Ada's Cafe

Ada's Cafe is not just any cafe. It's a nonprofit dedicated to hiring, training, and empowering employees with disabilities. Thank you for this! It truly fosters a sense of community and warmth, something the Bay Area desperately needs, where too often, many of us are glued to our screens. But Ada's is different. It's a place to connect, interact, and actually look people in the face and smile. To have fun, spontaneous conversations with strangers or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a book.I stopped by on a Sunday morning, and the experience was nothing short of magical. It was my first time here, and I ordered a hot chocolate along with the apple slipper ~ SO GOOD, Y'ALL. The blueberry scones get rave reviews too, though I haven't tried them yet. I found a cozy corner inside and enjoyed some top-tier people-watching: families, groups of techies, even a little kid running out the door with a parent chasing after them into the parking lot. It was lively but never overwhelming, just the right balance of energy and warmth.As I sipped my drink, my boyfriend wandered over to the library next door, checked out a book, and then joined me inside. We shared the apple slipper, though "shared" might be a stretch because he, a self-proclaimed non-fan of sweets and apple pie-esque desserts, devoured most of it! XDAfter our lovely morning at the cafe, we took a stroll around Mitchell Park. A perfect way to spend a weekend morning.

After reading the owner's response, I've decided to update my review and lower my rating. In my original review, I mentioned that I appreciated the warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and the business's commitment to social responsibility. But honestly, the owner's defensive and aggressive attitude completely ruined that positive impression.The sandwich was exactly as described, and I simply didn't like it. That's it. There was nothing wrong with it--I just didn't enjoy it. So why would I go to the counter and ask for sauces to change the taste? This is the sandwich you made, and I didn't like it. If I wanted to adjust my food to my preference, I would've just made it at home. The whole point of eating out is to enjoy a meal as it's served, not to fix it myself.I originally gave this place 3 stars because I liked the atmosphere and appreciated the effort of the employees. If I were rating based only on the food, it would've been 1 star. But after seeing how the owner reacts to customer feedback, I realized the overall experience wasn't worth 3 stars.A good business isn't just about the food--it's about how it treats its customers. Instead of taking criticism with an open mind, the owner got defensive and dismissive. It's a shame because the staff was actually really nice, but the owner's response completely changed my view.At the end of the day, my rating isn't just about the food, it's about the whole experience.

An absolute gem! The cafe has an amazing mission (read all about it), a wonderful team, coffee that hits the spot, and yummy treats! We've ordered catering on several occasions and it is always a BIG hit with the team. There are several cozy tables inside and a nice covered patio outside with a variety of seating choices. Not only is it right next to the library, they offer blankets for rainy days!!

Personally I have not gone to this place, but my coworker brought me some pastries and they are to die for, I have been in a strict diet but pastries are my weakness so I will consider it as my cheat day well only to make space for the pastries, since she could not made any decision going to Ada's she brought 3 different ones and I am glad she did, she got blueberry scone, cinnamon roll and blueberry muffin.Blueberry Scone: The moment it hit my mouth I was speechless Oh!! My!!! The last time I had something so amazing don't quite remember, but this one hit the spot and I slow down to leave the last piece for last.Blueberry nut muffin: Not as quite as the Scone but I am a pecan kind of person and I love muffins so this pastry was great not as amazing as the first one but tbh the scone takes 1st place. Cinnamon Roll: I am not a cinnamon kind of gal but this sure surprised me, the first bite was out of this world specially with the cream on the side, I always imagined it super sweet but no on the contrary it was easy to eat and no remorse while eating it. Now this was an exceptional experience with these 3 pastries but I need to visit this place in person so I can try other ones that I bet are as good as these ones. If this pastries are amazing I can just imagine eating them at the spot right from the oven and in a homie feeling, I will definitely try to visit this place very soon. But for now I will enjoy them, thank you for the hands that prepare them you guys are amazing

I was excited to try Ada's Cafe. My colleague and I had spent the previous night in a hotel not too far away, and I had done some research to find a good spot to grab breakfast before our meetings began.The staff was friendly: Charlie took my order while a slightly older gentleman made drinks. The online menu mentions smoothies, which was a big draw for me. I asked for the Green Smoothie of the Day and was told that Ada's does not have a blender. I was surprised and a bit disappointed, as I had chosen Ada's in part to start my day on a healthy note. Instead, I chose the Chai Latte. Looking back at the online menu, it shows a large is $5.5; I was charged $6.5. I don't remember if the correct price was posted at Ada's.My colleague wanted the croissant egg sandwich with no tomatoes or lettuce and with the aioli on the side. Charlie repeated that back to me...but the sandwich came with all three of those things on it. Thankfully, my colleague is not allergic - he just does not like them. When I chose the chocolate chip toffee scone, Charlie told me it comes with chocolate cream cheese. "Sounds great!" I replied. Sadly, there was no chocolate cream cheese in the bag.Would I give Ada's another chance? Absolutely. I do hope they update the online menu sooner than later, though.

Adorable little cafe nestled into the Palo Alto community center and library! They do $5 tomato plants, or you get a free one if you spend $25+. I appreciate that they make it clear that you can do work there, but just buy something every 2 hours. The tables are kept clean with fresh flowers as a nice touch!The vegetarian croissant sandwich was delicious (but $12), and 12oz latte is $5.50.

If y'all don't know about Ada's, y'all should -- because they got one of the BEST coffees around town. They are locally sourced and get the most organic beans, and make the BEST pastries. And best of all, they are a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise running in the heart of Palo Alto. I work at Cubberley not far from Ada's, so I have been coming by often and supporting. A big shout out goes to Kathleen, the owner and founder of Ada's Cafe -- she's absolutely humble and very caring at every customer. She goes above and beyond in support of not only the neurodivergent community, but also for the communities in need in Palo Alto. I ordered a 16oz latte with whole milk on a Friday -- and they honestly served it with SO much love and so much belonging. It truly felt like I was at home, but 10x better. The beans had flavor, and the whole milk wasn't overly saturated. I also appreciated how much love and consideration they put in the croissant sandwich as well, because the ingredients were fresh and not too sweet or too salty at all. It is located next to the Palo Alto Library, and they do close early at 4pm. There is limited indoor seating, but there is a variety of things you can choose from. I would definitely recommend supporting a local business like Ada's and having your bestie brunch dates here too.

Love coming here when studying at Michelle Park Library! They have yummy pastries and drinks, my favorite being the apple pastry and cinnamon roll. Not to mention their impactful mission and quick service. The prices are quite high but the ambiance is worth it.

Stumbled across this wonderful nonprofit café that trains, hires, and empowers adults with varying abilities and challenges. The food is delicious and the inside is cozy and welcoming. The staff are friendly and inviting. Service is fast and there's additional seating outside. There are many more cafés in the peninsula that charge far higher prices without the socially-driven mission that Ada Café has. If you want to support a locally-owned small business that actually invests back into the people living in the local community, make sure you check out Ada's!I recommend the blueberry scone with whipped butter and jam on the side ($6), as well as the breakfast croissant ($12). I will definitely come back!

Kathleen is an angel. She and her staff welcomes patrons with a bright smile and a true spirit of community.My friends and I visit every Wednesday morning and have done so for years. Always a highlight in my week.If you live in Palo Alto, come and support Ada's cafe. Its next to the Mitchell Park library. It's fabulous.