Berkeley: Standard Fare; restaurant review

80 North

Standard Fare  

2701 8th St./Carleton St. #118, West Berkeley, (510) 356-2261.  B-L M-Sat.  M-F 8:30-5, Sat 9-3.  

The fare at the Standard Fare catering company is anything but standard.  And you’re never sure what you’re going to be offered because the cafe-bakery menu changes every day so (you can check the current day’s menu ahead online).  I adore the scones, which always seems to be different.  Today it was a perfect candied grapefruit-currant version.  I also picked up some baby biscuits with jam and butter for later.  Other past items have included a really good breakfast biscuit sandwich, cookies, brownies, pickles, rutabaga soup, and a sandwich with chicken pate, roasted chicken, and pickled vegetables.  The menu offers vegan and vegetarian options, and eaten in house are served on attractive earthenware bowls and plates.  Seating in this part-cafe/mostly-bakery venue is minimal--think a small window-ledge table with just a few stools.  I advise planning to take your order to-go. 

Just next door are another pastry bakery and a bread bakery: 

●La Noisette Sweets 

#116  (510) 813-8300 

La Noisette Sweets makes fabulous French pastries, including a pistachio-raspberry and a smoked-salmon croissant.  Cakes, including a fruit-topped cheesecake, are also available. 

●Morell’s Bread 

#114, (415) 302-8609 

Morell's Bread is also superb.  Try the crispy-crusted sunflower whole-wheat loaf with a soft, moist interior, or the delicious rye.  Watch the bakers prepare the bread. 

exterior of Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

counter at Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

daily menu at Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

baked goods at Standard Fare bakery in Berkeley California

baked goods at La Noisette Sweets bakery in Berkeley California

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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers