Trouble Coffee Company

What a lovely little place; truly unique location and ambiance. The staff is super sweet and welcoming. The venue is simply breathtaking. Beautiful. The coffee is a little on the stronger side but it’s delicious. The nutella and cinnamon toasts are both incredibly yummy and definitely recommended. This place is a little gem!

Great coffee. Milo will rap for tips if you ask nice enough. Seriously, ask him to rap for you.

Found this place by accident, I had a work assignment a block or two away, it was a cold dreary day, and as I drove by this well lighted bright white interior cough my attention. So I had to figure out what this place was.
After reading about the owners story I decided I had to try it out. I am not a coffee snob, I like good coffee. This place doesn’t disappoint, I haven’t tried the toast, as I had just eaten lunch, but the fresh brewed coffee was was good, even when it went cold it didn’t go bitter. The reason for four stars is 3 dollars for a large cup of coffee makes the chain look cheap.

How can you not love this place? The toast is everything everyone says it is and more. Yes, the Bay Area has a toast fetish… and Trouble is the reason.
Go to the ones in SF though because I’d like the line to stay manageable in the east bay.

Great décor. I like the simplistically and cleanliness of it. Great coffee. I forgot what I have had but it was a nice subtle rise.
The reason for the 2 star is there is a lot of arrogance in this shop. I do not want to call anyone out specifically.
But the arrogance in the person that took my order was out of this chart. Ive asked for coffee and I do not know much. She was talking down to me just because I dont know what she was serving or the different kinds of coffee. To top it off, I have tried to make small talk about the coffee knowledge I know about other shops and try to describe my taste palette from other coffee experience so maybe she can better help me associate my taste to her menu. She goes off saying «We are not like them at all. We are one of a kind.» & blah blah blah.
Seriously. Oakland does not need that arrogance.

Do yourself a favor– before you make brash judgments, read up on the history of this place:
The owner is not a bourgeoisie post-​techie who used their equity to start a hipster oasis. The owner is an amazing individual. She did something nearly impossible: overcame mental illness, addiction, and homelessness and much more to start a company. The foods she serves are foods that she used as an anchor during spells of mental instability. It’s what grounded her. It’s what made her feel safe. She shares that with people and it feels it– that you’re part of a neighborhood bond.
This is also the no-​electronics thing.
No, they don’t have a menu. It’s typical coffee stuff, it’s good and strong, and neither the chai nor mocha are too sweet. It’s not too expensive.
They have toast. It’s very good; more like a large freshly-​made pastry. Try it at least once.
There’s also fresh young coconut and grapefruit juice. She lived on coconuts and grapefruit juice for years.
Order a ‘build your own damn house’ for all of them.
Need to text and hang out on your computer? Go somewhere else. Respect that it’s different and you’ll have a different experience. talk to people. I always see people on here smiling and talking to each other and being neighborly. The people who live on this street are a lot of awesome creative people, and also people who’ve lived here for a long time. Im one of them. Be part of your community.
Unstick away from your computer and phone for 5m while you get your coffee. It’s nice. Say hi to people. Have a coffee and a toast and appreciate how much this shop means to people.

Eight oz latte and half a cinnamon toast set me straight after a bike ride to the bridge. Manager was friendly and willing to chat.
I love the cool white interior and minimalist look, very clean which I like in my coffee and toast joints.
I hear folks about some cool vibes from some of the employees and I get that friendly and nice are underrated in the hipster scene but push on for the toast.

It is with great regret that I am writing this review, but I felt as an admirer of the owners story filled with passion, drive and company for quite some time I wanted to bring awareness of my experience at Trouble in Oakland.
After enjoying Trouble in SF a hand full of times, living in the east bay I was thrilled to hear that a location opened in Oakland. For quite sometime I have been following the beautiful journey of the owner via social media for quite sometime and the story truly touched my heart.
After going to a funeral today for my great aunt my family and I decided to go grab a cup of joe and reminisce and I instantly suggested the Oakland location because I have been eager to come. My brother was also in town from the east coast and since I had such great experiences in SF, our family decided to go together. I was so excited to be in the new inspiring venue.
Within one minute of walking in it turned into a disheartening experience. From the moment we stepped in the barista’s body language clearly conveyed that we were not welcome, nor did we belong there. She was abrasive, passive aggressive and annoyed that we were there. Her tone was snotty while ordering, she was very short, and rolled her eyes several times.
After the regular coffees were poured a second barista came out to make my latte. Instantly I noticed the first barista mouthing rude comments and mimicking how my family and I ordered and they kept making puns at us. I even heard her making fun of how we were dressed as I was walking away. I was getting choked up at that instance but did not want to ruin our families quality time together, being that we get to see my brother 3 times a year.
I am appalled by the lack of respect not only as a customer but as a human being. I have never felt so uncomfortable/​belittled nor have I ever been put down by a complete stranger when our only intention was to experience this beautiful environment with our loved ones.
It is truly a shame that things like this make you lose faith in the human race. I realize I am just a customer, and this is nothing to do with the quality of product, but no one, no stranger should ever be brought to the verge of tears for coming from a different background, culture, race nor for fitting into the «mold» of who belongs in this coffee shop.
I wish this location and owner endless success and hope that those employees become aware of there actions.

