Berkeley (California)

Set on sparkling San Francisco Bay, Berkeley 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 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 city in the California context—Berkeley is extremely complex.

Climate

Like the rest of the Bay Area, Berkeley has a mild climate, with wet, mild winters and dry summers. The high temperature is typically in the 60s °F (between 15 and 20 °C). The city's position directly across the bay from the Golden Gate ensures that Berkeley gets its share of fog, with mornings typically cool and foggy, followed by sunny afternoons, with the fog returning at night. The city's location also means you may experience brisk winds coming off the bay if in an exposed area: typically, the marina or a hillside facing the bay.

By plane

• Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the closest option. Take the BART to OAK "people mover" ($6 extra fare) or the AC Transit #73 bus ($2.10) to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Oakland Airport station, and then take a Richmond-bound train to the Downtown Berkeley station ($2.40). Alternatively, you can use a rental car and drive up Interstates 880 and 80 to the University Avenue exit. There are also shuttle van services, providing door-to-door service.
• San Francisco International Airport is also convenient. BART runs from the International Terminal to Berkeley in just under 1 hour. Driving without traffic is as short as 35 minutes, but at commute hours can take up to 2 hours. From SFO, take the US Highway 101 north and then Interstate 80 east, crossing the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Stay on I-80 east and exit at one of the 3 Berkeley exits: Ashby Avenue, University Avenue, or Gilman Street.
• San Jose International Airport (SJC) is in the region. A rental car or shuttle service is likely fastest and easiest, public transportation is possible but very time-consuming (a little over two hours). San Jose is considerably farther from Berkeley than San Francisco (at least an hour's drive in no traffic) and is not recommended.

By train

• Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), +1 415 989-2278, the regional subway system, offers excellent service to Berkeley from other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. Berkeley is directly served by two lines, one of which heads south through Oakland to Fremont, while the other runs through West Oakland and under the San Francisco Bay to San Francisco and the peninsula. There are three stations in Berkeley: Ashby, Downtown Berkeley (sometimes just "Berkeley" on older signs), and North Berkeley. The Downtown Berkeley stop is at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street one block from the UC Berkeley campus, and is the best stop for tourists. Fares vary depending with distance traveled; the fare for a one-way trip from any of the Market Street stations in San Francisco (Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, Civic Center) is $3.90, $1.85 one-way to downtown Oakland, $2.50 one-way to the Oakland Coliseum/Airport station, and $9.25 one-way to the San Francisco International Airport station.
• Amtrak offers service to Berkeley via the Berkeley station, Emeryville station, or Richmond station. Consult 511.org for details on how to get from the Amtrak stations to your destination. Sadly, the Berkeley Amtrak station is at the edge of the city, under University Avenue at 4th Street, near the marina. However, it is at the start of the line for the #51B AC Transit bus, which runs every 10 minutes at peak times, 15–20 minutes at most other times, and once an hour after midnight, and will take you to downtown Berkeley, the University, College Avenue, and just about every shopping area in town. Alternatively, if you are traveling to downtown Berkeley or the University, transfer to BART at the Richmond station and travel on BART to the downtown Berkeley station.

By car

• From San Francisco, Berkeley is a simple 15-minute drive (45 minutes or more with congestion) east on Interstate 80 across the Bay Bridge and up to University Avenue.
• From Sacramento, Berkeley is an hour and a half drive west on Interstate 80.
• From Los Angeles and Southern California, Berkeley is a 6-hour drive up Interstate 5, then west on Interstate 580.

By bus

• Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Oakland and San Francisco.
• Local bus service is provided by AC Transit. For specific itineraries, visit the 511.org website.
• During the school year, the university has buses (Bear Transit) that run every 15 minutes between downtown, the BART station, and most parts of campus. If boarding downtown, the stop is on the uphill side of Shattuck Avenue in front of the Arinell Pizza. Fare is $1 during the day, and free at night after 7:30PM.

By boat

There are ferries from Marin County and San Francisco to nearby Oakland, but are probably most useful as a scenic method of travel.
If you are traveling by private boat or charter yacht, Berkeley has a 1,000 berth marina, the largest municipal marina in the Bay Area. Both the Berkeley Marina and the Berkeley Yacht Club offer guest berthing.

