    It's popular with the yuppies so that automatically means it good, riiiiight? Sure, why not? The chai here is pretty decent, but they put a little too much spice for my liking. (It sent me into a loud coughing fit that disturbed everyone from their Macbook Pros.) Every time I've been in they play decent jazz music, which is always a great addition to caffeinated drinks late on a Thursday night. Also, NO BATHROOM KEY. You're free to waltz into the bathroom after having too many espresso shots.

    (4)

  • Michelle K.

    I absolutely love this place. I come here all the time because it's that awesome. First: the staff is ridiculously awesome -- so down to earth, warm, friendly, helpful. Second: the food is delicious -- I love the gruyere, egg, mushroom sandwich especially! The coffee cake is also delicious. Third: the light. It's bright and has a wall of windows. Fourth: it's right next to a great bookstore. Doesn't get better than this!

    (5)

  • Michael K.

    It is hard to say what is the best aspect of this cafe- the drinks, food, atmosphere or employees. The baked goods are great, I have tried most of the selection and cannot find any fault with any of them. I particularly like the scones or biscuits with butter and jam, pretzels with mustard and chocolate chip cookies with salt on top. The turkey sandwich and pastrami sandwich are amazing. I have tried most of the soups and recommend them all, except for the minestrone. Sitting there is a relaxing experience and the people who work never fail to be welcoming, pleasant and warm.

    (4)

  • Diane M.

    I LOVE THIS PLACE! The mocha's are made with their own homemade ganache and they are fabulous. The soups change often and they are also quite yummy. The waffles are out of this world!! It is such a cute, neighborhood place.

    (4)

  • Matt W.

    The Elmwood Cafe has a ton of potential...if they work out the kinks. I was extremely excited when I saw that the original Ozzie's fountain was going to be restored into a cute little Cafe Fanny-esque type of place, and it does resemble it on the outside. The best part of this place is the windows, the view, the location. Now if they only got the rest dialed in. I had a delicious lychee iced tea today...uh..THREE DOLLARS? Shouldn't it come in a bucket?? And NO REFILLS? Really? Unless you've got a lychee tree in the back and a small tea farm as well, that's a bit too much. Charging three bucks may seem like a minor complaint, but it's a symptom of a larger problem: customer service. Not being aware of your customers is not beneficial no matter how awesome the food is. The espresso is marginal, the prepubescent counter help today, well bless his heart, he put three ice cubes in my tea. I'm not sure I would call that iced. Okay, I've said enough. I think this place has potential to strive for. I just hope it does eventually.

    (2)

  • Christina B.

    After a good solid year of being at Elmwood, I have to revoke my earlier review. Warm, friendly service, folks that know you by name, unBELIEVEabe grilled cheese with tomato jam that is to die for, and last week, a blood orange mimosa that was one of the best drinks I'd ever had. I love hanging out here, writing, thinking, getting food to go, and regardless of what's going on, I always, always feel welcomed. Kate, one of the owners, is super sweet, and often remembers who I am and what i'm getting. Cute, comfortable ambiance that never gets trite or old, and they donate 50% of their profits to charity. Go. Now. But, save some tomato jam for me :)

    (5)

  • Lisa K.

    Such a cute corner cafe! I enjoyed a bowl of asparagus soup here and it was quite enjoyable. Also, any place that serves tea in tea pots earns a extra star in my book (although not loose leaf, sadly). It was pretty loud though so probably not too ideal for studying.

    (4)

  • konamichan k.

    Elmwood Cafe has oodles of charm, but it stops short of being really memorable. Biscuits, for example, are one thing that need a bit of reheating if they aren't served straight out of the oven. And they should never be served with cold, hard, unsalted butter (then again I am sort of particular about my buttery, baked goods). My partner's zucchini, chevre, and bacon quiche was flaky and tasty, but not even a single piece of bacon was to be located inside said "bacon quiche." Still, the scones looked promising and I may have to go back and test those waters.

    (3)

  • Amy C.

    Can a cafe be called a cafe without wifi?! Maybe there are some underlying reasons for this. Maybe they want people to move in and out quickly instead of taking up valuable table space for hours on end. Maybe they want to provide a place where people can slow down the pace of their lives and not be glued to their facebook/twitter/email 24/7...okay, these are fair enough reasons, but there are still smart phones so this can never be entirely possible. Honestly, I really like this cafe. It has amazing natural sunlight literally pouring through the large windows of this place. I love the overall look and ambiance of the cafe, it's chic and super cute. The lattes are amazing! It comes out steaming in a large bowl with tons of foam. I felt truly indulged. However, I think the cons of having no visible electrical outlets whatsoever and no wifi really will prevent me from coming back to this place. At about $4 a latte, I would think the costs of wifi can be offset. To be fair, I would love to give this cafe 5 stars, but as a grad student who is constantly studying, I need a cafe with electrical outlets, reliable wifi, and good coffee. However, I would definitely recommend this place to anyone as a great place to chat over a cup of coffee, read (though it can get really loud at times), or do non-internet related work using non-electrical devices.

    (3)

  • Chuck C.

    the atmosphere is warm and friendly, but the food portions are small and way overpriced. the turkey club, for example, had two strips of bacon and two very thin pieces of sliced turkey. the organic fresh fruit is a small tea cup with diced fruit -- not even filled half way. if you're hungry, save your money and go someplace else.

    (2)

  • Delaney L.

    My absolute favorite place in Berkeley! It's the perfect place to get cozy with a waffle or sandwich and read a book, even though it can be a bit busy. Definitely try their mocha (with a dollop of fresh whipped cream!) and get a Fleur de Sel cookie- you won't regret it! This place has a friendly, happy atmosphere and delicious food, 5 stars out of 5!

    (5)

  • Charles C.

    A great neighborhood cafe. The prices are a tad on the high side. The atmosphere pleasant, and some of the fair unique. It's a great place to go, but it doesn't have lots inherent cozy warmth.

    (4)

  • Cynthia P.

    Ambiance is great - clean and quaint. Drinks were normal price, definitely cheaper than I expected being that it's in the Elmwood district. Before I went in, I just assumed it would be expensive. Hot chocolate was tasty. Downside is that there is no wireless internet nor outlets for your laptops. Would definitely go back if I didn't have pressing things to work on off of my computer. Ideal place if you just need a nice quiet place to read or chat with friends.

    (4)

  • Erin M.

    This place is great - seriously the best mocha I've ever had in my life! Whip cream is rich & thick! Chocolate flavour is amazing, and the coffee itself is rich and strong. Very cute local vibe, lots of fresh pastries and homemade food that I didn't try, but looked great and will go back to check it out. But seriously, GET THE MOCHA! You'll be hooked!

    (5)

  • Elena E.

    The environment is warm & comfortable, the staff are super friendly and the food is delicious. I have been for brunch and dinner and was delighted by both. For brunch I had the most delicious grilled rosemary ham & gruyere sandwich on levain bread... such cheesy deliciousness. For dinner, I had a crisp romaine salad with asparagus and shaved pecorino followed by a chicken & mushroom stew over soft polenta. On a cold night, it was just what I was looking for. The loose leaf tea is served in individual teapots so it stays nice and toasty. The prices are super reasonable and the flavors are spot on. What more could you ask for?

    (5)

  • Jill H.

    The food is consistently good. The people who work here are very friendly. It's an all-around pleasant place for a meal.

    (5)

  • John O.

    MMMMMboy that was good! Simple, delicious food. We sat together side by side and watched the rain fall gently on pedestrians and cars on a lazy Sunday afternoon on College Avenue. I enjoyed a huge mocha - served in an ice cream bowl - and the turkey sandwich. Great ambiance, everybody was super friendly.

    (4)

  • Julie H.

    I love the interior - very clean and old-fashioned looking. The people working there seem to enjoy themselves as everyone was friendly and polite. The food was delicious and the service was good. My husband and I have been there twice. The first time, we wound up taking our purchase to-go as there wasn't anywhere to sit. The reason for the three-star rating (I contemplated two) is due to all of the people sitting at tables with their laptops and a cup of coffee. On our last visit to have breakfast over half of the tables were taken by people who were on their computers stretching out their coffee or tea as if they were in their homes with all the time in the world. We had to sit on the uncomfortable stools at the counter as there were no tables available. The entire time of our visit, not one table w/ a computer occupant turned over. If the Elmwood Cafe wants to turn over tables and make some profit, I suggest policing the computer users and implementing some kind of a reasonable table turn-around policy. As for the people who come into cafes with their computers and stay for hours, please be considerate of those who want to sit and enjoy a meal. There are SO many great places to grab breakfast or a snack along College Avenue, I for one will not be heading back to the Elmwood Cafe to be seated uncomfortably on stools.

    (3)

  • Alex H.

    I'm sorry, but I consider it a rule of business that if you offer outdoor seating, you also offer the service of having someone bring orders to the customers' tables. No such rule at Elmwood. We were told that we had to come BACK INSIDE to collect our items. Since we ordered multiple items, both coffee and food, and since all these items were ready at different times, we spent most of our time engaged in a silly game of peek-a-boo with the staff through the window, and kept having to get up and run inside to get our stuff. DO IT RIGHT, PEOPLE. Just bring the damn orders out if you have tables outside! That ALONE knocks off a couple stars from my review. The other lost star is because while the coffee products were decent, the food was dreadfully mediocre and ridiculously overpriced considering the tiny portions. Before moving to the bay area I was told about all the wonderful coffee shops. Where are they?

    (2)

  • Rhea H.

    Great place to go for a bite to eat. Be sure to swing by on Thursday evenings, when they are open for dinner!

    (4)

  • Rose D.

    Yummy scones, good service, lovely atmosphere and good people watching. No wifi.. but I think that i enjoy that a lot.

    (4)

  • Garett N.

    Came here for morning breakfast sandwiches. Pretty good and relatively quick service. Will likely come again.

    (3)

  • Emily C.

    Best pot pies EVER!!! I first came to Elmwood Cafe to try breakfast (their oatmeal and seasonal waffle are my personal faves, and served all day!) Then, last year, the cafe started a Thursday night special--first it was sausage & pint night (most amazing sausages (including a vegan option!), sweet potato salad & kale chips ever!!). Then they did BBQ night (pulled pork sandwich? Yum.) Now they're doing pot pies. I have always been a fan of pot pies, but I have never had one as delish as these. Perfect for the winter weather and seriously amazing. Really. There's beef, chicken, and veggie, and while I am a huge fan of all three, the fall vegetable really gets me--butternut squash and sweet potatoes make for a slightly sweet, totally unique take on the classic pie. And the flaky, buttery puff pastry that sits on top is absolutely divine. Kate, the chef here, is truly a master of her craft! This place has more going for it than just fabulous food (did I mention the hearty, amazing seasonal soups and the chocolate chip sea salt cookies??) It is a fresh, beautiful yet unpretentious space perfect for enjoying the paper with Sunday morning breakfast, chatting with locals and people-watching on College Ave. It's also my weekly go-to for Thursday night dinner and drinks with friends. Reasonably priced, casual yet elegant, and always welcoming. And I love the staff here--everyone is super friendly, accommodating, and always happy to make a recommendation or have a conversation. Plus, they donate proceeds to local charities--pretty awesome! Amazing food, great atmosphere, and friendly, warm staff--if you haven't already gone, put Elmwood Cafe on your must-try list. And get over there for the pot pies before they're gone!!

    (5)

  • Hippocamp W.

    Wish I didn't come out drenched in the smell of burnt saturated bacon grease every time, otherwise the espresso and mochas are to perfection if you can stand the slow wait.

    (3)

  • Russ T.

    Great bacon and egg sandwich. Top notch biscuit and fresh squeezed juice. Nice location and ambiance.

    (4)

  • Ann N.

    This review is strictly for the pastries. I can't give a business a five star rating based on one food item, so after I next visit and have a beverage or savory food item, I will update. Until then... Gorgeous looking and tasting sweets. So much care and time goes into the little tarts, cookies, cakes and scones. Simple, delicate, flaky, tender... everything that a good little snack should be. So many bake shops in Elmwood, Berkeley, and Oakland are supported by super star bakers from big-hitting productions like Chez Panisse (after all, every one who is anyone in the Bay Area culinary world has spent a good amount of time there), but you can still tell that something is missing. Not so at Elmwood Cafe. The treats at Elmwood cafe bubble over with meticulous detail and an obvious passion for pastry on the part of their pastry chef. Try an apple and almond tart and you will understand what I am saying. On a side note, I LOVE what they've done with the space. So sunny, so clean, so friendly... if I were still a student, that would be my go-to study spot. This place just opened, so give it some loving.

    (4)

  • casey b.

    This old soda fountain turned to cozy cafe central if you live in elmwood is our new favorite spot since moving from san francisco. The coffee is great and the freshly made frittata comes with a good little salad. However, if you are in need of silence come before 9a to avoid the crowds. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Cat K.

    Ordered a large cappuccino and boy was it large!!!! It was served in a bowl! Tasty drink and nice/clean environment to hang out with a friend.

    (3)

  • Jess N.

    Had a quick bite to eat on a very busy Saturday morning. Their welcoming open doors, speedy service and delicious food was really top notch. I'm sure all of the servers were at their wits end at this point in the day, but everyone kept their cool. The kitchen prepared a delicious soup and pressed breakfast sandwich. A little pricey, but it is California, right? Good middle of the road food when you need something pronto.

    (4)

  • Joen M.

    Wow, what a delightful Parisian-feeling cafe. The drive over from SF is worth it for the crumbly-soft coffee cake alone! But add the lovely atmosphere, the cheery staff, and the amazing light-filled space over-looking College Avenue, and it's an afternoon coffee dream come true. I took the time to peruse the menu, which includes a handful of breakfast selections; panini, soup and salad for lunch; and a rotating dinner option, and I am looking forward to returning at different times of day to sample the delicious fare, and to enjoy the brightly-lit space. Next time I'll definitely try the savory bread pudding! Perhaps I'm jaded by city prices, but I think the prices are more than reasonable. My cappuccino was PERFECT, and the coffee cake sublime. The hard part was deciding which of the amazing pastries to try... I am also very inspired by their donation of half of their proceeds to charity! They deserve the success they will certainly garner by opening up such a thoughtfully-created space, and to think they'll be sharing that success with projects that need fiscal assistance is amazing. What a wonderful model for community-based businesses to follow.

    (5)

  • Bob F.

    So far, so good. Went in for a week-day, early lunch. Had the frittata and a cap. Both were excellent. Prices were decent. Good place, good service.

    (4)

  • Chris W.

    Lots of charm, but nothing extraordinary. The iced tea was fantastic and the side salad was nothing special. I came in to study and by the looks of it that's where this cafe is a win: it's a brilliant place to hang out and gather. That said, I was a little thrown off that there was no WiFi or power outlets available but seemed to quite like the way it dictated the atmosphere. Instead of a bunch of fellow college students camping out studying all day (when in reality they're procrastinating online more than actually getting studying done) you get a good mix of people engaged in conversations, buried in a good book or the newspaper, or someone like me who came in expecting internet that was not provided and ended up getting a lot more done in far less time because of it and feeling quite nice about it. Hurah! I'm a fan!

    (4)

  • Helen W.

    My girlfriends and I came here for brunch on a rainy Sunday. The place was crowded and there is limiting seating. We did manage to find a table and I noticed they brought out some extra tables for people. It is very cozy inside! I shared the pumpkin waffle with maple syrup and a scone with citrus curd with my friend. The waffle has a dollop of pumpkin puree on top and that was a nice touch. It was my first time having a pumpkin waffle and it is the perfect seasonal treat. The syrup was a bit disappointing because it was watery and lacked the strong maple taste. (Perhaps I have high standards because I'm Canadian?) However, the scone itself was enough to bring my rating up to 5 stars. It is soft, buttery, and moist on the inside but flaky on the outside. (Ask for the scone to be warmed up). The citrus curd (like lemon whipped butter) was amazing as well. But the scone tastes just as scrumptious alone. We took turns scraping the rest of the lemon whipped butter for the rest of the meal. The service is fast too and they are very friendly. It is definitely a place I'll treat myself to from time to time because it is a bit out of my price range for a light meal but that's what makes it special! Elmwood Cafe provides the perfect ambiance to catch up with friends or go with a date. This part of College Ave (Claremont) is my favorite because you can take a stroll and look at all of the adorable and fun shops after eating at the Cafe. Afterwards, we walked over to Ici's to have some gourmet ice cream which was a lovely finishing touch to our morning.

    (5)

  • Cori C.

    Perfect cafe for a little socialization. Huge windows which let in a ton of natural light which reflects off soft yellow walls. The inside vibe is very calming and inviting, yet upbeat. We were welcomed right away with big smiles. There is open seating inside and out, as well as a bar with antique stools. I tried their egg and ham sandwich which super tasty, and a bite of the chicken sandwich which was packed with flavor. They also have a great selection of draft BEER, which is always a plus. I tasted the light, the amber and the dark chocolate beer, and enjoyed them all. For dessert we tried the chocolate pudding and it was AMAZING. Thick, creamy, and oh so chocolaty. You also get to vote on which local charity the cafe will donate to. I only wish the music was louder, as I would rather have that in the background instead of the chit chatter of others.

    (5)

  • Jaclyn L.

    Okay, this place is super cute. I was much happier here than Cole coffee! Decent chai lattes and much larger. They even sprinkled some cinnamon on top! The staff was super nice and it wasn't too loud. I was actually able to study for a couple hours sans headphones! Next time I'm going to study closer to lunch since their food looked really good.

    (4)

  • Dree W.

    This is my favorite coffee shop because it meets my trifecta thumbs-up on food/coffee, atmosphere, and service. Any food you order here looks fresh, healthy, and actually tastes good. My favorite to order is the open-faced salmon with red onions,cucumbers, and cream cheese. I've seen a lot of patrons ordering this same dish, but I don't think you can go wrong with ordering here. I've ordered a lot of their drinks too and their lattes are good but their mocha is especially delicious. Most mochas are made with Hershey-crap-syrup (like Starbucks) and is overly sweet, Elmwood has their own chocolate powder that's like a ganache so it's perfection. It's almost like a chocolate souffle in a cup and not too sweet. Service is prompt and wonderful, the best thing about this place is the large glass window overlooking the sidewalks and street. The window makes the biggest difference because it makes it so light and airy in there so it's the perfect study atmosphere. I would say avoid the lunch hour bc it gets really crowded then. There's also plenty of parking in the back lot.

    (5)

  • Mick M.

    I was in town a few days, went out my first morning exploring the neighborhood I was staying and on a street with a dozen places I wanted to go into in went to the Elmwood Café. Please do yourself a favor and eat here. I had breakfast 3 mornings in a row. The food is fresh, healthy and delicious to say the least, not to mention the best coffee I've ever had, 3 times. Food as simple as Oatmeal and Granola had me on the edge of my seat thinking to myself as I ate every bite, "there is no way this is good for me, it tastes too good." Even their Coffee Cake, with raspberry filling was unbelievable. I'm sure that wasn't good for me, but worth every morsel. Great staff, atmosphere, dining experience! Plus half their profits go to local charities. Win-win for everybody!

    (5)

  • Sandy C.

    Ridiculously good hot chocolate!! I've been looking for fantastic hot chocolate, and its here. Unfortunately, the food is just mediocre, and they don't have couches and WiFi, which is too bad. It is a little too shi-shi for me in terms of the vibe though. I prefer Gaylord's.

    (3)

  • Mara C.

    I don't come here for the food, so I can't comment on that, but I love this place for its tea and hot chocolate! The employees are so friendly and I think it's great they donate to charity even though they are just starting to turn a profit. I greatly enjoy the atmosphere and the lack of wifi; it it had wifi you'd have to wait half an hour to get a table. This is definitely my favorite place to come chat with a friend or do some reading on a rainy day.

    (5)

  • Ann L. F.

    Great place. Nice, friendly baristas and servers who don't act like you're lucky to be in their place. The food is very good. The chicken meat is among the best I've ever tasted. I don't just mean the recipe: I took the meat out of the bun and tasted it naked, so to speak, and dang that was good chicken. The salads are very good and the vegetables can make a vegetable lover out of people who normally don't like vegetables. The coffee is quite good, though they did grossly over-sweeten the mocha. I mean, I have a sweet tooth and it was too much. Ask them to do it about half as chocolaty as usual. The desserts are very, very good, especially the chocolate chip cookie with the salt. Their Thursday night specials are a great bargain for the coin. No wifi, and I wish the chairs were a little more comfy, but for excellent local food, attentive service (they don't have wait people per se, but they bring the order to your table) and a menu that's varied and always fresh. They serve Linden Street ale which is a local beer that's one of the best I've tasted in the area, and not easy to find. (They're new and just getting established. So far their brew is not available in bottles but only on tap at selected restaurants.) It's clear the employees enjoy working here too. They're genuinely friendly and don't give off that phony-cheeriness vibe. The uptight gals at Local 123 on San Pablo should take lessons from these folks in how to run a fabulously-successful cafe. (That's the only drawback: everybody loves this place, so there's always a line.) Super-cool fact: they donate a huge chunk of their profits to charities and non-profits. You can choose which one by voting among the options they have on a side wall. Nice idea.

