Guidebook for Berkeley
Food Scene
This coffee shop makes coffee right! The costs are comparable to the attention and quality of the cup. Food menu has sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. Local artists are always on display.
105 locals recommend
Highwire Coffee Roasters
2049 San Pablo AveThis coffee shop makes coffee right! The costs are comparable to the attention and quality of the cup. Food menu has sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. Local artists are always on display.
When eaters hanker for “simple, cheap” pie, the “laid-back” influences of thin-crust, New York–style pizzerias this place does the trick; the ’za may be basic, but the “beer choices are terrific."
47 locals recommend
Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub
2033 CA-123When eaters hanker for “simple, cheap” pie, the “laid-back” influences of thin-crust, New York–style pizzerias this place does the trick; the ’za may be basic, but the “beer choices are terrific."
“Smack your lips and lick your fingers” – “they really know how to serve up some ’cue” in “delicious heaping abundance” at this BBQ trio; just beware that there’s counter service and “no frills."
7 locals recommend
Everett & Jones Barbeque
1955 San Pablo Avenue“Smack your lips and lick your fingers” – “they really know how to serve up some ’cue” in “delicious heaping abundance” at this BBQ trio; just beware that there’s counter service and “no frills."
La Mission
1255 University AveGreat mexican food. Limited seating, with counter service.
From the owner: “Authentic Vegetarian Comida Mexicana. Everything we serve is all vegan, all the time. Gluten-free options available. Ask about our daily specials and secret menu. Feed la revolución!”
44 locals recommend
Flacos
3031 Adeline StFrom the owner: “Authentic Vegetarian Comida Mexicana. Everything we serve is all vegan, all the time. Gluten-free options available. Ask about our daily specials and secret menu. Feed la revolución!”
Unbelievable vegan soul food! No it isn't the "same" but it is fantastic eats. I recommend the combo sandwich with both the toasty and bbq tofu, plus collard greens and black-eyed peas.
40 locals recommend
Souley Vegan
301 BroadwayUnbelievable vegan soul food! No it isn't the "same" but it is fantastic eats. I recommend the combo sandwich with both the toasty and bbq tofu, plus collard greens and black-eyed peas.
Bakery/cafe offering authentic flavors in light and modern German fare like spaetzle and beef roulade, plus delicious pastries and a good selection of bier; it’s all offered at decent prices.
26 locals recommend
Gaumenkitzel
2121 San Pablo AveBakery/cafe offering authentic flavors in light and modern German fare like spaetzle and beef roulade, plus delicious pastries and a good selection of bier; it’s all offered at decent prices.
For 30 years, this Berkeley landmark has been dishing out its nostalgic diner food like gourmet scrapple and soufflé pancakes. There’s a “long, long wait” for the “amazing”, “hearty” breakfasts.
76 locals recommend
Bette's Oceanview Diner
1807A Fourth StFor 30 years, this Berkeley landmark has been dishing out its nostalgic diner food like gourmet scrapple and soufflé pancakes. There’s a “long, long wait” for the “amazing”, “hearty” breakfasts.
With a menu of classics with a twist, like "Demon Lover”, a sinful version of chicken and waffles Brunch lines are long, but it’s worth it for such “comforting” fare and “warm”, “efficient” service;
20 locals recommend
900 Grayson
900 Grayson StWith a menu of classics with a twist, like "Demon Lover”, a sinful version of chicken and waffles Brunch lines are long, but it’s worth it for such “comforting” fare and “warm”, “efficient” service;
French countryside–inspired breakfasts starring “creative pancakes and omelets and “bowl-size café au lait” make this a great cafe with a charming Provence vibe. Lovely garden open in good weather.
80 locals recommend
La Note
2377 Shattuck AveFrench countryside–inspired breakfasts starring “creative pancakes and omelets and “bowl-size café au lait” make this a great cafe with a charming Provence vibe. Lovely garden open in good weather.
Everything is fresh, at this bike-friendly Oakland neighborhood cafe. Mix and mingle over Californian eats like “gigantically awesome” salads, sandwiches, coffee, “fresh juices” and “homemade sodas”
57 locals recommend
Actual Cafe
6334 San Pablo AvenueEverything is fresh, at this bike-friendly Oakland neighborhood cafe. Mix and mingle over Californian eats like “gigantically awesome” salads, sandwiches, coffee, “fresh juices” and “homemade sodas”
At a glance: great home fries · coffee cake · french toast · blueberry pancakes · greasy spoon
69 locals recommend
Homemade Cafe
2454 Sacramento StAt a glance: great home fries · coffee cake · french toast · blueberry pancakes · greasy spoon
Local, sustainable, “snout-to-tail” cuisine, where dishes star “seasonal ingredients” “prepared at the peak of freshness. Sometimes too noisy, but cozy atmosphere/inventive drinks keep it enjoyable.
35 locals recommend
Revival Bar + Kitchen
2102 Shattuck AveLocal, sustainable, “snout-to-tail” cuisine, where dishes star “seasonal ingredients” “prepared at the peak of freshness. Sometimes too noisy, but cozy atmosphere/inventive drinks keep it enjoyable.
