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Rasa Caffe
3140 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States
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An
Review №1

Rasa makes the best chai around! earthy, spicy, and only as sweet as you want it to be (they’ll add some sugar in if you like). pre-pandemic days, I loved coming here and sitting in the window seat- such a cozy spot!

Ju
Review №2

Fast and very tasty, but a little expensive. I got a large rasa coffee, asked for it totally plain and was surprisingly delighted

Ta
Review №3

Coffee and chai are delicious, the ambience: black pride, service was also great. We wish we could have taken this place back to Houston with us

Br
Review №4

Weird vibes with the barista today. Went in to check out the place for the first time and was abruptly told to wait outside. I wanted to see what the food looked like if they had any pastries in the glass. The barista shooed me away without welcoming me or asking if I had a question. Must have been an off day, but wont be retuning.

Am
Review №5

Super tasteful blend of flavours in their espresso blend.

Au
Review №6

Great staff, great coffee. Loved the atmosphere.

Jo
Review №7

Gourmet coffee at its best! Rose flavored coffee?! Who would have thought. It’s great. Really odd hours of operation though. Try it!

Ge
Review №8

4 Stars, when owner is there.Note for the owner, I really fell in love with this place when I came in and you made me a drink, I was so impressed I got the chance to take my mother here, unfortunately the owner was not working because my mother did not fancy ordering a drink and when I ordered mine, she was right. My drink was not drinkable and we named it The Dirty Water.. ordering a mocha, it presented partially brown tinted milk, I immediately asked for more chocolate and presented again with no change. My first sip I could not pinpoint a single note of cocoa nor espresso. As an avid coffee drinker and experienced barista, I know my drinks and take great respect to the espresso bean.Otherwise this is a wonderful coffee shop in the heart of South Berkeley, conveniently located right across from Ashby Bart. Their house made chai beats no other, and their unique Rose latte dances on the pallet of your tongue like The Nutcracker ballet. Just don’t get a mocha.

Er
Review №9

Tiny coffee shop with unique lattes. “Rasa coffee” latte has fresh cinnamon and cardamom. Right across the street from Ashby BART.

Ja
Review №10

Love the coffee beans here! Complex, full flavors

F
Review №11

This a cosy little coffee shop with great coffee! I was introduced to the cardamon & cinnamon coffee here and it was delicious

Sa
Review №12

First visit. Excellent customer service- all 3 staff members I interacted with were friendly and helpful. I purchased 2 bags of beans that they ground for me (as my grinder recently broke) and they were very informative in explaining the different beans/roasts. My coffee is great! Clear signage for distancing/procedures. All staff were masked and there were no safety concerns on my end. I will definitely be back!

Sc
Review №13

Expensive but amazing iced chai.A chai that doesn’t taste like it was just a pre-made box that people pour like normal but feels authentic, made in house and spiced amazingly.And the Orange and Molasses is insanely good

Om
Review №14

Tiny whole in the all establishment in south berkeley. The rose latte is such lovely aromatic experience. If you are not a fan of coffee, I recommend the rose steamed milk. You can also substitute whole milk with other options like oat or almond. Would love to visit again in the future.

Na
Review №15

The best chai latte Ive had! incredible nice service as well

Xi
Review №16

First cup of cup in Berkeley. Enjoyed it and the weather. The waiting time was a little long.

Pa
Review №17

Wow. Great staff and amazing how they mix different spices in with my latte. Cant wait to bring my gf here! Delicious ❤️❤️❤️

Vi
Review №18

Great coffee great chili and other stuff. Love the friendly staff. Its very close to Ashby BART so if you need a little pick-me-up during your travels this is the place to go.

Li
Review №19

Mmm...Deliciously, spicy organic chai with almond milk, sweetheart of a barista and fair pricing.

