How to Eat Like a Berkeley Local

You don’t need a broken-in pair of Birkenstocks to fit in on Telegraph Avenue–an appetite for a good meal however, is crucial. If the phrase “you are what you eat” holds any truth, here’s the anatomy of a Berkeley consumer.

Morning

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast. After a session of sunrise yoga, a healthy and delicious breakfast is well-deserved. If you are in the mood for some creamy poached eggs, a refreshing Blue Bottle coffee, and some local art, Guerilla Café (1620 Shattuck Ave) would be the place to go. But if you’re feeling extra bougie, try Café Clem (2020 Kittredge St), where you’ll find phenomenal French dishes like–pardonnez mon français–the les oeufs saumon (that’s scrambled eggs and smoked salmon in French).

10:00 a.m. – Café. It’s two hours before noon, and you managed to go to yoga and have a healthy, organic, and locally-sourced breakfast. If you’re ready to tackle your workload, check out Philz Coffee (1600 Shattuck Ave). Known for its extensive coffee menu and taste-approved service, the cafe also has a large seating area in the back for a study session. If that Gourmet Ghetto coffee joint isn’t your cup of tea, try a cold brew at Highwire (2049 San Pablo Ave) in West Berkeley, or steep in their hand crafted, traditionally made tea selection.

Afternoon

12:00 p.m. – Lunch. You have been powering through the books for two hours — time to reward yourself with some lunch. Berkeley locals love to explore global cuisine and Brazil Cafe (2161 University Ave) is an all-time favorite. For first-timers, you can’t go wrong with the tri-tip sandwich. If you’re looking for something a little cheesier, head up to Gourmet Ghetto. Chicago might have deep-dish, but we have Cheese Board (1504 Shattuck Ave). Our beloved, local pizza collective that offers a single, delicious vegetarian pie every day. Try the roasted eggplant and falafel chickpea crumble pizza – it never disappoints.

3:30 p.m. – Groceries. Berkeley locals love their organics, and local grocery store Berkeley Bowl (2020 Oregon St) carries a large variety of some of the highest quality produce around (who knew there were so many types of peaches?). Closer to campus, the Berkeley Student Food Collective (2440 Bancroft Way) is a nonprofit that describes itself as “cooperative grocery market that promotes community-building and environmental stewardship.” They stock exclusively vegetarian products including bulk dry nuts and grains, five varieties of kale chips, great to-go lunches, and vegan baked goods lovingly whipped up by their student volunteers. On Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., you can find Berkeleyans roaming down Center St., shopping at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market. I guarantee that you will find the best seasonal fruits and vegetables here, as well as handmade pastas, a jaw-dropping cheese selection, and artisanal jams of both edible and musical origin.

Evening

6:00 p.m. – Dinner. For Berkeley foodies looking for the ultimate dining experience, dinner is where it’s at. Price is something that many Berkeley locals are most likely to compromise on as long as they are guaranteed tasty food. While Gather (2200 Oxford St) is on the pricey side, it’s worth sacrificing a few CREAM trips to try at least once. Their Northern California cuisine draws inspiration from local farmers and ranchers to produce a rotating menu of items such as lentil croquettes, ratatouille, or house-made burrata.

7:30 p.m. – Dessert. A food tour throughout Berkeley wouldn’t be complete without a cherry on top. Ici (2948 College Ave) transforms local, organic ingredients into homemade ice creams in a wide range of unique flavors such as their famous Earl Grey or vanilla crème brûlée. Almare (2170 Shattuck Ave) is an authentic gelato shop located in Downtown Berkeley; the owners learned the craft from their great uncle who made it for over six decades in Italy. They make a fresh batch each morning and their almond and caramelized fig flavor is to die for. Cinnaholic (2132 Oxford St) produces gourmet cinnamon rolls that are 100% vegan, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free. You can personalize your own cinnamon roll by choosing from their vast choices of toppings and icing.

10:00 p.m. – Bars. For locals who have passed the 21 mark, the Berkeley bar scene has plenty to offer. If brews and jams are what you’re looking for, visit Triple Rock (1920 Shattuck Ave) for their IPAX. Jupiter (2181 Shattuck Ave) in Downtown Berkeley has an inside bar and an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the music and mood lighting. Order the delicious Quasar beer, if you want to act like a regular. Just a block away on Center St, Eureka! (2068 Center St) is popular for an exceptional whiskey menu and gourmet burgers, but don’t leave until you’ve tried the truffle fries, or if visiting on the weekend, a $5 Bloody Mary’s and mimosas.

Cover image: Maria Paula Gomez