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Peace, quiet, caffeine |
2000 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 845 0433 |
A long time favorite of students in search of the perfect place to study, it is a haven for those looking for a wooden-tabled coffee house that is open late and does not get too raucous. Despite its roomy interior, the dark wood and rustle of lecture notes will put you at peace and allow you to hunker down with a mocha and focus on that 19th-century tome. In addition to the many caffeinated choices and standard pastries, it also offers soups and sandwiches throughout the day, and a selection of gourmet desserts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![]() Photo: Matt Fukuda |
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Brews and food |
2367 Telegraph Ave Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 877 488 6533 |
Since 1940, Blake's has been a fixture of Telegraph Avenue. Starting as a joint for beer and a quick bite by Larry Blake, it evolved into a jazz club, then a blues venue as well as a casual restaurant serving a mix of tasty bar food with some surprisingly good variations, all very reasonably priced. It serves food at all hours, has a full bar and dining section on the main floor, a bar and performance stage downstairs, and a third service bar and lounge area on the third floor. It offers approximately 15 imported, domestic and microbrew beers on tap, as well as an ample stock of fine wine and premium liquor. Choose from pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salad, pastas and wraps that are reasonably filling and affordably priced. Performers at Blake's have included the likes of Otis Rush, Etta James, Boz Skaggs and Greg Allman; it also now books alternative sounds like Third Eye Blind. On any given night you may hear ska, funk, jazz, rock or world music. Blake's is the second destination of the Raleigh's-Blake's-Kip's-Bear's Lair Cal Berkeley college bar crawl; expect a predominantly student crowd most nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![]() Photo: Anthony M. Warnack |
![]() Photo: Shannon Kokoska |
![]() Photo: Natalie Villalobos |
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A pizza institution |
2340 Telegraph Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 548 1129 |
For years this place been cranking out fresh, hot slices loaded with cheese, generous toppings and a substantial crust. Modeled after the famous grab-and-go pizzerias of New York, it holds its own nicely against them. The inside has a few lean-on bars upon which you can eat, but most grab a slice and hit the Avenue. Slice prices vary depending on what you order, but you can also order whole pies with all the usual toppings like veggies, pepperoni or sausage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![]() Photo: James Knox |
![]() Photo: Brady Ho |
![]() Photo: James |
![]() Photo: Emmanuel uche |
![]() Photo: Summer Hellewell |
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Crepes & eggs |
5600 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 658 2026 |
This eatery is a sleek creperie that appeals to locals, both yuppie and arty. It gets fairly crowded during peak hours, especially on the weekends for brunch, so be prepared for a wait. For the impatient, you can call ahead for pick-up. The savory crepes include creations like the Florentine, Greek, Pesto, Smoked Tofu and the San Francisco (smoked salmon, capers, spinach, provolone). You can also custom make your own. Sweet crepes include Riviera (lemon, butter, sugar), the Caribbean (bananas and cinnamon) and the Strawberry Blintz. The restaurant also offers great three-egg omelettes and scrambles, and a few salads, sandwiches and very good homemade pancakes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![]() Photo: Erin Johansen Hurwit |
![]() Photo: JOheartCA |
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The name says it all |
2375 Telegraph Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 548 6479 http://www.fatslicepizza.com/ |
This place offers quick, hot slices topped with all sorts of fresh ingredients, lots of cheese, and a thick and hearty crust. With lots of neon and bright light, and a few more tables at which to sit and relax, some think it the best pizzeria around Telegraph. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![]() Photo: Raymond Yee |
![]() Photo: Vivian Kam |
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![]() Photo: aaron briese |
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Meatlover's paradise |
6609 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94609 United States +1 510 652 9605 |
For meat lovers, this little red shack is a shaque d'amour, where you will enjoy the tenderest brisket around, bonesucking ribs, and for liberal vegetarians, a barbecued chicken unlike any you have ever had. Choose whether you would like your sauce mild, medium or hot (no, the staff will not tell you the secret ingredients), and watch your meat cooked to perfection before your eyes in the pit. The late hours, particularly on weekends, make this a popular destination. Soft drinks, water, and simple sides are available, but if you are here, you are here for meat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![]() Photo: Paul Jonusaitis |
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Glories of gourmet |
Around Shattuck Avenue (from Rose to Delaware streets) Berkeley, CA 94704 United States |
North of downtown Berkeley, this area features some of the best in fine cuisine and gourmet shopping in the city. Locals looking for food that is a cut above head here for the best in ethnic and local dining. The keystone is definitely Chez Panisse, known throughout the world as the place to eat in the Bay Area. You will also find some of the best tapas can be found at Cesar, sushi at Toyo and authentic Thai at Cha Am. There are also several vegetarian options, like the Japanese Cha-Ya, and great breakfasts and lunches at Smokey Joe's Cafe, to name just a few. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pints & Slices |
2033 San Pablo Avenue (at University Avenue) Berkeley, CA 94702 United States +1 510 845 1652 http://www.lanesplitterpizza.com |
At this East Bay beer and pizza joint, located on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, patrons can feast on thin and crispy slices while momentarily evading the bustle of the noisy neighborhood intersection outside. Begin your meal with a big salad full of fresh veggies and topped with your choice of house-made dressings. The pies here are strictly New York-style (some with names like "Carnivore," "Garbage Pie" and the cult classic, "Heartstopper" with bacon and Gorgonzola), and regulars will attest that Lanesplitter does it right. Plenty of tables and a ton of barstools mean there's almost always a spot for you, and there's even a charming patio out back complete with heat lamps and picnic tables. On the stereo: rock 'n' roll. On the walls: a rotating collection of locally produced artwork. On tap: a rotating selection of more than a dozen locally produced microbrews (including Russian River Brewing Company's Damnation, a favorite of regulars). See website for menu and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All Thai'd up at midnight |
1936 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States +1 510 848 6531 |
From the outside, the bright pink neon may seem blinding, and upon entering you will be transported back to the 80s. The light is bright and music slightly retro (Gary Numan, Duran Duran), but this restaurant offers quick and inexpensive Thai cuisine. The best part is the late hours, so you can easily sate your midnight satay cravings. Try said satay with a noodle dish such as Yen Ta Fo, Pad Thai or one of the many rice plates, and wash it down with a Far East beer. For dessert, there is sticky rice with mango. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![]() Photo: Ian Kasley |
![]() Photo: Brian Heung |
![]() Photo: Brian Heung |
![]() Photo: Mindaou |