Berkeley: The Butcher's Son; restaurant review

80 North

The Butcher’s Son  

1954 University Ave./Martin Luther King Jr. Way.  

vegan eating a Killer B.L.A.T. sandwich from The Butcher's Son
in Berkeley, California

Despite the name, the father of the owner of this vegan butcher shop was not a butcher.  And everything on the menu at The Butcher's Son is vegan.  

interior of The Butcher's Son in Berkeley, California

Outstanding sandwiches include the spectacular Killer B.L.A.T. on sourdough with “fried chicken,” mayo, lettuce, tomato, “bacon,” pickled jalapeño, and smashed avocado; and the Smoked Pastrami Reuben on rye with house-smoked and -sliced, “pastrami,” house-made sauerkraut, grilled onions, melted Swiss, and Russian dressing.  Each sandwich includes half of a housemade pickle.  Do order a side of the delicious potato salad.  Fried chicken tenders (made from a mix of wheat gluten and high protein flour) have good taste and texture but are way too big.  They would satisfy children better in smaller bites--like their real chicken counterparts.  More available “meats” include pulled pork made from tofu skins, and tasty bacon made from soy and an Asian gelatin substitute (it is not made in-house).  

Killer B.L.T. from The Butcher's Son in Berkeley, California

Desserts include cannoli, cheesecake, and a decadent Rocky Road Bar.  It is fun and easy to put together a memorable take-out picnic.  “Cheese” choices include mozzarella, cotija, Swiss, feta, pepper jack, and a drunken goat--all made in-house from mixtures of almond and cashew milks.  Meats and cheeses can be purchased by the pound to take home.  

Take your lunch to nearby Live Oak Park for a picnic.  Hopefully you will score one of the few picnic tables in a shady glen, and not have to settle for sitting on the concrete steps of the activities building.  

picnicking on a porch at Live Oak Park in Berkeley, California

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2022 Carole Terwilliger Meyers; interior image ©2022 Gene Meyers