Cat Town
The first of its kind to be opened in the United States, Oakland's Cat Town Cafe is a truly heartwarming experience. Part cafe and part cat shelter, this cafe is run by the non-profit Cat Town Oakland, which is dedicated to finding foster and forever homes for homeless cats in and around the Oakland area. The cafe consists of two different areas separated by a dividing wall: the cafe proper, where patrons can order coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and pastries, and the cat zone where all of the adoptable cats are free-roaming. Visitors to the cafe can take their drinks into the cat zone and spend up to an hour petting, playing with, and getting to know all of the cafe's feline residents. Reservations are highly recommended, as Cat Town Cafe is extremely popular, and can be made online. A $10 donation, which goes towards providing food, shelter, and care for the cats, is required for all patrons who make a reservation. Free-of-charge walk-ins are also available at the cafe, but are only available as time and space permits.
Awaken Cafe dons multiple hats as a performing arts venue, coffeehouse, beer and wine bar, gourmet snack joint and art gallery. There is always something going on here, whether it is a music and dance show or a fun karaoke session. Grab a fruit juice and listen to symphony orchestra, enjoy gourmet coffee with banana bread, marvel at contemporary art, watch live sports on television, listen to indie and pop beats at the concerts or participate in poetry slam. Mood lighting, WiFi access and happy hours only serve to accentuate the overall experience. Gastronomes will delight in the award-winning ice creams and espressos, organic food selection and Californian craft beer.
gourmet sandwiches, salads, milkshakes. Fall and winter soup is available
Relax with your favorite espresso or coffee drink at this cute cafe on the corner. The large windows look out onto College Avenue, and the vaulted ceilings allow for an open and airy atmosphere. But the comfy couch, the mix of French art and movie posters for M and The Blue Angel and a few French country touches keep things quaint and homey. Find all the usual coffee and espresso drinks, as well as bagels, croissants and biscotti. Try the specialty coffee drinks like the Choco Mint Latte or Kathy's Mocha (with coconut Torani syrup...yum).
In the heart of Oakland Chinatown, Saint Anna Cafe Shop is a staple for local families. They boast a tried-and-true menu of sandwiches, noodle soups, rice and spaghetti dishes. Feel like splurging? The back of the menu offers special "sizzle-platter-meals" for USD 12.99, though most of their hot dishes are only USD 5. If you're unsure of what to order, there is a daily lunch special posted on the door for an easily affordable USD 3.99 (drink included). And don't forget to try their Hong Kong Milk Tea, perhaps the best-loved drink on their extensive beverage list. Expect a noisy wait during lunch, especially on the weekends.
Enjoy healthy food and sip some great coffee in our little garden.
