50 Best American Restaurants in Berkeley

“Highly recommend the Duck Confit with good company and a nice red wine. You can’t go wrong with this combination. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“A game day classic, but also a great place to chill with your friends or family on other days in the cozy banquettes. Great space, excellent drinks, and the new burger is amazing.“

“What a lovely surprise to find such tasty, healthy food so close to home, friendly staff, on time! Lightly cooked but high-protein and *yummy*“

“The lamb chops were phenomenal!“

“Yummy delish cheese steak sandwich“

“Great food. Nice owners. Chef used to cook for Bette’s Oceanview Diner. No wait. Good service .“

“What a great place, especially for families! The staff is friendly, attentive and bilingual should you be more comfortable speaking Spanish! Everyone at our table enjoyed their delicious breakfast of perfectly cooked pancakes, eggs, bacon etc! I know it sounds like a lot but order a biscuit for everyone to try at least a bite!!

Kid-friendliness: They’ll love the bear theme!“

“One of the best restaurants in Elmwood (4/5 green stars) It’s so easy to walk right by Summer Kitchen without even noticing it. It’s a narrow shopfront with just a few tables outside and it’s easy to miss as you ponder ice cream and other offerings from neighbors. Well, take it from me – forget ice cream and get a baked item from Summer Kitchen instead! Or try a pizza, or an egg salad sandwich – possibly the best egg salad sandwich you’ll ever have. But if you are limited for time, try one of the fresh fruit pastries (galette) – they seem expensive at $12 but they are big enough for two and totally worth it! I’m giving Summer Kitchen 4/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. The positives are obvious – most of the ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Everything is made from scratch and there is transparent sourcing of the meat and fish (Mary’s free-range chicken, etc.). There are a reasonable amount of vegetarian options and you can definitely find some vegan dishes too (salads, sandwich, pasta). Summer Kitchen could make the biggest environmental impact by scrapping beef from the menu – replacing it with plant-based alternatives, ideally. Beef has a carbon footprint of around 10 times that of chicken and over 100 times that of pea protein, on average. If everyone one the planet ate 1 lb. of beef per week (the US average), total greenhouse gas emissions would increase by one third! I’ll write a post illustrating all of this soon on the Green Stars Project. So I really appreciate that Summer Kitchen makes more effort than the vast majority of restaurants on improving sustainability so that’s my suggestion for the biggest opportunity for improvement – cut the beef.“

“This was my first time here, and I'm so glad that I visited. I ordered the double smash burger, which was delicious and juicy. The order came with seasoned fries. The atmosphere was simple, no fuss, and the service was quick.

Parking: Depending on time of day, parking can be difficult.“

“Lovely venue and great service!“

“In the location of the former Nico's and if you're a long-term resident around here Chester cafe, the breakfast joint everyone here used to come to, Walnut tavern has totally beautified the inside, and while I was only able to get a drink because of time constraints their "Old Cuban" (basically a mojito with spiced rum), was excellent, and the people working there we're friendly and the place has an overall goodbye. I'll review it some more when I have time to have a full meal there. But I can already recommend the bar. Great drinks.“

“Candy Apples are very good“

“Definitely recommend this place! first time here and I can't wait to come back next time I'm in Berkeley!! Food is delicious!“

“Long time customer. Ordered bacon and cheese quiche to eat in and a chicken turnover to take home. Both were excellent. Also my standard a blueberry Danish and their dark roast coffee. Just wish they would return some of the savory baked goods from the past like mustard laced cheese sticks and cheese scones.“

“Everything about this place is a 5“

“The interior design is terrific with the velvet rope curtain, the huge orange arch and the colorful mural. The food is also very good and they serve the best lattes

Parking: A huge red parking structure is a 5 minute walk away and on the same block

Wheelchair accessibility: Completely wheelchair accessible...not steps. everything is flat.“

“This was our 1st time in Berkeley. The bar is so nice! The corner spot is great location and parking was convenient. I love the bartenders and the food was delicious! Fried foods options are good for on the go! We got some fish & chips and chicken tenders they were yummy. I will definitely be back!“

“They are just amazing. Also ask about American cheese melted on regular fries and you will be amazed. 5 star.