By car

Cars are most useful far away from downtown (i.e. not near the campus) or in Berkeley's steep hills. It's often better to stay on the main roads unless you know your way because of the many road barriers to prevent through traffic in residential areas. Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians; many cyclists often ride in lanes (as is their legal right in California), and pedestrians may expect cars to stop for them. Remember that as a motorist, you need to be especially cautious in order to avoid harming cyclists and pedestrians. Be very careful when driving near the University as students tend to have the mindset that they have the right of way. To further confuse drivers many roads near the university are one way roads (and can turn so spontaneously - so watch signs at major intersections) or are closed to certain drivers.
Parking can be difficult and expensive near campus and downtown. The easiest and most expensive means of parking is in one of the several garages. The biggest garage near campus is the Telegraph Channing Garage. Many stores on Telegraph have validation coupons discounting hourly parking 50% or $5 off all-day parking. Arrive after 8PM and pay only $4 night rate until closing. Most street parking is either metered or 2-hour, but free after 6PM. If you are visiting a resident, they can purchase one day, 7-day, or 21-day street parking passes (not valid in metered spots) for you at city services in downtown. If you are fortunate to find a non-metered street parking close to your destination, you can park for free—some people are known to wipe off the chalk mark left by the meter maid (normally back of rear tire) every three hours or so. Be warned: This is not legal. In an extreme emergency (i.e., ten minutes late for your final exam), you can almost always find parking near the UC Berkeley police station near Sproul Hall. You might get a ticket, but you'll definitely get a kick-ass parking spot. Be aware of street sweeping signs, street sweeping is usually once a month, but the day varies from street to street (even from one side of the street to the other), a good rule of thumb is that if it seems like the street parking on one side is too good to be true - double check it isn't street sweeping. City parking fines run from $48 (Street sweeping and lack of permit in 2 hours spot) to over $300 (Disabled spot violations) and city parking enforcement is particularly vigilant so be aware - you can and will get multiple tickets for the same violation if you don't move quickly (parking 30 minutes in the 5 minute yellow zone can yield 5 $80 tickets). Check this parking map of Berkeley to find free parking and know when street cleaning applies.
The Eastshore Freeway which runs along the city's western edge is part of a short concurrency of I-80 and I-580 that may confuse some drivers. Heading south on the freeway toward the Bay Bridge and San Francisco, drivers are simultaneously following I-80 west and I-580 east. Drivers unfamiliar with the area should ensure they know whether their destination is toward Oakland and San Francisco or toward Richmond and Sacramento. These cities supplement the route designations at entrances to this freeway.

Car sharing

Rates are usually by the hour or the day, depending on the individual service. Getaround, Gig Car Share, Upshift and Zipcar offer easily-accessible services to account holders city-wide.

By public transit

Public transportation is thus an important consideration in getting to and around downtown and near the university. BART is the fastest connection to Oakland and San Francisco. The Berkeley BART station in Downtown Berkeley is usually the best option for travelers; the Ashby station is in a seedier part of South Berkeley and the North Berkeley station is located in a residential neighborhood near University Ave. AC Transit goes places BART doesn't, such as the trendy Fourth Street commercial district (line 51B), the upscale Rockridge neighborhood (line 51B to 51A) and the resurgent Temescal commercial district in nearby North Oakland (line 6 or nearby 18). Check 511.org for trip planning for more information.

By bicycle

Weather permitting, the best way to get around quickly near downtown Berkeley or near campus is on bicycle. Bicycle theft is a serious problem in Berkeley; if you ride your bike, be sure to lock your front wheel as well as the frame. Some choose to remove the seat as well, however this precaution is likely unnecessary if you are only leaving your bike for a short period of time and not overnight. AC Transit buses have racks on the front for bicycles. Bicycles are allowed on BART, but not on San Francisco bound trains during morning rush hour, and do not bring your bicycle in the first car. Check with BART before you leave or you'll get a warning from BART Police and forced to wait until permitted or else face a fine and a stern look from the officer. Folding bicycles are always allowed.

Bike sharing

Bike sharing is a recent development in Berkeley, so most of the action is through Ford GoBike and their trademark blue bikes and docking stations. LimeBike is a more recent appearance, mostly through their rental scooters (green of course). Both tend to be quite pricey. GoBike's machines allow only a limited time of use, 30 minutes at a time for a day-long access pass or 45 minutes a ride for an annual membership fee.

On foot

Walking is the least expensive and most effective means of getting around downtown and near campus. You will very quickly outpace most drivers near campus. Take BART or AC Transit to the Berkeley station in downtown (the North Berkeley station is in a residential neighborhood).

• Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

  phone: +1 510 642-0808
  address: 2155 Center St
  Though small, BAM's art galleries and its rotating exhibitions rival any other big-city collection. The museum, run by the University of California, is in a building that is itself an impressive work of modernist architecture. With one of the most extensive film archives in the world, the PFA offers many film series throughout the year, focusing on directors, eras, or artistic movements. It also screens some of the films during the annual San Francisco International Film Festival

• Lawrence Hall of Science

  phone: +1 510 642-5132
  address: 1 Centennial Dr
  Offers many hands-on science exhibits, especially good for children. This is one of the best places to get a panoramic view of the Bay Area: San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland and the Bay Bridge. Nearby is the UC botanical garden.

• University of California, Berkeley Visitor Center

  phone: +1 510 642-5215
  address: 101 Sproul Hall
  90-minute student-led walking tours are offered seven days a week. (M-Sa at 10AM, Su at 1PM). Be prepared to climb the hilly campus terrain. For a break, take a seat in the Doe Library's reading room (but don't bring the kids or bother the students). If you're touring alone, the main attraction is a ride up the Campanile/Sather Tower ($3 adults, $2 seniors and children

Parks

• Berkeley Marina and Pier

  phone: +1 510 981-6740
  address: 201 University Ave
  From the pier, you get great views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay. Local Fisherpersons cast for their dinner, and if you're lucky you might see one catch a skate. Not recommended at night, as there's no light, not much to see, and if you run into a police officer, they'll think you're either lost or involved in suspicious activity.

• Berkeley Rose Garden

  phone: +1 510 981-5150 (City Recreation Office)
  address: 1200 Euclid Ave
  A half-hour's walk north of the UC Berkeley campus. Especially nice for watching the sunset, with a view of the bay.