    (5)

  • Danny A.

    what a lovely addition to the neighborhood. i had a delightful experience here. elmwood cafe, i welcome you. =)

    (5)

  • Anisa K.

    Great place to sit around, read or study. I love the decor and colors of the cafe. Its sunny and peaceful (not during lunch hours though). I ordered a cappuccino which was good but nothing special. There's no wifi though.

    (4)

  • Bateman S.

    Sorry, everything is just too expensive, and the portions are frighteningly small, to interest me in returning for a second try. The setting is great, we enjoyed sitting outside on an early Sunday morning, looking up at the hills, but I left feeling hungry - and broke! Seriously, two thin wafers with a dash of cheese and some thin salmon does not a breakfast make. And charging for refills on house coffee? Meh.

    (2)

  • Carlet A.

    This place is wonderful, just tried it the other day...went with my family that was visiting from out of town, they were so impressed. The service was great and the food was sooo delicious. We could not stop talking about it all day. The waffles with lemon are scrumptious, granola is delicious, biscuits were supper fluffy and tasty...the coffee was so good I had to get a refill. I can't wait to come back here over and over again.

    (5)

  • jylle e.

    Ding one star for weird wait times and schedule, but, their scones are amazing and their cappucinos perfect. I am a devoted raw paleo and crave scones and baked goods about once every other year, so for me to be inspired to buy one is kind of a big deal. They were delish.

    (4)

  • Jennifer W.

    I really like this coffee shop/cafe feel of the place. It's a nice place to read your newspaper or get some work done while you nib on some pastries and have some coffee. I had their vegetable stew here once and it was quite good.

    (4)

  • Amy T.

    I go to Elmwood pretty frequently and have tried several soups and pastries. The black bean and moroccan lentil soups are delicious. The goat cheese tomato tart is amazing. I always crave their truffle brownie which is decadent and rich but earlier today I went there for the brownie and they gave me one that was in the fridge so it was cold and unpleasant. I was really disappointed that they would sell it to me when it was stale and horrible in taste and texture, especially at $3 for a tiny piece. I want to continue enjoying Elmwood Cafe but it is kind of hard after today's experience.

    (3)

  • Jasper S.

    What a lovely cafe! The space is inviting and comfortable, the food is top-notch and the staff is friendly. I love sitting in the window with one of their yummy pastries and a big bowl of chai.

    (5)

  • SF F.

    My favorite cafe :) the decor, cups, teapots, and pastries are all picture perfect.

    (5)

  • Christine N.

    I was really hoping this place would be my new go-to cafe, since it's only 2 blocks from my apartment. But I guess I'd have to give it more time to figure its footing. Beverages are good here, but service is slow and they burnt my quiche in the toaster. The crust was good, but the quiche tasted very heavy and tiresome after halfway in. My boyfriend's french toast was not as fluffy as we're used to. I would stop by for a hot drink, and give them a few months to work their kinks with the food and service.

    (3)

  • Sarah S.

    After a rough start, Elmwood cafe has managed to lock down a place in my weekly roster. I don't need to elaborate, because the goods speak for themselves. We're talking absolutely delicious coffee paired with the best pastries in town. There's nothing to debate or discuss, just go.

    (5)

  • Gato P.

    Mmmmm. We got the grilled cheese with avocado and the smoked salmon open face sandwich. Damn it was good. The only problem is that it is so light and it leaves you wanting more. We also tried the Rosemary Soda and the Mint Soda. So delicious!!!

    (5)

  • jennifer M.

    Of course the Elmwood Cafe gets five starts. Extremely attentive and friendly staff, clean, bright cafe and the best food you can ask for. They even have outdoor seating for those of us who need fresh air and sun. I especially LOVE their coffee, of the artisanal local type, made with PERFECT foam every time- the quiche is the best quiche I've EVER had. No, they definitely do not have internet, but it's a relief to go to a cafe, and not be subsumed by laptop-land. Bring a friend, get high on great coffee and house-made snacks and hang out!

    (5)

  • Maria B.

    Beautiful open space with friendly, albeit slow, service. They serve light fare, coffees, and teas here. Everything I've tried has tasted really fresh. They have tables outside too, which are a nice option on a warm, sunny day. The hot chocolate is insane; good luck drinking the entire thing if you don't have someone to share it with. It's very rich and served in a huge mug/bowl, but delicious.

    (4)

  • Cara D.

    I think there's a ton of potential here, but they need to work out the kinks before I'd up the star rating here. My double shot Americano was mediocre at best (due to its weak flavor) and worsened by the Stevia I added. Please, Elmwood Cafe, I'll thank you to let me decide if I'm okay with risking the dangers of Splenda; Stevia tastes awful. I got whole wheat toast with butter and jam, which was delicious, but really, who could screw up toast and jam?? Service was very nice (5 stars!) but super, super slow (10 minutes for coffee and toast and I was the only one there!). Good luck, Elmwood Cafe; I'll stop by in a few weeks to see if the kinks are gone and if a certain yellow packet of fake sugar is available...

    (2)

  • Barbara O.

    This place is super cute. The coffee is great...especially the vanilla they use. I would love to give this place 5 stars but I hate that they don't have internet or outlets! One outlet in the entire cafe...seriously??

    (4)

  • Chennifat M.

    Astounding. We just had a morning that took us partly back to Italy, partly back to France. Competent staff who take pride in their results, a truly cheerful room on a gloomy morning, perfect music. We're new to the neighborhood, and will probably be regulars.

    (5)

  • Dawn S.

    Love Elmwood Cafe mocha drink. They use real not too sweet chocolate; the good stuff. Only bummer - it's a $5 drink. Glad I can afford, and I'll be back - at least for the next week. Then it's back to S. Cal, but I now know what a real mocha is and will NEVER order one at Starbucks again.

    (4)

  • Manny H.

    The quiche continues to be the plate I like best here, but the sandwiches are nothing special. Also recently we ordered a tart that came out cold. Not impressed, especially considering a block away is Nabolom Bakery with much more reasonable prices.

    (3)

  • Rebecca A.

    first of all: 50% OF THEIR PROFITS GO TO CHARITY!! yes you read that right, 50%!! This is honestly the cutest, most cozy and amazing neighborhood cafe on all of college ave.! They just opened in a lovely corner spot at the corner of college and Russel and they are already a neighborhood favorite! LOCATION: The location is perfect. The cafe is on the corner of College and Russel, so it has lots of windows and natural lighting, and some cute sidewalk seating. It is on a little strip of college that is filled with shops, a movie theatre, a book store, cafes, and boutiques, and it is such a cute neighborhood. The location is perfect because you can take a walk along college and then stop in for food (more on this later), or you can go here first for food, and then take a cute walk after your meal and see all the cute shops, cafes, and other adorable things on this amazing strip of college ave. ATMOSPHERE: The amtosphere in this cafe is PERFECT! I am honestly very hard-pressed to think of a cafe with a better atmosphere. It has windows all along the walls, so it gets a lot of natural light, and it's nice to have a view of the street from inside the cafe. It was just remodeled, and everyone inside the cafe is new. The style/decor is best described as that of a clean, comfortable, french cafe. There is a lot of seating inside, mostly at tables with chairs and benches, but there is also other seating at a marble counter-top (kinda like bar seating but cuter, and more comfy). The cafe just has a really nice, really pleasant atmosphere, and they DO NOT have wifi which I think is a good thing, because it's not like an anti-social, sit behind your lap-top for 2 hours type of cafe. Its fun and there's tons of people talking and laughing, and having great conversation. SERVICE: The people who work here are soooo sweet! The manager/owner is soo nice, down to earth, and helpful! Everyone who works at the cafe is really helpful, kind and patient. It's the type of cafe where you order at the counter, then they give you a number and you take it to your table and they bring out your food. They are also really good at busing the tables when someone is done eating so someone else can use the table right away. They people who work here are really accommodating, and very knowledgeable about the food. Everyone who works here is great, but especially this one girl (I think her name was Elise) was so sweet, helpful, and accommodating.......she may very well be the reason I liked this cafe so much! FOOD: As if this cafe wasn't already amazing enough, there food is ACTUALLY really really good. like legit delicious. They would probably still be successful, even if their food was just okay because their service, location, atmosphere, and charity are so appealing, butTheir menu changes daily, and they serve breakfast ALL DAY (this is like my dream). First of all all of their food is organic, and almost always seasonal, and local when possible. They have a pastry chef that makes their pastries fresh every day, throughout the day. In the morning they have a lot of breakfasty pastries, like coffee cake muffins, scones, biscuits, breakfast quiches, and croissants and other goodies. Then once breakfast pastry time is over they bust out the chocolate truffle brownies, fleur de sel shortbread cookies, caramal apple tartes, fruit tarts, and other pastries that change daily. They always have two panini options, a soup option, and a salad option for lunch, and for now they only have one dinner entre that changes daily. Their breakfast menu is pretty extensive though, they have everything from lox, to omelettes and scrambles, to a grain stew (like oatmeal but a million times better), to organic yogurt and berries (and homemade granola), to a seasonal fruit salad and much more. Their drinks are also amazing, their coffee is from Blue Bottle coffee, and their espresso taste amazing. Their chai lattes taste so authentic, and spicy, and are made by a man in sebastopol named "Chai Baba Chai". Their hot chocolate, is amazing, and thick, and rich; I think they make is from actual chocolate ganache. - I have personally ordered the chai late with soy milk and it was soo delicious, the best chai latte I have ever had, it tasted so authentic, spicy, and flavourful! - I had their winter fruit salad, which was fresh and delicious, it had clementines and dates and was so simple and delicious! - my friend got the buttermilk biscuit and the bacon and gruyere quiche and I tried some of both and they were both delicious. the buttermilk biscuit was sooo fresh, flakey, and buttery and was served with jam. the bacon and gruyere quiche was so light, perfectly balanced, and the crust was so flakey and perfect. - their cranberry coffee cake is also delicious, it is a pretty big portion, and it's really moist and delicious - their espresso is also really good, i'm very picky about espresso and their's was delicious

    (5)

  • Owen T.

    Awesome looking place! They kept the layout from the 20s, and they serve really tasty coffee! Still haven't tried the food, but hard to argue with the outdoor seating. Plus, 50% of their profits go to charity!

    (5)

  • Deidre J.

    I love to see independent business bloom, LOVE the design and decor! This place does have potential. The problem with this cafe are the prices. The food is quite expensive for the portion size. An individual tart is $6. I would rather see less or no money go to charity, (They claim to donate 50% of profits to charity.) and a more reasonably priced menu. Keep in mind that new businesses sometimes need time to work out the hiccups, so do not judge their service or slow lines at this point in time. I hope the owners, who seem very nice, rethink the pricing, so I can patronize this place more.

    (3)

  • Chantae L.

    I think my favorite thing about this cafe is that there is a window which opens to Mrs. Dalloways bookshop right above one several tables so while you're sipping coffee the smell of books wafts in over your head.Their earl grey tea is delicious, served in a little red ceramic pot with perfectly sized white cups. The quiche is custardy and scrumptious. The only downside is that they don't have wireless.

    (4)

  • Eric B.

    This is by far the best coffee in the neighborhood. It's the only 'Third Wave' cofee house in the area - Fire roasted beans from artisanal growers and expertly pulled tight espresso shots. The food is fantastic - from super fudgey brownies to night-time stews. All made on site. While the food is a little pricey, I think the quality is well worth it. Finally, the staff are always super welcoming in a very genuine, neighborhood friendly way. Indeed there is no internet, but I enjoy working there on my laptop unplugged and actually get something done! A great addition to the Elmwood neighborhood.

    (5)

  • eileen f.

    I've walked past this adorable cafe many times and promised myself I would check it out. So when my friend visited, we went to the cafe with my two dogs in tow. I popped my head inside to see if we and my dogs could sit outside, and the friendly counter person said sure. So far, great! So we settled down outside. After we'd waited about 15 minutes, it became obvious that no one was going to come out to give us menus etc. So I went back inside and asked if we had to order at the counter. With the same friendly demeanor, the gal said yes, we need to order inside. Strange that she didn't tell me that when I asked about sitting outside? Perhaps she assumed I'd been there before and knew the ropes? So I took a menu, went outside and took my friend's order, came back in and ordered. Easy enough. I wasn't hungry, but I ordered a hard boiled egg and a coffee. My friend ordered a frittata. After a short while, the two items came out on the same plate, with one set of utensils. No salt and pepper. The server dropped off the plates and that was it. So my friend went inside to get salt and pepper and a napkin and untensils. My egg was okay, but as I said, I wasn't hungry and it just wasn't doing it for me. The frittata my friend ordered did not do it for her either. She said the spinach in it tasted really weird (and the whole way home, she was burping). This was just not our day to be wowed by this place! It is so cute and I WANT to like it, so I will come back when I am truly hungry, and now that I know the system, I'm sure things will run more smoothly. Perhaps next time it will not leave a bad taste in my mouth?

    (2)

  • John D.

    Creamy quiche, steaming cappuccino, daub of thick apple compote perched on a cozy-warm waffle alongside an herb-fresh frittata, and great people-watching from a corner table, the Elmwood Café was a perfect pause on our College Avenue stroll last Sunday morning. The service is effective, not rushed, allowing time for preparation. A cheerful staff who clearly love their work, the Elmwood Café is a great morning start.

    (4)

  • Natalie D.

    its a cute cafe. really friendly staff. but my food took a long time.

    (3)

  • Liz J.

    The Elmwood satisfies on many levels. I don't even live that close but find myself stopping in very regularly. It's easy to settle in for a while, especially mid-day because there's so much light pouring in from outside. Love to start the day with their espresso drinks and pastries in the morning. I've also branched out and tried the frittata and waffles- both excellent. They offer beer and wine and stay open late. The menu is always changing. I've tried more different types of soup there than I can even remember and I LOVE that they're usually vegan but always flavorful.

    (5)

  • Jessie S.

    A new cafe opens up near me? Must scope it out. I love coffee, so any new coffee shop this close must be tried, guerrilla-style. I've tried every coffee shop within a mile, and many others farther afield in Berkeley. Early noob mistakes: ordering the $8 sandwich, and the $4 latte in the pretty bowl. Look, it's something you do once. And then you don't do it again. Final triumphs: Their coffee. Yes, it's $2.20 for a cup of coffee, but it's some of the best coffee around, especially if it's fresh. Complex notes of amaretto. A few sugar cubes, a bit of cream and you've got something worth writing home about. Also, the quiche, at $3.75 a slice was an eye-opener. Fabulous crust, light eggs, perfect seasoning. Someone who's baking knows what they're doing. And ultimately, it's a nice place to read. Bright, sunny tables, and a feeling of coziness. The place just opened, but they seem to have their feet under them. I'm glad.

    (4)

  • krys s.

    yay, another fancy coffeeshop. can we have ozzie's soda fountain back?

    (3)

  • Sirima S.

    What a sweet little cafe. Wandered in on a Sunday morning looking for a coffee-to-go near my friend's house. The staff was so friendly and the atmosphere so charming that I sat myself down at the counter and made time for breakfast. Really, a healthier choice than my usual eat on-the-run. The quiche I ordered was warm custardy goodness with a thin flaky crust and caramelized burnt top. Their coffee is organic and beans are available for sale. Fresh squeezed OJ and house brewed ice tea are poured from large mason jars by the barristas behind the counter. Kitchen aid mixer was whirring at the end of the counter with some kind of dough. Everything feels authentic and homey. A friendly French cafe vibe where people actually talk to each other. All that was missing was my Sunday NYTimes (which is probably sitting on my front porch or hidden in the lawn). Will totally come back here next time I'm in this part of town.

    (4)

  • david h.

    I'm eating lunch here a third day in a row. This is my new find, having just moved my office in up the street. I love to find high quality food, great service in a clean friendly place. Newly opened, fresh clean and bright walls, floors and granite counters. All fresh and high quality ingredients in daily soups, and a limited menu. So far I've tried maybe the world's best grilled cheese sandwhich with gruyere and fontina, a tasty vegetable soup, a potato and leek soup with a surprising dollop of pesto(!) , a pulled pork stew with kale and veggies, and a spicy sausage on an Acme roll. Only the dog failed to really impress, and it was itself stlil a superior treat, just a little boring, with not enough grilled onions and peppers. Seating options at a bar overlooking the open kitchen, inside and a few outdoor sidewalk tables. A bright new addition to the Elmwood scene.

    (5)

  • Colleen P.

    After leaving a very positive review over a year ago when I first discovered the bright, open, airy Elmwood Cafe, I felt compelled to change it after giving Elmwood a number of chances to get better. Though it remains bright, open, and airy, I just couldn't find a time to go, get work done, and drink some tea without having to smell bacon. That's not why I come to a cafe. Also, unfortunately, even though the counter server always seemed surprised they didn't have a vegan baked good EVERY TIME I asked, there was NEVER a time when they actually had a vegan option. "We have gluten-free, though!" they would declare with pride, perhaps not fully understanding that though some vegans take their baked goods gluten-free, they never take them animal-product-full. However, I am very excited about Cafe Zoe just down the street also on College but in Rockridge, which is beautiful, open, airy - AND they serve almond, rice, and soy milk with their richer teas (such as chai) AND they have a huge selection of teas (not just the same tired three such as at Elmwood), AND they have commercial vegan cookies and brownies. The manager was very open to offering fresh baked vegan goodies, and I look forward to seeing what happens. OH, and there's no smell of bacon! A win for this customer, and a win for the pigs. Hello Cafe Zoe. Goodbye Elmwood Cafe.

    (2)

  • McKenzie R.

    This place is incredibly over-priced...makes Starbucks seem cheap. I had a 12 oz. hot chocolate (the largest they sell...odd)...for $4.80 and waited 20 minutes for what I assumed would be a cup laced with pearls (at that price). Lets just say I was very disappointed.

    (1)

  • Sarah W.

    We had a superduper latte- with phenomenal foam- at Elmwood Cafe. The breakfast sandwich was a tasty panini with buttery, crispy bread. Yum!

    (5)

  • Miko P.

    Menu options are very limited; I'm hoping that will change, so I will pass over it for now. I am extremely excited there is a cafe in this location again, BUT: everyone behind the counter is white. It's damn weird. Also, it seems not to have occurred to the management that lots of people have upper extremity disabilities (wheelchairs are definitely accommodated). Their water jug was a heavy glass container without a handle; thankfully they have one with a handle now, but it's still glass and still horribly heavy. There is a reason places have water dispenser urns. Yeah, they aren't as pretty, but no one will drop the thing on a child's head. Also, my hand/arm disability makes carrying a flaming hot bowl'o'coffee across the room to a table an adventure I'd really prefer not to have. Some of us need handles, dudes! And can you add hooks at assorted heights in the restroom? Finally, the prices are insanely high, $10 for a pastry and an espresso. Apparently they are giving profits to charity, but frankly quite a few of us laid off/students/broke people could use some charity in the form of lower prices. So, in short: hire some non-white people, or quit hiding them in the kitchen; remember there are old people with arthritis in the world, and lots of 'em; charity begins at home, i.e your restaurant! Note: this place has no wi-fi at all, free or otherwise. I think that is okay; there are three coffee houses with wi-fi within a block. Edit: what the area needs desperately is a 7 day a week breakfast place with solid offerings such as omelets, sausage, pancakes. Please expand the menu in that direction first! Mon-Fri, all we can get in the Elmwood are bagels and donuts! I would kill for a waffle and bacon.

    (3)

  • Linda L.

    I want to love this place. It's in my neighborhood, and when it opened I almost cried, seeing the way they'd preserved the counter and wood work from the old Ozzie's I've eaten there several time--the food has mostly been quite tasty, but several items, including drinks, have come out tepid when they should have been hot. When several items are ordered, they don't appear at the same time--i.e. side of bacon isn't served with the egg dish, coffee follows. Tables have been sticky, even early in the morning, bathroom and floor marginally clean. Badly chipped cups! They appear to be successful; I hope that doesn't mean they won't improve these things. With the good menu and location, it could be really special.

    (3)

  • Sue W.

    Loved their mocha - very chocolatey and not too sweet. My friend got the hot chocolate and it was lovely - like hot melted creamy chocolate ice cream. The large bowls that the mocha and hot chocolate came in were also fun to drink from.

    (5)

  • Kelly M.

    Great, cute little place. Good hot chocolate and amazing chocolate coconut macaroons.

    (5)

  • g f.

    This is cafe is located on the site of the former and beloved Ozzie's fountain and hence has a tough standard to beat. Coffee is fine but their housemade sodas and pricey sandwiches are very skimpy. We'd all like this new incarnation to thrive but at this point they really need to try harder.

    (2)

  • karen z.

