I used to love this restaurant. I heard they were closing down this summer because Chez Panisse is expanding, so I thought I would go again and check it out. It had been quite a while since my last visit.The energy of the place was not good today. There was no music or nice ambience and the patrons didn't seem too happy. It was kind of underwhelming. Just blah! I think this is because the servers and owner were really lackadaisical and kind of lazy. It was disorganized despite very few customers being there. No one came to check on us to ask how the food was, so I didn't have an opportunity to tell them.The tuna Bocadillo (sandwich) used to be so much better. They give you barely any tuna at all the bread isn't toasted so it's overly chewy. However, I must say that the cheese plate was very good, and I would order that again.I will be back for the cheese plate and maybe sandwich but next time I will complain if the food is subpar again. Even if I have to walk up to the manager like Karen. Sometimes the Karen has to come out to play.I honestly am so sad they have gone so downhill. They can totally be what they were again, but they need to try. They're not even trying.Also, today was sunny and nice and there tons of people out but they weren't busy. They could have been packed, but again, they don't seem to care.
Bisrat Tekie
A treasure, to say the least. Especially the people that work here are lovely, genuinely present and dedicated, and hard working. The menu is divine. The flavors are for the gods' pallet. A go-to place for any occasion with loved ones. It's the full package. That simple, and that complicated. Go check it out. And no, no reservations here. It on first-come first-serve, basis, and if they cannot accommodate you on the spot, they will give a practical timeline when to come back/or how long it will take to clear a table for your particular headcount ... you will understand why the set-up is this way. Just go an try it :) ... the thought of this place alone, makes me smile.
Dr Marcus Heisenberg
Did you know Alice Waters is kicking this restaurant out of its lease to expand her restaurant?It's sad, because this is a staple in the area food scene and they do something unique.Write to Alice Waters and her restaurant. Tell them to find a diff solution to an expansion, ie...a 2nd location in a diff part of town, spread the love. Not kill an institution
Uzi Cohen
Our friendly neighborhood tapas bar. Been going since it opened. Everyone knows everyone, staff is like family, in addition to being super knowledgeable. Fantastic drinks, wine list and of course, Tapas. I hope it will be here forever, like a real Spanish bar.
Eduardo Orozco
The coliflower and arugula salad was delish!!!!
Dannielle Guerrero
This place is dangerously good! ? The small plates make it so easy to try so many of their dishes! Which are so gorgeously delicious ? Their cocktails are yummy, I loved the sidecar, and the sangria! Would recommend both! ? And the grilled chicken the best experience and the calamari, just chefs kisses! Plus the Passion fruit sorbet was just ? will be back again ?
Monica Hammer
Cesar is our home away from home. The food is consistently delicious, the atmosphere lively, yummy cocktails and service with a smile.I always look forward to going back time and time again. They are a pillar in the Berkeley community and have stood the test of time.
Mark Turner
Some of the best lemonade I've ever had and excellent paella! Staff incredibly kind, truly made us feel welcome.
Morgan Griffin
Always a great experience... cocktails & food outstanding. Unfortunately Cesar is being forced to close by Chez Panisse taking over space!
Noah Lowry
Ambiance was nice here. Service was also great. Most of the food was good too. We tried the shrimp, lamb, steak, and paella which they are most known for what I heard.
I used to love this restaurant. I heard they were closing down this summer because Chez Panisse is expanding, so I thought I would go again and check it out. It had been quite a while since my last visit.The energy of the place was not good today. There was no music or nice ambience and the patrons didn't seem too happy. It was kind of underwhelming. Just blah! I think this is because the servers and owner were really lackadaisical and kind of lazy. It was disorganized despite very few customers being there. No one came to check on us to ask how the food was, so I didn't have an opportunity to tell them.The tuna Bocadillo (sandwich) used to be so much better. They give you barely any tuna at all the bread isn't toasted so it's overly chewy. However, I must say that the cheese plate was very good, and I would order that again.I will be back for the cheese plate and maybe sandwich but next time I will complain if the food is subpar again. Even if I have to walk up to the manager like Karen. Sometimes the Karen has to come out to play.I honestly am so sad they have gone so downhill. They can totally be what they were again, but they need to try. They're not even trying.Also, today was sunny and nice and there tons of people out but they weren't busy. They could have been packed, but again, they don't seem to care.
A treasure, to say the least. Especially the people that work here are lovely, genuinely present and dedicated, and hard working. The menu is divine. The flavors are for the gods' pallet. A go-to place for any occasion with loved ones. It's the full package. That simple, and that complicated. Go check it out. And no, no reservations here. It on first-come first-serve, basis, and if they cannot accommodate you on the spot, they will give a practical timeline when to come back/or how long it will take to clear a table for your particular headcount ... you will understand why the set-up is this way. Just go an try it :) ... the thought of this place alone, makes me smile.
Did you know Alice Waters is kicking this restaurant out of its lease to expand her restaurant?It's sad, because this is a staple in the area food scene and they do something unique.Write to Alice Waters and her restaurant. Tell them to find a diff solution to an expansion, ie...a 2nd location in a diff part of town, spread the love. Not kill an institution
Our friendly neighborhood tapas bar. Been going since it opened. Everyone knows everyone, staff is like family, in addition to being super knowledgeable. Fantastic drinks, wine list and of course, Tapas. I hope it will be here forever, like a real Spanish bar.
The coliflower and arugula salad was delish!!!!
This place is dangerously good! ? The small plates make it so easy to try so many of their dishes! Which are so gorgeously delicious ? Their cocktails are yummy, I loved the sidecar, and the sangria! Would recommend both! ? And the grilled chicken the best experience and the calamari, just chefs kisses! Plus the Passion fruit sorbet was just ? will be back again ?
Cesar is our home away from home. The food is consistently delicious, the atmosphere lively, yummy cocktails and service with a smile.I always look forward to going back time and time again. They are a pillar in the Berkeley community and have stood the test of time.
Some of the best lemonade I've ever had and excellent paella! Staff incredibly kind, truly made us feel welcome.
Always a great experience... cocktails & food outstanding. Unfortunately Cesar is being forced to close by Chez Panisse taking over space!
Ambiance was nice here. Service was also great. Most of the food was good too. We tried the shrimp, lamb, steak, and paella which they are most known for what I heard.
Restaurantji Recommends
Just went in for drinks but they were great and the service was equally great. The menu looked interesting and I will definitely be back.
Amazing food and amazing team. We had a really great time! Thank you!
Everything was delicious! The staff are warm and friendly. The drinks divine! This might be our new favourite tapas place!!
It's amazing to me that this tapas place is still as good as to was twelve years ago, but it truly is.
Delicious tapas and relaxing atmosphere. I love sitting at the open window seatings!
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