Small place with a few tables and good food decided to give them a try I ordered: Spicy Chicken Sandwich With Pepper Jack cheese (4 Stars). It came with a side of coleslaw (3.5 Stars) and spiced honey (3 Stars). They fried a whole breast, it was so large that it over flowed the toasted brioche bun. The only thinking that made it spicy was the homemade spicy mayo, so it wasn't that spicy. I noticed on the menu they have sauces, like Nashville and buffalo. I think next time I'll try one of those sauces to kick up the heat. The cheese I add was not needed, I should have left off. The Fries (4 stars) were coated with potato flour and seasoning, which made a great crispy crust, served hot. Mac N' Cheese (4 Stars $6.49) I ordered the small 8oz, it was corkscrew pasta covered with a cheese sauce that was awesome with some Cajun spices, a like dirt Mac and some extra cheese on top. Until next time... read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Mac N' Cheese (4 Stars) - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

I stopped by Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers in Berkeley this afternoon, and I went straight for the Double Smash Burger with a side of onion rings, a Jarrito, and some habanero mayo on the side (they offered ranch, but I'm not a ranch guy). The burger was fresh and flavorful--you can taste the quality in every bite. The onion rings were on point too: crispy, not greasy, perfectly cooked. Dipping them into the habanero mayo gave it just the right kick. Definitely recommend that combo. The staff was friendly and kept things cool even though there were only two or three people running the place. The spot itself is small, just a few tables and chairs, with a little bit of Latin music playing in the background, which gave it a nice touch. When I first got there, it wasn't too busy, but by the time I finished, it was filling up. Walked around the block to stretch out, came back 15 minutes later, and the place was packed. What's also impressive is that their fried chicken sandwich was voted one of Yelp's Top 50 Fried Chicken Sandwiches in California, ranking #33 in the state. That's what I'm definitely trying next time. Final verdict: Great burger, great onion rings, friendly service, and a spot worth checking out if you're around University Ave in Berkeley. Two thumbs up from me. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Don't blink or you'll miss it! We certainly did at first. A small hole in the wall on university Ave that you do not want to miss. You order at the front, sit down and they'll bring it right to you. There weren't that many people when we went but I could definitely see it being super crowded on game days or any events in Berkeley. Holy iiiissshhh! The smash burger was so freaking good. Midway through I thought to myself "I should've ordered the double". The fried chicken was really crispy as well. The amount of food was just enough with the side of fries as well. I would absolutely come back over and over. Delicious! read more

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Best Smash Burger I have had! Cal's is a small location but they do offer indoor seating. The wait can be a little long depending when you go, but trust me, you will be happy to wait when you taste the flavors! Everything was spot on and delicious. Parking can be tricky but there are a few parking garages in the area that aren't too far. read more

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I was a fan when El Pollo Picante was a separate thing (and if you're ordering off door dash it's still under El Pollo Picante as of writing this review). I haven't tried to Berserk burger side so this is just of the fried chicken sandwiches. I LOVE these chicken sandwiches. They are my favorite in the Richmond/Berkeley/Oakland area for a classic fried chicken sandwich. The chicken is always well seasoned and there is plenty of flavor between the sauce they use + the pickles + the included hot honey. The fries can be a bit hit or miss, but lately they have been much better and more consistent (nice crunch on the outside and a soft interior). The coleslaw can lean more on the peppery side fyi. Overall, this is a place that I recommend everyone try at least once! read more

Yum Yum Yum!!! I seen Cal's burger on Instagram and decided to try it. I am in LOVE with burgers, and I haven't had a good one in the Bay Area in a while!!! Babyyyyy- these burgers wouldn't let me forget to make this Yelp post! Because I had them yesterday and my mouth is watering for them today. They are smashed to perfection and the toasted bun is like everything and more. Something as so simple as them toasted our buns makes a huge difference- the burger is so satisfying like nothing was wrong with it. I got the double smash with everything on it and added bacon- had mines cut in the middle to tackle better. My friend had theirs plain lol no veggies really just double smash with cheese - and loved it as well. Now the fries... they look very regular when they came out I was thinking I might not be a fan of these!!! But no!!! THE FRIES ARE THE BEST- I can't really put my mouth on what they do to them but they have a different taste and crunch I loved them!!!! * I will say customer service was a bit dry wish it was a bit more energetic- especially since this is a great place and it was not later in the day we came around noon... but everyone has there day - so I get that. Man please check them out, because I'm ready to grab my coat and head back there now!!!! read more

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This place is by far one of the best smash burger spots out here in the bay. I've twice and both times they were on point. Cal burger is a need. The fries are seasoned to a perfection. The onion rings are good. I haven't had a shake yet but they look good Do you self a favor and get this place in. read more

Came here for lunch and it did not dissappoint. Good chicken sandwich! No complaints there! Nice addition to the Berkeley area. The chicken came out pipping hot and it was a good size for the price! Staff was friendly and establishment was clean. read more

Came here with a big hungry group and we all really enjoyed it! We left stuffed and many of us even had leftovers. The guy who helped us was super nice and helpful. I had the single smash with onions rings and I thought the burger portion size was perfect, seasoned well, had great flavor! Loved the pickles. I also had some of the Mac n' chicken which was tasty. The chicken was crispy and moist, and Mac was gooey. They give you a little honey to drizzle too which I tried and thought was a nice sweet and savory combo. Others said they enjoyed the chopped cheese and chicken sandwiches they got. Would come here again and definitely recommend! read more

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My kids are so basic - they always want fries, chicken fingers and hamburgers. Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers is a great option, popular with 7 year olds and the college kiddos alike. If you don't order through uber eats, where prices are jacked by a few dollars, prices are reasonable. And the food? I mean not for anyone trying to be healthy, but the burgers are delicious topped with caramelized onions and pickles. The roll was well sized for the meat and fresh. The chicken tenders were thinly pounded fried cutlets. The fries, while they give you a lot of them, weren't my favorite. They definitely were the frozen, battered type... no fresh potatoes here. Overall, a really solid bet for fried eats or a really good smash burger. People rave about the shakes, but a pass for us this time. Overall, a glutinous, filling meal. Chicken and burgers are a solid 5 stars, but those fries were a 3. Enjoy! read more

I came here with a group of 6 and we had no issues getting a table. The staff was friendly and worked diligently to get the orders out despite being fairly busy. All of the food was really good and was cooked very well. I recommend giving them a try if you're looking for a good burger. read more

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Great Food, and the Fries, are Kickin! Food is plentyful. In or Take Out is great! Never am I dissapointed, and People there, are great! read more

Food was good and fresh. Burger was juicy and flavorful. Chicken is fried well and well seasoned. Quick service and prep. Ample seating. Little chilly with the door open but overall a great experience. Parking is hard to find even on a Sunday. Will definitely be back. read more

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I was pretty excited to eat here based on the reviews on Google but my experience was ruined by whatever they sat your food on after it's cooked. I ordered a double cheeseburger and added bacon with seasoned fries. Everything would have been delicious if I were someone that just shoved in my face but I look at my food so I kept seeing fuzz/fibers on my fries. I'm like what is this?! It was on the fries and the burger. That's so unsanitary and they say they sit your food on napkins but napkins don't shed fibers like that. I can't return with that practice in place when strainers come in all shapes and forms. read more

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This place just keeps going downhills. It was one of the best places to get chicken sandwiches, but with higher prices and with shrinkflation, it's not worth it anymore. The last one I had wasn't even spicy (like it used to be) - it was around 2 weeks ago. Will need to find another. read more

It was nice and really welcoming, the service was really good and the food was bomb as hell. The prices are cool ig but other than that the place was a vibe. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Mac N' Cheese - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I had the double with no cheese and no pickles. The burger was pretty good all in all. Smashburger with a good portion of meat, but the meat lacked seasoning. No salt or pepper on it so it was a little bland. The french fries are interesting, they were not bad, not good, just okay. I think the highlight of my meal was the ranch lol it was pretty good. I also had the onion rings and they were good all in all pretty okay place for a burger. The service was pretty quick, they do have limited seating. It's not that big of a place, but definitely a good casual place to grab lunch and go. read more

Food is good here come try and service is always pleasant. Always welcoming always sailing. Ambience is chatter music Street. Give him a try. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Wall! - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

I got the spicy fried chicken sandwich and was underwhelmed. It was more than $17 for the sandwich and the ingredients were okay. Just a bun, chicken, and sauce (I removed the pickles). The chicken was big and crunchy but dry. The flavor was typical. The bun was soft but nothing to rave about. I did get to try my friend's fried chicken wrap and that was a lot better. Probably should have chosen a smashburger but definitely skip the chicken sandwich. The only redeeming trait were their fries but that should be a given. read more