Vegetarian options: Most of the menu has vegetarian substitutions, and they make it very clear when you sit down.

Kid-friendliness: Very accommodating for children and very friendly.“

“Love this place. Great service and food!!!“

“My dad used to drink there in the 1980s and the Asian husband and wife couple who owned the bar bought him a last drink and told him never to come backThe bar was closed for about 10 or 20 years in the 1990s and the 2000sMy favorite part of the bar is spinning the wheel and trying my luck at free drinks cuz half the time it's a l**** deal but half the time it's a winner deal it's a nice bar most people are really coolFor a while they had a 8-bit Nintendo system and I'd play Castlevania and Super Mario Bros over and over again but they do have some arcade games and pinball games really nice“

“I inquired about the furniture change and learned all the older chairs were headed to the landfill. Please don’t do this! I’m a regular and I’ve seen they are scuffed but still serviceable- donate them to Urban Ore or a second hand place. It’s Berkeley- there are a lot of options and that is our values. Don’t create waste if you don’t have to! Disappointed in a place that I’ve visited a bunch. Great service and beautiful views, but come on, it’s not that hard not to be wasteful.“

“Looking for a place for brunch last night, and found this gem! Don’t be scared by the line because it’s 10000% worth it, AND you might just get a free mimosa while waiting? staff feels like family, and you can def taste the love in the food. Buen trabajo muchachos!! Saluddd?“

“Good food and excellent service ! We will be back in our next trip to Berkeley for sure .“

“Very Spacey the only thing they need to improve is air conditioning they don't have air conditioning in there I guess you have to bring your own but was clean nice the day we went in it was really busy as hell besides that my son loves it that's the only thing that matters“

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“open mic Tuesdays and the food and atmosphere!“

“I was there yesterday and had the Killer BLAT I didn't know if I would like it but turns out I loved it and I will return it was so good. It's a great place that you have to try.“

“We all agreed that the food was first rate, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the French toast was excellent…“

“Last of the old school breakfast nooks still around in the Bay Area. I make my pilgrimage from Richmond when I can. That the owner holds on for this long is a wondrous occurrence. Also, his place is a model of efficiency and economy, a living lesson for UC students majoring in economics.“

“Delicious and portions are huge“

“To start off, the staff and service was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. The Bloody Mary was a little underwhelming with the overall flavor and garnishes. The California Benedict and Bagel Delux were exquisite, unique flavors and a lovely presentation and the portion sizes were perfect on each plate. We left feeling adequately full but not overstuffed and very satisfied“

“Get it to go or take a ride share there. DO NOT PARK ANYWHERE near there. Every car got a busted window and stuff stolen the day we were there. Food was REALLY delicious!“

“Tender Greens | Berkeley has become a go-to place for occasional food delivery & dining in house in the mid-afternoon. The food is tasty, fresh, & plentiful—consistent—& always tastes good. Chefs develop interesting & tasty seasonal menus. I have explored a number of plates & bowls, especially savor the greens & seasonings that go alongside the entrees. Have enjoyed chicken, salmon, beef, & vegetarian options as well as all the sides. Sandwiches & salads are delish. As is the mint lemonade & watermelon fresca. The place can be hopping or not, & the service is top notch & personable, professional. They do robust to-go orders & have spacious outdoor garden seating. Sure wish I’d discovered it sooner!“

“Not many vegetarian options, but the one you have is the best ever🤩“

“Always a great experience and that view!“

“Outdoor patio Salad Lunch Breakfast Brunch“

“Great music venue, small feel with top notch sound and production, connected to a great ale house with good food, full bar and super professional staff.“

“Things haven’t gotten going yet so you can still make it.“

“That was one of the best burritos I've ever had and I've had a few. Fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, sauce bar! Customer service was friendly and helpful. It was my first time there and I will definitely go back. Nothing like a delicious tasty burrito!!“

“I came to Barkley to study abroad, and it was a nice shop with a nice atmosphere, the staff were very friendly, and the sandwiches were delicious.

