Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Polaris Cafe in Emeryville

4.6 (61) 5858 Horton St #151, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States

Categories

Cafe

Location on the map

Emeryville, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-350-8225
Site: http://thepolariscafe.com/

Opening hours

Monday:8 AM–2:30 PM
Tuesday:8 AM–2:30 PM
Wednesday:8 AM–2:30 PM
Thursday:8 AM–2:30 PM
Friday:8 AM–2:30 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

61 Reviews for Polaris Cafe 2024:

Review №1

2024-02-16 21:17:56

This is my FAVORITE cafe, any time I can make it over is a special treat. They have such uniquely crafted drinks, and such kind workers. They also have really cool art and tea-esque things for sale in-store!!!! Ive gotten yummy syrups from there.

Review №2

2023-07-24 15:31:41

This place is right across from Amtrak. We were looking for a muffin or something of that sort and a cup of coffee. A quick search in the Waze app landed us here. We were greeted with a very chipper and welcoming staff and a calming atmosphere. You can sit at the tables outside in a lobby type area. I gave the Leeche tea a try. They make and sweeten it over night. It was delicious. There is some type of fruit in the drink as well. Very refreshing fruity sweet tea. But onto the bacon breakfast burrito. I’m not a breakfast person but this was hands down the BEST breakfast burrito/dish I have ever had. My husband said the same. Highly recommended!!!!

Review №3

2024-06-20 20:24:29

Absolutely the worst coffee I’ve tasted. The cappuccino our group had was burned; the latte had no coffee taste or no shots of espresso in the drink; Vietnamese coffee was all sugar and too sweet. Service was great though, friendly cashiers and staff. Atmosphere in the atrium is great with tropical indoor plants (Triostars, Monsteras, Pothos).

Review №4

2024-05-15 17:37:36

Very pretty café but can be hot. food & drinks are excellent except online ordering is wacky in that they’ll take off certain breakfast items before breakfast closes and then you frantically try to call them to order and then you get told it’s only available online 😭😭😭I literally took a day off work to try to catch them open because their opening hours are so limited😪😪😪this is my only disappointmenthighly recommend their daily special drinks, they’re a very good deal

Review №5

2024-06-21 21:35:38

My favorite coffee shop in the area! Literally everything they make is incredible: their boba, matcha, pastries and lunch specials (especially soups) are incredible! So sad theyre closed on the weekends

Review №6

2023-06-23 18:23:34

Cute little coffee shop. The coffee I got wasnt as sweet as Im used to but thats just my taste buds. The atmosphere was very dim and cozy. Definitely not cheap tho

Review №7

2019-07-14 17:02:14

A little atrium sanctuary with great coffee.We stopped in before a work meeting, anticipating Ill get done black mediocre coffee. Instead I found they had ever kind of milk including a homemade hazelnut. They were out but I was able to snag my signature oat late. Milk we the eighty temperature and espresso wasnt bitter.My colleague for the avocado toast with truffle oil. If only they offered gluten free options. We tried to find out if the hash browns were flourless but the box was already tossed.

Review №8

2022-10-21 06:11:46

Polaris cafe is tucked away in the most unassuming place! I came here to pick up my order from Oakland Tea Co. Peggy, the owner, was amazing and so enthusiastic about her teas. I tried the Brown Rabbit drink, white rabbit cream with a shot of espresso, with brown sugar boba while my partner tried the Caramel Cold Brew with Vanilla Cream. Both were absolutely delicious! Whoever thought of the Brown Rabbit drink is genius as the shot of espresso balances out the sweetness of white rabbit cream amazingly. Caramel Cold Brew was amazing too, with a rich thick foam made from Strauss milk.I’m a fan!! This spot deserves better lighting! But the indoor rainforest seating area makes up for it 🥰🧋y’all did great 👏👏👏

Review №9

2022-07-28 16:27:05

Some really great drinks and food. Even though theyre a little expensive, its pretty worth it. The inside of the shop is fairly narrow but the greenhouse eating area is spacious and beautiful.

