Laurie and Ron's Guidebook
Food Scene
Bette's Diner is hands down the best breakfast place in Berkeley. Retro style diner that has been around since before Fourth Street was "Fourth Street". Excellent food and creative menu. Perfect eggs every time. There is often a 10 to 30 minute wait on the weekends, but it is worth it. Grab a cup of coffee from their to go next door and window shop while you wait for your name to come up.
76 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Bette's Oceanview Diner
1807A Fourth StBette's Diner is hands down the best breakfast place in Berkeley. Retro style diner that has been around since before Fourth Street was "Fourth Street". Excellent food and creative menu. Perfect eggs every time. There is often a 10 to 30 minute wait on the weekends, but it is worth it. Grab a cup of coffee from their to go next door and window shop while you wait for your name to come up.
Great authentic Sichuan hole in-the-wall restaurant near Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley. Our favorites include toothpick (cumin) lamb, tofu pudding, tan tan noodles, pea sprouts, and dumpling soup. They have an extensive selection of vegetarian dishes.
Service is friendly, efficient, and always very quick. Don't ask for changes to menu items though. They are not set up for that. Menu prices look to be standard but when you receive the extra-large portions, you realize how budget friendly this place is.
No ambience whatsoever, but you will be comfortable.
Chengdu Style Restaurant
2600 Bancroft WayGreat authentic Sichuan hole in-the-wall restaurant near Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley. Our favorites include toothpick (cumin) lamb, tofu pudding, tan tan noodles, pea sprouts, and dumpling soup. They have an extensive selection of vegetarian dishes.
Service is friendly, efficient, and always very quick. Don't ask for changes to menu items though. They are not set up for that. Menu prices look to be standard but when you receive the extra-large portions, you realize how budget friendly this place is.
No ambience whatsoever, but you will be comfortable.
Walk here for a unique and very fresh tasting Mexican breakfast or lunch. Sit outside on the sunny patio on nice days and enjoy the "Fourth Street" music. We particularly love the taco soup and fish tacos. Margaritas are great too.
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Tacubaya
1782 Fourth StWalk here for a unique and very fresh tasting Mexican breakfast or lunch. Sit outside on the sunny patio on nice days and enjoy the "Fourth Street" music. We particularly love the taco soup and fish tacos. Margaritas are great too.
Otherwise known as "The Pasta Shop". This is a gourmet deli, cheese, and take out food place. It is our favorite take out spot when we want a fast and healthy lunch or dinner. Cheeses and baguette selection and salads are awesome! You can eat the prepared foods on the large sunny Fourth Street patio shared with Tacubaya and Peet's Coffee.
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Market Hall Foods Berkeley
1786 Fourth StOtherwise known as "The Pasta Shop". This is a gourmet deli, cheese, and take out food place. It is our favorite take out spot when we want a fast and healthy lunch or dinner. Cheeses and baguette selection and salads are awesome! You can eat the prepared foods on the large sunny Fourth Street patio shared with Tacubaya and Peet's Coffee.
Fantastic locally roasted coffee and criossants and a very comfortable place to sit and work for a couple of hours. Wifi is fast.
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Artís Coffee
1717 Fourth StFantastic locally roasted coffee and criossants and a very comfortable place to sit and work for a couple of hours. Wifi is fast.
Tokyo Fish (& Japanese deli) is well worth a short field trip. The amazing selection of fresh seafood and Japanese gourmet selections are fun to see. If you need a unique vacation gift, pop into their gift shop out front.
The deli/take out items are prepared fresh on site every day. They have a large selection of bento boxes and sushi. They also have take out chicken teriyaki, tonkatsu and other seafood based delicacies.
29 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Tokyo Fish Market
1220 San Pablo AveTokyo Fish (& Japanese deli) is well worth a short field trip. The amazing selection of fresh seafood and Japanese gourmet selections are fun to see. If you need a unique vacation gift, pop into their gift shop out front.
The deli/take out items are prepared fresh on site every day. They have a large selection of bento boxes and sushi. They also have take out chicken teriyaki, tonkatsu and other seafood based delicacies.
Decent brunch place one block from our place. Their crepes and eggs are good. This is quieter and faster than Bette's Diner.
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Cafe M
1799 Fourth StDecent brunch place one block from our place. Their crepes and eggs are good. This is quieter and faster than Bette's Diner.
Reservations are recommended unless you go during happy hour. They feature excellent Spanish tapas, paella, and unique cocktails. House wine is decent and inexpensive. During happy hour (4:00-6:00), wine is $4 and tapas plates are $6. This is a very comfortable trendy place with excellent service. It can be way too noisy on Friday and Saturday nights.
