Easy Creole

1761 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley
(510) 858-5063

Recent Reviews

Philip Deardorff

I love Easy Creole.Though I noticed they’re closed walking by the other day. They were one of my favorite places. My partner and I had our last meal out together right before the pandemic shut down in 2020. And have loved getting together with friends there since the world opening back up again.Gratitude to these folks for their yummy affordable comfort food and the cool funky space they created for the community. And best of luck in what’s next!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Chris T.

This place was a local go-to for years. They closed down in August but said they'd secured a sale to someone who was going to re-open it, but now it sounds as though the buyer has reneged on the deal (or, to be accurate to what's been posted, "did not complete" the deal). I confess I'd been concerned about this for weeks, when en route for a pint at Hoi Polloi one afternoon I noticed some people going into the now shuttered property to look around. I surmised they were involved in the deal. A few days later, the sign referencing re-opening had been removed. Truly sad, I hope they figure something out. A great location and very good food. Do wish they'd brought back the cold brew after the pandemic, but these are small concerns in the existential churn of things.PS - If you want to stay updated on Easy Creole's fate, follow them on Instagram, that's where I heard the news.

Kyle Gibson

Please don't shut down :( This has been the BEST spot I've ever eaten at in the East Bay. I'll miss eating by the window on rainy days by the window, with a friendly person behind the counter and piping hot comfort food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lauren Andrews

The food is not good. Flavorless. Zero spice. It's not creole food at all and is really disappointing if you're from the Southeast. The bread was the best thing. Got the gumbo and shrimp etouffee. The staff was friendly and the decor inside and outdoor seating is nice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Graham Leininger

Fairly decent place! So why not 5 stars across the board? Well, because the minuscule amount of hot link pieces in the red beans and rice was disappointing, to put it mildly. I can understand wanting or needing to shave down costs... Maybe they don't standardize the amount of hot links in that dish and my dining partner and I both just got unlucky? She mentioned the same thing.I did enjoy the powerful flatulence the next morning though! It felt like a windstorm cleansing my innards.Edit in response to the owners reply:No, I won't do that... I've worked in hospitality and the catering industry for twenty years. Thus, I'm FAR too familiar with the fact that calling something to the attention of your waiter almost invariably leads to experiencing passive-aggressivity at best.But what I CAN do is leave an honest review online- that way I can share my true experience without having to feel made to feel lame, dumb, etc....I'm giving your business honest feedback- putting three or four pieces of sausage in the meal is poor practice. You're saving a dollar at the expense of creating a happy customer.If you've ever read any less than 5-star reviews of any business every business owner replies the same way- "why didn't you just call it to your waiter's attention?"I'm calling attention to it now, via online reviews- for the reasons I've covered.Stop taking things so personally and try accepting constructive feedback. I have nothing against you or your business.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Rosa Zhang (ramblingrosa)

super flavorful creole food w vegan options! 1 plate is $13 and half-half plate is $14. very fast, and there’s both indoor and outdoor seating.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Yung TurtleTank

Really nice staff. I've never ordered anything I didn't like, from both the meat & the veggie menu. Big guy in the back is the owner/head chef if I remember correctly. Talked with him for a bit during a slow-ish day at the register. Easy-going guy, passionate about his work. Haven't been here in a while, but this is definitely a go-to when I'm in the area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Half and Half

Cheryl B.

Interesting concept. Half the menu is Omni and the other is vegan. Choose one or two entries over white or brown rice and it come with a piece of baguette that is toasted and "buttered ". Food is quick as it is already made in the back. There are sides and dessert if you want them too. There are large communal tables inside and a few places outside to eat. I think it's best with spicy to get the lost flavor as eating mushroom stroganoff after the white bean chili did not have the same flavor profile and got lost. Note: I would give this 3.5 stars but there is no half stars. come hungry as we ate a noon and I did not need dinner as I was still full.

Catherine F.

I got the mushroom and spinach etouffee. Absolutely disgusting. It was at once flavorless and also overly flavored. I felt gross after eating the meal too.

David Kalanovic

such a simple concept, i am glad it's working out. food is very, very tasty. service fast and friendly. good vibes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spinach Mushroom

Monika C.

I am really happy to say I used the catering services at EC and LOVED the experience! Russell and his team were BEYOND accommodating, it was a breeze! He made EVERYTHING easy peasy! They also delivered it and brought over everything he could think of that we would've needed. Here's the thing I think people get confused about...they say this isn't "creole" food when in reality it CLEARLY states in the info section that they're a little bit of this..lil bit of that! That their menu is Creole "inspired" with usage of spices often used in Creole cooking. Thats why its called "Easy" Creole. With that being said...food was great! Hot, fresh, just the right amount of kick! Here were our choices:Shrimp Etoufee - they licked the pan clean!Gumbo - gone immediately!Chicken one (not the tequila one) - I had to hide some to take home it was so good!Red beans and hot links - Spicy! I would 100% order from them again, no doubt! They really are flexible.Thanks Russell!!

Mitch Varhula

The food here is so good, and it is really a unique place, I just can't understand why it's not packed all the time. The staff is great with their suggestions, and half the time I just let them choose for me. While the meat dishes look great, I tend to order from the vegan side of the menu. I've been going here for years and I have never been disappointed. If you have never eaten at Easy Creole, stop whatever it is you're doing and go there right now!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Half and Half

Diana Olivares

I loved the creole. I never tried before bc I'm not into spicy food but this one was perfectGreat service. And the location is very entertainingI would go again

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gumbo

Erica M.

3.5 is more accurate but Yelp doesn't do halfsies. Came with my husband on a Sunday afternoon for lunch. If you're looking for beautifully plated dishes then this place isn't for you. It isn't pretty and there are no frills, just good ol' comfort food. How authentically creole it is, is debatable but that doesn't take away from it being tasty. We ordered:- Chicken Creole: i was given the option to add cheese, onions, or sour cream and I said yes to all three lol. The cheese and sour cream made it extra creamy and the diced onions gave the dish some texture - without the onions it's all pretty soft. The chicken was shredded and pretty much melts in your mouth. It didn't have the level of cajun spice that I typically like, but hot sauce made up for that.- Bourbon Red Beans: my husband had this (and I snuck a bite). He said the hot links weren't hot, but overall good flavor and very filling. The baguette that comes with this (and the Chicken Creole) was a nice touch.- Bread Pudding: liked it! Large portion of warm thick bready goodness.- Cornbread: it's gluten free which often slightly changes the texture of things but this was still delicious. I love that there were whole corn kernels mixed into the batter.

Sam R.

SO GOOD. Can't believe I missed this place for so long. The food is so dang tasty here, and the inside is plastered with really cool memorabilia. Plus the outside seating is lovely. Fast, friendly service here, for a delicious and FILLING meal.Hard to find value like this at any other restaurant.

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