Black Diamond Café — Restaurant in Emeryville

Even though the Black Diamond Café is close to the Emeryville Public Market, it’s an easy place to overlook. However, once you discover it you’ll probably go back. The set-up is nice – a central area near the counter with a variety of tables and lots of light, and then a longer section with small tables set into alcoves (perfect for working) and a great water feature with plants. You should have no trouble finding a seat and the WiFi is free (and fast enough). Service (from Joanne and others) is always friendly and they have a rewards scheme where you get $5 credit after you clock up $50 (better than Sbux rewards!).

I’ve been there several times for a latte ($4) or cappuccino ($3.50) and various bites (homemade pastries, bagel with cream cheese, tomato and pesto) and always find it good. They use Ritual coffee beans combined with Clover organic milk to make exceptionally good drinks - I’d put them in the top 5 in the East Bay (along with the likes of Blue Bottle) for their coffee drinks. They have a decent selection of about 6 local beers on tap (with happy hour from 3–6 PM and free bagel chips with your drink!) and some really good bottles (Belgians, Ommegang, etc.) and a selection of wine.

For social and environmental responsibility, I’m giving them 4/5 green stars for their Ritual coffee and organic milk, homemade pastries and bagels. I asked if they use free-range eggs but the server wasn’t sure. More info on ingredients...

I come here often. The coffee is only OK, not as good as Peet's. But they have a different delicious fresh homemade soup every weekday, and their own chili (made with both meat and beans) that is nicely spicy. They have a decent selection of sandwiches (paninis) and wraps and some excellent salads. I'm also a fan of their homemade potato salad. And the carrot cake is pretty good, too.

If you're into alcohol they have a decent range of beers and wines - I can't speak to their quality because I've never drunk them.

They have free WiFi and plenty of outlets to plug in. Lots of college students study here and some people have business-type meetings.

Parking can be a little tricky. And there's a bus stop right outside the door.

The people who work here, which include the owners, are helpful and generally friendly - some are more quiet and reserved than others, but always polite. Note that the restroom is for customers only, since it's part of the next...

I love Black Diamond Cafe and all of the staff here are so nice. Today, I ordered the Thai red curry chicken with rice and they now have boba! I ended up getting the oolong coffee jelly with little ice (but they do have normal boba, I just opted for coffee jelly). Both were good and I recommend any of their food. I typically get a lox bagel and a large hot coffee if I stop by for breakfast. They also serve alcohol here and on tap. There's free WiFi, bathroom, a place to sit comfortably, you can watch sports on a big tv, and directly outside is a bus stop/free shuttle, and Christie Park. Support a small business and...