We showed up around lunchtime on a busy weekend and were pleasantly surprised that the wait was only about five minutes. The place is on the smaller side, but that honestly adds to the classic old-school diner feel. Once we were seated, someone was at our table almost immediately to take our drink order. It seemed like they worked as a team rather than assigning one server to each table, because we had at least three different people checking in on us throughout the meal. Everyone was genuinely friendly, and our coffee and iced tea were constantly refilled before we even had to ask. Even the coffee had that classic diner taste in the best possible way... simple, hot, and exactly what you want in a place like this. We both really enjoyed our meals, but the service and atmosphere were what really stood out. It had that comfortable neighborhood diner vibe that's getting harder to find these days. read more

See all

Service was excellent! Fast friendly but not rushed. We ordered the Philadelphia, California Breakfast, apple brandy soufflé pancake, lox scramble. Highly recommend the scrapple! Love the atmosphere! read more

This review is past due as this place has been around for what seems like forever! On our most recent visit we ordered blueberry and strawberry soufflé pancake again and buttermilk pancakes combo. Both were delicious! Just such a friendly easy going vibe here. Everyone treats you well. Will return again! read more

Oceanview Diner - Blueberry and strawberry soufflé pancake and buttermilk combo - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

We popped in on a Monday morning about 9am. Found parking in one of the nearby carparks, a very short walk. A cute, classic diner with booths, counter seating, black and white checkered flooring. It was not very busy, and we were seated quickly. We ordered shortly after hemming and hawing over the menu. We both ordered coffee. Hubby ordered two eggs over easy with home fries and bacon. I had the California breakfast, poached eggs on grilled, sliced ham with a lemon butter sauce instead of hollandaise (their nod to eggs benedict). It came with home fries and grilled tomatoes. Slice sourdough was our choice of toast. Our coffee was hot, breakfast came fairly quickly. Our food was well prepared, well seasoned. I thoroughly enjoyed my grilled tomatoes which I spread on my toast halves. Overall, breakfast was pleasant. It did get a little busy and noisier as we ate, but it is what it is. The servers were pleasant and friendly. Breakfast set us back $60+ with tip but I guess that is what things cost these days. We had a nice walk up and down Fourth Street afterward. read more

Oceanview Diner - Top: Two egg breakfast with bacon, pjotatoes and SD toast. Bottom: California breakfast with SD toast. - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

I can't say enough about this cute diner. It's not only absolutely delicious but the staff is warm and inviting and will remember you. Pull up a seat at the bar to chat w staff and get a hot cup of joe or take a romantic brunch date outside. read more

Oceanview Diner - Soufflé pancake strawberry seasonal flavor w a combo chocolate chips - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

Just had the rudest counter service!! 9:45 a.m. on 4/10/26. No please, thank you, hello. I mean wow. Aggressively rude service from an older female worker. read more

Oceanview Diner - Middle East combo at Bette's To Go, next door to the diner. Under $10!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is a very cool diner! The food, the people, and the atmosphere are all awesome! Especially the staff! Super friendly! I had a chili dog with home fries and it was bomb. read more

See all

I've been coming to Oceanview Diner for almost 20 years. It has never disappointed. I come mainly for the scrapple, but I love the challah french toast, the souffle pancake, and the potato pancakes. The mocha is not too sweet, just to my taste. The water has no off-flavors. The service is always excellent, perfectly attentive and polite. The ambiance is classic American diner with classic rock always playing. read more

See all

They open at 7 am and if you come before 9am you can park on the street for free. Before 7am parking on the street is plentiful, in the afternoon not much so. We've been in the area before and had to park in the neighborhood and walked over a few blocks. It was worth it as we didn't have any parking limitations and we ended up parking there all day and going to the Berkey game. The first time I came here the line was out the door so we didn't go in. Instead we went next door to their deli and ordered a delicious sandwich (I believe it was a Ruben, but I could be wrong it was last football season) and ate it at one of there 2 tables inside the deli. The nice thing is since they are owned by the same owners we were able to use their bathroom. It was a good experience. This time we had just dropped my Dad off at the SF airport and were looking for a very early morning breakfast. We got here a few minutes after 7am and there was plenty of seating. They sat us at the bar. I ordered their pancakes and my husband ordered the French toast. The French Toast came with a tad bit of fruit on the top. The fruit really made the dish and it would have been nice if there was more. He like it, but it wasn't filling enough compared to my stack of pancakes for the same prices so he probably won't order it again. My pancakes were a solid order. I believe I ordered the short stack that was 2 pancakes with real maple syrup and butter. It costs extra if you want additional maple syrup, which I didn't need there was plenty, but I could have done with more butter. I'm a true butter fan. Overall it was an excellent experience and I look forward to going back. read more

