Berkeley: Agrodolce; restaurant review

80 North

Agrodolce 

1730 Shattuck Ave./Delaware St., Berkeley.

exterior of Agrodolce in Berkeley, California

An offshoot of the family’s now-closed La Siciliana restaurant in Elmwood, this cozy trattoria serves a classic Italian menu. 

dining room at Agrodolce in Berkeley, California

 Focusing on Sicilian specialties found in Palermo, Italy, Agrodolce features Southern Italian dishes such as bucatini with fresh sardines and fennel, rughetta with wild arugula and goat cheese, and my personal favorite--ragù di maiale, pappardelle tossed with a tasty sauce of slowly braised pork. Mushroom ravioli, giulietta rigatoni, and ravioli are also popular menu staples. 

Ragu di Malale at Agrodolce in Berkeley, California

Meals include bread with a divine garlic-olive oil dip. 

garlic dipping oil at Agrodolce in Berkeley, California

Shelves along the restaurant entry display a goodly collection of wines, and a full bar is available. Seating is also available outside in front on a patio and in a parklet. Live jazz is scheduled on Friday and Saturday nights.

shelves of wine bottles at Agrodolce in Berkeley, California

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images ©2024 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Oceanview Diner; restaurant review

 80 North

Oceanview Diner  

1807 Fourth St./Hearst Ave., Berkeley.

interior of Oceanview Diner in Berkeley, California

It’s fun to sit in one of the old-fashioned big booths here, or on a counter stool (a purse hook is provided underneath the counter), and watch the cooks hustle in this casual, noisy diner. A jukebox provides more entertainment with an eclectic mix of everything from ‘50s classics to reggae.

pancake mix for sale to take home at Oceanview Diner in Berkeley, California

Fittingly, the Oceanview Diner features a 1950s truck-stop decor and a menu of traditional American food. Breakfast is served all day beginning at 7 a.m., and choices include spicy scrambled eggs, omelettes, pancakes with real maple syrup, delicious French toast, and even a Philadelphia Breakfast with housemade scrapple, poached eggs, and grilled tomato. Fresh-baked pastries are also available. Lunch is a satisfying assortment of well-prepared classic sandwiches prepared with housemade mayo (the Reuben, meatloaf, and BLT are particularly good), housemade soups, and homey items such as grilled bockwurst and housemade chili. Thick old-fashioned milkshakes are on the menu, too, but oddly no hamburger or fries.

sausage and eggs at Oceanview Diner in Berkeley, California

BLT at Oceanview Diner in Berkeley, California

By the way, about that ocean view. There is none. Oceanview is the name of the neighborhood in which this restaurant is located.


Next door, Oceanview To-Go Deli & Bakery https://deliberkeley.com   dispenses take-out pastries, sandwiches, salads, pizza by the slice, and other goodies.

Way more things to do in Berkeley.

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images ©2024 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Boichik Bagels/Berkeley Bagel Factory; restaurant review

80 North

Boichik Bagels

Berkeley Bagel Factory

1225 Sixth St./Gilman St., West Berkeley, 510-616-2158.  Daily from 7am-1:00pm.

counter at Boichik Bagels factory in Berkeley, California

Said to be styled after H&H Bagels in NYC, Boichik Bagels has added a California twist to the H&H tagline--“there are no(w) good bagels in California.” The bagels here are organic kosher, chewy, and slightly sweet. The production process involves a pre-fermentation period, then boiling, then baking.

bagels at Boichik Bagels factory in Berkeley, California

Though this is the second Boichik Bagels location in Berkeley, this enormous new factory space bumps it up to #1 in popularity. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, and large windows inside provide expansive views of the factory workings. Viewers can watch both a mechanized bagel maker that displays bagels emerging from the oven and a robot that puts bagels on baking sheets into a stacker.

exterior of Boichik Bagels factory in Berkeley, California

The cafe menu features a variety of bagels, bialys (try one with egg salad topping), and many kinds of schmears--think chive or strawberry, as well as the more exotic horseradish-cheddar-scallion or garlic-artichoke. My husband’s favorite is the Sesame, toasted and with plain cream cheese. My favorite is the delish Everything with lox schmear, which blew me away. It is truly a build-your-own bagel, so you can top yours with butter, jam, or Nutella, vegan cream cheese, or some veggie bits. But if all this requires too much effort for your early-morning brain, you can also just order one of the pre-designed classic sandwiches--The Classic with lox, or The Mensch with whitefish. Coffee is just coffee, nothing to get excited about but it does the job.


