sightglass coffee opens in berkeley
sightglass coffee has at last opened its doors in berkeley, and as expected, it's a beaut.
the design-forward corner space with a soaring interior has plenty of comfortable seating, both inside with a view onto cal, and outside along the very eastern end of university avenue.
sightglass coffee has been a favorite in san francisco since it started as a kiosk in the south of market district in 2009. there are now three cafes in san francisco, including its flagship roastery, and one in los angeles. the berkeley opening marks the team's fifth cafe, and its first east bay location.
folks lined up to enjoy samples of sightglass iced brown butter miso caramel latte and doughnuts from san francisco's george's. george's panini, breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches are also on the food menu, as well as pastries from the east bay's sunday bakeshop.
details at berkeley's new sightglass coffee, including the new 'grizzly peak' regenerative organic coffee blend, and food options from san franciso's george's. photo credit berkeley eats.
for a town that has seen so many competing new boba and matcha shops open in recent years, it's refreshing to see some good, strong coffee in the mix. sightglass's menu of espresso drinks includes well-crafted classics as well as cups that skew a little richer – seasonal cookie butter lattes, mochas with chocolate from dandelion. there's also cold coffee on tap.
this morning's cooler spring temperatures only encouraged longer lines. in the corner a dj station helped add to the sophisticated opening vibe. the cafe's grand opening (today until 5pm) also includes raffles and giveaways, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the edible schoolyard project.
the cafe opens weekdays at 6:30am, and weekends at 7am, and stays open every day of the week until 5pm.
sightglass coffee is at 2169 university avenue in berkeley.
may 7, 2026