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SIP AND SAVOR: TOP 5 CAFES TO EXPERIENCE IN BERKELEY

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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Berkeley chapter.

As a genuine café enthusiast, I’ve explored numerous options and spent considerable time exploring different café shops since moving to the Bay Area. I prioritize five key elements when selecting a café: aesthetics, space, drink menu, prices, and music. 

First and foremost is aesthetics. I love capturing the ambiance of cafés through photos, which makes me feel like the main character in my study routine. If a café lacks that charming, inviting atmosphere, I’m unlikely to return. 

Next is space. While many cafés can be aesthetically pleasing, an overly cramped setting can be overwhelming and distracting. I find myself needing to arrive before opening just to secure a spot, which is why I prefer places where I can settle in without feeling cluttered, as a crowded environment can hinder my focus. 

Third is the drink menu which ties closely to pricing (both of which are crucial.) Although I enjoy treating myself to iced coffee, I’ve encountered cafés with exorbitant prices that are hard to

justify, especially as a college student. If an eight ounce drink exceeds $7, especially when half the cup is ice, it feels like a rip-off. I appreciate cafés that offer a diverse selection of beverages at reasonable prices. 

Finally, the music plays a vital role in my café experience. I’ve been to places where the volume is so high that I struggle to concentrate, even with headphones. I favor a setting where the music enhances the atmosphere without becoming a distraction. 

After considering these essential factors, I’ve compiled a list of my four all-time favorite coffee shops to study at—places that consistently provide a comfortable and motivating environment that meets all my criteria:

  • SoDoi Cafe
  • Yali’s Cafe 
  • Cafe Leila 
  • CoRo Coffee Roastery 
  • Gold Bean Cafe
Liana is a second-year Film and Media major at the University of California, Berkeley, with a minor in Journalism and Marketing or Ethnic Studies. A passionate writer and film enthusiast, she aspires to become a screenwriter and director, creating impactful films that resonate with audiences and inspire them. After graduating, Liana plans to enter the film industry to bring her unique stories to life while also exploring the world of photojournalism as she documents her journey across different countries. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, poetry, journaling, studying at cafes, listening to music, playing tennis, and watching movies that spark her creativity and imagination.