Ma
Review №20

I think this is the best cafe in the East Bay. Ive been to a few dozen places. Modern Coffee and Lucky duck are my other favorites, but Rasa takes the cake. The Rose Latte is probably the best Latte Ive ever had. Pair that with the vegan-free donut from Donut Farm, and its one of my favorite treats.I think the only negative you can possibly say about this place is that its small, but I think thats part of the charm. The staff is also not very cheerful, but if youre looking for that, stick to the swill they serve at Starbucks.

Ro
Review №21

Fire. The chai is homemade, the syrups home made and baby the espresso is on point. I love this place and is SO worth it.

Si
Review №22

A wonderfully made Rose latte . Rocked my world.

Kh
Review №23

Absolutely wonderful combo I enjoyed there RASA coffee and even came back the next morning for a rose latte has some vanilla in it very wonderful and I definitely recommend trying it.

Ri
Review №24

Great coffee, and friendly staff. I can tell it is run by people that *really* *love* coffee. I can see it on their faces and I can hear it in their voice when they recommend a particular pour over. I can taste it every time I drink their house coffee. If I can meet someone that loves me as much as Rasa loves coffee, I will die a happy man.Other than that, its a nice cozy space in a convenient spot near the Ashby BART station.

An
Review №25

Such a great local coffee shop! We love all the hand-made spice blends they put into their espresso drinks. Very friendly staff and cozy lounging area (pre-COVID) with eclectic books and things to read.

Sa
Review №26

So unprofessional staff. They don’t know how to talk with people and so rude! I would give it zero star if I could!!Never come back again!

Cl
Review №27

Quaint little cafe with delicious and creative coffee offerings.

Em
Review №28

High quality coffee, buttery&flaky croissants, good location, limited seating, helpful staff, Emory Douglas art featured.I was headed to work at one of my favorites nearby, Alchemy Cafe, but they were closed for Pres Day. So I walked a little further to Rasa. I got a big iced mocha and a croissant. While the coffee is really good, the mocha didnt stand out. It was good, but theres a lot of competition in the Bay I guess.The space is a little warm and crowded for working, but the other customers were friendly and I felt comfortable in close quarters.The staff was reasonably friendly and helpful and they actually have access to a shared bathroom (which ispretty cuteand clean enough) on the block, which is a big deal when youre working.The best part was the perfect croissant-- which is surprisingly difficult to find. Buttery and flaky. I could have eaten 3.The other best part was the featured Emory Douglas art, which is a favorite of mine and an important artist who continues to stay active and build connections within the struggle.

lc
Review №29

Decided to break the routine and try a local spot Ive had my eye on for a while. From the photos the coffee looked like everything I wanted it to be. Fast forward to Friday morning. Pulled up with parking upfront and no line (covid-19 style) so we ordered and waited patiently. Coffee was called out not too long after. Upon taking the first sip the coffee was already watery and bitter to the taste. Given that, I decided to try to resuscitate it by asking to add more sugar since I had asked for it to be sweet and the self serv stations are non existent ( covid-19 style) the barista insists that she has to do it for me and rudely returns the drink and scarcely applies the sugar. With the coffee still bitter and impossible to drink at this point I cut my losses and keep my coffee visits within my usual ⭕

Al
Review №30

Simply the best. From the milk texture to the spices this was the best crafted latte I have ever had. I have never had a spiced latte with no syrup so I was hesitant, until I just took a plunge and went for it. Now I will go back everyday. I had the pleasure of indulging in the Rasa Coffee - a latte made with cardamom, cinnamon, and organic espresso. It was perfect & definitely recommend. It was everything one could imagine for the perfect latte.

Se
Review №31

Cute little spot near Ashby BART.

Ry
Review №32

Creative spin on coffee, excellent location if you are on bike or foot. While well overpriced and the service isn’t as friendly as other places at times, I am glad to have them for an occasional visit.

Si
Review №33

The best rose latte ever!!

Ma
Review №34

A small shop with some cheerful people close to the Ashby Bart station. They have some unique amazing flavors. We had chai and golden latte. Its a little pricey but well worth the money. The golden latte is especially nice - strong citrus notes and espresso! The chai was good too, very different from the chai latte one gets at usually and much closer to the authentic chai.