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La Marcha Tapas Bar
2026 San Pablo AveReservations are recommended unless you go during happy hour. They feature excellent Spanish tapas, paella, and unique cocktails. House wine is decent and inexpensive. During happy hour (4:00-6:00), wine is $4 and tapas plates are $6. This is a very comfortable trendy place with excellent service. It can be way too noisy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Excellent traditional Italian food. Everything is fresh and all sauces are home made. Many of their sauces are good as those in the best SF Italian restaurants. Some of our favorites are lobster ravioli with vongole (vodka) sauce, meatballs, and eggplant parmigiana. Prices are very reasonable for good food. No reservations.
17 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Luca Cucina Italiana
2057 San Pablo AveExcellent traditional Italian food. Everything is fresh and all sauces are home made. Many of their sauces are good as those in the best SF Italian restaurants. Some of our favorites are lobster ravioli with vongole (vodka) sauce, meatballs, and eggplant parmigiana. Prices are very reasonable for good food. No reservations.
Authentic Japanese food from the Tokohu Region. We particular like the heated patio seating during these Covid days. Ramen is superb. Do not miss the Kakiage Tempura!
During Covid, the heated patio spaces are booked in advance. It is easy to book online.
Note: This isn't a very economical place to go if you are ravenously hungry.
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Iyasare
1830 Fourth StAuthentic Japanese food from the Tokohu Region. We particular like the heated patio seating during these Covid days. Ramen is superb. Do not miss the Kakiage Tempura!
During Covid, the heated patio spaces are booked in advance. It is easy to book online.
Note: This isn't a very economical place to go if you are ravenously hungry.
Zut! Tavern has a lively fun ambiance. We go there just for their wonderful creative cocktails. They also do have food, but...Hmm!
28 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Zut!
1820 Fourth StZut! Tavern has a lively fun ambiance. We go there just for their wonderful creative cocktails. They also do have food, but...Hmm!
Cesar's has it all: Excellent food, ambience, and great drinks. Spanish style tapas, wine, beer, and cocktails. Food items are simple but always perfectly prepared. You just can't miss. It's a fun but sometimes noisy environment. The outside seating in front can be quieter if needed.
Order from Cesar's through Amazon Prime if you want to splurge on superb take out. The take out menu is well thought out. Every item we have ordered has been delivered warm and tasted freshly prepared. You can pick up a nice Spanish wine on Vino on Fourth Street (two blocks away) to go with it.
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Cesar
1515 Shattuck AveCesar's has it all: Excellent food, ambience, and great drinks. Spanish style tapas, wine, beer, and cocktails. Food items are simple but always perfectly prepared. You just can't miss. It's a fun but sometimes noisy environment. The outside seating in front can be quieter if needed.
Order from Cesar's through Amazon Prime if you want to splurge on superb take out. The take out menu is well thought out. Every item we have ordered has been delivered warm and tasted freshly prepared. You can pick up a nice Spanish wine on Vino on Fourth Street (two blocks away) to go with it.
California Cuisine at it's best! This is our top favorite romantic night out place. If interested, it is best to book your reservations before you come. The grilled double cut pork chops with Marsala sauce are to die for.
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Wood Tavern
6317 College AveCalifornia Cuisine at it's best! This is our top favorite romantic night out place. If interested, it is best to book your reservations before you come. The grilled double cut pork chops with Marsala sauce are to die for.
Fantastic old San Francisco seafood restaurant in the heart of North Beach. The seafood is superb with great service in a fun but not at all fussy environment. Combine with a walking tour of North Beach. Stop by the antique map place on Grant street and head for some coffee afterwards at Cafe Trieste on the corner of Grant and Vallejo.
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Sotto Mare
552 Green StFantastic old San Francisco seafood restaurant in the heart of North Beach. The seafood is superb with great service in a fun but not at all fussy environment. Combine with a walking tour of North Beach. Stop by the antique map place on Grant street and head for some coffee afterwards at Cafe Trieste on the corner of Grant and Vallejo.
Some say this is the best bakery on the left coast. Great rustic healthy breads and pastries. (Some not so healthy as well.) There will be a line on the weekend but it moves quickly.
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Acme Bread
1601 San Pablo AveSome say this is the best bakery on the left coast. Great rustic healthy breads and pastries. (Some not so healthy as well.) There will be a line on the weekend but it moves quickly.
Best vegan food within easy walking distance. There can be a wait at dinner time, so go early.
8 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Sanctuary Bistro
6414 Rea RoadBest vegan food within easy walking distance. There can be a wait at dinner time, so go early.
Great fresh and unique Japanese food and fun atmosphere. Particularly love the ramen. The drinks are great too though a bit on the expensive side.
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Ippuku
2130 Center StGreat fresh and unique Japanese food and fun atmosphere. Particularly love the ramen. The drinks are great too though a bit on the expensive side.
