Dana Street Roasting Company Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Mountain View for healthy meals suggestion.

Visit below restaurant in Mountain View for healthy meals suggestion.

  • Tzong L.

    My friends wanted to come here for coffee after dinner. Since I don't drink coffee, I got a strawberry smoothie, which was cold and sweet. Great choice to wash down a big dinner.

    (5)
  • Bubba J.

    Above average espresso drinks. Good ambiance, but rather limited seating. Bring cash though, no credit cards accepted :(

    (3)
  • Katharine A.

    I came here for a business meeting with a friend. The coffee was good, the atmosphere ok, and it was generally a good experience. The place was pretty crowded and we ended up sitting outside. There were several people sitting inside working on computers despite the reviews that say that this is frowned upon and outlets are restricted.

    (4)
  • Denise A.

    I had a wonderful experience at this cozy cafe. I went on a Saturday night with a friend to have a change of scene and get some work done. There was some great live jazz music! Since there weren't lyrics, I was able to focus on my reading and still enjoy the lyrics! It was relaxing, enjoyable, and I accomplished a lot! It wasn't crowded, as we found a table right away, but it was pretty full, as we did take one of the last remaining tables. Good atmosphere.

    (4)
  • Zara A.

    Noisy and the service was slow. Then again, it was Sunday morning. Chai latte was good, but underwhelming. There is a review below me that raved about it, but I wasn't so impressed. Perhaps it's a bit better than Red Rock's version, though. They messed up my friend's order and made him (and charged him) for two lattes. EDIT (Thursday night): I take it all back. This chai latte is amazing. EDIT (months later): I ordered two iced chai lattes and they tasted gross and way too spicy. Maybe it only works if they're hot.

    (5)
  • Janel Y.

    Eclectic patrons sip on coffee or eat their salads in a spacey unit where the smell of fresh ground coffee permeates the air. There is limited outdoor seating with most people remaining inside listening to the music that's played overhead or reading, studying or talking as the sunlight drifts through the ceiling to floor windows that look out onto Dana St. Food items include sandwiches, soups, quiches...all at moderate prices. They offer free internet service but do not allow you to plug your computer into the one socket that is hidden in a corner. Weekdays/nights they offer live music to soothe your soul. 2 hour parking all along Castro Street and the lot across from the Roasting Company.

    (5)
  • Grace K.

    My sister and her boyfriend suggested this place to me and it definitely did not disappoint. Their coffee is amazing, and they can make a mean latte. The most impressive part about Dana Street Roasting is that they roast their beans on-site. Doesn't get much more fresh than that! They also have a great selection of desserts and food. Haven't eaten there yet, but I saw a bowl of vegetable soup en route to a table and it looked mighty tasty. It's a bit crowded with the giant roaster in the middle of the shop, and it might be worth their time and energy to figure out a better way to seat a few more people in the shop. Also, depending on who's working, the music can make you feel a little manic, so this isn't the best place for a quiet conversation with a friend. But with coffee that awesome, who wants to talk anyway?

    (4)
  • Evelyn M.

    This place used to be my favorite shop in Downtown Mt. View, but things have unfortunately changed. I used to come here all the time on Sunday mornings. When I visit the farmers market, I love to look at the various stalls while sipping a hot caffeinated beverage. My drink of choice used to be a latte from Dana St. coffee... until recently. My experience & reasoning behind giving a 3 star review vs. 4: There was a morning rush, which I think is a good sign that the shop provides a high quality drink. After I ordered my latte, I waited on the side anticipating it's appearance on the counter. I have a fascination in understanding how a barista pulls a high quality shot of espresso and creates the elusive microfoam. To my shock and horror (i'm a coffee snob, get over it) this was the process the barista took to make my HOT latte:1) He pulled the shot into my to-go cup 2) poured cold milk into the cup 3) put the steam wand into the cup 4) heated up the latte. All I could think was WTF. I know they're trying to be efficient, but geeze lowise, make it correctly! Pull the shot, steam the milk, then pour the milk into the cup with the espresso. It's really not that difficult, and the taste is so much better. Don't sacrifice the taste of the latte to serve a couple more people in an hour! Redeeming traits: Their coffee beans have a nice flavor, and you can't go wrong with the drip. Their pastries are also good, and I used to splurge every once in a while and get one. However, I was so turned off by the way they made their espresso drinks, I've officially made Red Rock my coffee shop of choice in Downtown Mt. View. It's only a block away, and has a very high standard of quality for all its drinks. I figure if i'm spending ~$4 on a drink, it better be worth it. One more thing... it's also annoying that you can't use the power outlets here for your computer. I understand the reason behind it, but i'm not sure if it's really helping this shop's business. It's just another reason I prefer Red Rock to Dana St.

    (3)
  • Rodney O.

    Coffee and espresso drinks like Lattes and Mexican Mochas are quite good. Prices aren't the cheapest, but for the quality you can live with it. Staff however is sorely lacking in service. My wife and I have had mistakes made on our orders several times and staff looks put out and gives you attitude even though it was their mistake. You definitely get the feeling they could care less whether you ever walked through the door again. 4 stars for drinks & quality but -2 for service. Will probably head over to Red Rock after Farmers Market in the future.

    (2)
  • Kenny P.

    I suppose this place is somewhat of a rare find for the coffee lover visiting the area. On Sunday they had live music being played by local artists, with a large crowd taking up most of the space on the inside... it would be tough to find a place to sit down for a while. It's kind of strange to see a few people on their laptops outside sitting on the sidewalk. This place gave me the feel of an independent SF coffee house, pretty busy, live music, and not that clean either. Their tea here is simply brewed from bags, and is not very strong. I don't think they factor in the amount of water with how much tea you actually need. Steeping time for the tea was also ample, and it was still too light. I guess you shouldn't come here for the tea, but coffee only. And I'm not too sure on the quality of the specialty drinks either. Sitting outside wasn't too comfortable, because the tables and chairs are literally right next to the curb which is a bit too close to the road for me. We had to sit with a few strangers outside because it place was so packed, so that was a bit awkward.

    (3)
  • Nick K.

    Hands down, best coffee in the south bay. They roast their beans daily, specializing in light roasts. Every bean I've tried (10+ varieties ranging from the Americas to Africa) has exceeded my expectation. My only knock is their espresso. Sad to say, it's never great, which is an incredible shame considering how delicious and fresh their coffee beans are. I wish that they would showcase their single variety beans in their espresso drinks rather than resorting to a very standard espresso blend. Their light-roast beans would really shine with a well pulled shot. Stick to the drip coffee. The cafe is extremely bare-bones. Tables, chairs, coffee counter. They have no power outlets which seems to force human interaction. What a concept! Come with friends on a lazy weekend afternoon, or enjoy a cup of coffee with a good book.

    (4)
  • Christina J.

    A Haight-Ashbury/Berkeley gem smack in Mountain View! Well-worn musty atmosphere of a converted warehouse or general store. Good for a short coffee break, but nothing longer as there are no outlets and the smorgasbord of old tables/chairs aren't quite comfortable. Ample street parking, though be prepared to walk a few blocks in case. ++ | Fantastic fresh coffee & specialty mochas - Starbucks has NOTHING on this. Independent coffee rocks: Americano = $1.65

    (3)
  • P L.

    Been going here on and off for two years now. Coffee quality is hit or miss depending on who prepares it. Pastries have been stale, ambiance average, and customer service is much like their coffee -it's hit or miss depending on who's helping you that day.

    (1)
  • Vicky L.

    This place is a total hole in the wall! I couldn't even find a sign on the store front when I was driving up and down Dana Street looking for it. It reminds me of those unique indie coffee shops you find tucked away somewhere in Seattle before everything was monopolized by Starbucks and Peet's. We came here for our typical girl's night out gossip and craft fest. Their chairs were fairly comfortable, drinks seemed good. It was a great experience except for the weird freaky couple sitting in the table next to us that needed to get a room... they'd just hug and not move for 5 minutes and star at each other for another 10 minutes....

    (4)
  • Anna S.

    Coffee is good, but I like Red Rock Coffee around the corner better. The baristas were nice, but the gentleman making our coffee was taking his sweet old time, chatting it up with someone... Not a big deal, but if I had to go back to work or something, I would have been a little annoyed.

    (3)
  • Nina K.

    Ahh dana street. my home away from home. Perfect for lazy weekend evenings. Just roll over after a dinner out, and listen to some live music... for the price of a cup of tea. Since i moved to the bay area, I've tried many times to find a coffee shop that captures every aspect perfectly, casual friendly ambiance, nice barristas, good food on the side, and good music. Stop searching now. Dana street is it.

    (5)
  • Mark L.

    I think I would prefer this place in the morning to either of the other available coffee joints in the early mornings. A visit to the competition left me feeling "gee this is everything I left San Francisco to get away from"- table on table of people lost in their laptops, probably hoping on hope to find employment, unless permanently hipster-retired. SIlicon Valley nouveau-riche, or something. This place does not have a crowded atmosphere, there is a lot of room, and if there are people on their laptops, there's usually only 1 or 2 and not an entire army. They make good strong coffee brewed right there and even have an ATM inside since they do not take cards. You can buy it in takeaway bags. They make a nice hot chocolate too. Sooner or later I'll get around to testing their sandwiches & soups; but for now, it works really well for me;;;

    (3)
  • Split I.

    Great coffee, some of the best I've ever had. single shots of espresso are heaven here. Prices are very reasonable. I can get a biscotti and a shot for under three dollars. A regular cup of coffee is only $1.25. The staff can swing anywhere from friendly to quiet to grumpy, and sometimes the service may slow down, but hey I would rather it be great and created with care instead of sloppy, fast and bad. It's an all around great place that the locals swear by, and so do I.

    (5)
  • Scooter K.

    Decent place but these guys do not provide power through their plugins. Somewhat embarrassing but they said they don't. Make sure to fully charge your laptop/cell/iPad before coming here...coffee's okay though.

    (2)
  • Matthew W.

    This is my "local". There are weeks where I will stop by 1-2 times each day. Great iced tea, hot chocolate and of course coffee coffee coffee. I also get sandwiches and soup regularly, and its always good. They also understand roasting; you won't get St@#$&*!ks over-roasted crap here. Having once worked for the dreaded coffee company from Seattle, I believe I know what of I speak. Coffee does not need to be made into charcoal to be rich, bright and full-bodied. The coffee in Europe is not all dark. No frills here, just honest food and beverage. Check out music nights too!

    (5)
  • M T.

    very nice chai, although temperature wise was not quite as hot as I would like

    (4)
  • June H.

    They make decent coffee, but I always get the feeling they're making my mochas a bit sweeter than I like them to be. :-/ As sweet as Starbucks. They don't let you use their outlets, which is kind of dumb in a sense. I guess this keeps people from staying too long and just studying. I can see it from a cafe owner's point of view to keep the cafe for socialising or for doing things old school. But still! I want to use my lappy here. :( Their prices are competitive and cheaper than Red Rock so I prefer coming here when I'm in Mountain View. They're not crazy hipster like Barefoot, but decent in the amount of angsty post-teens who show up at their door (if you like that sort of crowd). Being Barefoot Light, Dana St. caters to a whole range of people, from the older crowd to obnoxious teeny boppers. You're bound to see someone or something interesting here. All in all, 2.5 stars out of 5 which rounds up to a 3.

    (3)
  • Sam L.

    Price: Fantastic! I got a large cup of drip coffee for $1.75, which I think is very competitive in this economy. I felt like I got a great deal for a small coffeehouse cup. Taste: Satisfying. I went with the House Blend, which was a medium-dark roast. Though it tasted a little burnt to me, maybe that was just because it was almost the bottom of the barrel. Still, it had a strong coffee taste, which I like! Nice to know that they roast their own beans, and it definitely transfers over to taste. Service: Nice! The barista helping me was very amiable. I asked him what he recommended, and he said either a cappuccino or the House Blend drip. I think it's a great sign when an employee is able to confidently recommend something to customers! Atmosphere: Here's why Dana St. didn't get 4 stars from me, to be honest. Many reviewers call this a "hipster" place, and so I expected to find something akin to SF's Blue Bottle or maybe FourBarrel. But Dana St. has a very different vibe, and though I am sure this is exactly what lots of folks are looking for, it's not what I expected. The place looked a bit tattered and not the cleanest, but I definitely can see this appealing to some. I also may have visited on an off day, but the atmosphere really didn't do it for me. It was also bizarrely hot inside. On a 60 degree December day, the atmosphere inside of Dana St. was stifling. Lastly, there was the strangest aroma lingering about the establishment. Perhaps it had been some sort of entree gone wrong, but the air didn't have that rich, flavorful, coffee roasting smell I had so hoped for. All of this led me to take my coffee to go. I enjoyed it (very much!) in the comfort of my own car & home.

    (3)
  • H T.

    Just off castro - came here for some mid-day weekend conversation with a friend. Since I don't drink coffee and it was hot out I opted for my go-to drink of a raspberry italian soda. They made it remarkably well here and prices are very reasonable. My only gripe is I wish they had more seating here. Free wifi and outdoor seating are available if you manage to snag a spot.

    (3)
  • Cecilia T.

    Got a simple cup of decaf coffee - whatever their serving is GOOD! Strong smooth quality flavor. Great place to read a book or study or work on ur laptop. Tall ceilings give it an open feeling. Urban with lots of intellectual peeps hangin out. Definitely coming back!

    (4)
  • Mal C.

    Sometimes I felt like I wasn't hipster enough to be in here, but Aaron always made me feel at home, and the crowd was definitely very diverse. I loved the fresh soups and sandwiches that they make here, and of course I LOVE THE COFFEE. My favorite coffee in Mountain View. I also enjoyed checking out the live shows on Friday's and Saturday's! Free Wi-Fi, but they request that you don't use their plugs - good spot to actually read books or study.

    (4)
  • Jeffery L.

    I love to be an irregular here. I used to be regular, but they fixed that with the first visit more than a decade ago. So, if your life is in need of a little loosening up, GET HERE! P.S.(you figure what that is abbrev for) They have the BEST entertainment opportunity for most Friday and Saturday evenings. I have watched more people stop in total confusion than anywhere else in town...JOKING! Always enjoyable.

    (5)
  • Kenneth S.

    This place rocks (trite but true) as much for the great coffee Aaron roasts as for the people it attracts. One nite I was there listening to jazz group play when the sax player came up to me to say hi. Without his white coat I didn't realize he was my dermatologist. Some time ago my flute teacher's young prodigies played a set that amazed the unexpecting audience with expert navigation of complex musical riffs. Then tonite, I stopped in for a late nite decaff and sat down with my book to chill for a bit. Then to my ammazement, I watched a Gandolf-like character holding court with a group very engaged and articulate scientists - he was whit diffie - look him up. The place is a bit funky with minimal set of garage sale tables and chairs, so get there early. The wi-fi is free, the coffee is fabulous and it's a great place to settle in for an afternoon's laptoping or book reading. go aaron!

    (5)
  • Sharah H.

    No more waiting to hit the City for Coffee to the People! They've got rice milk here in my neighboorhood!! Small place & I haven't really been able to explore much but will definitely be back! I ordered the Ibarra (Mexican) Hot Chocolate which I do have at home but having to grind that stuff casn be time consuming Thanks for wasting your time on me Dana St Cafe ; ) 5 stars for great service from Emily, for being so close to my place, & for going the extra mile by carrying Rice milk.

    (5)
  • Lancer K.

    Good late. Hot lunch and dinner available. They have my mom's apple pie!

    (4)
  • Liz L.

    This is exactly what a local independent coffee shop should be. The staff is friendly without being annoyingly chipper, they -actually- know about coffee and how to make espresso drinks, and they roast their own beans. Aaron, the roaster and generally awesome guy is very knowledgeable about coffee and happy to provide advice. He's a guy who really loves his coffee and getting other people to love it too. He also makes up special drinks that aren't on the menu, but you have to be one of the cool kids to know what they are (no, I'm not telling). The atmosphere is nice, there's outdoor seating when the weather is good, and plenty indoor as well. When they're roasting beans it smells absolutely divine in there. There's live music on some nights, which is cool, but means you should check the schedule before having a date there; go on the wrong day and you won't be able to talk!

    (5)
  • Danny H.

    The first time I came here I ordered a fancy specialty drink, they left it on the counter and didn't let me know. The baristas seemed too cool to care. Well, the baristas are too cool, but that's part of the feng shui of this place. This place shines when you are unemployed, and broke, and need somewhere to go. A buck for a cup of coffee and a buck and change for a fresh pastry, an hour or more on the wifi, reading the Palo Alto Daily News, people-watching, chatting with the regulars . . . then when the power runs low on my laptop or I am otherwise ready for a change of pace, time to wander to the Mountain View Public Library with a bottled water, where I can plug the laptop in and continue my job search, or in other times, my research, planning for my backpacking expedition into the world. This is another case where I rarely give five stars, but for Dana Street I have a special love. The love that comes from being broke and unemployed and having somewhere to go to nourish the body and the spirit, while on some days a barista will load beans into the roaster, and provide a special thrill. This is one place where my soul has felt at home.

    (5)
  • Laurie S.

    I'm no barista, but I know good coffee when I taste it. The Thai Coffee is the stuff of dreams... I love coming here late and soaking up the caffeine and ambience. Plus, the employees crack me up. Pass on the pastries though... I'll put the money/calories toward another Thai Coffee!

    (4)
  • Christy J.

    Overview: I wish I could give Dana Street four or five stars, but I just can't. I should say though that their coffee is by far the best I've had. The coffee is worthy of 5 stars, but the experience and ambiance bring down their score dramatically. Must Try: My husband loves, loves, loves their mochas and I'm a huge fan of the latte (full fat - don't go healthy on this!). Stay Away: Unfortunately, unless you choose a pastry out of the daily delivered bakery boxes, you're probably going to get a dry, stale piece of yuckiness. Basically, stay away from anything in plastic wrap or in their glass case. Ambiance: Well, there isn't any! I'm also a big fan of things being clean and sometimes I get the feeling that this place is growing things - if you catch my drift. The furniture is dilapidated and the floor looks like it hasn't been mopped since the place opened. There are three tables outside, two of which are smoking tables. Believe you me, I think smokers should have some rights, but when the non-smoking table is right beside the smoking tables, it defeats the purpose. Props to them for trying at least. Net-Net: Get your coffee to go, buy your pastries out of the bakery boxes and don't, I repeat don't look at the floors, furniture, cobwebs in the corners, etc!

    (3)
  • Lola Z.

    Wow - what an unexpected, eclectic little treat in down town MV! I walked in and was transported back to our old stomping grounds in Hayes Valley. Nice, low key coffee shop with the clientele to match. And now, the coffee...I ordered a latte and it was delicious. Just the right amount of foam and the depth of the coffee was superb. It also didn't leave me with the buzz of crack cocaine which some folks may think is a bad thing but I liked the mellow buzz. Also had a slice of lemon poppy seed cake which looked a little sketch from the deli case as it was wrapped in saran wrap but it was perfectly fresh, moist and hit the spot. I'll definitely be back, man! Oh and they roast their own beans which may lend to the awesome flavor of the brew. How cool is that?!

    (4)
  • Arthur C.

    Nice place to sit down for a chat over a cup of coffee. If you're just looking for coffee, these guys are probably the best. They have a coffee roaster right there in the room where you sit. It's hard to find a seat with a plug to get work done though.

    (5)
  • Steph V.

    I've never understood the fad of going to a coffee shop to study. You could just as easily study at home or in a park, without the distraction of the eclectic Castro populace. The real purpose of coffee shops (for me at least) is to provide an atmosphere for some conversation with a friend, or just to kill some time drinking chai while acting super bohemian. With that said, Dana Street Roasting Co is superb. I am always too broke to order soup or salad, but I do regularly get their soy chai. That's right, not chai latte, just chai. They brew it from scratch for something like 24 hours in the back, so it's not the pansy bullshit they serve at Starbucks. It's lost a little bit of its kick over the years (or perhaps I've just gotten more intense by comparison) so order it STRONG. Their packaged pastries run the gamut from "awesome" (try the berry crumble bar) to "brick" (the oatmeal brick). They get their stuff from the same provider as Red Rock, so if you've tried their pastries then you've tried those of Dana Street. People who work here are awesome and are likely to give you a free coffee if you act cute (and are female). In fact, some of them actually know the farmers whose beans they are roasting. Which is pretty amazing if you're one of those people who likes to feel connected to their source of food. Further props for giant windows. Even further props for awesome live music and a nice sense of community.

    (5)
  • Stephen M.

    PROS - Good coffee roasts and skillful preparation. Decent food. Excellent local music - especially those jazz artists - many nights. Fair prices and decent Wi-Fi connectivity. CONS - sometimes there can be less-than-friendly staff on duty, there can also be spotty or slow service and, as mentioned by others, the horrific clouds of cigarette smoke hanging around the front door thanks to patrons at the outdoor tables

    (4)
  • Emily G.

