Milanese Caffe - Berkeley

This is a fantastic café with a charming local atmosphere that might surprise some visitors. The food is excellent, and the coffee is even better. Be sure to tr... read more This is a fantastic café with a charming local atmosphere that might surprise some visitors. The food is excellent, and the coffee is even better. Be sure to try the Café Latte, as they boast that it was invented here. The café also has a rich history, featuring notable moments such as Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate," Allen Ginsberg writing "Howl" on-site, and even meetings of the Black Panthers taking place upstairs.

Pretty decent espresso and a nice environment to get some studying done. They bring in pastries from another place so I wouldn't recommend going for the food al... read more Pretty decent espresso and a nice environment to get some studying done. They bring in pastries from another place so I wouldn't recommend going for the food alone but the close proximity to Moe's Books makes this a great place to crack open that new/used book you may have just purchased.

I have been living next to this place for years. It has a lot of history. I think the food and coffee has improved. Yes they do have Peets but this place is goo... read more I have been living next to this place for years. It has a lot of history. I think the food and coffee has improved. Yes they do have Peets but this place is good, has great character, cozy at times. They are tolerant to the homeless and outside sometimes smells of weed. The house coffee used to be a little nasty imo but I like it now, less bitter than Peets. This is one of the hubs where travelers meet. 5 stars for real character. I would be sad without it.

The med is classic Berkeley- sort of old and run-down looking with a beautiful layout and balcony. I used to come here in the early 90's when it was crowded all... read more The med is classic Berkeley- sort of old and run-down looking with a beautiful layout and balcony. I used to come here in the early 90's when it was crowded all day and all night, people chain-smoking and writing comics, zines, and great-american novels. The two times I went there a few weeks ago it was a subdued, almost empty cafe with a sort of lonely vibe. The baristas were cool and made great drinks- The prices were insanely high and I honestly can't see the Med lasting much longer, at least in their current space. Just down the street corporate shops like Peets were booming with business. It's a new day.

I can't put into words how much this place has meant to me. I'm here for the last time, preparing to leave, and it really hurts. I feel lost and uncertain about... read more I can't put into words how much this place has meant to me. I'm here for the last time, preparing to leave, and it really hurts. I feel lost and uncertain about what to do next.