    This place is the ultimate in Berkeley cafe fine dining!! They do a wonderful, charitable, unique thing. Half of the proceeds of your bill go to the charity of your choice. There's always three worthy ones to pick from! The food is so delicious as is the coffee!! I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to feel really great about giving to charity and have a great dining experience!!!

    (5)

  • Elisabeth W.

    Lovely atmosphere, but they are impossibly slow at the counter. Also, on a cold day it's impossible to stay warm as their door doesn't close properly.

    (3)

  • randi v.

    Went here on a whim. ordered up front and found a seat. First the decor: Its light, bright with a minimum of decor. This is all to the good, the place exudes a clean well lit and bright feeling. Very warm and sunny in there. Even the light fixtures and the palette of the walls are well thought out. The menu is simple, but smart. We tried a salad (pink lady apples and greens) fresh greens, tart apples, walnuts - very refreshing. We had a panini perfectly done, arrived hot and not overdone. A really nice almost brioche tasting generous cut of sourdough/french bread with a side of jam and prosciutto - nice. Also tremendous bowl of latte' and a really nice custom blended coffee from Spettro. The fresh OJ was just that. All in all a really fabulous place to eat a leisurely Sunday Brunch. What a welcome addition to the neighborhood and just in riding distance on our bikes, looking forward to our next visit!

    (4)

  • R B.

    Went there this morning at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, after first going to Fillipo's down the street, which curiously does not open for brunch until 10 a.m. (what is up with that. I know people in Berkeley are laid back, but not that laid back). Anyway, I had eyed Elmwood Cafe since its current incarnation a few months ago, but had never ventured inside. When I eat breakfast out, I usually order pancakes or French Toast, and since this place didn't have pancakes, I ordered French Toast and a latte. Found a table no problem. The woman at the cash register was pleasant but really busy, doing triple duty of making lattes, taking orders, and handling the cash register. After a short wait, I got the French Toast--it seemed to lack any eggs. A little surprised, I went and looked at the menu again carefully, and noticed it didn't say that the French Toast will have eggs. It did have have blueberries on it, as promised on the menu. This is maybe how they do it in France, but I think if French Toast is not going to have eggs, it should say "no eggs" or "vegan" or something like that, so people know, because I think having eggs in French Toast is de riguer in the U.S. So, the toast was somewhat disappointing to eat, but since everyone was so busy, I didn't want to cause a fuss. The busy barista behind the cash register called out my latte halfway through my breakfast. The latte was ok. In all, a below average experience, certainly considering that the latte and the French toast totaled about $12, before tip, and I still came out without any eggs.

    (2)

  • Michelle K.

    love love LOVE this place. Lovely + warm interior, delicious food/coffee, friendly service, AND(!) they give half of their profits to charity. The experience made by tummy and my heart very happy.

    (5)

  • Nancy P.

    This is NOT a place to go for a meal. This 'cafe' has a smaller menu than most food on wheels. .. ONE menu item per meal. Last night's dinner menu offered a trite little number that anyone could throw together without a thought. Imagine a bowl of brown rice with a serving of spinach in the middle and 5 small bites of chicken smeared with bottled chutney for $9!. Come on, folks. You're dealing with a much more sophisticated community that really isn't going to put up with this. The remodel is nice, but the way this place is being run, it won't be there for long. It can't decide whether its serving food or just coffee, whether it wants to be a hip, cool hang out, a natural-organic-local food zealots retreat, or a place that actually serves what its community wants. So far, they are serving what THEY want. I hope someone with some restaurant saavy comes along and puts this place on track. Whoever is running this place is well meaning, but just not listening.

    (1)

  • Rosie W.

    elmwood cafe only opened a few weeks ago, so i don't want to discredit them too much for still being in the process of working out some kinks in their operations. nevertheless, i wouldn't recommend going if just want to be in and out with some coffee the way you would at a starbucks, since it took me nearly 20 minutes to get a latte on a sunday morning. however, it is a great place to just stay at linger in the morning over a newspaper. the huge windows in the front make for cheery atmosphere, as well as an awesome place to people watch. the coffee cake muffin is as good as people say; when i was going to the bathroom in the back of the store, i saw a rack of the crumble that goes on top of the coffee cake, and was tempted to stuff a handful in my mouth.

    (4)

  • Tsan A.

    Good for coffee. Great tea. Lovely pastry. Salads fine. Hot chocolate is good. Soup good. Cute place. Definitely NOT good for a glass of wine. Young hipster staff thinks the 75 degree cafe is "room temperature" so the red wine tastes like bath water and the white wine (from the reach-in) tastes like ice cold pop.

    (3)

  • Kate H.

    The perfect breakfast spot. Speedy counter service, nice vegetarian options, and too many delicious pastries to choose from. (We picked the raspberry coffee cake and would do so again.) Loved the laid back atmosphere - no one pressured us to leave our table even when we were picking at crumbs - and the prices. Can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Yifei D.

    Went there by coincidence because I was to meet some people at ici's but it turned out they would be late for like 20 min so I walked around and got into this beautiful cafe. Wasn't planning on eating that evening, especially something sweet, because apparently I already had to eat some sweet and fat ice cream later... So I was planning to only get a latte, but then just couldn't resist but ordered the cinnamon currant toast w/ plum jam & cream cheese... Didn't expect everything to be so good! I like how their coffees were in like big bowls and their latte tasted really good! The toast was like...omg I was in heaven. Thick layers of cream cheese on hot and crusted thick toast, with flavors of cinnamon and the plum jam, best combinations of sweet and salty, crisp and soft. And they had good service.

    (4)

  • Fion L.

    one year, 20+ visits later verdict: Elmwood will forever be my favorite cafe , ever. Everything about this place is wonderful. For breakfast/brunch: the frittata has a crispy exterior and the flavors are complementary. I had the potato and scallion, but like most pastries at Elmwood, change weekly. Cinnamon currant toast is hands down my favorite, two thick slices of acme bread with whipped cream cheese, and a side of their daily jam. The waffles are crispy and chewy, but soft and fluffy. the breakfast sandwiches are hearty, the bacon is SO thick and smoky, the eggs are always boiled perfectly. Fruits are so fresh, and cut perfectly. the regular coffee is a comforting blend, warm and happy. The lattes are foaming with steamed milk, and served in a bowl (you kind of feel like a little kid drinking it, heh heh). Lunch/dinner: their Italian sodas are so mouthwateringly good. You can mix flavors, and they change regularly. My favorite so far has been grapefruit mint. The soup of the day is always delicious. I've had black bean, corn, and tomato cream. All come out steamy and with a side of bread. The sandwiches are yummy, and fresh. Everything is reasonably priced ($4-10). half of their profits go to a charity of your choice (vote in the back). There are plenty of round tables, as well as seating outdoors. It gets loud and crowded especially during weekend brunch hours, and slightly less so weekday mornings from 8-10. I've gotten to know some of my best friends here, had deep heart to hearts, enjoyed coffee alone, studied with a group of friends, gone on perfect Sunday morning brunch dates with my boyfriend before church (which is just down the street), experienced Elmwoods chicken pot pie night, recommended this place to many friends, and learned what the different between a cafe and cafe experience is. Elmwood isn't just a cafe, it's a place where people catch up, eat up, and grow up (cheesy cheesy I know, I'm having a sentimental moment). If you've never come up to this part of Berkeley, it's worth a try. Friendly vibes, good food, wonderful experience!

    (5)

  • Kitty T.

    Line moves fast. Staff are very pleasant and helpful. What turned me off from the experience was the pastries were out in the open with flies buzzing around and jumping from pastries to pastries. The flies really liked the financiers! Good coffee.

    (2)

  • Sal L.

    I have been to Elmwood cafe several times. The cafe is cute, the help is helpful and the food is great. They also donate to local causes, which I love. In fact, the first time I went, they were contributing 100% of receipts to the Berkeley Unified School District. So cool! Very friendly. Outdoor seating. Metered parking right close by. Plus many other lovely shops on College Ave. Highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Kenneth R.

    Two of us came for a breakfast that included toast with jam and butter, yogurt with granola and a double latte in a large bowl. The tab for these three items was $14.17 (plus tip). Everything was made with products of the highest quality (Straus yogurt, Acme levain, ..). It's worth consulting the Cafe web site elmwoodcafe.com for information about their primary ingredients. The latte was too milky for me (my bad, but I wanted a drink in one of their large bowls), but I could appreciate that it was made with care and skill. I loved the toast and the granola. The space is beautiful. It's obviously great for studying, people-watching, journal writing, yelping, whatever. The Elmwood Cafe seems to encapsulate Berkeley-ness in a way that invites its use as a signature location for films that involve Berkeley in some way. I was at first surprised not to encounter a film crew in the process of evaluating the cafe, but then I realized that film people are unlikely to be awake at 8AM unless they're filming a scene that requires early morning light. I used to live in the neighborhood and remember the old Elmwood Pharmacy, which I rarely patronized. I was amused that its lunch counter was regarded as a Berkeley icon but never felt the appeal of the famous grilled cheese. The Cafe is a definite upgrade. My only regret is that I didn't come sooner.

    (4)

  • Kristine M.

    In terms of dessert let's give this place a HIP HIP HOORAY and a Round of applause! HOLY GUACAMOLE. Here's how my experience went. It's about 7pm on a Thursday night. Popped my head in after eating dinner down the street. Craving desserts my eyes went straight to the display conveniently placed by the register in the front. I tried 4 things.. let's review.. 1. & 2. Chocolate Financier & Almond Financier They look like tiny circle cake bites. They are made with almond meal and are ABSOLUTELY DEVINE. Especially the Almond financier. The consistency of this little morsel is very unique (likely due to the almond meal) and i love how it's NOT too sweet. It's a great simple dessert for those who want to get something delicate and simple after a heavy meal. 3. Chocolate chip Cookie omgomgomg. Truth be told, everyone knows I have a BIG weakness for cookies. And I believe you always judge wether or not a place has good cookies by judging their basic chocolate chip cookie. The cookie here is large in size, and on the more flat side. The cookie itself comes apart nicely, without crumbling, and the consistency is moist and well made. The overall taste of the cookie blew my mind. The chocolate chips are thoroughly melted through the cookie so there is no delineation of exactly where each chocolate chip begins or ends. UGH. SO. FREAKING. GOOD. A+ 4. Fudge Brownie WELL WELL.. This comes in a variety of sizes.. Tiny cubes for you who just want a bite and then regular square bar sizes for you chocolate mongers. The brownie overall has a solid fudge look, and melts quite nicely in your mouth. The overall consistency to taste is fudgy without being too sweet. simply fabulous. Overall, my dessert experience here was great and the server was so patient and kind. She was also really helpful if you had questions about preference, diet restrictions, and ingredient content. If you're in the area you must try their desserts!! Especially the ones I just described. YUUUUMMMMMMMMMSSS!

    (4)

  • Stefanie L.

    My friend and I stumbled upon this cafe while in Berkeley today. Very pleasant location. Outdoor seating along the sidewalk and ample seating inside. We ordered our food and sat at a table outside. Before I could even sit down, a waitress comes out and goes up to a black man, who is chatting with a table full of white women and says, "Oh, we thought you were selling something." He says, "No, I am just talking to my wife." He then walks away because he was in shock and embarassed. I immediately felt very uncomfortable giving this place my money and business. How does one fix their mouth to say such a thing when no one outside looked bothered by this man? This was my first and last visit there. She should be ashamed for her actions. They definitely lost some business today...

    (1)

  • Sebastien D.

    I was brought to ElmWood Café for the first time by my girlfriend for brunch one Saturday. She had really hyped up the place as being one of her favorites. I don't usually like to do brunch because I hate waiting in lines, but this line was quick to move and we were able to order in no time and find a table outside at which to eat. We ordered fresh juice, a chocolate chip cookie, a croissant, fruit, and a sandwich. My was everything delicious. First of all their croissant was one of the best if not the best I have had in the Bay Area. The closest I have had to a traditional croissant from France. Buttery, flakey, and somewhat crispy. The main thing for croissants is that they should be flakey so pieces fall off when you open it up. Those are the best to pick up after and eat when done. Secondly the chocolate chip cookie is just to die for, one of my favorite in the Bay Area. I would place it top 5, and definitely in the top 2 or 3 in the East Bay. Do your self a favor and get this chocolate chip cookie, you won't regret it. The rest of the meal was very good as well, I have been back a few times since and the meal is always different and delicious but we always get a croissant and a cookie. The staff is courteous and quick, the tables outside are nice for people watching down Elmwood, and their food is top notch.

    (5)

  • Catherine L.

    Just visited this café for the second time, and had a great time! Last time, I was in and out, but this time found a place to sit and enjoy our meal. We sat at the counter, so we got the opportunity to watch the team in action. There must have been almost 10 people behind the counter, all working together in a small space, everyone working hard to get each order right. Once prepared, the dishes are placed on the space above our eating counter top, so we saw everyone's yummy order. We ordered the coconut scone with lime curd and the frittata with small salad. I cracked open the scone when it came and inhaled deeply.....buttery homemade goodness at its best. The frittata was delicious, although I would have liked to add pepper and salt. The coffee was yummy....next time I will try the hot chocolate or the café au lait...looks so special since it's served in a ceramic bowl....Elmwood donates half their profits to charity, which I find impressive. Everyone there was very nice. My husband saved us a seat while I ordered the food, but by the time I reached the seat, he had already received our frittata/salad order! I guess the server was so observant, that he knew where to deliver the order!

    (5)

  • Charles L.

    Cafes. Nice ambient atmosphere in exchange for overpriced coffee and tiny soups and sandwiches. I am not a huge fan of cafes. That being said, Elmwood was better than your average cafe. They were out of certain menu items like the quiche, which was a little disappointing, but they had plenty of options that it didn't make too much of a difference. I had the turkey and cranberry sandwich. The portions were small, but it was surprisingly filling. I also had the lemon creme soda. It was perfect for a hot day and was very refreshing. All this came out to around 11 dollars, which was a little bit on the expensive end for a college student. All in all, Elmwood was a slightly above average experience for a type of restaurant that is usually subpar (in my opinion). As Berkeley is inundated with cafes, you are likely to find a cafe that is better than this one, but as far as cafes go, Elmwood is not bad.

    (3)

  • S. L.

    Elmwood Cafe is our favorite neighborhood cafe. Their sidewalk seating, French Cafe style, is charming and adds to the ambiance of the College Avenue strip; their coffee is strong and flavorful; and their food is delicious. Whether we stop for a morning coffee and fresh pastries, or take out-of-town visitors for soup and sandwiches, we are NEVER disappointed: the food is outstanding! The only drawback to this fabulous spot is that EVERYONE loves it: sometimes the line and the wait can be long. But on the flip side, the entire neighborhood seems to know that this is the place to go for great food!

    (5)

  • Hannah C.

    Summary: tasty fresh foods, ample tables, and classic cafe decor with your choice of THE BEST LATTE (according to Jen L.) or crisp refreshing wine? Excellent. Saturday night, and our husbands wanted to watch a boxing match. Who wants to watch athletes beat each other up?? Apparently, our husbands. Thankfully, Jen L. and I were both in the middle of great books we really wanted to dive back in to, so we meandered over to Elmwood Cafe (formerly, Ozzie's Soda Fountain from when I was still at Cal) for a bite to eat. We were secretly hoping they would also have some wine for us, and lo and behold, our wish came true. At the counter, the lovely man ringing us up let me taste the rose and white wine both so I could decide. Considering the weather was warm that night, we went with the crisp and refreshing white wine... yum! We even had our wine bottle chilling (literally) on ice the whole evening. Oo la la! The most chic I've ever felt at a cafe in Berkeley. Still stuffed from a heavy breakfast and lunch, I got the California Spring Salad with Shaved Asparagus (and added ham), which was the perfect foil to the wine and my mood. Fresh and bright, it filled me up just right for the rest of the evening. We settled down at a window table and had the loveliest evening of eating, reading, chatting, sipping and... even indulged in a little dessert. Chocolate financier for me, apple coffee cake for Jen. The classic interior and helpful and friendly service sets a casual and classy mood that is really hard to come by sometimes when you're a grungy studious student... ahem* moi in my former days. A sparkling and refined gem in the sometimes dark & depressing woes of stressful student life a Berkeley. Although... I probably wouldn't have been able to enjoy an evening as nice as this when I was in school: food, wine AND dessert? What a splurge! :D

    (4)

  • Xinxin W.

    This place is adorable. The food and coffee is not five star quality for the price but the atmosphere probably gives it that extra edge. Yes, I, too, enjoy being hipster and posting instagram photos of my giant bowl of chai latte next to a hand-written sign of my hard-to-pronounce, harder-to-spell name. Also, the massive amount of young families with dogs and girlfriends meeting over coffee gives it that perfect brunch vibe. If only there were mimosas... jk! Don't get me wrong. The food is pretty delicious! I especially liked the grilled cheese with avocado. They use two kinds of fancy cheese that I can't remember. mmmmm. I also got the poached egg sandwich (Don't judge me; Asian girls can eat.) The poached egg was cooked perfectly but I think the bread it comes with is super boring and bland and just overwhelming in thickness. Maybe you can choose a different bread option? I live pretty close so I'll be back... after I get an adorable husband and corgi.

    (4)

  • Elyse O.

    I love Elmwood Cafe! The food is delicious and fresh, and the homespun vibe is great. In addition, Elmwood donates a portion of its profits to charity and asks customer to weigh in on which projects should be funded. Wholesome and tasty cuisine and a mission which focuses on social responsibility make Elmwood a great choice!

    (5)

  • Nathan M.

    This place is great. I had their homemade biscuit with their homemade jam (EVERYTHING is either homemade or extremely fresh) and the poached egg sandwich with bacon and arugula. Both were fantastic. Only gripe I have is that the table layout is a bit cramped, when I was getting out of my seat it was often quite difficult to maneuver. A must try!

    (4)

  • Christina L.

    This cafe is ridiculously cute, but it's also ridiculously busy. It's a great place to study if you're distracted by the internet because they don't have internet! I can't comment much on service, but the people behind the counter seemed to be genuine when speaking with a regular customer that was sitting behind me. There's a ton of pastries and salads to choose from if that's what you're into, I have only gotten coffee, orange juice, and more coffee here. I ordered the drip coffee and I'm a little disappointed that my drip coffee came out of a machine. My coffee could've been dripped earlier that day, but I would never know that. I still give this place 4 stars because I think the place is cute and has a good atmosphere to bring others back.

    (4)

  • Chival N.

    Cute little place with delicious French soda in unique flavors and frittata, soups, salads and sandwiches :). Definitely coming back here on a Sunday to enjoy a long, leisurely brunch.

    (4)

  • Samantha C.

    Finally tried this place, and now I'm sad that it took me this long to try it. The shop is super cute, though the space is a bit limited as you're likely to be back to back with the person sitting at the table behind you. But I had a pomegranate and kumquat salad along with their breakfast sandwich, both of which were delicious! So good food, and good ambiance (very small town and cute), definitely going back.

    (4)

  • Alice L.

    Ahh Elmwood, my sweet. Just a year ago you were a fancy facade that I walked past occasionally on my way through the neighborhood or on my way to Rockridge BART. But now, our love story is complete. I now live a block away and for that reason I have been eating here at least once a week for a solid couple months. I had to slow that habit down once I took a peep in my pocketbook. If I'm being honest though, I just can't stay away from their sea salt chocolate chunky cookies! Literally everything I've ever tasted here has been delicious. And that sample size is pretty vast (borscht, carrot coconut soup--soup changes everyday!, avocado grilled cheese, hummus/chicken/poached egg sandwiches, peppermint hot chocolate, lemonade, apple turnover, frittata, quiche...I could go on). Whatever they choose to do, trust me, they do it well. Their menu changes daily and seasonally but they make it easy on you by posting it all online and printing new menus with the rising and setting of each day's new sun. The bread is delivered fresh, the food is made in-house. Pretty nifty methinks! The servers are all young, college-age or slightly older saplings--extremely friendly, well-mannered, and efficient. You may have to wait a bit for your food because of how crowded it can get, especially weekends around brunch time, but you can always sit at the counter, read your book, and laze about a bit. That's the vibe I get at Elmwood. Everyone is doing something, but no one is in a frenzy about it. It's the perfect place to read, write, think, or meet with a new or old friend for coffee. Cheers :)

    (5)

  • Shelbi L.

    Amazing food and spectacular coffee but stopping here is a time commitment! The service is slow and the line moves even slower.

    (3)

  • K M.

    Such a sweet place! The veggie sandwich is delicious and absolutely overflowing with sprouts and hummus. I took half of it home and it was just as good the next day. Great atmosphere to sit and people watch or do work. The staff are all lovely. Can't wait to eat my way through the menu!

    (5)

  • Johnson L.

    A super nice and quaint place to have breakfast if you are up near UC Berkeley. The mocha comes literally in a bowl, but it was one of the best mochas that I have had. The breakfast is super organic and yummy.