    Dear Owner/Manager/Whoever-Is-In-Charge, My boyfriend and I visited your cafe this afternoon for our first time. We have been in Mountain View for 3 years now, and have slowly been emerging from our cocoon of "the familiar." For years now I have been a regular Starbucks consumer, and he a Peets consumer. Part of the reason we have been hesitant to break away from these establishments is because of their consistency and a guarantee that 99% of what we order will be exactly what we want/expect. But today we wanted to try something different, something local and home-grown. We decided to try your cafe. We walked in and were instantly wrapped in the aromas, and relieved to find a warm and cozy atmosphere, more homey than anything Starbucks or Peets could offer. At the counter I had trouble deciding which sumptuous dessert to try, my boyfriend had the same problem with the extensive selection of mochas offered. By the time we selected our Fudgy Wudgy Cake and Mint Mocha, our mouths were watering with excitement. The sweet lady behind the counter tallied the price, which was a lot cheaper than we would have expected, and I thought to myself "if that cake tastes as good as it looks, this is just going to have to be my new regular spot." My boyfriend reached into his wallet, and then we heard those awful words: "Sorry, we only accept cash or check here." I was just an itty bit astounded. This is 2009, right? Well, neither of us had cash on us (we rarely do) so our options were to A) walk around the corner to the ATM and pay a $2 fee, or B) leave. It was raining, so we chose B. We got into the car, drove to a Starbucks, and got our drinks. I was really disappointed today, because the cafe was so enticing, and we've heard good reviews about it. When we left I felt like a little girls whose mother had taken her to an ice cream parlour, let her order a double-scoop in a waffle cone with toppings, and then took her home before she could eat the ice cream. That sucked. The point I'm trying to make is that I'd really like to come back and experience all there is at the cafe, but that cash/check only behaviour is not something I want to encourage. I know many small businesses refrain from using card services to avoid the fees attached, but honestly, I'd be happy to pay a little extra in the price of my coffee and Fudgy Wudgy for the convenience of being able to use my debit card. I hope this is something your company will consider, and if so, I will be the first person in line to hand over my little piece of magic plastic. All the best.

    (2)
  • S B.

    By far the best coffee around (not that that is saying much in this coffee wasteland). Service is slow, but generally friendly, and someone needs some pointers on how to make a proper 'dry' cappuccino but the beans they use are very good quality and the atmosphere is laid back and unpretentious.

    (4)
  • Robert R.

    I should mention that I'm old friends with the owner, Nick Chaput, so my opinion is a bit biased.... but Dana Street Roasting is the closest thing Mountain View has to an extended family, a public living room, a corner pub. This isn't the place to order your Venti Decaf Rice Dream Vanilla Latte. You're likely to receive a world-weary dirty look from your pierced and inked barista. Sure, the decor is a bit funky, and too many people smoke at the outside tables. But the coffee here is tops. Aaron roasts grade A beans every few days, sourced from some of the best plantations in the world. If he's in a good mood you can stand by the roaster while he monitors the beans, and ask him about the process. He takes a great deal of pride in the fact that Dana Street avoids the over-roasted bitter beans made so popular by the Dominant Paradigm. You'll note the coffee here has a brighter profile than the more darkly roasted Peets or Star$$, with more of the varietal differences showing through. You can taste the grassy citrus overtones of the Ethiopian Harrar compared to the chocolatey mineral underpinnings of the Columbian. I used to drink coffee with lots of milk and sugar, but Dana Street's coffee actually tastes better black. The staff has mastered the meringue-like foam on cappucino. They steam the milk to the point that it has its own sweetness, partially caramalized. Critiques? Sure. I wish they would make a fresh drip coffee upon ordering, rather than rely on the thermos pumps in the corner. I wish their food prep system could become streamlined with a real kitchen so the sandwiches and salads don't take so long to prepare. The food here is totally secondary, anyway, and Nick has made it clear that he doesn't want to run a restaurant. I'm not an impartial reviewer, but Dana Street fills a void in our neighborhood that few other coffee joints could ever replace. ( flavornotes.com )

    (5)
  • Mario L.

    This is my favorite coffee shop. Friendly service, great coffee, plenty of seating, plus they often have live music. There are enough tables so I always feel comfortable if I want to stay for a while and read. Also, the crowd it draws is friendly.

    (5)
  • Josephine S.

    Lovely, unique coffee shop with tasty drinks and character. I have to admit I'm more of a sugar with a sprinkle of coffee customer, so I lack the personal depth to distinguish good straight coffee. I hear theirs is great though. I do love the Mexican Mocha, Mint Mocha, and hot chocolate (made with powder not nasty syrup so common in other coffee shops). I also like the Chai latte sometimes but find that half the time it tastes bitter, so I usually don't risk it. The live music is hit or miss, but hearing live music while drinking coffee drinks (in my case, not actual coffee) makes up for the fact that the music isn't always to my taste. On the negative side, the layout of the shop limits available seating. I like that the atmosphere is not mass produced but it could stand to be more cozy with more small tables available.

    (5)
  • Alexa S.

    I am so embarrassed!! I've been living in Mountain View for the last eleven years and have never been to this place until a month ago! I've always heard great things and have always known it was an authentic place. After going once, I can no longer stop. THIS is the place for cappuccinos, iced and hot, as well as yummy pies if you feel like it. Absolutely every employee is incredibly sweet and they even put up with obnoxious coffee connoisseurs (he kept on asking me about random cappuccino preferences even though I definitely am not that picky). They have exquisite coffee as well of course.

    (5)
  • Kristin W.

    I often secretly wish I could quit my job, and work at Dana Street. I recommend Dana Street's Chai Latte, as they make it themselves and it's very flavorful. Couple that with going in in the afternoon. I really enjoy the personalities of the staff, which often come out in facial expressions, apparel, tattoos, or facial hair. One guys looks remarkably like Hugh Laurie (he must get that a lot). A good alternative to Red Rock, or this one place... I kind of forgot the... oh yeah... starbucks.

    (5)
  • Pachi C.

    Food: Lovely Service: Friendly and prompt Price: Less than the chains for the most part I found Dana on Yelp while searching for a place to meet a friend I hadn't seen for about 15+ years. The experience was wonderful! Tucked away in a less traffic-ridden part of DT Mountain View, you enter to the music of a live band playing on a early Sunday afternoon. Did I mention that the lattes are superb? Fresh expresso, frothy with the perfect blend of the shot of vanilla I had requested. I had a bite of my friend's caramel-nut-chocolate bar. Delicious! Aside from the fact that you had raise your voice over the band, this place is the best for an afternoon cup of coffee! I can't wait to go back. Tip: I missed the shop because the signage wasn't especially clear upfront. Look for the rustic storefront and the many happy people sipping coffee on Dana!

    (5)
  • Jessica R.

    Great place to check out local artist the jams are great...

    (5)
  • Marianne S.

    Love. Just love. Aaron rules, Emily rules, they're all just really nice people. I never get the snotty attitude from these guys that I get from some of the other shops in town. They remember the regulars and always seem genuinely pleased to see me. And the House Blend is so smooth. Mmmmm.

    (5)
  • Ryan T.

    I had a very nice banana mocha here this morning, with real whipped cream (and not that fake stuff in a can). Very yummy stuff. The pumpkin cookie (on the large side for a cookie) was packed with an appropriate cinnamon-nutmeg-allspice combo of flavors and nicely glazed. I also had a piroshki, cheese and spinach to be exact--meh, it was ok, but at least not horribly microwaved to death and rubbery like some places might do. While the establishment offers free wifi, they go out of their way to let you know they do not provide power in the form of outlets. While it's their prerogative, it's not really my style of service (perhaps I can head down that way with my laptop when I know I'll only be there for its battery life or when I eventually update the machine). And oh, cash only cramps my style. But I'll most likely be back for at least a banana mocha, if not to try something else.

    (3)
  • Paco G.

    Super friendly staff, tasty & affordable snacks. Coffee is good. No plugs, so don't plan to bring your laptop, but a great place to socialize or read the paper. Don't come here and expect to spend the day glued to your laptop. Come here if you want to have a conversation with real people. Oh yeah, reality, that thing.

    (5)
  • Lauren H.

    The Good Stuff: The house drip coffee is the tastiest on Castro Street, hands down. And it's independently owned, features local music talent on the weekends, and has a more laid-back vibe than the other nearby alternatives. The Bad Stuff: Not accepting credit cards (hello, this is Silicon Valley!), not allowing for laptop plug-ins (although I suspect this adds to the laid-back vibe), and most importantly, half the time I come in here I get pestered by a fly that's buzzing around my head (like, right now). It makes the whole place seem kind of dirty. Seriously, I live in Mountain View, and I've never been anywhere with a fly problem like Dana Street. I guess the flies appreciate the coffee too...

    (3)
  • Max R.

    I am fascinated by the fact that they can consistently roast a very decent espresso blend, and at the same time, and with equal consistency, do not seem capable of pulling a tasty espresso or making a proper cappuccino. In my universe, roasting is hard and pulling shots is relatively easy. At Dana, this general trend is reversed. The good: - A fine place to buy whole bean coffee. - A fine place to sit down and chat with a friend or to read a paper. - Every other place within walking distance makes worse espresso. The bad: - Being the best in a mediocre group still leaves you mediocre.

    (3)
  • Alex N.

    This receives 5 stars for many reasons, here are just a few: 1) Awesome staff, without them, this place wouldn't be what it is today. 2) Some of the best coffee around with the roasting done inside the actual place! 3) An eclectic group of awesome customers. 4) AND!!!!! They have awesome live music (jazz usually it seems) on Friday and Saturday nights that you can't miss!

    (5)
  • Dima S.

    Downgraded to 4 stars: coffee is still great, service is non-existent. You have to clean your own table.

    (4)
  • Robbie B.

    I've been coming here for years, and have enjoyed it. But last night, I was so disappointed. First of all, the sign on the door says they close at 10, but they put away the coffee, and had chairs on the table at 8:30. And then they started spraying tables with (Stinky) cleanser. The barrista had long hair and kept running his fingers through it, at one point, playing with a hair he had pulled out. He also picked up garbage off the floor with his fingers--while working at the counter, serving food and drinks. The floor was very dirty. I may try one more time because this experience was so much worse than any of the dozens of visits I have had in the past. But I was pretty disgusted.

    (2)
  • Liezl C.

    One of the top two places for fantastic drip coffee in Mountain View! Sorry dudes, I don't mention other business names in my reviews unless it's praise. Oh wait this is...Sufi is the other great tasting coffee place. Pros: -Has a rustic charm: that is not code for "crap" -Dah-licious drip coffee: you can tell it's super fresh -Live music here: adds to the charm -Roast their own beans -They make their own chai! And yes that is delicious too. I make my own at home, but Dana Street's is nice and spicy! Only $2.60 for a single. Cons: -Tables are either really big or really little Bottom line: So glad I found out about this place. Good ol' Yelp emails! When I walked in, I felt like I was in a cafe in SF, which makes me feel nice and fuzzy. Now I can be cool and hipster like, and that can be difficult to do in Mountain View.

    (4)
  • Kristen R.

    We love this place! Can't say enough good things about it. We probably head here at least 3-4 times per week and on the weekends always start our day here. My mocha tastes different depending on who makes it but it's always good. Much better than chain establishments. Friendly baristas and the place has a feel similar to "Cheers" Where everyone knows your name.

    (5)
  • Courtney P.

    Tried the hazelnut latte. Definitely a good morning. I like the atmosphere and definitely want to come back for a live music nite. Cash only tho is a bummer.

    (5)
  • Amadeo D.

    Firstly I'm embarrassed that I haven't written a review for Dana St Roasting Company yet. I've been coming to this cafe on a daily basis since 1994, although admittedly not so frequently since I moved to San Jose. I remember when it used to be called 'Jumpin Java' and the logo was a leaping coffee bean character. I've spent many a morning slowly restoring my constitution after a long evening of excess, over a hot cup of house blend and bagel. I've caught up with countless friends here, and it was my 'office' when I first ran my start up. I've met many new friends outside over ca smoke, and I've enjoyed many stimulating conversations and debates. I've performed several times on the tiny stage, and seen many friends perform on the same stage. I even remember a time before there was a stage. I am proud to own the only red hoodie DSRC sweatshirt ever produced (only one to my knowledge)., and I know the girl who designed their logo. There is a picture of me on the wall. But enough about me and my biased opinion, let's get down to the facts about Dana St. Roasting Company. Their coffee is superior, period. I'm a huge fan of the house blend. It's always good. The Costa Rica La Minta is out of this world as well as the Yirgacheffe. If you buy a pound of beans, they'll give you a free cup of coffee. Their espresso drinks are also fantastic but I'm more of a drip coffee guy so I usually don't go there. They have a modest kitchen, but they do crank out some awesome sandwiches and salads (try the Turkey Ceaser). I'm a big fan of the Pecan Roll pastries and the Chocolate Croissants. In the evening on the weekends you'll see local Jazz performances withe the occasional Blue Grass. They don't accept plastic, but there is an ATM in the back. the offer free reliable wifi, but you cannot plug in your computer. Nick is the owner, and ever year he takes a trip to Costa Rica to meet with the coffee growers and secure the next years beans. Each year he takes one of the employees with him becuse he's just that cool. He is conscious to keep his prices lower than the competition but maintain excellent quality. BTW, if you're ever served by Nick ask him about Goonies 2. Aaron is the head roaster, (may I say Roast Master General?). He's the most friendly and genuine barista in the South Bay. He is quite serious about coffee and has been so since before I started frequenting DSRC in the 90's. Ask him to surprise you with something and let his creativity take you away to a caffeinated heaven. This place gets busy. On a Sunday Morning when the Farmers market is going on just around the corner, don't be surprised to see a line out the door. Just suck it up and wait for it, cuse it's worth it. Dana St Roasting Company is what a neighborhood coffee shop should be. good product, good people, casual unpretentious environment, and reasonably priced.

    (5)
  • Floria C.

    Great coffee, spacious interior, and (semi-)computer friendly! 1. Atmosphere: I really like the atmosphere. There's a high ceiling and huge windows, which makes the shop feel really spacious and refreshing. Especially if you are planning to work for a while, or if it's a nice day outside, the atmosphere allows you to feel relaxed and not like you are stuck indoors all day. And there are a few chairs/tables outside that you can sit at (but there may be smokers). Rotating on the speakers were Bob Dylan and the Beatles... can't beat that. The few downsides are that the tables and chairs are not too comfortable and the space is somewhat bare and cold feeling (rather than cozy and warm). I'm neutral about the huge coffee roaster/grinder machine being right in the middle of the seating area - it can be a bit of a distraction, but you can learn about how your coffee went from bean to cup. 2. Food & Drinks: So far I've had a hazelnut latte and an iced chai latte. Both were good, and the chai is made from scratch (no powders). They roast and grind their own coffee, and you can tell they really care about producing coffee that is focused on both quality and fair practices. Not too expensive, about $2-$3.50 for a drink. As for food, there are bagels, desserts, muffins, etc. We had a cheese bagel with cream cheese and it was superb (or at least, as good as a bagel with cream cheese can get). 3. Customer Service: Generally, everyone has been friendly/tolerable, but the staff is still a mixed bag of sorts. You might get a really cool, laid-back chick, a shy guy, or a more talkative cashier. If you are picky/sensitive, you might feel that some of the staff has that pretentious barista complex. Just don't provoke them. 4. Crowd: Also a mixed bag. All ages, all ethnicities, and all backgrounds. At any given point, it seems about 1/2 the people are on their laptops. I'd say the age range is late 20s to early 40s. 5. Laptop users: there is a really good, free wi-fi signal, but they do NOT provide outlets for you to charge your battery. Make sure you charge up before you head over. (BTW, if your battery is about to die, just head over to Books Inc. across the street, which has a seating area upstairs and several outlets). BONUS: They have live music and jazz some nights. Haven't checked it out yet, but am definitely planning to! I would give the place 5 stars if I didn't have a slight run-in with one of the more pretentious employees. But that's not going to stop me from going again... so that's saying something.

    (4)
  • Sarah S.

    Dana Street Roasting Co isn't my first choice while in downtown Mt. View but starbucks and Red rock tend to get really packed. Since it's located on a side street, Dana tends to be quieter, has a good amount of tables, lots of sunlight, and free wifi. The downside is it's CASH ONLY.

    (3)
  • Ed S.

    I want to like this place. There's a lot of potential in its laid back atmosphere, live music, good coffee and high ceilings. However, the staff really ruins it. I've been there several times, determined to give it another chance, but the people working there seem to harbor some kind of silent disdain (at worst) or wistful apathy (at best) for the customers. I would think it was something I said or they didn't like my hair-cut... but the people over at Red Rock Coffee are friendly, attentive and engaging. So what's the deal, Dana Street? I'd still go to Dana Street before I'd go to Starbucks, but there are way friendlier options on Castro Street. Go to Red Rock or even Spica Coffee.

    (2)
  • Lorrie M.

    I never even knew this was a coffee shop until a coworker introduced me to it recently. I've passed by this on the other side of the street probably 50 times when visiting Mountain View but I guess since there aren't any huge, obvious signs... perhaps this is why. Inside you will find a very hipster vibe, sort of a barefoot meets somewhere in SF (particularly in the Mission...) ambiance. There is a roaster on site and someone is usually dutifully roasting throughout the day. The sweet aroma of coffee fills the air and you get your latte's served in a fancy glass for here where you can truly see the creamy deliciousness of your coffee. My usual soy latte was delightful, just the right amount of creamy and not too heavy of a roast which I liked. They had a huge variety of different selections and types of coffee, and even live music sometimes. Definitely a cool spot to check out.

    (4)
  • Kim N.

    Definitely one of the better coffee venues in the area. They also have music events in which they had Charlie Hunter, perhaps one of the most badass guitarists of all time play. Solid caffeine products, semi hipster vibe, but fairly friendly workers and interesting people watching.

    (4)
  • Linda F.

    Good coffee when I want caffeine and good sugar-free Italian soda when I don't. Excellent atmosphere - Red Rock has a weird bar-ish vibe to it, while Dana is a cute & quiet coffeehouse, good for a date or to work for a few hours.

    (5)
  • Jenny T.

    LOVE their chai although it is very inconsistent every time I order it. The baristas are always really nice. Downside- cash only and no plugs to charge your electronics. The pie is so good but soooo bad for you.-_- but it is like heaven in your mouth but death for everything else because it is so unhealthy.

    (4)
  • ramesh s.

    This place is all kinds of awesome. Amazing coffee, great staff, great prices and really comfortable to get work done.

    (5)
  • Edward J.

    It takes some effort to make coffee as bad as what they serve at Dana. The only reason for going there is the occasional live music. As a coffee aficionado, I recommend getting their tea instead.

    (1)
  • Sarah Z.

    They roast their own. Nice old school cafe vibe.

    (4)
  • Lil M.

    I always walked by this place and finally decided to stop by. The good: Nice atmosphere. Decent pie. Free wi-fi. Relaxed vibe. The Bad: Small tables. Minimal seating. Weak coffee. If you can find a seat, it's a nice place to relax for a bit, but unless you like the hipster-vibe (I won't judge you) there are other better cafes to go to.

    (2)
  • Shadi K.

    Not what I expected. I drove all the way from the peninsula to try out the hype about this coffee shop to meet a friend. I am a coffee snob and I know coffee very well. I did expect a coffee quality comparable to Blue bottle of four barrels, but it was way far off. The service wasn't as friendly as well. ask for a second cup of back drip and was surprised that I have to help myself form a coffee pot, which means who knew how long the coffee been there.

    (1)
  • Kate Y.

    Great coffee, good service! Definitely has a hipster feel to it, but it is a breath of fresh air from the typical Starbucks coffee shop.

    (4)
  • Matt J.

    Let me start off by saying this. I own a tech company and don't have a physical office. I rely on places like this to get my work done. I met a friend here to collaborate on a project. We were both going to be using laptops. It was my first experience and I must say...right off the bat I was not impressed. I walked in and the first thing I did was pull out my debit card to order some thing to drink and eat. I get in line and there was nobody at the counter. I then saw that they only take cash. I had to go the ATM in the back of the shop to get cash. The food took a long time to come out and it was OK. But the coffee left something to be desired. It tasted like it had been siting for a long time. And to top it off, in the heart of silicon valley...downtown mountain view where you have a large chunk of tech people...there were signs by all the power outlets that said "not for customer use". Also, I found the place to be a bit pretentious. As in "were the best and the rest can go away". This was evident by the sign that said "friends don't let friends drink starbucks". Overall, not an experience i would like to repeat.

    (2)
  • Allison M.

    Adorable place, with an amazing selection of pastries and baked goods. And they taste as good as they look. Take the key lime pie, for instance. Do you want a buttery graham cracker crust, with a tart yellow key lime cream and a faintly cinnamony whipped topping? You do. And here is where you can get it. Only until 10 pm on weeknights, though!

    (5)
  • Naina T.

    had iced coffee once and banana mocha mocha the second time. love this place and the staff are very friendly. veggie sandwich came with potato salad and was great.

    (5)
  • Monique K.

    I love to visit the Dana Street Cafe every weekend for a few hours each day to get a lovely Hazelnut Latte. The employees are always friendly and make me a beautiful latte. I always remember to tip them well because I plan on taking up a seat for a few hours. They DO have limited seating but even on colder days there are sitting outside with coffee. The atmosphere is laid back and the space has great lighting, funky artwork and the employees get to pick the music play list. There can be long lines on Sundays because they are 2-3 blocks away from the Sunday Farmers Market, but the drinks are great so it's worth any wait. I LOVE visiting, it's a treat to drink the coffee and hang out at the cafe.

