This almost-Berkley cafe is located on College Ave in the quaint Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland. Ain’t Normal stands out as one of the best coffee shops in the East Bay – made clear by the somewhat permanent line out the door. They’ve got plentiful outdoor seating with a few tables inside. If you’re lucky, you can score the spot at the window and people watch while you sip. Ordering a drink ‘for here’ will bring you a perfectly poured milk drink or your selection of pour-overs in a nice mug, a touch missing from many cafes these days.
All baked goods and fresh fare are made in-house. Food offerings change daily depending on the chef’s mood or the ingredients available. There are a few staples, such as their breakfast sandos or meat/cheese plates. Though, their avocado toast is possibly the best in the bay – don’t forget to grab a jammy egg with that (not pictured).
A huge stand out here is Ain’t Normal’s vast retail selection which brings together tasty coffee, matcha, wines, canned fish, and pickled things from across the world. A great place to pick up a gift for a friend who favors the finer tastes of life.
5701 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Coffee: 4/4
Food: 2/2
Vibe: 3/3
Bonus: .5 for fresh flowers
Overall: 9.5/10 – one of the best
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