Baker & Commons - Cafe in Berkeley - 2900 College Ave, USA

Recommended by our nurse - who overheard our conversation post checkup and chipped in gasping with full blown passion “you guys looking for a bakery nearby? Baker & Commons!” So 5 minutes later we met this neighborhood gem - a vivid yellow little beautiful bakery at the corner of Russell & College. It’s not the everything-perfect type of bakery that wows you with flawlessness, but it’s charming nonetheless exactly because of its laidback attitude and the tolerance of imperfection - just like HOME. You care less, because you can be real. It features home baking goods, in pan, in tray, in down-to-earth paper cups and containers; its latte is in a bowl (kinda cute); it picks seasonal fruits and turns them into golden shiny turnover; it slices tiramisu upon order. Dog friendly. Kid friendly. Book nerd friendly. Life long relationship friendly. If you didn’t fall in love at first glance here, that’s fine, you will gradually sink in, gently.

Good coffee, great pastries. Definitely on the pricier side, but with an interesting atmosphere and delicious baked goods! Also, there is something so hilarious about drinking coffee out of a cup the size of a large bowl. Whenever I've been around, there's also a pretty sizable line but deservedly so. I can't help but appreciate the sizable selection of their menu too--from baked goods to beverages to classic breakfast/lunch staples, there's something for everyone.

All the baked goods I’ve had are excellent, and the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich is perfect. Too many Californian bakeries skimp on butter for cost/health reasons, but this place does it right.

Love the food options and ambiance of this corner cafe! The poached egg sandwich was just what I was looking for but the avocado toast and chai latte were the stars of this breakfast. The avocado toast has a delicious layer of roasted garlic and the chai latte comes in a small bowl with cinnamon on top. I will be coming back for more!

The service is terrible. The folks behind the counter are clueless. I was given a place marker with my name on it and then my food sat on the pickup counter. Huh? The woman at the register said my food would be delivered, but instead it sat getting cold. I’ve been here several times and there is always an issue. The food is delicious, but now I just get it to go. But even that is an issue. Either it’s put out as eat in, or not heated when asked, as examples. I hope they get it under control soon or another bakery is going to swoop in. I love the food!! The owner works there a lot and when she is there things seem to operate much smoother.

It’s my second time in and was rather disappointed. The fried egg sandwich is good but today it took an hour and was squished, making a sticky yolky mess out of the bread. I’m not sure what happened today but I hope it’s not always like this. Update: how many servers does it take to bring you a cookie? 3. I had to ask 3 different people behind the counter and on the floor for help and that alone took 30 minutes. THIRD time in and my fried egg sandwich had half the toppings off the side of the sandwich so I had to put it all together myself after waiting 30 minutes. Also all of their water glasses are tiny. If you want a tall glass you have to ask for it at the register.

See the avacado toast, mine looked exactly like that, but I ate and enjoyed it so much I forgot to take a picture. I got the latte in a saucer and it was decorated on Monday pk foam. Delish Delicious. One more place to come again and again.

Great food like old fashioned buttermilk biscuits that are too trad to find anywhere else in the area, but every single time there is a problem with my order. Either it takes an hour, or they forgot that they don’t have an ingredient, or they tell you they’ll bring it but you actually have to pick it up for yourself.