Review №10

2020-10-22 20:56:09

They have a rotating menu which is a hit or miss. Had the vegan chorizo bowl and they did a pretty great job with it! Would recommend if you visit and they have this available.

Review №11

2023-04-28 15:58:43

Not cheap but WELL worth it. quality and location definitely justifies the prices. i spent $19 for the bacon breakfast burrito and a large iced coffee. it was well worth it one of the best burritos ive had. i will definitely be coming back and recommending this coffee shop to other people. i would definitely recommend bringing a partner here as a date too as they have plenty of options other than just coffee.

Review №12

2024-03-20 16:08:16

Breakfast burrito is not good. Pre made egg and very strange. Just a warning for those who consider trying it.

Review №13

2023-05-22 14:36:05

Ive been coming here for multiple times a week for years now. This is my favorite place in town. All the staff are super friendly and accommodating. The owner obviously loves what she does and just wants to share it with everyone who walks through the door. Every food and drink item Ive had have been spectacular, and Ive had almost every drink off the menu. My personal favorites are the green thai tea (so unique!) and the earl rose tea. Best boba and breakfast burrito Ive ever had and Ive had a lot. Green goddess dressing to die for. Daily specials thatll keep you coming back for each new surprise. And to top it all of they have a gorgeous atrium sitting area filled with tropical plants and stone tables. My only complaint is that they arent open on weekends because I want to come every day!

Review №14

2023-05-10 00:42:51

A cafe in an office building, but instead of depressing food and boring drinks, they have some of my favorite breakfast burritos anywhere, an inspired rotation of specials, good coffee drinks and even better tea drinks. In my years of coming here, I have yet to fall into a typical order because so much of what they have is worth trying.

Review №15

2023-05-16 18:01:05

HOLY GARLIC!!! I got a mushroom breakfast burrito today (which theyre normally really good!), but whoever cooked it this morning, sure loves garlic! Vietnamese coffee is always bangin!!! 👍🏻

Review №16

2023-04-15 11:15:52

The employees of the establishment are so kind and helpful and very fast. Just seeing them smile is enough to get me through the day. The cashiers always greet me with a smile and always lets me know the items of the day.

Review №17

2023-03-16 19:40:41

Huge yummy salads! Reasonable drip coffee prices and 30 second walk from the Amtrak station. Seems to be a popular lunch spot for workers in the area

Review №18

2022-04-28 18:12:17

This is the third time I have done an online order and I arrive before the pick up time and the food is cold. I do not believe that meat should be pre cooked because it is over cooked and can not be warmed with the microwave because it will cook it some more and it will dry the meat out even more. Hash browns if they are freshly cooked should be at least warm when you pick them up before the pick up time but because they are cooked a head of the orders they are cold and hard. Such a waste of my personal time and hard earned money. This makes it hard to support small businesses if the price do not match the service of the goods.

Review №19

2017-08-15 19:52:52

No food between 11-11:30!I came here after a fasting appointment to find out they didnt serve food between those times in order to prepare for lunch. What the hell!! I literally got there at 11:01. Luckily they were able to serve their soup of the day, which was a Thai Chicken soup. At that point I was too weak and hungry to go anywhere else.The soup was more like a porridge with pieces of chicken thigh and mushroom. It was flavorful, but for $6.50, it was a bit overpriced.The pain black coffee tasted burnt... it put Starbucks coffee to shame.Cute area for the office workers and great service, but I wouldnt go out of my way to come back again... even if I was starving.

Review №20

2017-01-19 21:51:18

The food here is solid. Its nothing fancy, but its good, and filling. The coffee is also good, and Ive enjoyed the cold beverages Ive had. Their lychee iced tea even has whole lychees in it, which was delightful. The prices are pretty in line with the area.The shop is clean and the staff are welcoming. Its not too noisy, and theres a really beautiful atrium just outside, perfect for when you want to eat outside but you dont want to freeze.Bottom line: you can get better food and better coffee, but almost never together, and certainly never with such pretty seating options.

