High XII Cafe & Coffee

I loved the salad bar and was a frequent customer for a 2 – 3 month period. There was always one breakdown or another at the cashier and in getting a receipt. One day my receipt showed up in my email and when I looked at it, I was charged almost $ 7.00 for a plain croissant. The next day i went in and politely asked to have the error correctly. The man behind the counter got very upset, I found myself trying to calm him down and then he basically accused me of lying. It was the strangest thing and I have not been back since. If you do chose to go there, watch what they charge you very carefully!

Having ordered from High 12 a few times now for office events (two last minute orders today) — I just wanted to say that their food & coffee are delicious and their customer service was genuinely spectacular. Healthy food and friendly people and it’s not overpriced — get in there!

This is the mecca of lunch spots in Download Oakland! Think of a modern cafeteria with high-​quality food and a huge variety. From sandwiches, to salads, to full meals, to desserts and coffee, this place has got it. My favorite thing to get for lunch is the miso-​glazed salmon with Mediterranean-​style rice and a side of kale salad (which has bacon in it… which is fine by me). The highlight of the salad bar is its stock of various roasted vegetables. The line for food can be quick on some days and a little longer on others, especially during the lunch rush. Either way, the service is always warm and friendly. Most people take their food to go, but this is also a great place for a lunch date… the succulent centerpieces on the tables are super cute and simple. While the prices here aren’t AS cheap as Chinatown a couple blocks away, they’re definitely cheaper than any other similar sandwich/​salad shop I’ve been to in the area. Extra points for high quality and good aesthetics.
If you work in the area, get yourself here now! Pro tip: while the address for this place is on Franklin, the entrance is actually on 11^th between Franklin and Broadway.

Still loving their customer service and delicious food… especially, on Tuesdays with Mexican food specials like breakfast casserole (layered tortillas with cheese, peppers, chorizo, chilaquiles (green sauce), empanadas (mushroom with chicken), etc… I’m hooked and will have to limit myself to just a couple of days a week since they offer homemade lasagne, salmon or chicken dishes and various kale salads.
Jose, Lettie and Katie are awesome and will help you start the day in a better mood!

This place is great! If you work in downtown Oakland, you should be eating here at least once a week. The salad bar is like an upgraded version of what they have over at The Fountain much better offerings .
But I like to skip the salad bar, and get the daily special with the Kale Salad.
They usually have two protein offerings to chose from the salmon and chicken are always great.

I work in the same building as High XII. This café is usually the highlight of my morning when I can make it, mainly because of Jose and Katie. Their friendliness and enthusiasm brings me there and keeps me coming instead of going to Peets or Modern. They are so sweet and helpful and I love chatting it up with them.
It also helps that their coffee is delicious (Verve Coffee — $ 2 for a small, $ 2.50 for a large) and they have a surprising variety of breakfast and lunch options — including a well-​stocked fridge with hard boiled eggs. They are very accommodating if you need something specific. Some standouts meals that I’ve had when they come up (I think usually Tuesdays) are their posole and their chilaquiles. Their catering is also delicious and they are great to work with in that regard as well. Their desserts are amazing.

Morning treasures await you in High XII if you can make it past the plain Jane, generic awning and in through the doors. The large, medium roast coffee ($ 2.50) was smooth and delicious, and the breakfast burrito ($ 4.50) was simple, filling, and tasty. All made by an eager, friendly staff.
Don’t go ‘artisanal’. Don’t go «blah-blah”-owned, «blah-blah”-certified. Don’t go liquid snot with a side cup of better-​than-​you. Go High XII!
I’m a little concerned about the longevity of High XII because their competitors, High XI, High XIII, and High LXXVII are swiftly encroaching in on their space.

High XII — I’ve heard people pronounce this differently, I was saying High twelve since it is on 12^th street. But apparently it is ‘High Noon’ which makes a lot of sense.
That being said, I work in this building and find myself popping down most days for a cup of coffee or swinging by on my way in to grab some breakfast.
Their coffee is good. They brew Verve and do it well. It always seems fresh and they have a couple of roasts on all the time. The cashier/​barista will also do espresso drinks for you, although I haven’t gotten one of those yet. My go to is their regular coffee.
For breakfast there is quite a variety. They usually have some sort of rotating dish (today was biscuits and gravy) as well as the typical eggs and toast dishes. They’ll also make you a breakfast sandwich, toast you a bagel, or even do something custom if you want, they are quite accommodating.
In addition to the above there is also a variety of pastries. Usually some doughnuts, croissants, and breads.
For lunch they have a rotating entrée, as well as sandwiches and a serve yourself and weight it salad bar. The salad bar has a good variety and looks like it is well stocked and fresh.
Things can get busy so you have to be prepared to wait sometimes, but it usually isn’t so bad.
Where they really shine, though, is with the service. The cashier specifically is super nice every time I go in and makes an effort to say hello and something nice to me and everyone else that comes by. That makes the entire experience that much better.
Overall, High XII is a great place to grab a quick breakfast or lunch and a coffee where you can trust the food is good and the service is warm.

Though breakfast might not be the best for me. Lunch offers a lot like sandwhiches, paninis, salads, hot items like salmon and pay by the pound salad bar. Though the variety is less than Fountain Café’s salad bar it is by far a better bargain.
In fact, I only come here now for salads because it is cheaper and closer to work. It’s always clean and tidy with excellent customer service.

A solid spot that is reminiscent of the deli’s back east!
A salad bar priced per pound with legit offerings and a deli counter for sandwiches, panini’s and some hot foods. I opted for the avocado chicken salad on a whole wheat roll and it was good, not great. The chicken salad was solid. A little too creamy, but the jalapenos totally added a great spice factor, while that avocado was a great contrast. The problem? For the price it could have used a tad bit more oomph — whether it be lettuce or tomatoes, or maybe just a little more chicken salad. It came with an option of a side caesar or fruit salad — the fruit salad was solid.
Overall, a solid spot for a quick, casual lunch in the neighborhood. Sandwich wise I’ll still choose Ratto’s or Ike’s, but this spot still gets it done.

A step above your typical salad and sandwich shops. Great selection. Fresh food. Quick friendly staff. I chose a chicken sandwich because I was in a hurry but the salmon looked delicious. Will be back.

My go-​to lunch spot when I forget to pack my lunch. Love their diverse salad bar! They have so many grilled veggie options. And the price by weight is not too bad considering how heavy my salads come out to be. VERY friendly customer service as well. I have never had a bad experience here yet.
The only downfall is the single checkout line that gets very long during lunch. But let me tell you… It is always worth waiting in line to check out with this particular cashier/​barista (Jose).
Jose is the sweetest man ever. He really gets to know each of his customers and demonstrates his immense care to your experience here. He will bring your food to you personally if it is not ready by the time you check out with him. :)
I had one absent-​minded moment when I forgot to bring my wallet during my lunch break. I only figured out that my wallet was missing as I was checking out with Jose. I was so embarrassed and wanted to go all the way back to my work to get my wallet and pay for the salad I had already made. But instead, Jose did not think twice and told me not to worry; he told me it was on him that day! I made sure to leave a big fat tip the next time I came back.
The simple, healthy food and experience here is what keeps me coming back each time. Thank you for all that you guys do! Keep it up!

I work in Downtown Oakland and this place has a pretty good salad bar (only second to Fountain Café because they have hot foods). They have an extremely good variety of Grilled Vegetables. They do have hot foods but not at the salad bar like at Fountain. From what I’ve heard their salmon is very good. Downside is their breakfast burritos are pathetically small.

I work in Downtown Oakland and this place has a pretty good salad bar (only second to Fountain Café). They have an extremely good variety of Grilled Vegetables. Hot Foods are not by the lbs like the salad bar but from what I’ve heard their salmon is very good. Knocking off a Star because their breakfast burritos are pathetically small.

I have gotten lunch here many times and this place is consistently good. Food is good quality and the price is fair. They have a wide selection of sandwiches/​paninis, salads, salmon and chicken entrees (which are delicious), and a lovely salad bar. The food seems fresh and always makes me feel healthy.
They also have a good breakfast selection. The breakfast burrito is pretty good too.
This place has great and friendly service. The cashier is genuinely nice and keeps the place running quickly. The line always moves quickly. The lunch rush is barely noticeable because of the great service.
Also, there are outlets here! YAY.

My go to breakfast place when I work in Downtown Oakland.
Big fan for a few reasons:
1) They make a right sized breakfast burrito. There is an art and science to breakfast burrito portions and they get it right. It’s not too big. If anything, it might be slightly on the smaller side, which is ok. You won’t have food coma and you can round out the corners of your belly with some coffee.
2) The burrito itself tastes pretty darn good.
3) FAST! Order your burrito. Saunter over to the register. Pay your bill. Fill your coffee. And BAM! your burrito is already ready for you.
Walk out and go tackle your day.

