I am specifically looking for a medium mocha roast from an Oakland-based roaster.
Catahoula and Equator both have good medium mocha roasts but they’re not from Oakland. I want to support an Oakland company.
Bicycle, Highwire and Mother Tongue have various medium roasts. But they’re all fruity.
Red Bay is my favorite. But also that “mocha” blend is sort of fruity by design. To avoid fruity drink single origin darker roast.
Red bay Brazilian Cake Lady
Delicious roast. Beautiful Coffee to the People is the mocha blend I was thinking of for OP
I get most of my beans from Cafe Santana
I think we may have a winner here. They sell a medium mocha. I’ve never been there. They have a cafe too. Gives me a chance to check it out. Thanks.
Been going there every week ever since I moved here 4 years ago. I’m in love with their South American beans, especially the Guatemala.
Rich, the owner, is also a very nice and friendly guy. Let me know what you think of the mocha, I’m assuming you’re using it for espresso?
Came here to recommend cafe Santana. Bonus they are opening a new location soon!
Mother Tongue La Farine
I was like how has nobody said mother tongue? This needs to be at the top.
OP said it’s too fruity but it’s one of my favorites
Oh I missed that part. Their nebula dark roast is really good.
Peerless has been around roasting in Oakland for 100 years.
Mr. Espresso is a cute multi generation family business
LOVE Mr Espresso, some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.
I’ve read good things about Mother Tongue but haven’t tried it.
Seconding Peerless! We love their Guatemalan dark roast.
Proyecto Diaz!
If you don’t want fruity I would move away from medium roast and go a bit darker. I’m sure if you go to any of the coffee roasters you mentioned they be able to recommend a coffee for you if you describe the flavor profile you’re interested in.
You could look at McLaughlin Coffee Roasting Company, but they are in Emeryville
I used to grab these when I worked in Emeryville
Mr Espresso, get a medium-dark roast neapolitan at The Caffe.
Do they sell beans at The Caffe?
Yes, The Caffe is owned by Mr. Espresso and they’ve been roasting beans in Oakland for over 40 years.
It’s fresher to buy from the JLS roastery (need to call ahead), but they sell the beans at The Caffe.
Cole Coffee is a more traditional/2nd wave roaster which should fit what you are looking for.
I usually get my beans from Timeless Coffee, I think most third-wave medium roasts lean fruitier but their Merchant Blend might be what you’re looking for
Cafe Santana and sweet Maria’s!
2nd Sweet Maria’s. In addition to roasted beans, their main business is their vast vast offerings of green unroasted beans. They’re one of the leading green coffee retailers in the nation, quite special that we have it in our backyard here in Oakland.
The cupping notes on their website are very helpful if you’re looking for any particular flavor, and you have the freedom to roast to your preferred doneness. It doesn’t get any fresher than this, and cheaper than any specialty roaster. Win win win!
Timeless is good.
I’m not sure which of their roastings would meet your criteria, but RoastCo is an excellent (and reasonably priced) company here in Oakland.
1888
Red Bay. Brazilian Cake Lady. I have a subscription, so I’m biased, but it’s really smooth and delicious.
Proyecto Diaz- a lot of gourmet restaurants use them for their coffee. Their cafe is located in a climbing gym on Mandela Pkwy. I use the at home and always get the crema.
States which I believe is now Bright Coffee on 40th St. Same people and some of the best beans you’ll ever have. If you ever find yourself in Martinez, stop by their original States Coffee location. You won’t be disappointed!
State's Coffee on 40th is awesome
Flower Child!!
Bassline Coffee. They have a website you can order from. Really nice guy runs it.
Black Dane Coffee is excellent. They are at Grand Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays https://www.blackdanecoffee.com/
ī recently went to CoRo coffee roastery , it’s in West Berkeley but it’s really cool, independent people roast their own beans there and also sell them there! i’m not sure if they have exactly what you’re looking for but it could be worth checking out if only to support a hyper-local roaster!