LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – “There is no life before coffee.” With our early-morning newsletter editions coming out at 6am each day, we at the Bay Area Telegraph couldn’t possibly agree with that sentiment more.
That also happens to be the tagline for Lafayette, California’s newest cafe.
After months of “coming soon” signs and social-media teasers, Abe’s Café has officially opened in downtown Lafayette.
The expansion gives Lamorinda residents their own taste of the Berkeley original, which has been winning over UC students and locals since 2020.
From Euclid Avenue to Mount Diablo Boulevard
Owner Abe Rodriguez built his first café—squeezed in beside UC Berkeley’s engineering buildings—on a simple formula: oversize breakfast burritos, house-made empanadas and a barista-level coffee program delivered with unfailingly friendly service.
Reviews routinely praise Rodriguez for greeting guests by name and “never skimping on the ingredients,” an approach he says he’s bringing to the new shop.
What’s on the Lafayette menu
According to a recent Lafayette Chamber listing, the café will serve:
- Breakfast burritos & sandwiches
- Empanadas
- Bagels, pastries and salads
- Fresh-pressed juices, fruit-forward smoothies
- Specialty coffee and classic espresso drinks
Why it matters for downtown Lafayette
Abe’s Café fills a gap between quick coffee chains and pricier sit-down brunch spots, adding another independent option downtown.
For commuters, hikers headed to the reservoir and families dashing between activities, it’s one more place to grab a hearty bite without crossing the Caldecott or venturing into the traffic nightmare of downtown WC.
Grand-opening details
- Date: Wednesday July 30 (all day)
- Address: 3572 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette (next to El Talpense)
- Parking: On-street metered spots; limited rear lot spaces
- Tip: Follow @Abes_Cafe_Berkeley on Instagram for more details on the new Lafayette location
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Abe’s is also supporting local women artists! “Lafayette In Color” curated by Lafayette artist Bushra Gill, is up on the walls at Abe’s. Included are works to brighten your day by Bushra, Susan Goldie, Alexandra Mathias and Anne Rabe. Stop by Abe’s for fabulous drinks and food and take in wonderful art as well!