This is a good shop with very friendly clerks. I especially like the pastrami sandwich here. There are also fresh shakes in summer!“

“The atmosphere was quirky, comfortable, and sweet! My coffee and granola and yogurt were tasty. The coffee was on the acidic side for my taste. A few of the berries had molded so I asked for them to be removed and replaced… I feel like these things are pretty par for the course at local cafes though, and I value the experience overall far above the small details. Will definitely come back. ❤️“

“I have been a regular Tilden golfer since 2019 (especially on Tuesday nights...when the real pros come out!). The recent opening of The Overlook has been a fantastic addition to the course. They did a great job with the drink selection, with lots of local beers on tap. The outdoor space is so nice, with heat lamps and a fire pit. Also, if you haven't been out to Tilden before, you will love the views and serenity out there. It reminds me of getting a drink at the top of a ski resort in Tahoe. Bravo Tilden!“

“Life changing milkshake. Burger was pretty mid. I have traveled the world drinking milkshakes along the way - this is a top two milkshake I’ve ever had. The only one that might be better is at Carl’s in Fredericksburg, VA. It is exceptionally close. Spectacular strawberry shake. The burger was just fine. The fries weren’t crispy enough, but I’ll be damned if the shake wasn’t worth traveling for. Would return.“

“Wonderful food service and beer! Very friendly owner! Will definitely return and recommend.“

“Amazingly delicious. Very filling and good vibe.“

“This was my first time visiting a Dog Haus. The entire experience from the service to the food was on point. The gentleman who helped me asked if it was my first time. He then proceeded to ask questions to help point me in the right direction while also sharing what some of his favorites are. I got the Little Mule. The Hawaiian buns are clever. It made it so easy to actually cut the burger to eat it while also adding a nice touch of sweetness.“

“This is a To-Go lunch spot adjacent to the Oceanview Diner. It's basically an entire separate restaurant with a different kitchen. I work on Fourth Street, and this my go-to place for lunch. I used to do Market Hall, but the food here is better and the prices are better, pretty reasonable for the bay. You can get a satisfying meal for ~$10 and a good snack for $5. They do a few things really well. All the prepared dishes from the glass case I've tried have been great. Some staples include lentils & feta, chicken salad, potato salad, and there's always a daily special that's been tasty every time I've tried it. You can also combo the mixed greens salad (+ tomatoes, pickled red onion, and dressing) with one of the prepared dishes, which makes for a light and fresh lunch. The middle eastern combo (hummus, greens, pita, dolmas, veggies) is a lot of food and a good deal; the empanadas are great for a snack, and you get some fresh homemade chimichurri with them. The "burrito" is kind of funny (you get two little burritos) but it's cheap and tasty. Tuna toast is a good snack as well. Last but not least, the baked goods are bomb. As I understand it, they have a few different bakers who come in and contribute to the pastry case. All the cookies and cakes I've had have been delicious. The lemon pistachio shortbread, brown sugar shortbread, lemon cake all transport me to a childhood I didn't know I had. All in all, the output of this place is truly impressive. There are so many different little elements to the lunch offerings, and everything appears to be homemade, even the pickles! I don't know how they manage it and run a full-on diner next door, but I'm grateful for it. It's got a locals-only vibe and can be pretty hectic at the lunch rush, but that shouldn't deter you. Also, you don't necessarily have to take it "to-go"; there's two high tops inside and some seating out front.“

“Food was yummy, service was great, vibe was chill“

“good service good food had a avocado bacon burger & beer was Casey Jones IPA !!!✌🏽💚“