{"id":792,"date":"2026-06-15T12:46:38","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T12:46:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rajproperties.com\/blog\/?p=792"},"modified":"2026-06-15T12:46:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T12:46:39","slug":"best-coffee-shops-near-uc-berkeley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rajproperties.com\/blog\/best-coffee-shops-near-uc-berkeley\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Coffee Shops Near UC Berkeley Students Love"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Coffee and college go hand in hand, and few places take their coffee as seriously as Berkeley. With UC Berkeley at its heart, the city is packed with caf\u00e9s perfect for cramming before an exam, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a great cup. Here are the best coffee shops near UC Berkeley that students keep coming back to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Caff\u00e8 Strada – The Campus Classic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No list of Berkeley caf\u00e9s is complete without Caff\u00e8 Strada. Right on the path to campus on the Southside, it’s famous for its spacious outdoor patio shaded by trees and warmed by heat lamps. It’s the go-to spot for studying outdoors, meeting friends, or spending a long, sunny afternoon. Pro tip: arrive early to grab a shaded table it fills up fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> Outdoor studying and social energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. 1951 Coffee Company – Coffee with a Cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1951 Coffee Company is more than a great caf\u00e9 it’s a nonprofit that trains and employs refugees and asylum seekers. The coffee is excellent, the space is bright and welcoming, and you can feel good about every cup. It’s a Berkeley favorite that reflects the city’s community-minded spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> Quality coffee and supporting a good cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Brewed Awakening – The Northside Study Haven<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A bit of a walk to the quieter Northside of campus, Brewed Awakening is worth the trip. With long communal tables, wooden chairs, and a cozy, homey atmosphere, it’s a beloved study spot, especially during midterms and finals when Southside caf\u00e9s get packed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> Serious study sessions and a calmer vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Souvenir Coffee Co. – Seasonal Flavors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just south of campus on Claremont Avenue, Souvenir Coffee Co. is known for solid coffee and fun seasonal syrups like lavender, sage, and pumpkin. They also serve sandwiches, bagels, and pastries, making it a great spot to settle in for a study break with a snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> Specialty flavored drinks and light bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Peet’s Coffee (Original Location) – A Berkeley Institution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Berkeley is the birthplace of Peet’s Coffee, and the original North Shattuck location is a piece of coffee history (it even has a small museum). If you want to experience where it all began, this is the spot. It’s a little north of campus but a worthwhile pilgrimage for any coffee lover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> Coffee history and a classic cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Art\u00eds Coffee – For the Coffee Purist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over on Fourth Street, Art\u00eds Coffee takes its craft seriously, focusing on the full “seed-to-sip” journey. The drinks are top quality, and the atmosphere is modern and calm. It’s a bit farther from campus, but ideal when you want a more refined coffee experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> Coffee connoisseurs who appreciate the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Sodoi Coffee Tasting House – Bold and Unique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located on Durant Avenue near the Southside, Sodoi offers a strong, distinctive coffee blend in both its lattes and espresso drinks. If you like your coffee bold and a little different from the chains, it’s a great find close to campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> A unique, strong brew between classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Pick Your Go-To Caf\u00e9<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With so many great options, the right caf\u00e9 depends on your mood:<\/p>\n\n\n\n