Solid brunch option with some delicious meals. It's a little spot and they only seem to have outdoor seating.

They messed up my order. I ordered 2 meals, 1 of which was the tri tip sandwich and paid extra to upgrade the fries to garlic truffle fries. They gave me regular fries and the sandwich was cold. And I got there early and was waiting on the order, so it wasn't an issue of the food getting cold before I picked it up. UPDATE: Management contacted me and made things right. It is very refreshing to have people who care about their customers and want their customers to have a good experience. read more

Cali Alley impresses - the impeccable food, tidy presentation and packaging, and over-the-top consideration for strict hygiene amid this pandemic all exceeded my expectations. I went here with a charitable mindset, consciously supporting a local business in challenging times, which feels important and righteous. After the first bite of my Beyond Burger I realized in fact it was them doing me the favor by giving me the pleasure of eating their wonderfully delicious food. Our family ordered the aforementioned Beyond Burger, a large side of fries (best choice ever!) and a large side of mac n' cheese. On menu the Beyond Burger reads like it was created by Willy Wonka if he dreamed of running a burger shack instead of a candy factory - it's a madcap combination of delectable elements thrown together in what might be a hot mess in lesser hands, but here is a master course in inspired synergy; the meatless patty, melted swiss cheese, fried shallots, grilled onions, crisp lettuce, thousand island aioli, avocado and even the peperoncini's all stacked within a toasted brioche bun come together with mouthwatering layers of rich flavor. It's the food equivalent of a perfect rainbow but with 14 colors instead of the usual seven. The burger is accompanied by a crispy pickle spear and what should be in the conversation for the world's best fries. Oh those fries....We didn't eat them until an hour-plus after they were made and they still raised pleasantly surprised eyebrows. (To imagine them fresh from the fryer is a dangerous thought causing my heart to skip a few arrhythmic beats.) Our six-year-old and his just seven-year-old cousin dove right in to our extra order with glee and gusto as they took turns spontaneously exclaiming "These fries are delicious! Where did you get these fries?!" True story. My sister tried them and said they were so good they didn't even need ketchup. Lastly, Kathy's mac n' cheese is an excellent and deceptively un-fancy riff on the classic. Looks like mac n' cheese, smells like mac n' cheese, tastes like...really good mac n' cheese. I loved it. It's hedonistic and deeply satisfying. For $10 we received a hefty little trough of dense cheesy heaven that has served extended duty over the week filling in random meals for our boy when we don't feel up to cooking. I will be ordering it over and over again. A place this good deserves to thrive. I'm so happy I tried it and I'd recommend it to anyone. Plus it made my conscience feel warm and fuzzy supporting a small family business. Being socially conscious never tasted so good. read more

Cali Alley - Beyond Burger, w/ fries and pickle - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

The fried chicken plate was delicious, it was the best thing I've ever ordered here. BUT I have to give just 3 stars, because the portion size was pretty tiny for the $18 price. I think my photo is actually deceiving because trust me it was way too little food for $18. The chicken portion was enough, it had 3 decent sized pieces of chicken. But the sides of Mac and cheese and beans were kids meal sized!! Like the size of a apple sauce cup! Plus the other dishes I've ordered like the burgers or the pork plate are way more generous for the same price so what gives? And my brother ordered a side order of Mac and cheese and the literal side order was twice as big as the Mac and cheese portion of my meal. I recommend Cali Alley, I just wish they kept the portions of their dishes in line with the prices. read more

Cali Alley - Buttermilk Fried Chicken Plate - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

WAAAAAY too salty. Okay. It's been a few years since my last review. Went back today for a burger. Just like 2 years ago, the meat was salted nearly to the point of being inedible. This is clearly intentional; a feature, not a bug. As I said in my first review, I'm not at all salt-sensitive and have no problem adding salt to food in restaurants if I feel it lacking. But this is salt with a side of burger. Maybe the chef lacks salt receptors, dunno. I really want to like this place and they obviously are trying to produce quality. But they're just shooting themselves in the foot. I won't be back again. read more

Came to Cali Alley on a weekday for lunch. There is a cute outdoor seating area (no indoor). It was chilly out, and there was one big propane heater working. We asked if they could turn on the second heater by us, but they only had one propane tank so it was not possible. It's an order-at-the-window type place, with no wait staff, and all of the food comes to-go in plastic containers. We ordered the tofu bao buns. Pros: - nice outdoor seating - 2 vegetarian options- beyond burgers and tofu baos Cons: - the tofu baos were just ok 6/10, pretty bland - the rice side was meh and lacked flavor 5/10 - SO. Much. Waste. From serving everything in plastic. Tbh I will not return mostly due to this. - cost was extremely high. $18 for a to-go lunch. - charged extra for water - the wait was ~30 minute (we didn't come at a busy time) read more

Cali Alley - Tofu bao buns - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Interesting. Fries were great well seasoned and cripsy, burger sounded good but execution wasn't there. Burger was too greasy/heavy, tons of layers made it difficult to eat, and underseasoned. Better if you've had a few drinks but overall would not repeat. Also very busy (30 min wait) so order ahead. read more

As man that Chicken and Waffles was so juicy!! I don't normally get tenders because of the dry taste, but Cali Alley change my taste buds!! Crazy delicious read more

Cali Alley - Next time I come to Cali Alley I'm rolling up in the Stinkin Lincoln!! - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

The best Berger in Berkeley or probably Bay Area or CA + unbelievably delicious fried chicken with secret green sauce. Also excellent menu for health fiends....hidden gem - so worth your time to find! Margot read more

I absolutely love the fact that this restaurant is located right in the middle of a nice residential neighborhood tucked into a beautiful little alley. Since I live literally a 2 minute walk away, I pass it regularly and have always wanted to try it. Ordered online and got a nice discount from ChowNow, and was prescribed a 20 minute wait time. I left a bit early but still got there around the 20 minute mark, and they seemed to have my food finished, but waited until I got there to pack it. Totally not a big deal even though it took a while, since if anything that ensures that my food isn't sitting there stewing in a box, and the lady at the counter was very nice! I got the Fat Cat chicken sandwich with the upgraded truffle fries, and decided to add in a side of the mac and cheese for the heck of it. The pictures barely do the food justice. When I got back and took it out of the box, it looked better (and more importantly, BIGGER) than what was on the menu. Amazing portion size and I couldn't even finish the fries, nor make that big a dent in the mac. Their habanero hot sauce on the side was creamy and tasted delicious! Delivered heat in a honestly sophisticated way. Usually, I'm not a fan of coleslaw as I find that way too many places make it mainly mayo and throw some sad wilted veggies in it, but the coleslaw here was extremely fresh and tasty! Crunchy onions also gave it a nice touch. The fries were seasoned with a chunky and crumbly garlic paste, and it looked and tasted as though they forgot the truffle oil (they in fact didn't though, it was just pooled at the bottom). I was expecting the condiment of garlic/parm/truffle to be spread out a lot more evenly, but it was just a bunch of large crumbs of stuff scattered on the fries. Also would be really messy to eat with hands, so I just used a fork. Ultimately, I'd still say upgrading the fries was very worth it though. I took a few bites of the mac n' cheese but didn't even come close to finishing a quarter of it just because the sandwich and fries were just way too big! It didn't really feel worth it, since the side felt a bit small. I honestly wasn't that much of a fan, since the mac-to-cheese ratio felt kinda off. It was only a few noodles swimming in a sea of cheese. There wasn't too much cheesiness to begin with, so it really wasn't for me as I like it sharper. I ended up saving what was left for dinner, where I threw on some of the leftover garlicky paste that they used on the fries and broiled it to dry it up a bit, and it really shone out then! read more

My new fave sandwich shop in Berkeley. The fried chicken sandwich was amazing! Huge in size and also incredibly delicious. The fries were tasty and crispy. Tons of options to choose from but I will be back there again for more! read more

Ate here with my friends back at March and I can not stop thinking about this place. My friends and I live far but are already planning another trip only to eat here again. Everything we ate was so delicious and I believe is worth every penny! They have the best fries I've ever had! read more

Cali Alley - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Really good burgers. The bun is soft and fresh. The meat has a lot of flavor and so does the sauce. The fries stood out too. Airy and crisp with some parsley. I watched the cooks make the food and I could tell they take their job seriously. I would be back read more