This was my first time here, and I ordered the double smash burger. The burger was delicious and juicy, and it came with seasoned fries. The service was quick and simple . I would definitely return to try something new. read more

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Had high expectations going in after seeing this spot all over Instagram with people raving about it. The place definitely has that hype appeal, but honestly, it was just okay. Nothing too crazy -- it gets the job done if you're really craving a smash burger, but it didn't blow me away. Not bad, not amazing... just mediocre overall. Solid for a quick bite, but probably not something I'd go out of my way for again. Parking is mehhh. Depends on what time you go. read more

Place is reassuringly busy. Made my order relatively quickly. Waited almost half an hour for my sandwich, which was fine; it was busy. But I got to watch people get their orders after they ordered after me. Certainly forgivable; hectic service, there's only one guy in the back, it happens. Got my food at last; only to find out later it was raw in parts, undercooked in the thinner areas. No biggie; I'll finish cooking it at work. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Raw shrimp in po boy. - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

I tried them for the first time today because I saw them on TikTok. Hard to find parking because it's always busy in Berkeley. At first, I felt the prices for the spicy chicken sandwich was a bit high $16.99. But it also came with fries no drink you had to buy your drink separately. The food came out pretty fast and to my surprise was very good and worth the money. I would actually go back again and try something else different. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Spicy chicken sandwich with regular fries - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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It was juicy and real tasty. The cheesy flavor was spot on. It isn't the most bustling place for a Friday evening in the summer but the food and the fries are great. The service is also fast. The fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and for me that's the perfect fry. The music was okay in the beginning with generic pop music but then it went into some annoying electronic/dance, so I'll ding a star for that. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Chopped Cheese Classic Sandwich - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Surprisingly good smash burger. Well seasoned, both the burger and fries. Double cheeseburger with bacon was the perfect size for an active adult who burns calories throughout the day. I only say "surprisingly" good, because it is definitely a low key spot, mixed in with the cacophony of University Ave. You could easily pass by while driving and miss it. Parking is available, if you're driving, but you will have to feed a meter and walk a couple blocks...not a big deal for me. Service was friendly, and the dude at the counter was helpful and accommodating. We got there right around noon, it was full. It is sort of limited seating, but not an issue, by the time our food was ordered, we had a table for 2. I will be back for sure...Thank you Cal's, keep it going. Right on. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Double cheeseburger with bacon added...solid. - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Tried this spot for the first time today, and overall, it was really, really good! The chicken sando was unique and flavorful with a side of honey, and the fries bountiful and perfectly seasoned with a crispy, flaky texture. The onion rings were easily the best I've ever had--super crispy and packed with flavor. The only downside? The food took a long time to come out. It was definitely worth the wait, but if you're in a hurry, be prepared for a bit of a wait. That said, I'll definitely be back--this place knows how to make a great burger! read more

The name of the business obviously states fried chicken and burgers but babyyy, I came for the chopped cheese. I've never been to New York so I can compare it to theirs but as a foodie, the chopped cheese was delicious, flavorful meat with a little bit of crisp on some pieces. The sandwich was very well put together. The fries were hot and fresh and had a great crisp. The inside was clean and the service was quick and friendly. read more

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Checked out this spot since I saw a billboard on University for it. The chopped cheese was very good. It was packed with flavor and oozing with cheese that you want to just eat the wrapper too. It took me a while to get my food tho (15 minutes), but I think they will get that down and figured out quickly. Their fries could be better. It's $13.5 for the sandwich and fries, however I would much rather not have the fries and get a few bucks off if that was an option. I would come back if I was in the area. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - chopped cheese - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Drove from san jose to try them and was VERY DISAPPOINTED 1st the menu pictures are a LIE the burger shown has two patties and I when I ordered it was only One thin flat piece of patty - definitely not Angus the bread was the biggest thing on the burger. The fries were greasy and the strawberry milkshake was watery, pretty much was strawberry milk . Not too mention $35 dollars Big Disappointment read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Single Smash Burger shows two patties BUT they only give you one 1 - Big Lie - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Walked down from work and stumbled upon Berserk. I lived in NYC so I'm familiar with the chopped cheese. Popped in around noon and wasn't busy. Open seating and clean. Ordered the sandwich without fries. Waited about 8-10 minutes. Nice flavor, needed multiple napkins to clean up the juices dripping. Could of used more meat and chopped up more. Want to try it with bacon inside. Will return!! read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Chopped cheese sandwich and sprite - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