• César Chávez Park

  phone: +1 510 981-5150
  address: 11 Spinnaker Way
  A bike and pedestrian path runs around the water's edge to the bay side from the back of the peninsula this 90-acre park shares with the Marina and Pier, revealing an incredible view of the bay, the city, Alcatraz, the GG Bridge, and Mt. Tamalpais. With steady winds coming off the bay, a large field, and low hills, this is a kite flying Mecca (the first scene in the film adaptation of The Kite Runner was filmed here, though labeled as San Francisco). There is also a kite shop in a truck that parks here most afternoons that sells kites and parts. The park also has picnic areas with BBQ pits, an off-leash dog area, a wetland and wildlife sanctuary.

• Indian Rock Park

  address: 950 Indian Rock Ave
  Indian Rock Park is a 1.18-acre public park located in the northeast part of the city, about one block north of the Arlington/Marin Circle, and straddles Indian Rock Avenue. The central feature of the park is a large rock outcropping on the west side of Indian Rock Ave. You can climb up the rocks on the carved out stairs and gaze at the great vista from the top. Highly recommended for sunsets.

• People's Park

  address: 2556 Haste St
  While not visually spectacular, this is a landmark of the 1960s Free Speech Movement. People's Park today is a homeless encampment and illicit drug emporium. For the most part, the homeless folks will leave you alone, and the park's location near downtown makes it an attractive place to eat lunch on a sunny day, or play a game of basketball.

• Tilden ParkOffers several inexpensive activities for families with children. Many kilometers of hiking trails of various difficulties are available for free hiking, and include vistas of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Home to a 5-inch scale, narrow-gauge working steam train. $8 gets five rides through the woods atop the Berkeley hills, including a tunnel and trestle bridge. Right next door is the Golden Gate Live Steamers Club, maintained and operated by 275 members. This is an entire miniature railroad for hand-built steam engines. Bus 67 from Berkeley BART goes through the park on weekends. Also in the park, Lake Anza is a popular swimming destination for families and summer camps. There is a wonderful Botanical Garden with a very diverse terrain and a great collection of manzanitas and other California native plants.

• University of California Botanical Garden

  phone: +1 510 643-2755
  address: 200 Centennial Dr
  Part outdoor museum, park, and biological research facility for the University of California, the 34-acre garden hosts over 12,000 different species of plant life.

• 924 Gilman

  phone: +1 510 524-8180
  address: 924 Gilman St
  North Berkeley is home to one of the world's most famous punk rock clubs, known simply as Gilman, after the street it is located on. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings, and sometimes Sunday afternoons.

• Adventure Playground

  phone: +1 510 981-6720
  address: 160 University Avenue
  This "junkyard" playground for school-age kids is a top-10 playground according to the National Geographic magazine. Kids can build with real tools, paint their creations, and play in the water and mud. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don't mind being ruined. Tools are collected 30 minutes before closing time. Zipline is taken down 15 minutes before closing time. Reservations are required (and expensive) for groups of five or more children, including if you plan to meet another family at the playground.

• Aftel Archive of Curious Scents

  phone: +1 510-841-2111
  address: 1518-1/2 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709
  More of a "smell" than a "see", this one-of-a-kind archive includes all manner of bizarre scents. For a full sensory experience, you can touch many objects and experience over 300 smells. Tickets get you three sticks that you can dip into displays to take home. The archive includes objects more than a century old covering botanical specimens, perfumes, and other aromatics.

• Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

  phone: +1 510 525-5099
  address: 1317 San Pablo Ave
  If you can name a type of dance, than the odds favor it being done here, and possibly taught as well. Music and dance from the world. Veggie-friendly food, wine and beer, and kids are always welcome.

• Berkeley Repertory Theatre

  phone: +1 510 647-2949
  address: 2025 Addison St
  With its consistently high-quality productions of contemporary and historical plays, Berkeley Rep is one of the primary centers of theater on the West Coast. The theater is also very pleasant, in a modern way.

• California Golden Bears FootballAbove the Berkeley campus, Memorial Stadium plays host in the fall season to UC Berkeley football games. But if you want to watch a game for free, head above the canyon to Tightwad Hill, a hill where students and the public gather to watch games. It's also an ideal location for spectacular views of the Bay Area when there's not a game going on. Anyone is free to come as long as they pick up their own trash and don't wear the colors of Stanford University (red).

• Golden Gate Fields

  phone: +1 510 559-7300
  address: 1100 Eastshore Highway
  Horse racing by the Bay.

• Golfing at Tilden

  phone: +1 510 848-7373
  Enjoy the 3-level driving range and rolling 18-hole public course.

• Greek Theatre

  phone: +1 510-642-9988
  address: 2001 Gayley Rd
  Featuring musical performances from all over the world.

• Long Haul Infoshop

  phone: +1 510 540-0751
  address: 3124 Shattuck Ave
  is 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.

• Takara Sake Co. Tasting Room and Museum

  phone: +1 510 540-8250
  address: 708 Addison St
  Sample flights of Sho Chiku Bai sake and plum wines in a gorgeous tasting room within the brewery. Afterwards, check out the displays of traditional sake-making gear in the sake museum. Online reservations. (Recommended for weekend tastings)

• University of California, BerkeleyA world-class university consistently ranked as the number-one public university in the United States. Study abroad programs are available, and international students are housed in the fittingly-named International House at Piedmont Ave. and Bancroft Way. The University also offers summer courses and extension classes available to the general public.