Owner Emily Winston thinks that this might be the first bagel factory built and owned by a woman. And BTW, “boichik” is a Yiddish term of endearment for a young boy or a young man.

Also at: 3170 College Ave./Alcatraz Ave., (510) 858-5189.

menu at Boichik Bagels factory in Berkeley, California

bagel sandwich at Boichik Bagels factory in Berkeley, California

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images ©2023 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Cafenated Coffee House; restaurant review

80 North

Cafenated Coffee House 

2085 Vine St./Shattuck Ave., Gourmet Ghetto, (510) 989-9662.  23 M-W 7am-6pm, Thur-F 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-7pm. 

cappucino and almond croissant at Cafenated Coffee House
 in Berkeley, California

As would be expected from the name, this spot offers coffee and tea drinks galore, including seasonal and less common specialties such as Swedish iced coffee and Vietnamese egg coffee.  Sometimes there is a surprise available, such as a salted caramel cappuccino.  Mornings see an assortment of delicious pastries on display.  The almond croissant and breakfast bun are particularly divine.  A few sandwiches are also on offer, and on weekends brunch items are available. 

pastry counter at Cafenated Coffee House in Berkeley, California 

wall menu at Cafenated Coffee House in Berkeley, California 

Seating at colorful little French-style tables for two are available on the sidewalk in front, while a large, greenhouse-style back patio provides way more seating options amid a lush planting of flowers that are at their blooming prime in spring.  
Sometimes the sweet smell of jasmine can almost knock you over.  Inside, seating is available at a high window-facing table overlooking the sidewalk as well in some overstuffed chairs around coffee tables.  This spot is popular with students, who do often take over the tables, so couples and chatterers might find themselves in the vast minority. 

back patio at Cafenated Coffee House in Berkeley, California

sidewalk seating at Cafenated Coffee House in Berkeley, California

Cafenated started as an online-only business, selling single-origin coffee beans sourced from female farmers in Central America, South America, and Africa.  The beans are roasted at Berkeley’s CoRo Coffee Roastery.

Way more things to do in Berkeley.

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images ©2023 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Pollara Pizzeria (CLOSED); restaurant review

80 North

Pollara Pizzeria  

CLOSED  1788 Fourth St., (510) 529-4548.  Daily 11:30am-7pm. 

counter at Pollara Pizzeria in Berkeley, California

This spacious shop makes rectangular pizza slices just like those found on the streets of Rome.  The cold-fermented dough rises in a refrigerator, making for a less dense, airy dough.  In Rome, customers use their hands to indicate the portion size desired, and there they are charged by the weight.  Here, the server selects a pre-sliced rectangle for you (cut traditionally with scissors), and the price is by the piece.  Toppings include salumi--smoked pancetta, prosciutto, and spicy salami--and cheeses--buffalo mozzarella, mascarpone, and stracciatella--and seasonal vegetables.  Ten different pizza varieties are available every day, including several vegan and a kids cheese version--think Mozzarella and tomato sauce.  Choose a basic Margherita with mozzarella and basil, or an earthy mushroom, or maybe a Diavola, with slices of hot salami atop creamy melted mozzarella. 

counter at Pollara Pizzeria in Berkeley, California

counter at Pollara Pizzeria in Berkeley, California

Service is deli-style--you check out the offerings set behind glass at the counter and then order.  Slices are.  After you select, the pizza is cooked quickly in a special oven, or can be taken home to heat and eat later.  Perhaps the best option is to select a few slices to eat heated on the spot--either inside or outside on the inviting front patio--and to also order a complete pie to take home and heat up later for dinner.  A quarter pie (one slice) will satisfy one person, a half (or two slices) will take care of two people, and a whole pie (four slices) is good for four people.  Antipasti include fried snacks such as supplì classico (Roman-style arancini made with rice, tomato, and mozzarella) and crocchetta balls (made with mashed potatoes, mozzarella, salami, pecorino, and grana).  Salads and sandwiches are also available.