Review №21

2017-07-21 16:26:03

Their food is fantastic and the service ambiance are incredible. Its a family-owned business open from 7 am to 3 pm M-F. Try their salads, curry chicken, and any of their sandwiches. There is inside or outside seating, as in an indoor terrarium with Slade tables to sit at. Its a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this place.

Review №22

2021-09-01 20:52:22

Polaris Cafe is the perfect boba hidden gem in Emeryville. I was picking up an Oakland Tea Co. order, and it came with a complimentary drink! I was really impressed with the quality of the tea, both in my drink from the cafe and the tea leaves I purchased. The boba quality was really great and everyone was very friendly. Highly recommend!

Review №23

2023-07-21 21:32:46

Very friendly service, good coffee, great seating area!

Review №24

2022-06-01 17:17:33

This cafe is located inside of a medical building. We had a breakfast burrito, mushroom scramble, Avo bagel, vanilla cold brew and a taro milk. It was excellent!

Review №25

2022-05-03 05:33:11

A unique cafe setting inside a larger office building with this lovely large atrium to sit and eat.

Review №26

2018-07-18 16:19:17

Mellow coffee, office building vibe but a nice courtyard to chill

Review №27

2020-05-04 21:39:43

Polaris cafe is tucked away and you might not even notice it at first, but you’d be missing out! Incredibly friendly and pleasant staff add to the charm. This a great cafe with great food, drinks, and now even sells some hard to get staples like flour and yeast!

Review №28

2018-07-18 16:14:18

Handy for the Emeryville Amtrak station. Coffee is fine, in the souless atrium of an office building with caged trees.

Review №29

2016-08-03 21:25:36

This place is authentic good food! Made from scratch Hazelnut milk...out of the world! especially with Earl grey. Unique choices, very friendly and welcoming as well as accommodating staff!! Will come back and spread the word! :)

Review №30

2016-07-20 00:24:50

Polaris is situated in the foyer of the red-bricked building opposite the Emeryville Amtrak station, where Cabucci’s used to be. You can sit in the café itself (they have nicely painted tables) or amongst the beautiful plants in the conservatory part of the building. I’ve been there twice and have come to the conclusion that these folk really know how to cook! Especially scones! On my first visit I had their Gouda mushroom scone and a cold brew coffee. They gave me a sample of their homemade hazelnut milk (sweetened with dates) to add to the coffee, which was actually really good. The scone was pretty much perfect. The second time I tried a cappuccino, grilled cheese and a blueberry lemon scone – this all came to just slightly over $10 including tax, which is a great deal, especially considering the quality. The grilled cheese was made with a flavorful mix of cheese and was grilled to crispy perfection! I think the put some white pepper into the scone which added an interesting spiciness.The staff are really friendly and helpful and I think the café is well worth a visit for their food in particular.I’m also giving them 4/5 “green” stars for social and environmental impact. I like that they make their own nut milk and I’m grateful that they introduced me to Hazelnut milk. Besides being tastier than commercial almond milk (and also very nutritious) it’s actually one of the most eco-friendly tree nuts, requiring less water than almonds, low agricultural inputs, and also sequestering a lot of carbon and protecting against soil erosion thanks to their extensive root systems. They are also wind-pollinated so they don’t put stresses on the bees as some of the big almond producers do. So, thanks Polaris for sharing your hazelnut milk! Their coffee is organic. Their milk is from Crytal - not up to the standard of Strauss organic etc., but not bad. The cold brew cups are plastic, so bring your own mug, but they are #1 plastic, so it’s actually readily recyclable. Food to go is served in recycled paper bags or recycled cardboard boxes. I don’t know much about their food sourcing, but I’ll find out more if I can and hopefully they’ll post some info on their website.

Review №31

2023-07-24 15:27:14

Hands down the best breakfast burrito Ive ever had! Delicious, try the avocado sauce.

Review №32

2023-04-14 05:49:26

Love the vanilla cold brew super good. Shared Cobb w husband and also great. Definitely worth the price

Review №33

2020-01-23 18:04:32

Came by after a blood draw for a latte because its close to my doctors office. Good soy latte, reasonably priced. And theres a pretty seating area filled with plants! Ill be back when I need a place to read and sip coffee.