    (5)

  • S S.

    Amazing spot for Sunday brunch or siesta. Love love love! Open faced fig sandwich and heated scone with jam are my personal favorites!

    (4)

  • Sungeeta A.

    I love this place! It gets pretty crowded in the evenings and on weekends, but whenever I come in the afternoon on a weekday I can get a table pretty easily. Good thing, because the sunny and cheerful atmosphere is perfect to grab coffee with a friend or study. Their food is also delicious. So far I've had the turkey cranberry sandwich and BLT. The cranberry sauce has a tangy kick and the tomato jam on the BLT transforms it from an everyday sandwich to amazing! For drinks they have a large variety, from specialty coffee drinks to italian sodas. I've had their chai tea, sparkling water, and italian soda, and all were great! I'll definitely be back here to try all the other things on the menu.

    (5)

  • Anu P.

    Easily my favorite coffee shop in Berkeley! Ambiance, delicious coffee and pastries, and apparently, also fantastic brunch and dinner plates--what else can you ask for? I live very near College, so I am able to frequent as much as my heart desires, which is really nice! The first time I went, I shared a mocha with a friend. We expected a simple mocha in a cup, but the experience is so much more than just ordering coffee! Let's start with the shop itself: Cute, quaint little place on the corner of the street with windows so you can people watch and allowing a little sunlight to come through during the day. Next, even though you come intending to just have some coffee, of course you're enticed by the abundance of pastries and treats available near the register (well done, elmwood). To drink, I've had the mocha, which comes out in these huge bowls that just give your coffee drinking experience a whole new dimension. The mochas are rich and chocolatey making you question whether it's coffee or just hot fudge inside--not complaining at all. But if you're looking for something a little less rich, their lattes are on point and even come with beautiful coffee art for those of us obsessed with that! To eat, I have tried the brownie and the warm biscuit with their jam--both off the charts and exceptionally tasty. I was extremely impressed by the biscuit- so flakey, soft, yet crisp where it needs to be all at the same time. And the jam and butter that come with the biscuit send you over the moon. Seriously. Heavenly with a latte. Finally, just when you think you've raved about this place enough, you realize you haven't. As you order, you get your name written on a cute little sign, instead of being given a number or having to give them your name to call out. Such a cute and personal touch, which is exactly what you need and love about a coffee shop like this one! The baristas are always far too kind, always giving good suggestions and the crowd is always an interesting old: elderly individuals reading their morning papers, college students cranking out term papers or leisurely reading, and of course, the randoms who you can't quite place. The ambiance is eclectic and irresistible. I will most definitely be back! I want to try their breakfast dishes (pumpkin waffles, poached eggs, etc) and some of those delicious soups other Yelpers are raving about!

    (5)

  • katie c.

    This little oasis is a treasure trove of wonderful breakfast treats and piping hot java. Their baked goods are the ultimate and the coffee is exceptional. Awesome place to hang out while perusing College Avenue.

    (5)

  • Laura L.

    Ah, Elmwood Cafe. I have to give 4 stars for the food, even though the service is often very very slow (luckily, its walking distance so I can try something else if the line is too long). Breakfast recommendations: the poached egg sandwich, the waffle (which ever variety they are serving) and the oatmeal if you are feeling healthy. Pastries are also all very good - the coffee cake is excellent although very rich. If you haven't gotten the quiche, get it, I think its the best quiche I have ever had. Very rich too though, so not often a repeat item. Lunches are very good and reasonably priced and they often have specials on Thursday evenings, like chili night or sausage night. A great place to meet a friend for coffee since you will have extra time to chat while you wait in line :)

    (4)

  • Charles Y.

    this place has real good french toast which is cool cuz they aren't even french lol its a cafe that has pretty good things but I really wish they also had baguettes and other french things like snails mm isn't it weird how ppl eat snails but at the same time cool

    (4)

  • Rick B.

    Elmwood Cafe in Berkeley, CA - 4 stars: Friday 2/15/13. A bit off campus down at the end of College Avenue, this little find is a hit. Sort of laptop friendly, but have your battery charged because there were not a lot of outlets. This little corner café was flooded with light from the huge windows facing the street on each side making for an open and airy experience. Not really a place for large parties because it is mostly 2- and 4-seat tables against the wall or flanking the windows. The food, which you order at the register as you walk in, was good. Our party of two had a waffle & sliced banana with a buttermilk biscuit (you'll see a tray of these fluffy mounds by the register when you walk in and understand why we ordered one) and a two-cheese/mushroom/egg breakfast sandwich with a coffeecake muffin. Very nice bakery items and excellent coffee. If this café was a couple of blocks closer to campus it would be swamped with Cal Berkeley students ... so is that a plus or a minus? They bring the food out to you, but you pretty much are on your own after that, i.e., self-serve silverware, napkins. Excellent breakfast stop.

    (4)

  • Jeffrey K.

    This place is fantastic for friendly staff and wonderful treats. If you're lucky enough to stay. ..sit at the counter and watch these wonderful people assemble delightful dishes all in such a small space. It's popularity makes it difficult to enjoy at times though bc of only one register and limited space. Go early if you want to enjoy yourself.

    (4)

  • Winnie L.

    By far one of my favorite breakfast / brunch / studying places in the Berkeley area! With amazing food and great atmosphere, I love the vibrance of this bustling cafe. Having been here multiple times now, I would say the only downside to it is that it doesn't have wifi, which makes studying sometimes a little difficult. Otherwise, it's a great place to read a book or just talk to your friends over brunch! I normally get the Smoked Salmon Sandwich when I go. It is extremely good and I highly recommend it. They put cream cheese, red onions and pickles with the salmon, balancing out the flavors on toast. Served with 4 toasts, I must say it is quite filling. The BLT sandwich is also very promising! They have a good arrangement of coffee and french soda (which I love!) Their teas come in cute little red pots, and are quite good as well. Overall, as you can see, I am in love with this cafe - definitely my go-to spot for most things!

    (4)

  • Jane D.

    I love, absolutely love this place. The delicious baked goods (buttermilk biscuit!) and made to order entrees are exceptional and the dining room is both elegant and comfortable. The employees all seem super friendly and hard working. Really, my only criticisms are the frequent long lines and the dearth of parking in the neighborhood. Still, I'll definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Esther A.

    Had a quick lunch here with a friend. This is an order up front, pay, bus your own table kind of place. Lines can get quite long and you may not have a table readily available but we got lucky. It's probably a good thing there is no WiFi or else you'd probably never snag yourself a table during weekend brunch. Food might take awhile to reach you but it's good. Hot chocolate is great and prices are fair. After lunch take a stroll down College Avenue and perhaps even a stop at Ici. We did. :)

    (4)

  • Suki J.

    This is a fantastic cafe! It has all the charm of a soda shop {which the space actually was, many years ago} with a modern twist. Sustainable, organic, local food & their own coffee. Not to mention after you pay at the register you get to cast a vote for a donation to a charity! The food is all tasty, but I am a big fan of their pastries & an even bigger fan of their mocha!! If you like a good mocha you will love theirs, it's made with chocolate ganache!! It is really out of this world!!! Go & enjoy!!!

    (5)

  • Cynthia T.

    Love it there! Service is always #1 and employees are the nicest. Food and pastries are great too! I really like their salads and soups. Café décor is super cute - there's some quiet background music but nothing too loud. Only thing I would change is they don't have wi-fi :( also there's only one plug close to a table allowing you to charge your laptop, so working/studying there is not convenient. That's the only thing I don't like though. I often ask them to change a few ingredients when I order salads or sandwhiches and they always say yes and do not mind at all!

    (5)

  • Matthew W.

    Soups are usually vegan and delicious. A cup plus a side salad and bread is less than $6. Awesome deal. More vegan options please!

    (5)

  • Toni M.

    This has been on my mental bookmark list forever and today we finally came here for lunch after meeting up w/ our friend Chuck in the neighborhood. Our timing was impeccable. We walked in around noon, give or take and there was not only not a line, but there were a few tables to choose from. Counter seating would have been cool, but our backs couldn't take the stools. We grabbed menus and ordered from the nice young woman at the counter. I had a roast beef sandwich on Acme levain. It came w/ a generous side salad of baby mixed greens. Alan ordered a breakfast sandwich w/ an organic egg, spinach, bacon and cheddar and a bowl of fresh fruit to share. He drank water and I had lychee black iced tea. I staked out a table against the wall rather than by the window, which would have been more crowded. He brought my tea, silverware, stevia and a little sign w/ his name rather than a number. Nice touch. My sandwich arrived first. His had to be remade because they had accidentally made the vegetarian version but caught the mistake before it left the kitchen. My sandwich had thinly sliced roast beef and marinated vegetables. I gave him a few bites to keep the wolf from the door and still had more than enough food. His sandwich arrived and it was delicious. He was less thrilled w/ it because the egg was hard boiled and sliced rather than scrambled or fried, as he had expected and would have preferred. He had some of my salad and more of my sandwich and was fairly satisfied. My tea was perfumed and lovely. I'll have to buy some lychee tea to make iced tea next summer. This was a nice lunch and the setting is attractive, though the tables are very close together, making you party to your neighbors' conversations. Our timing was perfect. We looked up 10 or 15 minutes after arriving and the line to order was out the door. Its popularity is well deserved.

    (4)

  • Albertino M.

    Time: 8:12am/49°F Cloudy Purpose: Meeting for future business proposals. Ambiance: Lively vibrant neighborhood cafe feel seems most locals take their out of towners here. A feel like you're in a large pantry with jars of fruit spreads stack on sills. No outside seatings inside have limited tables and chairs. Items use here looks like from a yardsale but functional. There's always a line here even on weekdays imagine weekends you might not get a table for over an hour. Reminds me of mama's of north beach at least here it's more friendlier and ingredients are local fare. Later I learn that this use yo be a soda fountain place back in the days during WW2 this was the place for people to hangout. Staff: The front counter as you walk in is were the most action is from 3-4 workers in front some making coffee others prepping and one cashier. All friendly college type fast moving and efficient. Cleanliness: Immaculate up to date. Eats/Drinks: A cup of the day brew $2,steel cut oatmeal with brown sugar/milk $5.25, and sm yogurt with granola $3.75 client pick up tab. Products: Traditional Breakfast&lunches is what popular here dinner. Omletes,pastries,cookies,bars,coffee,juices,steel cut oatmeal,hotcakes,seasonal fruit jams&preserves,granola, etc. Punch Line: Trendy little neighborhood cafe located in the Elmwood district. Accessible by any ways that you can think of let it be on bike,bus,walking,driving,skateboarding, roller blade I see all types of ways people get here. Great workers no stuck up people here. Final Thoughts: I like this kind of place back then when internet wasn't that mainstream yet you can find me in here with sunday paper in hand while enjoying breakfast. This place is a must try for anyone who had places like Denny's or Carrows, it makes them worst then fastfood joints for this kind of eats. Lines will always be a factor here depending when you arrive.That line is for people waiting for tables to be open, if you want a cup of coffee and pastry to go you can bypass it with correct change. So for people who wants something to go the line makes it more imitating the workers don't know who's in line for what and what so both people would assume that leads to getting angry for nothing. Do what I do bypass line to counter tell them it's to go coffee of day pick out a pastry item pay for it and leave don't wait for your change of $.32¢ as some people are piss for no reason already,consider a tip for workers you cheapskates. *My take: Any of their homemade fruit jams no preservatives or sugar added all natural, sorry Santa Cruz Organic but I found new love here.

    (5)

  • Art O.

    When it comes down to it, a couple of things bother me about this place. First and foremost is the layout. You order and pickup at the same spot near the entrance of the cafe. It makes it super crowded and very confusing to where you're supposed to go. I've come here on a few occasions when it's been really crowded and it's a mess to just get in. Second, is the prices. I just don' think the quality of the drinks warrants such a high price. I've been to other "fancy" cafes but they either have similar or superior drinks for a bit less. I'd rather study and/or do work at the Beanery across the street.

    (3)

  • S V.

    Cute little spot in Berk. Service was good, drinks weren't too pricey, and nice seating area.

    (5)

  • Christine K.

    their seasonal pastries are delicious! I've tried a pumpkin muffin & a ginger cake -- the muffin was perfectly pumpkiny & fluffy, & the cake was moist & pretty spicy (I love ginger, so the spicier the better for me! :) I liked it almost as much as Crixa Cakes' ginger cake (which is even more moist & gingery, & denser too). They also have sweet potato bourbon pie, which I've never tried but looks tasty! The only thing I haven't liked was the pumpkin waffle that I tried once, which tasted only very slightly of pumpkin & mostly of butter.

    (4)

  • Furai X.

    I've found my go-to scone place in Berkeley. It's been a long and difficult journey but I'm happy to announce my loyalty and patronship to Elmwood Cafe. I mean, I walked in, expecting a stale pastry at best (it was already 3pm and I was in a pessimistic mood) but walked out with a WARM, cherry poppyseed piece of heaven. Seriously, I will be coming here every and anytime I'm in Berkeley and in dire need of a scone...which is abnormally often.

    (5)

  • Yolanta S.

    I've been to Elmwood twice, and I have yet to be disappointed. The first time was a late-night pick-me-up consisting of a hot chocolate and a lemon tart. Some people think that hot chocolate is hard to mess up, but you would be surprised at how many places get it wrong. Elmwood's hot chocolate should be the standard of all hot chocolates. It's just the right amount of sweetness and chocolate and there isn't that pesky remainder of chocolate or sugar at the bottom. As for the lemon tart, it was a little runny and messy to eat, but the flavour was great! You can tell they don't skimp on their ingredients. I don't remember the exact price, but I remember it being completely reasonable for the portion and quality. The second time was for breakfast/brunch, and I had a frittata and side salad with a coffee. The total came out to be about $6, and the portions were very generous. Even if the portions were smaller, it wouldn't matter because the food is just so delicious and fresh. If you want to start your day off right, having breakfast at Elmwood is the way to go. The people working there are also always super friendly and ready to answer questions. It's a great atmosphere for meeting up with friends, and the noise level is pretty low. If you're staying, the only problem is finding seats. There is a bit of seating, but you have to be a little aggressive and stalk people leaving if you want to get a seat. Both times I've taken my food to-go, and it is a bit awkward waiting around in front of the cashier. They're generally very quick though, and I've never had to wait more than 6-8 minutes for my food and drinks even when going in a group.

    (5)

  • Ally M.

    I've heard amazing things about this place and have wanted to try it for a while. There is always a line outside the door on weekend mornings. I do appreciate the idea of a different menu every day, but I wasn't as impressed with my lemon waffle as I thought I would be. The food here is good, but not amazing, and I don't think I would want to wait and pay $8 for a waffle again.

    (3)

  • Mandy C.

    I'm always sort of hesitant to write reviews for places that already have such many great reviews, because seriously, who would need to give this place a second thought? The hot chocolate was absolutely amazing - they give it to you in this cute little bowl, and top it off with really light whipped cream (I think?) and flecks of chocolate pieces. I haven't tried any of the desserts and pastries here, so can't really say much about them, but they look delicious, and judging from the hot chocolate, I'm pretty sure they taste delicious too. I only wish that this was a study spot with wi-fi, but I guess it makes sense that there isn't, esp. since the lines are extremely long and there isn't that much space to accommodate those with laptops.

    (4)

  • Queen B.

    Sooooo good. A really nice brunch/ lunch place. The drip coffee was really good and strong, just how I like it! A good mix of clientele ranging from students to older people. I wanted the quiche but they were all out, which means the quiche is probably really good! So I had a turkey pesto sandwich and it was pretty good. I guess I was expecting roasted thanksgiving style turkey, but it was good for lunch meat turkey. And I love anything with pesto. The bread was from Acme bread, which makes things extra good.The only downside is that it gets pretty crowded and there isn't much seating. I'd love to go back and try something from the breakfast menu or their wine selections which also looked good.

    (4)

  • Alice M.

    While looking for a quick place to grab lunch on my way from this area back to work, I decided to grab something quick from Elmwood Cafe. Firstly, the location is nice and if I had had more time, it was a perfectly sunny day that could've been enjoyed right there! The food: I got the frittata, warmed up, and it was good as frittatas generally are, although next time I'll try the quiche (wanted it this time, but they were out). Thanks to Yelp reviews, I also decided to try the hot chocolate. AMAZING. I've tried hot chocolate at various cafes lately (mainly because I try not to have too much caffeine -- I can't sleep until about 4:30am anytime I go near the stuff), but most of them have been disappointing for my tastes. To me, hot chocolate is supposed to be sweet and rich and chocolatey. A lot of the ones I've had at "gourmet" places have just been bitter and not the same sweet taste that I like. At Elmwood Cafe, they make their own dark chocolate ganache (YUM!) and mix it with steamed milk. Then if you want (and you should), they top it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a bit of cocoa powder. It is a bit on the sweet side, so if you don't like that, don't expect to like this. To me, it was so so good. At $4.89 (inc. tax) for a "large" (which is really the size of a small anywhere else), it's a pricey indulgence (around $2.99 for a small which is tiny). But considering I just discovered it and went back two days later, it looks like it'll be one I indulge in quite often! P.S. Interesting note: if you drink it the hot chocolate there, they serve it in bowls. Cool!!

    (5)

  • Shannon D.

    I work right down the street from elmwood cafe and have had many lovely lunches and evening snacks. This review is a shout out to one employee who went so above and beyond for me on a busy day. I believe his name is Paul! Just top notch customer service. Paul if you see this you totally made my day!

    (5)

  • M T.

    I don't want to be a hater, cuz this little cafe is always there for me, and is a staple of my existence.......but..... Negatives: Not a whole lot, but enough for me to not drop a whole bucket of stars on em. 1. I go here a lot as it's down the street - most of the time I get earnest cashiers who are really sweet. Then, sometimes I encounter someone with a massive dose of weird "only in Berkeley" attitude....if you know what I'm talking about you know what I'm talking about. Aloof, distant, unfriendly-ness..... 2. Food takes sooo long! I don't mind, as I'm usually chilling out reading, or working (playing on my phone). But, I've had a couple of lunch meetings here, and the food takes quite a bit of time. 20-30 minutes has been my average for a sandwich or a salad.....i average less time at busier places...so..... My reasoning is perhaps there's some management disorganization, seems like there is a high turnover, so perhaps it's not so focused behind the counter. I dunno. Positives: 1.I am obsessed with their BLT. Obsessed....I am facebook stalking it, calling it and hanging up, even driving by its house to see if it's car is in the driveway. Obsessed I am. It's so good. Even during the winter when it's impossible to find a tomato anywhere they have tomato jam for the sammie! omgz. 2.They have maybe the best cookies and hot chocolate in the whole world. All their baked goods are totally bananas - to - the - wall amazing. 3. Outdoor cafe seating. I can bring my dogson to drink some espresso witih me in the great outdoors...that's pretty cush. I would definitely suggest going off hours, or grabbing coffee and baked goods if it's busy and having a nice seat outside. If you order food food when it's busy be prepared to wait a while. Enjoy the wait, it's a beautiful area.

    (4)

  • Erin G.

    What I ate: Peppermint hot cocoa Visit date: December 18, 2011 First time? No. A warm beverage on a low 50s evening -- delightful. Elmwood cafe is a quaint neighborhood hang-out that serves tasty treats and savories, and an assortment of refreshments. Today, I enjoyed a peppermint hot cocoa. It came in a cup/mug with no handle, which I thought to be strange and somewhat intriguing. But on to flavors -- what sold me on the hot cocoa was their use of housemade ganache. Ganache and me are close friends, so I had to try Elmwood's. The cocoa was rich, with a hint of peppermint. I wish it were mintier. Cocoa was $2.99. I gave the cashier $3 and I waited for my penny, but the cashier just said 'we'll call you when it's ready' and went about his business. I know it's only a penny change, but that was an awkward moment. They should just charge $3 so it doesn't have to be weird. O_o Try their quiche...ask for it to be warmed up. It is smoooooth.

    (3)

  • Hello D.

    Consistently delicious & amazing. All salads are refreshing & breakfast sandwiches are the best in this part of town. I love the atmosphere too.

    (5)

  • Dylan T.

    Probably one of my favorite cafes to get weekend brunch. I wouldn't study here just because of the space limitations, but someone else might. What i've tried: Cinnamon Currant Toast with cream cheese and spiced pear jam. The cinnamon toast is nice and fluffy, filled with raisins and goes well with the spiced pear jam. The cream cheese isn't necessary and you would probably manage with just the pear jam. Definitely use the pear jam though. Pumpkin Waffles: They make their waffles not too thick, fluffy, and easy enough to cut through. The pumpkin waffles were flavorful without the syrup and tasted like pumpkin (something most people somehow overdo or underdo). I typically add bacon to my orders since i like bacon, and they use niman ranch bacon which is nice and thick. Mocha: Probably one of my favorite places to get a mocha. It comes in a nice huge cup and has a nice balance between coffee and chocolate. Try this place if you have a chance!