• Berkeley City College

  phone: +1 510 981-2800
  address: 2050 Center St
  A community college with a surprisingly full catalog of classes that also collaborates with UC Berkeley

• Graduate Theological Union

  phone: +1 510 649-2400
  address: 2400 Ridge Rd
  A coalition of 8 theological schools with many affiliates - so many in fact that the area is sometimes called Holy Hill

• Work-study programs are available through the University of California, Berkeley.
• Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. The chamber of commerce provides business resources and events.
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provides employment to Department of Energy personnel, contractors, and visiting scholars.

• Berkeley Farmers' MarketsDowntown: Center St and MLK Sa 10AM-3PM; North: Shattuck Ave and Rose St Th 3PM-7PM; South: Adeline St and 63rd St Tu 2PM-6:30PM
  Excellent produce markets that also feature certain prepared foods, cheeses, oils, and performers and booths by many local organizations.

• Berkeley Flea Market

  phone: +1 510 644-0744
  address: 1937 Ashby Ave (Office)
  There is a lively flea market, as well as food trucks and drumming circles.
• Downtown Berkeley (around Shattuck Ave at Center St). The city's efficient administrative center is also a popular shopping hub. The Berkeley BART station is located right here. Getting here by public transportation is recommended as parking tends to be difficult to find.

• Half Price Books

  phone: +1 510 526-6080
  address: 2036 Shattuck Ave
  The largest bookstore downtown - many events from reading programs to live readings and author meet and greets.

• Pegasus Books

  phone: +1 510 649-1320
  address: 2349 Shattuck Ave
  Smaller than Half Price or Moe's, Pegasus still offers a good selection of new and used books, and schedules literary events at their Downtown and Solano Ave. locations.

Elmwood district (College Ave at Ashby Ave). Many interesting stores abound along this corridor.

Fourth Street. Interesting upscale retail center with boutiques. Good food at Bette's Diner (American).

• East Bay Vivarium

  phone: +1 510 841-1400
  address: 1827-C 5th St
  One of the best reptile specialty stores in the nation. Also has a large selection of amphibians and invertebrates. Staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable.

North Berkeley (Shattuck Ave between Cedar and Rose). This area is often referred to as the "Gourmet Ghetto" by locals because of the gourmet food at all price rates. Other North Shattuck stores include a card store, three or four women's clothing stores, and a great produce store. Heaven!

Solano AvenueAlbany and North Berkeley (between The Alameda and San Pablo Ave). More interesting stores and restaurants.

Telegraph. The five-block stretch of Telegraph Avenue just south of UC Berkeley's Sproul Plaza is perhaps one of the city's most well-known and most-visited landmarks, with its independent stores, kooky sidewalk vendors and the unforgettable dynamic streetlife that is the amalgam of students, hippies and (sometimes hostile) hobos. Besides its restaurants (see the Eat section) Telegraph is the site of many bookstores, music shops, smoke shops, and used clothing exchanges.

• Amoeba Music

  phone: +1 510 549-1125
  address: 2455 Telegraph Ave
  Large selection of music from a long list of genres, Whole section of movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-Ray. Trade counter closes at 8PM.

• Berkeley Hat

  phone: +1 510 549-2955
  address: 2510 Telegraph Ave
  A wide variety of normal and eclectic hats. Online ordering and shipping available through Yahoo Live Store.

• Games of Berkeley

  phone: +1 510 540-7822
  address: 2510 Durant Ave
  A quirky game shop recently relocated from Downtown that is worth checking out for its eclectic selection of board games, kites, puzzles, figurines, and trading card games. The staff is distinctively "Berkeley": approachable and enthusiastic in a somewhat funky way. Parking is easiest at the nearby parking structure for about $3.

• Moe's Books

  phone: +1 510 849-2087
  address: 2476 Telegraph Ave
  A four-story new and used bookstore, with an antiquarian room, and a large selection of remainders. They sometimes have in-store readings. One of the premier used bookstores in the Bay Area, and California.

• Rasputin Music

  phone: +1 510 704-1136
  address: 2401 Telegraph Ave
  First of a well-known independent music store chain with large selections of used music, DVDs and LPs.

West Berkeley (around University Ave and San Pablo Ave). This area is the commercial hub of the local Mexican and South Asian community. There are two Mexican groceries, several halal markets, numerous Indian and Pakistani restaurants (including Vik's), and many others (Thai, Turkish, Jamaican, etc.)

• Bombay Music

  phone: +1 510 845-3311
  address: 1006 University Ave
  This is one of the best Bollywood and Indian music stores in the bay area. You can find Indian classical music CDs to Bollywood latest DVDs and CDs. Prices are discounted. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

Berkeley is a culinary wonderland, renowned for its restaurants. From casual to candlelit, Berkeley's restaurants share a passion for great taste. With more than 350 restaurants in town, there is a great array of cuisine choices. Culinary adventures extend beyond restaurants and cafes to encompass tours, tastings and more.

Budget

Downtown and University

• Au Coquelet

  phone: +1 510 845-0433
  address: 2000 University Ave
  The late-night student crowd and the weekend brunchers come to Au Coquelet to enjoy food, coffee, and a constantly revolving art show. You can get a delicious piece of pie here.

• Brazil Cafe

  phone: +1 510 845-8011
  address: 2161 University Ave
  Not much more than a brightly decorated shack sitting on a corner parking lot, but this shack has been featured in National Geographic, and is famous for its tri-tip sandwiches (supposedly, the best in the Bay) and its mango smoothies. Pedro, the friendly owner of the cafe, might be around passing out free samples as well. Online ordering.

