Brunch in Berkeley
Where to Get Brunch in Berkeley
Brunch is an amazing way to celebrate the weekend and spend more time with friends. You get all the deliciousness of a huge and hearty breakfast with none of the waking up early. It’s the perfect way to recharge after a long and busy week.
In Berkeley, you have quite a few great brunch options and we’ve pulled them together here to save you some time.
The Sunny Side Cafe
Sunny Side near the Starbucks on Center street is hard to miss. Their customers take up the whole sidewalk on the weekends either eating at the nearby tables or waiting for a spot at one. Their French toast and breakfast burrito are fantastic as well as their big fluffy omelettes (all of their off dishes are crowd favorites). Another bonus is that they’re right beside campus so it’s not a far trek after you’ve managed to drag yourself out of bed. Also, be sure to grab a treat at Cinnaholic a few steps away after you finish to cap off a great brunch.
La Note
La Note has been Berkeley’s premier brunch location for years. While there’s usually a wait to get in it’s always worth it. Their dishes are a fusion of French and American flavors. Basically, the decadence of French cooking with the filling portions of American cuisine. There’s a lot to celebrate about their menu but the crowd favorite has always been their creme fraiche pancakes. Their pastries are also what you’d expect from a French restaurant (i.e. they’re great). If there was a brunch bucket list for the Bay Area La Note would definitely be on it.
Saturn Cafe
Saturn Cafe is special because they’re one the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Berkeley. This makes their brunch special because it allows them to offer a great experience for all types of dietary restrictions (where most places at best have a small set of options). A great place for groups. If meat is your thing, don’t worry, they will make sure you won’t miss it. Often, their faux-meat dishes are just as good (or better) than their meat-serving peers in the area.
Crepevine
Crepevine is perfect if you’re looking for a brunch option with less of the crowds, wait times, and prices that pretty much everyone else has. Don’t be fooled by the name, they serve far more than crepes. Great sandwiches, omelettes, salads, and more await you here. Their menu is served all day and every day. So if you’re in search of a brunch experience outside of the weekend or not during normal brunch hours then Crepevine is where you need to be.
HS Lordships
HS Lordships is the upscale brunch option for large groups or an intimate weekend spot for couples (or good friends). Located on Berkeley’s waterfront, the views from the dining room are some of the best in Berkeley. The food is what you’d expect at a brunch spot but served up in a buffet form. If you like to eat (or like a lot of variety in your brunch) then HS Lordships is an amazing place. After you’ve filled up you can walk off your food coma by taking a stroll along the waterfront or exploring the nearby Cesar Chavez Park.
900 Grayson
If you crave chicken & waffles 900 Grayson is the brunch location you’ve been searching for. Their syrup is great but you absolutely need to try the chicken & waffles drowned in their delicious gravy. Alone, their waffles are a delight and it can be hard to choose between their steak & eggs and their Grayson burger. The good news is that you can’t go wrong with anything you choose here. If you tend to grab brunch with stragglers you should make sure they get here on time since they won’t seat groups unless everyone is there (this is good because it creates less of a wait).
Lama Beans
Lama Beans in another good option for your chicken & waffles fix. However, their egg dishes and pancakes tend to be where they really shine. If you’re in search of a satisfying Eggs Benedict or filling blueberry pancakes in a chill North Berkeley location this place should be on your list to check out. Another cool thing to note about Lama Beans is that they also serve pizzas and Mediterranean dishes alongside their brunch offerings.
Make the Most of Your Weekend
No matter how wild your Friday or Saturday night has been these places are so good you’ll find it easy to roll out of bed for them. Brunch is a great way to spend time with friends and make the most of your short break from projects, homework, and lectures.
Remember, you can find this list and many other great community lists on the Gojrun app (available on iOS and Android). Discover a place you think deserves a spot on this list? Let us know here.