From the owner: Authentic Italian pizzeria w/a packed menu of wood oven pizza, pasta, antipasti, roasted chicken, pork and more. Full Bar, patio, breakfast, lunch, dinner, spacious seating & fun!
66 locals recommend
Paisan
2514 San Pablo AveFrom the owner: Authentic Italian pizzeria w/a packed menu of wood oven pizza, pasta, antipasti, roasted chicken, pork and more. Full Bar, patio, breakfast, lunch, dinner, spacious seating & fun!
Gather is a place to experience No Cal food, West Coast wines, and innovative organic cocktails. Daily-changing menus range from braised meats to brick-oven pizzas and composed vegetable dishes.
77 locals recommend
Gather
2200 Oxford StGather is a place to experience No Cal food, West Coast wines, and innovative organic cocktails. Daily-changing menus range from braised meats to brick-oven pizzas and composed vegetable dishes.
Quince Café & Grill
Breakfast and Lunch.
Kirala has one-of-a-kind sushi creations and delicious specialties from Robata grill that you will not find anywhere. For 15 years, it's been consistently voted one of the Best Japanese restaurants.
79 locals recommend
Kirala
2100 Ward StKirala has one-of-a-kind sushi creations and delicious specialties from Robata grill that you will not find anywhere. For 15 years, it's been consistently voted one of the Best Japanese restaurants.
Bongo Burger
2505 Euclid AveQuick fresh food.
Essentials
From the owner: " Wide selection of cheese, teas, hand roasted coffees, honeys, jams, charcuterie, olive oils and specialty items."
Fantastic sandwiches and yummy gourmet goodies!
11 locals recommend
Country Cheese
2101 San Pablo AveFrom the owner: " Wide selection of cheese, teas, hand roasted coffees, honeys, jams, charcuterie, olive oils and specialty items."
Fantastic sandwiches and yummy gourmet goodies!
The falafels can't be beat. The soups sound amazing. The service and grocery items are hit and miss, but the food and fascinating groceries are always a win.
9 locals recommend
Middle East Market
2054 San Pablo AveThe falafels can't be beat. The soups sound amazing. The service and grocery items are hit and miss, but the food and fascinating groceries are always a win.
At a glance: fruits and vegetables · organic produce · bulk food · produce section · amazing selection! Avoid midday shopping here on weekends, it is a madhouse.
419 locals recommend
Berkeley Bowl
2020 Oregon StAt a glance: fruits and vegetables · organic produce · bulk food · produce section · amazing selection! Avoid midday shopping here on weekends, it is a madhouse.
From the owner: “Trader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with amazing food and drink from around the globe and around the corner. Great quality at great prices. That's what we call value.”
219 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
225 El Cerrito PlazaFrom the owner: “Trader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with amazing food and drink from around the globe and around the corner. Great quality at great prices. That's what we call value.”
Whole Foods Market
230 Bay PlNatural Foods Store, Restaurant
Everything Else
Wells Fargo Bank
2100 Fillmore StBank
This is the closest BART station; 12 minute walk from the apartment
114 locals recommend
North Berkeley Station
1750 Sacramento StThis is the closest BART station; 12 minute walk from the apartment
Bank of America Financial Center
496 Lake Park AveBank.
University of California Berkeley Campus is located at the end of University Avenue. Even if you don't have classes here it is a beautiful area to walk around and up into the hills.
427 locals recommend
University of California, Berkeley
Oxford StreetUniversity of California Berkeley Campus is located at the end of University Avenue. Even if you don't have classes here it is a beautiful area to walk around and up into the hills.
United States Postal Service
2111 San Pablo AveClosest Post Office to the apartment.
Drinks & Nightlife
“Revert back to childhood” with games galore – from darts and pool to Connect Four and Scrabble at this “chill” “hangout den. Popcorn only menu, but there’s an appealing selection of imported beers.
61 locals recommend
Albatross Pub
1822 San Pablo Ave“Revert back to childhood” with games galore – from darts and pool to Connect Four and Scrabble at this “chill” “hangout den. Popcorn only menu, but there’s an appealing selection of imported beers.
Pool and a beer garden with outdoor gas grill that serves scrumptious inventive sandwiches. DJs spin most nights after 10 PM; largely a “no-frills” - ‘The Special’ (a shot of whiskey and a PBR).'
47 locals recommend
Missouri Lounge
2600 San Pablo AvePool and a beer garden with outdoor gas grill that serves scrumptious inventive sandwiches. DJs spin most nights after 10 PM; largely a “no-frills” - ‘The Special’ (a shot of whiskey and a PBR).'
Shopping
Walgreens
2801 Adeline StDrugstore
CVS
2655 Telegraph AveDrugstore
7-Eleven
1501 University AveGeneral store.
Bay Street
Bay StreetThis is a large mall with stores, dining, and an AMC movie theater.
Arts & Culture
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
2155 Center StUCB Art Museum
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StOakland Art Museum of California
Landmark's California Theatre
2113 Kittredge StGreat small theater.
AMC Bay Street 16
5614 Bay StMovie Theater
Regal UA Berkeley
2274 Shattuck AveMovie Theater