counter at Pollara Pizzeria in Berkeley, California

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images ©2023 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Daryoush; restaurant review

 80 North

Daryoush  

2144 Center St./Oxford St., downtown.

entrance to Daryoush Persian restaurant in Berkeley, California

Persian food tends to be pricey, probably because many of the ingredients are costly and the preparation is time consuming.  My all-time favorite Persian restaurant is in NYC, but when I can’t be there I sometimes order closer to home.  Student-oriented Daryoush spot offers many favorite dishes and seems to be fairly priced.  My dinner started with an appetizer of Kashk-e-bademjan (a roasted eggplant dip) and Salad-e-Shirazi (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions).  For the main course I like a stew, and always choose the delicious Fensenjoon when available--here I ordered it with chicken (but beef meatballs are another variation) and additionally ordered a tasty skewer kebab of Koobideh (ground beef).  Baklavah was a good dessert choice.  Several more stews are available, including Ghormeh Sabzi--a lamb shank prepared with green onion, parsley, spinach, and herbs.  Wraps make a good lunch, and the one stuffed with koobideh, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles is popular. Tah-dig (crispy rice) topped with a stew is also a good choice. 

lunch menu at Daryoush Persian restaurant in Berkeley, California

Daryoush is named for its owner, who sometimes also acts a waiter and busboy.  All meats are halal and come from Harris Ranch.  The inside is casual and decorated with artwork depicting ancient Persian monuments.  Seating is also available outside. 

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

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images ©2022 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Squabisch; restaurant review

80 North

Squabisch  

1585 Solano Ave./Tacoma Ave.  

Squabisch owner enjoys a break in the sun in Berkeley, California

All the pretzels here at Squabisch are freshly baked and moist, and perfect to take home and enjoy with a cold beer.  You can't go wrong with the classic German pretzel, which is sprinkled with a bit of salt; a vegan version is available, too, but don’t overlook the many that feature a California twist.  My favorite is the simple pretzel brat (pretzel dough encases a tasty brat hot dog-like) and the spicy cheddar-jalapeno.  I’ve heard the prosciutto-Asiago is also delicious, and I would like to try one of the sweet versions, perhaps the pear and chevre.  Pretzels cost $4 to $8 each.  I found that three stuffed two hungry people.  Any line moves fast.  Be sure to check the weekly menu posted on the website so you can plan ahead.  Pretzel-making classes are sometimes scheduled.  Should you want to sit for a bit and eat your purchase, two benches wait outside on either side of the door and a parklet is across the sidewalk.  

interior at Squabisch in Berkeley, California

pretzel brat at Squabisch in Berkeley, California

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

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images ©2022 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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. 

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

Berkeley: The Smokehouse; restaurant review

80 North

The Smokehouse  

3115 Telegraph Ave./Prince St., South Berkeley, (510) 845-3640.  Daily 10:30 am-midnight; $.  

menu board at The Smokehouse in Berkeley, California

The Smokehouse has been closed for the last year or so, while it recovered from a fire.  Customers line up outside to place their order at a window, then find a picnic table in either the enclosed back room/patio or out in the sunny, grassy back yard where you have a view of busy Telegraph Avenue and a bean bag yard game that kids enjoy is available.  But be forewarned, there is no shade.  The simple menu offers hamburgers (double, chili, chicken, fish, veggie, Impossible) and hot dogs, plus sides of fries, sodas, and more than 10 flavors of milkshakes (the chocolate is delish).  The burgers are nicely charbroiled and flavored with barbeque smoke--just like if you’d made them on your own backyard grill.  Fries are big and filling, as are the portions, and chili cheese fries are a popular option.  Street parking is available with meters on Telegraph, and free parking can be found in the pleasant adjacent residential area

mural across street from The Smokehouse in Berkeley, California

grill at The Smokehouse in Berkeley, California

outdoor seating at The Smokehouse in Berkeley, California

burger and shake at The Smokehouse in Berkeley, California

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: KC’s BBQ (CLOSED); restaurant review