Ke
Review №35

Going to be real with you, this is a very nice cafe. Comfortable, good coffee, just a pleasant spot. Just go there. Get a cup.

Ke
Review №36

Great vibe. Small shop, quick, interesting drinks. Great latte art and milk texture, including alternative milks. Cute cups!

El
Review №37

Oh, this place is so frustrating. It has so much potential, and could be so excellent - but the staff are just so dismissive, rude, and unfriendly. I live close by, and I only keep coming back because the coffee is so phenomenal! Otherwise, Id honestly avoid it. Of all the times Ive visited, I dont remember the staff ever smiling at me, or at each other. They treat you as if youre the kind of person who doesnt know what a triple shot cortado is, you simply arent worth their time of day. Also, its pretty expensive, $5 for a latte. Which is fine, if you also have a positive customer experience with it, but good coffee doesnt taste half as wonderful with a complimentary side of stank eye.Please, Rasa, just train your staff to be friendlier! Then youd just be the most wonderful neighborhood coffee shop, and Id come by all the time!

Ch
Review №38

Delicious coffee and pastries with a chill vibe

Li
Review №39

I live in Marin and whenever I get to the east bay... at least once a week... I head over for the Rose latte.... a delight and the service is wonderful... a great discovery. Open up in Marin... I would be a daily customer....!

Ga
Review №40

Rose Latter grew on me, the flavor was unexpected but very enjoyable. Small and intimate setting, dont plan on a seat, but when one is open its a wonderful space. Its evident all the elements and ingredients are carefully chosen.

Da
Review №41

Randomly went to this coffee shop when I was visiting a friend in Berkeley and got the Rose Latte. It was the best coffee I have ever had and I came back for it the next four consecutive days. Cannot recommend this place highly enough, and I will be coming here anytime Im even remotely close to the Bay Area.

Ha
Review №42

Nice place to grab a cup of drip coffee or an espresso to go.There is extremely limited seating though (a couple spots by the window and a couple of bar stools).

Ce
Review №43

Their Rose Latte is a real treat!! I paired with a vegan donut and it made my day! I also had try the Rasa chai and was pretty good. Is worth to take a longer way back home for treats like this.

Al
Review №44

Love Rasa ! Great coffee, great small business

Uz
Review №45

Nice little coffee shop near the Bart station. Their Rasa coffee is a beautiful combination of flavors.

Sa
Review №46

Great coffee. Its a bit tiny so you might miss it. Especially because construction is going on right next door. Friendly staff & there seemed to be a lot of locals that are repeat customers. Overall had a great time

An
Review №47

Great espresso drinks. Open during shelter in place.

Pi
Review №48

Good coffee

An
Review №49

Great coffee, cute spot

Br
Review №50

Best latte Ive ever had. I havent been there for 3 years, but I still think about it. If I ever go back to California, it will be just to get another one.

An
Review №51

Cute, very small, wonderful espresso. Staff was very enthusiastic and sweet!

An
Review №52

Too much hype...

Pr
Review №53

Great little coffee shop. Try the rasa coffee or rose latte. It’s amazing!

Ma
Review №54

My favorite coffee place in Berkeley! An amazing selection of coffee and chai drinks, delicious pastries and a professional and friendly staff. Their oatmilk chai haunts me in my dreams. Looking forward to more of those in September, when Ill be back again.

Ch
Review №55

Absolutely loved the Rasa coffee, and I hate coffee. It was a wonderful blend of all my favorite spices with an espresso kick. Loved it!

zw
Review №56

The Bay Area’s great secret has to be the rose latte. The best. Also the Rasa Coffee. The best. It’s fun to watch the people reverently shuffle in and out. I don’t think anyone ever tried the whole menu. You get stuck the 1st or 2nd chai or coffee you try and that’s it!

