Oakland – If you’re sheltered-in-place (and let’s face it, we all are) Bacheesos and 1888 Coffee, both on Grand Avenue at 246 Grand Ave at Park View Terrace, across from Children’s Fairyland and The Lakeside Park Garden Center, are two of my favorite places to go and get coffee or eat a buffet of tremendous Mediterranean food. I have visited both many times, and since they are right next to each other in Adams Point, such trips have been easy for me:
And I’ve been a regular at Bacheesos so much that I’ve even interviewed candidates for Oakland elections while eating there, as in this case with Marchon Tatmon:
Now, with the sheltered-in-place policy, Bacheesos and 1888 Coffee have teamed up, and really need our support. Amir Asli and his family own the location and the shop, and another Oakland resident, Manning Lopez, owns 1888 Coffee. Amir and Manny have helped Oakland artists by supporting them, creating an artist residency through the two businesses. They sponsor artists to create artwork outside the restaurant and coffee shop. So, let’s help them during this time when we all need to pull together, by not only buying food product, but contributing to the Bacheesos Staff Relief Fund, which you can do with a click here.
Besides, the food and coffee are excellent. A number of residents love the establishments:
“One of my favorite local eateries! The all you can eat buffet caters to people with dietary restrictions. A place where the vegan or vegetarian can eat beside their carnivore friends, or the gluten free can dne without dying. Friendly staff. Mostly organic.”
“Stopped by today and really appreciated the signage and chalk markings to help protect your staff and customers. Drinks were delicious (as usual), and I’m glad we could also support your vendor Third Culture Bakery. Thank you!”
Amanda Campbell, Local Oakland Artist, Gives Her View
Amanda Campbell, a local Oakland artist who was kind enough to assist in the preparation of this blog post, gave her view on Nextdoor:
Hey everyone, I work part-time as a barista at 1888 coffee at Bacheesos on Grand Ave and part time as an after school art teacher at an elementary school.
The school has shut down for three weeks, but as of now, we at the coffee shop are choosing to stay open since we are a walk up and go kind of venue. So if anyone needs coffee or coffee bags or pastries or is interested in supporting any of us Baristas through the purchase of our artwork, please come check us out.
I also wanted to take the time to thank our customers for coming out today to support us. Our sales are not only supporting our coffee shop but also the staff at Bacheesos too. Thank you everyone. ?
I think another thing I would like to ask is how is everyone else doing in their jobs and their lives? I know a lot of people in this area are working from home, but I know a few who aren’t able to do so. I’d love to connect with other people in our community and check in to make sure they are getting everything they need, even if it is just a social connection. I know a lot of people are getting a bit stir crazy.
Anyway sorry about this long post. I’m not even that social of a person usually, but even I am really not liking this social distancing from our community.
Edited note: The shop I work at is open from 8-3 this week. We are opening 1 hour later than normal and we are on 246 Grand Avenue in Oakland CA.
Ms. Campbell asks that you order from 1888 coffee and Bacheesos on Grand Ave in this way:
“If anyone wanted to place a phone order, you can reach the owner, Amir at 510-910-1000”
Here’s the take-out to-go menu:
Stay tuned.