    (4)

  • Nick D.

    Mocha soo good Food quality excellent. Noisy at times and wait time can be slow. Not cheap Pricey. $6 2 x poached eggs.

    (4)

  • Caroline W.

    Elmwood Cafe is such an adorable cafe, but I wish I had better experiences with the food/drinks. For food, I've ordered the granola with yogurt as well as some fig/goat cheese sandwich. The granola/yogurt was nothing special, although tasty, and the fig sandwich was cold and underwhelming. Neither of the portions were overly large/small but just right. My coffee has generally been lukewarm and fairly bitter, which is incredibly disappointing for such an amazing cafe. I have to say that the lack of wifi makes me immensely more productive! I would definitely consider this a great cafe to do non-internet work/read books, but for other purposes, I would go elsewhere.

    (3)

  • JK C.

    I can't believe I didn't come here earlier... My favorite sunday breakfast spot after Cafe Fanny

    (5)

  • Lisa C.

    Cute cafe with limited food options: but they can make all of their sandwiches into salads if you ask. Their aussi sprtizers (non alcoholic) are refreshing. Had a nice time just chatting with an old acquaintance from NY/Canada...

    (4)

  • Michelle I.

    elmwood cafe: a recipe for the perfect sunday. wake up, look around, realize it's sunday, be happy. eventually, grab your sunglasses and make your way outside for a stroll down college avenue. make sure you have with you, the best brunch date you can find ; ) meander down the street lazily while looking in all the windows, passing all the other sunday shoppers out on the street. shiny faces, sunglasses, relaxed paces. stop at the charming, brightly sunlit elmwood cafe. order from the counter and scope out your seat. naturally you wait patiently for one of those intimate 2-person tables out front on their patio area.(or if sun burn prone, the inside is just as nice) you finally get your table and sit back with one of those coffees. seriously, it's my favorite coffee in the area by far. i'm a jet-black drip coffee person, my brunch date an espresso guy. everything is really good here! what i haven't tried, looks divine.... i've had the smoked salmon quite a few times now, and it's heaven. fresh smoked salmon, pickled onions, just perfect. did i mention how great their presentation is? also, perfect. you'll sit in the glorious sunshine, enjoying the people-watching, your nosh, your company... and it will dawn on you that wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. except maybe bora bora, or somewhere equally fantastic. and yes, it's popular here. every day. you'll probably wait.... to complete the worlds best sunday ever, you might also grab come champagne from the wine shoppe a few doors down, followed by a sailboat excursion or a long drive down the coast. who knows. all i know is, elmwood is one of my favorite sunday spots. bon appetite.

    (5)

  • Benjamin P.

    Homemade biscuits with lemond curd and blood orange marmelade, YUM! Extra rich hot chocolate, the French way...

    (5)

  • Jess G.

    The curry chicken salad sandwich is the best. Crispy bread and delicious. And the biscuits are awesome ...I learned that I love lemon curd. Nice people. Organic ingredients and they are pArt of chinook book which is great. Hooray elm wood!

    (5)

  • Josephine H.

    This place might have the best food on the block. Lines can go out the door but then again, the register is right there next to the door. I ordered the curried chicken salad sandwich ($9.50). A bit pricey for a sandwich, but I can definitely tell from the quality of the food it's well within reason. My sandwich was served on a toasted baguette. The chicken? Well, you'll be happy to know you're eating a happy free range chicken! Every aspect of the dressing on the chicken is amazing. What's even more refreshing is the salad that comes with your sandwich! I absolutely love it! I'll be sure to come back and try their other delicious items! Elmwood Cafe, it won't be long!

    (4)

  • micah f.

    Very easy to fill up on homemade pastry. This place has so many delicious breakfast items, and they are so delicious. It's loud, awake, people-watchy, and still worth a drive across town, even when we have such good options within walking distance.

    (5)

  • Amrita S.

    Hands down my favorite cafe in the Berkeley area. There are a couple of cafes in the Oakland area to rival it but none in the immediate area. Homemade, delicious baked goods and desserts. Excellently brewed coffee and espresso drinks. Those baristas really know what they're about. The only drink of theirs that I don't like is the chai. But then, being used to the real thing, no food establishment chai meets my stringent criteria. And to top it all off, after paying for their overhead and payroll, Elmwood donates all of their profits to charity. Make sure to grab one of those plastic pick-like thingamabobs and vote for your chosen charity. Everyone that works there is super friendly and awesome. I've made at least a couple of friends that way over the years.

    (5)

  • Christine L.

    Don't get me wrong-the lady behind the counter was SUPER FRIENDLY!!! however, there seems to be some sanitary issues. :( i found hair in my sandwich...TWICE IN A ROW came here yesterday, had a mocha with double espresso-was delicious. came here today, and i ordered the french mint soda-which is sooooo good!!!! i also ordered the spiced chicken sandwich-its ok, i think the chicken could still use more flavor and it was a bit dry. so i was eating it and i decided to take the bread off and eat it first with the cilantro pesto, and i take it off and i see a thin black hair on my aioli. gross. and i know its not my hair because my hair's blonde. so i go to the counter, they gladly take it and saw they will remake it so the new sandwich comes, i ate half, and to-goed the other half and came home. Im just about to eat the other half and i take the bread off and this time, i find ANOTHER piece of black hair that is 3 inches long!!!!!! okay, once i can let it go because things happen, but if i got hair in my sandwich TWICE i think there needs to be some sanitary check-maybe the person who made the aioli needs to wear a hair net or something. i like elmwood cafe-its cute, good sunlight, but i think that this was a bit too much. I'll try to stick to their drinks for now..

    (2)

  • Alexandra Q.

    Elmwood is in regular brunch rotation for us. It is very family friendly, great food and just a comfortable, bright atmosphere. And it has the one of the best mochas I've ever had. Really. And I've had lot of mochas in the us, Europe and even Central America (what else do you try when you travel???). The biscuits, waffles and sandwiches are also very good (smoked salmon, chicken curry and the breakfast sandwiches are favorites). Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Tiffany L.

    This place is SUPER cute. Mostly filled with middle aged folks who are having chats with their friends or family. Some families come by to have lunch with their kids. My friend and I come here to study cuz theres no internet! That way we don't get distracted. The workers are super friendly and bring you your food. If you order a drink, they call your name and you go to the counter to pick it up. The cups are big! But dont have handles. Something different and cute! Only downside is that they often run out of their quiche or their Frittata by the afternoon so get there early if thats what you wanna eat! I have yet to try it but will definitely be back to do so!

    (4)

  • John H.

    Wow, the buttermilk lemon waffle is legit! Great texture (not soggy) and wonderful lemon aroma. Approved!

    (4)

  • Bill M.

    I had the bacon egg and spinach breakfast sandwich thought I was biting into a block of frozen spinach all I could taste was the spinach definitely overrated

    (3)

  • Jana C.

    Came the other night before the 9-10P hour for a little caffeine imbibing. Honestly, my capp ordered was not hot enough, and the foam not dense/stiff enough either. It's been a few months since I've been here, but I'm loathe to order coffee here again. Sorely let down and wondering if they were tired from the day, and just let quality slide.

    (2)

  • V W.

    Waited in line for about 20 minutes to get some lunch on a saturday late morning was it worth it? Not really. I had 2 poached eggs with not so fresh acme bread and my hubby had an mushroom egg sandwich, which he thought was alright but nothing special. We also ordered a coffee, 1 macaroon, 1 brownie, which were tasty. The bill came to $23 and I thought that was a little much for an average breakfast. Will I be returning? Maybe, haven't decided but on the other hand I don't foresee myself waiting in a 20 minute line again. If you want to try it be my guest, I won't stop you. It might actually be worth it on your visit. Good luck foodie heads!

    (3)

  • Melissa T.

    One of my favorite cafes in Berkeley. It's an incredible space with great lighting and good people watching opportunities. It fits perfectly with the next door bookstore and is in walking distance of Ici. I always order a mocha which comes in a giant soup like bowl and is more chocolatey than coffee-like. The only reason I took off a star is because it costs $5.50 for a mocha which seems a little steep. But the cafe makes up for it in ambiance. This is a great place to get together with one or two friends, or just come here alone and read. The space is a little cramped along the windows, but if you have a larger group there is almost always seating closer to the restroom at the larger tables or at the bar counter. Last time I checked there was no wireless, and I hope they never cave in and get it, because no wireless is what keeps it a neighborhood cafe. You always see people talking when you walk by which is the main contributor to the laid back but lively atmosphere. The restroom is huge but you will get a nasty shock - the mirror set at a downward angle directly across from the toilet is probably the most horrifying image of myself I've ever witnessed.

    (4)

  • Sydney M.

    Great waffles, nicely prepared food, quality ingredients. It's a little pricy for the amount of food you receive, but it's hard to complain about a place that gives half its profits to charities. Plus, the cafe is beautiful and visually connected to Mrs. Dalloway's bookstore. Most likely you'll feel very happy while eating pretty food in a lovely environment that supports good causes.

    (4)

  • Madeline S.

    Renewed love for: The coffee cake muffins. The amazing Acme cinnamon currant toast ( I was skeptical but so worth it-ask for cream cheese on the side though). The ginger cake.

    (5)

  • Katie K.

    Adorable atmosphere, super cute and hipster. Had the chocolate waffles which were delish :)

    (5)

  • Holla F.

    Order at counter and find a table. Menu not as extensive for dinner, but my grilled cheese with ham was great. Came with a nice salad too. Staff are friendly too. I love their philanthropic side. I enjoyed reading their wall of service to local organizations and how their proceeds go different groups. Kudos.

    (4)

  • Shao C.

    Usually crowded especially in weekends. I really love their BLT and egg sandwich, which are simple but taste really good!

    (5)

  • Brandon P.

    Had one of their cream sodas and it definitely is different from what you get in a can. Rich, sugary with the fizz from the carbonated water. Kind of overpriced but for something that's a specialty like this, I suppose that's what you expect. The pesto chicken sandwich I had here was very good as well.

    (4)

  • McKenna G.

    Such a cute cafe on college. Not a good studying cafe, but a good place to grab breakfast or tea and a pastry. Their Darjeeling is nice and refreshing and served in an adorable tea pot. They have large cups that coffee/ hot cho is served in; they're huge portions! All the breakfast sandwiches are great. Served on sourdough.

    (4)

  • Ed U.

    Elmwood Cafe used to be an old-fashioned, post-WWII-"Best Years of Our Lives" combo pharmacy-slash-soda fountain. No more. Now Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore took over half the space, and what's left on the corner of College and Russell has become so utterly "Berkeley" with its organic Alice Waters-lite sheen that I can hardly stand it in its new incarnation. But I can understand the appeal among the upwardly mobile in the Claremont area. Marble counters and tables for two. Restored hardwood floors. Red leather stools. A row of identical red teapots. Homemade pastries decoratively displayed. You get the picture. And the target customer is predictable for this sparkly French brasserie-slash-cafe setting. Immaculately coiffed older women in Christian Lacroix. Young dads on their iPhones with their baby strollers and their cashmere sweaters wrapped around their shoulders. Anorexic BFFs in designer shorts and gold Manolo strappies. Got the picture now? The menu is small but awfully healthy. I came on a Saturday morning and decided to try a $3.50 slice of the Daily Frittata - fluffy with scallions and yellow grape tomato halves. Tasty and quite fresh-tasting. As if that wasn't egg enough for me, I also asked for a $1.75 Hard-Boiled Organic Egg, brown of course - nothing special but certainly fresh enough. I sat at the counter so as not to monopolize the sought-after cafe tables. It was a pleasant experience for this urban-dwelling transbay traveler. FOOD - 4 stars...for the fluffy frittata and the appetizing-looking baked goods all around AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...yuppie haven...are they still called yuppies? SERVICE - 4 stars...quite prompt and efficient TOTAL - 4 stars...for those local sophisticates who need a little trendy nosh

    (4)

  • Tom H.

    This place is really great, especially since there are a lot of cafes nearby that serve really bad coffee and food. I once came to Elmwood and there was a line out the door, so I walked down the block to another cafe and got such a bad cappuccino and croissant that I couldn't even finish them. Big mistake! Elmwood is worth the wait! They do a lot of things really well - desserts, food, coffee, ambiance, and nice outdoor side-street seating. It can get really noisy inside along the narrow seating area to the left, probably due to the tight spaces and hard surfaces. The rest of the cafe isn't too bad. I'm giving this place three stars because they seem to have a real problem with FLIES - I've been able to count about 10-20 just looking around from where I was sitting the last few times I've been in. Last time I was there, my friend and I were swatting a fly off of ourselves about every 30 seconds. They seem to have a few bug lights but obviously they need to be a bit more proactive like closing the doors or whatever it takes. I challenge them to take the problem a bit more seriously, and then I'll happily switch this review to 5 stars.

    (3)

  • Liz D.

    EVERYTHING here is delicious. The scones are flaky and moist and come with home made jam, the quiche is fluffy and smooth, the coffee is a nice balanced dark roast. The very first time I came here it was for lunch in the summer and the girl working the counter encouraged me to get the special, a collection of roasted veggies on toast with goat cheese, it was so good. Every time I am back I look for it but have yet to see it. Service is friendly and sweet. The place is bright and cheery, with a quaint frenchy look. This is my favorite spot outside of my own home to use my laptop or read a magazine. I like to bring all my out of town friends here for breakfast. I was here when I learned that I was going to be an aunt! I really want them to publish a cookbook!

    (5)

  • Tuwie N.

    The most divine brownie ever known to mankind resides within the cute and cozy confines of Elmwood Cafe. Situated on the corner with big windows, natural light, and a European vibe, it is the perfect place to indulge. I mean, the shelves with all the plates and glasses on the back wall looks like something out of a magazine. The red barstools were the perfect place to enjoy the chocolate-induced bliss emanating from the brownie, chocolate chip cookie (with salt crystals for an extra boost of contrasting flavors!), and chocolate croissant. The textures and ratios were all perfect in all three of these highly recommended chocolate items. The service was super attentive, with endearingly written personalized namecards instead of number placard while you wait for your order to come out. Can't wait to go back and try actual savory food off their menu!

    (4)

  • Jonathan M.

    First things first: Order the Waffle! Probably one of the best waffle's I've had in a while. I usually find waffles to either be soft and fluffy or crispy and hard. Elmwood Cafe managed to have a cripsy outside with a soft inside... WOW! I can't remember if my friend ordered Eggs or Quiche, but the eggs were so soft and fluffy! I've heard great things about their Mocha Latte too, but I couldn't stomach too many sweets in one breakfast sitting! This place can get super crowded depending on the day/time, but I'd highly recommend stopping in if you get the chance.

    (4)

  • Sarah S.

    The closest I've ever come to experiencing a Parisian style cafe in the US. Clean, bright and airy, it's a shame they can't fit in more tables. The steel cut oats were perfectly cooked with just the slightest hint of sugar (another rarity in the US) and bright, fresh flavorful coffee. I would be here every day if I lived in the 'hood. Beware of lines and crowds. I went at 9am on a Friday morn and I got the last available table while lines formed out the door.

    (5)

  • Isabella L.

    I'm giving this place a 4 purely on their food, and as a cafe to hang out at rather than study at. The ventilation here is pretty bad so it oftentimes just gets stuffy and smells like grease a lot. The tables are too small also, so once again, only come here to eat and hang out. Food: I've liked almost everything I've gotten here. The scone with the jam (homemade -- yummy!), various pastries, their quiche (the filling is soo light and creamy), the quiche (this is okay), and their corn chowder (this was a little too water-y for me). They have this amazing mac and cheese that I really want to try too. My friend has also tried several of the sandwiches, and his favorite is the chicken apple sausage one, but he also thoroughly enjoyed all the other ones he's tried. Their caramel flavored steamed milk! OMG, its honestly amazing. GET THIS! I wonder how they get it to be this creamy.. Their lemonade is also super refreshing. They are just soo expensive though! A sandwich can go up to $11-$12 and its by no means a big sandwich. I like this place for food, but I just dont come here that often because I dont wanna spend $15 for a sandwich and drink. Very cute cafe :)

    (4)

  • Jamie F.

    Soy latte Pumpkin waffle Cinnamon toast Assorted baked goods In a word: dropsofjupiter "The best soy latte that you ever had and me." Hands down. I love espresso and I love soy milk, so I'm always looking for a good soy latte. Every other soy latte I've had has been decent, meh, or bad. Elmwood's makes me sing Train. The food was decent, fresh. Word of caution: cinnamon toast comes with like a half-inch layer of cream cheese. but also with some delicious homemade jam. I love the natural lighting in this cafe. You will smell like bacon if you step inside.

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    Such a cute little casual cafe. The pastries looked really good. Ordered a grilled cheese with avocado that came with a little side salad. SO GOOD. Acme bread was a plus. Lovely place for breakfast, brunch, and/or lunch where you can spend some me time or meet up with a friend.

    (4)

  • Abban L.

    Ahh, what a cute little 50s soda fountain meets La Boulangerie style corner cafe! I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but if in the area and in need of a quick bite, this is a rightly popular place. The service was genuinely friendly and fast, and my smoked salmon sandwich and rosemary + lavender cream soda turned out fine (the drink was more exciting than the sandwich). In retrospect, I would come here for coffee/drinks and baked goods, not necessarily a real meal. The cafe is fast paced given the high number of patrons, and although I saw a few people attempting to study/read, it doesn't seem like a leisurely place to do that as (1) there are few seats, and all tables are quite small and close to neighbors, and (2) there is no wifi. Overall, though, this is a perfectly charming and reasonable neighborhood cafe in a small town-vibed place such as Elmwood.

    (4)

  • Jennifer W.

    We were sad to see Ozzie's Soda Fountain go, but I was delighted to see this location open up again, though as a fancy coffeeshop. At least they kept the original sign up. In fact, I thought they had decided to keep the namesake because of a tribute to the original store, but it turns out they do go by a new name of Elmwood Cafe, which it is rightfully named so. The inside is nice and spacious. There's seating at the bar and many other small tables along a large window storefront, which is great because I absolutely love natural lighting and people watching. The use of space is nice, but I can forsee a lack of seating once this place becomes popular. They don't have a sign up listing their coffee menu, which I would recommend they should have to reduce the need for paper menus, but perhaps that's already in the works. This place has only just opened. This is definitely my new study place for sunny afternoons. Sacks is my still study place for rainy or overcast days. One qualm I have about this place is that it is on the pricey side. It was four bucks for a double latte and like another three bucks for the coffee cake, which was crazy delicious at least. It was nice and fluffy with a sugary, crusty top. It had cranberries inside, but it did not have much coffee flavor though. The double latte gave me a satisfying kick, but I don't know if the single will be as good. The girl at the counter was super nice and the staff seems friendly in general, but the service is super slow. It took forever to get my coffee and I missed my bus. I hope they work the kinks out...

    (3)

  • Mary M.

    had quiche with greens salad and a side of fruit. my boyfriend ordered the smoked salmon sandwich. everything was amazing. minus one star for the fly problem- there were like 20+ flies hanging out on the wooden mantel/shelving parallel to the kitchen... gross.

    (4)

  • Gina T.

    The Dish: I got the buttermilk waffles with strawberries. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe it. Good portions for breakfast - it was very filling. Other times I've gotten the mocha, which is served in a soup bowl. Ambience: It's very clean and hipster. There aren't too many seats. Every time I've gone, there's never seats to sit at. It's also a good place to study if you like the cafe environment (as long as you don't need wi-fi).

    (4)

  • Ezekiel G.

    This past weekend I was on my way to the Elmwood Theater to catch a movie at the Frameline Film Festival and had about an hour to spare. I decided to stop by a cafe and get a drink and something to eat. I quickly found this place and it got my attention. Plenty of seating by the counter and plenty of tables as well. I had a latte that was very well done with a beautiful rosetta in the middle and I order the curry chicken salad sandwich, which came in a baguette and had some spring mix salad next to it. It was a very delicious sandwich, but a bit small in my opinion. I liked the environment of this place, there were couples on dates, people reading the newspaper, families chatting and other patrons reading a book. It wasn't noisy, which is good, but it wasn't completely quiet. I will go back here, possibly with a friend or with a good book, or perhaps with a date! Oh, and there is a slim, short hair, scruffy barista working there and he is oh my so cute.

    (4)

  • Zo Zo X.

    What's up with the eggs, man?! Ordered the hot chocolate that everyone raves about and the breakfast sandwich. Now if you are a visual animal like me, you'd know what it's like to scroll through food pictures, pick out the deliciousness, and build up all these expectations in your head. See that picture of the mushroom, egg and cheese sandwich, with the soft egg white and the luscious, velvety yolk overspreading everywhere on the sandwich? I'm totally ordering that, right? Instead, on a wimp, I ordered the spinach, bacon and eggs sandwich because I really craved greens that weekend. The eggs were done and done, and twice over. And tasteless. And didn't go with the rest of the sandwich. And were kind of falling out whenever I took a stab at the bread. It's not terrible, but not great, either. Plus the portion is kind of on the smaller side. Arguably, I have too high of an expectation for a simple sandwich. But that's the thing. A simplistic, mediocre sandwich at close to $7 a piece, when I can easily make it at home with a better version of the eggs, earns it a below average rating in my system. The hot chocolate is just as advertised. Creamy, rich, chocolaty, no chocolate dregs at the bottom of the cup, no yucky aftertaste. You know the kind of hot chocolate of which people take one sip and feel so irresistibly happy and content, like the world is perfect again? Yeah, that good. I might have liked it a tad hotter and much darker, but oh I'm still happy. I'd definitely drop by for the hot chocolate if I'm in the area. But the goodness of one cup of hot chocolate just doesn't justify paying the price for the prime location in mediocre food. Sorry!

    (3)

  • Cory M.

    Elmwood cafe is my favorite breakfast place in Berkeley. Their mocha is excellent, and you can't go wrong with either of the breakfast sandwiches. I've also loved every bakery item I've gotten. Everything here is delicious, and they donate half of their profits to charity.

    (5)

  • Janos B.

    The best hot chocolate I've ever had in my life, literally. And their grilled cheese sandwich is to die for. This place is a slightly expensive coffee shop with great food and drinks. The service is great and the baristas very friendly. Even though it is close to a huge UC Berkeley residential area, it is the one place with absolutely no wifi, and only one outlet near the door. Don't expect to hole up here studying for hours upon hours--that's not what this coffee shop aims to be (for that, go to Beanery or Roma nearby). But for those nights where you want to hang out with friends and treat yourself to a fine coffee or hot chocolate with a tasty desert, Elmwood is the best around here.

    (4)

  • Kaysee T.

    Elmwood is a really cute area of Berkeley and the Elmwood Cafe really embodies that. The cafe is really bright and cozy, and though fairly small, I don't think I've ever really had a problem getting a table. It's further from the campus area so you get fewer students studying (although definitely some) and more people just enjoying a cup of coffee or a book. I don't usually come to Elmwood looking for a full meal (although they do have a really good menu and I've gotten a couple of delicious salads and sandwiches here). What I like more about Elmwood are the baked goods and drinks. Their scones are incredible, and their fresh sodas are as well.

    (4)

  • Slava P.

    No Wifi? Really? I don't care if half of the profit from your over-priced coffee and tea goes to charity, use 0.1% of the profit to get some wifi for your customers.

    (1)

  • Victoria L.

    I came here for breakfast with a group of friends and it was great. It is a small but super comfy place for breakfast or even a snack. I got a spinach, bacon, and cheddar sandwich, which was pretty bomb. It was the first time I had slices of hard boiled eggs in a sandwich and I personally thought it was great. The sandwich was pretty filling and top it off with some hot chocolate (MUST TRY- super rich and creamy, it's like drinking a hershey's bar, SOOO GOOD!!!!!) and coffee cake. I really wanted to try the other pastries on the menu so if I have time, would totally be back! I highly recommend this place!

    (4)

  • Sukhveer C.

    Love their mochas, super delicious and a great pick-me-up! I used to live just a few blocks away and there was always a line! Their food is okay and baked treats are pretty good. Only complaint is that they don't have wi-fi.

    (4)

  • Levi S.

    Went here for the hype and waited 40 mins for a cup of coffee. Everyone was working hard but the inefficiency was definitely noticed.

    (2)

  • Elvin T.

    First time here. I had a great experience! I ordered a mocha and a BLT which also comes with a small side salad. The tomatoes was swapped for tomato jam! Amazeballs! It's a cute place. They share a wall with a book store which there are windows you can see in. It's great for groups of two but no more than that really. I think this is a place I'd go out of my way and make trip out this way to have this blt again. Maybe try the smoked salmon sandwich the person at the table next to us had.

    (4)

  • Erica L.

    There's nothing I enjoy more than strolling on College Ave. on a Sunday afternoon. The perfect start would be brunch at Elmwood Cafe. The coffee is good, I had the mocha. Not too sweet, but not too bitter. The quiche was FABULOUS. Smaller portion, but satisfying enough to where you don't want to feel stuffed. I would recommend paying an extra $1 to add a side salad. My friend ordered the Veggie Sandwich-- very hearty and filled with fresh avocado, sprouts, organic greens, cucumbers, carrots, red onion and basil hummus. Definitely a good vegetarian option! Only downside-- no wifi.

    (4)

  • LOIS T.

    When I was staying in Berkeley on College Ave. I ate here almost every day. Actually there were many other places that were good but when you find the best why search for another restaurant. Of course being California if you are alone you are never lonely. The people are so friendly and unlike New England or Massachusetts where people are so guarded they are very sweet and maybe it's the climate they just seem happier.

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    Mmmm...just thinking about their egg, ham, and cheese breakfast sandwich is making me drool. I love Elmwood cafe for many reasons. First, the staff are ALWAYS friendly and helpful. I'm a relatively impatient person, so I wasn't super happy when last time I was here they told me it would be 15-20 minutes for my breakfast sandwich because they can only fit about 4 sandwiches on the grill at once. I was a little miffed, but they were just so damn nice about it, so I didn't mind too much (plus, it was an excuse to go shopping on College Ave while I waited). Plus, when I came back 20 minutes later, the woman at the cash register remembered my name and promptly gave me my food. The food I've had here is consistently good, and I love all the different drinks. I used to come here to study for finals and a friend turned me on to the lavender soda - so good! This is just a pleasant, relaxing environment. Major downsides: not much outdoor seating, parking is a pain (there's a lot behind the cafe but it's almost always full), and there are either zero, or very few, computer outlets (unless I'm completely missing something, but I never saw any when I was there) - other than that, this cafe is pretty damn close to perfect.

    (4)

  • Rachel B.

    Expensive but delicious! Not the best place to study -- no outlets or wifi -- but a great place to read a book and drink tea.

    (4)

  • Luanne T.

    Can't believe the amount of stars this place has. Unbelievable. 1. Overpriced and food that tastes like cardboard. 2. Bad service...it's S-L-O-W... The cafe was about 3/4 full. Ordered a Sandwich and Polenta and then proceeded to sit down. Waited 45 minutes and nothing came. Finally asked for the items to go. When I got home around 6 blocks away, I opened and attempted to eat the $6.25 "Sandwich" which consisted of 3 small pieces of egg and around 10 small pieces of cardboard flavored mushrooms. Bread was hard, stale and dry so I tossed it aside. Okay, maybe I'll try the Polenta then. Opened the Polenta and it looked like baby's vomit garnished with some red stuff around it. It just looked so gross I didn't bother. If the "sandwich" earlier was halfway decent I would have at least given it a shot. So there goes $12.25 wasted on crap pretending to be food. - Please take a look at the pics I posted so you know I am not kidding this place sucks.

    (1)

  • Andrea X.

    My favorite place in all of Berkeley. Warning: This place has no internet. However, that is what I like about that place; I can read for hours at a time, without feeling tempted to distract myself with my laptop. The coffees and tea here are absolutely splendid: I love the cafe au lait and the chai tea latte. Also, all of their coffees come in little bowls--so cute, and so French! I come here often to study, and their baked goods are absolutely delicious. Their meals are also yummy as well; one of my favorites is the California fig sandwich (I've realized I have found a new love for figs), which is an open-faced sandwich with goat cheese, a hefty portion of caramelized onions, and fresh fig right on top. The bread is nice and crunchy, and everything balances out just perfectly. I don't feel too full when I eat this meal, and their green salad is absolutely wonderful. The ambiance is oh-so-cute: nice open windows that let in plenty of natural light, outdoor seating, everything is just so clean and bright. The staff is friendly, it's in the college neighborhood, what more can you want? Again, favorite cafe in all of Berkeley. Seriously.

    (5)

  • Linh N.

    I liked this place. I kind of didn't like how it was like bus your own dishes and pick up your own coffee. And they kind of took a really long time to make the cappuccino that I ordered for my friend. But apparently, their cappuccino's are really delicious (according to my friend). But anyway, aside from the fact that they have no service since it's serve yourself, this is a great place to eat. The food is DELICIOUS! I got the spicy chicken sandwich and it was amazing. I was prepared to not like it because I didn't really like the place itself, but the sandwich was delicious. Plus it came with a mixed green salad, and I don't know what dressing was on that salad but it was also very good. And it's decent priced. All in all, despite how busy it is and how you have to serve yourself, I'd highly recommend this place.

    (4)

  • Jessica R.

    Oh Elmwood Cafe... Why haven't I tried your food earlier?!? WHAT WAS I THINKING???? I go in often enough that most everyone knows me by name, (because I shamelessly gawk at a certain baristo) and insanely have always passed on food. Until now. If you are thinking that they may be baiting you by listing the ingredients on the menu...you are right. And hook, line, sinker one breakfast morning I dove head first into their frittata, chai latte and raspberry coffee cake. I had to remind myself to come up for air at one point. Simply heaven. Divine. Rich cheesey spinach red potato perfection (the frittata) And warm, crumbly sweet goodness. (The coffee cake of course). Now my passing on breakfast habit may have to change if this is what I've been missing all this time. I'm seeing more food here in my future.

    (5)

  • Abby R.

    Stopped in for sandwiches the other day. I had the grilled cheese and was happy. The side greens were just okay. I will probably come back and try more of the house sodas; I had the ginger one and liked it very much!

    (4)

  • Cougar U.

    this cafe has some of the best service around . Really great sandwiches and a salad . Good prices . What more could you ask for?

    (4)

  • Walter W.

    For me, who likes family and writing and the joys of people around me, this is an excellent place with everything from their menu being very good. The grilled cheese is unique and wonderful, look it up and enjoy. Like being at home to me...

    (5)

  • Yoko S.

    I ordered a overly sweet lemonade. Luckly, the woman didn't fill it all the way so that I could add water to it. The food looked a bit too much dairy for me, butter, cream and cheese... Is this a French cafe? The bathroom stunk by the way, which is not a good sign for cafes/restaurants.

    (3)

  • Patrick T.

    Try the hot chocolate. Great place to meet a friend for coffee. Nice place to read.

    (3)

  • Mark H.

    Good food. Good coffee. Nice people on staff.

    (5)

  • Amanda S.

    I really like the vibe of the place. I'm not clear on the history, but it wouldn't surprise me if it's an old soda fountain converted into a cafe. Plus, the staff is super friendly, which never hurts. I got the turkey & cranberry sandwich and deemed it tasty, though the pile of greens it was sitting on was nothing short of insane. I'm not really a rabbit food sort of gal, so if I go back I think I'll try to remember to ask them if they have any other options. Now onto the hot chocolate. I give it a B, maybe a B+. As someone is devoting her life to hot chocolate, I have really tough standards, so take it with a grain of salt. Pros: not too rich and therefore nicely drinkable, no chocolate dregs in bottom of cup, non-nitrous whipped cream (means it's slightly denser and melts more slowly). Cons: the preposterous serving vessel. This is where I detracted most of the points. It's the same thing they serve their soup in. Except that soup is served at just under boiling (200 or so degrees) and hot chocolate hovers at about 140, max. This means that the wide surface area of the bowl forces you to practically chug it so that you can enjoy it before it cools down. Also, i would have preferred a slightly darker chocolate profile, this was extremely neutral. It was definitely made with real chocolate, but to me it came off as though they were trying to please a more childlike palate. So basically, good food, comfy atmosphere, but nothing out of the ordinary.

    (3)

  • Sondra H.

    When I have a business meeting, I often pick Elmwood Cafe. Even though it's a bit noisy, it's got a great ambience, high quality food and the staff is friendly and seem to enjoy their jobs. Each time you buy food and/or drinks the cafe donates a portion of the cost of your meal to one of three charitable organizations they've chosen (they change periodically). I love this idea! I'm partial to the cups they serve the latte's in - so big they're more like bowls than cups. And the baked good always call to me from the corner near the window! A great Berkeley cafe!

    (4)

  • Darrin J.

    I've been going to the Elmwood Cafe for a while now, and have always found the food and drinks consistently good. I pretty much stick to the sandwiches, although their baked goods, such as their scones, are well made. The place can get busy, and seating can be tricky, especially for a party of more than two people (tables are on the small side). Otherwise, it's a good place to socialize and relax.

    (4)

  • Jen L.

    My new favorite cafe... minus smelling like greasy bacon for the rest of the day (which may not be a minus at all). You should feel lucky if you can snag a table next to the huge windows because it is always packed on the weekends...with both patrons and insects. I would definitely give this place 5 stars because I love it so much if I didn't have to fight off ginormous flies from my tasty sweets. There's something magical about their soy lattes. I usually don't bat an eye since it's my usual order at any cafe, but Elmwood's soy lattes are truly noteworthy. My first sip was eye opening. Served in a giant latte bowl, they are the perfect way to enjoy the weekend. I'm also a big fan of their pastry selections. I've had a financier, a pear tart, a pumpkin muffin, and cookie... and all were wonderful. We also got a pumpkin waffle on the house because they ran out of cinnamon bread... which they eventually realized they didn't run out of... so we got our original order plus the waffle. Score!

    (4)

  • Concha G.

    Super loud, dirty tables, unfriendly staff, and over-priced so-so lunch food. Came here on a weekday afternoon looking for lunch and they don't have much of a selection. Got the soup of the day and paid extra for a couple of leaves of greens. The soup is inedible. There is some weird spice in it that I can't quite name, which would normally be fine, except that it's ALL you can taste. It has vegetables but I can't taste them. Ugh. The pastries all look good and I had a nectarine ginger turnover that was pretty tasty, but not worth the long wait in line, the short-tempered staff, and the volume of the other patrons (who seem to be having frenzied business lunches). The double latte is really a single. I would not come back.

    (2)

  • Flaneur C.

    Wonderful personable service and simple but delicious food. Their baked goods and frittatas are fresh-baked, seasonal and just great. I love that they always have a vegan soup option- served up with a side of warm crusty bread & an organic salad (my favorite meal here). I really appreciate that people come here for the wonderful convivial ambience - and for conversation, to read the papers or a great book (its adjacent to a local bookstore)- rather than to stare for hours at their laptops (hey, it's actually a good thing not to be connected to wifi all the time). The cherry on top of this great place is that half of their proceeds are donated to charities.

    (5)

  • Erika H.

    Easiest, most pleasant Sunday brunch in ages. Last weekend we had a three hour excursion to Rick and Ann's, and that was not something I wanted to repeat. We ordered, we ate a delicious pumpkin waffle and breakfast sandwich, and all it happened for $20 in under an hour. That pumpkin waffle was very special, highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Lee H.

    I did my usual song and dance inquiry about about the hot chocolate and found out that it's made with house made ganache. I couldn't resist that description, so I ordered a cup and was not disappointed. Rich, chocolate flavor, served in a compostable cup and with a dollop of whipped cream. The atmosphere is cheery and inviting; a place to spend time sipping on hot chocolate.

    (4)

  • Molly M.

    This is a charming well lite cafe on the corner. It has more selection than your basic cafe, but less then a breakfast spot. Even though the menu is small its full of yummy deliciousness and flavor. We tried the scone of the day and it was crisp and almost like a biscuit and a shortbread cookie. We used it for dipping in the coffee which was very tasty and too strong. We also got the frittata and it was fluffy and very flavorful. Also recommended at our table was the quiche. I did not have it personally but it looked yummy. The vibe her is pretty chill and decorated nicely. I like how the seats face the windows looking out at College Ave. My one complaint is we got the berry bowl and it was $3.50 for some blackberries and blueberries which was a little steep, plus it only blue, they should have thrown in some strawberries or raspberries to give it some color. overall, I think this is god stop to go to in the neighborhood if you want a light lunch or late breakfast.

    (4)

  • Alicia P.

    This place is pretty unique and before my last experience I think I would have given this place 5 stars. The mochas with homemade ganache are delectable, served in a large round mug that makes you just want to sip on it all day. On my first visit, I experienced the waffle, which was outstanding. On another visit, I ordered the strawberry coffeecake muffin, and it was devoured to say the least. And there is something about having your name written down on a stand to recognize your order that just makes the experience a little more personal. The sit down area is bright and inviting. On the other hand, the young people behind the counter came off extremely snooty and not very customer intuitive. As mentioned, I ordered a strawberry coffeecake muffin, and took them up on the offer to have it warmed up. After a couple of minutes, my mocha was ready and I asked about my warm muffin. I was informed that it still being warmed up. No problem. I sit back down, and about 40 seconds later, I hear my name called again. I walk up to the counter and the man was holding my muffin and stated that he called my name about 6 or 7 minutes before and I did not show up, therefore my muffin was now cold. I became confused and looked at the other counter person who took my order and gave me my mocha, and she looked at me, then looked at him, then looked down continuing to wipe down the counter, giving me the impression she wasn't willing to explain that I was just there at the counter asking about my muffin and my name was only called when my mocha was ready. I said that I was just there inquiring of it, and he responded again that he did call my name, and was holding the bag close to his body like he didn't want to hand it to me? lol. Very odd. I said It's ok, I'll just take it, and had to literally stretch my arm out to show him that I just wanted the darn muffin so I could leave. He apologized with a tone that was the opposite of genuine, indicating that he thought I was the one in error. Even weirder, my muffin was quite warm so I am not sure what the fuss was about. But the experience just left a sour taste in my mouth due to the customer service. For me, a restaurant/cafe experience does NOT have to be perfect, but it does have to have tactic, and make the customer feel welcome. They could have served me up the best meal I've ever had in my life (which this one was pretty close to it I must say), but if the service is not up to par, (especially in the distinguished Elmwood neighborhood? SMH) then I'm sorry, ya gets 2 stars. I'm feel sort of silly writing about a muffin. But this experience really made it stand out.

    (2)

  • Javier M.

    I bought into the hype and will not be buying from here again. Waiting in a 20 minute line for an average soup and sandwich is not the business. My girlfriend ordered the pumpkin waffle (meh - nothing life changing), and biscuit (dry and hardened) with two poached eggs, however, the poached eggs were wayyyyyy over cooked. We were hungry and weren't about to put up a fuss for over cooked poached eggs -- its not THAT serious, but we definitely won't be coming again. Your community involvement efforts should be applauded, but the food? Not so much.

    (1)

  • Aaron M.

    Pros: - Super cute space - Lots of light from the big windows - Half of profits donated to a charity voted on by patrons - Helpful and friendly staff Cons: - Small expensive sandwiches - No wifi The Story: I took all my colleagues here for lunch after our staff meeting. We were eager to see what had opened up in place of the old neighborhood pharmacy and soda shop. Walking in, we were greeted by a friendly woman behind the register. The menu was short, but sweet, and the pastries behind the counter looked delicious. After we got our food, we felt like we'd payed too much for too little. The sandwiches were small and simple. They didn't even come with a side of greens without paying extra. We were still hungry when we left. A couple of my colleagues went out for lunch after our lunch, but I had to run off to my next client meeting. This looks like a great space to sit and chat with friends over coffee or read a good book. We won't be back for lunch.

    (3)

  • Tiffany K.

    Quaint yet airy corner cafe on College Ave. Seems strange that they don't have WiFi, but there you have it. Love the fresh feel of this space - traditional contemporary American (if there is such a beast). I remember this spot before it got remodeled. In fact, they had filmed a shot from Mrs. Doubtfire here (remember that film with Robin Williams?), I happened to be walking by. I don't know if it ended up on the cutting room floor, but back then, this place had that soda fountain movie-worthy feel to it. What is different about this spot is that they give HALF of their profits to charity. Wow. It made me feel good about plunking down $4.75 for a mocha. Yes it was tasty, yes it came in a bowl, but it seemed more than what I was willing to pay. You can vote for one of three charities that are feature on their bulletin board. Despite my grumbling, since I am a fundraiser, I value companies that donate to charity. Try not to sit towards the end of the cafe, those clanging dishes and glasses are really annoying. If you can snag a seat towards the window area, you won't have this problem.

    (4)

  • Mike L.

    Serious spot, reminds me that Paris exists more than any other café in town. NO WIFI is awesome, especially on weekends. It's good that people can be working on laptops and not surfing internet.com (unlike Actual which has a no laptop on the weekends rule). Anyway, good beers on tap and interesting vibe, might take a while to get what you want, but it's buuuuuusy, that's why. I think some of the staff are working somewhere else, but all in all, a nice experience to be found on College.

    (4)

  • Victoria L.

    Soooooooooooooo slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. So, so slow. Just prepare yourself to wait a long time, for anything, no matter how simple it may seem. Don't go if you are in a hurry. Sandwiches struck me as overpriced. Despite all that, very friendly service every time. The coffee drinks are at the higher price range but are quite good. Nice French style "cafe" in the sense that they serve coffee drinks and breakfast snacks as well as wine and beer (which I've never tried, but its a nice touch).

    (3)

  • Briana V.