G
Review №57

The rose and golden lattes are amazing. a must try if youre in Berkeley

De
Review №58

The rash chai blend is their own in house. Its delicious

Ga
Review №59

Well prepared espresso drinks with great original mixes (rasa latte is my favorite). Highly recommend over other espresso bars/cafe offerings in the area if coffee is what youre looking for.

Dl
Review №60

😋 always a perfect cup of coffee, and their orange molasses latte is dangerous.

Je
Review №61

5 Reasons to visit the Rasa Cafe1. They do a great job with the coffee. Theyre knowledgeable about what theyre pouring, and take it seriously. If youre charging $4 for a pourover, its the least you can do.2. Probably the nicest folks working behind the counter youll ever meet.3. Big believers in if theres time to lean, theres time to clean. Every time Ive been to the shop and theres a slow moment, theyre cleaning.4. The coffee menu is more interesting than most, with lattes that include saffron, rose milk, vanilla and molasses to name just a few.5. While the place is very small, it definitely falls under the heading of cozy, NOT cramped.

Se
Review №62

A very small coffee shop right off of Martin Luther King Jr Way just a couple of blocks from Ashby BART. When I say small, I really mean it. The service table is maybe four feet long and is mostly taken up with the espresso machine, so its a bit of a two-step to get in when there are already people (or person) waiting to get in.They get high marks for their specialty coffees and drinks. Ive heard their praises from folks I work and since I pass by the place about once a week to another coffee shop I thought I would stop in.I got my usual cappuccino, thats how I check to see how they craft a relatively simple yet so often messed up drink. As prepared it had a fairly good head, creamy but a bit too loose. The coffee itself (Bicycle, a good brand) was a bit weak, but its flavor was good over all. It was an enjoyable cup of coffee.The donut I tried, that was a bit disappointing. When I go to a craft place like this I expect a bit higher quality than I would find at a chain coffee shop. I didnt find that with the donut, it was just average and I would have gotten the same at brand S.

Li
Review №63

The people who work here are super nice and the coffee is super special. Iced coffee with a little cardamom, rose latte...they know how they give the entire experience something extra. :)

Jo
Review №64

I had a terrible headache and their delicious rose latte brought me back to life! Thank you rasa Caffe! ☕🤩

La
Review №65

Espresso drinks can take a little long, but worth the wait. Cute & small local place with cool art & friendly staff.

Sc
Review №66

Great place right by the Ashby station! The rose latte is delicate and delicious, definitely worth trying!

Pa
Review №67

Up for something different? Tasty and delightful even for non caffeine lovers. Most likely youll be back

Di
Review №68

Great coffee. Top shelf

Iv
Review №69

This place is awesome. New favorite spot. I wish I lived nearby.

Ma
Review №70

I love my golden latte and my friends loves her rose latte!

St
Review №71

Both a great cafe for regulars and a destination worth a trip. Ive never found anything like their lattes anywhere else.

Ch
Review №72

Small place but cool vibe, and good, interesting drinks (rosewater latte, cardamon cold press etc). Only a few seats, but usually not crowded.

Jo
Review №73

Small, quiet, delicious, and easy to enjoy. Best espresso drinks for at least 5 blocks in any direction.

Da
Review №74

Very small, cute little cafe. Macchiato was good will have to try cold brew next.

Ly
Review №75

Love this cafe! The Rasa coffee and rose latte are fantastic.

Je
Review №76

This shop makes a unique spiced coffee drink and I appreciate the chill vibe and lack of laptops.

He
Review №77

The coffee is decent and tasy; the service not so much; borderline rude. The first time I ordered one of their home made chai drinks, I found the taste too strong for my stomach. The second time I politely asked for a bit less chai and more milk, and I was told in almost a scolding tone that this was their house recipe and they would not adjust it! So I ordered a steamed flavour milk instead, and we decided not to go back.

