MLK Café
MLK Café — photo 2
MLK Café — photo 3
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MLK Café — photo 5

MLK Café

3860 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Oakland, CA

★★★★4.4(359 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Nestled in Oakland, MLK Café brings together East African and American flavors in a spacious, community-focused spot that's equally welcoming whether you're settling in for a work session with a stellar cappuccino or catching the Africa Cup on one of their big screens. The thoughtfully prepared food—like their standout Kelwa Beef with spicy tomato sauce—pairs with genuine hospitality and a culturally rich atmosphere that makes regulars feel like they're part of something bigger than just grabbing coffee. Fair warning: parking can be a challenge, but once you're inside, the quality of both the drinks and the vibe makes it worth the effort.

What to expect

Slow sitTraditional drinksLight foodMeetingsLaptop friendlyQuick grab

Google Reviews

Paul Pelkey
★★★★4 months ago

The weather been nice but then when there's no parking available it's not worth my time I'll go home have my own cup of coffee with Laird Hamilton superfoods I really would like to visit but then

Andrew Corso
★★★★★4 months ago

The food is great, the people are great, the space is large with several big TVs. Good spot to watch soccer. I went to MLK cafe during the last Africas Cup and it was an amazingly good time. Definitely will be popping in for some games and tibs again now that the tournament has started!

Parth Savla
★★★★7 months ago

A great place to get your headphones on and just zone in into a work session. I had the cappuccino and hummus, excellent quality for the price. I think if just the service / hostesses were a little more proactive in periodically swinging by and seeing if I needed / wanted to order anything else, I think they might earn a bit more. But overall a lovely spot to get a reasonably priced, high quality meal and support a local business…👌🏾

No Matter what Just do it
★★★★★9 months ago

A Culturally Rich Spot with Some Room for Improvement This East African Eritrean restaurant stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. The people around are kind and culturally warm — it really feels like a family space, which reflects Eritrean values. The location is nice, and they occasionally host jazz and piano bar nights, which add a creative and relaxed vibe. However, one issue I noticed is the kitchen setup. When food is being prepared, the smell travels into the open dining area, which affects the comfort of the space. If the owners improve the layout and refresh the overall vibe, this restaurant could become a top spot for cultural gatherings and hangouts.

Christopher Chung
★★★★★a year ago

East African and American classics served in a dark sport bar. Kelwa Beef, spicy tomato sauce and carmelized onions — flavorful and comforting.

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