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Berkeley

Set on sparkling San Francisco Bay, Berkeley (pronounced BURK-lee) will surprise those who recall it as the counter-culture center of the 1960s. Free Speech and flower power are forever in the city "DNA," but Berkeley has evolved into a culinary and cultural travel destination. You'll still see more tie-dye per capita in Berkeley, but a deeper look reveals a dynamic East Bay city filled with superb theaters, restaurants, and shops. Berkeley's progressive, free-thinking environment has seen the birth of quality attractions, great food from many cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley. For a city of just over 100,000 people—barely a medium-sized

See
9
Do
11
Eat
40
Drink
11
Buy
13

10 places match

  1. Eat

    Berkeley Bagels

    A blackboard full of bagels, coffee, tea and sandwiches. Vegan options.

    Mon-Fri 6:30AM-5PM, Sat Sun 7AM-5PM

  2. Drink

    Cafe Milano

    Milano is a few blocks away from UC Berkeley. No outdoor seating here. A haven for studying students.

    Mon-Fri 7AM-10PM, Sat Sun 8AM-10PM

  3. Drink

    Caffe Chiave

    Excellent coffee, quiche, desserts and sandwiches. The elderly owner drops by every Sunday afternoon to belt out Italian ballads. Check website for events.

    Daily 7AM-3PM

  4. Eat

    Chez Panisse

    Chez Panisse is the origin of California Cuisine, and still is the best representation of the style that focuses on local produce in season. Named "Best Restaurant in America" in 2001 by Gourmet Magazine and is one of the entries in the book 1000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. Fixed price menus downstairs ($175), which usually require a reservation a month in advance. It's worth it, though. The cafe upstairs offers more variety in à la carte form, and it's easier to get a table. Still, if your parents are paying, try to book downstairs.

    Check website for hours$175 and up

  5. Drink

    Highwire Coffee Roasters

    Part of a local chain of coffee shops. Pleasant, well-lit, spacious cafe with good seating and a low-key hipster feel to it.

    Mon-Fri 7:30AM-2PM, Sat Sun 7AM-4PM

  6. Drink

    Jaffa Coffee Roasters

    Delightful fancy coffee shop, known for their Jaffa Orange latte as well as other flavored coffee drinks. Also has pastries, standard coffee drinks. Free WiFi, has outlets.

    7AM-4PM, closed Mondays5-10$

  7. Do

    Long Haul Infoshop

    An anarchist library and community space. there is a wide range of books and magazines collected over the years for folks to read, as well as free coffee. on the weekends you may also find political and counter cultural events.

    Wed-Sun 6PM-9PM

  8. Drink

    Peet's Coffee

    Although a chain, Peet's has a special place in the heart of many Berkeley residents, as it all started with this tiny shop located on Vine Street. Great tea selection, very intense coffee, and interesting goodies. Mobile payments, order ahead, in-store pickup, local delivery.

    Mon-Fri 5:30AM-7PM, Sat Sun 6AM-7PM

  9. Eat

    Tacubaya

    An upscale yet affordable taqueria serving Blue Bottle coffee. Everything is made from scratch daily with fresh ingredients. Online ordering.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM, Sat Sun 10AM-8PM

  10. Eat

    Zut! Tavern

    Mediterranean and American food in a casual cafe atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor dining. They have great pizza. A nice respite from shopping. Reservations available. Private event space available.

    Mon-Thu 11:30AM-7:30PM, Fri 11:30AM-8PM, Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-7:30PM$10-30