80 North

KC’s BBQ  

CLOSED  1235 San Pablo Ave./Gilman St., West Berkeley, (510) 526-6325.  W-F 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm.  

exterior of KC's BBQ in Berkeley, California

Recovered now from a fire, this barbecue spot is reopened.  Pork ribs are slathered with a delicious sweet sauce and are primo.  But the links, brisket, and chicken are also tasty, and leftovers work nicely into a sandwich the next day.  Sides include a very good potato salad, as well as beans and coleslaw.  Rolls are simple white bread-style but do soak up the sauce nicely.  I ordered the two-way combo with  three pork ribs and a generous amount of beef brisket.  Two people split the meal and had leftovers for sandwiches.  The combo includes baked beans, potato salad, and a dinner roll.  Since I am particularly fond of ribs, the next time I ordered rib dinners, which each came with three ribs, potato salad, and two rolls.

2021 pandemic update:  Place your order and pay on line or by phone.  Efficient pick up occurs at a table outside the front door.  The dining room full of tables is closed for now, but a back patio might soon be a dine-in option.  

two way combo at KC's BBQ in Berkeley, California

More pandemic updates.

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Fournee Bakery; restaurant review

80 North

Fournee Bakery  

2912 Domingo Ave., (510) 549-9434.  Tu-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-3pm.  

exterior line at Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

The line at Fournee Bakery is always out the door and around the corner.  And for good reasons, among them that the pastry dough is amazingly light and flaky.  I was planning out several meals with my order.  For an afternoon snack I selected a dense and delicious seasonal fruit scone.  For dinner for two, I chose two superb ham-and-Manchego cheese croissants (I zapped them in the microwave for 20 seconds) and for dessert a hazelnut-chocolate-oatmeal cookie that we shared.  For the next day’s breakfast, it was a morning bun and a regular croissant because they were out of almond croissants (next time I will order ahead).  On my next visit I will order pretty much the same, but I plan to also add in a baguette, a loaf of wheat bread, and a cheese roll. Note that you can order ahead and then enter the store via a special line that provides you faster check out.  

interior of Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

pastries from  Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

2020 pandemic update:  Only two customers are permitted inside at the same time.  Plastic barriers protect customer from server, and hand sanitizer is provided at the door.  Though the service was in no way exceptional a tip seemed to be expected, which I found annoying because I have never before tipped at a bakery.  I did wind up adding a small tip to my credit card payment, but only as a nod to these difficult times.  

exterior line at Fournee Bakery in Berkeley, California

More pandemic updates.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Sichuan Style; restaurant review

80 North

Sichuan Style  

1699 Solano Ave./Tulare Ave., (510) 525-9890.  L-D daily.

exterior of Sichuan Style in Berkeley, California

This new incarnation in the former King Tsin spot--long ago, King Tsin was the first Mandarin Chinese restaurant in town--is switching the emphasis to spicy Sichuan cuisine.  With hardwood floors and big windows looking out to the street, Sichuan Style has comfortable tables and chairs and a back area for larger parties.  Standouts on the menu include chili oil water dumplings, sesame flat bread, wok-charred kale or cabbage, super-spicy Sichuan boiled fish fillet, sweet and sour crispy fish, braised pork shoulder, Hunan stir-fried shredded pork, lamb in hot pot sauce, and dry-cooked green beans.  Lunch specials feature more common dishes and have included kung pao prawns, eggplant with spicy garlic sauce, and Mongolian beef.

lunch special appetizer plate at Sichuan Style in Berkeley, California

lunch special eggplant with spicy garlic sauce at Sichuan Style
in Berkeley, California

lunch special kung pao prawns sauce at Sichuan Style in Berkeley, California

2020 pandemic update:  My favorite take-out from here is dry-cooked green beans with chopped garlic, prawns with sweet & sour spicy sauce flecked with large chopped red peppers, and very good chow fun noodles with barbecued pork.

take out box at Sichuan Style in Berkeley, California

plate of take out from Sichuan Style in Berkeley, California

More pandemic updates.

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images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers