Peet’s Coffee & Tea

I stopped by yesterday around 9:30am for a soy latte. The place was PACKED. Line almost to the door. But it was a fast moving line, and I was able to order in no time. I somehow found a cozy seat near the window, and waited a short time for my drink. Laura I believe was the barista’s name; I have never in my life seen anyone work so fast behind a Peet’s counter, each drink perfection, taking all of the little steps that make them perfect. I hope she’s getting paid the big bucks because her expertise is unmatched in any other Peet’s I’ve been in, and I have been in many!

Great spot to get your work done with a cup of Jo. Noise level is definitely higher than most other coffee shops due to high traffic & of course coffee brewing etc. Bring headphones to mute out external sounds & you’ll be set to go while getting your work done. Cappuccino was on point and sizing was larger than average for a «small». Grind has a strong scent, so be prepared if sitting inside.

The employees here are always extremely nice and pleasant. I even got latte art on my drink on Mother’s Day. What a sweet and nice touch. Thanks to the barista working at the bar at 6:30 pm on Mother’s Day.

Prime spot for a pick-​me-​up in between downtown shopping, but not ideal for those trying to be productive.
Drinks: I usually go for my usual Matcha GTL or a Mighty Leaf iced Green Tea. Baristas are consistent, quick and know how to make good drinks.
Service: Hit or miss, but I really think it depends on the crowd and time of day. Great service when the place isn’t packed like sardines, but I understand that the people behind the counter aren’t always able to be 100% on top of their game when you have a bunch of crying toddlers, loud teenagers and basically a circus to deal with.
Ambiance: Which brings us to the environment and mood. Like I said, because this Peet’s is in such a prime location, it’s a great spot to take a break, but not peaceful or relaxing enough to study or get work done at all. Don’t expect your typical coffee shop vibes.
Price: Same as any other location. Quality and serving parallels price!
Overall: Drinks are deliciously made, service is hit/​miss and ambiance deviates.

This is the only peets location I’ve ordered an iced cold brew with room to pour almond milk in that they charge .60 cents for ME to pour an ounce or less of almond milk in.
When I questioned the woman at the register she said to one of the other employees «like she even knows what an ounce is!» YES I DO BECAUSE I ALSO WORK FOR A COFFEE COMPANY AND CHOOSE PEETS FOR THE ALMOND MILK OPTION!
So I go to the hand off bar to pour myself the almond milk and some into my fiancés cup and the box is empty and I ask for more since there was literally two drops the came out and they said they had no more.
No refund. No apology. Didn’t offer me any other option.

If you know me (or even if you’ve just stood behind me in line at any coffeehouse I frequent or have read a few of my Unilocal reviews), you know I like my coffee like I like my men: black and skrong. Peet’s is well-​known for their sultry, stoic blends which is why they have remained my office’s bagged brew of choice. (We ain’t no Folgers-​holders, honeychile!)
Now, normally I just throw my contribution in and am ever so grateful that my boss does the footwork for us lazy dogs. (Quite literally… She walks down the street instead of driving because hello, we’ve entered the Fitbit era.) But last week I got to work and realized there was absolutely no black crack on deck. None. Nada. Zilch. I knew if the whole squad (especially el jefe!) came in and noticed the absence of that miraculous scent, there would be to pay. I knew this was the universe’s way of pushing me to finally see the inside of the Peet’s on Locust, so I hopped in my G-​ride and took off. (There was no way in fresh hell I would walk through the cold at 7-​something A.M. in heels. If I had that kind of prowess and patience I would’ve been a hooker.)
The inside of Peet’s was cozy, comfortable and easy to maneuver. The delicious and unmistakable smell of roasted beans greeted me as soon as I made my way through the door, as did smiling counterfolk wheelin’ and dealin’ behind the two cash registers designed to get custies in and out quickly. A friendly and knowledgeable gent named Adam (sheesh, I hope? I really, really think that was his name) helped me order a pound of ground beans (House Blend… Keepin’ it classic) and offered me a complimentary cup of coffee. Of course I took it and what’s more, I shamelessly took it to heart like a damn marriage proposal: «Are you serious? Are you ferreal right now? Really? For me? Forever?!» (And also: «Can I have it iced?»)
My boss claims she’s down to retrieve the java-​rama because she wants to get her steps in, but she made sure not to mention the complimentary coffee and quaint surroundings PCT offers. I may just have to become the designated buyer from here on out.

Love this Pete’s, super friendly staff and it’s nice you have the option to park in back.

Peet’s is great in general at many locations and the staff at Walnut Creek Locust location are friendly. However we find that too many times the milk in the espresso drinks is luke warm, even when extra hot is requested. This seems to be a major problem at this location only.

