Mind Coffee (Berkeley)
Tucked away near a bustling intersection right across from UC Berkeley’s northern end of the campus on Euclid Street, Mind Coffee is an oasis for both true coffee enthusiasts and hardworking students alike.
I found out about this unique cafe through my girlfriend who happened to live in the area at the time. While one might almost miss its compact entrance from the outside, one is likely to be surprised once they find it. I mean, I sure was.
Once inside, you are greeted by beautiful and flowing white curtains on the ceiling, as if they are directing you to the front of the establishment. However, the interesting thing about Mind Coffee- and the thing I love about it the most apart from its drinks- is that it resembles more of an art museum, rather than a “traditional” coffee shop adorned in bohemian chic and homogenous cafe aesthetics that so many coffee shops strive for these days. And there’s a good reason for this.
Unlike most other coffee shops, Mind Coffee’s interior is designed by a professional interior design firm, Mahya Salehi Studio. Their intention is to promote wellbeing of the mind, as well as a calm state of flow and ambience, duly noted in design motifs such as the aforementioned curtains, as well as unique structural formations throughout the interior. Pursuing the idea of mental wellbeing further, Mind Coffee’s core tenet is to promote mental health and promote a healthy retreat away from the craziness of the world (if you’re a UC Berkeley student, you understand how this can feel sometimes!) and its distractions. Mind Coffee is a place where one can come to study, relax, or to just drink some coffee.
And that brings us to their drinks. While the unique design features and thematic personality of a cafe can be its one half, the edible refreshments and offerings are a cafe’s other half. And it is without disappointment that Mind Coffee’s drinks are far superior to any that I have tried in the Berkeley area during my time as a student. While they may be a bit more on the pricy side, they are completely handcrafted and given special care to every ingredient’s sourcing, proportion in mixing, and its ultimate presentation.
What is special about this cafe is that the owners and staff personally hand you your drinks at your table, and are equally invested in their creation as you are as the customer. They are there to answer any questions about the product, as well as offer any adjustments to your liking, if needed. This level of care and intimacy is something that not only builds loyal customers, but also creates a community that revolves around striving to achieve the best possible cup of coffee or tea out there, encouraging dialogue for true coffee lovers in the process.
My personal favorite is the iced hōjicha with house crema. Subtly sweet yet earthy, it is a delicate combination of both caffeinated excellence and creative poignancy. While I have yet to try every item on their menu, I can confidently say that their pastries are also freshly made and taste amazing.
But still unsure of what to get? There is even an option to have the barista choose for you based on what they think you’ll like. I think this is genius and a great way for a new customer to dip their toes into what the cafe has to offer in their own unique style. If you’re also in a rush, the great thing is that the cafe is partnered with Snackpass, a food and beverage intermediary app that allows students to order food ahead of time and share points with their friends from every purchase across campuses in the United States.
With a great story, unique design language, and high-quality drinks, Mind Coffee is truly a hidden gem that remains my favorite cafe in Berkeley. Though on the come up, it is a spot that true locals and students love to frequent, and for good reason.