Oceanview Diner - All your drink needs - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

Soufflé Pancakes 4 super fluffy, sweet Very popular place, has a long wait during weekend brunch time read more

Oceanview diner is a two part breakfast/lunch spot in downtown Berkeley. One section offers food Togo, while next door is the actual diner. I love the retro feel of the diner and the cute interior, but loved the modern yelp wait list option! You can shop or walk around while you wait for your table. Our server and everyone else were so nice and welcoming. They made my brunch with my mom feel extra special with a birthday cake and song! It was such a treat and the cupcake was sensational... so fluffy, soft and the most creamy lemon frosting that tasted like summer in a bite. Everyone made me feel really special! The rest of the food was also incredible. I allowed myself to splurge and try the challah French toast, since it was a special occasion, and it was worth EVERY calorie. The bread was so soft and perfectly crisp on the outside! The flavor was perfect and I love that they use real maple syrup. Although French toast is always a little indulgent, it wasn't too sweet or rich and it left me perfectly full. Between the amazing atmosphere, fun and friendly staff and unmatched delicious food, this is easily one of the best brunch experiences I've ever had. I will be back next time I'm in Berkeley to try more of the delicious menu! read more

See all

I am a Yelp Elite, and I am a souffle pancake addict. I don't know what possessed me but I got on a plane from PDX, landed in SJC, drove ONE HOUR to Berkeley just to visit my favorite place, Bette's. It's no longer Bette's Oceanview Diner with no ocean view. It's just simply Oceanview Diner with no ocean view now. I'm so happy this legacy business is in good hands with the new ownership and management. The food is still amazing as ever. The people are super cool. read more

Came here at 7-8 AM on Saturday morning and it was empty at first, but then it suddenly got really packed. The restaurant itself gives a very basic but familiar diner feel and the staff was extremely friendly when asked questions. I ordered their Corned Beef Hash dish that had their fried potatoes mixed in together. Quantity-wise, it did its job as it was a really heavy dish and I was left full after. Flavor-wise, I think that it did need alot of extra seasoning on my end, but that is usually also how I do at my corned beef hash's Overall, I would give the flavor and food quality a 3/5 which I would say is average, but with tip, it came out to around $27, so I'd say that it wasn't worth it to me and i probably wouldn't come back again. read more

First time here for a Too Good to Go surprise bag for a quick lunch. We got 2 slices of pizza, dolmas, and a cookie, which was the perfect amount for our meal. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful with answering my questions related to my nut allergy. Brought back good memories of coming here for brunch when it was Bette's! read more

Oceanview Diner - Diner exterior - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Always a great experience when coming here. The staff are always very kind and welcoming. I get the waffle each time, it's my favorite in the Bay Area. Other dishes are solid as well. The seating and tables inside are pretty close to each other, but they have a bar if you don't want to feel as cramped. Definitely the best place to go to if you want a really good waffle! read more

Oceanview Diner - Fresh Herb omelette - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

How the might have fallen. Pre-covid I came here all the time. I stopped in this morning for my normal corn beef hash only to find out that it had been replaced with Potato Hash scented with corn beef the menu needs to be re-written. I will give them the benefit of the doubt that I got a lacking portion. But at $23 they should all be corn beef forward. read more

I ordered a Too Good to Go surprise bag from them when I happened to have the time to come by during the pickup window. At first I knocked on the main diner door and the diner section already appeared to be closed with the employees cleaning up in the back, as I didn't realize there was a separate door next door for the to-go counter/section, so it took a few minutes before I was finally able to get an employee's attention and they redirected me to the right place. Once I was at the correct counter, then it was quick to get my surprise bag. It came with two dishes that seemed to be orzo salads (they were not labeled and I am not great at identifying ingredients), and two big cheese pizza slices. The salads are more on the sour and acidic side but I liked them, and the vegetables were cut into thin slices, which helps me deal with what would normally be more rubbery or slippery. The pizza slices are huge but not particularly memorable as cheese pizza goes, I would probably stick with a different pizza place if I wanted pizza. But I will give them props for having a pretty large quantity of food for this surprise bag. read more

Oceanview Diner - Too Good to Go surprise bag - two pizza slices and orzo salads - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

Walt from Walt's Adventures now adventuring at the Oceanview Diner in Berkeley, California. This 50s style diner is located on 4th street, has both indoor and outdoor dining, and has both an extensive breakfast and lunch menus to choose from to fulfill any desire. All of our selections arrived within an acceptable amount of time considering that the diner never saw a decrease in patrons. No doubt this eatery is quite popular. Regrettably, our food was placed before us not as we had specified for my sandwich had lettuce and no additional plate accompanied the dish that was to be shared. Granted there were heaters for their immediate outside area but not for those seating farther away from the diner. I look forward to returning to the diner in the future to discover if their breakfast selections matched the fine quality of their lunch creations. read more

