Reviews for Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar in El Cerrito, CA

I called to place an order and while I was on my way to there, I?ve noticed I had a flat tire so I called them right away to let... them know that I was going to be running a little late do to that. Once I got my tire repair and made it there, (I didn?t getthe employee?s name) but he was young and really nice. When he asked my name, he asked me if everything was okay with my tirenow and then, he told me to not worry about paying for my breakfast sandwich. He was like, ?don?t worry, it?s on us. We feel badyou went through that.? He was sooo sweet and nice to offer that to me but I didn?t accept. I just want to say, thank you sovery much for such a sweet / great customer service. I paid for my sandwich but it really made my day to know that there isstill people in the world with a great heart and the best intentions to sympathize with each other. Thank you again!!!????????? Read more

5 stars for food, 2 stars for service. We have been long-time supporters of this sweet neighborhood coffee shop - we want to... see them succeed for years to come! However, there are service/training issues that need to be addressed ASAP. Each of theregular young staff I've encountered over the last few months need significantly more training and coaching fromownership/management to be able to do their jobs independently -- both on food prep, using the computer/register system, andorder/time management. Today, for example, I waited 25 minutes for just 2 regular drip coffees and a bag of untoasted bagels(no prep). The staff were not able to accurately charge the order, mixed up a number of customers orders, and then gave me anincorrect order in the end. Of course, folks were late to school and work as a result. This is typical of my last 10experiences. Yet we keep trying again! Unfortunately, this is becoming a running joke in the neighborhood, which isn't fair tothe young staff who are polite and want to succeed, or to the ownership/management who may not be aware of the extent of theissue. I would love to share the feedback with the owner/manager directly rather than posting online but they have not beenthere on any of my recent 5+ visits. We believe in Well Grounded but this needs attention. Thanks for considering ourfeedback! Read more

This place is usually good when it comes gluten-free. However, this morning, they got my latte wrong twice and whoever was... making the bagel got me glutened. I was two bites in and I felt the usual signs of being glutended and about ten minutes later,the stomach stuff started happening. We?re usually very good about telling people we have celiac disease/very gluten sensitive?but I guess sometimes it doesn?t register. Read more

I'm local and a repeat customer and I really wanted to love and support a local business. Sadly I cannot recommend Well Grounded... for drinks because of repeated mistakes with drinks that have made me very sick (6 times now, counting this morning, out ofmaybe 20 visits = a 30% error rate). I have a very simple allergy to avoid if my order is done correctly. I kept wanting to tryagain and be more explicit with the staff at the counter how important it is that I get what I ordered due to allergies but Ifrequently end up with other people's drinks (probably) or something different than what I ordered and different from what isshown on the checkout screen. I have never had such an issue at another cafe so there seems to be some systemic issue withcommunication from the counter to the kitchen. Food allergies are too serious an issue to mess up with on a consistent basislike this. Really sad about this review but after having to take multiple days off work from allergic reactions to theirdrinks, it's time to warn other people. Reading the other reviews it looks like I'm not the only person that has had an issuewith not receiving what they ordered. Looking forward to a response from well grounded and I am hopeful they can improve, butsadly at this point I am not willing to be the kitchen's guinea pig! Read more

Lovely little neighborhood place. Coffee is fine generally but they do iced drinks in flimsy cups. The sandwiches are good, but... most of them are way overpriced. We usually stick to breakfast bagels. Read more

I?m local and just tried this spot and was not disappointed! Vanilla latte with oat milk was absolutely divine! Probably one of... the best lattes I?ve ever had. Also got a gluten free bagel with ham and egg. Yum! I have celiac disease and they used adedicated toaster for the gluten free bagel. I will be back! Read more

Great local spot for coffee, pastries, and bagels. I had a cappuccino and a bagel which both were quite delicious. They also... have large sandwich and beer menu too. The walk-up ordering system is also great. Accept touch-less payments. I?ll be backsoon! Read more

Editing my review to reflect improved service. There was a prompt response from the owner, and apparently new processes... implemented behind the counter to ensure that the same problem was less likely to happen. They seem to be on top of theproblem. Leaving the original review below for transparency, and to show what has been improved upon. --- I had a prettyterrible experience the first (and hopefully, only) time I went here. To be fair, it was early in the morning, and maybe itwas a new hire, but I didn't get what I paid for, and I didn't have the time to go back. I ordered bagels with spread (onehummus, and one cream cheese). I received two bagels without any spread, and one was squished and awful (see attachedphoto). There were several people waiting, and the person serving the coffee didn't know whose coffee they were serving. "I'vegot two drinks here for.... someone.... ." To be fair, it's just coffee and bagels. However, they're coffee andbagels I paid $12.00 for, with a tip; I should actually get what I ordered, and not have to hope I didn't get someone else'sdrink. Read more