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The Press

2470 First St, Livermore, CA 94550
$
Sandwiches, Brunch, Breakfast

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

The Press 8.3
Downtown Livermore – First Street
Daytime artisan café using quality breads and local produce for pressed sandwiches and salads. It’s the downtown move for a satisfying lunch under $20.
Must-Try Dishes: Italian Pressed Sandwich, Turkey Avocado on Ciabatta, Tomato Basil Soup
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Thoughtful pressed sandwiches with quality bread and produce.
Who should go: Lunch crowds seeking lighter, flavorful plates
When to visit: Before 11:45am or after 1:30pm to skip the rush
What to order: Italian press; turkey avocado; tomato basil soup
Insider tip: Look for seasonal soups and off-menu pastry specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on First Street and nearby side streets is generally available, though it fills quickly during weekday lunch hours. Public lots behind the main strip are a short walk away and free for two hours.
Dress code: Casual daytime attire—think jeans, polos, or workwear. Outdoor patio diners often come straight from errands or the office.
Noise level: Low to moderate during peak lunch rush; easy for conversation at most tables once the crowd thins after 1:30pm.
Weekend wait: Closed by evening—daytime service only.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes at peak noon hours; usually no wait before 11:30am or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple sandwiches and salads can be made vegetarian, including the caprese and veggie press.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads or modified sandwiches work if cheese and aioli are omitted.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread available upon request; cross-contact possible since presses are shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More suited for a casual lunch meet than a romantic date. The cozy patio and fresh-pressed sandwiches make for a friendly, low-pressure setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Lines move quickly and tables turn fast, especially for patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—counter service is fast and there’s outdoor space for families with strollers or young kids. No dedicated kids’ menu, but simple sandwiches work well.
Best For
Better for: A fresher, more artisan lunch experience than nearby delis or chains, especially for pressed sandwiches and local produce.
Skip if: You’re after dinner service or heavy entrees—the Press closes mid-afternoon and focuses strictly on light daytime fare.
The Press 8.0
First Street Historic Core
Modern artisan café focused on pressed panini, breakfast sandwiches, and espresso. Downtown location makes it a reliable stop for streamlined brunch-lunch bites.
Must-Try Dishes: Turkey Bacon Avocado Panini, Cubano, Breakfast Sandwich on Brioche
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Pressed-to-order panini and polished café service downtown.
Who should go: Brunch and panini fans
When to visit: 8–10am for quickest counter flow
What to order: Turkey Bacon Avocado; Cubano; Breakfast Sandwich
Insider tip: Grab patio seating for people-watching on First Street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is usually available along First Street or nearby side streets; weekends can require a short walk from the public garage on Railroad Avenue.
Dress code: Casual café attire—athleisure or jeans with a clean top fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly indoors with light café music; quieter on the patio.
Weekend wait: Closed by evening—no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during peak lunch hours; usually no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple sandwich and breakfast options like Caprese and Avocado Toast.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize with no cheese and plant-based add-ons.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread available on request, though prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—casual but stylish with patio seating and solid coffee, ideal for a low-key morning or lunch date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Counter service keeps turnover quick, especially outside weekend brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—open seating, short wait times, and easy menu items make it good for families with older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: Better for quick, elevated sandwiches and espresso-based drinks than heavier brunch competitors nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after full plated brunch entrées or extended table service—this is more café-style and counter-driven.
The Press 7.8
First Street Historic Core
Artisan cafe for pressed sandwiches, toasts, and espresso drinks with a clean, modern feel. Reliable for quick breakfasts, light plates, and coffee meetups on the First Street corridor.
Must-Try Dishes: Avocado Toast, Breakfast Panini, Acai Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.1 Food Quality: 7.7 Atmosphere: 6 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Pressed-breakfast focus with efficient counter service.
Who should go: Coffee meetups and light breakfast seekers
When to visit: 9–11am midweek to avoid rushes
What to order: Avocado toast; breakfast panini; acai bowl
Insider tip: Order ahead online to skip the queue during commuter hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available along First Street and nearby side streets; can fill up around brunch hours on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; gym wear, jeans, and coffee-run attire all fit in fine.
Noise level: Moderate buzz typical of a downtown cafe; easy enough for conversation but lively during rush hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable – closes after lunch service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; lines move quickly even during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple toast and bowl options are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegan-friendly bowls and toasts available; substitutions possible.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free bread and granola options offered, though cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual coffee meetups or weekday breakfast dates — the bright atmosphere and counter setup make it relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-up only; most guests find seats quickly, especially midweek mornings or after the early commute rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops — small tables and a simple menu work for kids, though there’s limited space for strollers during busy times.
Best For
Better for: Quick, lighter breakfasts and coffee pairings over heavy diner fare; ideal for grab-and-go or a casual meetup.
Skip if: You’re after a full-service brunch with table service, cocktails, or large portions — head to Monica’s or The Breakfast Club instead.