• Gypsy's Trattoria Italiana

  phone: +1 510 548-4860
  address: 2519-A Durant Ave
  A modest diner with a good variety of Italian favorites.

• La Mission

  phone: +1 510 845-5898
  address: 1255 University Ave
  Fresh, delicious Mexican food with an outdoor seating patio.

• Little Plearn Thai Kitchen

  phone: +1 510 704-1442
  address: 2283 Shattuck Ave
  A comfy little spot with art on the walls and some tidy exposed brickwork and a sizable menu.

• Lucky House Thai

  phone: +1 510 841-8900
  address: 2140 University Ave
  Great Thai food, portion sizes big enough to be shared between two people and low prices. Environment can be low key but the low prices and great food make it totally worth it.

• Passione Caffe

  phone: +1 510 540-7700
  address: 91 Shattuck Sq
  A Italian bakery offering mini-sandwiches, pizza slices, panini, calzone, pastries, salads and good coffee and espresso. Free wifi.

• Taqueria Monte Cristo

  phone: +1 510 486-0321
  address: 1446 University Ave
  A salsa selection, sangria, tacos and all the standards.

• Thai Basil Cuisine

  phone: +1 510 548-6692
  address: 2519 Durant Ave, Suite G
  At the back of a small court of restaurants.

• Top Dog #1

  phone: +1 510 843-5967
  address: 2534 Durant Ave
  A Berkeley institution, with locations on two sides of campus (Durant Ave and Center St). Amazing hot dogs for $3 and walls filled with libertarian political writings.

• Top Dog #5

  phone: +1 510 849-0176
  address: 2160 Center St

• Yogurt Park

  phone: +1 510 549-0570
  address: 2433-A Durant Ave
  Six delicious flavors of frozen yogurt daily, on a rotating schedule. You can get a heaping, satisfying cup for $2.75. Not to be missed.

Gourmet Ghetto

• Barney's

  phone: +1 510 849-2827
  address: 1600 Shattuck Ave
  A small California sit-down burger chain that makes good burgers, curly fries, and milkshakes. Try the specialty shakes.

• Cheese Board Pizza

  phone: +1 510 549-3183
  address: 1512 Shattuck Ave
  Collective serves pizza two doors down from its gourmet cheese and bread shop in Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto. Only one kind of pizza is available each day, always vegetarian. You can buy pizza by the slice, portion of a pizza, or buy a half-baked pizza. Often considered the best pizza in Berkeley. Lines can be long in the evenings, and their hours are short. You will often see students and locals seated in the grassy median of Shattuck eating their pizza.

North Berkeley

• Berkeley Bagels

  phone: +1 510 524-3104
  address: 1281 Gilman St
  The best bagels in town - organic, with no refined sugar. Try the Seed City bagel with lox.

• Gioia Pizzeria

  phone: +1 510 528-4692
  address: 1586 Hopkins St
  Gourmet pizza by the slice (Brooklyn style). Daily specials.

West Berkeley

• Acme Bread Company

  phone: +1 510 524-1327
  address: 1601 San Pablo Ave
  One of the key bakeries in the Bay Area Bread Renaissance. baguettes, rustic loaves, some sweet and savory pastries.

• Kabana

  phone: +1 510 845-3355
  address: 1025 University Ave
  This great Pakistani restaurant is one of the anchors of West Berkeley. The daily specials are always good and the goat curry is outstanding.

• Picante

  phone: +1 510 525-3121
  address: 1328 6th St
  Delicious, taqueria-style Mexican food. Fantastic, home-made tortillas, savory moles, extensive vegan and vegetarian menus and stiff margaritas all in a large family-friendly dining room. Online ordering.

• Tacubaya

  phone: +1 510 525-5160
  address: 1788 4th St
  An upscale yet affordable taqueria serving Blue Bottle coffee. Everything is made from scratch daily with fresh ingredients.

• Vik's Chaat Corner

  address: 2390 4th St
  Inexpensive and authentic Indian food, served in a converted warehouse. Some of the best in the bay. Free wifi during afternoon business hours.

Mid-range

Downtown and University

• Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen

  phone: +1 510 548-6900
  address: 2261 Shattuck Ave
  Every cajun item on the menu is a hit. The oyster po' boy sandwich and the crawfish etoufee are highly recommended, the hush puppies with honey butter are sinfully delicious, and be sure to wash them down with some sweet tea. Online reservations for large groups.

• Gather

  phone: +1 510 809-0400
  address: 2200 Oxford St
  Delicious seasonal, organic meat and vegetarian dishes, as well as organic cocktails and biodynamic wines served in a dining room made from reclaimed wood and natural materials. Online reservations.

• Kirala

  phone: +1 510 549-3486
  address: 2100 Ward St
  The best Japanese restaurant in the East Bay. Don't stop at sushi rolls - the robata grill serves exquisite whole squid, quail, and duck among others. The almond-encrusted shrimp tempura is heavenly. Have a house-brewed Pale Ale in the bar while you wait 30 minutes for your table. No reservations.

• Platano Salvadoran Cuisine

  phone: +1 510 704-0325
  address: 2042 University Ave
  Salvadoran entrees and small plates with a good selection of Central American cervezas and wines. Catering available. Reservations required for groups of 6 or more.

• The Butcher's Son

  phone: +1 510 984-0818
  address: 1954 University Ave
  Vegan American food: sandwiches, diner fare, salads, donuts, and so on. On the heavy side but the imitation meats, cheeses, and so on are remarkably good.

