Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Below is a review that I began almost a month ago but, because I got caught up in some personal life shit, I just hadn’t sent off the review, or posted it. But I am posting it now. I’m posting it despite what I heard on Monday, June 20, 2016. I will, however, since I was told what I was told yesterday, save this to the manager of Pete’s coffee on Shattuck. Allie. Be careful of certain staff that you have there, I would say to people in particular, who are very good at kissing ass. The same people kissed the ass of the previous management, and did a very very good job, as far as prior management could see, of pretending to be loyal. Just know that these kids, not all of them are under 21, will throw you want to the bus quicker than you can make a latte. One male one female. You will know who they are because they are going to say something to you about this. They will call themselves out and when they do watch them closely. By the way, I think you’re doing a good job. Too bad there aren’t more rigorous standards for hiring people to work for you.
The 4 stars are for something very, very specific.
Totally, completely, and utterly separate from management.
I owe the hard working employees of Peet’s on Shattuck my deepest, most sincere apology.
These people are the reason the customers (most) return to Peet’s, loyally everyday. I am one of them.
These people not only take A LOT of SHIT from customers, but then they take MORE shit from their employer in the form of shitty pay.
News flash Peet’s! If you pay your staff a living wage, you know, the kind which would allow them to not just barley get by, but actually live and save. Just like you in upper management have. I bet SUZANNE isn’t living with three roommates.
Again. I apologize to the the hard working people who bust their asses for fake ass thank you’s under bullshit circumstances.
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I’m just… Simply… Not moved.
I wrote a review on Unilocal about a business I had a «business relationship» with a few years ago.
It was a truthful review.
I was contacted 2 – 3 years after I posted this review and an attempt was made to pay (bribe) me monetarily to remove my review.
My point is that I have experienced a couple of bizarre reactions to my posts. Another one just this morning regarding a call from a Peet’s employees… Boyfriend… Or someone.
I don’t want to have to post a screenshot of my text in response to this kindergarten move. For now I’ll sit on it.
I may feel different tomorrow
I have decided to read several other posts by other Unilocal review worse and how they feel about Shattuck Avenue Pete’s. I’ve read posts suggesting that Pete is the best thing since The last best thing. But I’ve also read posts that, or posts by people who share the exact same feelings as I do regarding this location. This woman, who supposed I read suggests that the staff is clueless, rude, and unprofessional. This Unilocal review or mentions nothing about being threatened with violence by a Pete’s employee, however, I noticed that customer service got back to this white Woman immediately to assure her that what she experienced either didn’t happen or will not happen again. I have been on the phone with Pete’s talking about an incident where one of Peet employees threatened my girlfriend and die and also had her boyfriend call and do the same. I spoke with someone at Pete’s headquarters in Emeryville. I was assured several days ago that the district manager, someone higher up in Pete’s would be in contact with me. To date that has not happened. This white woman, descriptive term, complains about rude behavior by Pete’s employees and she gets an immediate call back or response from someone in Pete’s customer service. I, as the white man has coin and in the past, a negro, call to complain about threats by an employee of theirs against me and my girlfriend and I don’t get as much as an email from anyone in the office. Suzanne. You are absolutely a detriment to the company. If you will not handle this then I will. That means I am going to blast all of this all over social media. I will be sending emails along with attachments to your boss, to what ever local bay area media would like to hear about it. And we both know that in the bay area there are plenty of people who would love to take this story and go head-​to-​head with a careless corporation. My tip is that you treat all of your customers the same.
I like in this to the racial disparity in the judicial system where a white man would get much better treatment regarding sentencing and even jail conditions if it came to that because he is white. You gave this white woman, Unilocal review her a quick heartfelt response because she felt that someone was rude to her. You have not once send me AN email, text, made a phone call, or even attempted smoke signals to indicate that you take this seriously. So I see that you don’t take threats made by your staff at customers on a black customer as s

I love Peets. It’s got the consistency of a Starbucks with a smaller feel, and local vibes. They all use quality coffee and espresso beans, and have a great selection for everyone from the coffee enthusiast that geeks out about bean appellation to the lover of sugary, over flavored, can hardly tell its coffee drinks.
The few times I’ve been in this location, I’ve been less than impressed with the service. Today was no exception, and I’ve decided I will be walking to the gourmet ghetto (Vine street location) from now on.
When we ordered, the woman could not even crack a smile regardless of how friendly I acted toward her. The baristas making drinks were chatting and openly admitted to having no clue what they were doing, laughing about potentially screwing up someone’s order.
As soon as my order was called, I said thank you and asked what was in the grinder sitting out. After glaring at me, the woman said ‘nutmeg’ and went back to chatting and complaining about work with the other barista. If I’m spending ~$ 5 for a fancy drink, the least you can do is be courteous.
Its a fantastic downtown location, but on the smaller side with just a few tables. Great use of space though with the order/​pickup lines. Lots of cool retail items from Berkeley themed ceramic mugs to Bodum french presses, to-​go cups, and even Burr coffee grinders. Bonus points for having a restroom though!
Two stars because it’s Peets, minus 3 stars because the customer service and quality of drink (compared to other locations) really suck.

Every Tuesday and Thursday I come in and order the same thing: a large cold brew with no room for cream.
I am positive they know me and my order, but still ask what I would like. I respect that and they seem to respect me.

Tasty maple latte and even tastier maple scone. Perfect pre-​conference breakfast, and open early enough every day to get that caffeine and sugar fix that gets you through the morning! Plus free wi-​fi and all. Aces!

A nice, spacious area to get coffee and sit down and browse the Internet or get some work done. The prices are reasonable, but it’s not the most outstanding coffee.

While the honey was at Moes I grabbed a quick tea at Peets. For what it is Peets is fair to middling. I’m not a fan of their coffee, their blended drinks or their tea, but the service at this location was incredibly friendly and warm. For quick hot water with a tea bag in it it’s okay.
Perhaps I’m spoiled with Philz and how wonderfully they make mint tea, or Starbucks who makes my glorious Frappuchinos. But Peets is just another «it exists so I’ll go there» coffee shop. It could be replaced by any other chain and I wouldn’t bat an eye.
This location had a good amount of seating but possibly needed more as they received a ton of foot traffic and tended to have people camp out. It’s laid out strangely so the line to the register always seems to be off.
I’d stop in again, but I don’t ever search out a Peets, Peets just somehow finds me.
Like a bloodhound.

WORST PEET’S EXPERIENCE EVER! So last saturday, March 5^th, 2016, my fiancé and I came here around 8:30am due to the fact that the original Peet’s was so busy and we were in a hurry. We came in, I asked if I could get some hot water because I brought my own tea bag due to a personal reason. The Black girl that was working the registered said sorry, we do not give out hot water. I told her I have a dietary reason why I am bringing my own teabag, I am fine with paying for it as a medium sized tea and even having them put the tea bag in it. She gave me an elaborate story that they were having trouble with the homeless with bathing in it was the first story, then the «manager» who was just making the flavored coffees said they could not because the homeless was pouring the water on them. I said, well other peet’s in the area have done it for me. Then, they said oh you must of brought your own cup, I said no, I asked them the same thing I asked you. They said sorry, We cannot serve you here then. Which I think is such a bullshit answer/​lie from the both especially since its inconsistent. I dont know if the «manager» was really a manager, my gut tells me no, but if she is, definitely need to reconsider someone who screamed across the room to answer instead of come over to handle the situation. I believe they did not have a manager in or did not want to bother she/​he. It definitely brought a negative tone to my day! I refuse to give this Peet’s my business!!!
IF you want to be treated less than a valuable customer, then choose to come here as service is horrible!

I never thought this day would come where I’d say I would GLADLY go to Starbucks and get sucked into their world of well marketed but average coffee. Honestly, I thought I’d never see the day where Peets is MORE money hungry than their superior competitor.
I normally would never write reviews about chain stores/​restaurant unless i felt truly impacted, especially in a good way.
My contact lens fell out of my eye and I was panicking trying to find the nearest bathroom (I had my dirtied lens in my hands shriveling — time was of the essence). I’ve always loved the service I had at peets and was looking for a place to study anyways. I asked them if I could use the bathroom and the workers were infuriating. The male seemed confused with a question as simple as «may I use your bathroom?» And the the female worker sneered and unsympathetically said, «the bathroom is for customers, are you a customer?» First of all, if you want my patronage don’t talk down to me. Second, as an employee of a relatively big coffee store, the FACE of your company, and you’re just straight rude and give off the only impression of wanting my money.
I understand, bathroom for customers is a pretty straightforward rule. But compassion is remembered and will be the reason for continued patronage for your sub-​par and mediocre food/​beverages. To even test this, I went to 3 different places with bathroom for customers signs and asked if I could use it for my contacts ALL the workers GLADLY obliged. Thank you Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen, pBag and CVS. One of the places even offered to open the men’s room for me because the female one was occupied me.
So TLDR; peets, I want to say how your worker treated me is just an isolated incident, but seeing as how she works for you it reflects not only your hiring choices, how you treat your workers for them to be such a «pleasant» person and how they turned away a potential faithful customer. I doubt they’ll respond to this, but this is mainly for the people who are looking for a decent place to meet with their friends and family, or just to study. This is not the place.

Decent spot to study. Always super busy though. I live really really close so its convenient for me.
I love pete’s. Definitely beats Starbucks. They also sponsored my softball team when i was younger so I have a special little place for them in my heart. The service here is meh, but that seems to be the case at a great deal of Berkeley places.

Worst Peet’s location in Berkeley. The manager is so unclear on the concept. She routinely engages in unprofessional conversations with her staff about the homeless out front while lines build to ridiculous lengths. The staff is apathetic and terribly trained… slow and don’t understand the difference between a «wet» cappuccino or a «dry», have long winded conversations while people are waiting and don’t seem to get that folks have jobs to get to in the morning and cannot wait 15 minutes for their coffee. I hate going here but often find myself with no other options aside from Starbucks, which I just cannot do. Sigh.

Never had a bad peet’s experience until tonight (01/​07/​2016).
I waited about 7 minutes to order. The woman in front of me was taking a long time, then another man ahead of me ordered beans… so that’s another couple minutes. That was no problem… I wasn’t in a rush– but is important later.
I get to the counter and ask what they’re brewing tonight. I noticed all the timers had expired when I first got in line, so I couldn’t identify which urn I should look at for which roast I was soon to enjoy.
Cashier: «House blend tonight.»
Me: «Cool. I’ll take a small with room.»
Cashier turns and starts pouring from the urn with the expired timer.
Me: «Hey there– Just curious, has that already expired? I don’t mind waiting for a fresh cup.»
Cashier: «It JUST expired.» Keeps pouring.
I’m not going to argue with him… but I’ve been waiting for about 7 minutes and the timer had not sounded while I was in line… just sayin… awkward…
Me: «I really don’t mind waiting. Would you mind brewing up a fresh batch?»
Him: «It’s still good. It literally just expired.»
Here’s where I wanted to say I worked proudly for this company for years, and I’d be mortified if anyone at my old store did what he was doing. I didn’t, just kindly asked him to please brew me a fresh batch.
Here’s the thing… anytime coffee is expired, just dump it dude. It literally takes 90 seconds to brew up a fresh batch, and then you’ve got fresh coffee AND a happy customer. Don’t defend it or make me feel like I’m making you go out of your way.
The good news is– that fresh cup of coffee was perfection. Just what I needed, wanted, and paid for.

Meh.
Why you go for the double espresso shot +‘s:
+ Nice space and layout inside the corner stop.
+ Friendly staff.
+ 2 shots in any size latte is the standard.
Why you pass the shots -‘s:
— The wait is interminable. It took FOREVER. 15′ I cannot spare.
— It’s Peet’s coffee. I just don’t love the beans.
Not coming back to this place no matter how weary I am. Not being dramatic.

I know this wasn’t in store (Memorial Stadium), but if you are going to put your name on a cup and charge $ 7 for it, please make sure that what’s inside the cup does not taste as bad as last night’s hot chocolate did.

I love all the baristas here. Always great attitudes and talkative. There has never been a time i have gotten a bad drink and the one time I had a request, they redid the drink for me. I used to come here daily working nearby, so i need to visit soon.

Two stars for this location because they limit time on wi-​fi! I believe the maximum number of hours you can use wi-​fi here is 2 hours… that means students can’t stay and study here despite its proximity to the university. Serious bummer.
Aside from its limited wi-​fi use, this place is decent and churns out those drinks quickly.

I have mixed feelings about this. They are doing some renovations which is perfectly fine. But right now as I type, there is an employee with a hose that’s spraying down the sidewalk next to peets continuously for the past hour. I’m sure hundreds of gallons of water are being wasted. I reported this incident but it’s a shame how this branch is not water conscious during California’s worst drought. They lost my business for now.

Closed! WTF! Not the best Peet’s but dang. Hours and posters still in the window. But everything else is cleaned out from the floor up.
UPDATE-​UPDATE-​UPDATE they’re just renovating. Peet’s reopens at the end of June. Hopefully they’ll post a sign. When I walked by last night there were 6 people scratching their heads and trying to figure out what happened.

Not the coziest of Peets, but the staff is super friendly!
As I frequent downtown Berkeley quite a lot, this has become one of my favorite spots. The of course have all the usual Peets coffees and teas and pastries that make your heart melt, and there’s usually seating available. I mostly go for the Masala Chai Tea (not the Chai Latte, but the actual Chai Tea), which is perfectly strong and perfectly priced. The best part though, is the staff. Since I come here so often I feel like I almost know them, but no matter who is serving me they always manage to put a smile in my face.

I always get the iced vanilla latte or green matcha latte… better quality coffee and I always ask for it with half the sugar.
Tables are always available after 4 pm so it’s good for studying; there’s outlets and wifi, although the wifi comes and goes.

This Peet’s has become one of my regular stops. It’s on my walk from BART to my office and usually has friendly staff but that seemed to suffer a bit over the summer. I’m hoping that some, or at least one, of my favorites will come back now that Cal is starting up for the fall term.
They make a good cappuccino, not great, but much better than is found across the street at the $B. Like most Peet’s they just can’t seem to get a solid foam on the drink, but it’s still better than what I do at home so why am I complaining?
I actually like some of the food offerings they have, the cold lentil salad has become one of my favorites and I will get one from time to time just to put in the fridge at work in case I forget to bring lunch and don’t want to go out.
This part of town has a lot of transients, not specific to Peet’s but I do understand why they have to keep the bathroom locked. A few months ago people could borrow a key and get in and it never seemed clean, it’s better now that they’ve moved to the code.