Gaylord's Caffe Expresso

I like that Gaylords is open late and attracts a friendly crowd. Also, that have a great selection of drinks. Not only can you get hot chocolate, but you can choose between regular, white, or mexican (no racial profiling intended!) The drawbacks are that this place is slow to make a cup of coffee or cocoa. If you've ordered two drinks, don't expect them to come out at anywhere near the same time. Waiting on two mexican hot chocolates last night took a long time. One came out in about 10 minutes, the other took several minutes longer. The baristas would probably be faster if there weren't several non-employees standing between the patrons and the employees making endless small-talk. Overall, ok if you're looking for a late-night cafe and you're going to sit down. Terrible for to-go items. Pros: Open Late, Interesting selection Cons: Sloooowww more

Excellent back atmosphere and people. Drinks are worth it... GO! I also love the two old school video games (Galaga and Ms. Pac Man). Pros: Video Games Cons: Not enough outlets for laptops more

The coffee quality here is uneven and certainly not up to Peet's standards. \r The staff pays minimal attention to cleanliness and keeping the coffee fresh.hot.\r \r They do have a great variety of beverages not all of which are generally available at coffee sources. Personally I like the Yerba Mate.\r \r It's the only hangout place on Piedmont Ave. open until midnight and also early in the AM, so you can stop by before work OR after an event.\r \r Being the only place to hangout means there's really great people watching, especially groups of attractive women.\r \r While the work ethic may not be strong among the baristas, they tend to be cute and giggle when you pinch them when you have to squeeze by them to get to the rest room in back. One of the few places you won't be threatened with arrest for flirting with the staff, although I've heard that's changing. more

I have tried them all and I believe the Gaylord's Mocha to be the best! Bring back the coffee bean candy on top! Pros: Quality, Price Cons: , Crowded, Long wait time more

...I just live a couple blocks away and should really come here more often. It's cozy, bustling, and has good strong coffee. Certainly has a much better atmosphere than any chain coffee shop! more

Gaylord's has it all: organic coffee, bagels, pastries, light meals, and Double Rainbow ice cream. And while you're waiting for your coffee (it takes longer than the assembly-line Starbucks across the street), you can even play Ms. Pacman! They have this great idea for iced coffees as well: coffee ice cubes. Yum. This place is not for the faint of heart, however, and this can be a drawback depending on your style. Many who work there seem to be a little too full of goth angst to give you cheerful service. Then again, if you're willing to forgo supporting a local shop to avoid the ""Berkeley-tude"" (even though this is Oakland), the previously mentioned Starbucks is near at hand. Give Gaylord's a try--collect their lovingly hand-crafted latte art (they taste good too) and have the peace of mind knowing you're not drinking pesticides with your fantabulous mocha. Pros: good organic coffee, reasonable prices, Ms. Pacman! Cons: attitude (sometimes), can take a while, can be crowded more