Guidebook for Berkeley
Food Scene
Bangkok Thai Cuisine
1459 University AvenueNot a fancy looking place, but surprisingly good Thai food.
The best cheap Mexican in walking distance. Try the enchiladas. Not a ton of indoor dining space, so either avoid peak hours or plan on sitting outside (or taking food home).
41 locals recommend
La Mission
1255 University AveThe best cheap Mexican in walking distance. Try the enchiladas. Not a ton of indoor dining space, so either avoid peak hours or plan on sitting outside (or taking food home).
Taqueria Monte Cristo
1446 University AveNot quite as good as La Mission but closer and easier.
The best coffee in the neighborhood, with excellent pastries, and a good place to hang out. Good cocktails in the evening, but the food is not great and sometimes actively not good.
10 locals recommend
Townie
1799 University AvenueThe best coffee in the neighborhood, with excellent pastries, and a good place to hang out. Good cocktails in the evening, but the food is not great and sometimes actively not good.
Fellini
1401 University AveAn acceptable second choice coffee stop if you're heading this way.
The best of the local Indian places. Vegetarian. Try a dosa; they're huge and yummy.
101 locals recommend
Udupi Palace
1007 Valencia StThe best of the local Indian places. Vegetarian. Try a dosa; they're huge and yummy.
If you're craving a pizza, this place is the best (unless it's midday, then head to the Cheeseboard on Shattuck). Pizza Moda on University is closer and not bad if you want a sit-down meal. Under no circumstances go to North Beach Pizza; that place is vile.
43 locals recommend
Gioia Pizzeria
1586 Hopkins StIf you're craving a pizza, this place is the best (unless it's midday, then head to the Cheeseboard on Shattuck). Pizza Moda on University is closer and not bad if you want a sit-down meal. Under no circumstances go to North Beach Pizza; that place is vile.
Drinks & Nightlife
Our favorite local place for excellent cocktails. The food is also great but pricey.
35 locals recommend
Revival Bar + Kitchen
2102 Shattuck AveOur favorite local place for excellent cocktails. The food is also great but pricey.
Essentials
There is nowhere better for produce. Nowhere. Expect a crowd. You can also get most staples here, but for a real shop we recommend Berkeley Bowl West.
213 locals recommend
Monterey Market
1550 Hopkins StThere is nowhere better for produce. Nowhere. Expect a crowd. You can also get most staples here, but for a real shop we recommend Berkeley Bowl West.
This is where we do most of our full grocery runs. They've got pretty much everything, and in good quality / selection.
371 locals recommend
Berkeley Bowl West
920 Heinz AveThis is where we do most of our full grocery runs. They've got pretty much everything, and in good quality / selection.
We kind of hate Trader Joe's, but it's good if you want a frozen meal or something weird dipped in chocolate. It's the closest place if you need to run out for some sugar or a lemon.
219 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
225 El Cerrito PlazaWe kind of hate Trader Joe's, but it's good if you want a frozen meal or something weird dipped in chocolate. It's the closest place if you need to run out for some sugar or a lemon.
The best place in town to get booze or beer. Fantastic selection, friendly staff, honest prices.
6 locals recommend
Ledger's Liquor
1399 University AveThe best place in town to get booze or beer. Fantastic selection, friendly staff, honest prices.
Walgreens
2801 Adeline StThe closest pharmacy.
Entertainment & Activities
The biggest screen (if you're downstairs) and usually the best stuff playing.
23 locals recommend
Landmark's California Theatre
2113 Kittredge StThe biggest screen (if you're downstairs) and usually the best stuff playing.
Getting Around
North Berkeley Station
1750 Sacramento StYour closest BART station.