Very nice Italian restaurant with a California fresh flair. We like the sauces better at Luca Cucina but the ambience is a bit more upscale here. All courses tend to be excellent.
9 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Riva Cucina
800 Heinz AveVery nice Italian restaurant with a California fresh flair. We like the sauces better at Luca Cucina but the ambience is a bit more upscale here. All courses tend to be excellent.
Quintessential Berkeley Coffee shop (our favorite). Coffee is excellent, folks are nice, and the sunny patio is the best.
6 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Catahoula Kaffeegarten
2080 Fourth StQuintessential Berkeley Coffee shop (our favorite). Coffee is excellent, folks are nice, and the sunny patio is the best.
Great Italian food at a reasonable price. Sauces are perfection. We particularly enjoy the lobster ravioli and spaghetti and meatballs. House Chianti is usually decent.
17 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Luca Cucina Italiana
2057 San Pablo AveGreat Italian food at a reasonable price. Sauces are perfection. We particularly enjoy the lobster ravioli and spaghetti and meatballs. House Chianti is usually decent.
One of the best hamburger west of the Rockies. Top quality meat, ground daily onsite, perfect buns, with onion marmalade and perfect crispy non-oily fries. The Beyond Burger (plant-based) is delicious too.
Cali Alley
1012 Grayson StreetOne of the best hamburger west of the Rockies. Top quality meat, ground daily onsite, perfect buns, with onion marmalade and perfect crispy non-oily fries. The Beyond Burger (plant-based) is delicious too.
Parks & Nature
Stunning 270 degree SF Bay vistas greet the casual hiker within the first mile of the Tilden Park Nimitz Trail. This is one of the most popular trails in the East Bay. You can catch an eye full with a easy two mile round trip or proceed on to Wildcat Peak for 360 degree views. Trailhead is 20 minutes from our place. Marked up Tilden and other East Bay Regional Parks trail maps are in our bookcase.
10 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Inspiration Point
Inspiration PointStunning 270 degree SF Bay vistas greet the casual hiker within the first mile of the Tilden Park Nimitz Trail. This is one of the most popular trails in the East Bay. You can catch an eye full with a easy two mile round trip or proceed on to Wildcat Peak for 360 degree views. Trailhead is 20 minutes from our place. Marked up Tilden and other East Bay Regional Parks trail maps are in our bookcase.
Also known as McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, is 3/4 of a mile from our place. Head West on University and cross the freeway. Turn right at the fork and head to the shore. You can take a short hike or just hang out for a bit enjoying the Bay vistas or the sunset.
If you want to sit inside and have a drink and simple hors d'oeuvres while appreciating the same view, turn left at the fork and head to Skates. Notice that I didn't mention the food?
Marina Map is in our binder on the desk.
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Berkeley Marina
Also known as McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, is 3/4 of a mile from our place. Head West on University and cross the freeway. Turn right at the fork and head to the shore. You can take a short hike or just hang out for a bit enjoying the Bay vistas or the sunset.
If you want to sit inside and have a drink and simple hors d'oeuvres while appreciating the same view, turn left at the fork and head to Skates. Notice that I didn't mention the food?
Marina Map is in our binder on the desk.
Take the Angel Island Ferry to the Island before noon. Picnic in the grove near the harbor then walk around the Island to view the Bay or hike up the mountain to the campground to watch the fog roll into the Bay. Be sure not to miss the last Ferry out.
51 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
에인절아일랜드주립공원
Take the Angel Island Ferry to the Island before noon. Picnic in the grove near the harbor then walk around the Island to view the Bay or hike up the mountain to the campground to watch the fog roll into the Bay. Be sure not to miss the last Ferry out.
The hike in Land's End to the Beach is about a mile. This is a special beach protected from the weather but with a panoramic view of the entire Golden Gate and the Bridge. You can watch the commercial traffic coming in and out and can often spot a few whales.
Mile Rock Beach
Lands End TrailThe hike in Land's End to the Beach is about a mile. This is a special beach protected from the weather but with a panoramic view of the entire Golden Gate and the Bridge. You can watch the commercial traffic coming in and out and can often spot a few whales.
Walk the peaceful Bay Trail on the North side of the Bay between Pt. Isabel and the Richmond Harbor. This is a very pleasant easy walk with views of the North Central Bay and the meadows and marshes along the waterfront. There are a couple of eating places at the Harbor.
This is a seven minute drive from the house. Take 580 towards Richmond and get off on Central Ave. Turn left on the off ramp onto Central and then make your first right towards Pt. Isabel. The trail access is just to the right of the fenced in area of the dog park.
This is a great short walk for those who want to catch the feel of the Bay but have limited time.
