The Walnut Tavern Bar & Grill

This place has promise but they can test customers' patience with their service. Have been here a bunch of times. Food and drink generally good, and service can be ok.

But the staff definitely need better training, especially if the restaurant is going to charge these fine dining prices. A couple of times for lunch in the afternoon, we get a server who disappears for 15-20 minutes at a time chatting with the staff at the pet food shop next door. Doesn't make any difference that we're waiting to order or waiting to be served food or drink. Other times, the service is very disjointed, as various people are helping, but no one seems to be supervising what's actually going on at the table and what the customers need.

The most recent time was beyond the pale. After we got our main course, the server who took our order never came to our table again. He seemed preoccupied with helping a table next to us, spending long periods of time chatting with them, and helping them very attentively, but couldn't bother to look over at the next table where we were waiting for more drinks and then for the dessert menu. After 45 minutes of waiting, we got someone to clear our plates and give us the check. We were sick of waiting so didn't order anything more. The server pretended everything was fine when we left, when it clearly was not.

This place has a good menu and a great space, and they're capable of making good food and cocktails, but they really need to get their act together on service, as it can really ruin the experience.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

Very good draft beer!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The menu is not too extensive. I appreciated the outdoor seating, reasonably priced cider and the mellow music. To be honest, the service was slow, the burger was dry and there were raisins in the coleslaw. I would return to take advantage of the street parking and outdoor dining. (I ordered a Nepalese appetizer, fish and chips [nuggets?] and a kids meal.)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

Amazing service. So cosy inside and very nice terrace. Highly recommend the shrimp appetiser and their atlantic salmon entree! both were very good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very yummy. Super nice staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time here and loved it. Warm, friendly service, delicious food, great beer options. Lots of light and a great roof deck. Definitely recommend and will be back soon!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was amazing and it was really reasonable, the service was really good

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic salmon and potatoes

A nice addition to the neighborhood. Interesting food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lovely quiet environment. The food was outstanding: the fish and chips actually made fresh; the crispy French fries; the meaty cheeseburger. If this is bar food, give me more of it!
Our waiter was great, attentive but not intrusive. He not only gave me a doggie bag so I could give my starving terrier the leftover meat but snuck in extra dog treats as well. 🙂🙂

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Service is good.
Food portion is very small. I do not mind paying more for high quality food. But the food does not match the price tag.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 5

I love the vibe! Everything tasted great but felt the portion could be better. Expect to spend 40 - 50 per person for food and drink.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I get new things every time and I am always pleased. Food and drinks are fantastic and reasonably priced for what you are getting. Love this place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Club Sandwich, Beef Burger, Walnut Tavern Club

Walnut Square is a cool little shopping and eating inlet in Berkeley’s gourmet ghetto. At the west edge of the square you’ll find Walnut Tavern.

Dined here for brunch and enjoyed it quite a bit. They have a nice menu combination of breakfast and lunch items. I chose both! The steak sandwich and a waffle. I know, gluttony.

The steak sando was on ciabatta bread and cooked perfectly. I asked for medium and that’s how it came. Steak fries usually not my thing but these were crispy and seasoned enough.

The waffle loses points because it was soft and had no crispness at all. And the syrup was the fake maple. They improve that and it’s a winner.

The last dish was the Mom’s eggs Benedict which comes with ham. Hash browns were thin and crispy… perfect.

And the atmosphere of this little tavern is great. Natural light. Woody. And a bar. Makes me want to come here to watch a Cal game.

Service was a little spotty. Nice enough but kind of slow and didn’t quite get my order right.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Poor service, management was on a power trip towards his bartenders. Even had hair in my food.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1