We have been going to the Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair for decades. Today we drove into…read moreBerkeley and there was nothing there. SO disappointing! The website and the Facebook page STILL show that it was supposed to be open today. I couldn't find any notice anywhere of a cancellation. How are you supposed to know? After posting a question to another Berkeley Facebook page I was informed that it was canceled due to a weather prediction (the weather was just fine). In past years, it has rained, but the fair still went on. In any case, why no communication? This must be awfully disappointing to the vendors and the rest of Telegraph Avenue shops that benefit from the foot traffic, as well.

This isn't the type of fair where rolling groups of Dickensian-dressed characters sing traditional…read moreChristmas carols a cappella, or where a jovial, bewhiskered old man in overalls gives away chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. No, this is Telegraph Avenue where the hippy-dippy mood is not necessarily holiday-induced. It's really the same merchandise you see at most of the street fairs around here, but that's OK because it wouldn't be Berkeley otherwise. Where else could I get a flying pig wind catcher (photo: http://bit.ly/2EoxKDN)? They close Telegraph from Bancroft to Dwight and hold the fair from 11AM to 6PM on the three weekends before Christmas. It's worth checking out. RELATED - Hungry in Berkeley? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2N4anQA

I tracked down Kings Bbq at 10th and Gilman in Berkeley. What a friendly fella. He is also in…read moreOakland some days a week so call him during his work hours to find out where he is at. The portion was extremely generous for the price and the bbq sauce excellent. A nice charred flavor to the pork ribs that I like. Enjoy a splendid lunch and/or extra for later. I will return.

Absolutely incredible BBQ experience! The flavors are deep, smoky, and perfectly balanced -- every…read morebite was full of rich, slow-cooked goodness. The meats were tender and juicy, cooked to perfection, and paired beautifully with the sides that added just the right touch of comfort and freshness. You can really tell how much care and passion goes into the food here -- everything tastes homemade and made with love. The service was quick, friendly, and the whole atmosphere made it feel like a true hidden gem.I left completely satisfied and can't wait to come back to try more of the menu. Highly recommend to anyone who loves authentic, flavorful barbecue done right!

This is a fantastic tamale stand located at the corner of Gillman and San Pablo in northwest…read moreBerkeley. The tamales are fresh, juicy and big. The service was great and the vendor enjoyed capturing my grandsons attention and he served us up some tasty food with a big smile. My grandson and I had not problem polishing off a chicken and pork tamale. Dang they are really so good. Maybe a little on the pricey side compared to other tamale options out there, but more than worth it when you sink your chops into such fine food. I can't wait to go back the next time I'm in town! The setting and ambience are perfect since the stand is located in the parking lot of an automobile service station - an excellent choice for setting up shop!

Tamale Place is a food cart In Yen's Auto Service's lot. the address listed is the commissary…read morelocation, a brick & mortar tamale maker. posted address is where the tamales are sold. offerings: tamales: cheese, pork, chicken, corn, vegetarian, salsa, sodas, sour cream. eats: cheese tamale (3.50), only option available during early afternoon -always curious about tamales, not many in Berkeley area -wrapped in a corn husk, it was longer and more narrow than Oakland's usual. surprised to see a long moist jalepeno on top., underneath is a thin vein of cheese that was solidified. had no flavor. the salsa was very spicy! -this was a few hours after buying it. masa was luke warm, didn't warm in up. didn't think it would matter except to make it more melty. *comparing this to other tamales, this is the least worthy.. no repeat.

I've been on a farmers market tour of the Bay and this is one of my favorites. There are a wide…read morevariety of booths, confined to a space that is big enough not to be congested and small enough not to be chaotic. There is an excellent mix of produce, real food, treats (including ice cream), and take home items that you can very easily get lunch, dessert, and grocery shopping all done in one stop. The parking situation is a bit close to impossible which would really be the only con, but the neighborhood is super walkable so once you find a spot, take a stroll and earn the ham and cheese croissant I'll promise you you'll want to try! Great service, friendly vendors, this one sits atop my list!

The South Berkeley Farmer's Market is probably one of the best Farmer's Market I have been to in…read morethe SF Bay Area. They are located a short walk from the Ashby BART station. As you head out from the BART station walk along Adeline in the opposite direction of Berkeley Bowl in the direction of Flacos. Keep walking for a bit & you will see them on the right hand side of Adeline. Lots of organic produce here. Some of it maybe a bit costly yet fresh as you can imagine as the blueberries I picked up were picked the morning that I bought them. I like that it is compact, lots of variety, & w/ heaps of organics. I do a lot of my own cooking as I frequently make smoothies for breakfast along w/ stews w/ whole grains for lunch along w/ dinner. I have recently gotten into making different customized trail mixes. I picked up some blueberries, raspberries, cantaloupe, squash, & almonds. Other items that I saw that looked interesting that I didn't pick up were avocados & sprouts. Look forward to returning here again soon!