Je
Review №78

I like my Coffee and Espresso with no frills but the beautiful bean itself - meaning the roast, grind, brew, timing and delivery all need to be on point for an enjoyable cup to match my now spoiled palate. Rasa Caffe delivers on this every time so much so that I can no longer drink coffee anywhere else unfortunately - including Peets or Blue Bottle. The Cold Brew also kills it everytime with the black cardamom making it like no other - a taste you can only get at Rasa Caffe. Every once in a while when I do choose to spring for a richer tasting Chai - I love how its perfectly paired teas and spices allow the unadulterated panorama of chai goodness to dance on my tongue. These rich authentic tastes and spices are not for the faint of heart or those accustomed to drinking oversweetened or watered down fraparappacinocinos or caramel lattes with lots of whip cream - so if thats your fancy then stick with mcdonalds :)As for the Barista Crew - They are always spry on their feet with something funny or interesting to say exuding empathy for the daily experiences of the patrons or even general passersbys. In contrast to Starbucks - youre buying more than a boring cup of coffee- it is an educational oddysey to exotic yet authentic preparations of caffeine which are quickly becoming a ritual without substitute.

wn
Review №79

Rasa latte (cinnamon & cardamom) was amazing and the rose latte was something different from the usual espresso offerings. Cute little space and neat cups, cant wait to come back for a (dirty?) chai!

Ga
Review №80

Dang fine chai tea! The smell of that tiny shop is intoxicating (mmmm...coffee and cardamom).

As
Review №81

Convenient location to n fro the trainstation. Good selections

Ma
Review №82

The best espresso drinks in town.

SE
Review №83

I love rasa. No other coffee shop hosts the flavor of local culture like the way Rasa does.

Ja
Review №84

Tried Rose Latte and my kid tried the Rose Sweet Steamed Milk. We both love our drinks.

Sh
Review №85

Go 2 blocks down to Alchemy, where theres better coffee and better customer service. Ive never ordered coffee here when it didnt feel like I was imposing on the barista.

Nh
Review №86

Nice little spot for coffee. Not much seating inside but there are a few tables outside.

br
Review №87

Great coffee and croissants here!

La
Review №88

Great coffee! Try the masala chai... best outside of India!

Ti
Review №89

Great vibe with primo coffee! Highly recommend.

Ma
Review №90

Small shop with a nice vibe and good coffee

Du
Review №91

Its a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, easy to overlook and the total opposite of the super-hip, designery, huge Artis Coffee roasters on trendy 4th St. (whose beans no doubt are the bees knees). But the coffee here is excellent, I doubt you can have better in Berkeley. The owner is a sombre, but friendly guy, and thats about it. Try it when you jump off or on the nearby Ashby BART.

Ku
Review №92

Love this spot. Great selections, unique and tasty 😋

Ja
Review №93

The rose and Vanilla latte was amazing and definitely worth returning for.

Jo
Review №94

The coffee is great! But its way over priced.

M-
Review №95

Tight spot that produces perfect coffee every time!

Al
Review №96

Pulled a great shot. Cozy. Good donuts.

St
Review №97

Rasa is great - both the man and his caffe. He definitely serves the best chai in the area, but my favorite beverage is his Rasa Coffee, which is spiced somewhat like chai, but its coffee. This guy knows how to put his spices together. Tasty selection of scones and donuts, too.

Gu
Review №98

Fantastic coffees and teas, great service, good vibe.

Ro
Review №99

Good Coffee

Ri
Review №100

Great coffee... Real or flavored.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:3140 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States
  • Site:http://www.rasacaffe.com/#about
Categories
  • Community center
  • Cafe
  • Coffee shop
Working hours
  • Monday:7:30am–4:30pm
  • Tuesday:7:30am–4:30pm
  • Wednesday:7:30am–4:30pm
  • Thursday:7:30am–11pm
  • Friday:7:30am–4:30pm
  • Saturday:7:30am–4:30pm
  • Sunday:7:30am–4:30pm
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • Takeaway:Yes
  • Delivery:No
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Solo dining:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Toilets:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cosy:Yes
Crowd
  • Family friendly:Yes
  • University students:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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