Tired of wasting your time scouring Berkeley’s subreddit just to find the same handful of food recs? Google not giving what it’s supposed to give? Have a strong preference for sweet or savory tastes? Then, look no further!
1. Sweet: U Dessert story
Off of Shattuck and Hearst, this cozy, aesthetic dessert spot was one of the first places I found to satisfy my sweet tooth when I moved to Berkeley. In this area, sweets are hit or miss, so I didn’t have high expectations for this restaurant, but the options pleasantly surprised me.
When I first stopped by, the shop was empty, so my boyfriend and I decided to dine in. From mango sticky rice bingsu to mochi waffles, the menu was packed with so many delicious items that I nearly ordered everything. Overwhelmed with options, I impulsively chose the hojicha banoffee pie, which ended up being one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Equally as good was the candied bacon my boyfriend ordered. Of course, I ate half of it, but it only took one bite for me to insist that we return.
Even if you prefer savory food or are looking to have the full dining experience, don’t count this place out! Whether it’s spicy ramyeon or fried chicken, there are more than enough salty dishes to accompany your sugary tastes.
2. Savory: SMOKIN WOODS BBQ
Since I mentioned my first (and favorite) find for sweets, it only feels right to do the same for savory!
On 43rd and Telegraph, right outside of Berkeley, is some of the tastiest pulled pork I’ve ever had. I have to admit, I haven’t tried any of the other proteins, but it’s only because this dish is so good. Every time I order, I tell myself to try other menu items, but as soon as I open my mouth, “pulled pork” is the only thing I can seem to utter.
If I haven’t convinced you to make the trip already, they also have homemade honey rolls, creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, and more. As I’m sure you know, unless you’re willing to spend hours in the kitchen, these are some of the more difficult dishes to find in Berkeley, which is one of the reasons I consider this discovery such a treat. Whenever I’m in the mood for flavors like that of the soul food I eat back at home, this is the closest (in both proximity and likeness) place that comes to mind.
3. Sweet: BUNZ
I’m super late to the party when it comes to Bunz, as it’s my most recent food find from my last date with my boyfriend. A few weeks ago, I was craving a chocolate shake, so my boyfriend and I enlisted the all-knowing Google to help find a good spot. One of the first restaurants that popped up was Bunz, which I’d for some reason, never heard of.
Upon our arrival, I was shocked by all the flavors — not only ones I didn’t know existed but ones I didn’t expect to find just three minutes from my apartment. Suddenly, a chocolate shake sounded like the most boring, unappealing treat ever. Between pumpkin pie and fruity pebbles, I was lost in the abundance of options, hoping to make it out with less than the whole menu.
Since this location is right across the street from campus, on Durant, it’s perfect for a quick stop to satisfy all your sugary (and even savory) cravings. You could go every day and still not run out of flavors to choose from!
4. Savory: El Talpense Mexican Restaurant
El Talpense is probably the restaurant I’ve frequented most from this list. When my parents helped me move in, we ordered Mexican food from another restaurant and all ended up with unreasonably spicy meals. It might sound like an exaggeration, but I actually like spicy food. This was just next level. I was scarred for months after that and avoided Berkeley’s Mexican restaurants at all costs. When I finally regained the courage to pick up my search, I ran into a few more misses before stumbling upon El Talpense.
The other restaurants I tried weren’t terrible, but since I was so used to the Mexican food in my hometown, I was chasing a certain taste.
A few of my go-to orders include nachos, a cheese enchilada plate with beans and rice, or carne asada street tacos. After trying these options at El Talpense, I can confidently say that they were exactly what I was looking for all those months. The only con is how long it took to find them.
Bookmark this article, copy and paste the restaurants into your notes, or even go out and make your first order. Whatever you do, try these spots now, and I promise you’ll thank me later!