Palo Alto Cafe

Reviews

• Stephanie K.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  Entering into Palo Alto Cafe is like being transported back into the time when newspapers, conversation, and coffee couldn't be without the other. This is a true community cafe run by people who care about their products, customers, and service.
  
  Open as early as 6:30AM, this is the place to go for early risers (like myself) seeking a fresh hot cup of Joe paired with a hearty breakfast omelette (with avocado of course) and a melt-in-your-mouth, just-out-of-the-oven almond croissant (must try if you haven't yet!) - all at fair and affordable prices. The open dining space reminds me of a home-y cabin-y living room, with sturdy wooden tables and bookshelves lined with robust history. I also appreciate the plentiful of parking spaces in the lot in front of the cafe and the cafe's location tucked in amongst the trees and away from the crowded traffic areas of Palo Alto.
  
  Bring your mom, bring a friend, bring a book/newspaper, bring your pup - or just bring all of the above, and enjoy a relaxing time and delicious meal at Palo Alto Cafe!

• Estefania P.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 5 June 2026

  Would put Zero star but doesn't let me. The rudest service ever. The staff and especially the owner were rude to me and were not welcoming at all. Wanted to give this place a try because last time they had bad service, but never will be back again. I should have gone to Philz coffee instead, what a waste of money and worst service to receive starting my day.
  
  My experience:
  
  I asked the staff on register to please not put celery on my green juice, if possible and in a kindly manner, and sub some other ingredient instead and he goes "umm cant do that" but with an unpleasant face, then asks the owner and the owner says "no no no cant! Not possible, then order something else!" Almost yelling at me, I was like fine I'll try it with it and the staff gives it to me, I taste and it was more celery than anything else. I am 100% they put more celery on purpose. Just not kind, not welcoming, and rude.

• Chris M.

  star star star star star_border 24 May 2026

  The location of this in-house coffee roaster is fantastic for those of us who avoid Palo Alto's downtown (or even the "second" downtown around California Avenue). They offer some very good coffee drinks in a warm restaurant. In addition, the food options are nice and somewhat unexpected.
  
  If I am looking for coffee, I actually prefer Philz (on the corner of Loma Verde and Middlefield). However, this is a great second option. I prefer my bagels at Izzy's (on California Avenue). This is also a good second option.
  
  This is a great way to describe this spot: It is a great location and alternative to the more congested spots elsewhere.
  
  Parking is an issue. There just isn't enough of it if you plan to drive. I've seen people circling this location over and over again in the hope of finding an open spot. If you can walk or ride a bike, that might be the better option. Unfortunately, I don't think that there are any bike racks to park/lock your bike.
  
  The only other issue is that there isn't a lot of seating. Since people tend to stick around, this can be an issue. I've always wished that they would enlarge so that there is more seating available.

• Sonia A.

  star star star star star_border 18 May 2026

  They have a wide range of coffee beans here. I like their Mexican Mocha!! Yum :P I come here once in a while for lunch on Fridays. I like the paninis, sometimes the baguette is a little hard to bite into. Comes with fruit or another side. I always get fruit. I got the egg & ham bagel once but it was just ok tasted a little too plain.
  
  The service is pretty good and there is always dogs here so it's dog friendly.

• Lena B.

  star star star star star 12 May 2026

  Since moving to Palo Alto, this is my go to spot for the best coffee in town! They also made delicious omelets, sandwiches and salads. Highly reccomended!