about
Trading Tech for Connection
THE EVERGREEN CAFE STORY
We're Sara and Stacie—longtime friends, moms, and former tech leaders. Our story begins with a feeling many of us can relate to: an ache for genuine connection in an increasingly digital world.
After years of building products and systems at some of Silicon Valley's biggest companies, we found ourselves craving something more human. We felt that our headlong rush toward technology was coming at the expense of something vital: spaces where you could spontaneously run into a neighbor, discover something delicious, and feel truly seen.
As self-professed good eaters, we were drawn to the idea of opening a neighborhood cafe. But could we turn it into more than just a place to grab coffee? Could it be a true third place—a community hub where the food is freshly made, well executed, and everyone feels like they belong?
Evergreen Cafe is our solution.
Did we bring our systems-thinking approach to everything we do here (even the menu planning)? Absolutely. But we also brought our nurturing selves. Our problem-solving selves. Our mom selves. And we invite everyone who comes into our cafe to embrace their full selves in this space we created. At its heart, Evergreen Cafe is about something wonderfully simple: gathering over good food, discovering new flavors, and building the kind of community we all need right now.
We hope our cafe will be your favorite go-to spot and the beginning of a lasting Berkeley institution. Our goal is to feed you well, nutritiously, and boldly, and to have a lot of fun along the way. Whether you live in the neighborhood or are visiting, dining alone or with friends, young or old, shy or extroverted, omnivore or vegan, you are welcome here.
See you soon.
What We Believe
Blended is Better
Our menu celebrates multiculturalism by blending California's seasonal abundance with bold global flavors. We believe the most interesting food (and communities) come from mixing traditions, not separating them.
Everyone Deserves Great Food
Good food shouldn't be a luxury, and dietary restrictions shouldn't mean settling for bland or boring. We see accommodations as an opportunity to get creative, not a limitation.
Food Is Community
From showcasing local artists to hosting pop-up dinners and tastings, we're building community through shared meals and experiences.
Meet Your Neighbors
Our goal is to make the cafe feel as warm and embracing as going to a friend’s house. We want you to feel immediately at home, genuinely welcomed, and nourished in both body and spirit.
Think Global, Act Local
We source from Northern California's incredible abundance, support local artists and makers, and believe in the power of small businesses to create meaningful change in their communities.
Your Third Place
Evergreen is designed to feel warm, cozy, and full of interesting things to discover. It’s cheery and well lit inside, with sunshine streaming through the windows. There’s artwork by local artists that rotate every six weeks. There’s a retail area to find delightful new flavors and unique local products. And there's always room for one more at the table, whether you're here to work quietly with your laptop, catch up with friends, or just enjoy a moment of peace with a really great espresso.
Come Say Hi
Whether you're a coffee drinker, a breakfast adventurer, a scone aficionado, or just curious, we'd love to see you. Stop by, try something new, and become part of our extended family.