    (5)
  • Sameer C.

    We went there late in the night and have to say its a warm nice place. The coffee was amazing and we had friends who like the Glutten Free Choclate cake. Enjoyed the Latte and Cappuccino.

    (4)
  • K D.

    Dana Street Roasting is a place that makes me wish I lived in Mountain View. Good food, good drinks, good atmosphere. The only downsides are that it's on the smaller side and it's cash-only. So sometimes if you want to sit and read/write/socialize, you can't, and you always have to plan ahead to have cash or pay the ridiculous ATM fee that all random ATMs have. The staff here are all lovely and cool people. I'm always happy to see an empty table to plunk myself down with my laptop and write for a couple hours.

    (5)
  • Bradley S.

    Dana Street is in a funny place in the pantheon of coffee shops. It's like 2.5th wave coffee. While they roast their own single-origin beans, they aren't prepared in a particularly complementary style (their drip coffee comes out of large drip urns), and they don't do pourover. As for espresso, this is not a place for a ristretto shot. Their shots are pulled long and their milk drinks are NOT micro-foamed (i.e. no latte art here). That said, their espresso is pretty good if you're into the allonge style and the prices are reasonable ($2 for a double). Overall, this place is good, but if you're looking for the best coffee around (esp. if you're buying whole bean coffee), check out Red Rocks.

    (3)
  • Amy O.

    I haven't been here for years, and so glad that I thought of it. My friend just recently had crappy service at Red Rock, so she wanted to go somewhere else. I don't live in Mountain View, but when I used to, Dana Street was my favorite. Was so happy walking in...felt the same...comfy, real, and friendly. The service was delightful and the drinks were perfect. I ordered the caffe valencia which is basically a cappuccino with a slight orange flavor. Mmm...nice. Friend ordered a great mexican mocha for her midday 3pm delight. And also brought one home for her husband! It's awesome when a place doesn't lose who they are...7 years later.

    (5)
  • Kelly A.

    I'm from out of town and just walked in based on yelp reviews and see why they have a great rating. The place is super chill and the people that work here are very nice. Coffee is real good too!

    (5)
  • jenn s.

    Awesome coffee - and I'm a total coffee snob. I love the fact that they don't over-roast their beans, and you can actually taste the differences in the coffees. absolutely the BEST coffee around! Their Yirgacheffe is usually outstanding (when they have it). When they don't, I'm a fan of the Sidamo, or the Harrar. *NOTE* - If you think Starbuck's has good coffee, you will probably not like this place since DSRC actually has REAL coffee, and not some burned, poor quality sludge that you can't even mask the awful taste of with flavored syrups.

    (5)
  • sionn a.

    It's just ok. Service is slow, place was dirty. No eagerness or passion from limited staff. Better than Starbucks yes, Better than Red Rock No certainly not...

    (3)
  • Stephanie C.

    Came here with a few friends on Sunday after visiting the nearby Farmer's Market and managed to beat some sort of rush--when we arrived, there was maybe one person in line ahead of us, but once we sat down, there was a line to the door! I had a Mexican Mocha, which was okay, but tasted mostly to me like a regular mocha. I suppose I was expecting some extra spices, but I was also having some sinus trouble at the time, so perhaps my ability to taste was somewhat impared. My friends had the house coffee and a latte; the one with the latte wasn't that much of a fan--something about preferring stretched milk to foamed--but the ones with the house coffee seemed satisfied. I did find it odd that they served their house coffee in the little DIY carafes that I associate with catering and grocery store samples. They had live music, a guitar and flute, which was a nice cozy sort of touch, although they seemed a little loud for the small space. The giant grinder in the corner is also a charming addition.

    (3)
  • Veronica S.

    Very hipster-feel in terms of ambiance, but absolutely love every choice of coffee I've gotten! The hazelnut soy, plain soy, and even plain Americano..have all been delicious! Unless you get a house coffee, everything is made-to-order here. They have tons of varying roasts here...great selection. Prices are competitive/reasonable. No more than $1.75-$3/cup unless you get something super fancy, it'll be closer to $4. To-go orders are tax-free but you get charged tax if you enjoy your coffee in-house. The only downside is..cash only! Very abnormal for Mountain View..but definitely not a deal breaker for me!

    (4)
  • Kate M.

    Great coffee, inviting atmosphere and reasonable prices.

    (4)
  • Linh L.

    This is my go-to study spot these days - there are always a number of seats available, the coffee is good, and the atmosphere is down-to-earth and mellow. When I'm not chugging a cafe latte, I'm pretty partial to the chai tea. It is delicious! The food is also decent if you need something to tie you over. The tables are a little smaller than I'd prefer (unless you're sitting at the giant table in the middle), but it's a small complaint for an otherwise lovely place to spend a few hours.

    (4)
  • Wendy F.

    Coffee is ok and wifi is usually up however don't expect any electricity to charge a device. The owner turns it off to save cash because he doesn't feel it's necessary. Great place to read a book or chat but not study :(

    (2)
  • Q J.

    The interior is not bad and I heard they have cool performance. However some basic features of cafe do not exist here. Such as taking credit card, having power outlet (they do, but they are not providing electricity for customers) for electronics, and good internet connection. I guess this is an old school place, but in mountain view people will expect to be able sitting in the cafe and do some work in their computers.

    (2)
  • Carol L.

    This review is for the chai only. Omg. So good. Must. chai. it. Bad puns aside, the chai has an amazing blend of spiciness. It is roasted for 6 hours and you will taste all that lovin' poured into the chai the second it dances on your tongue and awakens your senses. For the longest time, it seemed like there were two camps of chai: the cloyingly sweet that lacked a spicy punch, and the overly spicy in need of sweetness. I always had the dilemma of choosing between these two not-so-great choices. Finally, Dana Street has solved at least this one dilemma in life for me. Their chai does not overwhelm but rather packs flavor with the right kick of spice. Thank you, Dana Street.

    (5)
  • Briget P.

    Stopped by for a quick coffee and discovered they have a live band that performs on Saturday nights, gives the block a lively feel but ends early at 11pm. Their ice white mocha was good and the service is friendly. Draws the senior crowd in at night which I thought was cute.

    (4)
  • Brad G.

    Disappointing...

    (2)
  • Chrissy M.

    I had a white chocolate latte and my drink was tasty, but the coffee that my boyfriend got was burnt. We were there in the afternoon, so maybe it was sitting in the container for a while? I can't be sure what happened, but there are so many great coffee places in the area, why would you settle for burnt coffee? The girl who took our order was friendly and laughed at my boyfriend's bad jokes, so they get an extra star for good customer service ;)

    (3)
  • Mike P.

    The coffee is good and been consistent for years. I like the pastries. Good atmosphere. The only downside is they don't want you to use their outlets. Which I can see. Coffee shops need table turnover. I'd rather be allowed to plugin.

    (4)
  • Ashley D.

    I fell in love with Dana Street Roasting. So many tasty tasty options. To date I have had and can recommend: Banana Mocha (smooth and delicious, tastes sort of like a Monkey Tail -frozen chocolate dipped banana- and perfect for adults who like a little silly with their caffeine), Irish Cream Latte (tastes just like you imagine an Irish Cream coffee would minus the whiskey, perfect for sipping and breathing in while you savor the flavors), Mint Mocha (like a Thin Mint in a cup - devine and tempting). I really love their Potato Onion Knish... a wonderful accompaniment to any cup of coffee. I love to sit here and read while I enjoy my break from the day... and I also enjoy sitting here and chatting with friends. The employees are all super friendly and have their heads on their shoulders. I have never felt like they were in a rush to move me along - in line, at the counter, or sitting. The first time I walked in to Dana St the gentleman behind the counter had on a lovely bow tie the same color as my vibrant fuchsia hair. A match for sure. Be aware they are a CASH only facility - but they do have an ATM on site. :)

    (5)
  • Vincent L.

    Cozy cafe that has a casual, more older neighborhood vibe to it than the yupster atmosphere at Red Rock. The coffee is perfectly decent and is very reasonably priced. If given a choice, however, I'd personally prefer Red Rock for both its coffee and its atmosphere, but this is certainly a good alternative for families and for a cozier, quieter setting.

    (3)
  • Ben P.

    Good lattes and espresso drinks. Too small and not enough tables to sit inside or outside. Very crowded!

    (3)
  • K H.

    Food: Fair. Not made in house. Pumpkin pie is from Costco. Quiche was tasty which they warmed up for me on toaster. Coffee: good Service: good. Not overly friendly but adequate. Atmosphere: ok. Not friendly but not sterile. They do have one community table but the patrons don't seem interested in connecting with others. Electronica music was annoying and hardly welcoming at 7:30 in the morning. The place has a neglected look. Art is displayed in a hodgepodge manner. The walls could use some fresh paint.

    (2)
  • Tree J.

    I love the espresso and they roast their own beans, pretty cool. The place has a lot of local patrons and I always meet interesting, slightly odd, but definitely down to earth people. There are treats for dogs behind the counter and outdoor seating, you can help yourself. Don't go if you're in a hurry, they say hi to their customers and there is often a big line, especially on weekends since they are popular.

    (5)
  • Janice L.

    pros: less than $3 for a small size, hazelnut latte was actually pretty good, outdoor seating, free wifi and bright room cons: disengaged server who seemed more interested in carrying on a conversation with their coworker than anything else, hard to find a parking spot close by, not a good study place overall impression: it's got good coffee, but i wouldn't go out of my way to come here and most likely, i'd pick red rock to go to for studying.

    (3)
  • Warren A.

    The place is different, it isn't the usual upscale yuppy location that is found at other 'cafe's in Mountain View and Palo Alto, but don't let the looks fool you, they still make a mean cup of coffee and a very reputable Americano. I used to call Dana St my other office, my co worker and I made a daily afternoon visit to the coffee shop for some caffeine and relation from the stat up life, unfortunately our office moved away from the close walk and we are now forced to 'commute' to get coffee. Handle Bar Mustache, good coffee, and lack of yuppies with out the commute to Santa Cruz. I am game.

    (4)
  • Shinny L.

    This place is definitely an "alternative" type of cafe, and possibly the best coffee house on the MTV downtown strip (barring the ever ubiquitous Starbucks). I wouldn't make a trip especially to hang here (despite the entertaining barristas), but wouldn't mind stopping by if I was in the neighborhood.

    (3)
  • Susie W.

    You don't come here for the ambiance. You come for the lattes. Don't get it nonfat. Just ask for a double latte, close your eyes, and sip. Sunday morning before the farmer's market, a block away, is a great way to start the day. (Hmm I'm a poet and I don't know it.) It's also worth the 3/4 mile side trip off the Moffett exit of 101 just for a latte. Trust me. I've been coming here for years and even mail order the Columbia Supremo for a friend cross country.

    (5)
  • Asha T.

    First time and LAST time here. walked in with my laptop, ready to work a couple hours and have a cup of steamed milk, maybe some tea and a pastry over the course of time I would be here.....only to find out that this place does NOT provide power to their customers. That's funny? WiFi yes, but no power? How cheap? I proceeded to ask the barista about it, and I was rudely spoken back to about the owner not liking how this one particular guy stayed for 5 hours and only bought 1 cup of coffee. are you serious? have you averaged out those kind of clientele? and does this really affect your electricity bill? you DEFINITELY lost a customer in me, and you will NOT get any nice referrals from me. I have many friends down here in Mountainview, and they are all freelancers. What a joke of a place. Stingy. Rude. And by the way, your steamed milk wasn't even frothy.

    (1)
  • Melinda K.

    This place is fantastic. I was taken here by a local - I never would have found it otherwise. The coffee is freshly ground and roasted on site. They have a great range of beverages. There is a selection of snacks but I haven't tried any. Lets face it, it is all about the coffee here. The clientelle is eclectic and reminds me of a place in Sydney Australia called Newtown. You feel comfortable to do anything you like in here be it sit on your computer (free wireless), read a book, watch the world go by or get your coffee to go. Take the time to go here for a morning coffee - you wont be disappointed!

    (5)
  • Jon V.

    Enjoyable atmosphere and delicious coffee. So... everything you'd want in a coffee shop.

    (4)
  • Dave K.

    Dana Street Roasting Company might just be more Berkeley than the places in Berkeley. The clientele range from the techie Asians to the local suburban families to business people to hippies. The place is pretty crowded, and on Saturday morning it was nuts. The place isn't much of ambiance the people in there actually talk pretty loudly. Not so loud that you can't talk at your table, but if you're going to be reading, relaxing, or working here, you need headphones. There is a sign at the counter saying that you can use your laptop there, but they offer no power cords. The coffee is fairly good, and I'd come here again for the Chai, but it's really not a place I'd like to sit and talk. The chairs are kind of uncomfortable, and even though there is outdoor seating, people smoke outside a great deal.

    (3)
  • Hogan W.

    After all these bad experiences with mainstream coffee houses, I'm in the quest of discovering a good coffee/specialty drink cafe. On the way to the south bay, I stopped by Dana Street Roasting Co after reading about this place on Yelp. Yelp reviews always give good and bad reviews, but nonetheless gave me more insight to try more places. Thank you everyone! This coffee pub is located right off Castro St along Dana St, hence the name. Upon walking in, I smelled a pungent aroma coming from the left corner and saw one of the staff roasting beans with the metal machine. They sell lots of varieties of coffees, beans, specialty drinks, and cold drinks. I noticed they have a kitchen with certain hours, but at least they sell salads and other treats. The guy at the counter was very friendly and helped to explain what ingredients were included in each drink I inquired about. I ended up with a Double Bianca Mocha with whip and a Cranberry Oat Cake for $5.70 Double espresso specialty drinks average between $3.25 to $4.00 As the guy was about to make my hot drink, I immediately told him I forgot to add soy. I paid the extra 55 cents and he was really good about not making a big fuss. The guy was very polite to ask if I still wanted whip cream since I added soy. I got the whip cream. Cleanliness was not a priority; crumbs all over the ground, on the seats with stains, and tables were sticky. Overall, I had a good impression of this cafe. I'll definitely go back for another take-out drink soon.

    (4)
  • Little C.

    Things I love about this coffee shop: Amazing cappuccinos and chai tea lattes (they use the actual leaves so it's spicy; none of this pre-mixed, cloyingly sweet Starbuck's shit). And they actually know how to make proper foam, which is surprisingly harder to find these days. It's an independently owned local business. Nick is super nice, he lets his dog Grover outside to battle with my puppy when I'm there. Aaron and his mustachio. Mostly friendly (gotta keep their edge, right?) baristas who know a lot about coffee. Live music on weekend nights. Roast their own coffee. Mmm mmm..... Free Wi-fi (warning; you can't plug in your laptop though)

    (4)
  • Angie C.

    "Better than Red Rock" is how half of my workplace refers to Dana Street Roasting Co. I like it because it reminds me of Bezerkeley. and I like that they tolerate my occasional appearance with a Peet's latte in hand when I go in with coworkers who want their caffeine. Hey, I go too, for Dana Street coffee! I wish they offered Odwalla instead of Naked Juice. Getting a lunch there is pretty tasty and convenient. Coffee is decent as well. The staff --- that's what keeps me going tho. They're down-to-earth, friendly, and always a blast to talk to.

    (5)
  • Tony S.

    From good to great, it's not that far. My local non corporation coffee house is at it's best a phenomenal coffee shop but the variance in the skill of the Baristas is pretty wild. You can have a great latte one day replete with notes of chocolate and caramel mixed with perfectly textured milk and a burnt cup of crap with volcanic temperature hot milk the next. I will say though that for the most part they hit pay dirt and whilst the staff come across as a little fierce sometimes and totally at odds with their South Bay location (remember kids, this is Mountain View, not the Lower Haight) it is still a place I love to visit. It is funny watching Google employees hang out here, supposedly as a refuge from the cultish compound environment of the 'plex all looking like they think they would get into trouble if their bosses saw them there. "What are you doing here? We have free coffee at the office, why would you not want to drink the Google coffee? Can we take you in for some re-programming.". I must make mention however for Aaron, the chap that operates the roaster, he does roast those beans with skill and often does it wearing a fantastic Doctor Who t-shirt from the 1980s! I can confirm he is not just wearing it for ironic pursuits as we had a very stimulating conversation as to the relative merits of the Peter Davison and Tom Baker Doctors.

    (4)
  • Misty W.

    Are you kidding me? I cannot drink coffee any where else because I have been spoiled by D.S.R.C. For one, I never in my life dreamed that I would ever be able to drink black coffee because I never enjoyed the taste and I talked to an employee here and tried an unadulterated cup of coffee here, and surely enough, I come here almost every day for a quality buzz! The overall envirnment is not only entertaining, but loveable! Pretty much a close knit family, and if your new, doesn't mean you have to feel like your out of the loop. Also if you want any coffee tips (best ways to store coffee grounds, how long ground coffee is good for) you can usually ask the barista's. If your in the mood for more, or just want something super tasty, the caps and lattes are spot on. The milk is foamed perfectly so the foam is glassy, the milk is creamy. It seriously makes me confused why people would pay more to go to a starbucks down the street to pay more for a burnt and bitter tasting drink, but im going to guess they are also the people who prefer to drink a "Frappacino extra caramel extra whip" to get their caffeine. It may be cash only, which is does state by the cash register, but there is an ATM in the back, and everything is really affordable. Another quick note, get a coconut macaroon, or a vegan brownie. You will not be disappointed.

    (5)
  • Elsie S.

    One of the best coffee shops that I've been to in the Los Altos/ Mountain View area. Location on Dana Street, right off of Castro, makes the location fun and convenient. I'm a chai kind of girl -- and Dana Street's is amazing -- intense and not made from that powdery shiznit. Prices are very reasonable too. The staff is cool -- fun, open and conversational -- willing to chat about anything. I like coffee shops with an outgoing atmosphere. Just tonight as a result of the outlets residing along only one wall (at least they have outlets) and all the tables taken, I joined a chick (new Dana employee) at one of the tables and ended up chatting with her for an hour or so. The Google Wi-fi comes in well -- had no issues -- that's the dealbreaker for me. I docked a star for the lack of real food (they do have baked goods) and the fact that they don't take credit cards (manager is trying to change this), but they do have an ATM inside! That amused me, but it's cool that you won't be stranded if you're without green. The manager told me that if you're a regular and without a way to pay (realized you forgot your wallet or something), he'll let you catch it next time. That's very cool of them and says a lot. So I will definitely be back -- to chat with the "cool mustache" guy and randomly meet fun strangers again :).

    (4)
  • Carla P.

    It's Jumpin Java to me. I never could get used to the new name. I used to hang out at this place way back when, when I was still in high school and lived at my parents. We used to sit at the outside tables and drink coffee and smoke all day, weekdays and weekends. I was a regular fixture. I haven't stopped by in a while, but last time I did I noticed that not much had changed. Which is for the better. Some of the same regulars were still there. If you ever want to learn anything about coffee, anything from the way it's grown to the way it's harvested, roasted and brewed, go to Jumpin Java, I mean Dana St Roasting Co. Sit down and have a cuppa java. Talk to the guys that work there. On a sunny day the light reflects beautifully into the cafe and on a rainy day, there's just no better cafe or place to hang out in the area than Jumpin Java. Sorry, Dana St Roastin Co.

    (5)
  • Winter P.

    This place is awesome! one of the best cafe's ever. I've been going there since I was younger and will continue to go. They have great coffee. My favorite drink to get is a double soy almond latte.

    (5)
  • Sam H.

    Free WiFi. Nice atmosphere. Good for an afternoon of reading.

    (4)
  • Amy C.

    After walking by several times, I finally decided to try this place, and I'm glad I did. The coffee is excellent, and there's plenty of places to sit down and relax.

    (4)
  • Shona A.

    Full disclosure - I don't drink coffee much. Infact, I don't really like it. But I like this place. It's airy & open, they have the MOST delicious smoked ham baguettes and their potato salad is devine. Plus, there are cakes & slices galore. Small downsides - no power for laptops, so this might put some off when you can go around the corner to Red Rock and sit there all day. - no debit card payments. So turn up with cash or pay the ATM fees to remove from the machine out the back.

    (4)
  • Lauren D.

    This was the first time I'd ever come across this place. I frequently go to Book Buyers and usually get myself a little something at Red Rock while leafing through my latest purchase. This time I was heading to Book Buyers from the Farmer's Market and passed by this place. It's clear that this is a coffee place that hasn't yet succumbed to the tea craze, but that's okay, because they still made a great black tea. I didn't try anything else, but I figure I'll be back, because clearly I stumbled upon a great local hang out.

    (4)
  • Jeremy G.

    Sweet an ATM and coffee? How can you go wrong? This ATM is located perfectly inside a coffee shop with real personality and pretty good espresso. While there, be sure to grab yourself a cappuccino and play one of their air guitars.

    (3)
  • Sarah B.

    Dana Street is a groovy little neighborhood coffee shop. Trouble is it's often full. Saturday and Sunday afternoon? There's no place to sit. The live music can be fun, though. They book unusual acts! And the soup was pretty good too. Coffee, of course, is quite good.