BERSERK BURGER IS OPEN!!! From the people across the street that own El Pollo Picante, they bring to us their take on smash burgers AND New York-style chopped cheeses. For those of you who don't know what chopped cheese is, chopped cheese is similar to a Philly cheesesteak but with ground beef and loads of flavor. I'll admit that I was hesitant on trying it at first, but it was pretty phenomenal. The flavorful French bread that Berserk uses is something I would want most of my sandwich-type meals to start with. The juices from the chopped cheese soaked right in and stayed there without a crazy mess. I also tried out their single smashed cheeseburger and their Berserk Burger which was a loaded double cheeseburger with bacon, egg, Berserk sauce, all the fixins', and grilled onions. (Yes I have quite the appetite) The patty was juicy and a great size. Seemed a bit bigger than a 1/4 pounder for each patty. I also had waffle fries and a sneak preview of their banana shake. The waffle fries were nicely seasoned and not overly salty at all. The banana shake was a good thickness and had an easy straw so my temples weren't popping out. They opened before their grand opening and are adding their furniture within the next week so I didn't judge the tables/chairs because they were temporary. I DID appreciate having several tables/chairs for my group. I should have known that this place would be a hit because their place across the street, El Pollo Picante, is also great. (The best fried chicken sandwich I've ever had) And yes, I've had many of them! read more

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Came in at 6:45 and said they were closed. Web and sign says they close at 7. Wasted my 20 minute drive.

Came in today and the owner Cal served us with a smile. I asked for my chicken sandwich to be deconstructed and he already knew what it meant and was more than happy to do so. I ordered a double chicken sandwich which came with fries and coleslaw and I asked for my fries to be crispy and an additional buffalo sauce. My partner got the chicken strips order. The owner was so sweet and gave us a glass of tea to try for next time! #1 I didn't receive my fries #2 I didn't receive my buffalo sauce #3 My partner's chicken strips were actually whole pieces of chicken that weren't cut. #4 Which is the big One. They have a number to call (so I Could have fixed the issue but we had drove to far to come back before my partner had to leave for work) but the number does not go to the restaurant. Just an answering machine telling you to order online. All in all I will be back but this was a slight inconvenience for me and I would have liked my French fries read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Awesome food and service. Ordered takeout twice while in town. Both the chicken and burgers were delicious

VIBE- The vibe is simple, the art is hand painted and dope, the music is chill, but listen. to. me! The best time to come here is definitely before Berkeley HS gets out or later in the day. Unless you don't mind playing musical chairs around 15 high schoolers and listening to school drama. Luckily, we made it just in time before they rolled in and backed up the kitchen. FOOD - I ordered the double smash burger + jalapeños. The wife ordered a chopped cheese. We both agreed on lemon pepper + spicy ginger garlic wings. The food took about 10 minutes to come out just as you'd want it to, hot, fresh and crispy. The chopped cheese and wings were lacking flavor. The lemon pepper left us wanting more of that real tanginess and the spicy ginger garlic was straight ginger. We love ginger, but not on these wings. The size of the wings were crazy and worth the price tag based off of portion. The double smash burger and the fries were definitely the stars of the show. They didn't have any lemonade or "cherry blast" (stated on the menu), but they have plenty of canned sodas and milkshakes. The Oreo cookie shake after all this food sent me into a food coma. PRO-TIP: Definitely coming back for that double spicy chicken sandwich and more of those fries! If you're a fry snob like me, theirs won't disappoint. read more

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Great Char Burgers, I had the California Butger med rare and it was cooked perfect. Wife had the Barney's original burger, she loved it. Definitely will veined back next time I'm in Berkeley read more

Delicious burgers, service was chill , in the middle of Berkeley. I was lucky to find parking , will be back to try more food. read more

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Yes yes yes !! Honestly the best burger I've had in a while. Delicious at its best. Big fatty burger with 4 patties was so yummy . Also recommend the Mac n chicken also amazing. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - 4x4x4 - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ordered chicken strips and fries, the portions were huge but the chicken was very dry and flavorless. The chicken strips were not strips. Also ordered a smash burger, it was just ok. FNL. read more

Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers - So called chicken strips - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

The Smashburgers was okay to me when I compared with other smash burger I had. Customers service was great