My roommate and I decided to boycott this coffee shop. We love the growth that is happening in West Oakland and have lived here for a long time. We definitely don’t like the overall attitude of this place. I’ve had around 10 cups of coffee here in the last month and 2 shots of expresso. Each time, I drop a dollar in the tip jar. The men that work here are fantastically friendly but there is only one woman who has been nice to me. She has short brown hair and always greets me with a smile. The other girls are abrasive and unresponsive to politeness. I’ve been informed twice that texting is not permitted in the establishment, once when I was trying catch an über to work. Scolded was more like it.
«There are three of you in here and all of you on your phones so put them away».
The shop is already clinical and sanitary so why be rude? She could have been nice about it. The whole pretentious attitude of this place makes me feel frustrated. I understand what kind of environment they want to maintain. I just wonder if it’s worth making people feel unwelcome. Why would I want to pay that much for a cup of coffee every if when I leave the experience leaves a bitter taste in my mouth? In my opinion, you don’t promote growth within a community by alienating your neighbors. I’d rather use a f***ing Keurig that continue my patronage, thanks.

Oh yay. Just what West Oakland needs… another hipsteropolis to make «cool» techies – who are now approaching middle age – feel like they’ve still got it.
I am sure this coffee shop will make the new gentrifying residents feel welcome. But for anyone, including long-​time residents in this neighborhood, who can’t actually afford a $ 10/​day coffee habit, good luck finding anywhere that welcomes you.

2^nd wave coffee in disguise.
Got to give them credit for doing their own thing.
I’ve been following Trouble Coffee since their SF sunset district café opened. I don’t know if the concept translates well to an expanding chain.
this review is about the drip coffee.
They serve a dark roast blend brewed in a cafeteria style urns.
This tastes surprisingly like Peet’s coffee.
Very conventional 2^nd wave — that is Starbucks/​Peets era of faceless dark roasts.
We are currently in a coffee renaissance (the so-​called «Third Wave») which champions the distinct origins of coffee beans: beans are lightly roasted to highlight their distinct characteristics and carefully brewed, usually by hand, to optimize flavor and freshness. This is the kind of thing that justifies paying $ 3 or more for a cup of drip coffee.
Third wave coffee can be kind of obnoxious at times — some of these hip, young roasters may roast their beans so light that the coffee is thin and sour (Ritual, Four Barrel sometimes) so I can understand how some coffee drinkers may not accept it. Is Trouble’s coffee a reaction to this?
Trouble Coffee is basically taking 90s coffee and serving it in a new environment along with a quirky menu of coconuts and toast.
This is a sort of regression. This style bitter, ashy coffee is very outdated and would appeal to the Peet’s generation. This is the flavor of over-​roasted grocery store coffee.
This makes Philz seem cutting edge.
There are some delicious darker roast beans out there (Cole, Graffeo), but Trouble just struck me as the kind of coffee that really needs cream and sugar added to it. Certainly this is not craft coffee. So it would make sense that it be a lot cheaper per cup.
Enough has already been said here about how they don’t have a menu.

found Trouble Coffee @15^th & Willow. though the whole block is geographically labeled as 1545 willow st. décor is all white. only a few stools at the counter for seating. lots of standing room.
no menu seen.(Albertino M. mentions this). so just ordered coffee and toast upon entry
eats/​drink: toasted bread w/​sugar, cinnamon & butter. L. coffee (7.5)
–thick toast really tasty, a virgin eat, peanut butter the other option
coffee:
–beans labeled «trouble coffee»
–smooth, light brew, not bold, herbal nor medicinal.
crumbs:
–tatooed cashier really friendly, like talking with old time buddy
–would have preferred a menu, but i did ok reading the reviews.
–goods may seem pricey, the neighborhood will decide
3.5 stars

Ways to know you are old:
1. You get excited to try this amazing piece of toast with cinnamon sugar on it and then realize you just paid $ 3 for a piece of white bread with cinnamon sugar on it.
2. You pay more attention to a piece of white toast with sprinkled cinnamon sugar on it, in dismay, instead of the super cute lady sitting across from you.
3. If a room is all white, it bothers your eyes.
4. You get upset because the music is too loud to focus on reading.
5. You think these damn kidz and what they think is punk these days. Which is totally punk because it goes against,
and then
you realize
you are
old.
Too old.
Post Script
The coffee was good.
And the service was friendly.