    (4)
  • jenn l.

    this little gem is awesome. i'm sad i discovered this on my last day in mountain view. the environment is really chill and staff was very friendly. great place to get some work or reading done.

    (5)
  • Adam M.

    Coffee is only ok, but espresso is worth it. They pull shots VERY well. Roast on site, so that's cool, but it takes up some space. Seating is so-so. Can get loud. Not the best ever, but a cut above.

    (4)
  • Rajesh S.

    Yes found the closest and best Mexican Mocha. I would put this guys on par with Cafe Borrone (Menlo park). Give it a (double) shot (s)!. I!

    (4)
  • Daniel L.

    I like to come here for casual reading or conversation. The coffee here is pretty tasty, and there are a few different blends to experiment with. They have a nice little stage in the cafe where local bands sometimes play, but the music is not so heavy as to separate the steadfast reader from his or her book.

    (4)
  • Jonathan W.

    I prefer this place over Red Rock down the street. Awesome staff, and they make a mean latte.

    (5)
  • W M.

    I knew I'd like this place when I wandered in several years ago to the sound of an early live Genesis track. What's to like: Laid back, friendly atmosphere, commuity oriented, they have thier own roaster and make great coffeee. They also have a large community table that can be used for games or just to sit and chat. Reasonably clean bathoroom, ATM machine, good tables and a large window for natural light and people watching. I only have a few qualms with this place. Its not the best place for a cafe. Location-wise, its not on the main drag of castro so less people watching. The large window lets the sun in directly during the late afternoon making it really bright and uncomfortably hot. They have some blinds but whats the point of having a great window if your going to cover it with some ratty paper blinds. The blinds really need to go. The umbrellas outside seem to do a much better job of blocking out the glaring light. Overall, I think the place needs a little sprucing up but I still think its an awesome cafe. Edit: they've improved the glaring sun situation and I've come to appreciate what a great community center this is : live concerts, fundraisers , group ukulele lessons, and great baristas. Every neighborhood should have a coffee shop like this one !

    (5)
  • Adam H.

    I've been there 3 times and each time has had the same experience. The pluses are pros and the minuses are why I'll not be coming back. + Close to friend's office. + Cheap prices - Don't bring your laptop unless you have a charged battery. They don't let you plug in and don't like their place to appear popular with computer users. I could understand limiting usage to 1 hour with purchase, but don't claim to be computer friendly if you're not. Panera pushes you a page that says please don't camp out during busy hours. Why not do something like that? - They DON'T accept credit cards!! What age are these people in?? Many people don't even know what cash looks like in the Silicon Valley. They are hurting their business by limiting your purchase options. - Customer service??? Unless you are hip like them, the barristas will ignore you and keep chatting amongst themselves.

    (1)
  • Jason S.

    Awesomeness, total awesomeness. I'm told by others that this is the best coffee in town. I can't backed that up, I don't like coffee. But they make pretty much everything beverage, so its not hard to appreciate this place. I stopped ordering specific drinks long ago. Nowdays I just tell the guy behind the counter what kind of general thing I'm interested in. Hot Chocolate, italian soda, tea, and to surprise me. They always come up with soemthing great that I would never have though up myself. If you're there more than a few times, you automatically become a regular. Good music regularly. In fact it gets quite crowded when some of the more popular acts are playing. The food is good too. Check to see whats on the hand written menu on the back wall. It changes often, and is usually pretty good. The food isn't just slapped together by some teenager. So its a good change if nothing else in downtown Mountain View looks interesting.

    (5)
  • Tony L.

    Friendly spacious place filled to the brim and overflowing on this quiet side street. Two very roomy bathrooms in the back should you feel the need, plus street parking without meters!! wow!! Coffee refills are .75 extra.... tables outside in the morning shade. Great pastries.... yummy!

    (3)
  • Victoria Y.

    I hate coffee. The smell...the taste..everything. Came here initially with my coworker because another coworker had recommended it. She complained her service was slow but I was really intriqued by their lunch menu so I came back by myself later on. I got their house salad which was very yummy. I only ordered the half and at $3.95 it was basically a full salad. The balsamic vinegarette is to die for. While service is slow, I love the café atmosphere and I'll definitely be back to try to soups and sandwiches.

    (4)
  • Ken C.

    Best coffee in Mountain View, no doubt. If you like the type of coffee shop where you get to know the owner and all the employees and don't care about being able to buy the latest Coldplay CD at the cash register, this could be your place. if I go there by myself, I find it the perfect place to sit down with a laptop and get work done. There's something about the noise level and the good music selection that's perfect for helping me concentrate. If I go there with friends, there's plenty of tables you can stick together and have a morning chat while getting caffeinated.

    (5)
  • Jakob B.

    Go here sometimes - many people smoking on the outdoor tables so that is one reason for not being a fan. But the coffee is allright. Decor and ambience is quite lame and the staff not all that friendly and talkative...

    (3)
  • Christina C.

    Great coffee, hip/liberal atmosphere, friendly staff. I come in here to work more than to socialize, mostly, but always find someone cool with whom I can chat. This weekend: an eight-year-old girl with an adorable dachshund, in for hot chocolate and a slice of cake with her parents. So much nicer than nearby needlessly pretentious coffee shops! The music on Saturday nights is often stellar. To echo other Yelpers: Dana Street only takes cash, which seems alright; who wants to put a $2.50 espresso drink (or $1.75 cup of coffee) on their credit card? Free Wi-Fi if you don't plug in your laptop, which also seems fair. These policies, along with the staff members, have a bit of attitude. That's what makes this place fabulous.

    (5)
  • Tomomi S.

    A total local hangout! It is not the most decorative cafe; unmatched tables and chairs, sacks of coffee beans piled up on the floor, which I believe, as decoration.... However, the atmosphere and service is awesome! Their Chai Latte is very good. They make it spicy but not sweet like other places which use the Chai tea mix out of a carton. This is my friend's favorite cafe and he practically works from here and lives here :):) HAHA.....If you are lucky you can hear live music some nights and it is such a comfortable place to hang out with your friends or just by yourself after work :) Desserts are good too- cakes, pies, tarts, cookies etc... just look at each item and ask which one is fresher. They will be honest and tell you if some cake has been sitting there for couple of days. We should have more cafe like this!!

    (4)
  • Chris B.

    Coffee, tea, or music. Can't beat this trio in my mind. This is one of those kinda funky coffee shops, but if you know anything about coffee shops your will know that that's a good. I have had lattes, teas, iced coffee, hot coffee, and sat and listened to the frequent live music. If that doesn't cover it for ya go sit outside on a weekend morning and people watch.

    (4)
  • Nomey T.

    my fav coffee shop south of SM. great vibe. nice staff. food and drinks are always satisfactory. if i could work from home, i might work here. and i love my home. p.s. how do their bagels taste soooo good?

    (5)
  • Ken K.

    RIP Global Blends, that was a nice coffee place up the street, sadly the owner left for a job at Google and sold the business. Which leaves DSRC to compete with $bux. Local residents love this place, but I just don't get the appeal. Coffee has been a bit inconsistent and their mochas don't hit the spot. They use chocolate powder for them, and the only other place that does it right with powder is Three Bees in San Mateo (who use Torrefazione, hard to top). Too many smokers on top of that lingering outside, forcing you to take a whiff of the cloud of cancer before you step in and when you come out. Barefoot Coffee Roasters in the South Bay, now THAT's an institution.

    (3)
  • Melody A.

    I love this place! I go here all the time. Most of the drinks are really nicely priced. They roast their beans in shop. Most of the staff is really friendly and dressed in various attire, which makes things interesting. They have live music and french conversation night. And their hours are really good, they're usually open until at least 9 except sundays. This is a good place to study or hang out with your friends. They have sandwiches, pastries, begels, knishes, empanadas (tasty!) and many other types of food. They also have wireless access! Oh and they only accept cash (or check, i think) so make sure you bring some. They have an ATM, but it has a fee for use.

    (5)
  • Unicorn B.

    It is hard for me to enjoy anything here as everything is served in resentful slow motion and with a sour scowl. Find another job people or lighten up, you are bumming me out.

    (2)
  • William C.

    +1 for barista/manager with awesome mustache. +1 for interesting interior decor (random assortment of sofas, tables, chairs, and some odd bags lying around the place) +1 for live music -1 for kitchen closing in the evening (i love to sit at coffee shops f

    (4)
  • Melissa S.

    Ahh.... The place formerly known as JUMPIN JAVA. In my old age, I still slip up and call it that. ehhee. JJ once competed with the other MV cafe (Bay City coffee, now a Quiznos over by the former Tower Records) as a haven for the alternative, white punk/goth high school crowd. In the heyday, I saw all kinds of, uhm, "deals" take place at both. Today, despite the invasion & takeover of hi-tech employees, good ol' Dana Street still stands. Punk kids, now grown, still smoke a cig or two. Curly-mustache dude still runs it. Every now and then, you can glimpse black eyeliner or pink hair. The rest.... well, let's say the name-switch to the clean, upright-sounding "Dana Street Roasting Company" shows us all what we know-- that time's a'changin. But Spirit of Jumpin Java.......... rock on.

    (4)
  • T T.

    This place has a lot of character, and you know it the second you walk in. I staggered up to the counter and ordered an Almond [ooh!] latte and proffered my plastic payment in a pre-caffeine failure to read the register sign. I was directed politely around the corner to the ATM, but I felt a little like Luke Danes was about to walk around the corner and tell me to kill the cell phone. By the time I got back with a fresh $20 [very reasonable ATM fees, too - I was afraid I was going to pay an extra $3], the barista had my exact change and receipt in hand, and my drink was almost done. I grabbed the last available table and sipped my delicious mocha while casually eavesdropping on a passel of septuagenarians at the next table plotting to use The YouTube to overthrow the police state in Mt View. My friend arrived a bit later and we chatted happily amidst the healthy ebb and flow of customers from about 11 till 2, and ordered lunches. My turkey Caesar salad was enormous! but delicious. The dressing/salad ratio was perfect, and all the lettuce was fresh and crisp. She got a tuna melt that was accidentally packaged to go, but turned out well (though it was cold by the time we figured out that the item in the take-away container was hers). I would happily come back!

    (4)
  • Sandra S.

    A wonderful, comfortable coffee shop that seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of busy Castro Street. Dana Street is perfect for everything from catching up on your reading to chatting with a friend over a wonderful cup of their house blend coffee and a tasty pecan roll. One of my favorite haunts in DTMV.

    (5)
  • Rashmi S.

    This place has the best coffee, great music and attracts a really interesting bunch of people (both patrons and staff). Unlike places in the city which are infested with the hipster crowd mostly, this place attracts students, some hipsters, colorful neighbourhood characters, musicians, parents with kids... It is not uncommon to have an active political discussion going on in the large table, while someone is teaching Chinese on another table, several geeks poring over laptops, and other folks strumming guitar outside. My only complaint - I wish the lunch menu had more variety. I get tired of the limited number of soups and sandwiches. But this is my home away from home, my lifeline while living in the South Bay. I should pay rent to Dana Street given how much time I spend here. I try to tip well and eat lots of my meals here even if I am bored of the food! (Yes, I wrote this review while sitting in Dana Street!)

    (5)
  • Paula T.

    dana street awesome show, great job. please start accepting credit cards. sometimes i need you and i don't have cash and i don't want to pay an exorbitant amount of money to use your ATM and i am sad. thank you. the end.

    (4)
  • jazzy l.

    I try to support independent roasters whenever I can.... The service (wait in line) is sort of slow... I ordered the "Chai" Single Shot (it's house made). Very light tasting. No power for your internet. ------------- Barefoot Roasters is good in Santa Clara. I love their Chai and latte art.

    (3)
  • Eric H.

    I'm so close to giving Dana St. five stars, because the coffee is great, the service is great, and this place helps me forget that I'm living in total Suburbia at the moment. Free wifi, and Friday and Saturday nights usually have some sort of live music. So why not that last star? Dana Street closes a earlier than I would like (I believe the posted schedule is 10pm most days, but a super-early 6pm on Sunday nights,) and their tea selection is limited to some not-so-great teabags. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the line can get a little long as couples toting offspring venture outside and into the coffee shop. (Personally, I think a coffee shop should be like a bar: just not appropriate for kids. Listen; they won't drink coffee. If you buy them sweets, they're only going to get more hyper and loud and annoying to other customers. And then they like run into the counter or something. Next time, get a babysitter, thanks.) Seriously though, I love this place.

    (4)
  • Superduperpooperscooper T.

    Mon-Thu 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fri 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sat 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sun 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free wifi Electrical plugs Good Knishes

    (4)
  • r k.

    I go there pretty much twice every day for coffee. Nice crowd at the counter. Guests range from families with kids, students, locals to business guys in suits. All nationalities and life styles mixed and getting along. This weekend had a great life performance and they have tasty cakes and sandwiches. My kind of place...

    (5)
  • Rachel S.

    The cons have been mentioned.. The laptop "no-charge" zone w/ outlets is a bummer. It may be their strategy for helping tables turn over, but its an obvious bum out. But i'm giving 4 stars here, so clearly, i, like many others, can get beyond electricity and embrace this local establishment. Its always a good sign when the coffee shop does not neglect the tea drinkers. Its a little bit scary how common it is for a shop to do one well and entirely neglect the other. But here, they've covered bases and made some wise tea choices. Thumbs up. And additionally, there are some yummy snacks and they don't even have hydrogenated oils and funky ingredients. Its a nice place to sit under high ceilings and have a tea with a friend.. without lining the pockets of a big corporation.

    (4)
  • Michelle K.

    Conducive to studying or having a blind date. I like the service a lot and the coffee. I don't like that sometimes it's overcrowded at peak hours I guess. I've never seen a live band here, but I'd like to check it out.

    (4)
  • Jennifer C.

    This would have been a 4 star but they do not allow you to use their electric outlets! So of course, my laptop battery ran out and I had to leave. However, I love the ambiance and the local coffee shop vibe. I had the banana mocha because of the rave reviews but it was just ok. It didn't taste much different from a regular mocha. I would definitely go back to study or read a book. Just dont plan on using your laptops for an extended period of time.

    (3)
  • Kittenheel S.

    I wake up every morning to their espresso. My boyfriend has introduced this place to me and I visit a few times each week. We buy the whole espresso beans and grind them every morning for a great cup of coffee to start the day. I wouldn't have it any other way. DSRC reminds me of coffeeshops I used to frequent in college. The vibe is unpretentious and "non-corporate". It really is an oasis in the midst of the often self-imposed stress in Silicon Valley.

    (4)
  • Phil K.

    Dana is love. Their coffee is some of the best, and their mix of indoor and outdoor seating can't be beat. Inside its the perfect blend of free wi-fi, mix and match chairs/tables, and interesting people. This definitely isn't the sterile experience you'll get at *$'s. Best experience: Turns out they only take cash. I got through ordering coffee on my 1st or 2nd visit before I realized I didn't have any folding money on me. They were happy to give me free coffee, just asked that I drop an extra buck in the tip jar on my next visit. Then I sat and used the wi-fi for a couple hours. I love this place. There's an ATM on the corner nearby, but there's a $1.75 surcharge so don't forget a bit of cash.

    (5)
  • Alexandra K.

    This place rocks! I'm never going to Starbucks (not that I enjoyed going there in the first place anyways) or Peets again. All those big corporate places have overpriced, nasty tasting coffee and are filled with stuck up customers and obnoxious teens. Dana is different...their coffee is delicious along with their other drinks (try the hot chocolate, yum!!!) and they cost about half of what Starbucks would charge for their crappy drinks. The brand of tea they serve here is very high quality and tasty AND they have a jar of honey next to all the milk and sugar so you don't have to ask for those stupid honey packets that get your hands all sticky.The atmosphere here is very fun and laid back- I enjoy coming here with my friends or boyfriend and just kicking back and chatting, using the deck of cards, dominoes or chessboard they have in the corner (next to the back door) or just sitting outside people watching. They have live music here too, which is cool, but it does get crowded. Anyways, I love Dana. It's very cozy and the staff are super friendly and helpful. If you live in the Mtn. View area, I recommend you come HERE for your coffee/tea/whatever from now on and support the local business! By the way, bring cash only. They don't accept credit/ATM cards here but they DO have an ATM machine in the back. Enjoy!

    (5)
  • Kevvy K.

    Been here a couple times, and have to say, the coffee is not that good. I had something almond liqueur-infused once, and it had too much. The regular coffee drinks, eh, average. The wait staff acts too cool for school, which, no one in the South Bay really has a right to. (We're in the Cali bougiefied 'burbs, people, let's relax...) Actually, I wouldn't care, except for the fact that the drinks are mediocre. Which, handed over by hipsterfied Goonies, just tastes even more mediocre. Yes, the non-Starbucks factor is a relief (as well as the non-Coupa Cafe, etc.), but the place can use a LITTLE bit of sprucing up. I'm not into cafes where the chairs and ambiance make a valiant attempt to reach post-industrial, postmodern pastiche but wind up still somehow reminding you of a Chinese takeout joint. Basically, don't go here unless you're desperate for a pseudo-alternative cafe experience.

    (2)
  • l. a.

    This is one of my top 3 coffee shops in the South Bay. Coffee is good, staff is nice, food is only o-k. My only really problem with this place is that they only take cash. If they would change that then I would go here more often!

    (4)
  • Charles H.

    I thought Starbucks was supposed to kill off all of the quirky, interesting coffee shops in most areas. Thankfully, Dana Street was not a casualty. Dana street is a really quirky place -- there aren't two chairs that match in the whole place and they have this really large roasting machine in the window. The tables aren't particularly nice, nor is the decor. So why does it get 4 stars? The coffee is very tasty and reasonably priced, the staff is very friendly, and the people culture is quite nice -- there are always interesting people sitting around working on laptops, chatting, or reading the paper. I have never had a bad experience here and I always find this place a refreshing change from sterile coffee store chain experiences.

    (4)
  • Eva H.

    I wanted to try a new place in Mountain View for coffee and this place got great reviews so I decided to try it. I was rather disappointed. The coffee is good, but there are no plugs available at all. In fact the plugs they have have been turned off. This just ticked me off. I have an old mac and it doesn't run very long on a battery and I specifically needed to catch up on my e-mail and accounts and such internet things. I will not be going back.

    (2)
  • Raymond C.

    you want good coffee with no bs check DS

    (5)
  • Slug B.

    can't speak about the live entertainment, the mochas, lattes, chai teas, etc. i'm basing my judgment solely on the drip coffee, which to me seems to be the most crucial...and over at this spot, it comes from self-serve thermos dispensers? uhhhhh...ok. by the time i poured cream, it was lukewarm. went home and thank goodness for my handy dandy frother, i was able to steam it rather than microwave it. the taste was OK. overall, it was disappointing and i don't think i'll return.

    (3)
  • Chris S.

    This place has fantastic coffee. I've never been disappointed when I order my usual flavored latte here. They offer WiFi so you can get your work done while sipping back your drink. Unfortunately, I can't give it 5 Stars for 3 reasons: 1) They seriously need to get a menu on their wall that is larger to read. Even with glasses, it's a struggle. 2) They don't take credit/debit cards. 3) No power outlets for your laptop. But the coffee itself makes up for these minor grumblings.

    (4)
  • isaias J.

    Once upon a time, I went out to dinner in Mountain View. I was walking around one of downtown MVs public parking lots trying to find my car. I happened down an alley way and the pungent smell of coffee beans being roasted hit my nose. Suddenly I was a blood hound on the search for the source of such a heavenly scent. I continued down the alley and pulled open a door which lead into what was basically a wharehouse. Situated in one corner of the room was the magnificent device responible for producing the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans. I've been a patron ever since, circa 2003. A triple macchiato or triple iced Americano are my favorite drinks. Other stuff... Free wi-fi, although you can only run off of battery power. Oh yeah, they only take cash. And they have a bumper sticker up that says " Friends don't let Friends do Starbucks," definitely my kinda place. I just love small local coffee shops, especially when they roast their own beans! F*ck Starbucks!

    (5)
  • Cara R.

    I absolutely love this place and yes I go out of my way to come here! they have the best blended mocha I have ever had and the staff is super friendly! I have been to the red rock and I am sorry to say but every time I have been to there I have had the most incredibly rude service and plus there coffee sucks!

    (5)
  • Rob B.

    Nice place to hangout or surf. Good coffee esp. the cold drinks.

    (4)
  • David T.

    By far my favorite coffee shop on Castro - house blend and Guatemala organic coffee are my favorites. I drink these black to really get to appreciate their flavor. They also participate in MobiBucks, so if you sign up for that, you get a free $5 coupon (that's 3 free small coffees!). My only complaint would be that the lack of power outlets makes it a little hard to work here, although there is decent free wifi.

    (4)
  • Mike F.

    Highest compliments for their absolutely knock your socks off coffee using their own roasted beans. I can't stay away from the House Blend, it is that good. Peets can be good but not this good. Starbucks can't touch this. There is a rightness about everything here; on Friday nights, they serve up some super talented bands. Without music, other things fall into place. Great place to meet up, to read, study, relax. The regulars; they are from all walks. At this crossroads, you will feel real welcome just for being you, a hipster, looser, geek, viejo, simple, earthy, student, body art-adorned, whole family, Chinese restaurant worker. What is perfect about this place is that it doesn't strive, it is happy having already arrived, being its very best, at rest.

