Café Borrone

A longtime Menlo Park establishment, Café Borrone is a full-service restaurant where you can cozy up indoors and sneak a peek of its latest art exhibit or kick back with live music performances. There’s also an outdoor patio for people-watching by the bubbling fountain, along with umbrellas if you want a bit of shade. Kid- and Wi-Fi-friendly, the café is located next to the famous Kepler’s bookstore if you want to escape from your laptop or bring the kids indoors for some quiet time.

Address:
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA

Café Venetia

If you want to immerse yourself in a truly Italian experience, this is where you want to spend an afternoon. Whether catching up with friends or working from your laptop, the ambiance of Café Venetia is warm and inviting—and is conveniently located in Palo Alto’s Art Deco train station between Downtown Palo Alto and Stanford University. Inspired by culinary and aesthetic traditions of Italy, the café is a bi-level hangout with sidewalks seats and some of the best specialty coffee in town, according to some Yelp reviewers.

Address: Café Venetia
419 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA

Café Zoë

This quaint storefront coffee shop is a hit with locals not only for its breakfast and lunch goodies, but also for its community spirit. The café hosts the work of local artists and live music on most Friday nights, and participates in community giving programs. If you’re there during the day, sample some coffee, bagels, scones, salads, paninis and more. They particularly pride themselves on grounding their espresso beans to order. Two other bonuses: there’s Wi-Fi and a customer loyalty program.

Address:
1929 Menalto Avenue
Menlo Park, CA

ZombieRunner

Would you like some coffee to go with those running shoes? Located in the building that once housed the Fine Arts Theatre, ZombieRunner is first and foremost a running store. But in the back, you’ll find a buzzing espresso café that people rave about. They also sell coffee beans and coffee equipment. If you want to hear and see more, check out this video.

Address:
429 California Avenue
Palo Alto, CA

More Mainstream

If you’d prefer the more mainstream cafés like Peet’s or Starbucks, you have a slew of options in Menlo Park and Palo Alto. Click on the links for each to see locations.