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    Berkeley Cafe

    4.0 (83 reviews)
    InexpensiveBurgers, Sandwiches
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Berkeley Cafe Photos

    BERKELEY CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Berkeley Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Beth E.

    This is a great little bar which is off the beaten path. There is a dinosaur outside and a huge glass door to enter. Friendly bartender who quickly got our drinks. There is a nice bar and tables and chairs.

    Bandit burger
    Hank D.

    Had lunch at the new location and still as good as ever.....still a very unassuming answer casual place that delivers great sandwiches .....i had the Andy, which had a thick juicy piece of fried chicken, slaw, sauce etc......my daughter had a special sandwich of the day which had ham, pineapple, chilis, Monterey Jack cheese, grilled on good sliced bread. Attentive but laid back server/manager handled our order. They seem very enthusiastic about the future at the new location.

    Berkeley Cafe in downtown Raleigh NC
    Bruce K.

    There are a couple of these sort of spots in downtown Raleigh that are open for lunch and have full bar service. That's interesting and useful for folks who maybe don't have to go back to work. But me? I want lunch and I want to go back to work and be sober enough to be effective. So while Berkeley Cafe is great for late drinks, it's also good for burgers and such at lunch time. I had a simple enough Caesar salad with chicken and it was very good. Maybe a little heavy on dressing but a good portion and I enjoyed it. Service at the bar was good and the young lady serving kept my drink refilled. [Review 12274 overall, 2058 of 2019.]

    BLT & Beer
    Ryan S.

    A cute hole-in-the-wall spot. We stumbled upon it after being deterred by the crowd at Whiskey Kitchen. Definitely had our doubts as we were walking in, but the staff, food, and environment were perfect. If you want a quick, affordable bite to eat or beer to drink, Berkeley Cafe is perfect. Everyone inside was pleasant and the food was surprisingly tasty. A pleasant surprise for sure.

    people sitting at the bar
    Shannon B.

    Oh man, was this a lucky find! When we finished eating, my whole party agreed that Guy Fieri should come do an episode of Diners, Drive ins and Dives! My sister said she had the best quesadilla of her whole life! We thanked the chef on the way out and we would definitely come find this place again next time we are in town!

    Stephanie J.

    Berkeley Cafe is definitely a spot that is all about their live music (I agree with other reviews on that). Mom and I walked in for dinner and grabbed two seats at the bar. The beer special was for the White Street Kolsch, awesome. For food, I ordered the Veggie Pumper with sweet potato fries and Mom ordered the Philly Steak and Cheese with fries and we split an order of the Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup. The food came out quickly and was good but Berkeley Cafe is not my scene so I would not return.

    Ron W.

    Berkeley Cafe is really about its live music but I couldn't resist visiting for lunch. Run by the folks who used to own Sadlack's, I had fond memories of my meals there and stopped in. Berkeley Cafe is definitely an interesting venue for music and the lunch counter is super spiffy. Nice polished wood bar top and a small selection of grill items, sandwiches and of course, their popular sweet tater tots. I go for the burger with sweet tots and apple dipping sauce. Food takes 10 - 15 minutes and they use good toppings here. But the burger's a bit small and when the lunch goes for $12 with a drink, it just doesn't feel like that good a value. But still, I enjoyed my meal and you can't beat sweet tater tots! I'd have to guess that the Berkeley Cafe is a better visit if you're here for the live music AND the food. But for a quick lunch visit, it still hits the spot...

    Kung Pao cauliflower
    Liz O.

    This place is simple but enjoyable. Don't come here expecting corporate foodchain type service. Think local neighborhood establishment. Very down to earth yet warm and attentive staff. They are very laid back in the customer service style. It could almost be perceived as unprofessional. But I think it gives it character. Its nice to feel like your at a friends house sometimes. Also the waiter was extremely attentive and sociable with me but also did not over impose. Often I get overlooked in favor of regulars in local bars like this. I was very appreciative that even though everyone probably knew each other, I was equally serviced. The Kung Pao cauliflower was really savory and flavorful. I wish there was a little less sauce but overall a good experience. They did have a variety of vegetarian options. My only 'wish they had' is more thought to ensuring vegetarian options have plant based protein so that it is filling. Will try this place again.

    a bartender at the bar
    Michael K.

    This is a nice place, good atmostphere and vibe. There is a "stage" area and the night I was there was open mic night, lots of varying singers and guitar performances. I had the burger and it was quite good, made exactly as I requested, with a ton of fries. I will be going back, and enjoy live entertainment!