Love Pete’s. Service here was quick and everyone I interacted with was very nice.
I love their dirty chais!

Super friendly staff. Way more organized than the one at Ygnacio Valley Rd. Thank you to the staff here for being consistently great.
Read my review on the Ygnacio Valley Rd Peet’s.

Peets coffee is a good enough, convenient way to get a caffeine fix or even a quick bite while I work on my laptop at the library but nothing too special to be said. I ordered the club sandwich on sourdough ($ 7) which is average taste and ingredients. Nothing about it was too bad except kinda bland, needed mustard or pepper or salt or anything to give it some flavor, also it was the super dreaded government cheese lol I haven’t eaten that since I was a kid, the tomatoes and lettuce were fresh but cheap quality you will notice as soon as you’re done eating it if you are used to non-​gmo or organic food. (I’m talking about the itchy throat and mouth feeling you get from eating pesticides) Overall pleasant experience, but again don’t expect anything special, some of the drinks sound interesting like the Japanese matcha, no cane sugar only white, not gourmet sandwiches but ok enough in a pinch. Bottom line: pretty average and cheap place to grab a drink and snack while you work away on the laptop. Great seating on a long counter in front of the window with ample space to plug in and wifi. I got a lot of work done cuz it was quiet.

I have been going to Peets for many years, in fact, since it got started in Berkeley. These days I frequent three or four of them about twice a week.
Last two Sunday visits to this location proved disappointing. The large lattes just didn’t taste like Peets. They were too weak, as if there were fewer shots in them or lighter coffee. Also, the Ice water jar, a nice touch, was empty today. I have no complaints about Customer Service which has always been very good at this location.
We dropped La Scala when we got a terrible «latte» there few years ago. I guess it’s time to do the same here and try the new popular Coffee Shop next door or head for Peets in Lafayette or Concord.

My boyf stopped by Peets one Eve for a pick me up. He specifically ordered an espresso and a cup of ice. The barista interpreted his order as cup of espresso in the bottom of a plastic cup w ice overflowing. He had to pour the ice out into a different cup to get to the drink.

They gave me a small when I ordered a medium… the barista said the Amount of shots are actually the same, and since there was a long line and they were working at lightning pace, I told them not to worry about it… the barista came to me later and gave me a free drink card! Pretty sweet huh!

They have the WORST service ever‼It’s Saturday morning before work at 8:30 2 people working taking orders and 2 making drinks. The line is out the door. It took me 25 to get a drink and this happens any day if the week. Why don’t they get more helpNot a fun place to go‼

I love my Peets coffee! Been stopping here for quite awhile. It’s a small store and the line could get long, but it does move very quickly and once in awhile they shout out «welcome everyone, thanks for coming in, we’ll get to you as soon as we can». And they mean it!
Great way to start the morning, sit outside and enjoy the group of musicians strumming their banjo’s, guitars and a drum box.

You lot can take a lesson or two in customer service from those at the farmers market for cryin out loud.
The baristas in this location, so not cool with their demeaning attitude.

Not a very large interior seating area. Gets crazy crowded most mornings, especially during the week.
Attractive outdoor area as Locust Avenue is a lovely tree-​lined street with minimal traffic.
Many morning starting at 8am three to four regulars have a jam session outside: banjo, guitar, some kind of bongo drum. Same group that plays often during the afternoons at the Peet’s at Ygnacio Plaza where you’ll find the Sports Basement, Fitness 19, etc.
I took a great video of them playing with a dog barking to the rhythm, but can’t upload it here.

The unfriendliest service at a Peets I’ve been to. The kind where you don’t want to suspect… dun dun DUN– racism– but get a sinking confirmation when the barista has a pissed face serving you and your husband but is shooting sunshine with Caucasians (99% population of Walnut Creek). Sometimes, you just know.
I wish I got that girl’s name. The Asian dude who was grinding coffee looked very friendly and I know I would’ve had a more pleasant time with my coffee if he served us. So of course I know it’s not the same with every employee there.
It is so much better at any other Peets I’ve been to… in SF– Castro, Fidi, Westfield Mall– Belmont, Monterey, or Palo Alto.

I’ve never been a fan of chain coffeehouses, but I have to give it up for Peet’s.
Their «Coffee of the Day» was only $ 2 for a medium, and it was actually delicious. It was very smooth, not too bold, comparable to its more expensive counterparts.
They even have soy milk (for free!) on the counter alongside the dairy options. I approve. Soy milk should NEVER be an additional charge.
I bought a box of tea for a Christmas gift, so my cup of coffee was free! Thanks, Peet’s. You rock.
Oh, and sidenote: some of the baristas are really attractive. Yes, they do have that hipster vibe going on, but it’s pretty hard to avoid at a coffee shop.