+1 510-482-2933
Nestled in the heart of Oakland on MacArthur Boulevard, World Ground Cafe stands out as a vibrant and welcoming coffee shop that perfectly blends flavorful food with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking your morning caffeine fix or a fresh bite to kickstart your day, this café offers a thoughtfully curated menu that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Their Everything Lox Bagel is a must-try, renowned for its harmonious blend of smoky, silky smoked salmon layered atop a perfectly toasted, everything-spiced bagel. It’s a sensory delight—the creamy spread and crisp bagel textures complement the rich, savory fish beautifully, evoking the quintessential breakfast experience you didn’t know you were craving. Alongside the lox delight, the breakfast panini and traditional bagels with butter offer comforting, flavorful options made with fresh, quality ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
Coffee lovers will find themselves spoiled with choice—from the smooth, balanced drip coffee praised for its lack of acidity to expertly crafted espresso drinks like the velvety cappuccino and mocha. If you prefer something a bit different, the café also serves refreshing fruit and java smoothies, cold brew, and cozy hot chocolate—there’s truly something for every mood and moment. For those preferring lighter fare, vegetarian options such as the fresh baby greens and Tuscan salads bring a crisp, satisfying balance to the menu.
The space itself is a true gem. Customers like Xavier T. de Janon highlight the café’s beautiful, thoughtfully designed interior with quiet private spaces perfect for working, casual meetings, or a relaxed date. The availability of reliable Wi-Fi and a calm atmosphere make World Ground Cafe an ideal spot to settle in, whether you're powering through work or savoring a moment of respite.
Beyond the menu and ambiance, the service shines just as brightly. Vala Burnett’s testimonial about the staff’s accommodating and unfaltering support for large group orders speaks volumes about their commitment to customer satisfaction—even up to handling an impressive 520-person catering order without missing a beat. This blend of professionalism and friendliness is evident in every interaction, leaving guests feeling valued and well cared for.
From the delightful Swedish saffron almond bun that’s both fragrant and richly textured, to the crisply toasted breakfast panini lauded by Leslie Connor for its perfect balance of flavor and warmth, World Ground Cafe delights with every bite and sip. It’s more than just a coffee shop—it’s a community hub that welcomes everyone with open arms, great food, and an unshakable dedication to quality.
If you find yourself in Oakland and in need of exceptional coffee, hearty breakfast, or a peaceful spot to work and unwind, World Ground Cafe is the place to visit. Their thoughtfully crafted menu, inviting ambiance, and genuine hospitality leave a lingering warmth that beckons you back time and again.
Great food, and awesome both for individual purchase and group take out! We have an on-site catering firm where I work, but for lunch meetings, I'll always swing by here and get sandwiches for our groups (5-20 people). I'm TERRIBLE at remembering to order in advance, and they never flinch. I STRONGLY recommend ordering for groups in advance, because it makes their lives easier, but I am also very thankful for the time I showed up in a panic at 11 am because a lunch meeting for 12 people had been SPRUNG on me, and they whipped something together within a half hour. I still made it on time, and the people at the meeting raved about the sandwiches in the reviews (it was an event for prospective clients, so we got their feedback after the event). I always make sure to share that the food is from a great local place, just up the road, that they can visit on their own!
I've been here twice this week. The pastries are great and I was able to try some breakfast foods and that was good too. The breakfast panini is very tasty and the bread is delicious and perfectly crisp. I can't speak about the espresso drinks, but the drip coffee is some of the best I've had. Not too acidic and not weak.
Beautiful space with drinks, coffee, food and so much more. Private quieter spaces in the back, wifi provided, perfect for working, meeting with people or a casual date. Space is also politically sound and on point. Highly recommend. And breakfast, too!
That swedish swedish saffron almond bun was amazing. The people that work there were super nice.
Really well flavored espresso! They have a good variety of breakfast and lunch options. Food was quick and hot. Recommend the breakfast panini. Reasonably priced.
This unassuming coffee shop serves breakfast all day! Decor is minimal; only a few tables. The latte was surprisingly flavorful. The proprietor says the milk drinks take a stronger roast.
Some interesting options for food and drink at this cafe. Chaga chai latte anyone? Good location in busy commercial district on MacArthur. Parking may be a little bit tricky. Overall, the place is a little bit dark, reminds me of a regular pub open during daylight hours Good amount of seating with Wi-Fi and power.