Kevin McCloskey

Breakfast cost about $20 per, this is reasonable for the quality and the area. A 20 percent tip was added and the waitress was good enough to explain that. She offered a ' to go ' cup of coffee.

Kyna Byrd

Incredible drinks, friendly servers, and food that made me feel like maybe everything is actually going to be okay? immaculate, 10/10, will be back soon.

Jae DK Szeszycki-Truesdell

Yes yes yes yes yes! Delicious, creative, efficient, diverse, genuine, friendly, high quality, cocktails, custom mocktails, food...yum! Freshly baked, freshly ground and brewed, freshly squeezed, FRESH! Very surprised they don't have a five star average. Recognized Line 51 (family owned Oakland brewery), Hangar 1 (Alameda distillery) and Lagunitas (Forest Knolls to Petaluma brewing company).

+1

Kendall Harden

Sequoia Diner is hands down one of the best brunch spots I’ve been to in the East Bay! We started off with the pecan sticky bun, and wow—warm, gooey, fresh, and just the right amount of sweet. Total perfection. Our server was super friendly and clearly knew her coffee. It was strong, smooth, and exactly what I needed. I ordered the Fish and Grits, and it completely blew me away. The local black cod was tender and flavorful, paired perfectly with creamy heirloom Carolina grits, a poached egg, spring veggies, and a spicy Calabrian chile salsa that brought everything to life. Every bite was comforting and full of bold, fresh flavors. Can’t wait to come back. This place is a must-visit!

Z.

Where to begin? Dining here was exceptional! We enjoyed the special loco moco with perfectly crisped egg edges (how they do it, I do not know) and the signature biscuit breakfast sandwich with bacon and potatoes. The breakfast time adult beverages were nice and strong. It's rare to see a casual breakfast spot with good liquor and cocktail options, meaning we couldn't help but indulge ourselves. Service was both fast and especially kind. One small recommendation would be to add some sort of sound dampening. The place gets to be a bit cacophonous with all the energy and voices in the joint. Will come back soon. Thanks for the exceptional service and excellent food. ✨️

Ari Leventhal

Our favorite spot in Oakland for breakfast. Our server Lucy was kind, funny, and made great recommendations “you can’t share a biscuit” - she’s right - you need your own. This place is always bumping with great music and upbeat bustling atmosphere. Arrive early to get a table or know you’ll have a bit of a wait. Great options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike and always delicious fresh food. Coffee is hot and freshly brewed. Also a beautiful matcha latte.

Ruven Stein

I am so proud for my first review of 2025 to be the magnificent Sequoia Diner! This hidden gem is a must for your first breakfast out in the new year. Quality ingredients, friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. The homemade sauces and jam really tied the meal together. Although I opted for the classic American Breakfast, I appreciate the rotating menu of creative specials.

Ece Turhal

We came with a group of 6 and they were very accommodating. The service was great! Everyone got different dishes and they were all delicious. In fact, one friend thought it was silverware lickin' good. 😅 The drinks were also well made. Lots of parking in the area. Highly recommend!

Ellis Ott

Sequoia Diner is an Oakland MUST for breakfast/brunch. Don’t worry about the wait, it’s worth it. They recently acquired a liquor license as well, so peep their amazing cocktail list, or go with a breakfast staple mimosa! I loved this place so much when I was living in Oakland that I prioritize eating here when I visit. Don’t walk, RUN! To try this amazing place.

+1

This is my first time at this cafe. I was acknowledged as soon as I walked through the door, which was great. My sever brought me water right away. My food came quickly once I ordered. Everything looked good but the food was cold and as a rule of thumb I avoid sending food back to the kitchen. Despite being cold the food was good. The grits were creamy and buttery and the goat cheese omelette was seasoned well. I am used to service charges however I am not used to being made to donate to a charity. A 19% service fee, which I am used to, and 1% charge for Dining for Justice, which is new to me. 1% of the total bill is minimal, however, I would have liked to know beforehand not when my check came. I have not heard of that organization before and I have not been to a restaurant that automatically charges a charitable fee. I don't mind coming back to try something different.

Food was delicious and fresh. We had a decent wait time, we did go on Sunday and expected it to be busy, but it seems like they could have better organization and time management to service facilitate faster table turnover. Overall, worth the wait and I will be back again!

Max Kay

Local American cuisine brunch place with good standard options. It's becoming a very busy place over weekends with long wait time, better make reservation if really interested in trying. IMHO, Some reason for long time would be poor management. Witnessed while waiting for more than 1 hour and finally offered at the bar, guests turnover mismanaged. Food is good but interestingly smaller American portion. Inflation affected. Paid street parking available. Indoor seating only with booth/table and bar seating.

+10

Roy “Knowledge”

Just a “mid” experience all around. The taste of the food was just fine. Mandatory 20% tip automatically charged. Small portions. Not the most attentive service. Had to ask for silverware, had to keep asking for refills of water and coffee. Sourdough “toast” was barely toasted (see pic), not even a little bit of browning. $57 total for 2 people, with those portion sizes, not worth it. Also the place was so packed with tables that I had to literally wait for the next customers to physically walk into the place before I can walk out myself as I was leaving. Waiting for 5 people to walk by you while you’re waiting and hovering over other tables, just felt awkward.

me Garrity

So Disappointed, After waiting an hour we were given the worst server. He couldn’t be bothered and his snails pace made us realize why the wait was so long. NO WHERE on the menu does it state you will be forced to pay a 19% tip/server charge. I guess when you have lousy waitstaff Over priced food…mine came out cold because it sat at the pass for a while since the server tried to give our order to the table next to us. We were so looking forward to a new breakfast brunch spot but who can afford $40 @ person for lousy service and food