Coffee Shops
Spotlight on the local coffee shop scene!
Being the perky folks we are it should come as no surprise that Biketopians can never get enough of that caffeinated stuff. Since our opening in January 2012 the selection of spots that scratch that itch in walkable distance from the shop have multiplied, much to our joyful surprise.
To start with we can stop by Sweet Adeline, just a block down Adeline Street from our shop, to pick up a cup of Oakland's o.g. roasters Mr. Espresso drip and a mouth-watering pastry, cookie or (let's be real) a whole cake. Next, since August 2012 we've had access to Santa Cruz' infamous Verve coffee, now brewing just across the street from us at Alchemy Collective's new location. Pastries? Check. Rotating single origin pour-overs served by sassy worker-owners? Check. What could we possibly be missing?
One taste of newcomer Rasa Caffe's house-blended chai, saffron rose latte, sweet spiced hot coffee or cardamom cold brew and it'll hit you. Rasa means "the essence of flavor" in Sanskrit, and also happens to be the owner's first name, and flavor is most definitely what Rasa Caffe brings to our 'hood.
Since February owner Rasa Sun Mott has been serving the brews of our bicycle-driven brethren at Bicycle Coffee (heck, yes!), unfettered as pour over, drip and espresso, but also with the carefully crafted addition of rosewater, freshly-revived saffron, carefully selected spices and shop-brewed syrups, a feat somewhat remarkable for a local indie coffee shop with a legit bean supplier. And that's not even touching on the perfectly-spiced chai, what Mott considers one of his menu's most carefully-constructed items. What else could you expect from a chef who trained in the kitchens of Indian and Oakland Buddhist monasteries, in the kitchens of Manhattan and under the tutelage of West Oakland's heavy hitter Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen?
As with many spots nearby, these shops are currently only open during the daytime, so stop by before heading in to Biketopia.
Sweet Adeline is open M-F 7am - 6pm, Sat and Sun 8am - 5pm
Alchemy Collective Cafe is open M-F 7am - 5pm, Sat and Sun 8am - 5pm
Rasa Caffe is open M-Sat from 7:30am - 4:30pm