See all

The line was long but moved well. We were served quickly. It is definitely a diner with a small outdoor space. We had the dog with us that is good a stayed quiet so we ate outside. The food is excellent, I had the "Maryland" and it was a very good scratch made corned beef hash and eggs dish. My Mrs had Ruben, with sourdough instead of rye. I must say that the Ruben was my fav. I will definitely order that again, even though the hash was very good. read more

Mediocre food (undercooked eggs despite instruction, overtly sweetened chicken apple sausage, etc.) and rather poor service. The restaurant is loud, busy, and the counter seat smells like chlorine and other sanitizers due to improper cleaning. Mandatory 3% service charge, plus suggested tip from 20% up. Nothing special, nothing classic American. A disappointment that only benefited from its location and former fame. read more

The service was fine. We were seated inside, and it was quite loud. Unfortunately, the food (pictured) was underwhelming, especially given the $50+ price point for the entire meal shown. The waffle was cardboard thin and dry. The potato pancake was the most disappointing dish (and that's coming from someone who loves both potatoes and pancakes). Maybe we just happened to order the wrong things, but at that price range, there are many better brunch or diner options in the Bay Area. Berkeley, in particular, is certainly not short on better choices. read more

Oceanview Diner - $50+ for this meal in the picture. The waffle was cardboard thin and dry... the potato pancake(bottom) is just underwhelming. - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

This diner is so cute! It's got a very retro design, with pink accents. I also enjoyed the food, especially that they use real maple syrup! The challah French toast was easily my favorite dish, though I wish there was a combo option with bacon or something else savory. The latkes were also delicious! The onions gave them a nice freshness, and the apple sauce is always nice. We were seated and served food within about 15 minutes of walking in the door. I would advise to go with a group of 4 of less total people as they do not have large tables. read more

Oceanview Diner - Diner - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

This is a cute diner with an old school aesthetic. It can get chatty but never overwhelming with noise. You can sit inside or outside. The seating can get a bit cramped but it's manageable. The service is great and food arrives at a good pace. The waitress have been fun and nice. The potato pancakes are really good. I managed to finish mine and never felt overly full. Just a right amount. I also tried their two eggs style with a side of bacon. It arrives with a sweet bread or toast. The bacon was a bit dry but tastes good still. The sourdough bread was good, not too hard. The prices can be a bit high though. Overall, I definitely recommend this location. read more

Oceanview Diner - Potato pancakes - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

Absolutely do not go here if you are solo or a party of two and would like to sit at a table inside. Their seating policy stipulates that even if there is a 3-4 top free and noone else waiting, a party of two may not sit down because the staff has to hold their last free table for a party of 3-4. This means they will only seat a duo at a table if there are TWO booths free. In other words, if you are waiting for a second table to clear but a larger party comes in... your loss. They get seated immediately but you now have to wait for two more tables to clear.. Needless to say, customers that are single or in pairs could end up waiting for hours while groups of three and four just keep getting seated ahead of them. I recently came here with a friend on a cold, weekday morning. We added ourselves to the waitlist and waited for a while. Then, when we were finally "next", we were told that we were only allowed to sit at the counter bar stools or outside on the plastic chairs even though there was a clear booth right in front of us and noone else in line behind us. Since I recently had surgery and couldn't sit on a barstool and didn't want to sit on the plastic chairs outside, I asked them to please nevertheless seat us inside. But alas, no empathy and the rude host just pointed to a placard that explains the seating policy and insisted we would have to keep waiting til he had two open tables. Whenever that would be. Just then, a party of three came in, didn't even add their name to the list and were seated ain that empty booth without waiting at all. Needless to say, we left and instead went to one of the many cool cafes on San Pablo south of University. Don't go to this place. Their policy is unjust and the host is unspeakably rude, hiding behind an owner who apparently insists the staff enforce this idiotic policy. read more

Always amazing meals & service! The specials are always on point as well. Thank you, Darrell & Staff! read more

See all

Staff were so kind and personable, they had my grandparents laughing so hard! They are also extremely accurate with their timing - they said the special Dutch babies would take 40 minutes and exactly 40 minutes later they arrived. Food was great, we will be back! read more

See all

My party and I were sat in less than 10 minutes on a Saturday afternoon! We were easily accommodated with outdoor seating for our doggy. Drinks and food came out super quickly despite it being busy. Drinks - ordered a peppermint latte and it was not too sweet, it was perfect! My mom ordered their iced chai latte and she enjoyed it very much. Food - I ordered the lox scramble and I found it very unique in presentation and execution. It was basically a deconstructed lox bagel! Everything was incredibly fresh. My parents ordered sandwiches and they seemed to enjoy them. For sides, they liked the potato salad a lot more than the house fries (which were more like wedge potatoes topped with sour cream). read more