Caliy Aly is a gem of a find. Yelp reviews convinced us the hidden restaurant was worth finding. The burgers was rated by my 10-year-old as juicy and "so good." It came with a brioche bun plus some delicious umami flavored sauce, and a thick patty. I had the grilled shrimp salad, which came with pieces of seaweed, pickled cucumber, and ginger. Service was easy enough walk up window to order your food. They give you a buzzard, then sit outside on the high top tables or bench seating waiting in the nice atmosphere waiting for your food. My kid says it's his new favorite burger spot. Best of all we could walk there from our home. Go check it out. read more

The west coast has a bbq place and you will never guess where it is...Berkeley! Each item combines classic bbq elements with California freshness and flavor. Hidden in the back of what appears to be someone's garage this truly is an oasis. read more

Cali Alley - Short Rib Sandwich with Seasoned Fries - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

TWENTY DOLLAR BURGERS? $17 Chicken Sandwiches? All this, from what appears to be driveway service in a West Berkeley residential zone? No, I didn't eat here because of the ridiculous pricing. But I did go and check it out, with the intent of having a meal. In the end, in this tough time during the tail-end of COVID Hell, it's just far too high a price to pay, especially with all of the competition out there. I don't pay that much for a restaurant burger in a nice place. Wildly absurd pricing. WOW. Best of luck to you... read more

Food is great! Service is eh - in a fast casual joint I wouldn't expect a burger and fries to take 20 minutes. Come here if you want a good burger but you're not in a hurry. read more

Mac and cheese tastes like it's been in a fridge all day. Garlic fries not worth the money. I'd say skip on the sides. read more

The food here is amazing. I went with a group and everyone was impressed with their food. I got a burger and I think it's the best tasting burger in the Bay area, comparable to Ramsey's burger joint in Las Vegas. There are only outside seating (a few picnic tables), so check the weather and dress accordingly, or take your food to go. Service was friendly and the picnic tables were clean. I don't know if they have restrooms. They do not serve beer. Plenty of street parking and in a safe area. I look forward to returning! read more

Oh my gosh--this place is soo yummy! I want to try everything on the menu. It's really fresh and the menu is unique with options for everyone. Lots of veggies and salads too, and they source ingredients conscientiously. The person I was with is basically a burger connoisseur having tried lots of burgers from many different places and price points and said it was the one of the best she's ever had. Even their fries are super yummy and I'm not a fry person (they have rosemary and other herbs on them and a great texture). It's in a cute little alley way and has some covered outdoor seating and some uncovered but I think it's a perfect place to grab a yummy to go and go have a picnic. The employees were sweet, flexible and accommodating. I'm lucky b/c I get to go out to awesome restaurants somewhat often but don't usually review them (like obviously if I go to something like The Morris or Commis, etc., I expect it to be very good so it's kinda like: why review it); however, this place is unique b/c of the price point, quality and freshness and variety. It's a small, cute spot. read more

This restaurant is proof that a business can get stated during the pandemic and succeed. All seating is outdoors and spaced properly apart. The food is fantastic, the portions are generous, and they are very willing to customize your order. But they had me at... Loco Moco! Best loco moco I've had outside of Hawai'i. read more

Fantastically cute place that I totally FOUND! Argus sim seriously a precious location: a gem! I was just walking my walk and found an oasis in a desert of buildings read more

Cali Alley - Cuteness - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. I had also added avocado to the burger. It was juicy and flavorful. All the seating is outside but it's a really nice area. read more

Cali Alley - Cali Alley Burger Chargrilled, ground brisket & short rib burger, a toasted brioche bun, lettuce, tomato,onion marmalade & garlic aioli - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Fun and funky outdoor only eatery serving pub food with a very Berkeley vibe. We had a tasty, filling, lunch based on the recommendation from the staff at the bike shop around the corner. Nice spot to be at on a slow, sunny Saturday afternoon. A little sprucing up of the ambience and some additional fresh fruit and veggie options would make this place go from good to great. read more

The best burgers around! Everything is delicious (the cheese cake is a little underwhelming, but everything else!)

