The Best Coffee Shops & Cafes in Walnut Creek and Concord

If you live in or visit the East Bay, there’s no shortage of great coffee. But if you’re searching for the very best coffee shops and cafés in Walnut Creek and Concord, you’re in luck. These two cities boast thriving café scenes, with options ranging from locally roasted coffee to cozy brunch spots. Whether you’re in Walnut Creek for a downtown stroll or exploring Concord’s historic center, this guide will help you find your perfect cup of coffee.

In this post, we’ll break down top spots in Walnut Creek and Concord, share tips for visiting these cafés, and explain why coffee culture in these cities is something truly special. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go for morning pick-me-ups, afternoon lattes, or casual coffee dates.

Why Coffee in Walnut Creek and Concord Is Special

Both Walnut Creek and Concord have unique coffee cultures. Walnut Creek offers a mix of upscale cafés, artisanal roasters, and walkable downtown spots, making it perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy exploring neighborhoods on foot. Meanwhile, Concord has a cozy, community-centered coffee scene with long-standing cafés and hidden gems that locals swear by.

The café culture in Walnut Creek and Concord isn’t just about coffee—it’s about community. You’ll find baristas who know your name, local pastries made fresh, and spaces that invite conversation, reading, or work. Many of these cafés in Walnut Creek and Concord also host events, like live music, art showcases, or coffee tasting sessions.

Top Coffee Shops in Walnut Creek

If you’re exploring Walnut Creek, these cafés are must-visits for coffee enthusiasts:

1. Tellus Coffee

Tellus Coffee in Walnut Creek is a local favorite for good reason. Known for roasting in-house, this café emphasizes sustainability and offers a rotating menu of specialty coffee beans. Whether you’re grabbing a morning espresso in Walnut Creek or sitting down to enjoy a pour-over, Tellus Coffee is a highlight.

Why it’s great: Locally roasted beans, welcoming atmosphere, and a spot for serious coffee aficionados in Walnut Creek.

Address: 1410 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Visit Website

2. Bondadoso Coffee & Tea Collective

Bondadoso Coffee & Tea Collective in Walnut Creek focuses on specialty coffee and ethically sourced beans. Their baristas are skilled in pour-over, espresso, and nitro cold brew. It’s a café that blends quality with community, making it a favorite in Walnut Creek.

Pro tip: Try their seasonal single-origin beans—they rotate based on freshness, so each visit to Bondadoso in Walnut Creek is unique.

Address: 2195 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Visit Website

3. Prologue Coffee & Tea

Located inside the Walnut Creek Library, Prologue Coffee & Tea is a modern café with Asian-inspired flavors. From matcha lattes to ube drinks, this café in Walnut Creek offers something a little different. Its downtown location makes it perfect for a break during a Walnut Creek shopping trip.

Address: 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Visit Website

4. Caffè La Scala

Caffè La Scala is a European-style café in Walnut Creek, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or afternoon coffee. Its old-world charm and classic espresso drinks make it a staple of the Walnut Creek café scene.

Address: 1655 North Main StreetWalnut Creek, CA 94596 | Visit Website

5. Koin Coffee

Koin Coffee is a laid-back, cozy café in Walnut Creek with a focus on community. Many residents of Walnut Creeklove it as a meeting spot, a work-from-coffee place, or simply to enjoy expertly made drinks.

Address: 325 N Wiget Lane Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA  | Visit Website

6. Rooted Coffee Co.

Rooted Coffee Co. in Walnut Creek is a family-owned café with plant-based menu options and locally roasted coffee. It’s one of the cafés in Walnut Creek that blends high-quality coffee with a sustainable, community-minded approach.

Address: 1321 Locust St, Walnut Creek CA 94596 | Visit Website

7. Contra Costa Coffee

Although smaller and less known, Contra Costa Coffee is highly praised by locals in Walnut Creek. It’s ideal for those who love supporting independent coffee shops in Walnut Creek.

Address: 2238 Oak Grove Rd. Walnut Creek, CA 94598 | Visit Website

8. Pacific Bay Coffee Co.

Pacific Bay Coffee Co. is another beloved Walnut Creek café, known for its cozy ambiance and friendly staff. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a quality cup of coffee in a relaxed Walnut Creek setting.

Address: 1495 Newell Ave Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Visit Website

☕ Top Coffee Shops & Cafés in Concord

Over in Concord, the café scene is smaller but full of gems. If you want to explore coffee shops in Concord, here are some top recommendations:

1. Sugar Plum Coffee Shop

Sugar Plum Coffee Shop in Concord is a downtown staple. Known for its classic diner feel, this Concord café serves up great breakfast, lunch, and coffee. Locals in Concord love it for its welcoming vibe and reliable coffee options.

Address: 1815 Colfax St, Concord, CA 94520 | Visit Website

2. Gratitude Coffee Bar

Gratitude Coffee Bar in Concord (Willow Pass Rd) is a modern café with Instagram-worthy drinks. It’s a spot where many residents of Concord enjoy specialty coffee, teas, and light bites.

Address: 1655 Willow Pass Rd B, Concord, CA 94520 | Visit Website

3. Bay Leaf Café

Bay Leaf Café is another must-visit in Concord. Located in downtown Concord, it’s ideal for brunch and coffee lovers. The café’s relaxed vibe makes it a great stop for locals in Concord looking for a quiet place to enjoy their coffee.

Address: 2123 Pacheco St #2309, Concord, CA 94520 | Visit Website

7. Dutch Bros Coffee

Dutch Bros Coffee has made its way into Concord as well, offering fast, customizable drinks for those on the move. It’s one of the few chain cafés that blends well into Concord’s local coffee scene.

Address: 4672 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94521 | Visit Website

Comparing Walnut Creek and Concord Coffee Scenes

While both cities boast great cafés, Walnut Creek is known for its walkable downtown, specialty roasters, and artisanal coffee culture. Concord, on the other hand, leans more toward community-centered cafés, long-standing breakfast spots, and cozy hangouts.

Many coffee lovers visit both cities to compare flavors and atmospheres. A weekend coffee crawl from Walnut Creek to Concord is a great way to explore Contra Costa County’s café culture.

Tips for Visiting Cafés in Walnut Creek and Concord

1. Parking & Accessibility: Downtown Walnut Creek can get busy, so consider public parking or walking if you’re visiting multiple cafés. In Concord, street parking is easier, but check local rules.

2. Timing: Many cafés in Walnut Creek open early, perfect for morning coffee before work. Concord cafés often open slightly later, so check hours ahead.

3. Seating: If you plan to work or read, some Walnut Creek cafés offer more space, while Concord cafés can be cozier.

4. Specialty Drinks: Both cities offer seasonal specials—think pumpkin spice lattes in fall or iced matcha in summer. Keep an eye out!

5. Community Events: Some Walnut Creek and Concord cafés host live music, art events, or tastings. It’s a great way to experience local culture while enjoying coffee.

Conclusion

Whether you live in Walnut Creek or Concord, or you’re just visiting, the coffee scene in these East Bay cities is worth exploring. From artisanal roasters in Walnut Creek to cozy, community-centered cafés in Concord, there’s something for every coffee lover.

Next time you’re in Walnut Creek, don’t miss Tellus Coffee or Bondadoso. When in Concord, stop by Sugar Plum Coffee Shop or Gratitude Coffee Bar. Both cities offer unique flavors, vibes, and experiences that make exploring local cafés a true delight.

Whether it’s a solo coffee break, a brunch date, or a work session, the coffee shops in Walnut Creek and Concord will keep you caffeinated and inspired.