• Venus

  phone: +1 510 540-5950
  address: 2327 Shattuck Ave
  Great for breakfast or lunch, Venus serves some of the most innovative organic and sustainable food in Berkeley. Online reservations.

Gourmet Ghetto

• César

  phone: +1 510 883-0222
  address: 1515 Shattuck Ave
  Delicious contemporary Spanish tapas, wine and cocktails. No reservations.

• Saul's Restaurant and Delicatessen

  phone: +1 510 848-DELI
  address: 1475 Shattuck Ave
  An old-school Jewish deli with outstanding brunch dishes and dinner entrees (try the Beef Stroganoff). Saul's brews its own sodas, with a rotating cast of new flavors.

• Taste of the Himalayas

  phone: +1 510 849-4983
  address: 1700-A Shattuck Ave
  Nepalese and North Indian food.

Solano Avenue

• Ajanta

  phone: +1 510 526-4373
  address: 1888 Solano Ave
  Indian food. Many dishes are organic and sustainable. Rachel Ray listed Ajanta as one of only two "world class" restaurants on Solano Ave. Online reservations. Online ordering and delivery.

• Kirin Cuisine of Northern China

  phone: +1 510 524-1677
  address: 1767 Solano Ave
  Superb Szechuan cuisine in a beautiful dining room with an open kitchen. The kung pao is recommended. Banquet facilities available.

• Sushi 29

  phone: +1 510 559-8229
  address: 1647 Solano Ave
  The most visually appealing dining room of any Japanese restaurant in Berkeley. Catering services available.

• Vanessa's Bistro

  phone: +1 510 525-8300
  address: 1715 Solano Ave
  Premium Vietnamese cuisine. Happy Hour from 4PM-6PM. Reservations are strongly recommended. Online reservations.

• Zachary's Chicago Pizza

  phone: +1 510 525-5950
  address: 1853 Solano Ave
  Now accepting credit cards as well as cash. Available in deep-dish or regular. A local and regional favorite with notoriously long lines. The regular is good, but the deep dish is is the specialty of the house: a crispy pie crust with big chunks of tomato. Online ordering.

Elmwood

• Ici

  phone: +1 510 665-6054
  address: 2948 College Ave
  A fancy ice cream shop that boasts regular lines down the block. Plan to wait for at least 15 minutes for the pleasure of sampling flavors such as coffee cardamom and lime hibiscus sherbet. Make sure to get a cone: they plug the bottom with a hunk of chocolate. Check the website for the day's flavors.

• La Mediterranee

  phone: +1 510 540-7773
  address: 2936 College Ave
  A fun pan-Mediterranean restaurant in the Elmwood District.

• Le Bateau Ivre

  phone: +1 510 849-1100
  address: 2629 Telegraph Ave
  Beautiful French restaurant and coffeehouse in a romantic 1898 home on Telegraph Ave, but away from the major shopping. Menu changes weekly. Free weekly live music events.

• Summer Kitchen and Bake Shop

  phone: +1 510 981-0538
  address: 2944 College Ave
  Sandwiches and amazing dry goods abound at this modest temple to baked deliciousness. Online ordering. Takeout available.

West Berkeley

• 900 Grayson

  phone: +1 510 704-9900
  address: 900 Grayson St
  For a sinfully pleasurable brunch try the Demon Lover - fried chicken served atop a buttermilk waffle with your choice of gravy or Vermont syrup.

• Anchalee Thai Cuisine

  phone: +1 510 848-4015
  address: 1094 Dwight Way
  A Thai restaurant in a modest brick building that is full of the favorites and its own delicious works. Happy Hours both weekdays and weekends. Vegetarian-friendly.

• Bette's Oceanview Diner

  phone: +1 510 644-3230
  address: 1807 4th St
  Kitschy 1950s era diner with deeply satisfying brunch food and coffee.

• Breads of India

  phone: +1 510 848-7684
  address: 2448 Sacramento
  Regional Indian restaurant whose menu changes from day to day, each entree on the menu has its own bread recommended with it.

• Café Leila

  phone: +1 510 525-7544
  address: 1724 San Pablo Ave
  Great egg dishes, Mediterranean entrees and sandwiches made with organic ingredients are best enjoyed on a sunny day in Leila's large outdoor patio, and sip on a house-brewed tea.

• Lama Bean's

  phone: +1 510 528-3435
  address: 1290 6th St
  Lama Bean's is still home to the $15 three-course meal and shawarma that made it a local favorite in its original incarnation. Online ordering. Delivery available.

• Luca Cucina Italiana

  phone: +1 510 649-9718
  address: 2057 San Pablo Ave
  Affordable, authentic Italian food in a casual atmosphere.

• Paisan Pizzeria

  phone: +1 510 649-1031
  address: 2514 San Pablo Ave
  Wood-fired pizzas, sumptuous pasta dishes, organic entrees, and a fine selection of Italian wines make Paisan a local favorite. Banquet facilities available.

• Skate's On the Bay

  phone: +1 510 549-1900
  address: 100 Seawall Dr
  A first-rate seafood restaurant and lounge right on the Bay. The happy hour drink and appetizer specials in the waterfront lounge are a treat, especially with the fireplace going. The view on the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco is great. Nevertheless don't expect too much out of the cocktails. There is a fine choices of beers and wines.

