Drive-Through Coffee = Rookie Parents’ BFF

At first, I thought it was only a myth. There are so few drive-through conveniences in the East Bay, that I couldn’t imagine a drive-through Starbucks could sneak into our fair area code. Then, I hunted for it only to come up short. Twice. (First I didn’t drive far enough, then too far.)

I made this map myself using colorful car icons to show the various drive-through latte options with purple indicating independent drive-through coffee shops, dark brown representing Peet’s, and the ubiquitous green for Starbucks. Locations on the map are approximate.

Finding drive-through coffee is a delightful pick-me-up a new parent needs when trapped in the car with a sleeping/screaming/drowsy baby. It is also perfect for a napping child of any size or a rainy day.

Peet’s drive-through is near a playground

Peet’s Coffee & Tea is very close to Jean Sweeney Playground and the biking trail, which you will not need if you’re trying to keep your baby happy in a car seat.  Store locator (does not allow filter by drive-through) >
1901 Webster St, Alameda

Independent coffee drive-throughs

Joe’s Coffee Stop
1035 Eastshore Hwy, Albany right by Target. Website >

Lucia Drive-Through Espresso
5225 Shattuck Ave, Oakland at Highway 24 & 53rd St in Temescal. On Yelp >

Starbucks drive-thru coffee in the East Bay

Starbucks has the most number of area coffee drive-throughs. The easiest one for me to get to is near the Home Depot in El Cerrito. I finally found it. From roughly North to South:

• There are two in San Pablo: 3300 San Pablo Dam Road and 14330 San Pablo Ave.
• Marina Bay & 580, 2187 Meeker Ave, Richmond
• 11861 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito in the plaza with the El Cerrito Home Depot
• 2800 Telegraph Ave @ 28th, Oakland in Temescal
• 980 Island Dr, Alameda on Bay Farm Island at Mecartney

Use the store locator and filter by drive-thru. Find more in Daly City, San Leandro, Moraga, Walnut Creek, and on highways everywhere but here!