High IX is a great place for breakfast, lunch, coffee or dessert! I love the Staff and the food, and they make my food right each time I visit. Thanks to Lana, Abby, Katie, Jose, & Lettie for always having a smile each time I come in!

I really wanted to like this place bc it’s conveniently located in downtown Oakland and across from the Pearson Center. However, for the quality and service that I received, it’s not worth the price.
I came in at 2:57PM and they were already cleaning up the sandwich and salad station. No more panini after the lunch rush. Only cold sandwiches. Anyhow, I ordered the prosciutto $ 8.95 and a Heart Thrive chocolate chip bar as the cashier said it was amazing. It’s not. Typically energy bar– dry and chalky. As for the sandwich, please see attached picture. It lacked meat; two slices of prosciutto, a few leaves of basil, pesto sauce, and mozzarella cheese on Dutch crunch. The bread was on point while everything else lackluster.
Additionally, all sandwiches come with side salad but they were in a rush to get me out, they forgot my salad. Disappointing. I wouldn’t come back. Plenty of delicious sandwiches in the bay area.

Very good food. Reasonably priced. Clean. Friendly staff. Quick. Great for breakfast and lunch.

Wonderful service! Friendly staff. Warriors parade made this place super busy and everyone kept a smile on. The food was great! I will definitely come back!

To the people complaining about how expensive this place is, you do realize you’re not eating at Taco Bell or Mc. Donald’s, right? Sometimes QUALITY ingredients cost a bit more! Get used to it.
I’ve been here twice; once for the Verve coffee which was $ 2.50 for a LAGRE cup and another time to eat lunch at their salad bar.
Their salad bar is tiny, but has lots of options. My only piece of advice is to hit up the salad bar before the lunch crowd gets there. This ensures that the ingredients/​food is fresh and hot. I unfortunately hit up the salad bar around 12:30 p.m. and it was hard to navigate around all the people and get everything I wanted.
The salad was decent, but what really made is stand out was that it was only $ 4.50. If I were to get the same exact salad at Whole Foods, it would’ve been $ 10… easily. So I am not sure why people are complaining about lunch that is under $ 10.
I will definitely be back to try their made-​to-​order sandwiches.
Also, the décor is nice and the service is very friendly.

The food is good, but SUPER OVER PRICED!
It is one thing to be stingy with portions. I get it. It happens within businesses. It is ANOTHER thing to do it in front of customers!
I was so upset, but I am way too nice to say anything.
I ordered salmon with rice. My friend ordered the same thing right before I did, and I noticed the lady that helped her gave her a little bit of rice. I ordered next, but it was another lady who put a lot more rice onto the place. I thought, «Yay! Score!»
THEN, the lady who helped my friend «whispered» (not really, because I totally heard everything), and told her «Just a little bit!» So the lady took not one but TWO scoops of rice out of my plate! They also did this knowing that I was watching the whole time.
Over $ 10 for a SMALL PORTION! :(
I heard the same thing from multiple people who all said the food is good, but super expensive for what you get. I thought I’d give it a try anyway, and was very disappointed.
The guy (cashier) was REALLY nice, but I won’t be coming back.

I am a Breakfast Croissant freak! I had no idea this place was literally across the street from me– High XII. I had the Breakfast Croissant with Bacon. They use actual cheese and load you up with bacon or a sausage patty and they make the eggs right there for $ 5. I had been going to Fountain Café and City Center Grill where the breakfast croissants are good at best with processed cheese– let’s just say I won’t be going that way again! They have it all … salad bar, sandwiches, panini’s, soft serve ice cream, and an espresso machine.

Review for the surprise jalapeño «bagel» i devoured this morning… I ordered it lightly toasted with light cream cheese. Just the way i like my bagels when the lady who was preparing it made sure to tell me it was $ 4…oddly i didn’t flinch as i rarely get a bagel… let alone my fave a jalapeño and cheddar filled one!
I proceed to the cashier and the ever friendly gentleman again said «just letting you know its $ 4…sorry…just letting you know»…ok, i want it! What’s with the $ 4 comment? Hmmm… or they subtlely telling me I DON’T NEED a bagel… whateva!
I get back to the office with my Verve coffee and take a bite… i believe i heard angels as i savoured the first bite… OH MAN… i got a C-​R-​A-​G-​E-​L!!! Whoa! This wonderful piece of work was a croissant and bagel offspring called a cragel… chewy on the outside with buttery and chewy center with sliced jalapenos and cheddar… let’s just say it was well worth the $ 4!!!
Of course, i had to share my find with some coworkers and they weren’t so impressed (at first!)…$ 4?!! Really? [crowd forms at my desk] ‘let me see… hmmm…$ 4 bagel?’ I let 2 workers try a piece and i believe they were speechless… and maybe with one, spotted a tear rolling down her cheek from the decadent piece of heavan!
Thank you High XII Café staff for letting me know i wasn’t getting some off-​the-​shelf Lender type, flavorless bagel which is probably 6 for $ 4 a bag… instead I was surprised and awakened by a single, rich and buttery, calorie-​carb worthy piece of goodness!

