Way Station Brew

True gem of a place! Berkeley needs more places like this, instead of the endless chain restaurants all over Telegraph. Because it’s situated in a more residential area, Way Station keeps a unique quiet charm. Their coffee and food are always phenomenal (look at that latte art!) and the atmosphere is great—whether you want to work, read a book, or socialize.

This is one of those spots where the food and drinks are so solid, the whole place so cozy (including the lovely patio), and the workers and owner so nice that I almost don't want to tell people about it lest they get attached to it, too. I used to come here fairly often when I lived in the area and it was always a respite. I hope they stick around forever, to be honest. And huge kudos to the owner for supporting folks with difficulties who need employment.

I’ve been here before and had nice experience. Today’s experience was quite strange. I walked in and approached the counter with the barista/cashier standing there. She did not greet me. I said hello, and she politely replied. Once I placed my order I handed her my cash as payment. When she gave me my change she placed it on the counter instead of handing it back to me. The cashier/barista did bring my latte over to where I seated and said “here’s your latte!”. It was said very nicely but there were no “thank you” (I’m a stickler for customer service). I ordered a 16oz chai latte with oat milk to go. While my drink was tasty , I could barely taste the chai. It seemed to be mostly oat milk and my to go latte didn’t have a top. While I did not have a bad experience it definitely left me feeling slightly unwelcome. It wasn’t busy during my visit so a little more (a hello and a cup top) would have gone a long way.

Visited this place on a Sunday morning for brunch. The savory brunch menu items did not look super interesting honestly and needed better presentation. Tried the avocado toast with egg and the cheese burger. The avocado toast was ok, but not great. The cheese burger with added avocado and mushrooms was very good actually, something to come back for!

Their nasty. No one cleans the tables after other people eat and leave. The male cook with glasses touches everything with his hands, scratches his face, head, body, etc. and put his hands right in the food (French toast mix & bread) as he's cooking without washing his hands or using gloves ever. The smooth talking, well mannered, nice haired, well dressed male cashier, touched everything including money, and prepares front of the business foods also and never washes his hands either. Animals are allowed on tables, under the tables, inside the establishment which is unsanitary for a place to eat and never be wiped down with any cleaning solutions. Place doesn't even smell clean. Other then that, which is the most important stuff, this place is really nice. New cooking staff, new ways to stay clean, and new ways to have appropriate spacing for people with and without animals will make this place a bigger hit. Food prices are good, menu is good because of the variety of food choices they have. The location is a 10/10. I'll never go back there but I wish them much continual success.