The Coffee Lab
About This Spot
Stepping into The Coffee Lab is like slipping into a quiet corner where campus energy softens into something more intimate and welcoming. This cozy Berkeley coffee shop hums with a gentle, unhurried rhythm — the kind where the aroma of fresh espresso mingles effortlessly with the warmth of easy conversation and the comforting clatter of cups. It invites both the early-morning commuter chasing a caffeine fix and the lingering visitor savoring a bit of respite between classes or work.
The atmosphere here carries the subtle charm of a well-kept secret, a place where friendliness feels genuine and familiar. Behind the counter, staff greet you with a warmth that turns routine orders into personalized moments, making even a quick stop feel like a small but meaningful connection in the day.
Food and drinks at The Coffee Lab flow naturally into the feeling of the space. The cappuccinos are smooth and thoughtfully crafted — a quiet favorite among locals that pairs perfectly with treats like an oversized, buttery croissant or one of the shop’s distinctive, ever-changing pastries. There's a humble satisfaction in choosing a simple sandwich or indulging in a maple-glazed donut, each bite grounding the experience in earthy, comforting flavors.
Whether you're popping in for a quick iced coffee to cool off or settling in with a sandwich and a cup of tea, The Coffee Lab offers a gentle counterpoint to the campus bustle. It’s a place where small rituals — bringing your own mug, sharing a smile with the barista, discovering that perfect buttery pastry — quietly shape your day into something a bit more thoughtful and whole.
What’s Available Here
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Great coffee
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Great tea selection
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Breakfast
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Solo dining
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Good for working on laptop
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Coffee
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Quick bite
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Breakfast
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Dessert
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Table service
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Casual
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Cosy
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Locals
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University students
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
Location & Hours
| Monday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Friday | 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM | |
| Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Vicente Roberts 02 Jan 2026
Had the Iced Coffee. It had a good earthy taste and smooth feel! The maple glazed donut is also quite solid and typical of its type. Good quality and service overall
Addison Plantenga 01 Dec 2025
No one really knows about this wonder, but they have my favorite cappuccino on campus for $3 and if you bring your own mug you get a dollar off any drink. The pastries are also very good and inexpensive. The $3 crossiant larger than my face gets me through early morning chem lectures. You can pay with card now, but the minimum purchase with card is $5.
Jordan Gerner 14 Nov 2025
Great coffee for cheap prices on top of incredibly friendly service. Best kept secret on campus.
Eric Perry 29 Oct 2025
Great hide away for a bagel/ pastry and coffee. They used to be cash only but, for fall 2019, they acquired a card reader and hiked their prices.
Joe Papp 02 Oct 2025
Incredibly friendly employees who are guaranteed to make your day! Make sure to go early enough in the day to get their more exotic donuts (like maple syrup and bacon).