The Cinnamon Sugar Toast? Yea, it’s just as good. So is the coffee.
The location? It’s West Oakland. It’s near a park. There are free books across the street. You can drive. You can take a long walk from BART. You’ll be fine.
The seats? Yea, there’s ample seating at this one, though all indoors. I dig the white benches.
The décor? White, gorgeous, looks straight out of Kinfolk — without the warmth.
The staff? Typical Trouble. They’ll get you what you need. They’re there, they’re doing their thing. You don’t dig their vibe? Maybe they don’t dig you. It doesn’t make me feel welcome, but I get it. It feels more like a standard stranger — rather than a service — interaction.
So why do I feel like I’m intruding on someone else’s space? I think that’s the odd feeling that everyone’s trying to get at with this particular location. Maybe the coldness of the space needs to be balanced with some human warmth for this to work.
The rest? Cash only. Lucky for you, there’s an ATM (behind a curtain because it doesn’t fit the white vibe). Yea, it charges $ 2.50.
Like the coffee and toast, not a fan of the vibe. Love the location, hate that ATM.

You have to let this place be what it is.
It’s the sort of place where a guy’ll start talking to the staff about this hippy-​rock Oakland band that his brother’s dad was in in the 60’s. And then a few minutes later, Hoboken Saturday Night by The Insect Trust is playing over the speakers.
This is the sort of place where you plan to come, enjoy a cup of coffee and engage with your neighbors. You’ll learn something. Like a great band you never knew you were missing out on. Also, yay Oakland history.
The cinnamon toast is on-​point and very very worth it.

Coffee: I ordered the espresso which came in a small handmade cup. Apparently the cups and mugs were handmade from one of the owner’s friend who happens to be a potter. The espresso tastes more bitter than those I’ve had in previous coffee shop and has a tangy, sour taste to it, a little bit like Kona coffee. Overall I enjoyed it and I got a giant nutella toast to go with it. Because the main table is so white and the baristas keep the place so tidy, we were very careful about not making a huge mess. When we first came in, one of the baristas was mopping and even when we sat down there was incessant mopping LOL.
Service: There’s no menu so we asked the barista what they served. She was informative, however she’s very strict on the no electronic rule and the no pictures rule. I went with a friend and we weren’t aware of the no electronics policy; apparently it was on the side of the building but we came in through the front and didn’t see it. The barista was very adamant on enforcing the rule, and it made my friend a little uncomfortable and unwelcome. Overall the baristas are polite, however the «coffee-​shop vibe» where you can sit down and chill, work, or read a book is not there. Although the coffee was great, the place doesn’t have a cozy vibe to it. Although I appreciate the aesthetic minimalist appeal to the shop, the stark whiteness is a bit off-​putting. Will be coming back if in the area, but otherwise won’t go out of my way to get the coffee.

So I found out about this place on Instagram, notably their white interior design and space.
Location: This place is not near anything. You are really going out of your way to get a coffee here. I wouldn’t really call it the best location. They have iron bars along their doors and window, clearly indicating you’re not in a good neighborhood. You’ll understand what I mean when you drive here.
Coffee: No idea what they serve here since they have no menu. I get that this place is a specialty coffee café, striving to be different in the way coffee is served. But not having a menu (and no knowing the price) taints the whole customer experience. They have a drip coffee for $ 2 – 3? and a Cold brew for $ 5. They don’t do pour overs or french press, or anything «special».
I’ve had much better coffee costing that much. Front Café in SF and even Blue Bottle has better options for the price.
Experience: Yes this place is super white and super cool to take pictures. But for what it is, a coffee shop, it’s pretty awful. They have a sign reading «no use of electronic devices». Not sure if they are strict on that policy since everyone takes a picture of the inside and post on social media.
This place had no AC, so in the middle of the day with natural light flooding into the café, it was quite blinding. In fact it was so bright I had to put on my sunglasses. Barista’s were not very welcoming either. One girl with some tats didn’t really smile at all, and looked annoyed that we were visiting the café.
TLDR:
Pros:
+Great interior space
Cons:
–NO AC, so it will get hot in afternoon
–Cash only
–no use of electronic devices (not sure how strict they are on this)
–rude/​unwelcoming staff
–no menu with coffee or prices
–not in the best location
I wouldn’t come back unless some of the things I mentioned above changed. As for my visit on 7÷19÷15, I paid for some average coffee and rude customer experience free of charge.

