In today’s world, remote work is more prevalent than ever, yet many still feel a bit uneasy when opening their laptops at a coffee shop. The anxiety of potentially being asked to leave after a short time or being reminded of the establishment’s laptop-free policy can be overwhelming. Not to mention the humiliation of politely asking for the Wi-Fi password only to realize it’s clearly displayed right in front of you.
These awkward moments shouldn’t deter you from embracing the vibrant coffee shop culture while working remotely. Not only do cafes offer a caffeine boost, but they also provide an inviting atmosphere and opportunities to connect with your community. Oakland boasts a plethora of great spots perfect for remote work. Here’s a selection of our top recommendations.
Ain’t Normal Cafe
Ain’t Normal Cafe, located next to the Rockridge BART station, is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Although the indoor area is small, the patio is expansive with plenty of shaded seating. Enjoy a coffee along with delicious homemade pastries, salads, and breakfast items available for purchase. Plus, don’t forget to check out their selection of take-home wine bottles.
Address: 5701 College Ave., Oakland; Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; aintnormalcafe.com
Bicycle Coffee
Bicycle Coffee caters to remote workers at both its Downtown Oakland and Jack London Square locations. The Downtown spot boasts a corporate vibe, located within a WeWork building, while the Jack London location offers a more laid-back, neighborhood atmosphere. Pair your work session with strong cold brew and a welcoming environment that’s conducive to productivity.
Address: 2201 Broadway (at 22nd St.) and 377 2nd St., Oakland; Hours: Broadway location 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, Jack London location open daily 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; bicyclecoffeeco.com
Caffè Strada
A beloved institution among Cal students and locals alike, Caffè Strada is a must-visit in Berkeley. With a spacious patio bathed in sunlight, this café is ideal for those looking to settle in and get some work done. Sip on their signature white hot chocolate or iced caramel latte and enjoy an assortment of sandwiches and baked goods while tackling your to-do list.
Address: 2300 College Ave. (at Bancroft Way), Berkeley; Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. to midnight, Sundays 7 a.m. to midnight; caffestrada.com
Cafe Réveille
Café Réveille is not just Insta-worthy with its bright pink chairs and marble counters; it also serves exceptional coffee, matcha, acai bowls, and breakfast burritos. Its lively atmosphere and ample indoor and patio seating ensure a comfortable working environment. Best of all, it’s located close to McLaughlin Eastshore State Park for a refreshing lunchtime stroll.
Address: 760 Hearst Ave. (at 5th St.), Suite 102, Berkeley; Hours: Daily 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; cafereveille.com
Kaleidoscope Coffee
In Richmond, Kaleidoscope Coffee stands out as a family-owned gem. This community-oriented cafe provides plentiful indoor seating and a lovely outdoor balcony. They feature open mic nights, local art, and an array of baked goods, including unique offerings like goat cheese toast drizzled with honey. Free Wi-Fi is available for all customers.
Address: 109 Park Pl., Richmond; Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; kaleidoscopecoffee.com
Kinfolx
Kinfolx is a modern public square designed to connect diverse communities in the Bay Area. This vibrant, art-focused space doubles as a coworking hub, making it the perfect location for a lengthy work session. Arriving early is advisable as tables fill up quickly. Enjoy their coffee along with a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, or Caribbean pastries while engaging with local events hosted throughout the week.
Address: 1951 Telegraph Ave. (between 19th St. and Thomas L. Berkeley Way), Oakland; Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Paulista
With ample natural light and spacious seating, Paulista is one of Oakland’s top havens for coffee shop co-working. Savor Red Bay Coffee, delicious Brazilian pastries, lunch specialties, and even a selection of beers on tap for after-hours working sessions. Known as a designated coworking space, this café encourages you to settle in and get productive.
Address: 4239 Park Blvd., Oakland; Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; paulista510.com
Sana’a
Sana’a Cafe serves coffee lovers at any hour, open from as early as six or seven a.m. until midnight. This cozy venue specializes in Yemeni coffee and offers various specialty drinks and pastries. With ample seating, available power outlets, and Wi-Fi, Sana’a provides an ideal environment for extended work sessions.
