Coffee shops

Prologue Coffee & Tea

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

1644 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, United States $10–20
4.6
71 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Prologue Coffee & Tea in Walnut Creek, CA, is a delightful coffee shop nestled inside a welcoming library space, making it a unique haven for both coffee lovers and those seeking a peaceful spot to relax or study. This charming cafe elevates the local coffee scene with an impressive menu that beautifully blends classic favorites with inventive seasonal specialties.

The menu at Prologue is a testament to their passion for quality and creativity. Start your morning or afternoon with their freshly baked pastries like the flaky, buttery croissant or the irresistibly sweet pecan sticky bun. For a more indulgent treat, their croffle—a delightful hybrid of croissant and waffle—is a must-try at $8.50, perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Coffee aficionados will appreciate their signature brews such as the Hakone Charcoal Rose Latte, a stunning blend of espresso, charcoal powder, rose essence, and their signature salato foam, creating a fascinating balance of earthy depths and floral notes. The innovative Dubai Chocolate Dalgona Pistachio is another standout, layering dark chocolate with a rich Dalgona espresso foam, making every sip a luxurious indulgence. For tea enthusiasts, the Sakura Cherry Blossom Matcha offers a delicate, ceremonial-grade experience, beautifully capturing the essence of spring in every cup.

Many loyal customers rave about the flavorful Vietnamese coffee options, celebrated for their bold yet sweet profiles. As one patron, Mama Natt, warmly shares, the Vietnamese iced coffee here strikes a perfect balance, with a lively coffee punch complemented by gentle sweetness. The cafe’s sandwiches, particularly the Bahn Mi, are hearty and satisfying — evident from the enthusiastic endorsements of Anna Miskelley and Ann Leong. These satisfying bites showcase Prologue’s dedication to quality and authenticity beyond their drinks.

What truly sets Prologue Coffee & Tea apart is its atmosphere. Located inside a library, it offers a rare blend of tranquility and inspiration, making it an ideal spot for students or anyone seeking a calm environment. Though indoor seating at Prologue is modest, patrons can easily spread out in the adjoining library space, enjoying complimentary Wi-Fi and the soft murmur of studious activity around them. The friendly and attentive staff add to the welcoming vibe, creating an environment where customers feel genuinely valued and comfortable—even families with toddlers, as Mama Natt notes.

Whether you’re stopping by for a distinctive specialty latte, craving a fresh pastry, or settling in for a productive study session, Prologue Coffee & Tea effortlessly combines innovative flavors, quality craftsmanship, and a serene setting. It’s a thoughtfully curated spot that invites you to slow down, savor each sip, and enjoy a true neighborhood coffee experience.

03 Notes from regulars

71 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.6
Based on 71 verified notes
5 78
4 1
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All Banh Mi Banana Iced Coffee Quiet Atmosphere Dalgona Coffee Avocado Toast Matcha Coconut Coffee Vietnamese Egg Coffee Vegan Banhmi Espresso Machine
Matthew C.
2 month ago
Another cafe spot to study with free wifi. I like how it sits inside a library. Metered parking above and below. Staff were excellent. Food was delicious. Not much inside seating where Prologue is at but you have the library as your other option. A family friend told me about this place and wow the flavors are amazing. Personally I like the egg and ube coffee. The dubai chocolate coffee I got was a great combination. I never tasted dubai chocolate but there drink gave me a tasty hint. There avocado toast is good! I would definitely be back to try other items.
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Mama Natt.
3 month ago
Vietnamese iced coffee is so so good it’s sweet but still a bold coffee flavor. everyone who works here is super kind, attentive & welcoming. super chill mellow vibes which fits well since it’s inside the library, but i felt comfortable enough to come bring my toddler in here! it’s also very clean inside & behind the counter. breakfast burrito is really yummy too! it did take a little bit longer but i didn’t mind because i could tell it was made fresh to order. thank you prologue staff!!
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Anna Miskelley.
3 month ago
This place is so lovely — their drinks are delicious. I went four days in a row just to try the different matcha flavors! I would recommend the banana cream and strawberry matcha. The Bahn Mi is also super yummy (and the large one is huge). The staff are friendly and efficient. I recommend stopping by if you’re ever at the library.
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Anna Mills.
3 month ago
I really enjoyed Prologue! I ordered a sakura cherry blossom matcha and avocado toast and both were fantastic! My friends ordered some other things that were all delicious. The staff were all very welcoming and helpful as well! I will be returning :)
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Ann Leong.
3 month ago
I can’t tell you how comforting it is for me to find a place with amazing Vietnamese coffee and sandwiches. It’s hard to find good Vietnamese food out here. This is the cafe I visit when I’m having a bad day or want a treat. Thuy and her staff are so friendly and kind. Their service is quick for both in person and online ordering. We love their sandwiches and their coffee drinks. Our favorite is the vegan banh mi, classic Vietnamese coffee, and coconut coffee! The menu is comparable to the trendy Vietnamese cafes in San Jose and Garden Grove. I’d say it’s even better because they’re local! Prologue Coffee and team are a gem to this area! I can’t wait to see what they come up with next for their menu!
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Kei Loves2Travel&Eat.
3 month ago
Walking up to the menu of this in library coffee shop reminded both my wife and I immediately of so many south East Asian coffee shops! The attention to detail of the menu items and their contents, the super fancy espresso machine, the Italian sodas on the menu, it all screamed the language of so many Thai or Vietnamese coffee shops. The staff was amazingly friendly and helpful. Brien was one of the kindest baristas we’ve met in a while! He is an extraordinarily sweet soul & extended a random act of kindness towards us when our card transaction was glitching Highly recommend this shop for a quick pick-me-up!
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Lauren.
4 month ago
I’m elated that Walnut Creek has a new cafe that offers Vietnamese and Korean specialty coffee drinks! I’ve visited Prologue a handful of times now and the service and food/drinks are impeccable. Thùy’s hospitality and warm presence is noticeable each time I come in! She greets everyone who has quickly become a regular at the cafe by first name and she will always share the latest specials. I’ve had the ube dalgona coffee, banana milk ice coffee, and Vietnamese egg coffee (pictured) and each drink was made with special care and tasted amazing! I can’t wait to try the rest of the menu! I highly recommend stopping by on your way to work or for a quick afternoon pick me up. Bonus points if you are able to work from the cafe or stop by the library where it’s tucked away in!
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Katrina Conrow.
5 month ago
The drinks were absolutely beautiful with wonderful flavor profiles. The overnight oats hit the spot and started my day off right. The chicken banh mi sandwich was a joy in every bite. The service was quick and everything was served with a smile. This place is a wonderful prologue to your day.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Friday 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Saturday 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Sunday Closed
Finding the door

1644 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

From the business
  • Identifies as Asian-owned
  • Identifies as women-owned
  • Small business
Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection
Popular for
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
  • Coffee
  • Quick bite
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • No Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking
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