Oceanview Diner - Turkey club sandwich, tuna salad sandwich, and lox scramble with an everything bagel - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

It never disappoints!!! Ambiance is cool, bright & busy! The food is always on point. Everyone works well together. We always have more than one person serving us. Whether it taking the order, serving the order and or filling up our water and or coffee. They work great as a team. Compliments to the chef, he is always on point and serves delicious fresh food, every time!!! Thanks again for another wonderful experience of great food & service. Excellent team work. I love their breakfast here....... I will be back. read more

See all

A very cute breakfast spot with a vibe to it. Although my iced coffee was actually not very good it was very bitter. My food I cannot complain I enjoyed my breakfast potatoes and waffle. read more

Oceanview Diner - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

Can't believe I haven't written a review for this place earlier. We love coming here for weekend breakfast. Soufflé pancakes are awesome but do take longer so order that first if that's what you're in the mood for! Their omelette a are made French style and always delicious. We love coming here on the weekends read more

See all

Long timetable for myself and family. Always ask for the specials. But I keep it simple, buttermilk short stack with 2 eggs and chicken apple sausage read more

The diner itself has a diner feel, but it seems to be lost as to which direction it's going with decor. It's your typical loud diner yet the wait staff is friendly and always on the move. The menu has your typical diner options along with Mexican brunch options. However, the food is not too flavorful, especially for the price. This diner is in a location where there's many places to eat, maybe consider checking out those locations as well. read more

We were celebrating a friend's birthday and she wanted to go to Fourth Street. They've both been to Bette's before, so it was unanimous to eat there. It's now Oceanview Diner, but still has the charm and ambiance of the previous namesake. Service was amazing! She was friendly, attentive, gave great recommendations, and honestly, felt like a friend. We had the Maryland, the California breakfast and club sandwich...and for dessert, the banana rum soufflé pancake. Our wait staff recommended to add chocolate chips, but we wanted to try the original recipe...next time, we're adding the chips! Everything was delish! Highly recommend this place! read more

Oceanview Diner - Banana rum soufflé! Huge! Fluffy, airy, slightly eggy, with fresh bananas and powder sugar... adding just a tad of syrup was a chef's kiss - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

My friend had a life changing experience with the scrambled eggs. Order the soufflé pancake, it's heavenly. It's an small town diner feel from the foof to the service. We came from Sac just to visit here again. Always a pleasure. We will be back. read more

Oceanview Diner - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

Oceanview diner is always a good breakfast/brunch spot never disappoints! Delicious food every time! Quality service.

My man suggested we go here and I'm happy he did. First of when you drive by it's PACKED that's a great look! I expected to be waiting for awhile but we only waited for about 5 min. The menu was making me full just reading it. I ordered a lox and eggs with country potatoes and a caramel apple latte. My guy ordered the buttermilk waffle and chicken apple sausage with hot chocolate. Everything was on point! The service was really good we found out it's had the same owner since it opened on 82. I saw a lot of regulars there to could tell because all of the staff knew them! I love this kind of homey spot! Don't forget to order a side of lemon butter with any egg meal read more

Oceanview Diner - Lox and eggs with country potatoes ( substituted the bagel for blueberry muffin) - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Little tiny diner in Berkeley. Parking on the street and free parking on weekends. Came on a Sunday at 9am. There are limited outside seating but decided to sit inside, no reservation, and got seated right away for table for 2 people. Ordered drinks first then took our order. Diner was clean and service was quick and friendly. The menu is pretty limited but it works for a quick dine in and out and more of a simple kind of breakfast. I got 2 eggs over easy, 2 bacon, home fries with side of apple sausage with onions and sour cream. Got a snickdoodle latte, and reg coffee. Partner got an omelette. Nothing dry and everything was cooked well, not burnt or cold when served. read more

Oceanview Diner - Sandwiches Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

My family and I enjoyed our lunch. The fish sandwich was delicious. The chicken was good. The waffles were a little dry, vanilla t not bad. The atmosphere was fun. Our waiter was nice. read more

Cute small diner - pretty typical menu with what seems like German influence. Great portion sizes. Service was fairly fast. The booth seating was cozy. Food was not bad, but also not spectacular. Parking is on the street, and it was not hard to find a spot before 10 on a weekday, but this street is full of shops and restaurants, so it seems like it'd fill up during a busy hour. read more

The California eggs Benedict is the best I've ever had. Awesome ambience and top notch service