Address: 801 Broadway (at 8th St.), Oakland; Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to midnight; sanaahousecafe.com
Sirene
By night, Sirene transforms into a renowned seafood restaurant, but during the day, it offers a calm setting for coffee and pastries from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The inviting atmosphere, enhanced by exposed brick walls and a vine-draped patio, creates a conducive workspace. Although Wi-Fi is available, it’s advisable to bring a fully charged laptop due to limited outlets.
Address: 3308 Grand Ave., Oakland; Hours: Open daily except Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; sirene-oak.com
Top Coffee Shops in Oakland for Remote Work
As remote work continues to reshape our professional landscape, finding the perfect coffee shop to set up your mobile office is essential. Coffee shops not only provide a warm atmosphere and delicious beverages but also foster a sense of community and creativity. In Oakland, there are many amazing cafes that cater to remote workers, offering comfortable seating, reliable Wi-Fi, and a vibrant ambiance. Here’s a guide to some of the best coffee shops in Oakland, perfect for your next work session.
Ain’t Normal Cafe
Located near the Rockridge BART station, Ain’t Normal Cafe is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor work. The cafe features a compact indoor area but offers a spacious patio that provides plenty of shaded seating. Customers can savor house-made snacks and a variety of beverages while taking in the fresh air. Don’t forget to check out their selection of wine for indulgent work breaks.
Bicycle Coffee
Bicycle Coffee has two locations in Oakland, both recognized as hotspots for remote workers. The Downtown Oakland branch resides within a WeWork building, making it suitable for those who appreciate a corporate ambiance. The Jack London Square location buzzes with local energy, offering a lively atmosphere complemented by strong cold brews and inviting interior decor.
Caffè Strada
Caffè Strada is a beloved café in Berkeley that has stood the test of time. With its expansive sunlit patio, this spot welcomes visitors to enjoy a unique drink like the signature white hot chocolate or a refreshing iced caramel latte. The cafe is open from early morning until midnight, making it great for both early risers and late-night workers.
Cafe Réveille
If you’re after a social media-worthy spot, look no further than Cafe Réveille. Known for its bubblegum-pink chairs and chic marble countertops, this trendy café is more than just aesthetics; it serves exceptional coffee, delicious breakfast items, and a relaxing work environment. The nearby McLaughlin Eastshore State Park is perfect for a mid-work stroll to recharge your inspiration.
Kaleidoscope Coffee
Kaleidoscope Coffee in Richmond is a family-oriented gem, known for its community-driven approach and cozy atmosphere. The café boasts ample indoor seating and a delightful outdoor balcony. With open mic nights and a variety of local art on display, it’s ideal for creatives looking for inspiration while they work.
Kinfolx
Kinfolx offers a unique “modern public square” vibe, designed to foster connections among diverse communities. This bustling café promotes collaboration with its abundance of breakfast items, Caribbean pastries, and stimulating community events. If you plan to work for several hours, be sure to arrive early, as tables fill quickly.
Paulista
Well-lit and inviting, Paulista is one of Oakland’s prime spots for co-working. With delicious coffee, a varied menu that includes Brazilian pastries, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s an ideal choice for productivity. The café encourages longer stays, equipped with everything you need for a productive day.
Sana’a
Sana’a is perfect for both early risers and night owls, offering a great selection of Yemeni coffee and delightful pastries. Operating from the morning until midnight, this café has sufficient seating and outlets, making it a valuable resource for late-night work sessions.
Sirene
Finally, Sirene provides a unique dual experience: an exceptional café during the day and an acclaimed seafood restaurant when the sun sets. With its relaxed ambiance, exposed brick walls, and vine-draped patio, this spot is perfect for a soothing work environment. Though limited in outlets, the cozy setting makes for a productive day.
These coffee shops in Oakland provide ideal environments for remote work. Whether you prefer the hustle of a busy café or the tranquility of a sunny patio, there’s a perfect spot for you to stay productive while enjoying amazing coffee.