    (5)
  • Lloyd C.

    I've been to this place several times, usually after lunch in Mountain View. Usually, it's with my old boss to pick up coffee to go. I hung out here once with my old boss and a co-worker after lunch. We were able to find seating outside, which was nice on a sunny day. I had a triple expresso, twice, that day. I was wired with caffeine for remainder of the day. I like the coffee shop here, since it's stand-alone when compared to Starbucks. It's close enough to Castro Street in Mountain View, where you can sit after lunch and hang out for a bit.

    (3)
  • Rhoda A.

    Their vanilla latte (as well as their other drinks) is much better than the one offered by the consumer-driven corporation down the street. If you have a finer palate for coffee, and appreciate its flavors, then this is the place to go. A plus: they roast the coffee beans there. A great place for free wi-fi, and to watch local bands play live.

    (4)
  • Kelly D.

    This has very quickly become one of my favorite places for coffee.. The iced cappuccino is awesome and they make the best mochas around. Yum!

    (5)
  • Sarra L.

    I love the atmosphere in here. Makes me want to sip my coffee..........naked, or maybe not! I'm sure this will scare the loyal patrons away. Their Bianca Mocha is my favorite. I've always wanted to try their Caffe Borgia, but every time I'm in there I only have eyes for the Bianca Mocha. I'm so loyal...and boring at the same time! I might even name my future daughter 'Bianca.'

    (4)
  • Candace L.

    The overall scene isn't really my style: too Berkeley-esque for me. Or maybe I'm to Palo Alto-esque for Dana Street Roasting. It's a hotspot for the indie/emo sort. I like my coffee scene with a touch of frou-frou please more than activist individual vibe. Still, great place for coffee, especially the banana mocha. Friendly staff, quick service -- would love it if they took Visa, but nobody's perfect.

    (5)
  • Rashmi V.

    I am a red rock regular but a friend of mine likes to go here all the time. She loves their coffeee. The place looks very laidback and tardy. The first time I walked in I wasn't sure if this was the coffee store or just a warehouse. But I guess this is just their identity for a coffeehouse and I have started liking it now. Nevertheless, has a hippie kinda atmosphere. Needless to say, very friendly (yeah the barista smile back :) ) and you can feel totally comfortable here. They have some good music at times. But their website is not really updated. So there is no way of knowing who is playing unless you have been to the store. They don't let you power your laptop which is kind of annoying. And it is cash only which is annoying too. But good COFFEE .

    (4)
  • Anne W.

    mmm coffee. Dana st is a great place with a wonderful interesting interior. Coffee here is much better than Red Rock but less space to camp out with my mac and do work. So far it is the only place I have gone where they seem to not sugar in my white mocha. Strange but yummy still.

    (5)
  • Dan H.

    I was meeting up with a friend in from out of town who was finishing up a breakfast interview in MtView. Not knowing the area, I gave him the Yelp link for this place, since it had the rundown, the map, etc. That worked out nicely... We had a nice chat, the wireless was working okay, the coffees were good and reasonably-priced as well. I had a regular cappuccino and the foam was solid-- now, I'm not a coffee purist, and I know that I have no run into foam like this before, but it was interesting and overall the drink was quite good, so I'll assume this was a feature and not a bug. All-in-all, a nice hang-out, east to find, parking is literally right there, and in the middle of the day it's just fine for a break or a meet-up. I didn't try eating anything, so I can't comment there.

    (4)
  • May H.

    This is my favorite spot up and down castro. I love the weekend's live music by local bands. The coffee beans' roasted in-house, if you go on Tues or Wed. afternoon, you get to watch the roasting process -- and the smell of it is just simply heavenly. Food/snack/sweets are great as well. The atmosphere is laid back, great place to hang out with a friend or two, kick back and just gossip away the whole afternoon.

    (5)
  • Dan F.

    I really don't understand how this place is so high in the reviews, it sure isnt the coffee, ambiance or service... i went in this morning purely because of the reviews, only to find a cramped atmosphere, and sort of a snobby staff. i ordered my regular... 15 minutes passes, then i remind them of the order, they apologize, and refund me, really cool of them, but to my surprise i tasted the most disgusting espresso in my whole life, worse than my 50$ machine at home.. so i walk around the corner, throwing away my coffee and proceed to a coffee house that knows how to pull a quality shot of espresso, red rock.

    (3)
  • kkat m.

    i love this place. any and every time i'm in mountain view i stop by. there are 3 places that i trust to make a perfect cappucino and only 2 places that pull a perfect espresso, and dana st fits both bills. and what's more, they roast their beans right inside the cafe. aaron, their roaster, is awesome and super friendly and eager to talk to you about roasting. i like that he's into light roasts, seeing as everyone else is into over-roasting everything they get. they also have good food, and hey, they play some pretty awesome music. definitely five stars from me!

    (5)
  • Lisa G.

    I really, really want to like this place, because the espresso is pulled to perfection and the service is (mostly) friendly, but they are one of these coffee shops that keep their milk out of the fridge. Ugh. Had a major stomach ache after having one of their drinks. PLEASE REFRIGERATE YOUR MILK!

    (3)
  • Pouria Y.

    How can you not like this place. Independent roaster with good coffees, snacks, and activities. Plus some of their employees have excellent facial hair. This is a crucial and oft-forgotten aspect of coffee shops. Prices are good, and their breakfast treats are not half bad.

    (4)
  • K N.

    Nice, layed back and not crowded. What REALLY impressed me was that I happen to be at Dana Street Roasting on election day and found they give FREE, yes FREE coffee to people who have voted. Any business which has such an attitude is good for the community.

    (4)
  • Vicky J.

    Best coffee ever! I've been going here for at least 10 years, and wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. I've never found a drink here that I didn't like, and thanks to Aaron I've found the best coffee beans to take home for my french press.

    (5)
  • Sara G.

    I doubt I'll say anything here that the many other reviewers haven't mentioned yet. Dana Street has the attitude, the staff, and the space to make it a top-quality place to gather with friends or spend a few hours working on your laptop. It pretty much saved my sanity while I was waiting for my home internet connection to be set up. The missing fifth star? Well, I'm not a coffee drinker, and the alternatives are lacking. Tea selection is weak, and if you're a chai latte addict, get used to a more spiced variety than that which you'll find at the chains. However, they do make a kickin' hot chocolate. Make sure to get it with whipped cream!

    (4)
  • Eric C.

    This coffee house used to be called Jumpin Java. It's always been a hangout for the artists and writers, it's not trying to be alternative, it *IS* alternative. It's one of several mom and pop coffee houses on Castro. The coffee is good but the crowd is indeed "artsy". If you like places that are different you'll want to check it out. The ambiance is lacking though and it feels a bit stark and cold in design, but it is usually active. At least you'll get a good cup of joe and I encourage giving your hard earned cash to the small guy rather than Starbucks.

    (4)
  • neil c.

    This is a good place to go to work on Nanowrimo, assuming you are in the area. There is free wifi, which is good for running though flickr and wikipedia to get more ideas on what write on. The coffee drinks, both espresso and regular coffee, and better than average. The staff - well that seems to be almost as variable as their table and chairs. Some of them are friendly, some of them have a comic book guy complex.

    (4)
  • Zak J.

    I don't know whether it's how they pull the espresso, the way they steam the milk, or the opiates sprinkled on top, but the lattes here are ambrosia. Added to the friendly staff and free wifi, this place is worth a drive.

    (5)
  • Bren D.

    These guys roast the best local coffee on the peninsula. In house. Great espresso, partly thanks to a relatively light roast. Check them out if you're ever looking for a low-key, unassuming place for an excellent cup of coffee, or if you're looking to pick up some fantastic locally roasted coffee.

    (5)
  • Philip T.

    Good coffee, good music.

    (4)
  • Jan S.

    The good: coffee is decently strong, the staff is generally okay (though a bit impatient at times), the food is good (love their triple berry crumble!), wireless access is free, prices are reasonable. The bad: the place is a mess, they don't take credit cards, too many smokers hanging out friend that like to stare up and down at everyone (and spread their stinky version of death at the same time), no place to plug in your laptop, the coffee is not Peets strong so it only keeps me awake but does not give me a real energy boost - oh and their t-shirts are ugly as sin.

    (3)
  • Kirtley W.

    The Mocha's are bar non. I now live in San Francisco, I buy I still buy my coffee (beans) in Mountain View. What more do you need to know? The coffee is great, service comes with a personality. When I had the good fortune to work down the street I was in there daily. Free Wi-Fi to boot. (no free power, batteries only)

    (5)
  • rebecca a.

    Good spot to meet a friend or business associate for a cup of coffee and conversation. Not ideal for working, because you can't plug in to a power source. I had to go to the counter to look for my latte, because the baristas were chatting, and didn't call it out. It's cash only, so I had to bum off my friend.

    (3)
  • Local S.

    Reviewing all the comments here on this place I know well (going a few times a month for several years) I wondered if some contributors posted under the right business name, from what they said or didn't say. Concrete points in positive form: Dana Street has had an ATM for years as mentioned in a 2004 posting here, I've used it, so this is not a "cash only" business. Besides Google's (from outside), Wi-Fi has been available (much longer) from the shop's own service, one of the first in town and popular with users of laptops (which usually have batteries). Good light meals are available including soups, sandwiches, and respectable Caesar salads. Owner hires some young people with tattoos who have individual personalities (who doesn't?) but in watching literally 100s of counter transactions while waiting in line or for orders, I've seen consistently helpful professional behavior (though some cases of rude customers, or people chatting who ignore the announcement, then the repeat announcement, that their order's ready, and then complain "where's my order?"). This business buys, even seeks out and imports, specialty coffee beans and roasts them on site (not in some plant out of state) so they're fresh, not months old. You can get hard-to-find, delicious specialty beans like "La Lucie," Ethiopian Yrgacheffe, and real (not nominal) Kona from Hope Farms, same as brought in by Teri Hope of Los Gatos (and formerly Palo Alto) Coffee Roasting Companies where Dana Street's owner learned his trade. Live jazz, including serious talent, appears some nights announced on a whiteboard (and on KCSM 91.1 FM). Place is a popular hangout for locals of any politics (its big table even hosts occasional meetings of neighborhood or city committees) and is so well regarded in town that Dana Street routinely wins "Best Coffee House" in the annual poll by the town paper (Mountain View Voice). I grew up in a Bay Area family roasting its own coffee beans, and Dana Street's coffees compared well to any I've had in the Bay Area, Paris, Vienna, or Tokyo. Finally, that spirited employee with the Aussie accent is named Armelle and sings professionally, including some nights at Dana Street.

    (5)
  • Jenny D.

    the Coffee is great, and REAL. I love the Thai Coffee and the Mint Mocha. The atmosphere is wonderful and calm. I can picture myself studing there, with no problem. Really calm and a great place to chit chat with friends.

    (5)
  • Sally E.

    its kinda cool in a bohemiem sort of way, but if you look closely you might find it to be pretty grubby v. cool how they roast their own coffee on the premises and in the coffee shop

    (3)
  • Christina R.

    I was really happy to find Dana Street Roasting. We get the coffee ground to have at home and we love it! They make a nice espresso, done right which is not easy to find. The people who work there are also very nice while trying to keep line moving. It's a great coffee shop!

    (4)
  • Rachel S.

    I love coming here for the live music on Fridays and Saturdays. I also enjoy the outdoor seating. I don't find the inside of the place relaxing - I'd probably never go here to read the paper or work on my laptop. I can't put my finger on it, but I'm guessing it is bad Feng Shui or something. I've always wondered what this building was before it was turned into a coffee shop. The white walls and tall ceilings just aren't relaxing for me. I've also thought the place would be so much more pleasant if the windows had those cafe curtains, you know the ones that are only 3 or 4 feet high on the windows for a little privacy, but they don't block the complete view or all of the sunlight? I do dig the mis matched tables and chairs and I think that is a nice touch, but someone needs to paint the walls and redecorate this place, as well as take a fresh look at some new lighting. They serve great coffee though! I guess I shouldn't give them such a hard time about the decor. It is a coffee shop after all.

    (3)
  • Stuart T.

    I really dis-like corporate coffee shops. I will bend the rules a bit if there's a Peet's nearby but if I'm anywhere near downtown Mountain View, I ALWAYS go to Dana St. Coffee. They roast their own beans, the atmosphere is unhurried and although I could hope for more comfortable tables, the crew working there is always friendly. They have good snacks and smoothies and one thing I really appreciated was their blender was put into a sound-proof box so that I wasn't jarred by the sound of the whirring. It is that sort of detail which makes me like the place. Also it is really sunny and light, unlike a lot of places which feel like caves. This is really one of my favorite haunts.

    (5)
  • Melody D.

    A local dive for the MV alt. crowd. Love the baristas, especially the woman with the Aussi accent who loudly proclaims the arrival of "scrumptious" soups at the counter. The coffee is not anything to write home about, but it far surpasses the fair at Starbucks and other local joints. Would highly recommend the Mexican mochas, any of the freezes, the Irish cream, and the coconut curry soup of the day (unbelievably yummy). Perfect place to catch up on a novel, jot notes, or people watch. I'm becoming a noon time regular almost despite myself...

    (4)
  • Karthik L.

    My wife and I started going here recently after a friend introduced me to the place. We are both coffee lovers and we love their cappuccino, it is the perfect cup as far as I am concerned. We also tried their chocolate pasiano pastry and liked it a lot because it was not too sweet and tasted really good. Now I need to try some of their other coffee drinks :)

    (5)
  • Caroline O.

    Dana Street Roasting is making me a coffee snob. Just about every other place I go just doesn't measure up to their smooth coffee and the laid back attitude. I haven't sampled to food except for a cookie, but it was a good cookie. It is definitely a place I can chill with my coffee and book for awhile and feel comfortable.

    (5)
  • Zsuzsa S.

    Love the coffee, Love the food, Love the people- both customers and staff, very relaxed but fun place, LOVE that they carry RICE MILK for those of us with allergies! Thanks DSRC!

    (5)
  • Molly T.

    i know that saying dana street roasting co is the coolest place in mountain view isn't saying much. but dana street is way cool. here are some reasons why: -it's not starbucks or peets or any chain for that matter. and it doesn't try to be. -the baristas aren't forced-friendly. they are real people. with tattoos and piercings. they can be warm and chatty or aloof and sarcastic. i once got made fun of for knowing who voldemort was (from the "voldemort for president" sticker on the ever-changing tip jar) and for not knowing that an abstract painting on the wall was of the starship enterprise. -the communal table is great to sit at on an evening or weekend afternoon. bring a book, pull up a chair and wind up in a random conversation with whoever's there. -they know their coffee -it doesn't feel sterile like the chains or red rock. mismatched tables and chairs aren't there to be intentional or cute, just functional. a couple minor issues: -i ordered a knish there once that was heated in the microwave and became mushy. -you can't plug in your laptop -some of the live music is baaaaad. but that's also part of the charm.

    (5)
  • kathleen c.

    great location, but coffee was very good, but not excellent. great music choice though. baristas not very knowledgable, one admitted to not having tried a lot of the drinks. (!?) the biggest beef is that they won't allow you to plug in your computer. i get that other people might want to sit and enjoy the coffee, but sometimes you need a coffee place to spend the entire day and be productive. you can't really do that on just a computer battery. wifi is free, but your time is limited if you're looking to get some some serious work done.

    (3)
  • Keith S.

    Man this place is old school coffee shop. Focused on making the best damn drinks (they roast their beans in house) and not much else. Don't go in here expecting big puffy chairs and plugs for your laptop. Take a book or a friend instead.

    (5)
  • McKenzie L.

    This is by far the BEST coffee in the area! I am a fan of Blue Bottle, but I usually only go to SF on the weekends. Their house blend is GREAT and I usually find Nick roasting the beans himself. The only minus is that they have only three wall outlets with three tables which they don't always turn on (they discourage campers with laptops). But if you wait long enough til your battery dies, an outlet finally opens up. And if you are nice and ask, they will turn on the power!

    (4)
  • Keri B.

    Loved the latte, fun place to hang and listen to jazz- entertaining to people watch and to giggle at the kids dancing in front of the band. A truly memorable Snickers cheesecake that was more reese's peanut butter cup, but rich and thoroughly sinful.

    (4)
  • Glenn R.

    The best espresso roast I have found anywhere!! And they will sell a 1/4 pound to you (unlike Red Rock). The best iced mochas (they make sure the chocolate is disolved before adding ice) and best blended mochas in Mtn View which have a good icey consistency, and quality chocolate. The banana blended mocha is good. It's sweet. It's made with banana syrup -- not real bananas. The people are down to earth and always available. If you bring your own cup you get a 10 cent discount. If you bring your own espresso bag you get a 10 cent discount on your espress beans. If you have a bit of old grounds at the bottom of your bag the owner will either make your extra grounds into a shot of espresso or place your old grounds at the top of the new grounds -- so the old grounds don't get older and more bitter by staying on the bottom. The pastries, potato salad, cesar salad and sandwiches are good. They have the best coffee and pastry pricing around. They have free wi-fi but their power outlets don't have power. They accept mobibucks and cash, and have an ATM in the store.

    (5)
  • matt s.

    This is a great place to chill when you can and maybe do a little work on the free wifi (although, they don't let you plug in your laptop to recharge). The coffee and pastries are good too. Prices are slightly lower than Red Rock, but they only take cash or Mobibucks (if you know what that is). I really like this place; the only thing keeping me from giving it a 5-star rating is that it feels a little like a hippy commune and is always swarming with the unemployed.

    (4)
  • Chris B.

    I haven't been to every coffee shop in the world, but this place is still my favorite. Everyone has their own personal tastes for the coffee that is served and the atmosphere of the place around them. This one is for me. The workers are cool, the music is cool, the whole vibe is relaxed. No stress. I think the espresso drinks are great, although the final product is influenced by the person making it. I've been disappointed mildly in the past, but it's rare. If you don't like it the first time, try it again some other time. I usually get a double latte and one of their pastries. I have no idea where the pastries come from but they're tasty enough for me. And contrary to what other people have said here, I totally support Dana St's policy to offer free wi-fi for as long as your batteries hold out. No free AC outlets to all-day squatters. Show up with a full battery, stick around for two hours nursing your single espresso, then move on. Other people would like to relax and sip their coffee at a table, too, ya know.

    (4)
  • Rachel B.

    Please? May I please plug in my laptop? I guess the PG&E savings gets passed on in the coffee prices. It's ridiculously cheap here. We sat for hours and bought about 3 coffee drinks so as not to feel like deadbeats. They cost us about the price of 1 drink at a chain place. The music selection was also excellent.

    (4)
  • Hana S.

    Unique place. Pretty crowded most days. Good place to study or get on the computer. Good Mango tea. Nice atmosphere. I like it.

    (5)
  • Ramiel R.

    Dana Street to me represents the heart of Mountain View. I did not feel home in Mountain View until I started going there. Very quickly made many friends. It's a very open hearted, social place. And at the same time there are many people who sit inside in complete solitude reading, working on their laptops, etc. The nightly music events are wonderful! I've seen some of the best Belly Dancing, and local bands here! It's hard to tell who really works there and who doesn't because it seems Dana Street has been somehow immune from corporate greed. They use high quality milk (rather than the cheapest), the spiced chai is made manually from fresh mix of spices that are boiled daily for 6 hours! It seems no two chairs or tables are match, so the whole place has a almost retaliation to cookie cutter corporate horizontal scalability or franchise business model... it's also one of the few places where I can enjoy a smoke on the outside seating. If you are a starbucks type of person... consider going to Dana Street as an "Enlightenment Experience"!

    (5)
  • Zubin M.

    This is the type of coffee shop that will change your life, and I do not kid. After well over a year of enjoying their coffees, lattes, and thai iced coffees (the kind a real coffee drinker can enjoy), I began buying their whole beans. They were delicious, and of course, roasted several times a week on the premises. However, one evening I was meeting up with some friends at a local bar, but wanted to pick up a pound of beans. I got a pound their Costa Rican "La Minita" beans, and they offered me the free small coffee that comes with a pound. Not having the time, I declined. At this point the awesome dude (I think he's the roaster) with the mustache and tattoos offered me a shot of their Yemen Moka brewed espresso style. I accepted since a shot of espresso wouldn't make me too late. This was the point at which my life changed. It was the shot of espresso that literally and figuratively opened my eyes to the flavor of coffee. It's the kind of shot that gets you talking about all the fruits you can taste bottled up inside. It's the kind of shot you continue to search for but seriously might never find again. Alas, they usually only brew shot of their espresso blend, but if you ever catch them on a Yemen Moka day, consider yourself lucky.

    (5)
  • Cindy R.

    The coffee here is out of this world, and I love their bagels. They have live music on Friday nights - such a chill and comfortable atmosphere. I used to do a lot of work at Red Rock, but Dana Street is less crowded, and has better coffee. I come here a lot to work on my laptop for a few hours at a time. My drink recommendations are the Borgia or the Valencia - cappuccinos with orange in them, and the Borgia has mocha. For vegetarians, the veggie melt sandwich is pretty great, too.

    (5)
  • Jay B.