• Zut! Tavern

  phone: +1 510 644-0444
  address: 1820 4th St
  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.

Splurge

• Chez Panisse

  phone: +1 510 548-5525
  address: 1517 Shattuck Ave
  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 (Monday $75, Tuesday to Thursday $100, Friday and Saturday $125) (Jan 2018), 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.

• Corso

  phone: +1 510 704-8004
  address: 1788 Shattuck Ave
  Handmade Italian Fine Dining, with an emphasis on Tuscany cuisine. In-house cured meats and dishes with fresh ingredients abound - come for dinner, stay for dessert and cocktails. Online reservations.

• Revival Bar & Kitchen

  phone: +1 510 549-9950
  address: 2102 Shattuck Ave
  New "farm-to-table, organic" restaurant with good wine list. Have the fantastic cornmeal crusted onion rings on the side. Online reservations. Private dining available.

Berkeley has a host of fine drinking establishments. Wineries and breweries are also in the mix, with free tours and tastings offered at a number of venues.

Pubs

• Albatross

  phone: +1 510 843-2473
  address: 1822 San Pablo Ave
  A lively drinking spot with regular games, pool tables, dart boards. An excellent example of a popular neighborhood pub with friendly staff and plenty to do.

• Free House

  phone: +1 510 647-2300
  address: 2700 Bancroft Way
  An atmospheric and friendly alehouse that has a wide variety of drinks, many from local brewers and also does burgers, salads and particularly unusual pizza.

• Jupiter

  phone: +1 510 THE-TAPS
  address: 2181 Shattuck Ave
  The backyard patio is fantastic. On weekend nights they usually have live music in the beer garden. They have a huge selection of beer, including local and their own microbrews. Food includes wood-oven pizzas in many sizes. Online reservations.

• Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub

  phone: +1 510 845-1652
  address: 2033 San Pablo Ave
  Lots of great beers, a large backyard patio, and superb pizza. And rock music - this place is more of a bar that happens to serve pizza than a restaurant. Online ordering. Delivery. Lanesplitter doesn't do tips.

• The Starry Plough

  phone: +1 510 841-0188
  address: 3101 Shattuck Ave
  A lively leftist pub that hosts a variety of live events from poetry slams to live bands. Check website for calendar and music stream.

Bars and nightclubs

• Acme Bar & Company

  phone: +1 510 644-2226
  address: 2115 San Pablo Ave
  An entire wall of whiskey options and a considerable menu of beers and mixed drinks and cocktails. A neat mix of dive bar and hipster. Online reservations for very large groups (20 or more).

• Missouri Lounge

  phone: +1 510 548-2080
  address: 2600 San Pablo Ave
  The modest exterior of this establishment belies the often-boisterous atmosphere within, DJs spinning on the crowded days and even weekly open mic nights. During the dry months, there's good grilled grub and lots of outdoor seating, and at all times one can be sure that the crowd can be an interestingly mixed group.

• Triple Rock

  phone: +1 510 843-2739
  address: 1920 Shattuck Ave
  Good brewpub with burgers, salads, and the usual pub fare. Online reservations.

Coffee, tea and chocolate

Being a college town, Berkeley has a number of great cafes catering to a variety of interests. From quiet places to read to live music, Berkeley has a cafe for you.

• Cafe Milano

  phone: +1 510 644-3100
  address: 2522 Bancroft Way
  Milano is a few blocks away from UC Berkeley. No outdoor seating here. A haven for studying students.

• Caffe Chiave

  phone: +1 510 548-5198
  address: 2500 San Pablo Ave
  Excellent coffee, quiche, desserts and sandwiches. The elderly owner drops by every Sunday afternoon to belt out Italian ballads. Check website for events.

• Caffè Strada

  phone: +1 510 843-5282
  address: 2300 College Ave
  Practically located on the UC Berkeley campus, Strada is a second home to student and professor alike. It's a popular meeting place, and often busy. Great outdoor seating.

• Espresso Roma

  phone: +1 510 644-3773
  address: 2960 College Ave
  Located in the Elmwood shopping area, Roma caters more to the graduate student and local resident crowd. The cafe has some outdoor seating on a busy intersection, as well as a 'quiet' room for studying/reading.

• Highwire Coffee Roasters

  phone: +1 510 647-5270
  address: 2049 San Pablo Ave
  A pleasant, well-lit, spacious cafe with good seating and a low-key hipster feel to it.

• Peet's Coffee

  phone: +1 510 841-0564
  address: 2124 Vine St
  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 (and it's still here). Great tea selection, very intense coffee, and interesting goodies.

• Philz Coffee

  phone: +1 510 705-1083
  address: 1600 Shattuck Ave
  Customized blends of different beans from around the world in light, dark or medium roast.

In addition to offering a wide range of lodging accommodations, Berkeley hotels and inns are increasingly eco-travel friendly. As of January 2013, more than 60% of the rooms in Berkeley are certified "Green" by the Bay Area Green Business Program (BAGBP). If you are looking for chain hotels the nearby city of Emeryville is south of Berkeley and is home to more national brands.

Budget

Mid-range

• Bancroft Hotel

  phone: +1 510 549-1000
  address: 2680 Bancroft Way
  Across the street from the University of California campus in a history 1928 Arts & Craft building. It is a National Landmark hotel.