베이트레일
Walk the peaceful Bay Trail on the North side of the Bay between Pt. Isabel and the Richmond Harbor. This is a very pleasant easy walk with views of the North Central Bay and the meadows and marshes along the waterfront. There are a couple of eating places at the Harbor.
This is a seven minute drive from the house. Take 580 towards Richmond and get off on Central Ave. Turn left on the off ramp onto Central and then make your first right towards Pt. Isabel. The trail access is just to the right of the fenced in area of the dog park.
This is a great short walk for those who want to catch the feel of the Bay but have limited time.
Sightseeing
Go to The Bridge and walk ON The Bridge. It is a very special energy vortex in addition to being a breathtaking world famous landmark.
Best viewing with easiest access is from the North. Take I 80 North from our place and then cross the Richmond Bridge. Take 101 South exiting at the last exit before crossing the bridge. Signs will identify the vista point parking lot. You can easily walk as far out as you want from there.
Tip: Take a jacket and carry it with you even if you think you won't need it. It is most pleasant between 11:00 and 2:00. It can be quite windy after that.
1321 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
골든 게이트 브리지
Golden Gate Bridge Go to The Bridge and walk ON The Bridge. It is a very special energy vortex in addition to being a breathtaking world famous landmark.
Best viewing with easiest access is from the North. Take I 80 North from our place and then cross the Richmond Bridge. Take 101 South exiting at the last exit before crossing the bridge. Signs will identify the vista point parking lot. You can easily walk as far out as you want from there.
Tip: Take a jacket and carry it with you even if you think you won't need it. It is most pleasant between 11:00 and 2:00. It can be quite windy after that.
Take the Alcatraz Island Day or Night Tour. The Ferry Ride to and from Alcatraz is a pleasant way to see the Bay and the tour is very interesting. The tour is very popular so sign up well in advance. The Night Tour is best in September and October when the nights are warmer and the winds lower. Do take a warm jacket to enjoy the ride over. The Bay is very breezy even in summer.
503 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
앨커트래즈섬
Take the Alcatraz Island Day or Night Tour. The Ferry Ride to and from Alcatraz is a pleasant way to see the Bay and the tour is very interesting. The tour is very popular so sign up well in advance. The Night Tour is best in September and October when the nights are warmer and the winds lower. Do take a warm jacket to enjoy the ride over. The Bay is very breezy even in summer.
Drinks & Nightlife
Filed this under drinks and nightlife rather than food because it's a fun quintessential Bezerkeley establishment, particularly so when the Warriors, Raiders, Giants, or As are playing. Crowd is diverse in all respects and fun, fun, fun! Crowd tends to be younger on game nights and a bit older on Trivia Night (Wednesdays) or when they have live music.
Yes, They do serve Pizza too.
6 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Bobby G's Pizzeria
2072 University AveFiled this under drinks and nightlife rather than food because it's a fun quintessential Bezerkeley establishment, particularly so when the Warriors, Raiders, Giants, or As are playing. Crowd is diverse in all respects and fun, fun, fun! Crowd tends to be younger on game nights and a bit older on Trivia Night (Wednesdays) or when they have live music.
Yes, They do serve Pizza too.
Fieldwork features superb craft beers, empanadas, and stuffed sandwiches. It is often a millennial hang out but they are welcoming toward all.
91 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Fieldwork Brewing Company
1160 Sixth StFieldwork features superb craft beers, empanadas, and stuffed sandwiches. It is often a millennial hang out but they are welcoming toward all.
Essentials
What can we say other than it is a Whole Foods. They have an extensive selection of fresh prepared takeout and also cafeteria style service.
You can cross the street and get a tremendous cup of coffee from Philz before you leave.
553 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Whole Foods Market
230 Bay PlWhat can we say other than it is a Whole Foods. They have an extensive selection of fresh prepared takeout and also cafeteria style service.
You can cross the street and get a tremendous cup of coffee from Philz before you leave.
Shopping
If you are thinking of bringing a Berkeley Boa home to your niece, The Vivarium is two blocks from us. It has a huge and most interesting selection of exotic snakes and other reptiles for sale.
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East Bay Vivarium
1827 Fifth StIf you are thinking of bringing a Berkeley Boa home to your niece, The Vivarium is two blocks from us. It has a huge and most interesting selection of exotic snakes and other reptiles for sale.
The Apple store is two blocks away should you have a tech emergency.
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Apple 4th Street
1823 Fourth StThe Apple store is two blocks away should you have a tech emergency.
Great small wine store at Fourth Street. They have imported wines from around the world. Many are small off labels. Staff is knowledgable and helpful.
7 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Vino
1778 Fourth StGreat small wine store at Fourth Street. They have imported wines from around the world. Many are small off labels. Staff is knowledgable and helpful.