Thornhill Coffee House

5772 Thornhill Dr B, Oakland, CA 94611, United States
+1 510-339-8187
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop
(119 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Thornhill Coffee House sits quietly on Thornhill Dr in Oakland, offering a small but inviting spot for grabbing coffee and a casual bite. This local café draws a mix of neighborhood regulars and people working nearby, especially those who appreciate a low-key atmosphere with good outdoor seating. The patio out back is a notable feature — it includes one shaded table and a few spots soaking up sun, making it a solid choice on clear, cool mornings or lazy weekend afternoons when you want to settle in.

The menu strikes a nice balance between coffee favorites and simple, satisfying eats. Bagels and breakfast sandwiches like turkey or ham-made-to-order stand out alongside reliable espresso-based drinks including cappuccinos and chais. For something a bit sweeter, their seasonal gingerbread latte or the Bianca mocha add a subtle twist without overpowering. Customers often mention the care and attention the baristas put into their drinks, suggesting a real passion behind the espresso machine, which keeps folks coming back whether they need a quick caffeine fix or a spot to hunker down with Wi-Fi.

Thornhill’s service leans friendly and personal rather than rushed, even when the café gets busy. The owners and staff are accessible and clearly value connection with their customers, often guiding people on where to park or how long they can stay, which helps create the impression this isn’t just a stop on the way, but a place to linger. Payment methods include cash as well as Venmo and Zelle, reflecting an informal vibe that suits the neighborhood’s mix of longtime locals and new arrivals.

This coffee house works well for a variety of visitors: solo workers needing a reliable Wi-Fi spot, friends catching up over cappuccinos, or hikers and cyclists who drop by after a morning outing in the Oakland hills. Saturdays and weekend afternoons appear especially pleasant for patio seating, while quiet weekday mornings provide a calm backdrop for reading or working.

Parking can be a bit hit-or-miss on the street, but a small lot adjacent to the café offers some relief, typically allowing for about an hour and a half. The compact space inside feels cozy without being cramped, making it a comfortable neighborhood nook rather than a bustling, anonymous chain café.

  • Best for: Casual breakfasts, coffee breaks, light lunches with a relaxed pace.
  • Atmosphere: Cozy, eclectic, with a small outdoor patio that invites lingering.
  • Who enjoys it: Locals from the Oakland hills area, remote workers, and those who appreciate friendly, personalized service.
  • Best time to visit: Weekend afternoons and quiet mornings for a sun-drenched patio experience or focused work session.
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM

119 Reviews
Jenna Wu-Cardona

25 Dec 2025

This place is the best! Huge menu, and incredibly sweet owners. They said the parking lot to the right of the cafe is okay to park in too for up to 1.5 hours, but I parked on the street which was easy to find on a Saturday afternoon. The patio is perfect, with one nicely shaded table and 3 in the sun, and the owners specified that it doesn’t close, so I continued to use the wifi studying past closing time. One note is they don’t take card, but do take venmo.

Nikki Eddy

21 Dec 2025

Kudos to the crew at Thornhill Cafe. Thank you for always taking good care of me. I love your green smoothies. They're refreshing and just make you feel good and your breakfast bagels are awesome. It's my favorite place to stop when I'm working in the hills of Oakland. Doesn't seem to matter how many people are in there. You still get us in and out in no time. You're the best!!

J P

19 Dec 2025

Great local and family owned coffee shop. It's small but we appreciated the space and the wonderful service very friendly and she made our breakfast sandwiches to order. They take cash, Venmo, and Zelle just a heads up but that wasn't an issue for us. Would highly recommend to anyone.

Farzin - Seyed Lavasani

31 Oct 2025

Thornhill Coffee House is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The atmosphere is cozy and eclectic, perfect for a relaxed catch-up with friends or a productive work session. The baristas are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. They take the time to recommend brews based on your preferences, and their espresso drinks are simply divine. I highly recommend trying their signature Thornhill latte, which strikes the perfect balance between rich espresso and velvety steamed milk, topped with a hint of sweetness. The selection of pastries is equally impressive. The almond croissant I enjoyed was flaky and buttery, making it the perfect complement to my coffee. They also offer a range of vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can find something delicious. The community vibe is palpable here, with local art adorning the walls and frequent live music events adding to the charm. It’s clear that Thornhill Coffee House is not just about great coffee; it’s a space where connections are made and memories are created.

Carlos Vargas

31 Oct 2025

Great sandwiches, good service, we were a lot and everything was perfect.

sage fenton

05 Oct 2025

Such a cute family owned cafe! I loved walking in and feeling so welcome! Service was quick and food was yummy!

Daniela Nuñez Zurita

25 Sep 2025

Lovely little coffee shop. Please remember to support your local businesses, skip the larger coffee chains and go get a cup of joe at this lovely shop I got an iced oat latte prepared to perfection, their staff is super sweet also! Great pastries and sandwiches as well.

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