    Delicious delicious delicious, creamy chicken Caesar salad

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    2 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Absolutely loved this place. Awesome service, great beers, and great vibe. I will be back here for sure.

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    1 year ago

    This place is really delightful. The food is pretty good and the people are really friendly.

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    1 year ago

    Fantastic food, great beverages, and the specials are always fantastic! A real Raleigh treasure.

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    Business owner information

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    Justin S.

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    3 years ago

    The food and service were amazing, and they have a nice back patio to sit at. I wish I could go more

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    12 years ago

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    3 years ago

    James served cameran and I and he was not only helpful but also social throughout our foodie experience.

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    Ask the Community - Berkeley Cafe

    Looking for a spot to post up before the Social D show at Red Hat on Sunday. I have my 13 yo sun with me. Is Berkeley Kid Friendly? Thanks?

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Parkside Restaurant - Short Rib Melt

    Parkside Restaurant

    4.1(466 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    My husband and I came here for brunch when we were first visiting Raleigh house-hunting. We decided…read moreto revisit for Mother's Day brunch this year. We showed up early with our 1.5 year old daughter and they were able to seat us immediately. The area felt spacious, although that could be due to the fact that it wasn't super packed inside. I ordered the short rib benedict, my husband got the chicken & waffle sandwich, and we ordered my daughter a side of the mac & cheese. What a delicious meal! The short rib was tender and flavorful, and sat on top of a biscuit (what's not to love here?!) - horseradish hollandaise was the perfect touch as the horseradish pairs nicely with the beef. The chicken & waffle sandwich was the best guilty pleasure! Waffle crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, chicken breaded and fried with a nice crunch, and a nice hot honey syrup to go alongside -- wish this had a little more heat. To our surprise, the mac & cheese side was a highlight too! It's hard to get a good mac n cheese, but this had such a rich, white cheese, slight funk flavor - delicious. Brunch at Parkside is delicious. Looking forward to trying dinner here soon.

    Came to Parkside for brunch. We got the jalapeño deviled eggs which were good. Unfortunately, the…read morebreakfast burrito and steak bowl looked incredible but were just meh. Not a lot of flavor to either. The chipotle honey biscuit was solid. The overall vibe of the place was great and service was good, but the food fell a little short. I'd go back but with tempered expectations.

    Photos
    Parkside Restaurant - Inside/bar seating, May 2025.

    Inside/bar seating, May 2025.

    Parkside Restaurant
    Parkside Restaurant

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    Sam Jones BBQ - BBQ Plate with pulled pork and fries

    Sam Jones BBQ

    3.9(372 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Stopped by Sam Jones BBQ as I've been on the search for good east Carolina bbq and this restaurant…read moredid not disappoint. When you arrive there is parking available on the street or in the parking garage across the street. Walking into Sam Jones BBQ it felt lively, casual, and family friendly. There was a bit of a line but it is definitely worth the wait. To order hop in line and order at the counter. Once you order you'll be given a number and then you'll be able to choose between sitting inside or outside. We ordered the three meat combo with the chopped bbq (this is whole hog bbq), the slow-cooked chicken, and the brisket with cornbread. For the sides we ordered fries and Mac & cheese. The slow cooked chicken was amazing and by far our favorite as it was packed with flavor and was so perfectly smoky. The brisket was our second favorite as the bark was well seasoned and it fell apart. The chopped bbq was good just needed some sauce but had a great smoky flavor. For the sides, definitely ask for the ranch and honey mustard on the side. They make these sauces in house and were excellent. The cornbread was interesting, kind of like a hybrid between a hush puppy and a piece of bread. Definitely worth trying if you haven't had the cornbread Carolina style. If you are in the Downtown Raleigh area this is a must stop. I can see why this restaurant was added to the Michelin guide.

    This was recommended by a friend who is a local and who's reccs I usually agree with. I've lived in…read moreMemphis and Houston, and think I've been spoiled by both places. Had the chopped pork and it was dry and flavorless. Had the vinegar sauce and that helped a smidge but overall it was really disappointing. Tried the potato salad and it was fine. Not bad, not remarkable. Also tried the cornbread and ...I have not had an unleavened corn bread before. I could appreciate it for what it is but wouldn't have again. Even without it being touted as "the place to go" I would be disappointed. Given its accolades, I'm totally confused.

    Photos
    Sam Jones BBQ - Interior

    Interior

    Sam Jones BBQ - BBQ Plate with pulled pork

    BBQ Plate with pulled pork

    Sam Jones BBQ - Salad and brisket plate - corn bread?

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    Salad and brisket plate - corn bread?

    Berkeley Cafe - burgers - Updated August 2026

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