Coffee With A Beat

I am from Argentina and just moved to Oakland. I went to this coffe shop with another argie friend of mine a few weeks ago. It was a Sunday around 4.30 pm. When we were ready to order, I told they guy that I wanted a capuccino and hot chocolate and he laughed pretty loud and told us that they were closing in about 30 minutes, so we left, but both my friend and I felt really bad because we don’t know why they guy laughed at our faces, it was really rude. Also, we were standing there for like 5 minutes till we decided what we wanted to order, so he could have told us that they were closing before, instead, he waited till we ordered to let us know, such a waste of time and bad costumer service!
Definitely never coming back.

Lox Bagel? Yes please! The one and only lox bagel in the Lake Merritt area. Unbelievable? Certainly.
You would think there are more lox bagels around, but there aren’t. The area is filled with bacon and cheese bagels but lox seems to be like a rare bird (erm fish). Coffee with a Beat has got it covered though. Every time I crave a lox bagel, I come here. The man at the counter is always friendly, and fast and makes good sandwiches/​bagels and coffee. You can even bring your own mug or thermos and fill it up with coffee.
While you wait for the bagel, you can listen to great, amazing music always gently playing in the background and study the large poster that illustrates the history of Jazz, Blues and R&B music. How it all comes from spirituals, and some ritual songs, and folk music sang at plantations, at city squares, on a hot summer day or cold freezing winter while spending evening with family at a fireplace.
I really enjoy that poster.
And I enjoy the music, and lox and coffee.
Also a this is a great place to work — bring your computer, they have wifi.
The atmosphere is very homey. Feels like Lake Merritt, but 40 years ago. Like back in time. Simpler times.

This was a nice spot to get a cup of coffee! Good coffee, friendly service, and a welcoming space to catch up with a friend or read a book solo.

BEST coffee shop ever. Atmosphere is exactly what a coffee shop should be. Great jazz by jazz greats on the speakers, books to browse, great clientele. I wish I lived nearby as I would be a regular. I will definitely be back anytime I’m in the Oakland area.

Great service, bang for the buck to get a quick cup of coffee, but the atmosphere would be better if basic housekeeping kept up (wiping down counters, sweeping, etc.)

Love this place and the atmosphere Nate creates. The regulars are great too. My favorite stop on my walk to work.

I’ve been living a couple of blocks away from this place for about a year and finally checked it out this weekend. The only problem with this place is that its a bit hidden so it’s easy to miss.
Lovely mom and pop café. If you want to avoid hipsters and just drink coffee in a relaxed atmosphere this place is really good.

Best Coffee & Tea EVER!!! Best, biggest and most Tasty Sandwiches and pastries! Love the people and the vibe ALWAYS! Good music… what’s not to love? A must visit (frequently) on the lake. :)

This place is classic. I love it! Don’t come here if you’re a Starbucks fan. This place pumps soul classics, is super laid back and run by real people. The owner is a such a nice guy and patrons congregate hear to chat about old times, music and the happenings of the day.

I love everything and everyone here. People are down to earth. I first came here about 7 years ago. I think it’s the rock of all the neighborhood cafes. It’s a breath of fresh air for me to get some coffee at a place that is no nonsense and isn’t trying to be too cool. I hope they have music here again some time soon too!

The family atmosphere is a drawing factors for this cozy coffee shop. Coffee isn’t exactly the greatest hit. However, I do like the bagel varieties. They also have pretty good sandwiches.

Because I’m not a coffee person, I’ve only been here a couple times, but I did enjoy it. The place is welcoming and comfortable and definitely has that locals vibe to it. Justin always has a smile on his face and gets to know his customers.
A couple times I walked by and hung out when there were some local singers and talent at their coffee shop. It was really cool hanging out. There is outside seating and wifi which is great to get some work done on a nice day. Great view with the park right across the street. I’m lucky to have this cool spot right around the corner from me.

Coffee With a Beat is within walking distance from where I work and we are happy to be a neighbor to such a fine local business and gathering place. It is a great way to start the day. Nate has impeccable customer service; he gets to know each customer and remembers what they like to order. Even the patrons know each other by name. My entire team enjoys a stop-​in for refreshment and camaraderie with the customers and the staff.

I really wanted to like this place because it’s a mom and pop shop, and has a local neighborhood feel.
But the brewed coffee was watered down and weak. Sorry, that’s a deal breaker.

No BS. This place will make you feel uncomfortable if you like living in a yuppie bubble.
I love it. Right when i walked in, it reminded me of the small, tucked away neighborhood cafes in Granada, Spain; warm on a cold day, lived in, and unpretentious. The patrons have no problem asking you (politely) to close the door all the way to keep the warmth in. They know they belong here.
The longer I stayed, the more it brought to mind the relaxed and comfortable conversations one associates with barbershops in the black community or old jewish delis. Refreshing.
I ordered a macchiato. It was a bit on the latte side, but no worse than Pete’s or some other places where you ask for a macchiato (double espresso with a dollop of foam) and you get a cup of hot milk with some coffee grounds in it.
I will be coming back.

Coffee With A Beat is awesome. The food is delicious, the service is amazing, the location is perfect, the other patrons are great.
It’s a distinctly Oaklandish business, with lots of nods to famous (and less famous) Black musicians and artists. It’s clear that the proprietors (who I had the fortune of meeting, and run the place with their son) are passionate, brilliant and wonderful.
It’s not upscale or haute-​cuisine, but it’s damn good, it’s honest, and it’s thoroughly rooted. The sense of community and history is palpable.
I had the lox bagel, a latte, and a banana, and they all exceeded my expectations.
Can’t recommend CwB enough.

Went to this place today for the first time. A few things I noticed:
1) The décor was distinct in that it was a bit 60’s.
2) The employees were right on the ball with the orders
3) They had music, not my taste but it was alright.
4) They do have outside seating (was disturbed by folks just walking up and chatting/​grabbing stuff from the tables)
5) Be careful when you walk in, there are stairs that take you down to the «order» area.
Over all good place, I would not mind going there again.

Loved it! So homey, Oakland proud, love the personal photos on the wall, great staff.
Thank you!

Just an update— again, this place is non only refreshingly not-​styled, but all of the décor, patrons, employees, everything is jut natural, kind, comfortable and perfect. Every time I come in here, it just makes me that much more sad that I don’t live right above it (I live near a famously D-​baggy coffee-​spot).
An extra star for being able to pick any tea you want for iced tea. No pre-​made jazz here!
Random trumpet soloist outside by the fountain also helped to make it another great trip.

Coffee With A Beat lives up to its name.
Unpretentious and laid-​back, this café bumps nostalgic beats and offers a wide-​variety but simple drink and food menu. Sure, the toilet doesn’t flush so great in the bathroom and the chairs near the outlets are hard as stone. But it’s never bustling like the Whole Foods café and personal space exists.
Decent prices and super chill. I’m a fan :)