Where to Grab (Hip) Coffee with Kids in the East Bay

Having kids shouldn’t mean you can’t enjoy a quality latte while you’re out and about. The (510) has lots of trendy stylish coffee spots that will remind you you’re a grown up, but that your kids won’t mind either.

We’ve frequented a lot of coffee shops with kids in tow—here are some of our favorites and why:

• 1888 Coffee Station on Grand Ave., Oakland: Being across from Fairyland isn’t the only thing this walkaway spot has going for it. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and the lavender lattes are a little treat.
• Artis Coffee on Fourth St, Berkeley: A spacious and convenient coffee shop. Grab a cup and walk Fourth Street – we like the toy store (Five Little Monkeys) and watching for trains. (Free WiFi)
• Ain’t Normal Cafe on College Ave., Oakland: Great food and convenient location across from Rockridge BART makes for a perfect launching point for any kind of day but especially shopping on College. Nice perks for kids like honey sticks at the register and I love to hit Starter Bakery across the street when there’s time.
• Big House Beans on Telegraph Ave., Oakland: If it’s space you’re looking for, then look no further than this Temescal spot. This place is huge with a large low table and sitting area in the back with thoughtfully curated toys. The bathroom with no code required is incredibly helpful for a potty-training sidekick (Free WiFi)

• Blue Bottle Coffee on Broadway, Oakland: Some of us wouldn’t call this Nestlé-owned chain hip anymore, but the WC. Morse Building with its 1920s airiness and high ceilings make this location special.
• Cafenated Coffee Company on Vine St, Berkeley: Has tasty coffee and small menu with a lovely back patio for sitting and sipping. Also walking distance to Live Oak Park.
• Coffee Conscious on Gilman: I love the maple oat cappuccino—smooth and sweet, it can’t be beaten! Plus, the vegan donuts are perfection.
• Farley’s East in Uptown Oakland: Light and bright, the indoor space is for sipping and talking—no laptops allowed. Don’t miss the outdoor seating area. They have a nice selection of magazines to read (for free) if you stay, or get your coffee to go and walk around Lake Merritt.

• Fellini on University: Don’t want to take your kids out of the car? Fellini is where it’s at. Drive up, order at the outside window and keep a close eye on your kids. They are super fast, too. We like to stop here on our way to Totland.
• Haddon Hill Cafe near Lake Merritt: This secret neighborhood walk-up spot just became a walk-in and that’s great news for us. They have incredible baked goods (we like the Khachapuri) made next door at Leaning Tower of Pizza.
• Hal’s Office on Solano: Old notary office turned coffee shop with the best neighbors possible – As You Wish Frozen Yogurt. Kids get ice cream, you get a latte with your ice cream.
• Highwire Coffee with 7 Bay Area locations: The Rockridge spot recently expanded into the space next to Market Hall. The San Pablo Ave location has a cute patio out back perfect for sharing a granola yogurt bowl on a sunny day.
• Highwire Coffee Trailer on Solano: Order your coffee at the adorable Airstream then stroll through the plants and flowers at the Flowerland Nursery. Such a pretty, pretty place.

• Kaleidoscope Coffee in Point Richmond: In the heart of downtown Point Richmond – big space, comfy couches, big bright windows, outdoor seating, AND ice cream.
• States Coffee on 40th (also in Benicia): With kid-friendly steamer drinks and sweets on the menu, this coffee shop is a place my children thoroughly enjoy. Parent tip: try smooth espresso drinks like the not-too-sweet Honey Latte. Parking is easier than some of the other spots on this list.
• The Hidden Cafe near Strawberry Creek Park: A coffee shop next to the park is a parent’s best friend. The cafe often has bubbles to entertain little ones while you sip on your delicious cuppa.

Tell me, where are your favorites and why? I know I’ve missed many, there’s practically a new one popping up every day. Not that I’m complaining or anything. We’ve heard from some of you and your favorites include: Zocalo in San Leandro (woman-owned!), Red Bay Coffee (Black-owned with lots of locations) Helacio’s Cafe on Sacramento Street, Brewja Coffee in downtown Oakland, and Hasta Muerte on Fruitvale Avenue (with a play area).