City Cup Cafe

1259 Jefferson St, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
+1 510-835-2266
$$$ Coffee shop
(58 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

If you're in Oakland looking for that perfect blend of comfort and quality, City Cup Cafe should be your next stop. Nestled at 1259 Jefferson St, this charming coffee shop embodies the warmth of a mom-and-pop establishment and promises a delightful experience with every visit.

The atmosphere at City Cup Cafe feels like a cozy sanctuary; it’s the kind of place where you can dive into a good book or catch up with friends over expertly brewed coffee. The friendly owners, Sam and his family, play a pivotal role in this inviting vibe, making each customer feel right at home. With heartfelt smiles and a dedication to service, they foster an environment that encourages casual conversations and enjoyable moments.

Now, let’s talk about the food and drinks! The menu here is a treasure trove for those looking to fuel their day with delicious bites. Indulge in their Fresh Tossed Salads, available both with and without meat, meticulously crafted for freshness and flavor—ideal for a light lunch. For a satisfying snack, don't miss the Kettle Chips, a crunchy companion to your beverage of choice.

When it comes to beverages, the cafe doesn’t hold back. Try the classic Orange Juice or the vibrant Green Goddess Juice, a rejuvenating blend of kale, kiwi, spinach, and more—perfect for those kick-start mornings or post-workout pick-me-ups. And for coffee lovers, the espresso drinks here are not just a drink; they are crafted with care, leaving you with rich, aromatic flavors that awaken your senses.

Customers rave about the delightful pastries, especially the almond croissants, which have garnered a reputation for being the best in town. Reviews highlight the quality of both the food and the service—Leslie Peternell captures the essence beautifully: "Absolutely wonderful little cafe! Quick with delicious espresso drinks and super tasty pastries." Devon C. humorously adds that it’s a perfect pit stop, whether you leave the IRS feeling elated or less so, a good croissant and cold brew are just what you need.

Another charm of City Cup Cafe is their unique offerings that go beyond food and beverages. Handmade jewelry crafted by local artisans adds a special touch to your visit, making it a great place for thoughtful gifts or a special treat for yourself. Customers like Lenzie Pryor appreciate the additional touch of personalization that comes from the cafe's unique offerings.

With its ideal location, friendly atmosphere, deliciously crafted food, and uniquely charming offerings, City Cup Cafe is not just a coffee shop; it’s a soulful community hub where food, family, and life converge. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to stop by, grab a seat, and soak in the experience. You won't be disappointed!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Tuesday

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Wednesday

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Thursday

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Friday

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

58 Reviews
Leslie Peternell

02 Sep 2025

Absolutely wonderful little cafe! Quick with delicious espresso drinks and super tasty pastries. Best almond croissants I have ever had! The sandwiches are also spectacular and super fairly priced. The lady who runs the place is so very sweet and on top of things. She also sells handmade jewelry, which is all beautiful. Great for gifts - to others or yourself. I will absolutely be back if I’m ever in the area again!

Devon C.

17 Aug 2025

5 Stars because it's right across the street from the IRS. Whether you leave that building happy or sad, both attitudes could use a cold brew and a croissant -- both of which were good. This cafe is exactly what you need, exactly where you need it. Considered dropping it to 4 stars for not providing the opportunity to get drunk if that's what you needed after the an IRS meeting instead.

Joseph Catrambone

04 Aug 2025

It's very important to note that this restaurant is divided into two sections. The cafe part where you can get coffee is open slightly earlier and stays open slightly later. It's also open on Saturdays until around 1:00. The grill part is only open, generally, from 10:00 to 3:00 (as currently stated in the hours). Keep this in mind. The cafe part is pleasant, with acceptable coffee. If you like mochas, they're a bit on the sweet side to my tastes, and there's high variance in prep quality depending on who is making it. Sometimes they're amazing, other times they're a bit bland and underwhelming. Sometimes, if you get there near the end of the day, the scones and pastries will be slightly dried out. The coffee is usually enough to amend that. The grill part has good portion sizes and good prep quality. Above average. It deserves better than three stars because the guys are generally pretty friendly and it's not 'just okay', but four stars seems like it might be on the overly generous side. 3.5 would be a perfect marking.

Nationwide Wine & Spirits

26 Jul 2025

Andre Iguodala, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS & Sam Samhori, CITY CUP CAFFE OWNER, celebrate FOOD, FAMILY & LIFE together. The owner Sam, his wife and their three children are the American dream of who we are as a country. Success through Perseverance by anyone who chooses to do so is the American Dream.

Sandburg Magnusson

26 Jul 2025

The owners are very lovely people. I make sure to stop by Everytime I'm passing through since they are so nice and makes a great breakfast bagel, NE style.

Sarah Hirsch

25 Jun 2025

Adorable mom & pop coffee shop with a little bit of everything. Great customer service, wifi in case you need to do a little work. Love the London Fog tea latte!

danny garcia

23 Jun 2025

Absolutely love this place! The owners are amazing, kind and very friendly. The have many options to choose from and the food is absolutely fantastic! This is my go to place for breakfast and lunch. I always grab a green juice to go with my turkey sandwich on Dutch crunch. You must get the bread heated on the flat iron toaster, wow amazing. Don't forget to add the avocado tasting. Making me hungry now. If you need that quick pick up they have fresh coffee, flavored red bulls for that big taste and big jum start, lol. I would highly recommend this place. WARNING you will get hooked ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lenzie Pryor

15 Jun 2025

This is a great place! The owner and the staff are always so friendly. Nice, quality, delicious sandwiches. We always loved getting a new bracelet each week as well that were handmade. My partner and I lived at the domain and ate here at least every day.

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