• Beau Sky Hotel

  phone: +1 510 540-7688
  address: 2520 Durant Ave
  Upstairs in a converted Victorian house and above a local Indian restaurant, the Beau Sky hotel is one block from UC Berkeley. Your stay here begins each day with a complimentary continental breakfast and fresh-baked pastries and ends with a wonderful pillow-top mattress at night. Pet-friendly.

• Berkeley Lab Guest House

  phone: +1 510-495-8000
  address: 1 Cyclotron Rd, Building 23
  Anyone with a university affiliation (yes, even students) can book rooms or sponsor a guest. Cheap rates, great views from the hill, a quiet location, and comfortable beds make this a hidden gem for campus visitors. Its location on university property, which exempts you from city taxes, and free parking (a valuable commodity in Berkeley) makes the guest house even more affordable for scholars, parents, and relatives alike. No smoking. No minors. No pets. Please contact first if you have an assistance animal, which are permitted.

• Downtown Berkeley Inn

  phone: +1 510 843-4043
  address: 2001 Bancroft Way
  Two blocks from the Berkeley BART station, this hotel offers some real luxury. Top of the list is the memory-foam bed! There is also in-room internet access, and a large flat-panel TV.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

  phone: +1 510 548-7920
  address: 200 Marina Blvd
  Large luxurious hotel directly on the Berkeley Marina. Long list of amenities, and a full menu of accessibility options. Service animals allowed. Pets - restricted to dogs only, with non-refundable fee. No smoking. Paid parking.

• The Faculty Club

  phone: +1 510 540-5678 Ext 0
  address: 2222 Piedmont Extension
  Rates are cheap, but rooms can only be booked by active members of the faculty club for their guests, therefore occupancy is usually limited to visiting scholars and guests of the university.

• Graduate Berkeley

  phone: +1 510 845-8981
  address: 2600 Durant Ave
  With a landmark Spanish Colonial Revival exterior and an interior that is a blend of Art Deco and Bohemian styles and influences, the Graduate maintains the history of the 1928-vintage Durant. A long list of amenities includes complimentary bicycle rentals and electric vehicle chargers. A blend of the vintage and the contemporary.

Splurge

• Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel

  phone: +1 510 843-3000
  address: 41 Tunnel Rd
  Visible as far as San Francisco's Coit Tower on a clear day, this brilliant white hotel is hard to miss. But don't let the Shining-esque grandeur scare you. Special deals run around $170/night, but you can spend as much as you like. Many amenities and services. Travelers from outside North America: Check website for phone numbers nearest you.

• Hotel Shattuck Plaza

  phone: +1 510 845-7300
  address: 2086 Allston Way
  Close to campus, a few steps from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. Historic 1910 downtown hotel has gone through an extensive renovation in 2009 and offers rooms with upscale linens and furnishings. Free wireless internet with good connectivity. Parking is only available for $15 per day in the public garage across the street. The second-floor "gym" has only two treadmills and an elliptical, but the front desk offers free passes to the YMCA gym that is a block away. Pet-friendly ($75 non-refundable fee, part of which is donated to the Berkeley Humane Society).

• Berkeley, like most of the cities in Alameda County, is in the 510 area code. 10-digit dialing is expected to be implemented in 2019.
• Internet access is widespread. Most coffee shops offer wireless internet access. Public terminals are available at the UC Berkeley Doe library. University guests can request access to the "AirBears" campus-wide Wi-Fi network.
• Mobile phone coverage is generally understood to be excellent.

West and South Berkeley, especially near Oakland, can be unsafe at night. While the north side is quieter and generally safer, use common sense and avoid walking alone at night. Also be aware of your surroundings: the more bars on windows, generally the less safe the area. Bicycling is generally a safe way to get around at night; for those who prefer not to ride, free night escorts are provided by the University of California police near campus: call +1 510 642-WALK (9255).
Berkeley has a well-deserved reputation for protests, riots, and strikes, and you may see a protest or two in progress during your visit. However, the vast majority of protests today are raucous but protesters are typically strictly nonviolent. (The same cannot always be said of the police, and it's worth keeping a wide berth of any in-progress police action unless you're willing to risk a rib or two.) The last time the National Guard was called in to patrol the city was 1991.

The eastern area of the UC Berkeley campus is surprisingly forested, and might be a good place to get away from some frustrations. The Marina has a nice one-mile loop walk. It's windy enough for kites almost every afternoon but is often wind-free in the morning. The Whole Foods on Telegraph at Ashby has massage therapists standing by to ease your tensions.
The entire downtown and campus area is extremely packed, and traffic correspondingly congested, on Cal football game days. These take place on about half the Saturdays during the fall semester, from late August to mid December.

When locals (and students) need to get out, they often head to "The City" San Francisco. It's easy to get to by BART train and a logical next step of exploration—assuming, of course, you didn't just come from there! Oakland, just south of Berkeley, is a large and diverse city as well, with many ethnic neighborhoods less frequented by tourists than those of San Francisco.
Smaller cities around Berkeley worth checking out include Emeryville to the southwest, Albany to the north, El Cerrito further north, and Walnut Creek to the east.
The hills above Berkeley and Oakland, including Tilden and Wildcat Parks, are easily accessible by foot, car, or bicycle, and offer many hikes with spectacular views.
Further out from Berkeley, you might consider striking out to Angel Island for the day or an overnight camping trip. Marin and Sonoma Counties are moderate drives from Berkeley as well. You might also try wine tasting in the Napa Valley. Northeast is Sacramento, the state's capital city.