I had *no* idea this place was here. I had being taking a detour before a planned visit to Fountain Café to get a salad (too much heavy food in Chinatown recently, ugh!), but went down a street I normally don’t, and came across it.
I guess many others don’t know it was here either, there were a few people here, but nothing like Fountain Café, to which it’s very similar. The salad bar is smaller, but there’s loads of vegan options too, and stuff like farrow and roast brussel sprouts. there’s also an extensive sandwich selection, and a couple of those could be easily made vegan.
Service was fast and friendly, and the price seemed just about right — $ 6.99/lb for the salad bar. I’ll be back, I’m sure.

Just realized I forgot to tip — so, I’m writing this review to compensate.
This place is great. There was no milk in the office today, meaning I had to venture out to get breakfast. High XII Café & Coffee is less than a block away from my work making it a match made in heaven. I ordered a breakfast burrito with sausage and cheese, and it was ready in 2 minutes. It was well prepared, and I couldn’t ask for more from a place when I’m on the go.

High XII Café offers a salad bar, panninis, starter bakery items, and a large, clean dining area. It’s Eden in the modern age.
brew: couple thermos of Verve coffee (santa cruz)
–Vaucouver, my choice (m 2.5)
smooth all the way, no bitterness.
drips:
–things may be a bit pricey but worth it…

Time: 9:23am/69°F mostly sunny
Purpose: Took Bart over from SF after a brief phone call with owner who wanted to talk terms. This place was in the making prior to my office nearby, when I moved the place wasn’t up yet.
Ambiance: This place is the same concept as last with same owners, difference name change, added more vibe. Connected to the UC Berkeley building with additional entrance on 11^th street. No outside seating still confined to inside. Fully restore and featuring new equipments such as refrigerator, salad bar, counter, coffee dispensers. There’s even an ATM for those who may not or can not walk a few steps down the block to all 4 major banks. There’s one communal table made of a tree slab plank which is not common now a days. Several other tables around for eating alone or second party.
Staff: The staffs here seems to work harder as they understand that it’s a newer place and extra effort needs to be address in other areas. This morning they were figuring the salad bar options each worker wrote down an item and drop in metal containers. I ask lunch time salad bar will be up? They said no this week they’re focusing on just coffee and pastries by next week everything will be on menu ready to go.
Cleanliness: Grade A+, immaculate and spotless.
Eats/​Drinks: Large coffee and apple bran oat muffin on the house. They apologize that at the time that’s all they had going for now. I understand and will give them that benefit of doubt. The coffee was not bitter and was strong. Muffin seems to be outsourced by a local bakery but was moist and had chucks of apple pieces.
Products/​Services: Verve coffee, Mighty Tea Leaf, Torani syrup, Deep River chips, Clover milk, pastries, danishes, muffins, bagels, wraps, breakfast, lunch, snacks, cold/​hot drinks, cookies, fruits, salads, artisan bread by Acme, local sustainable ingredients, combos, daily lunch specials, hot foods. Catering services available must be in at least 48 hours.
Punch Lines: Heart of fi-​di area, downtown Oakland, accessible by all modes of transportation, hotels, cafes, restaurants, Chinatown, Old Oakland, JLS, free shuttle, schools, Sears, within distances of uptown, Fox Theater, banks, drug stores, parking garages, street parking (meter), grocery stores, fashion shops, court house, bail bonds, specialty shops, hardware/​remodeling stores.
Tradeoffs: After years of being in same location and new lease was ink signed, now a second chapter has begun with more modern flare and local sources. Great for coffee snobs now within blocks of each other Blue Bottle, Four Barrel, Bicycle and now Verve.
Final Thoughts: Looks like a winner here. I can say High 12 maybe on the verge of finally competing with other places. They made improvements listen to feedbacks and spent an enormous amount to get it rolling again. Now they may or may not offer the same product line but it exceeds some of it’s rivals, certainly up there though.