Review №34

2019-01-26 02:54:11

Nice spot to relax. I loved the courtyard. My coffee was delicious. Staff had to try really hard to be friendly or I would have given them 5 stars. Food looked great.

Review №35

2018-11-09 18:24:39

The manager and the chefs really take pride in their dishes. They have an extensive menu, with rotating specials celebrating different cultural cuisines. This place us a vast improvement over previous management.

Review №36

2018-09-12 04:29:40

I love the place! Coffee/treats and the many colorful bromelias always calm me down and bring peace in the middle of turbulent and busy day. I would go more often if they stayed open until later.

Review №37

2016-09-01 14:04:14

I like this place because it is close to my work place and it offers good food and cozy environment.This is opposite side of the road from Emeryville Railway Station. So if you are waiting for train and want to eat something quick then you can go here.They also have soup option which is good. This place is good for breakfast and lunch.

Review №38

2018-02-01 15:38:12

Very easy choice with whats available in the area. Had the weekly special thai chicken and rice. Delicious. Apparently they have a different lunch menu every week. Will have to try again whens in area.

Review №39

2022-02-11 19:39:20

Really good breakfast sandwiches! Plus, they are in the same building as my companys HQ so I always have an excuse to grab breakfast there.

Review №40

2020-10-16 19:22:40

Visit this tucked away cafe for delicious lunch plates, breakfast, coffee and boba teas. The green smoothie on the menu is so good!

Review №41

2023-07-12 11:45:38

Reminds me of coffee shops at research universities. Corn and cheese panini was more tasty than I expected!

Review №42

2018-12-12 23:50:42

Amazing staff, so friendly and kind, food is awesome, never had a bad dish, always changing the food that keeps me going there everyday, its a must try if your in the area, hidden gem😊

Review №43

2017-06-25 19:29:59

Best service and best food in the east bay. Great atmosphere and extremely comfortable. Go to Polaris! You wont be disappointed!

Review №44

2018-10-15 17:03:35

Great little quick spot for coffee and sandwiches. They have a good selection of pastry treats too.

Review №45

2018-11-20 03:56:38

The paninis are good and come with a salad. The salad dressing is really good. Worth the cost.

Review №46

2019-12-15 03:02:03

The atmosphere is 10/10. The coffee and food is mediocre, but the vibes make up for it.

Review №47

2023-06-30 15:19:04

Food is great and healthy! Coffee is awesome!!!

Review №48

2022-08-02 23:52:34

Wonderful coffee and lovely staff:) great vibes too!

Review №49

2018-08-21 04:06:51

The avacado toast was good, but the early 2000s pop music was a little loud for my taste.

Review №50

2023-06-21 05:05:25

The food is always good and the staff ... BEST PEOPLE EVER! Definitely stop by if you’re in the area or if you need a place to work.

Review №51

2019-01-20 20:32:35

Best panini I’ve ever tried. Did’t expect such a great one, when I bought it.

Review №52

2020-06-17 11:16:42

Great coffee, beautiful front garden and very sweet customer service

Review №53

2018-04-10 15:36:21

Friendly staff, excellent coffee and great breakfast sandwiches

Review №54

2018-06-01 19:31:37

Great place, both senses of the word. I have been surprised by the place, by the design.

Review №55

2016-09-10 11:45:20

Good food, rotating specials, friendly atmosphere.

Review №56

2021-01-05 18:38:52

Great vegetarian breakfast burritos 👍

Review №57

2019-11-16 00:13:38

Yummy breakfast with family here!

Review №58

2017-01-04 16:19:28

They have house made items...

Review №59

2020-03-12 22:41:22

Excellent soups and international options.

Review №60

2016-11-20 15:04:05

I need my marshmallow and chocolate cookies

Review №61

2024-07-04 02:33:12

Love the drinks here and plantbased milk selection, the sandwich was just ok. The sitting area is beautiful. The staff are artistens and have mini shops in the café, we bought stickers.