Valley Java — Restaurant in Castro Valley

This place is right off the beaten path and doesn't stand out too much. You almost need to know it's here if you wanted to stop by. After I park and start walking up to the front door I get a sense of tranquility. Nothing fancy or in your face, just a coffee shop that has organic coffee. I liked that feeling. Once I stepped inside I see all the art work on the walls and hear the jazz music playing in the background. I take my time making my way to the counter to order checking out all the cool things they offer off to the side. They have cups, teas, coffee, organic honey and a bunch of other cool things. As I was checking out thier menu I couldn't help but notice that they focus on thier drinks and not so much on food. They had a few muffins and bagels but that was about it. They have a nice selection of coffee choices and smoothies and they also had a a selection of bottled beverages. They guy who took my order, which I think was the owner was nice and the lady who made the drinks was friendly as well. Once I received my coffee I took a seat and began to enjoy my americano. As I'm drinking my coffee I felt as though I could really taste a difference in the beans compared to other coffee shops. My drink has a very smooth and clean taste to it, not very acidic like some of the other coffee shops I've tried. I found myself wanting more as I was finishing my drink. I thought the price for my americano was about right and looking at the price of other drinks they didn't sound too bad if they taste as good as what I had. This place is definitely a cool little place to try out of your...

We were killing time, between appointments, and were looking for a place that serves matcha lattes nearby. We stumbled upon this cafe and decided to give it a try. The store hours posted on Google said they are open until 2pm, but when we got there before 1pm, all the chairs were already on top of the tables and there was nowhere to sit, or at least they made it look like they have cleaned the floors and tables and we can no longer dine in. The owner did say, they are open for another hour, but said nothing else. Weird vibe already. So we ordered the green tea latte, which was listed as $6.95 on the chalkboard above the counter, assuming it was for a small, ordered it with oat milk and honey. And then he rung us up and said our total was $25 and some cents. We were shocked and laughed, because really, $12 each for a drink?? Then he got defensive and said, “Well it’s because the matcha powder cost like $280, that’s why the drinks are so expensive. No one else has this matcha.” Ok, whatever man. Now we were curious and had to taste this one-of-a-kind matcha, but wasn’t about to pay $25, so I ordered one so we can sample it. What a letdown. It was on the sweet side and it was nothing special. Please warn the customers of the actual price if you’re not going to follow the price that’s listed above on...

This place was decent. The person working there (assuming the owner) had 3 diffrent things to say that left me with a bad experience.

I've never been there before, first time. I asked a few questions regarding quality.. & that must have been a reason to shoo me away?

I was told "I dont need to know how they make their drinks" when I'm only curious what process they use. I was not told kindly either; I was warned that their items are too expensive for me without having ever met me before.. I might look young but I know quality & spend good money. I was highly disappointed in the treatment I received. Not helping about asking questions regarding quality.

The tasty latte did not override the poor service I experienced. Likely will not return nor send friends to check them out.

Be mindful of who you are...