Dell Cafe, founded in 1940, is an old-fashioned deli. Favorite dishes include blueberry pancakes; omelets with linguisa sauage; and burgers. Milkshakes are made-to-order at the bar.
Dell Cafe closes early if business is slow, so call ahead near closing time to make sure it's open.
Starbucks is a national chain of coffee houses. In addition to serving the usual coffee items, Starbucks has created various unique beverages with a coffee twist, like the Frappuccino. This Starbucks location also offers pastries, sandwiches and various cold drinks. Starbucks also sells ground coffee beans of either its own blend or coffees from around the world.
Located in the popular Castro Village shopping center, this Starbucks gets more foot traffic than many. Even mid-afternoon, a half dozen people can be seen sipping the popular Frappucchinos or lattes under the chain's signature green umbrellas on the patio out front. While always a reliable place to secure one's caffeination, this Starbucks location is also a great place to peoplewatch, to see and be seen. It's open late, too.
Located on the ground floor of the Eden East medical building, this tucked-away cafe has been caffeinating employees of Eden Hospital and nearby clinics, labs and medical offices for 11 years. A large coffee-bean grinder and shiny espresso machine take center stage behind the counter. Decorated in a country kitsch theme and featuring small vases of silk flowers on each table, this is a comfy place to slow down and drink a morning coffee or sample one of 15 different sandwiches for lunch.
Norman's Grill is a diner located in Castro Valley. The restaurant offers homemade comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open daily. Norman's aims to create a kid and family-friendly atmosphere. All orders are placed at the counter. For further inquiries, phone Norman's Grill.
Stan Wong of the California Parks Company manages Lake Chabot's marina concession under contract with the East Bay Regional Parks system. Along with snacks, lunches, beverages (no alcohol) and anything else you might need for a day in the park, this is where to buy a fishing license (required for those 16 and older) and to learn what fish have been stocked in the lake. Rowboats, pedal boats and kayaks can be rented for $20 to $60 an hour, with discounts for three hours or more. Fishing gear and life jackets for rental or sale. (Swimming and wading is not allowed, because the lake is a drinking-water source.) The cafe is next to the lake, behind the picnic area; from Lake Chabot Road, follow the signs to the marina. The website is updated weekly with info about fish, lake conditions, etc.
With a wall full of Bay Area Best Reader's Choice awards from a local newspaper, it's clear that Jenny's Cafe is a local favorite, year after year. Open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week and for dinner on Fridays, this place has a reputation for good food and friendly service.
This no-frills branch of the coffee chain opens bright and early on weekdays to caffeinate workers at nearby Eden Medical Center, as well as long-distance commuters. There's plenty of outdoor seating on the balcony over the parking area, and two stuffed armchairs by the window are good for chit-chatting.
This warm and cosmopolitan cafe opened in August 2010, in the new Heyer Center at the corner of Heyer and Center Street. You feel you've walked into a fashionable hangout in Cairo or Istanbul, what with the floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, a mirror on the third, flashy LED menus, bright silk curtains, jazz on the stereo and ornate lanterns and lamps. Miniature seating caters to the kiddies, and CNN and free Wi-Fi to the adults. Sam, the owner, makes filter coffee by the cup from a selection of beans. He also serves teas, smoothies, sandwiches and lunch and dinner entrees. Buy eight beverages and get one free. No alcohol served.