    This is a super cute little coffee, tea and breakfast place! The coffee tastes great and I also had a coffee cake muffin which was really good too but messy! What I really liked was that some of the money from your purchase goes to a charity and you can vote which one you'd like it to go to :)

    (5)

  • David O.

    This is the perfect cafe to go to for a nice weekend brunch on a sunny day. The girlfriend and I ate here on their sidewalk tables and had a nice time people watching while enjoying our respective sandwiches. Craving bacon that day, I had their BLT. It was one of the best I've ever had, evident in its preparation and its ingredients. Not expecting their drip to be top notch, I was surprised. Their coffee, while its no Blue Bottle or Sightglass, is rather enjoyable. It looks like the baristas pull some fine lattes as well. If I were a Berkeley student, I would come here to study all the time. Its a order-at-the-counter and take-a-number type of cafe. I'd love to go back and try some of their pastries, which I will surely do.

    (5)

  • Patricia K.

    four stars for the atmosphere and decent coffee. food and coffee are both not amazing, but the location is, and so is the decor.

    (4)

  • Xuankieu T.

    It's really nice to be sitting inside the cafe in the morning and looking outside the window. The cafe is located at a corner of an intersection with a campus feeling to it. Make me want to take a book out and just sit there and read. I try their breakfast sandwich and it was so good, especially the eggs, bacon, and spinich on sourdough bread. Their orange juice is also freshly squeeze. I would try their baking goods next time.

    (4)

  • Jenn K.

    The Elmwood is just the ideal cafe. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. The Elmwood delivers. It's a quaint ambience, I love the red diner-esque stool seats at the bar. Their drinks come in bowls, which is charmingly European, and I've never been disappointed with a pastry. Their sandwiches are great. Curried chicken salad sandwich with almonds on a crusty baguette, or their spiced chicken with cilantro aioli (additional avocado makes it even more out of this world)... doesn't that sound divine? Well it is. Great sandwiches, reasonably sized. My favorite counter treats are the pretzel with whole grain mustard (wow), the chocolate chip cookie with a salt garnish (wow+), and their BISCUIT with butter and seasonal jam---that is a must. I've always enjoyed the soup. I love that they have steamed milk with housemade vanilla syrup on the menu, it's the best I've ever had! And their soda flavors are so unique, my favorite being basil. On a hot day, it's just the best. Warning: they don't have wifi, but I like it that way. There are plenty of cafes you can go and spend hours crouched over your laptop-- this isn't one of them. Enjoy a book, people watching, sharing a sammy with your sweetie and fighting over biscuit crumbs. When it's busy, it's busy, but no wonder, it's wonderful. There is outdoor seating on a nice day, the neighborhood around is lovely, and the food comes out pretty quickly and the counter folk are quite friendly. Love this place, my favorite cafe spot east of Shattuck.

    (5)

  • Eunice C.

    Hot chocolate, hot chocolate... How I sing about and crave the hot chocolate! This review is solely for the breakfast. The first time I came to Elmwood Cafe, it was for breakfast with my dad and brother. We didn't have any place in mind; just saw it on a corner of College and thought, "Hell, we need to eat something and being picky is not an option, so here we go." Turns out, we had stumbled into not just any boring cafe, but a cafe with simple yet absolutely delicious breakfast options, good service, and ravishingly praised hot chocolate. All three times I came, I had hot chocolate. For me, drinking hot chocolate with any meal completely fills me up. One time I came with my boyfriend and ordered the large hot chocolate, which comes in literally a bowl, and while it was so yummy and good, I couldn't finish it because it was too much after a big Italian dinner. I've tried the Cinnamon Currant Toast with cream cheese and rose jam and Old-Fashioned Oatmeal with nuts and dried fruit. Both were excellent! The toast is rather sweet and the cream cheese laid on thick, which is generous but also might be a bit overwhelming with hot chocolate on the side (too much sweet for me). It was still mouthwateringly fantastic! The oatmeal is the simpler breakfast option that you can't go wrong with - well, unless you hate oatmeal - and a small saucer of brown sugar is included on the side. Elmwood Cafe is going to continue seeing more of me throughout the upcoming school year. I loved its breakfast and hot chocolate. Remember to bus your own table! There is apparently a busboy but hey, you're getting excellent food and so you might as well do the simple task of placing your plates/dishes/etc. into the black bin on the counter where you grab your silverware.

    (5)

  • Alee C.

    This cafe is one of my (maybe my favorite??) cafes in Berkeley. I love the bright/open atmosphere [lots of windows & sunlight, which is a ++++]. I don't really recommend this place as a "study cafe" though--it can get quite loud. It is usually 50% students and 50% Berkeley residents & although there are always a couple people studying, the music & noise level are too much for me. [if you want a quieter cafe, check out sacks]. the food & drinks are really good! THE VANILLA BEAN LATTE IS SUPER AMAZING! TRY IT TRY IT! I always get this when I go, and it's usually perfect except I went a couple days ago and it was way too sweet. But usually it's fantastic :) The coffee cake goes really well with coffee, the fritata & quiches make excellent light breakfasts. I've also had all the breakfast items & def. recommend the breakfast sandwiches. Lunch sandwiches are also delicious--I recently tried the curried chicken sandwich & that was really good. I give it 4 stars because the price is a bit high.. The food/drinks are great but price is def. a factor when I am debating whether or not to go here.

    (4)

  • Hilary S.

    This place is cute cute cute. I love Elmwood! The people who work there are so friendly, and the cafe is very spacious. I sat at the counter and I felt really retro? for some reason... And the pear soda is amazing! I have only been here once so far to study but I am definitely returning--it's worth the walk.

    (4)

  • Jane S.

    I hate to do it, especially after my first pleasant experience at Elmwood Cafe. But boy, shelling out $8.78 (holy crap!! that's almost $9, FML) for a mediocre sandwich left a bad taste in my mouth - literally and figuratively. I ordered the chicken sandwich with mango chutney. static1.px.yelpcdn.com/b… Yes, my new camera makes it look nice, but it was one of the crappiest sandwiches I've had. Of course, I take part blame because I could and should have gone for one of their pressed sandwiches, like a ham and brie, but so it is. The bread was too chewy and a bit hard. The chicken was tasteless as the mango chutney was the only thing holding it all together. Blargh, it was too overpowering and cloyingly sweet. I made many trips to refill my water glass. Oh, what I could do with $8.78 back..

    (2)

  • Meghana S.

    What's not to love about this place? Quaint old school soda fountain (almost made me feel like I was in an Archies comic haha), great food (their chocolate waffle was to die for), great service, and really good coffee (their Americano was amazing!). I like their personalized nameplates for each table and the clean restroom (always a plus in a Berkeley cafe). Their old fashioned, cute cups, plates, and mugs really appeal to me! What I didn't like much- the flies swarming around, the rather steep prices, and their small serving sizes. Oh well. I will definitely going back here soon!

    (4)

  • Danielle C.

    I've been going here for about 2 years I love this place! Their mocha is so amazing with the chocolate and Thursday nights they have specials their best is the pot pies!! O my god so good.

    (5)

  • Greg G.

    Scrump-freakin-umptious (I promise never to start a review like that again) Elmwood Cafe is a newly opened coffee shop and bakery. Partially attached to the bookstore next door, this cafe sits in the old location of Ozzie's Soda Fountain. As I cruised College Ave. last night I saw the 'Soda Pop' sign and decided I had to see what it was all about. I ordered a Pear soda- which the very personable cashier described as a much lighter Italian Soda. I also ordered a small chocolate truffle brownie and an apple tart- $3 and $6.50 each. I thought the prices were a little high for a tiny brownie and apple tart, but I would soon find out the prices match the flavor and quality! While the brownie is small- it is SUPER rich! So much flavor! This was no store bought Costco pastry. And the Apple Tart- OMGZ! Totally delicious, the apples were sweet and caramelized. I'll definitely be back for this item alone! Picture: yelp.com/biz_photos/gKzN… I wasn't a huge fan of the Soda, though. It was less like Italian soda and more like flat sparkling water. I think they need to add a little more flavor to it. However, a HUGE plus to this place is they donate to charity, and they leave it up to YOU the customer to decide which charity they donate too! You drop a part of your receipt into a box corresponding with the charity you wish to donate to- very cool. I'm a fan of the delicious baked goods, the friendly and personable service, and the interactive customer charity! 4 Stars sounds about right!

    (4)

  • Mario S.

    Elmwood Cafe The smiles, the charities: Three to choose from on the wall, the new interior, the corner, which he now sees on that summer's day must have driven those bitches crazy as they sat outside. That day, he sat caddy-corner, across the street, facing the florist's hut with his back to the Café. He played a new work called "Moog." It was actually a lone piano piece akin to a Jackson Pollock, a wall of dripping sound, less visually connected, more like a thrown can of nails. He played the pre-recorded music through an amp, which was no bigger than two bricks. But, that's another story. The café reminds him of Fenton's, the happy mood, and the faux wooden floor, which could be real, except that the whole world is questionable. Why be real? There was a Spanish couple rubbing shoulders and facing out. They were loud enough so that if he remembered his Spanish, he could have understood them. But, that mental light was out. The day his wife left him was the day he dispensed with Spanish. What was the point? He believed she actually came to him because he was prejudiced toward it, toward the people. After all, he is Italian. We all have someone we look down on. Just like Mormonism, and he was sure there were other things the imaginary God brought. He only looked at French or English girls, and perhaps German, if it was true about their cutting edge culture. Having come from Hawaii, he theorized, men were attracted to the women of the ethnic group in political power. In Hawaii, as well as here, he'd been alone. This turned his attention to the café's marble counter tops, black lacquer wooden chairs that were comfortable. The barista, a brunette, smiled at him when he ordered a Chai, but for no reason. She had short curly hair with one hair clip. She wore a black Lycra top and apron, then a white floral print that seemed to point at the bottom in the center like an arrow. She filled the napkin holder, bussed some dishes that insensitive women had left. He heard the sound of a small jazz band played over the Bose speakers, and then it was Evora. Her music sounded like a beating heart. He watched his car from the window like Jason Statham in Blitz. His was a 1981 300D Mercedes. Statham's was a 560 SEC. It was night in both places. He had a decaf Chai, where the barista orchestrated a white swirl. He said it looked beautiful, then sat down and took the first sip as if An Ode to Small Things. The café is truly a class act. He was almost embarrassed. A few tables were empty. Thinking back, he felt awkward having subjected the patrons to his music. It must have been "Intrusive" and "too loud," just as the woman said. What does he know about music, having slept through it? He cleared the tables on that day. He cast swine at pearls. Anyway, at the end of Elmwood, he got people's desperate stares. What are they going to do? Turn around or cross the street and go back? He was glad the place is basically the same; it keeps this town retaining its look and feel. The Spanish people get into a pickup. He pictures their young love in 40 years. He thinks about what his friend said about what a woman wants, "It's what they say they want, silly." Eventually, the lights of the truck go on. He looks. She is laughing. They drive away. His ex-wife wanted him to open a restaurant. To this his friend gave pause. (There must be a limit to what a woman should be given and to this he was relieved.)

    (5)

  • Barath R.

    I'd like to give them 3.5 stars -- the drinks are good, and the coffee-in-a-bowl thing is clever, but not really that convenient. The food is generally a bit too greasy. Overall it's not bad, but we pretty much never go here unless Nabolom is closed.

    (3)

  • Nick l.

    quick review ... friendly staff good coffee & made with organic milk ... love that, thank you :) The poached egg sandwich doesn't work though, very messy to eat. toasted bread was cold, bacon was cold ... didn't taste good :(

    (3)

  • Mona F.

    The place is small but charming and the servers seem friendly. I was torn between getting the tortilla soup and the frittata. The cashier helped me solve my dilemma by giving me a sample of the soup :) It was too salty for me so I went with the frittata and I am pretty confident in saying that I made the right choice. The tomatoes and spinach tasted fresh (goat I think?) was tart and complimented the eggy-ness perfectly. It was light and not super filling but I wasn't looking for a full-on lunch anyway. I also ordered the Chai which came in a cute little bowl (that looked like an oversized teacup without the handle). It was lightly sweet and decent. However, it was a little too overspiced for me which probably meant that it was more true to the "chai" flavor than most watered-down chai drinks. I guess I just couldn't handle the authenticity haha.

    (4)

  • Tammy T.

    This is a cute cafe but I came looking for a soda fountain. They still carry the sign but its sort of misleading. Both my friend and I got sodas with predominantly fruit-based syrups. I got basil and lemon which was okay, but hardly a burst of flavor. I heard, though that the hot cocoa is very good so I might stop by again.

    (3)

  • AJ A.

    My family and I LOVE this place. The food is very good, the service is fantastic and friendly and they give 1/2 their profits to charity! While the space can get crowded, it is bright and cheerful. We come here every Saturday before hitting the farmer's market. Specifics: The biscuit with honey or jam is divine. The frittata is usually excellent and I don't like frittatas anywhere else. We always order the mushroom and gruyere breakfast sandwich and when they are making toasted coconut waffles, do NOT pass them up.

    (5)

  • Rebecca B.

    My favorite brunch spot. I do.t live as close anymore but it's always impeccable. Well done!!!

    (4)

  • Claire W.

    service is quite slow pear croque monsieur let me down but hot cocoa's great!

    (4)

  • Harold W.

    Consistently good food in my experience, you can tell they take care to only use top-quality ingredients. Their menu rotates seasonally, and tends to have lots of interesting gems. I certainly never would have dreamt up the combination of goat cheese, figs, and caramelized onions for a sandwich, but somehow it worked! The atmosphere is also charming and the staff is friendly. I will say that although it's nominally a cafe, I like it more as a place to get lunch rather than to sit and drink coffee.

    (5)

  • David W.

    here's a little experiment you can try. Go to any cafe, say starbucks, or even any of the hundreds of cafe's dotted around Berkeley (downtown and bancroft areas) and Oakland / Temescal / Telegraph / Piedmont area. Order a cappucino. order a mocha. Now order a Mocha / Cappucino from Elmwood Cafe. Your mind will be blown. I have quite literally been to almost every cafe in Berkeley and a good number of cafe's in Oakland. The quality of a Cappucino not only varies from place to place, but they aren't really that good. I didn't KNOW how good a cappucino could be until I came here. I didn't KNOW Mocha's could taste like this. Cafe Strada, Berkeley espresso, Milano, Firenze, Sacks, Remedy, Good Bellies, this list goes on and on. They are all "cute" places. Elmwood Cafe is SERIOUS BUSINESS when it comes to drinks. I can't even begin to say how wretched Starbucks and Peets are. They should actually not be allowed to sell drinks. Funny thing is most cafe's actually don't do much better than Starbucks either. I did order a chicken sausage sandwich, which I did not care for. I can't imagine the rest of the food being that spectacular. But you're doing it wrong if you're going to Elmwood NOT for the amazing drinks. They make the best Cappucinos and Mocha's, consistently, no matter who is making them. And that's one thing I can count on. Edit: I'm reading the other reviews. People are saying "Oh the drink was good." Yes, the drinks are good. I don't think they realize HOW good, in comparison to everything else. Exponentially good, orders of magnitude better good. That's a good drink. Go to Starbucks and get a "good drink". Go to Elmwood for a coffee drink done right.

    (5)

  • Sofya E.

    Delicious! I am addicted to their mochas because unlike most places that use either chocolate syrup or chocolate milk - they use GANACHE! Amazing! But so pricey!!

    (5)

  • Hana J.

    My, oh, my, what a wonderful day. Plenty of sunshine headin' my way, Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay! I walked down College Avenue, humming this tune, taking advantage of the beautiful weather to start off a picturesque spring season. On this perfect day, no cafe would've been better than Elmwood. My friend and I oogled at the beautiful baked goods, and had to "settle" with the portobello mushroom-ham bread pudding (sourdough bread yuum...but could've gone with more cheese according to my expertise friend), a kumquat coffee cake, and bacon quiche that tasted more like a sweet creamy jiggly-flan cake. Total came out to $14. We were stuffed by the end and had to box up the leftovers. All three tasted wonderful, each distinct in flavor and look. Everything about this place is simply darling. We sat at the window tables, basking in the sunlight. The place feels insulated somehow--I felt warm and cozy all around. Even the water pitcher and glasses are darling. I left feeling real good about myself--not only did I just eat some amazing food, but I also contributed some $$ to a high school "go green" program. What an extravagant indulgence! To not my soul and body but the glorious future minds of America!! Whoohoo!

    (5)

  • .caroline. ..

    My, my that's a serious chai. (Although, for $4, it ought to be.) Charming spot, friendly (yes, on the slower side) service. And yes, quite a good chai.

    (4)

  • Carina S.

    Went here on Saturday afternoon to satisfy my caffeine crave & mid-day snacks. Tried their latte, hot chocolate, and baked goods (a cookie and a brownie). Everything were good, but a bit pricey IMO.

    (5)

  • Kristen S.

    Elmwood Cafe is really cute but super crowded! When I asked for bakery items, I had to wait about 10minutes to be able to receive them even though other people who asked for similar bakery items received them right away. They also ran out of tea pots so I had to drink my tea in a bowl, which wasn't too bad but a little weird-looking! The atmosphere is very cute and although there's no wifi here, this is definitely a good place to eat while drinking tea/coffee and relaxing.

    (3)

  • Kevin J.

    This is a quaint little cafe on the corner of College Ave. and Russell St. It is a nice place to study if you are alone or with another person, but overall, the place is nice and cozy. I decided to go here one time to check it out...this was my experience: I was intrigued upon looking at the menu and seeing that they had lychee iced tea...but was greatly disappointed when seeing that it was "premade," seemingly store bought, average ice tea. The cup was tiny...and it was $3 - a huge waste of money. The tea was flat, albeit cold, but not impressive. I also found it a bit creepy how the seats face the windows...so when people pass by, they have the entire cafe staring back at them.

    (3)

  • Jennifer S.

    The good: - Very "cute" farmhouse-style decor, feels like the hand of Martha Stewart - Great coffee - Delicious pastries - Location is super central The bad: - No WIFI! ugh. - Extremely slow service - The food (sandwiches, salads) are good and very overpriced But I still love it and, much like every Anthropologie store, I kind of wish I could move in.

    (4)

  • Suzanne B.

    Good food, really good atmosphere. they donate part of their profits to charity of the customers' choice which is really honorable.

    (4)

  • Grace L.

    This place is awesome!!! I was looking for a nice place to just sit and read and this place is great! I only got an Earl Grey Tea (comes in a pot) but the environment was perfect. Location is great, right on college next to shops, boutique restaurants, etc. and perfect for reading a great book. There's also a small outdoor patio as well. I can't wait to come back for more!

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    So, so, so good! I haven't had a bad experience here! Everything I've ordered has been extremely delicious- fresh and healthy-tasting with a unique menu variety. My favorites are the mushroom, egg, Havarti and Gruyere breakfast sandwich on Levain, the frittata, and the homemade granola over Straus yogurt. Note that the menu changes daily; yet, these things are pretty consistent. There isn't any wi-fi access available and it's really only study-conducive on the weekdays; the place is fairly teeny and gets rather busy on the weekends. The coffee is also great. Definitely a must-stop if you're in Berkeley's Elmwood neighborhood!

    (5)

  • teray g.

    Still love this place. But do not go there if you are in a hurry. They seem to have plenty of staff, but they can be excruciatingly slow at times. If you've got the time though, it is a delight.

    (4)

  • garnet h.

    This is a review of just the espresso drinks at the Elmwood cafe, which are quite nice. We now live in a world where a "third wave" "renaissance" in coffee is ruining it through a fadish attachment to under roasting the beans, which results in sour tasting coffee where most of the flavor does not come out. (I'm thinking of you, oh extremely over rated Blue Bottle and Ritual--to say nothing of Stumptown and Intelligentsia). This is especially sad in Berkeley, home of Peet's, where Alfred Peet started the true American coffee renaissance in the 1960s. Of course, Starbucks popularized and ruined Peet's dark roasting style (many people don't know that Alfred Peet first roasted for and then trained the original owners of Starbucks, when it was just one store in Seattle). The so called "third wave" coffee roasters now in vogue are essentially a misguided backlash against Starbucks. Alfred Peet once commented that in order to properly bring out all of the flavor of a coffee bean, you have to roast it until it almost burns, without burning it, and that is not easy. In order to avoid this problem, Blue Bottle, et al, instead choose to underroast their coffee, which takes much less skill, and then they trumpet the subtle "notes" of this and that berry flavor, as if coffee is wine. But really, I can't tell you how many friends (unsoliticed by me) have tasted this coffee and said it tastes like sour swill that had been sitting all day at the truckstop. The truth is a coffee bean, before it's roasted, is a hard little rock with no taste that would break your teeth. If you don't roast it enough what you get is just a grassy unpleasant drink. When it comes to coffee, the roast is everything. In this sad coffee world, Elmwood Cafe happily has chosen a supplier who is not afraid to buck misguided trends and roast the coffee enough to give it some flavor. The Elmwood Cafe also gets their proportions right. The americanos are not filled up with too much hot water and the cappuccinos stick to an appropriate small size and are nicely made. I do recommend going for a double shot in both the americano and cappuccino though, to get enough coffee flavor. Single shots rarely work well for espresso drinks (beyond a plain espresso itself).