    I Like this coffee shop. Recently discovered by a detour to famers market. Wow great coffee guys! I love coffee shops like this. I think you can always judge a good coffee shop from the smell of the beans in the air. mmmm I just love that good coffee smell. These guys could bottle it and sell it. It seems like a great place to study on your laptop , meet a friend, hang out and read, jazz stage for night time jams but i have never been but am curious to see. Bottom line, good coffee and pastries, , beats Starbucks and pete's by miles. Refreshing

    (5)
  • Ana L.

    I will never give business to this coffee shop again! I understand many places you can't bring dogs into, and I saw two people previously carry their dogs in to get their coffee. So, I thought, "What the heck? I will just go in and order, receive my coffee, and then drink it outside." I went in with my quiet, well behaved, 14 pound dog and a lady name Maryam was taking my order when in the middle of my order right before I was about to pay she said,"Oh and you can't have dogs in here. You will have to put her outside, like right now." I was a little stunned since I was already ordering and she saw me have the dog in line (behind two people), she could have nicely asked me or said something different (which I would have been totally fine with if she was not so rude). So I asked, "Well OK, then can I pay and I can come back in with her to get me coffee?" and she said, "No. You can tie her up or something." And I responded exacerbated at this point on how I was going to receive my coffee,"Well then, maybe you can bring the coffee outside?" and she responded in a curt voice,"No. Don't you see we have many other customers we have to make coffee for?" I looked behind me and there was only one other person in line and the place was very empty. I said OK and went outside and one of the other customers who felt bad at the rude way this girl treated me asked to help get my coffee. What I learned from this regular Dana St Roasitng Co. coffee drinker was that not only had she seen many others carry dogs in and not be rudely asked out, but she said the owner normally does it! She also told me that the girl (who was dressed as a witch today (how funny, a costume to match the girls personality) was always rude to customers and to come on Wednesday and not Thursday because she is always there. Why keep someone so blatantly rude not just to me but to other regulars? I can definitely tell you there are other very good coffee shops on Castro, and I will tell everyone about my horrible experience to give business to other good businesses owned and ran by good people on Castro.

    (1)
  • Amanda S.

    Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4 Food/drink: 4 I came here a few months ago to catch up with a friend, and found it a pleasant, laidback place for hanging out and chatting. It also seems like a popular lunch spot for local professionals, which I can totally understand given the absolute yumminess of my turkey melt. Their iced tea is also pretty amazing - it tastes a bit like fresh blackberries but without the heavy sweetness. The cafe is bright and airy, and tends to be populated with a more mature crowd than the one at Red Rock. I now come here when I need a break from work; the sidewalk seating is especially nice on a sunny day if you don't mind smokers. The place does fill up quickly but never feels crowded or noisy. It's also conveniently located right off Castro Street, near several bookstores and a lot of good restaurants.

    (4)
  • S I.

    Best coffee I've had in the Bay Area. Pastries are delicious too.

    (5)
  • Logan S.

    Okay coffee, delicious but downright terrible for you pastries, and a pretty grungy feel. I prefer red rock if you're grabbing coffee in mountain view.

    (3)
  • Matt D.

    The good: free WiFi, open late...not much else. The bad: the service was poor, my beverage (a macchiato) was subpar, the tables are small. Bottom line: not worth it.

    (2)
  • Edward Y.

    Great house made coffee in a cafe with a non-commercial vibe that reminds me of coffee houses where I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Seating can be a bit tricky on the weekends.

    (4)
  • S R.

    Very high quality beans, made well into great espresso. Great beans to take home and make later. The inside is about as far from a chain coffee place as you could imagine. Cluttered, eclectic, big plastic bins of coffee laying around. 4 stars for the great beans, docked them one star for the cashier's attitude. Note to him: being cool does not require looking down your nose at customers.

    (4)
  • Joel D.

    Best tasting coffee in Mountain View. They could use more seating and they're not always the fastest at making your drink but overall it's a great local coffee shop. Definitely the Anti-Starbucks... I can't stand Starbucks

    (4)
  • Sasha W.

    I became a coffee snob accidentally, while I wasn't paying attention, because I thought Barefoot Coffee was a good place to go to get some work done (since I can't get anything done while I'm at home). Now, anything that isn't lovingly light-roasted by a really snobby person who has a personal relationship with every coffee farmer he buys green coffeebeans from, is just mud to me. Sorry, Dana Street. I'm just too snobby for your coffee. It's *better* than Red Rock coffee, but it's still not great. You're also a shitty place to work, due to your lack of outlets. Boo. But I love you anyway, because of one key redeeming quality: SUNDAY AFTERNOON LIVE MUSIC. You're now part of a recurring Sunday routine for me. I wake up late (sometimes hung over). I trudge to the Mountain View Farmer's Market for my obscure mushrooms and amazingly cheap mixed greens. I get random crap for free, cuz the farmers are packing up by the time I get there. Then I head over to Dana Street for my caffeine fix and listen to some folk tunes or some jazz number. Such a nice, relaxing moment. It gets me pumped for the rest of the day. Yay! So yah, the live music. That's the winner.

    (4)
  • Rosa L.

    my dog & I have spent some lovely afternoons outside Dana St. Roasting Co. Orders: Tea (I forget which and the total) :) Total: average cafe price. Bit gritty but that's the appeal. Super casual inside, also there are some neat-o (I can't believe I used neat-o!) performances in here.

    (4)
  • Christine Allen C.

    My husband & I were around Los Altos...a new area to us. Want coffee but also get tired of typical Starbucks. Yelp around and found Dana St. Roasting. Order to go and love what we have. House coffee & Irish Cream Latte Potato Onion Knish & Ham and Cheese Quiche Price is reasonable, service is good, and the coffee house was full of people (around 9:30am on a weekday)

    (4)
  • Mark J.

    Great cafe in Mountain View. I usually go here instead of Red Rock (another great cafe) because it's frequently not as crowded and feels "homey-er". Wonderful Americanos and enoyable knishes. I usually pick up some beans, as well.

    (5)
  • Charlene V.

    My teen daughter and I love the jazz music played here among other types! It's a cool eclectic crowd we feel happy to be a part of! The knishes are amazing, as are the cappuccinos. Mmmm, it's a relaxing place to enjoy your coffee and pastries! One more thing--I love the personalities of the Batista's. They crack me up but are good at what they do!!!!:)

    (5)
  • Jay Y.

    Coffee's cheap and nice here. Can't charge my laptop. Sometimes not being able to charge laptop is helpful for focusing on something, because I have limited time. But somehow I feel much productive at red rocks cafe.

    (4)
  • Tanya N.

    This place has a slight diner/hipster feel to it. They have a large menu composed of drinks & food items written on a white board with multi-coloured markers. It may take you awhile to take it all in. Service was sufficient and too the point. There area number of seats with a small communal table in the centre of the cafe. They also have a roaster in the corner of the cafe which is neat to see. I had their double shot latte to stay which was velvety texture and the espresso was smooth though a bit weak. I may have to try the triple shot latte next time.

    (3)
  • Kristen S.

    i happened to stumble into this little coffee house, in search of free WiFi. Good thing I did- i had the best iced coffee ever! Yes, a complicated drink i know, but it IS possible to screw up an iced coffee the way I like it... I told the guy at the register that I like "a little coffee in my soy milk, on lots of ice" and he made it just right. He was really nice about it- not a snobby or annoyed barista that you may often find at Starbucks- and told me if the drink wasn't just right, he could fix it no problem. This coffeehouse was crowded, but I found a little table with one chair and plopped down with my laptop and iced coffee. The crowd is definitely the kind you'd find at a little indie coffee house like this one. The hippie, bohemian sort. The catch about the free WiFi is that there's nowhere to plug in your battery. So, come with a fully charged laptop and you'll be good to go. Also, it's cash or check only. No plastic accepted here! I'll definitely be back for my soymilk with a splash of coffee! For $1.95, I got my perfect iced coffee and my free WiFi!

    (4)
  • Shreya O.

    I was quite underwhelmed by the coffee here. It's no great shakes compared to Barefoot Coffee Roasters or others in the area. Ambiance wise, it feels a bit run down. And it's annoying that they don't take credit cards. Maybe this place was just overhyped for me, but I didn't think the Mexican Mocha was among the better ones I've ever had. The only positive is that they often have life music/concerts on Castro St. and this is a convenient place to sit while being close to the music.

    (2)
  • Dawn T.

    We love the coffee and the fact that we can walk our dogs and sit outside (with all of the other dog owners). They keep dog treats behind the counter so your pups can have a little something while you're sipping on your wonderful cup of coffee. Dana Street Roasting is just eclectic enough to be cool! It's a great find in downtown Mountain View.

    (5)
  • William S.

    We went to this place half an hour before it was scheduled to close. The barista tells us that sorry, he couldn't make any coffee beverages for us because he had already cleaned the machines. Some of our friends decided to get a hot chocolate, which he could make. I figured I would just get something to eat instead, but the barista told me that he would have to give it to me cold because he already cleaned the oven. He was not very friendly, and we seemed to be nuisance to him. Then as we were sitting down to hang out for the last 10 minutes of Dana's being open, another barista screams out "Dana Street Roasting is now closed!" If a business is going to advertise being 'open for business' during a certain time period, they need to be OPEN and serving their products during that time period. We were waiting for a friend that was running late, so since we were kicked out early, we left a sticky note on the door on where our friend could find us. Later that night, on the way back to our cars, we discover that our note was removed and stuck on the side of the building. Needless to say that the very rude and unprofessional behavior of these 'baristas' has left a permanently bad impression of Dana Street Roasting for us, and we definitely will never return.

    (1)
  • Dennis L.

    One of the best coffee shops in the bay area! They have live music, great coffee, and the best staff! It's a great place to hang out at on a Friday or Saturday night. Especially if your going to go to one of the bars or clubs around.

    (5)
  • Jennifer H.

    I can't speak for the coffee here because I don't indulge (yes, really), so per my usual m.o. at a cafe, I ordered a hot chocolate. This is not the place for a hot chocolate. $2.71 after tax for a small cup of watered down swiss miss, or something comparable to that. My friend ordered a coffee though and said it was OK. Setting and service were good.

    (2)
  • Alban N.

    I usually get the Almond latte with soy and it is pretty amazing. Love the decor and ambience of this place--- the only thing is that there aren't outlets and they're cash only so down a star. Will be coming back though

    (4)
  • Alissa A.

    Can you look your coffee roaster in the eye? and get as excited as he does when you talk about your single origin beans? Do you know where your coffee comes from? You can feel good every sip of the way through your cup. You can buy a bag of beans that have been roasted in shop in the past 24 hours. You can get a reliable recommendation based on your tastes. and you will go back for more. again and again and again. and then you find yourself, nose pressed up against the front window, watching the roaster and his roaster... like a kid looking in a toy store window, and secretly, you want a roaster too

    (5)
  • Bee M.

    I came here b/c it was highly rated on Yelp, but it was hard to find and looked very run-down. It wasn't very clean, and smelled like the musty potato sacks that are there to provide "ambience". I got a latte, which was alright - nothing to write home about. I personally like Red Rock, which is right down the street, for a better ambience and coffee. That said, this place WINS in terms of the conversations you overhear. Hippie-looking guy 1: Where have you been, man? I haven't seen you in weeks! Hippie guy 2: I was arrested for possession a couple weeks ago. They sent me to this class about the bad effects of weed to stop me from smoking. Hippie guy 1: Did it work? Hippie guy 2: I guess...except that now I've taken up drinking. So I will probably get a coffee from Red Rock and come here for the entertainment.

    (2)
  • Richard I.

    Nice relaxing and friendly place with great coffee - I love their Latte.

    (4)
  • Kari G.

    Not my favorite coffee shop. The menu was hard to read and they didn't have paper copies to look at. Then as I was trying to read the menu, the workers kept standing in my way. They only take cash so I had to use the ATM machine there which cost the same amount as my coffee. I was drawn in by the awards it had won and the interesting coffee menu. I tried the Caffe Borgia. It was good.

    (2)
  • Jessica Lei D.

    i came here once to study with some friends. there were a lot of people doing work as well, but many of the tables were very small, probably only able to accommodate 2 people comfortably. there is free wi-fi, which is always a plus, but there are very limited outlets. there are some up against one wall (and only one wall) but at the time we went, dana street had turned off those outlets. yeah, i'm not too sure why either...maybe to discourage people from staying and working for a while? so if you want to visit a chill cafe and get some work done on any electronics, this is not the place to come. i would suggest red rock which is right around the corner for that. as for the beverage i ordered, i thoroughly enjoyed my almond latte. not too sweet with a nice touch of almond flavor. i'd come back to try more items on the menu but probably not to study/work.

    (3)
  • adriel a.

    Not a fan of this place at all. First off, there is no sign near the cash register that says no credit/debit cards. I had to wait in line and finally ask the cashier about it only to have to go to the back of the cafe, pull cash out the ATM (say "fees!" please), and lose my place in line. When I got back to order my drink the staff didn't even care to glance in my direction or even acknowledge my presence until 2-3 people were standing behind me. Ordering my drink was pretty painful as well, the guy just didn't seem interested in my business and when my drink was finally served the barista slapped my mocha on the counter after announcing it was done. He instantly looked away appearing to avoid interaction. To top it all off, the place is pretty grimy and dirty. The only good thing about my trip there was the coffee. It wasn't mindblowing or spectacular, I've had just as good elsewhere. At least that didn't suck. But the bad service and staff left a bad taste in my mouth, didn't think a coffee spot could give you a worse aftertaste than the coffee itself. Will not visit this place again unless there's an "under new management" sign posted at the front door.

    (2)
  • Samantha R.

    Stopped by this little coffee shop off Castro and I was not disappointed...tried the banana mocha because I was feeling a bit saucy and I dug it. I liked the combo, and it was different than anything I'd ever ordered in a cafe before... Of course, my friend one upped me by going super crazy by getting the Mexi-coffee with a little bit of cayenne pepper in it. Oh man did that have a pepper kick to it...I've had pepper infused chocolate before, but this coffee was definitely an original. Our barista, with the sweet mustache, I believe was named Aaron. He was very funny and provided quick service. I'd definitely recommend this place out of all the coffee houses in DTMV to either chill at or leech on to for some free wi-fi.

    (4)
  • Amelia R.

    I love this place. They have good tea, scones, and soup. Atmosphere is casual and comfortable. Prices are also way better than all of the other coffee places in town, but bring cash!

    (5)
  • Andy M.

    What happened to customer service? Being rude to the customer is unacceptable even when you are busy. Going to Red Rock next time.

    (1)
  • Yung C.

    Good coffe very friendly service and relaxed

    (4)
  • Paul L.

    I lived in Mountain View for 12 years and this was my favorite hang-out spot. Good drinks, good food, cool staff and owner, live music on the weekends. It's like a little slice of hip-yet-neighborhood-y San Francisco transplanted into Mountain View. I live in San Francisco now, so, sadly, I don't go to this place any more. I miss this place.

    (5)
  • Joyce B.

    The Coffee is perfect. Lovely cappucinos, good soup, sandwiches and pastries. This is a gem of a place. Unpretentious and comfortable, with very good coffee, nice light and comfortable.

    (4)
  • Fouzi H.

    Dana Street Roasting Co. (DSRC) is the default cafe for me and my coworkers who are liked minded about seeking out high quality espresso based drinks. They are not the best (see my review of Barefoot Coffee roasters) but they do things well and they are conveniently located in Downtown Mountain View. The big plus that DSRC has going for it is that they roast their own beans in the cafe itself. They have a fully functioning roaster inside the cafe and you'll often see them roasting while you're enjoying the final product of their well roasted beans. I usually buy my beans from them for my homebrew espresso. As for ambiance the cafe is a bit grungy, which works if that's your style. Sorta has the feel of a coffee shop in a college town. As for the quality of the drinks it varies quite widely based on the barista. I don't know what type of training the baristas undergo but it doesn't seem very formalized. At best I've once been served a latte that was near perfect including latte art (There is only 1 barista there that I've ever seen even attempt latte art. Mostly you'll get a drink with proper microfoam and a freshly pulled shot but no latte art.) At worst I was given a drink that tasted more like a kid's warm milk drink than anything even resembling a latte. Like I said, not the best but on average you will get a much higher quality espresso based drink than Peets or any other random coffee shop. They have free Wi-Fi which is quite reliable. They do not however allow you to plug your laptop in, so make sure your battery is fully charged because you won't get any juice there.

    (4)
  • Archie R.

    It's a nice place for a cuppa coffee. I like the ambiance , live music. It has a nice chilled out atmosphere. A good place to lounge around in the afternoon. I loved their almond latte (had it iced ) . Oh btw, they accept only cash .

    (3)
  • Amanda G.

    Stopped in here to study and have a cup of tea before meeting my hubby for lunch. It was busy, and I was very lucky to get the last table! The guy at the counter was friendly and nice, and there was a good variety of tea. They also serve sandwiches, and a variety of sweets. I didn't have any food here, but the pastries looked tasty! A nice neighborhood spot, that I'd return to!

    (5)
  • Raymond C.

    One of the last coffee shops for real people ,the ones that don't have small lil dogs in purses . A place where they remember your face and name . Good job Dana St O and did I say the coffee is excellent And the chai home made that rocks

    (5)
  • Judy P.

    The Verdict: "Cute place for live music." Came here on a Fri night and found live music in the style of swing/jazz playing by an elderly band. It sounded great and was free (donations accepted). The seating area seats about 20 and the cafe itself has a large menu of offerings. Since I was there during dinner, I didn't feel like coffee, tea or pastries, so I didn't get anything. I as surprised they didn't sell wine or beer...but overall it was a nice set up. I hear they have a lot of bands play across different genres so I will be back. Would I Recommend It? Yes!

    (4)
  • Jessica M.

    I became a regular at this locale last winter, typically ordering a banana mocha. When the summer months rolled in, I asked them if they could blend it with ice, and they were wonderfully accommodating. Whether hot or blended, the beverage is the perfect level of sweet and full of flavor. The beans aren't burnt and the chocolate doesn't make your teeth rattle. I'm sad that Mondays are currently cut short, but they make up for it by being available for the early for the morning rush. Now if only I could haul my lazy tail out of bed to enjoy it before work...

    (5)
  • Michèle S.

    I am not a coffee fan, I don't like the bitter after taste. But I had some sips of the latte and it was one of the best coffees I ever tasted. I love chai tea and they brew their own. It's not as sugary as Starbucks and it tastes kind of spicy, you have to try it. I still have to figure out if I like it:-) Be prepared, they only take chash!

    (4)
  • Lindsey C.

    I think this is my new downtown MTV coffee spot. Can't believe I just found it now. How could I turn after just one visit, considering I've been coming to Red Rock for years? Well, it wasn't really winning me over. It's really just conveniently located. Dana Street Roasting gives off the casual, local spot, not trying hard to be cool vibe. Customer service, prices and soy caps are great. Only gripes are cash only, and it's stuffy, not well ventilated. But on days when it's warm, I want to be outside enjoying the sun anyway! Will just make sure I have some bills on me before I swing by.

    (4)
  • Ryan B.

    I dislike cash-only places...credit card readers can be attached to your phone these days and it's so much more convenient than cash. However, the latte was pretty darn tasty, and the foam was quite good consistency. I am sure I'll be back. It was also cool seeing them roasting in the middle of the room...and that fresh-roasted coffee smell was great.

    (4)
  • Stephen F.

    Best coffee in the Bay Area by far. Also hosts experimental music and brilliant minds. Your IQ goes up 10 points just by stepping inside this building. Some workers are friendly. Some are cranky. Barista life doh. Make sure to talk to the big bearded fellow. I hear he grew up in a forest fire. There's 2 bathrooms in here you guys. 2. Now go here and hand them your wallet.

    (5)
  • Shing H.

    Ordered a thai iced coffee and the condensed milk was added to cold coffee so it couldn't melt at all. Yuck. Employees were chatting among themselves ignoring the line and coffeemaking for some time too.

    (2)
  • Bern M.

    Red rock being way too crowded resulted in a change of plans to Dana street roasting! I gotta say it wasn't a bad choice and it was nice to change up the pace. DSR had great caps! Loved it. I worked in stuff here for a bit. Internet speed was on point. Raspberry croissant was the bees knees! The tables were kinda small but we made do and made moves as people trickled out. The restrooms are clean. The main area although is kinda sloppy. It had a grungy feel with all the coffee sacks set out. Organizing that will make the difference!

    (4)
  • Aarize D.

    CASH ONLY! CASH ONLY! CASH ONLY! I needed some good caffeine and a snack (like a sandwich) so I was on Yelp browsing through a good coffee place with Merica S. and found this place. It was just a walking distance from Alexander's Patisserie which was very convenient. This place had that cool, hipster-ish ambiance - there's someone always dutifully roasting. I loved the smell of coffee and your latte's will be served in a cute, fancy glass so you see your creamy drink. I got the Mint Mocha Latte (cold) and a smoked ham sandwich with chips. My drink was good, I could taste the mint and has that good balance of the mocha. My sandwich was okay, I just needed something on my belly besides dessert, lol. I really like this place and I'll most likely go back soon to try out their other lattes :)

    (4)
  • Jessica B.

    Cute place, great dirty chais! Not too sweet, nice level of spice. Very good scones. I recommend it for a nice, slow morning!