I got the fried chicken sandwich the other day with a bamboo skewer of shrimp and side salad. The shrimp was cooked just right with a slight crunch and it was delicious. The sandwich was amazingly big and a great combination of flavors and textures. It was juicy and comforting, and I could barely take a whole bite (top to bottom) each time, it was just so satisfying. read more

So yesterday December 16th, my partner and I went to this establishment. We walked up they were playing jamaican music, im Jamaican and the music was dope so I did a lil dance as I walked up, excited to eat their food. A cashier person appeared, I asked them, "what playlist is this, its great?!" She ignored me, and then said in a oddly calm but annoyed tone " if you need anything or have questions about ordering let me know" I thought okay maybe she didn't hwar me so I asked again. Still no response about rhe playlist and then i noticed shed stepped away to talk to a colleague while live and shiffting their eyes our way. Id never eaten there before and didn't end up choosing to and just left. Bad first impression black people can be joyful when you're playing my cultures music, my money is just as good. Like damn be nicer read more

Must try if you are in the area!!! The pork bao buns are delectable. The pork has just the right amount of char, it's overall sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy with lots of complimenting textures. Food was delivered in sealed containers and bags, which is much appreciated! Can't wait to try their other offerings. read more

Cali Alley - Pork Alley Bao Buns Plate - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Pros: fast and friendly service Good food Outdoor seating Cons: street parking Food can be salty at times but it's still good read more

So I came back to this establishment because the owner gave emailed me a gift card to give it another try and I must say, the burgers here are sooo good!!!! Cooked to perfection and with like two meals I will definitely be coming back for the burgers and not the Mac n cheese though. The food came out a lot faster because they didn't forget about my order this time. 9/10 I would recommend this place to friends and family! read more

The food was delivered promptly, there was plenty of it, and it was very tasty. I would order from here again

We've had Cali Alley on our radar since Alan read its write-up in the East Bay Express a few weeks ago and last night he ordered online for pickup today at noon. He drove down and there was a bit of a wait, but I'm not sure whether it was because he was a little early or there was a crowd. At any rate, he was able to wait comfortably in the car until a nice young woman brought the food out to him. I really like that. When he got home the food was still warm. All the packaging is compostable. I had a rare hamburger w/ side salad and he had a shrimp po'boy w/ unsalted fries. Both the the salad and fries were generously portioned. I love that the lettuces in the salad were augmented by sweet kernels of corn and some halved pear tomatoes. Balsamic vinaigrette was on the side and was good. He liked his po'boy a lot. I loved my hamburger, which was cooked rare as requested. It's so rare to find that these days, pun intended. The bun was sturdy and held up well. The fixings were tomato, lettuce, sauces and I forget what else. It was flavorful and I didn't need to add anything to it, like pickles. I would happily have another of their burgers, although I'd like to explore other items on their menu too. read more

This is a great place. Quality food, thoughtfully prepared creates a joyful palate experience. Highly recommend both food & customer care.

Bomb ass Food! Came by last week with some friends and ordered some burgers. Cooked perfectly. Seasoned perfectly. Bomb! Friend had the barbecued ribs and loved it. Fries are super on point. Berkeley lacks a "burger" spot, but Cali Alley solves the riddle. We really enjoyed the fact that everything is outside. Window gal was masked up. Staff was covid-safe. Definitely be back soon. The place is hidden. If you're not looking, you'll pass it up. read more

Cali Alley - Nice open space - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've been coming here for three years now, since I learned about it in the Berkeleyside Black-owned business list. Short review, worth a detour if you are at all in the general area. As a Westsider I am delighted we have a great burger joint in the neighborhood! The burger is maybe the best in town, and I have eaten a lot of burgers in Berkeley. (It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do quality control!) The meat is sooo good and always cooked to perfection. The fries are good. The house salad is utterly delicious and refreshing. And the mac cheese is PERFECTION. The staff is awesome and cheerful. The outdoor eating space is creatively decorated and provides an urban oasis. I told all my local friends to head on over! The short rib specials are always worth getting when they have them. Ditto the pots de creme for dessert. For desserts, the cheesecakes are good and Double Rainbow Ice Cream is always a winner! There are good options for don't eat red meat/vegetarians/gluten free and even some vegan food. The loco moco (fully GF) is a very satisfying combo, the bowls are great (ask them to leave off the crispy noodles and do ask about any marinades) and the gluten-free bun for burgers/sandwiches is actually edible if you don't want it protein-style. The loco moco is helping me get over my extreme grumpiness about having to give up breads (and the awesome mac cheese here). read more

