Royal Ground Coffee

Wasn't sure if I would ever visit because there are no recent menu pictures that would entice me to visit, but here I am. Surprisingly, they have multiple drink options that caught my eye. I got the Cafe Borgia which is the mocha with orange flavor. The sweetness and coffee balanced well with the chocolate, however, I'm not sure if I could taste the orange. If it was there, it was very subtle and faint. I would have to try the regular mocha in order to distinguish the two. Also, it was $6.50 for an iced 16 oz which I love rather than getting a 12 oz for at least $7. The staff behind the counter was super friendly. He made my drink right when I ordered, literally, I didn't even pay for it yet and it was ready in less than 2 minutes. Inside is a typical cafe with some seating and a glass case of pastries. There is a counter that has simple syrup, cinnamon, brown sugar etc. in case you wanted to customize your drink even more. In my opinion, this extra counter had more than your typically coffee shop.Overall, the expectations for this place surpassed what I was expecting based on the reviews, but I'm glad I checked them out. I'll definitely be back to try the Matcha Mint Chip Latte as that was also catching my eye.

I live in the area and come here often for the affordable drinks, tasty breakfast/ lunch/ pastry items, and for the lovely gentleman who runs the joint most days (and is truly the sweetest). I think a lot of these reviews are people wanting an expensive, hip Bay Area cafe vibe and that's just not what this place is about - it's a small, cute, local cafe who knows their customer base and offers space to work, chat, etc. I like their traditional coffee drinks most (americanos, lattes, etc.), but they have lots of choices and they partner with local bakeries for tasty treats. It's not the most glamorous or eye catching place, but it has tons of charm and the staff is incredibly hardworking, funny, and compassionate. I also love to come work on my laptop here, as they play quiet jazz music and it's never too disruptive to focus.

Real real good coffee! Worth finding and going to, plus a great selection of pastries. Highly recommended.

Best coffee spot in the east bay -- coffee is delicious, breakfast sandwiches and veggie hummus sandwiches are great; the owner is kind and funny -- just an all around great spot. Highly recommend!

Ugh. Acted like they were doing me a favor taking my order. Coffee was good but my breakfast burrito was slimy and still ice cold in the middle. Seriously, I chucked it all and went across the street.

This establishment has been around for 30 years, but the owner 20 years, so kudos for serving the Albany community!Even though I ordered a regular brew of coffee, it was really fresh & strong. They had an assortment of tempting pastries, unfortunately I had just had lunch, otherwise I would have happily ordered a New York Crumb cake.Next visit I'll take advantage of a pastry to accompany my coffee.

Truly remarkable coffee. Food is above average for a coffee shop. Coffee definitely worth going out of your way for.

Mediocre service. Tge coffee tasted old. The breakfast sandwich I ordered had a craft single slice that ruined the taste.

Service - unfriendlyCarrot cake - dryCoffee- goodI would not return. Too many other great choices in the area!

Not a great coffee. Too much added flavor so it's hard for coffee lovers.The space is pretty nice if you wanna have a meeting or study. It does come handy if you are looking for a place you can sit. Had a lox bagel but was ok. Would try something else next time.