    (4)
  • Emily S.

    Nice little indie sort of coffee shop that's sort of tucked away on a side street. Since it's not on Castro, I actually didn't know about it until I searched Yelp for coffee shops in Mountain View. The cash only policy, the slightly homely vibe, the lack of air conditioning really remind me of hole-in-the-wall sort of breakfast joints in East Asian countries. They have some unique flavors of espresso beverages not really found in other places. The cafe valencia (at least I think that's what it was!) I got was quite yummy. And the prices are lower than pretty much all other places along Castro, including the chain stores like Starbucks and Peet's. There are a couple of tables outside to sit at, too, which is nice, if you don't mind people passing by on the sidewalk, which isn't that wide. One kind of random thing to note is that if I recall correctly, they close early on Mondays now. Or at least they did the one time I tried going after work on a Monday.

    (4)
  • Edwin R.

    This is an interesting coffeehouse. Even the mismatched chairs and the off the wall decor I found, quite interesting. I got a kick with their sample size cup display with head icons on top. That was really cool. My cappuccino was also interesting. It seems like a laid back place to chill, with the patrons enjoying their favorite beverage, in the comfort of their own zone! I will have to come back during their live band nights. What would even be the icing on my cake if they decide to hold a standup comedy night. That would be super cool if they did! Overall, I think it's a nice place to hangout. Until then, Cheers ~ :p

    (4)
  • Shirley C.

    This cute little cafe as its charms. They have a handwritten menu and a chill atmosphere. Even the barista was pretty chill himself. Maybe I would even describe this place to be a bit hipster. Their coffees are just wonderful. So smooth and rich. They can make the plain coffee taste good. No sugar needed to mask terrible drinks here. I'll be back if I'm in the mood for some great plain cup of Joe. I just need to remember to bring cash here. I like their quote on top of the restroom. "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks." That's cute. Though I am a Starbucks lover as well. Hehe. FYI. They do have WiFi here as well. It's just a bit slow.

    (4)
  • Kevin J.

    Roaming around Mountain View for the first time, spending some time walking around before dinner, my girlfriend and I decided to stop by and grab some coffee. It's a very cozy local coffeeshop that's packed with lots of people conversing, studying, relaxing, you name it! The place is really spacious, with lots of seating. Solid coffee. Good stuff.

    (3)
  • X. Y.

    Today I had breakfast. I visited at about 8:30 and ordered a cappuccino and a croissant for a total of about $4.80. The place was busy and I was able to share the table with a guy that gave me his reluctant permission to sit, probably some local clown that thinks he is superior to most humans (talk about friendliness). The cappuccino was good. It was at the right temperature and it had the right blend of milk and coffee. The croissant was way below my expectations. It was not crunchy and mostly firm, tasteless ... basically, it just didn't have a soul. As I was peeling it off I got to the center that was literally dough like the dough of a loaf of bread. It was not exciting and I would not recommend it. I bake frozen croissants at home and they turn out just like in Europe. Don't waste money on those ... maybe it was a bad batch but I would not bet on it.

    (3)
  • Ivy T.

    In Mountain View working and needed a quick pick me up. Hipster and cute place. Very friendly service. They had a lot of pastries to choose from! I ordered their Thai Iced Coffee, which was espresso and condensed milk, I guess Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee is the same thing. Fast service and friendly. Coffee was okay, I'll swing by to try a latte next time.

    (3)
  • Tony T.

    This is my go to coffee shop in the area. I've been going a lot on Sundays to listen to the live music and catch up on some reading. The drinks are well made. I particularly enjoyed the latte I recently had. Very nice steamed milk that was extremely smooth. I could see a bit more espresso to milk ratio would be nice, but not necessary.

    (4)
  • Chris J.

    (2.5 stars) Nice setting, great prices and variety. My latte, though, wasn't even mediocre. I ordered a double, but it was still somehow almost all milk. And the texture--lots of big bubbles and no real microfoam--was clearly the result of some sloppy barista-ing. There was so much milk that latte art wasn't even possible.

    (3)
  • Jasmine X.

    I've literally passed by this place a million times. It looks a bit shabby from the outside but is this tiny hipster coffeeshop tucked away on the side of Dana Street. Cash only (classic hipster move). I got the latte which was actually a pretty decent latte. Not the best I ever had, but I liked it. The place is pretty spacious and fills up surprisingly quickly. I was there on a Saturday morning and every single seat was filled, and the cafe itself is pretty big as well. tldr; good coffee if you're looking for a Starbucks alternative on Castro--compares to Red Rock; I'm not a coffee aficionado, but they seem to have a lot of other really cool coffees here

    (4)
  • Tina S.

    I loved the quirky vibe of this coffee shop and enjoyed sitting down to a mug of coffee but the coffee was just good, not great, and they were out of one of the two caffeinated varieties. I felt like a bit of an outsider, not really a welcoming vibe. Maybe it was just an off-time because it wasn't that busy. I'll definitely give it another go the next time I'm in Mountain View, I really do love the shop itself and feel like it should be a great place to hang out or work.

    (3)
  • Menlo K.

    Very nice place. Good drinks. Nice people. Great atmosphere. Unfortunately, sometimes over crowded, which I guess comes with being good... even when there are plenty of other choices nearby.

    (4)
  • Adrienne R.

    I often meet with friends or business associates here. A comfortable local coffee house, and I like the chai tea latte with almond milk. The place is simple, with plenty of tables, and sometimes they have live music in the evenings. My husband likes their Americano, and we both like the spicy Mexican mocha.

    (5)
  • Nabeel A.

    My favorite place for coffee in Mtn View. Good drip. Great Mocha, esp iced. Carrot muffins very tasty.

    (5)
  • Alyssa M.

    Hole in the wall, literally. Totally passed by it and didn't know that was the place. Pricing is good! It's not anything fancy and not super appealing when you walk in, but it's good coffee and it gets the job done. The sizing felt a large for a normal 16 oz. I like how they different selection too such as a banana mocha or hazelnut latte's mmm! If red rock is too packed it's worth a walk downwards to try out.

    (3)
  • Will L.

    Dana street roasting company is a nice friendly coffee shop. The coffee is _good_. I got their house blend. A large for $2 is awesome. Great flavor and perfect balance of bitterness and coffee taste. The caffeine level is strong but not over powering. I also ate a ham and cheese quiche which was crisp and flavorful. Coming from the ham state, Virginia, I can say that the ham was of good quality. The staff is friendly and the patrons nice and cheerful. Be sure to bring cash though. There is an ATM on premise that packs a $2 fee.

    (4)
  • Lloyd W.

    Great coffee house. Amazing roaster! If you are not getting your coffee beans from Dana Street you are definitely missing the boat!

    (5)
  • Rosie C.

    A cup of deliciousness + a shot of friendliness + a hint of quirkiness = Dana St Roasting. I've been coming here more recently since a coworker introduced me to it. It's a block away from work, so why not! I consider this a hidden gem since it's not on Castro St, but has its own cult following. Every time I go there, it's always full (not jammed packed full, but there's always a considerable amount of people). They offer a good selection of coffee drinks, pastries and food. A good amount of seating for those who want to "get work done" or for chit-chatting. There's also a working roasting machine!! Grab a cup of joe here next time, but remember to bring cash (CASH ONLY)

    (4)
  • Kyle P.

    Delighted to find this place on a business trip. Forgot what non bland coffee shops were like. Sort of reminds me of 90s coffee shops.

    (5)
  • Eric L.

    Double cappucino is good, but not the style I prefer. That being said, I still enjoyed the drink. The atmosphere was warm and the service was superb.

    (4)
  • Ankit B.

    5 stars only because they serve coffee in an actual coffee mug and not in a go cup even when the order is for here. Btw, the coffee is amazing too.

    (5)
  • Luke L.

    Overall a good inexpensive alternative to both Starbuck and Red Rock. Positives: - Good price - $1.65 for tea or americano. Lowest in down town. Improved: - Pastries are now better. To be improved: - WiFi is still slower compared to other cafes.

    (4)
  • Will V.

    Hands down best coffee shop in Mt. View. Awesome coffee and great staff and atmosphere. Feels more neighborhooddie than Red Rock.

    (5)
  • Monica E.

    Pros: Reasonably priced drinks and lots of seating. Cons: They don't allow you to plugin your laptop, even for paying customers.

    (3)
  • Derek S.

    Came by for coffee the other day and it was surprisingly decent. Despite a rather hipster environment, the staff was friendly. The mocha was decent, better than Red Rock down the street. The environment was hipster and definitely an acquired taste... $2.95 for a single mocha. Cash only.

    (4)
  • Rimi K.

    *Cutsie hipster coffee shop with limited outdoor seating* Good if you like downtown Mountain View but not a fan of the super hustle bustle. Order at the register, pick up at the counter. Quick service Wifi available Outdoor seating limited to about 4 tables - direct sunlight in the afternoon Worth a look.

    (3)
  • Agustinus T.

    OK, this place interior isn't as nice as typical coffee shop but has that mom and pop vibe to it. Their tea selection is excellent and it's all laid out at the counter so you can take your time picking one. Granted, I'm more of tea person than the coffee person but they have fancy coffee like Irish Cream or Banana.... to try next time. Baked good selection looks just OK but they need to work on the display. I did try their spinach (potato) knish. It had mild flavor and interesting texture, not quite pastry, not quite bread.

    (4)
  • Richard S.

    This is one of the major coffee shops in the area that I will go to to work and have a cup of Joe. They make good, inexpensive coffee and the atmosphere is simple: wooden chairs in a sunny cafe with cheery people at work. Pros: - Cheap - Human atmosphere - Right off of Castro (downtown Mountain View) - Great black coffee (i.e., almost as good as Red Rock) Cons: - Often it is quite loud inside (roasting, music, the staff playing the radio, etc...) - Homeless people are often outside in the summer on weekends - Weird and unexpected changes in hours

    (3)
  • Emilie K.

    Met a friend here for coffee this morning, sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine! I had a soy chai latte and my friend had a macchiato, both were delicious! The drinks were full of flavour and very yummy. Prices were good, too. From what I could see, the inside of the cafe was fairly full, but there was a constant flow of both to go and rotating customers. Lots of cute little dogs were outside, too! :) I will definitely be coming back here, its a great spot to conversation, studying, and especially for people watching!

    (5)
  • Tom M.

    Delicious coffee and chill atmosphere, but the occasional bad attitude hipster barista will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth..

    (4)
  • Shanna W.

    Their Americano tastes like water, weaker than a regular cup of coffee. They take cash only. Seats are limited. Service is slow, I had to wait for 10 min standing at the counter for my water-like Americano.

    (1)
  • Samantha C.

    Cash only!! Good place to chill out with friends, enjoy live music, etc.. but not the best place to study. All the tables (there aren't that many) are pretty small- enough for one laptop and a coffee on the edge. The lighting is super dim, and the music is a bit too loud. Coffee is *okay*. Not sure what beans they use, but the prices are relatively cheap. They have a lot of specialty drinks and syrup choices. As per the barrista's recommendation, I tried the Iced Irish Creme Latte. It was pretty good! You can request sugar-free syrups, nonfat milk, etc, at no additional costs. Note that the hours are a bit sporadic. They close at "8-ish" some days and open at "9-ish" other days..

    (3)
  • Mansi A.

    Any coffee shop with a full-size roaster in the middle of the cafe is purely awesome. I wanted to try something different one weekend morning, so we ventured to Dana Street Roasting Company, which has just as great reviews as the Mountain View staple, Red Rock Coffee. In addition, they had an delectable-looking selection of breakfast pastries and such - tempting, but we didn't try any this time around. The cafe was filled with locals and families on a weekend morning, and while busy, still preserved its quaint appeal. It also seemed less expensive (always a plus!) than its more established neighbor that I previously mentioned. I must add that, yes, I am a coffee snob. However, this coffee snob is delighted to report that the regular drip Ethiopian is stellar here, thus further confirming this coffee shop's awesome-ness. CA$H only.

    (4)
  • Jemma B.

    Quaint little local coffee shop with a good choice of 'speciality coffees' and cake and pastries too. It's cash only, but they aren't expensive. The girl serving me was a bit abrupt but became quite chatty and thawed a little when she found out I was from England, as she apparently studied there for a while. There aren't many tables inside, but with weather a great as you have here, why would you not want to sit outside? The coffee was good, the service wasn't bad and the atmosphere was alright. They don't have a big sign outside so you have to look for the sign in the window to know you have the right place. Nice coffee shop and makes a change from Starbucks.

    (3)
  • Wendy K.

    Went here today for the first time and absolutely love the coffee and baked goods selection here. At 11am on a Saturday, the cafe was packed and all the tables were occupied. I lucked out and got a seat after waiting for a table for ~8-10mins. My friend ordered an everything bagel which he said was nicely toasted. I ordered a banana mocha and an oat jack circle thing. The banana mocha was delicious and the oat jack circle was divine! Service is really friendly and I can't wait to go back and catch up with more friends here. FYI - they are cash only!!

    (5)
  • Jack H.

    My go to coffee location whenever I'm in mountain view. Has a good rotating selection of coffee. Decor is old and antiquated which can do little remodeling . This is the anti-Starbucks of coffee. 3 out of 4 employees prefer to finish a conversation before they help you. I've grown to accept this service. I'm actually quite surprise when they say thanks....

    (4)
  • Jazzabell T.

    Ariendly inviroment and decent selection for people with allergies or diet restrictions. Charming atmosphere. And not too crowded from what I've seen.

    (4)
  • Scott F.

    UPDATE: worst Gibraltar ever: yelp.com/biz_photos/dana… The best item is not listed on the menu: an affogato: you can order a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a shot of espresso, then pour the shot into the ice cream - Very good! yelp.com/biz_photos/dana… the Mexican Mocha is great: yelp.com/biz_photos/dana… It tastes like they add some half-n-half to get it really creamy. The potato-onion knish is as bad as it looks: yelp.com/biz_photos/dana… Gloopy inside. But the exterior bread part was OK. The macchiato has good flavor and structure: yelp.com/biz_photos/dana… It's just a bit too mild for me.

    (3)
  • Elise T.

    Had the iced Peppermint Mocha, which was just okay. I ordered a large, but it came in a grande sized cup, which was kind of disappointing. Maybe their hot lattes are better. The environment is spacious, with a hint of hipster to it. I also had the potato/onion Knish, which is a russian pastry filled with potato & onion. That was quite delicious, i must say! The friendly man who rang me up was sweet and helpful, offering recommendations since it was my first time. I would give this place another shot to try their hot drinks because the iced latte I had just doesn't seem to match up with their good ratings.

    (3)
  • Jen M.

    Decent coffee roasting place with light to strong coffee. I normally order their lattes and they're good. There's a lot of coffee places in the area so it's hard for me to give this place a 5 star. Not a fan of the commercial places like Starbucks so am glad the smaller coffee shops are able to survive. Big fan!

    (3)
  • Olga A.

    Wifi is pretty slow here. Tea is nice. Plenty of space and seats with outlets. If they upgrade the wifi, I'd give them a 5. Outdoor seating is nice and free 2 hour parking on this block.

    (4)
  • Sir C.

    Great coffee good selection although I only had an americano. Had it for here and the big cup that's actually a cup was a nice touch. Some seating outside which was nice on a clear winter day. It would have been nicer if a patron two tables over wasn't smoking. Overall a good place to go with home roasted beans.

    (4)
  • Aisha L.

    I went here the other day to do some work. I actually enjoyed the experience and thought the tea selection was good. i also thought the ambience was good for getting work done. It was calm but not dead. However, the "cash only" policy is a huge inconvenience since I rarely have cash on me and it's 2014 and most places accept cards. On top of that. I read a review here that they turn their power strips off so you cannot charge your devices there. That seems completely counterproductive to keeping customers, so I'm not sure I'll go back. I don't like when a business makes it seem like they are doing customers a favor by allowing them to spend money there instead of accommodating customers since patrons are the reason they will continue to be in business or not.

    (3)
  • Greg J.

    I like the vibe here, and the coffee is more to my taste than the way-more-popular Red Rock a block away, so I end up here quite often. Nice people, nice variety of customers. And live music, for some reason.

    (4)
  • Shane L.

    Nice atmosphere for a coffee shop, Nicer roasted beans - I went for a light roast Costa Rican blend and my first cup was smooooooooth. I'll be back with CASH only (they have an ATM in the back though)

    (4)
  • Syed A.

    I use to go to the other popular coffee shop in the area but after discovering the Mint-mocha, I walk down to this place every time I'm out for coffee at work. I still love the other place, but I love this one a tad-bit more. Coffee is great, staff is awesome and the place itself is really nice. One of those places where you can sit down, sip on coffee and get work done without getting distracted. If you are in the area and looking for a coffee shop, definitely give it a try.

    (5)
  • Ivy L.

    Cute little coffee shop in DT Mountain View! I went here to meet up a friend to work on a project. We accidentally went on ukelele night and it was packed with ukelele players! Although the music and everything was nice, I have to say, it's hard to concentrate if you're working and it's much too crowded. The people were super friendly though! It's technically closed to ukelele players but no one kicked us out. Haha. I met some of the regulars and they've been coming here for 10 years! CRAZYYYY. But it was cool talking to them and getting to know more about the shop. I tried the iced coffee and the potato onion knish. I thought they were both pretty good. The knish had an interesting flavor, I haven't tried anything like it before. But there were onion pieces on top of the knish and it wasn't overpowering (coming from someone who doesn't really like onions). One employee didn't seem to know what they were doing....the guy at the register seemed to be distracted. Don't get me wrong, he was very friendly and tried his best but he didn't even know what the knish was and he totally forgot to microwave it until someone told him to. He handed it to me cold at first. Maybe he was new? Haha. But no biggie, I didn't mind waiting, it was just kind of weird. I'd definitely recommend this place, the atmosphere is very friendly and nice!

    (4)
  • Leslie H.

    How did I not know about Dana Street Roasting Co.? Maybe because there are so many other coffee shops off of the main drag that are more flashy if you will. I stopped by on a weekday afternoon with some friends as we looked to escape the heat. It looks like everyone else knows about this coffee shop though, as practically every table was occupied with a patron reading a newspaper, chatting with a friend, or typing away on a laptop. I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but most coffee shops are willing to make me an "iced chocolate milk", and Dana Street was no different. I liked the fact that it wasn't super sweet, so it didn't just taste like chocolate milk. And you could see the cocoa powder, so I knew it was made fresh. Service was friendly and prompt at the counter. The guy at the counter kept up a good sense of humor when he had to deal with our shenanigans in scaring up the proper change. I'll keep Dana Street Roasting Company in mind for the next time I'm looking for coffee in downtown Mountain View.

    (3)
  • Alyx F.

    Came here today to grab a cup of coffee, and tried two drinks: the chai and the mexican mocha. The chai is very different (more of an indian, spicy chai) but it was solid. They definitely use authentic ingredients. The mexican mocha was delicious. It has a cinnamon-y and nutty flavor to it that really makes it unique. I would definitely come back again just for that. I look forward to trying more of their menu! The cafe has a great vibe, and I think it would be fun to just hang out there!

    (4)
  • Anam M.

    This place is so cozy and quaint. I would recommend anyone to go here! The people are really friendly and the coffee has a special place in my heart. Definitely the pick me up I need in the morning.

    (5)
  • Casey N.

    This place is beyond wonderful. My love and I came here for coffee yesterday morning, it's very close to our house so we walked here. The latte and mocha were excellent for my opinion. They make it a bit sweeter which exactly what I like. 5 mins after we sat down with our drinks there were 2 people playing instruments on stage! Good coffee, great live music! What else can you ask for!?we would definitely come back to support this locate business:)

    (5)
  • Christie E.

    We ordered two sandwiches. Neither were correct. Our tuna melt didn't even have melted cheese. Our turkey melt wasn't even toasted. We also asked for no lettuce. It had lettuce. Instead of dealing with the employees again, we ate the sandwiches and left. Quickly. Cash and checks only. ATM in the back of the shop.

    (1)
  • Dan H.

    Been coming here for years as they have the best house blend around. Unique folks to serve you. Always enjoy conversing with Nick, the owner. Just a lot of nice, laid back customers enjoying an equally laid back atmosphere.

    (5)
  • Medina M.

    In my circle of friends, Dana roasting is often referred to as the coffee shop around the corner from red rock café but I think it definitely stands on its own merit as an awesome coffee shop. I absolutely love their homemade chai latte... In addition to their Americano. It's a great place to grab a coffee and read or chat with a friend... I don't consider it a good "laptop working space". There is outdoor seating on the sidewalk and huge windows that make the inside sunny and warm- both things I love!

    (5)
  • Dianna D.

    Reminiscent of Paddy's Coffee House in Union City that closed. The ambiance is there, and the barista was super chill. Coffee was just okay. I took some to go, and one of the brews of the day was an Organic Brazilian. Meh. Just okay, a bit burnt, a little too strong for my taste, and can barely taste the roast. There's definitely a lot more room in here than at Red Rock's across the street, at least in the morning. Not sure about during the day, though.

    (3)
  • Amy V.

    Staff was super courteous and helpful! The coffee, Oh Wow ... Great coffee! Seriously!!!! Getting my 2nd cup now, lrg.!!!

