Red Bay Coffee
1741 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, CA
Crema's Take
“Red Bay Coffee is a Berkeley institution that balances serious espresso craft with a welcoming, laid-back vibe perfect for lingering with friends or your dog. Their signature drinks like the silky oat milk latte and charcoal latte showcase creative flavor work alongside traditionally excellent pour-overs and shots, and the diverse, genuinely kind staff contribute to the kind of place where good coffee and good people-watching go hand in hand.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
This is the best coffee on the street, and there are a lot of places serving coffee on the street. Pet friendly, diverse staff. I recommend going here for good vibes and good people watching. If it’s open. I’m new to the neighborhood and trying to make getting a cup here my daily habit, but half the time the staff is opening the place 20 minutes late. On November 25th and on December 1st the baristas were still getting the cafe prepared as of 7:45a. I’m writing this review in the hope that a manager or owner notices, because I wouldn’t want to be losing habitual customers and because I’m hopeful to get my coffee here in time to drop my kid off for daycare. Best of luck and hope to be able to become a regular myself!
Manager is excellent, coffee generally very good. This location had a rough start up but the staff has stabilized some and seems much more consistent. Two stars off because they are constantly out of decaf, which is the only coffee I’m able to drink for medical reasons.
Superb coffee. Amazing flavor. Baristas know how to pull shots and the foam on their lattes is expertly done. BTW their otamilk latte (not pictured) is the best I've ever had.
My favorite drink since I started drinking Red Bay Coffee is the charcoal latte. It's so delicious and smooth that if they were closer I would definitely have thos several times a week.
Hey, I love the people who work at this café—everyone’s so friendly and nice. But I think they might be going out of business, because about once a week they’re just not open. Like today—it’s Tuesday at 9 a.m., and they’re closed. It happens all the time, so I’m guessing business might not be doing well. Not sure. But the people there are great—very, very nice.
Crema Reviews
You might also like
CoRo Coffee Room
★ 4.6 (296)
Tucked away on a quiet Berkeley street, CoRo Coffee Room is an espresso-focused…
Mind Coffee
★ 4.6 (231)
Mind Coffee is a beloved Berkeley community spot where owner Viviana has…
Bench
★ 5.0 (129)
Bench is a Berkeley favorite where baristas like Carson craft thoughtful…
Masterpiece Coffee
★ 4.9 (121)
Masterpiece Coffee is a tiny Berkeley gem where passionate artisans treat…