Yes the interior screams instagram worthy and the coffee here is alright, but here are a few things you should know.
1) they have no menu. You end up asking if they have a pour over or latte or etc this kinda makes this shop pointless if you dont even have a menu for people to order off of. I got a cold brew and hot drip coffee, which wasnt bad but annoying to ask the barista what they do serve.
2) the store has no ventilation so it gets super hot and stuffy inside. It’s not comfortable to sit down and relax.
3) they put my cold brew in a paper cup… which results in the cup getting soggy and feels like it will fall apart eventually.
4) The barista did not feel me welcome here and I will definitely not be returning.

For being in the tech-​centric Bay Area, you’d be surprised to hear that this coffee shop is cash only and there is a sign that prohibits the use of electronic devices, though that doesn’t stop all of us from sneaking photos and posting them on Instagram. I mean, how could I not when it looks like it came right out of my dreams!
Like other reviews mentioned, there is no written menu, so you’ll just have to ask the person working the register for their offerings. We asked if they could make iced cappuccinos (our new favorite coffee drink we discovered in Asia, and no, nothing like a frappuccino) but they couldn’t, so we opted to split a large cold brew for $ 5. $ 5 seems a little bit steep, but so does everything in the Bay Area, right? The cold brew was excellent.
We also ordered two of their famous cinnamon sugar toasts, which were cut thick and drenched with cinnamon sugar. I’d definitely recommend this.

Time: 2:17pm/72°F intermittent cloud
Purpose: Heading to eastbay for 3 quick brief meet ups. As always, I do a scan of nearby places because, I’m like curious George. Trouble pops up just .7 miles away with no pic. Hmmm wonder why?
Ambiance: Corner café with iron gate security looks like guarding a fortress from the outside. Inside is really bright almost everything white or close to it. It was so bright, I ran into counter stools without noticing it. No injury. I won’t call it spacious, but the only seater was corner bench style with rolling industrial moving table. The others are four counter stools, the ones I bump into, thank you! There’s no menu to see what they have to offer. Asking seems like a pain to them. Luckily, I caught a break overhead barista telling it to another customer. Walls with decorations that of second shops. Bag beans lines the window sill along with a etch-​a-​sketch magic board. Everything seems so plain and bright white.
Staff: Two girls one with lots of tatts seems to be the one in charge. Snooty and curt services. Treats people according to how you’re dress, act and the vibe coming from you. Serves mostly the hipster crowd better. Now I can see what another Unilocaler mean.
Cleanliness: Grade A, as always with newer places. We’ll check back after a month since place is all white interior. This should be interesting.
Eats/​Drinks: Cappuccino $ 4 smooth, but not as strong as I hope, had a little burnt taste IMO. As far as prices goes its pricey for an 8oz cappuccino with this kind of environment. Would’ve like to get a pastry or so, but there were only empty uncovered aluminum cake pedestal on counter. Not sure if they sold out or they don’t have a vendor yet.
Products/​Services: Intelligentsia and Trouble beans, loose tea, Clover dairy, Wildwood soy milk, coconut, toast, pastrie/​croissant/​danish, cappuccino, latte, mocha, espresso, americano, au lait. Takes plastic (no minimum), doggy water bowl.
Punch Lines: Snooty service, slow wait time, hipster, seats are minimal, laid back, plain décor, sketchy neighborhood, nothing out of the ordinary, snarky, limited eats, no electronic device allow, white interior, street parking, doggy water bowl.
Tradeoffs: No pour overs, but yet has the prices of a upscale coffeehouse in a sketchy area. Is this worth it?
Final Thoughts: You’re risking you life for a cuppa of joe that you can get elsewhere. Area is very sketchy daytime is kinda alright, but when night time falls, good luck! Couple of blocks down the street, gold bullet casings on ground with vehicles running it over and over. So, if you don’t fall under the category of under 30, techie, hipster, affluent then you’re on your own here. No, for real, I really mean it!