    (5)
  • Courtney R.

    I love Dana Street, such good quality coffee and homemade chai. I tried the lattes, the mochas and the chai. Also, the baristas are creative, fun and nice. I have gone in a few times and they have made me some really good drinks. Coconut mocha for one. They are cash only, which is OK but can sometimes be a pain.

    (5)
  • Kaori M.

    This is a nice place for reading, writing, and watching people. I read a chapter and wrote an essay. Coffee is reasonable price. I prefer music at red rock cafe, but still cool.

    (4)
  • Joanna S.

    Cheap prices, good coffee, laid back atmosphere (which is desperately needed in Mountain View). So why not a higher rating? Because out of the 5 or so times I've given this place a chance only twice did I receive my correct order with good service. 3 times they forgot about my order and I was sitting around at a table for ~10 minutes waiting (no one noticed that I wasn't drinking anything?). I tip every time and I'm polite, so I don't think it's because I was a jerk. 2 of those times it wasn't during busy hours, in a rush it's forgivable. Bearded Man is my epic hero at this shop, because I think he is by far their best barista. That dude deserves a raise and it's a shame I didn't catch his name. Three stars for Bearded Barista. He's the reason I kept giving it another chance - that and a friend is a big fan of the place. Say what you want about Red Rock, but I've always received good, fast service from them and could work for hours on the second floor. Also, for a while the owner wasn't letting customers charge their laptops. I could understand that for someone not buying anything, but it's annoying for people who want to work (and buy food, multiple cups of coffee, and tip). It looks like it's allowed again the last time I went, but that was a weird period. I think if Dana Street got its act together it would be the best coffee shop in town. As is, it's mostly just a bit frustrating.

    (3)
  • Gai S.

    High quality coffee, reasonable prices, helpful and friendly staff. My go to place downtown Mt View

    (4)
  • C S.

    I come here at least once a week, sometimes more. The prices are reasonable, and I really like the casual atmosphere. I am not a huge coffee connoisseur, I stick mostly to tea and pastries. They have a rotating selection of cakes, the carrot cake is quite good, several of the chocolate cakes are amazing, the red velvet and black tie cakes both left me feeling underwhelmed so I steer clear of those. Most of the staff are also very nice and pleasant, always a plus!

    (4)
  • Mo M.

    Great little neighborhood coffee shop. We went in Sunday afternoon and the place was pretty busy, but we found a seat after a few minutes. There was a great, friendly guitarist who we struck some conversation with, and the baristas were friendly too. Good coffee, good atmosphere.

    (4)
  • Andrew K.

    My extreme low rating is on the specific basis that I look to a cafe or a coffee house to provide me a workspace and lounge to do work using my laptop. I've been a customer of this fine food establishment a dozen times this year. Each time I have spent $30 on average for coffee and food for me and my friend(s). Well, on this one particular occasion I arrived and ordered my evening fare. Then I set myself up at a table looking forward to a comfortable couple of hours of laptop usage. Lo and behold, my laptop battery just happened to be on 5% charge (almost empty). So, I relocated to another table that was next to a electrical outlet. They have a power strip of 3 or 4 outlets along one wall. I was the only laptop customer this one evening with just a few hours left in the cafe's work day (it was around 7:30 pm). To my surprise the laptop was not charging after I plugged in my power adapter. Upon further examination, they have a small sign above the power strip that says "We don't provide power". I asked one of the staff behind the bar and he explained that they (the owner) do not feel they need to pay for extra electricity in addition to the kitchen appliances, the Air Conditioning, etc. WOW!! I tried to explain to them that the cost of electricity to power a laptop battery is minuscule relative to their more high amperage equipment. The barista just shrugged his shoulders and said if we let you power your laptop then what is there stopping other customers asking us to turn on the power strip outlets to power their laptops or cell phones or other. Ugh!!?? Conclusion: Great coffee and pastries ... BUT, Lousy business sense and Lousy sensitivity to their source of revenue. Sure, they're gonna lose just $360 annually by me not patronizing them. That's around $30 a month revenue loss. But, I guess they will save the $1 a month (if that) on their electricity bill. Smart? You decide.

    (1)
  • Terence N.

    I finally decided to try Dana Street after too many dissapointing coffee visits at Red Rock. I ordered a banana mocha and its very good. I would have preffered more espresso, got a double and it came in a large 16oz cup. They toast their own beans which is a huge plus. I'll definitely be back for my morning coffee runs!

    (4)
  • Jess B.

    I came here last week on a Friday afternoon to meet up with someone for the first time. I liked the ambiance when I walked in-- non-pretentious, with people just hanging out and a big, cool-looking coffee roaster in the middle of the cafe. But when I got up to order, I got a different vibe from the baristas. They were slightly snarky when I said I needed a minute or two to figure out what I wanted, and then when I was ready I waited for a few minutes while three of them stood around chatting behind the counter. I paid and waited, and another Batista came up and asked me what I wanted to order. When I told her I already had, I was given attitude that I hadn't moved to the "pick up" area, even though there was no one else waiting and they hadn't told me to. I got the feeling that this place is actually trying too hard to be "true" hipster and anti-Starbucks. I don't ask for much, but I'd rather not have attitude from multiple baristas while waiting for my coffee. The iced coffee was decent. The chocolate biscotti was stale.

    (2)
  • Duncan T.

    This is the best coffee in mountain view. The service is really slow though, so if you have a ten minute window to get coffee and a quiche before work, and there is no line in here, just forget it. Also it's cash only. If you're ok with waiting and want some decent coffee it's great. Definitely go here but know what to expect. The staff seem pretty friendly.

    (4)
  • Parry P.

    We are one of the regulars here for over a year. Their coffee roast is really good. Try their Mint Mocha, it's fabulous :)

    (5)
  • Michelle J.

    A 4 star for the awesome coffee. However... My annoyances with this place are that they are so anti 'every other coffee place' it is seriously annoying. I KNOW independent coffee houses hate Starbucks. No need to put up an actual sign behind your bar! I went here for the first time and made the comment that it was hard to find because they have no signage. The guy said 'Really? This is Dana Street Roasting on Dana Street and you need a sign telling you that?' I should have walked right out. Rude. I pointed out that I had just moved to MTN View and didn't know my way around too well. So I use Yelp a lot. He then asked me if I'd read any bad reviews about them on here. What? He then continued to say 'If I look around this room,' [note the cafe was packed] 'I can name everyone in this room.' So...what your telling me is that you don't want any non-regulars here or new customers? How do you know I didn't just move here? Perhaps I will live here for a while...and maybe I like good coffee. Please get rid of the teenager who made my latte. I actually made the effort to go up to him and compliment him on the great latte. And he said 'Really? Normally when I make lattes they taste like crap.' I kid you not! I didn't stay to drink my latte. I left. A neighbour has told me her husband loves this place...perhaps I need to visit with them so that I'm treated like a local. FYI Starbucks may in fact BURN their espresso...but they don't treat you like a foreigner! They welcome you effortlessly. You might want to learn some service basics from them!

    (4)
  • Fei L.

    There's something extremely eclectic and personable about Dana Street Roasting that I really really love. It is something old world and beautiful - and so much missing from the everyday quick-fix chain coffee shops. For example, a large percent of the patrons at Dana Street Roasting do not bring their laptops, which is usually unheard of in the Silicon Valley. Instead, neighbors sit and chat, sip their coffees, and read a newspaper or two. What to Order Here: House Coffee Cappuccino (around $2.50 for single) (I enjoy the cappuccino here and I'm a tough critic. Although I haven't ordered the house coffee, I have heard wonderful things.) Amidst our hustle and bustle world, Dana Street Roasting is a perfect example of a neighborhood cafe that is not to be missed.

    (4)
  • amanda m.

    One word - Yirgacheffe.

    (5)
  • James G.

    I am thrilled I found this place, no more Starbucks for me. I have been driving by this place for months without even thinking about going in. They roast their own coffee beans and you can really tell the difference between thier coffee and Starbucks. The food selection is great as well and the service is more personal than other major coffee shops

    (4)
  • Nichola C.

    This coffee shop is awesome. Really friendly staff, great vibe and best of all, really good, reasonably priced coffee. If you want 20 oz of delicious iced coffee for $2, this is the only place you can get it

    (5)
  • Minh T.

    Love the banana mocha! I used to work two blocks from this place so I got different flavored lattes everyday. Space looks a little run down but adds to their charm.

    (5)
  • Ellen L.

    this is the coolest coffee shoppe i've ever seen! totally fit for mountain view & silicon valley. there's a dude who looks after the coffee beans and the large coffee bean grinder contraption that just sits in a corner of the shoppe. very cool technology, very unique. reminds me of a "coffee-nazi" who doesn't want you to touch his coffee beans. they have occasional bands coming in to entertain guests, and the schedule is posted on their calendar in the store. there is ample seating inside, and a few tables outside. they offer the usual coffee, tea, and light pastries. in addition, they have savory quiches and knishes. i had the spinach & potato knish to-go and it was awesome! i could taste the spinach in between the chunks of mashed up potatoes, and the crust was just right, a little crispy. i like that they heated it up for me so it was warm and delicious. it only cost $2, which is less expensive than what i'd expect to pay at other coffee shoppes. great food, great staff, great ambiance. what more could you ask for in your local neighborhood coffee shoppe?

    (5)
  • Jeremy S.

    Free Wifi! Good coffee.

    (3)
  • Joy S.

    One of my favorite coffee shops to go to. I love the blended ice mochas and the lattes are awesome too.

    (4)
  • Michelle L.

    On my first trip here, the customer service wasn't really up to par, and I don't remember how the coffee was, which speaks for itself. Regardless, I gave it another shot. One my second visit a few months later I attempted to order a frozen drink that called for ice cream. I was informed that they couldn't make it because the ice cream scoop was already in the sink. I guess they couldn't problem solve that one out and find another utensil, like a SPOON, to handle that situation. I won't be going back, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.

    (2)
  • Ms. B.

    Dana Street Roasting Company has achieved the ability to combine comfy home town appeal with euro techno-feel. The owner and manager are fanatical about the quality of their product, and as a result have many loyal aficionados such as myself. This coffee house is the genuine article. You'll find bohemian youth exchanging views with sage seniors, executives taking pause, mom's with strollers and an eccentric regular or two. All in all, a uniquely comforting environment.

    (5)
  • Chris K.

    Great coffee, great tea, great snacks. Needs more room or fewer squatters. Oh wait, I've squatted here before. :^) It could use more room/more tables but, overall, this is the best coffee hangout on (or near) Castro.

    (4)
  • Maria P.

    I discovered this place about 12 years ago, and ever since then I don't go anywhere else for coffee! They are always helpful when it comes to buying pounds of coffee if you even only have a vague description of what you want. I have never walked away disappointed.

    (5)
  • Sylvia P.

    I really don't see why people love this place. The service isn't very good and the baristas are usually cranky. They only accept cash (who carries cash anymore)? There aren't enough tables and the walls are really bare (they could easily draw on the local art community to fill those up). The coffee is pretty good and the deserts are passable. I give them props for having a root beer float on the menu. The manager is a really nice guy and will always make time to chat with you. This could be a 5 star rating with a few small changes! 1. Tell your baristas to stop growling at people. 2. Get a couple more tables and chairs at a garage sale. 3. Shout out to local artists for wall color. and most importantly 4. Get a credit/debit card machine PLEASE!!

    (2)
  • Monica S.

    I have a love-hate relationship with Dana Street. I lived two blocks away for two years and fell in love with the chai. They brew it themselves and only sell it by the glass. It's amazing with the perfect amounts of spice. For awhile I tried to go almost every day, but I found that the preparation was inconsistent. It was either scalding hot, too milky, not hot enough or full of crud from the bottom. But I was hooked, so I kept going, each time telling myself it would be OK and each time leaving with the thought that would be the last time and $3 less in my pocket. With each new employee, I thought things would get better, but they haven't. I moved to Sunnyvale, but still frequent Mountain View. Dana Street is no longer on the 'must stop at' list. Other notes - Dirty - they painted once in the past six years? but never seem to bother really cleaning anything. Beautiful space that could use more love. Smokers - Walking past the tables of smokers is very Euro, if you are into that kind of thing. No Credit or Debit - I always question the motives of businesses that operate on a cash only basis. Cash only is only a benefit to the owner, not the customer. Beans - great place to buy beans Coffeee - cup of coffee is cheap and good Other Drinks - could use more training in consistency of drink preparation, temperature training or use of thermometer

    (3)
  • natalie s.

    this place is magical! i love everything about it! i'm not the type to drink decaf, but here it just tastes better.

    (5)
  • Ben D.

    The manager of Dana Street Roasting Co usually makes my drinks. How's THAT for service? And the White Mochas with Monin Syrup shots he creates are a delicious way to start my day. My favorite flavours include coconut, hazelnut, and frosted mint. I would pick one up each morning if it didn't make me feel gluttonily guilty. Then again, I also feel guilty when I avoid the Co to forfeit the unnecessary additional calories and interrupt my daily ritual of throwing money into a luxury beverage. But, oh, what a luxurious beverage it is! Ahem, enough about my favorite coffeenated drink... I also enjoy the Naked Juice as a healthy alternative pricey beverage, the music playing in the morning is often good and/or interesting, and the White Mocha maker is simply a cool cat. Fin.

    (5)
  • Richard B.

    Tip top. By far the place I've discovered to chat, caffeinate, code/type, read in the South Bay/Peninsula. Live bands and if not, always something eclectic on the stereo. Sit inside or out.

    (5)
  • eric k.

    My wife and friends love this place.... I'm not a huge coffee drinker so I can take or leave the occasional foofoo ice blended mocha... good to support local businesses vs the big blah's

    (4)
  • Ian G.

    Great espresso beans. The coffee served in the store is good, but not great. But I find their beans make the best espresso at home.

    (4)
  • Jonathan P.

    Great place for coffee and live music!

    (3)
  • She R. A.

    I've been looking for a local coffee shop that reminds me of the coffee I got in Europe. I FINALLY found the place. Thank you Dana Street Roasting Co.! Wifi access is an extra perk too.

    (5)
  • Owanda G.

    Excellent coffee at a great price, friendly staff, free wi-fi, live music in the evenings (check schedule), popular hang-out. Need I say more?

    (4)
  • Flo P.

    Great coffee drinks and desserts. Check out their website for live shows. I love dropping in on a Saturday night with a good book to read while I listen to the live jazz. It can be a little loud for conversation, but it's a great alternative to the wanna-be clubs on Castro.

    (5)
  • Alex C.

    Have I had their coffee? Maybe once or twice. One summer I went here a bunch of times. Mostly I got iced tea with a slice of lemon. The lemons came from the owner's tree, or someone else close to the establishment, and had that orange twist that certain lemon trees have when you leave the fruit on the tree a while. The experience was always pleasant, though at times the place was pretty busy. I remember one perfect moment, however. It was warm. Dusk was peeking around the corner. The cool iced tea was just right. A sax played in the background. The cool, smooth sounds punctuated the abating heat. I was curious what the album was; it sounded so alive. I looked into the alley through the open side door. The barista-kid was on break, plaintively wailing away on his bronze colored toy. This disaffected post-modern failed skater was Coltrane. No wrong could be done - perfection.

    (5)
  • Todd N.

    Dana Street has great coffee and tasty sammiches. The wifi is speedy. The service speed can vary, but it's always worth the wait.

    (5)
  • Russel S.

    Great coffee. Chill place. Free WiFi. Sometimes they have live music in the evenings.

    (5)
  • Tracy Y.

    This place makes great coffee. It's also priced reasonably compared to a certain Seattle megachain. Don't bother going to Red Rock around the corner because this is the coffee shop that is serious about its coffee, not just counting on visibility and foot traffic in the area.

    (4)
  • Apollo L.

    Independent coffee house in downtown Mountain View with free wifi and a variety of musical acts, discussion groups, and various other meetups. Good coffee, a colorful staff, and cool laid-back atmosphere make this a good regular haunt.

    (4)
  • Ryo S.

    Great place! Open WiFi. Unusually diverse mix of people for the silicon valley norm. Great live show every so often too. I probably won't go there for a quiet conversation though.

    (4)
  • Morgan B.

    Good prices on roasted coffee. I buy a half pound of espresso roast weekly. The owner does not go overboard with the darkness of the roast on espresso beans, which makes the espresso taste more...Italian. Considering that it's a popular haunt with free wireless, it's not usually a problem to find a seat. A definite top spot.

    (4)
  • Asinia A.

    Im here at least twice a week for my caffeine dosages. Love it Yes the line can get long but its worth it!!!

    (4)
  • Lauren H.

    I found this place here on Yelp after many disappointing experiences at Red Rock Coffee on Castro. The espresso here is a million times better. Thank god. My soy latte was very tasty. I can see why the line was so long. It was worth the wait, which is a long one since, as their sign says: "Don't rush us. We get paid by the hour."

    (4)
  • Nick B.

    One of the best coffee shops I've had the pleasure of enjoying. Coffee so smooth you'll glide through the rest of your day.

    (4)
  • Deoskar M.

    I've been here a few times since it is a block from my office. One time the coffee was fresh and full-bodied. The rest of the times it was stale and sour. I only drink the plain coffee. The specialty drinks may be okay since they don't need particularly good coffee. The services was slow (unnecessarily I thought, since all they had to do was take my money).

    (3)
  • Eric L.

    The coffee is very good with a nice selection of different blends. Still, it gets downgraded for trying too hard to be "alternative." We're in Mountain View, folks; stop trying so hard.

    (3)
  • wendy c.

    My morning fix!! Great coffee...smooth and not burnt tasting. Friendly staff and customers! Completely laid back and relaxed feeling.

    (5)
  • Vivien W.

    A weekend afternoon easily flies by at this great little coffee roaster. I love that you can get WiFi here for free and I enjoy sitting by the window, reading and watching the folks go by on Dana St.

    (4)
  • Kris O.

    I don't drink coffee, but despite that I thought it was a nice place to sit and chat with my friend while we listened to some intermittent live music. I was a bit surprised to find this somewhat bohemian cafe in the middle of Mountain View. It looked like they were doing some pretty good business too.

    (4)
  • cynthia l.

    Great place to have a non-alcoholic drink & free jazz music (weekend only) after dinner.

    (4)
  • Hollita P.

    They serve a pretty mean latte.

    (4)
  • mark b.

    whats not to like ? i had it all, and all is good (great) each drink tastes different not like manybucks (starbucks) were it all tastes same .. burnt coffee ..... plus its a small independant , were all is done in house

    (5)
  • Lil S.

    I love Dana Street -- they may not always pull the best shots in the world (that honor is reserved for Barefoot Coffee Roasters -- sorry Nick), but they know me, they have great drip coffee, clean bathrooms, and they're fierce supporters of all things local and independent.

    (5)
  • Joel D.

    Kind of a grungy college lounge ambiance which can be nice depending on your tastes. The coffee is quite good and the staff is friendly. I tend to judge a coffee shop based on its mocha because I feel I can judge the quality of several ingredients and the talent of the baristas. The mocha is definitely better than your standards Peet's or Starbucks, but far from the best I've ever had. Nonetheless, the constant stream of patrons attests to the above-average quality of their drinks.

    (4)
  • Iris B.

    The Coffee drinks are good and the staff is friendly but not rabidly eager to please as if they will be struck by lightning if they don't smile ot upsell a ham and cheese croissant with every coffee order. I buy beans from here every couple of weeks and they are always roasted to perfection. The regulars range in age and type. I have made some good friends here. i love that evryone here is very down -to Earth yet passionate and opinionated.

    (5)
  • Adrian K.

    Best independent caf in Mountain View with an attitude. This is where the locals hang out - hunched over a notebook or reading. Great coffee but service is a little short.

    (4)
  • David D.

    this is the most out of place coffee house ever. downtown mountain view: it's not nyc, it's not a college campus, and people aren't hippies. so why is this place here? not sure. probably a great place if you are that kind of liberal i-know-all-the-staff-and-smoke-unfiltered-ciggs type of person, but not me.

    (2)
  • Max L.

    The place provided many a decaffinated PayPalian with much needed nourishment over the years.

    (5)
  • Benjamin L.

    Excellent coffee and always an interesting conversation with the staff.

    (5)
  • David K.

    good coffee, good wifi, good people. Coffee properly roasted, and staff that never fails to entertain.

    (5)
  • H T.

    nice fresh, smooth coffee. their iced mochas are not overly sweet, which is a good thing. they also use clover milk here, which is a plus!

    (4)
  • Mike S.

    Excellent coffee at bargain prices. On-site roasting and free WiFi are added bonuses.

    (5)
  • Matthew M.

    The best coffee in the bay are. I highly recommend the Yemen Moka. These folks stick with a very nice city roast. None of that burnt to death stuff.

    (5)
  • Doug M.

    good coffee.. good prices.. crazy staff.

    (5)
  • Jason R.

    A great alternative to Starbucks. Unique crowd, sometimes live music, good coffee, free wireless internet access and convenient location.

    (5)
  • Greg J.

    I like this place a lot. A little funky, slightly seedy, tatooed, lurker employees, and a eclectic silicon valley croud.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :6:30 am - 5:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No
    Good for Working : Yes

Dana Street Roasting Company

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