Gold Bean Cafe - Berkeley

I stopped by Gold Bean Cafe while in the area, expecting a quick coffee at a charming spot. Unfortunately, my experience was far from quick, and my vanilla latt... read more I stopped by Gold Bean Cafe while in the area, expecting a quick coffee at a charming spot. Unfortunately, my experience was far from quick, and my vanilla latte had no coffee in it. I waited 25 minutes after ordering through a confusing kiosk. The drink was mostly ice, tasted watered down, and the milk seemed off. The barista was very kind and apologetic, offering to make me another, but after the long wait and disappointing first drink, I declined. She mentioned a refund was possible, but since she was overwhelmed by the kiosk orders, she couldn’t assist much. While kiosks are meant to speed up ordering, they didn’t help when baristas are flooded with orders and drinks take too long. I wouldn’t recommend this place if you’re looking for a typical café experience with good coffee. That said, the staff seemed stressed by the system, so it’s not entirely their fault. Prices range between $10–20 per person.

The upcharges here are outrageous for food that’s just average at best. How is there an extra fee for anything other than a plain bagel at a bagel place? I orde... read more The upcharges here are outrageous for food that’s just average at best. How is there an extra fee for anything other than a plain bagel at a bagel place? I ordered an everything bagel that tasted stale and lacked seasoning. I paid an extra $2 for bacon, which was so thin it felt like they just rubbed a bit of bacon on the sandwich. The whole meal was bland and cost nearly $15—what a ripoff. You could easily make a better sandwich at home. I was famished, so I settled for this place, but you don’t have to. Food: 1 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 3 Takeaway option available Price per person: $1–10 read more Food: 4 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 3 Takeaway option available Price per person: $1–10