A Guide to Walnut Creek Coffee Shops
Rooted Coffee Co.
Near and dear to the heart of downtown, Rooted is run by a dynamic husband and wife duo who originally got their start slinging java at local farmer’s markets. Their recently opened Locust Street store is an aesthetic standout among Walnut Creek coffee shops, by way of its bright bohemian atmosphere, warm earthy tones set against creamy white walls, ample wooden furnishings, high exposed ceilings, occasional touch of plant life, and necessary amenities for a productive cafe day.
Many of Rooted’s signature drinks are made from organic spices instead of syrup, lending a unique quality to every tasty sip. Pro Tip: the avocado dream toast is a bestseller!
Bondadoso Coffee and Tea Collective
A multi-roaster gem, Bondadoso specializes in espresso drinks, cold brew coffee, and tea on tap. Their bright and bubbly space features a java bar at center stage, lengthy workbenches flanked by yellow chairs dappled throughout, fun board games in one corner and a kindness affirmation wall filled with positive quotes in another – let’s not forget the outdoor patio. The delightful balance of opulence, charm, and utility make Bondadoso an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues or coffee dates with friends.
Moni Coffee & Tea
Nestled in the quaint corner unit of an unassuming strip mall, family-owned Moni’s touches of verdure, warm tones, beautiful wall art, ample comfy seating, and overall good vibes procure an environment picture-perfect for zooming through work, getting together with friends and family, or just serving as a cozy place to enjoy your favorite coffee drink.
This shop’s signature amalgamations impress too, among more tasty drinks to choose from, there’s an inventive latte “on the rocks” that consists of ice cubes made from coffee poured in milk, then topped with espresso! On a breakfast note, Moni’s craftily topped toasts, sweet and savory power waffles, and egg and bagel sandwiches are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Pacific Bay Coffee Company
If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, there may be no better option among Walnut Creek coffee shops than Pacific Bay, the team here is passionate about micro-roasting the world’s finest gourmet coffees as well as utilizing brewing methods such as syphon pot coffee, Kyoto-style 24-hour cold-brew iced coffee in glass coffee tower, and Japanese-style pour-over.
Furthermore, Pacific Bay is a two-time Best of the East Bay award winner, a multi-medal winner of the Golden Bean North America Roaster’s Competition, and has been named by Golden Bean North America as one of the top 30 roasters in North America.
Caffè La Scala
For nearly three decades now, Caffè La Scala has been the premier European café of the East Bay, sustaining an almost irresistible old-world allure. Evocative of the cafés found in Milan, Paris, and Vienna, from morning through the late-night hours one can always find their favorite coffees, breakfast pastries, a light meal made with the finest ingredients, desserts, a glass of wine, Champagne, or an apéritif. A large fountain-graced, tree-speckled patio is available; so are a range of newspapers and magazines.
Tellus Coffee
Snuggled among downtown storefronts, Tellus has a relaxing and chic atmosphere perhaps most accentuated by natural light, a vibrant green plant wall as well as exposed brick walls, neon signage reading But First, Coffee, and plenty of space to lounge or work in. The extensive espresso and coffee menu (featuring delectable seasonal creations like the lavender and gingerbread lattes) is a flavorful result of their in-house zero-emissions roaster.
You can also expect to stumble upon scrumptious pastries, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and a well-curated selection of beer and wine!
Philz Coffee
Let’s rewind our figurative clock to the year 1978 – when Phil Jaber purchased a convenience store in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. During his off-hours, the young man blended and tested brews, attempting to formulate the perfect cup of coffee. After 25 years of experimenting, he finally decided to move his very own kitchen table into the convenience store, and thus, Philz Coffee was born.
While Phil’s humble java empire now spans all of California, with locations in Chicago and the Washington D.C. metro area, since the moment he operated his first storefront, he’s consistently stuck to a single fruitful principle: better the days of everyone who walked in. The California Boulevard location is no exception, being home to a very reliable community gathering space.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best Walnut Creek coffee shops, be sure to check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Berkeley!