When nothing is the same and everything is closed, the few remaining vendors, musicians and artists…read morethat continue to sale their wares, burn incense and play live music give me nostalgia, and small comfort that some things may never change, The Flea Market is a fraction of what it used to be, the years and times have not been kind to it, sad to see it go.

I used to go to this often before the pandemic and was in the area today, so I stopped by when I…read moresaw the sign The sign is about all that's left. There might've been five tables. No food, no performance no music. Hope it comes back

From the owner: Ricas pupusas sabor único salvadoreño receta familiar read more

Holy guacamole, the tacos are insanely delicious! Fresh, juicy, and packed with so much flavor, I…read morecouldn't help but go back for seconds (okay, maybe thirds). And their homemade hot sauce? It's like a fiery explosion of happiness in your mouth! The prices are very reasonable and the staff are super friendly and know their tacos inside out. They'll make sure you get the perfect combo to satisfy your cravings.

Looking on Yelp for some tacos I decided on Tacos El Rey. Great reviews and close to where I was…read more Gentlemen in the truck welcomed me and was very friendly. I ordered two carne asada tacos. As all the other reviewers said, they were delicious. I believe they use a chuck roast instead of a steak cut. Identical to a truck I have visited for 20 years in Guerneville. Absolutely delicious tacos. I will definitely return when I am in the area.

I love getting everything here! Rib tips, slab (plates and whole slabs), bratwurst. It's SO juicy,…read morewell spiced and so so good. Would go there every Sunday if I could. Nice owner and workers!!

The BBQ WAS SOOOO YUMMY!!! I'll be back soon! Highly recommended! They also catered our workplace…read morelunch and the team LOVED every item.

I had been looking for this truck for years and somehow it kept evading me. Today on my bike ride…read morehome it appeared out of nowhere like an oasis in the desert. I was immediately greeted by chef Elmy and his staff. I ordered a gyro to go as I knew my wife would want to try as well. I was expecting a gyro neatly wrapped like a burrito in foil that I could place in my bag. Instead I was presented with two heaping plates of food covered in foil. Luckily the bike I was riding had a basket. Chef Elmy told me which plate to keep on top and instructed me to be careful with the food on my ride home. "Yes sir". I got home and present the plates to my wife. She removed the foil unveiling two colorful delicious looking plates of food. We were both glowing. One was the gyro I had ordered and the other was a mix of some of the most delicious beans I have ever had along with a salad, a roasted pepper and pickled vegetables. The portions were huge, but more importantly delicious. Food like this could only be made by someone who loves feeding people which I believe Chef Elmy does. I cannot wait to come back and try more of the menu.

This was the most perfect hearty meal I've had in a while. Chef Elmy is a brilliant, funny, kind,…read morecaring guy and he does not disappoint! From the very beginning, we were welcomed with bowls of soup as soon as we approached the truck. We were asked if we had any restrictions or preferences, and Chef Elmy cooked us a personalized meal. Note that everything is made-to-order so be prepared to wait a little - but for his cooking, anything is worth it. We were handed two gorgeous generously filled plates that could feed a family of 6! He also gave us bottles of water to keep us hydrated. The plate consisted of two wraps, chicken and kofta, with a couple of sides. We were not sure what the sides were (besides the delicious corn that was crusted and seasoned beautifully) but everything had us smacking our lips, especially the fried one. The food was intentional and made with so much love and care, something that is so rare to find nowadays. A real hidden gem and they deserve all the support! We cannot wait to return to try all the other food and specials Chef Elmy has to offer. Thank you for an outstanding and delicious lunch (and dinner)!

VATO TACOS was MUCHO BUENO!!! Della and Tony were the BEST,…read moreand the highlight of my event on 7/18/26. Thank you Chef Alex for making my event shine. I had a party of 100 people, and everyone could not stop complimenting the professionalism of your team (Della & Tony). No one was disappointed and everyone left my party FULL. This is definitely a business that I would suggest.

El Pastor, Asada, Chicken,...WOW! The flavor profile is…read morevery popular amongst whomever is invited when these guys cater! They provide it all, and it is top level tase! Rice and beans, quesadillas on the spot, very kind teams come to prep/serve the food. Every team we have ever had 3+ now, has been professional, kind, and fun! We had them for a few parties over the years and this review should have come much sooner!! Call them as soon as you know you're having a party because my guess is that they get booked, they're that good! Orchata, carrots/onions, jalapeño peppers, plentiful sides. We will definitely use their services again sooner than later.