    (4)

  • Christopher L.

    TLDR: - Upbeat lively cafe that serves variety of foods to pair nicely with coffee. - Unfortunately, large mugs call for more milk, which makes the drink way too bland. - Yummy scones.

    (2)

  • Elimelech R.

    Good food, nice atmosphere. It is also connected to a cool, local bookstore. They serve beer and sometimes have live music. Definitely worth a look-see!

    (4)

  • Ingrid E.

    Love this place. No wi-fi, so it's a perfect place to read a book or chat with a friend over a pot of tea or a latte in a bowl, and a nice little sandwich or snack. My 8-yr-old and I come here after playing tennis to have a little breakfast. The crowds come in waves, so if you just wait a bit during a busy time, the line will soon dissipate and a table will open up. The people who work here are also really nice. Tonight, we tried their Thursday Night Pot Pies for the first time. Veg, beef or chicken pot pies, a green salad and a glass of wine. Yummy.

    (5)

  • meshell c.

    This place is very cute, nice and open so you get plenty of light from outside. There's a nice selection of food and pastries on hand. I had tea and it came out in a nice teapot tray set. I also had their grilled cheese and it was AMAZINGLY good. I think it was made with gruyere and it just hit the spot for a nice bite. Their lattes come in this big ol bowl. I think it was more than enough for my friend. Verdict: great place to just chill and catch up with a friend but seating is VERY limited, but you can always post at the counter and wait for an opening. There are 3 tables outside as well.

    (4)

  • Casey P.

    Elmwood cafe is awesome in so many ways. I used to come here at least three times a week until I realized this was excessive. Things I love: their grilled cheese (with or without ham), breakfast frittatas, flavored sodas, lemon tart, hot chocolate, etc. I could go on for days.

    (5)

  • Stu C.

    Elmwood Cafe makes hands down, the best, most amazing mocha latte I have ever had. This reminds me of something royalty would drink in the Persian empire a thousand years ago... a wonderful, rich, decadent delight from an exotic, far away land. Well, I'm no Persian prince and I can't have an Elmwood Cafe mocha whenever I want. And now I live in Texas again. So I'm gonna go cry some.

    (5)

  • Lydia W.

    Though it is sad that Ozzie's closed down, Elmwood Cafe is a lovely addition to this area. I love how the glass windows that line the side of the cafe bring in so much light. If you sit down at one of the tables that directly faces College Ave, you can watch passersby as you sip your coffee out of a bowl. There is sufficient seating - both tables and bar stools. The inside has a very open and spacious feeling. There are bathrooms in the back. The pastries look tasty and unique. Everything is on the pricier side of the cafe spectrum, but it looks to be worth it. My soy latte was a joy to sip after a long day at work. My only gripe is that it took approximately ten minutes to make my drink. There were about four people behind the counter and no one else seemed to be waiting for anything. I'll let it go because my expired meter didn't get caught, but those seemingly-long moments of waiting for my latte were quite horrible. Especially because no one reassured me that my drink was coming up. I like it when the workers look at you to acknowledge that they haven't forgotten about you or your drink. There's parking in the back and on the street.

    (4)

  • Steve T.

    My wife and I at breakfast there a couple of weeks ago and it was such a good experience that I needed to give them a shout out. We had an unpretentious meal of steel cut oatmeal and dried fruit. Delicious. Many restaurants can't make a decent porridge, believe it or not. Coffee was absolutely top notch, and I had what may have been the best scone of my life there. The place has a very friendly, neighborhood ambiance. You could tell they have a lot or regulars. We don't get to Berkeley that often, but when we do we'll be back for sure!

    (5)

  • Janine M.

    Best hot chocolate in the bay area. Also a really nice ambiance, and really good food!

    (5)

  • Carmen P.

    Came here around 12:30pm, I waited in line for about 15-20 mins...and waited even longer for food, about half hour. I sat in the bar counter so I could see them make the food and stuff. The staff behind the counter making the food didn't seem like they knew what they were doing. What really grossed me out was one of the lady had just delivered food to outside tables and walks back there and starts preparing food...without washing her hands!!! I ordered a chai latte, quiche and grilled cheese sandwich (wasn't feeling the meat that day) the Chai latte came super fast which was great. However, my quiche and sandwich took forever and a day to arrive. The grill cheese sandwich wasn't too great, it was super oily and when they gave it to me the sandwich was already half falling off. They couldn't get my order right initially, i requested it in a to go box but they gave me a plate, left it out for awhile before realizing it was for me. The quiche wasn't that great either, I wasn't expecting that much eggs...and it fell apart when they gave it to me. experience wasn't too great here. probably won't come again.

    (2)

  • Tamie H.

    The people who work at the Elmwood are genuinely pleasant and helpful and competent. The food is absolutely excellent. The business gives a large percentage of their proceeds to charities of customers' choice. The other customers are almost always considerate. The location is good--and there's good parking nearby. AND recently I forgot my computer at the Elmwood, left and drove all over town, and only after a few hours realized my mistake. I called the Elmwood and the computer was still there! That says a lot about both the cafe and the other people who visit it.

    (5)

  • Amber F.

    Really great little hang out spot!! Absolutely love the chai there! It's also so fun to choose which charity you want to vote for and at the end of the month they pick the winner and donate a bunch of their earnings to that charity!! It's a really great way to give back and get some yummy food! Also the service is phenomenal, all the waiters are really sweet:)

    (5)

  • Eva Leona Lerriqs S.

    At first I didn't like it because my ginger cookie wasn't that gingery. But the longer we stayed, the more I appreciated being there for the following reasons: all the baked goods were homemade, the cafe was warm, which was helpful on a cold day, there was a warm feeling, the staff was friendly, we could sit for a long time without it closing, no wi-fi present, and we weren't crowded in by people.

    (3)

  • Jen W.

    Where's the beef? I'll tell you... In one hot and steamy bowl of Elmood cafe's amazing beef stew. Got it yesterday while scoping out my new hood, and couldn't believe what a great deal! A decent size bowl, tons of beef, and at a really inexpensive price, $6! This cafe is a really cute place, on a corner with lots of natural light from their huge windows. The staff seemed decently happy to be there, and the place was packed even at 3 on a Monday. While I was walking out, I noticed what seemed to be a delicious Chocolate Fleur de Sel cookie... Can you say yummy? Bonus: They donate to different charities that you get to choose from... Definitely going back.

    (5)

  • Phan H.

    Fast service, good coffee. Cheap. Hi, welcome to 1 of 80921478074803248 coffee shops/cafe's in Berkeley. Blindfold and pick one, they're all the same!

    (4)

  • Jeremy S.

    Quality: 5/6 Service: 4/5 Value: 2/4 Total: 11/15 = 4/5 Elmwood Cafe recently opened up in what used to be Ozzie's Soda Fountain at Elmwood Pharmacy. I'm very glad to see the owner putting in effort to preserve this treasure of Elmwood. I stopped in here late night last week, and the cashier was a little "green," but I'm sure things will improve as he learns his way around. The owner was extremely kind to her staff and us. The food was a bit overpriced. We only had enough to try the cranberry coffee cake, but it was delicious! I highly recommend stopping by. I'll be trying them out for brunch soon. Hopefully they make great potatoes!

    (4)

  • Edi B.

    Sweet little stop; bright and cheerful. Breakfast foods including: croissants, muffins, scones, frittata, quiche, oatmeal, granola, etc. The coffee was ... strong! Ha! not a bad thing but not for lightweights either. Hubby said the brussel sprout potato frittata was delicious. Average gourmet cafe prices. Looks like they serve sandwiches and salads too.

    (4)

  • wendy m.

    I came in today with my six year old for hot chocolate while we played board games. The service was great, the hot chocolate was delicious and it was the perfect place to hang out. My son says: The hot chocolate was so good that I was bursting into outer space! And in outer space I'd still be bursting on to the sun and into the last planet of the solar system."

    (5)

  • Jamie M.

    This place is adorable. Yes, as everyone describes--it looks like a cute little French cafe in a lovely neighborhood--open, light, and a happy yellow and white striped canopy outside. I'll admit, environment is a pretty important part of the dining experience for me. Who can resist a place with a happy yellow striped canopy? From the exterior, Elmwood Cafe is very welcoming. Let's get the cons out of the way first: -The seating is cramped -No wi-fi -Sandwiches don't come with sides (no chips, no salad, nothing) Pros (and this makes up for the above-mentioned cons): Their mocha. Their mocha is great for a couple reasons. It comes in a bowl and is huge. Yes, it costs something like $4.50 or $4.75, but it's worth it. It's also made with their own chocolate ganache. And it was delicious! A mocha at Elmwood is worth the extra you pay for it. Get one. I also had the tuna melt. Their tuna melt was quite good (the tuna salad mixture was different and had a little something special, which I appreciated)--it was just disappointing because as I mentioned above, it didn't come with any sides. Honestly, my sandwich looked a little lonely on the plate with nothing except a few slices of pepperoncinis as garnish. I didn't order a side salad but a few neighbors did and they did look very fresh. My experience with the service was limited since orders are placed at the counter and someone drops off your food when it's ready. The employee at the counter was very friendly and helpful when I was making my selections. After reading a few reviews, I realized that 50% of profits are donated to charity. I didn't realize that when I was there, but what a bonus. If nothing else, that'll keep me coming back to Elmwood (well, that and the mocha). Elmwood is a good place to have a light meal--Oh, and have I mentioned how good their mochas are?

    (4)

  • Allister D.

    My experience here was tremendous! The place itself is located in an area full of green trees and family owned businesses. I came here today with my gf and we had a blast. The service was grade A. I ordered their potato corn chowder which had lots of corn. I also ordered the iced mocha with their special ganache. Sooo chocolaty in every sip. The service made it for me though. The women were soo nice and they made sure food was freshly made and made sure their customers had a good time. This cafe is very unique in every way from their old Tuscany fashioned design to their concept in donating half of their stock to 3 different organizations to help support children and the poor. This is something that caught my eye. This place has only been up for barely a year yet it has soo much of that old fashioned classic feeling to it. This place serves fresh products and even make their own mayo, ganache, and more! Try it out suckas

    (5)

  • Tee M.

    I want to like this cafe b/c it's only four blocks from my home but the owners clearly don't want anyone lingering b/c there are no power outlets anywhere in the place. The food is overpriced ($1.75 for a cookie!), and it always takes forever to order at the counter. I just can't bring myself to give this more than 1 star.

    (1)

  • Daniel R.

    Really cool inside and especially clean. I think it's also te only place I've been to that serves steamed milk, so super big plus!

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    TIP: Come here with the right mindset. There's no wifi, the decor is sunny and warm, and it always smells deliciously good inside. A crossword puzzle, a good book, or an old friend to chat with are fitting for this cafe's cute setting. There's no wifi and no gimmicky drinks to attract a college or younger crowd--just relative quiet and solitude. An escape. TIP #2: It's not listed on their online menu, but the cafe also offers a wide range of pastries. In the morning, it makes the air smell sugary and wonderful! There's also a water pitcher (classy with slices of lemon floating within) at the front counter. My friend and I met up here to catch up. We had a great one and a half hours sitting at a table, her sipping a soda (very quickly, I might add, because the flavor was delicious) and me drinking a decaf Americano. I didn't even know that decaf espresso drinks existed! The staff is friendly and constantly bustling around. The hot drinks come in bowls and the cold drinks come in clear glasses. I think it's mostly about the ambiance here. I felt like my life slowed down a bit just for the time that I was there, which is a good thing. It was warm and cozy on a chilly Berkeley evening, but I imagine it'd be beautiful on a sunny morning too.

    (4)

  • ceecee m.

    They updated their egg sandwich! Now it's poached, not boiled. A huge improvement.

    (5)

  • Ariana P.

    Such a cute cafe. One of my favorites for a pot o' tea and a nice conversation. Recently started eating their food and have become relatively obsessed with the curry chicken salad sandwich. yum! beautiful atmosphere, great giving philosophy, good food, and nice folks. what more could a girl ask for?

    (5)

  • Dan F.

    5 Stars! Yes! I love this place, it's where I go. All the time, by default. Everything you can order is delicious! See where I'm coming from yet? I love it! It's PERFECT! So, now I can put in my complaints because I just think it could be a little bit perfecter.. First, some rules for patrons: 1 - When you get there, grab a menu right away and be ready to order BEFORE you get to the front of the line. This will give you ample time to think about what you want - probably 10 minutes or more if there are 2 or more parties in front of you - and it may even splendidly result in the person behind you having less time to think about what they'll order. Remember, no need to ask "What's better? - " everything EVERYTHING is REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD! 2. Please sit at a table which is appropriately sized for your party. And remember, your laptop/ios device is not a member of your party. It's a crowded place, and you really don't want to be asked for those extra chairs in the middle of an email, right? 3. When you leave, please wipe your table clean and bus your dishes. I know that's usually the busboy's job, I know the place is spendy and they should do it - but for some reason (the place is SOO awesome, so it's really crowded; they dialed in the layout so that it's perfect for customers, but hard for staff; they give half the busboy's pay to CHARITY!) the busboy can't seem to keep up. So let's leave making the awesome food to them, and take care of cleaning up after ourselves. Just put those dishes and crumbs in the bins please. Now then, I'm afraid I've seen a disturbing trend among newer places in "The Elmwood:" Lines out the door. Down the street even. Is this good advertising? Then let's make sure they don't need it anymore by giving 5 star reviews! It's made a cheater out of me. I cheated on Elmwood Cafe, it's true: I'm sitting outside at The Elmwood Cafe, having already enjoyed a leisurely lunch. My wife has gone in and waited in line again because she liked my vanilla & mint french soda so much she wanted her own. Just as she's coming out the door after having ordered her soda, I decide I'd really like that croissant just behind the window. I look at the line and see there are about 3 parties, maybe 8 people total including a friend of mine halfway back- waiting to order. My heart sinks... that beautiful croissant.. just out of reach... and I'll have to wait 25 minutes to get it.. ARRGH! Then - I remember, Nabalom Bakery up the street has good croissants too! and it's only 1/2 block away! I walk over to Nabalom, wait for 2 people to order in front of me, and get my croissant, and I'm back at Elmwood Cafe 3 minutes after I'd left. It's a good croissant, and it takes me about 5 minutes to finish. Just as I do, my wife's drink makes it to the table. My friend is still waiting to order. Now, to complete the compliment sandwich which is this review, to be fair to my strongest feelings about the place: Elmwood Cafe is PERFECT! When you look up "cafe" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Elmwood Cafe. Order the mocha, do it!

    (5)

  • Manda P.

    I had heard of this place and finally got to experience it. Ordered a breakfast of yummy oatmeal and fresh sliced fruit. I went back for a sweet potato muffin that was so moist! Enjoyed rich and flavorful coffee. Sat close but comfortably in the sunny front window receiving intellectual energy from people on their computers and watching moms and dads treating theirselves and their children to deliciousness. I would wait in line twice for that food! The staff was patient, helpful and knowledgable. I could tell they enjoyed working there. Bonus- half their profits go to charity and customers are able to vote on which charity they prefer out of three.

    (5)

  • Sourma K.

    I felt like walking into a cafe in Paris, the ambiance alone makes you feel that way then there's the decor which is just delightfully beautiful and elegant. I had the spicy chicken sandwich with cilantro aoli and it was too die for. I also had their summer vegetable soup and it was made to perfection, not too salty either which I knew right there this was a chef cooking not a just another person wanting to open a cafe. The service was great as well. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Jules W.

    Best buttermilk bisquits in town!!!!!

    (4)

  • Karen U.

    Went here for a tea break to catch up with my friend Katherine. We sat for a bit at the bar and waited too long to order because we missed the two coffee cakes that were sitting at the counter. But not a problem, because I ordered the scone instead and was not disappointed. Most scones are super dry and chalky, but this was like a cross between a scone and buttery biscuit. It had small berries, which I assume were blueberries or currants. It came with the options of a citrus curd, berry jam or butter. I got both butter and curd. Smearing the two dips on top of the warm, flaky scone were AMAZING. I coupled it with decaf chai, which was not as flavorful as I would hope but came in their cute cup/bowls, which my friend Katherine says is how the french serve their coffee/lattes for breakfast. I would definitely come back to try the coffee cake and when I can get caffeinated again try some espresso.

    (5)

  • T P.

    I don't understand how a cafe in 2012 does not have wifi. Elmwood doesn't even have a paid internet option. This place has good food, but the ONLY thing I require in my cafes aside from half-decent coffee is wireless so I can get work done. Go across the street to Nabolom to do work-- you can still sit outside, it's more down-to-earth, better service, wifi and sometimes there's a band that plays old timey music.

    (3)

  • Art V. B.

    I love this place. They have preserved the old atmosphere from the soda fountain that used to be in this same location. Just for this act of local preservation they deserve five starts. A plus is the high quality food and coffee they offer. The food I've had here is always tasty and carefully prepared and presented. However, if you are the type of individual that expects to get super-sized portions for relatively high prices this is definitely not the place where you should go.

    (5)

  • Alison W.

    Beautiful location, ideal for a tasty treat or a networking rendezvous. Pastries are pricy but amazingly delicious. Because the chai or lattes are served in bowls, the drink is sensual, as your hands warm in anticipation of the creamy mouthful. If you want more casual or wi-fi, go to The Beanery across the street. But if you want more upscale to impress, this is the spot!

    (4)

  • Eli D.

    love this place. the food is great. decent prices. incredible scones. this week i got a homemade concord grape soda. every employee seems kind and like a good person. they give a percentage of their money to non-profits and charities. major gem. thank you elmwood cafe!

    (5)

  • Elicia G.

    Elmwood Cafe is my favorite little place for coffee, baked goods or a quick lunch. Some of my favorites from the menu are the mocha (made with chocolate ganache), pumpkin muffin, lemon muffin, fleur de sel chocolate chip cookie, quiche and BLT. The only thing I've had that I didn't love was a caramel latte. It just doesn't compare to the mocha. Be aware that it can take a while to get your coffee drink, but it is worth the wait. Love this place with it's beautiful big windows and friendly staff.

    (5)

  • Amy L.

    I've been here a few times and was very impressed with their egg sandwich. I was expecting a regular egg salad sandwich with mayonaise and relish, but was pleasantly surprised that the sandwich turned out to be sliced hard boiled eggs with parsely and other seasonings on buttered bread. IIt was simple and really yummy.

    (4)

  • Jenny W.

    I can't believe I always passed this place by. I guess I'm usually just a coffee nut, and bypass any cafes that aren't known for serving the best cup of joe. My coffee informants told me that the coffee here was good but not mind-blowing, but I think the food and the SODA (which steal the show here) make it worth the visit. I got a soft pretzel (about $2? I don't remember) which was they heated up for me and covered with a generous/sizable amount of sesame seeds. The pretzel was delicious, but as I looked around the cafe, I definitely felt a sense of food-envy when I saw what everyone else had on their plates, and knew I would have to make a return trip. I also tried one of "Ozzie's sodas" ($2.50) which come in a variety of flavors including strawberry, mint rosemary, lavender, basil, and vanilla. I was impressed with the fact that they make all their own syrups and grind up their own fruits/herbs for flavoring, instead of buying the same overly-processed syrups that every other establishment which serves italian/french sodas pumps into their drinks. This was my first time having french soda (which apparently, is different from italian soda because it has half and half in it) and I will admit that I was very hesitant about that combination at first. No worries, though, because my poorly-founded doubts were soon dissuaded by my first sip of mind-blowingly delicious lavender bliss. My tastebuds were having the time of their life while my insides were doing a giddy little dance of joy at the discovery of what can only be called love at first sip. Oh, and THEY DONATE 50% OF THEIR PROFITS TO CHARITIES that the customers can vote on. How cool is that? My only problem with this place is the lack of internet. I guess it's meant more as a place to catch up with friends/grab a bite than as a place to study, but it's a bummer because that makes it harder for me to justify heading down there and treating myself.

    (4)

  • Sunny H.

    Happy to get a delicious sea salt chocolate chip cookie, granola and yogurt, and a breakfast sandwich at five in the afternoon. Nice sunny outdoor seating and friendly staff.

    (5)

  • Leopoldo U.

    With its cleanliness and quaint bowls of coffee, the iron ceiling lamps, and the dark furniture contrasting the light paint of the interiors, oak wooden floors and red leather seats that bring back the 50s, i have to give it to elmwood cafe for embracing traditions on the street of college in Berkeley. Although it doesnt have internet (but i got to steal signal at one point), it is nice to be away from the noise and sit down to talk with a cup of coffee. Simple as that, elmwood cafe gets 4 stars.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :7:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Brunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No
    Good for Working : Yes

Elmwood Cafe

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