Embrace your inner foodie with these new Berkeley restaurants that opened up while you were busy basking in the sun and worrying about your perfect bikini body.
(Pst. It’s okay now. You can pig out again. We think you’re beautiful, regardless.)
Perdition Smokehouse
Location: 2050 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours: Sun-Thur: 5pm-12am, Fri: 5pm-1am, Sat: 12pm-1am, Sun: 12pm-12am
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Perdition Smokehouse offers craft beer and a variety of “traditional dry rubbed” barbecue, including ribs, brisket and hot links. Meat can be ordered by the pound or as combination plates with items such as coleslaw, Texas caviar, mac and cheese or potato salad on the side.
Sushi Secrets
Location: 2110 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-9pm, Sat: 12pm-9pm, Sun: 12pm-8pm
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If you haven’t gotten your hands on a sushiritto yet, this place should be your next stop. Located in downtown Berkeley (where Tapioca Express, then Tea Leaf used to be), Sushi Secrets offers sashimi or tempura wrapped up with veggies, rice, aioli and seaweed into a “sushi burrito.”
Townie
Location: 1799 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703
Hours: Tue-Sun: 4pm-12am
Photo by Michelle Lin
This trendy bar has been open just shy of two months and is located a few blocks past Trader Joe’s. In addition to drinks, Townie offers New American-style appetizers such as potato croquettes, salads, garlic toast and mussels.
Cupcakin’ Bake Shop
Location: 2435 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm
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We’ve already reviewed Cupcakin’ Bake Shop, but if you haven’t stopped by yet, you should. Its artisan–but still affordable–cupcakes feature toppings such as organic berries and imported cocoa, and the owner plans on expanding the menu to include vegan and gluten-free options this fall.
Dumpling Express
Location: 2328 Bowditch St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours: Sun-Sat: 11:30am-9:30pm
Shanghai Soup Dumpling W/ Pork | Photo by Michelle Lin
Dumpling Express opened at the beginning of the summer, right around the corner from UCafe and Artichoke Basille’s. While its main selling point is handmade steamed dumplings (xiao long bao), it also sells a variety of noodle and porridge dishes.
BOBO Drinks
Location: 2307 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours: Mon-Thur: 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun: 10am-12am
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With an impressive menu spanning crepes, brick toast, savory snacks and drinks, it’s no wonder that BOBO Drinks decided to open up its fifth store here in Berkeley. If you’re a fan of mason jar drinks, order your milk tea for-here and enjoy your drink inside this colorful, brightly-lit establishment.
Did we miss anything? What have you already tried out? Let us know below in the comments!