Best lettuce wrap burger I've ever had. I called in an order and had my food by the time I arrived. Thanks Cali Alley :) read more

Delicious! We picked up the fried chicken and pork bao buns last night. Both came with a lot of food, and tasted amazing. All staff were wearing gloves and masks, and keeping things COVID safe. They also have a great range of options on their menu. Would definitely recommend! read more

Picture this: it's dusk in the fall months of Berkeley. The sun has played its final notes of the day upon the horizon and as it fades from the sky, white Edison bulbs strung overhead shine out against the fading light. This quiet unassuming patio is quite literally an alley with a charming and quaint air, along with some tables socially distanced to bring people a small sense of normalcy in these crazy times. You and a friend make the choice to eat out on a weekday. As you move past the tables and down this short alley, you are greeted by planter boxes of flowers and greenery and the most sincere air of "welcome to our home" vibes through a to-go window. Jokes and smiles are heard emanating from inside as you can tell that one of the main ingredients in this kitchen is, Love. You peruse the menu and feel like it all looks good, and unsure of where to start, ask for help from the friendly faces on the other side of the windowsill. The Fat Cat, a seemingly normal chicken sandwich with an impressive list of ingredients sparks some ancient curiosity you have for fried chicken and so you quietly get excited for something you don't actually have a reasonable expectation for and yet you've heard of all the ingredients before. You have begun imagining what it'll taste like as little butterflies sprout wings in your stomach of anticipation of a hunger soon to be sated. However, there is nothing normal about the masterpiece of flavor you are about to unleash upon your senses. The assault of bliss upon your expectations is full frontal, and yet supple. It's reserved, perhaps even a little shy. It takes you by surprise and then makes you come back for more. The chicken, perfectly moist without being simply saucy. The breading, delicately thin and still proudly flavorful. The kick in just the right places of your tongue from the pepperoncinis, the sweetness of thousand island drizzled in natural harmony with the bun and the slaw. The Onion Marmalade playing an ever-present subtle melody in the background of this tastebud opera. With Swiss Cheese as the conductor and her baton guiding you through this savory symphony, the end of which will leave you stuffed, applauding and eagerly anticipating the second act when your hunger inevitably returns. Speaking of coming back for more. I already can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu. As we enjoyed this orchestral odyssey through seasoning and zest the owner walked by and chatted us up for a bit and checked in about the meal. His passion and drive to create not only an experience for the customer but also stability and joy for his staff emanated from him more and more for every word we exchanged. His decades of experience in this industry have honed not only his culinary instincts but also his desire to create a space that people want to be, patron and staff alike. In terms of where I think I'll go next, I was told the ribs are a house favorite! Could not recommend this place any more. Get over there! read more

I really enjoyed the food and environment. Seating is outdoors with shade available. Everything I've gotten from here so far have been very good! I recommend the Cali Alley Burger and the fried rice bowl with pork belly! Very flavorful. I definitely enjoyed the iced mint drink as well! Very refreshing and a good balance between sweet and sour. It's hard to find parking so just be aware of that. read more

Cali Alley - Fried Grilled Prawn Rice Bowl (added grilled pork belly) - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place is just amazing. I've been here twice now. I've had their Cali burger and Pastralley burger and it is definitely the best burger I've had in the bay area so far. They are a bit pricey but worth it. The blend of brisket and short rib in their patty is unusual, but boy, does it work and how! I got them medium rare, and based on my experience medium might work fine too (maybe not better than MR). The meat is perfectly grilled, super juicy and tender. Like my friend said, it almost seems illegal to put meat so good into something as basic as a burger -- almost. I hope whoever grills meat here is rewarded handsomely. I have a slight preference for the Pastralley, I like the extra smokiness the pastrami brings to the table. Their fries are pretty dope too. My gf really liked their Impossible burger. I can't wait to try their other offerings. Quick and easy takeout, and they have outdoor seating too which is a nice thing these days. Also, they are black owned which is a win in my book. read more

Cali Alley - Cali burger w fries - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California