Where the Wild Things Are

No other city in the United States certainly garners as much attention for its progressive behavior than Berkeley. But while its politics and protests snag international headlines, Berkeley is equally famous for its food and drink. It is the birthplace of California cuisine as the stomping grounds of Alice Water's Chez Panisse restaurant and cafe. But there are fantastically affordable international cuisine options along the streets of Shattuck, College, and near the campus. Berkeley is also home to the coffee mecca Peet's which unintentionally birthed Starbucks, its pale counterpart, when a couple of Peet's baristas fled to Seattle to startup a rival. And although the chains are slowly sneaking in (see the Wet Seal on Telegraph?), locals are fiercely loyal in supporting their hometown brands and you would be wise to do the same.

Quick Tips:

Eat a different cusine each night. Fuel up on java at Peets, Strada, or Milano. Have a boba drink (Taiwanese hot or cold tea/fruit drink with big tapioca balls).

Don't be afraid of the homeless people. They usually aren't at all threatening and the city helps to provide them with food and shelters. And I'm sure they get by on the money from the frequent foot traffic and the leftovers students give them on Telegraph. There are also some random rich kids posing as punks trying to get money for pot.

Go to Oakland. It's like the Brooklyn of the West Coast, funky, up-and-coming, with grit.

Try to avoid the Consumer Hell that is becoming Emeryville (IKEA is like Disneyland here).

Relax, dude. It's California.

Best Way To Get Around:

It's probably best to get around by car if you're going far from upper campus. However, beware the one-way streets! And darting students who defy traffic lights! And the ruthless parking meter maids! They will catch you. Best to park in a garage (one on Durant).

That said, go to a neighborhood, park, and walk. It's easy to miss tiny shops whizzing past you in a car.

Wood building, looks a bit crude, especially considering it's next to a post office (Clinton famously greeted the customers in line on his way to the restaurant).

Reserve up to a month in advance; for restaurant reservations, you must make a $25 credit card deposit. For the upstairs cafe, you have the option of a la carte, whereas the downstairs menu is set each night (see this site for featured menus). You could try waiting it out at the cafe if you don't have a reservation.

My roommate splurged and took me out for a special occasion. In surprising luck, we got a table in the cafe on the same day, due to a cancellation. I was slightly puzzled as to what "California cusine" entailed - fresh, local, organic stuff? I ordered a white fish with a strange vegetable. Everything was beautifully arranged and tasted fresh, full of new flavors. We felt out of our element, as students, but the staff treated us courteously. A worthwhile experience, nevertheless.

If I had to pick one place to eat in Berkeley, it would be beloved Thai House. When I came to Berkeley, I never saw so many Thai restaurants, nor had sampled the cuisine. Maybe that''s why I am so loyal to Thai House as the standard of Thai food.

It''s soo cheap. I''ve never had to wait. It''s right off Telegraph (near Rasputin''s and Mrs. Field''s).

Here is what you must order: garlic pepper pork, tofu and basil eggplant, and the duck. If you have more than three people, order two of the garlic pepper pork. Trust me. For dessert, have the fried banana with coconut ice cream. And clink those Thai iced teas!

Look for the line on Telegraph, and fuel up before diving into Amoeba's CD bins or Cody's bookshelves at this unparalleled sandwich, soup, and salad stop. You can get them in combination, everything is made fresh to order, how you like it. It's not a cold-cut shop, so get Subway off your mind. I love the salami and swiss! There are plenty of vegetarian options. The sweet grain bread is delish. And you get a pineapple slice! Be patient, your turn at the counter is coming!

It's the cheese--related to the neighboring Cheeseboard Collective, Cheeseboard Pizza is made fresh by its members. There's only one toppings style each day, and it varies day to day. So your biggest decision is 1 slice (actually 2 1/2 slices), 1/2 a pie, or a whole pie. No matter what, it's always good.

I've learned to love stuff like feta, peppers, corn, and onion on my pizza. Somehow, they can pull off anything. They are only open for three hours or so during lunch and dinner and are usually closed one day a week. Look for a line. After, if you can't snag a seat, make like the locals and eat on the grass meridian in the middle of the street. It's fun! People drive really well.

Now, I went to Chicago and went to the Pizzeria Uno's and was not impressed. I think I'm forever loyal to the Chicken Basil Stuffed Pizza. Granted, some say basil does not belong in a pizza. But it is so overwhelmingly good. I think it's the amazing tomatoes. I don't even like tomatoes and I devour them. Long wait is inevitable. You can also pick up a pizza (no delivery, order 45 minutes in advance over the phone), or pick up a half-baked one. The Solano location has a shorter wait, but I think the college one is more efficient.

I've been to all three Amoebas (others on Haight in SF, on Sunset in LA) and while this one is the original, it is sadly the smallest. However, this makes it cozy and less crowded. If you can't find it here, either in the new section, the newly arrived used section, the used section, or the clearance section, ask a staff member. There are nebulous categories (downtempo, dance, electronica) and the staggering selection can be overwhelming. There is also stuff stored below the bins, so you can be there for days.

The used section is a treasure trove of out of print, import, and singles treasures for very reasonable prices. But no bootlegs here.

Go to Amoeba. Now. If they don't have it, then go down Telegraph one block towards campus to Rasputin (which is sometimes cheaper for sales on new albums and often has cheaper used albums). If it's a new release and they don't have it either, I guess you can go to Tower (down another Telegraph block and up Durant).

Where the hipsters are at: Mod Lang. Situated in downtown Berkeley, they specialize in British imports, indie rock, electronica, classics and rare re-issues. They often have giveaways with purchases and have a website where you can order. It's a small space, with new and used CDs and vinyl. Sometimes they have in-store appearances. They also sponsor popscene, a Brit-pop club night in SF. It's located next to a quirky comic book store and a Cambodian restaurant. Hit Crepes A Go-Go across the street.

Near Indian Rock Avenue at Shattuck Avenue by the Solano area, Indian Rock is a large, natural rock formation set amongst houses in a neighborhood. It's really random. Steps are carved into the rock on two sides. There's the back way, which is more tricky than the longer front way. Either way, bring a buddy and witness the landscape of Berkeley, with Oakland, Albany, and San Francisco in the distance. It's an unparalleled 360 degree view and a lot more fun than riding the elevator in the Campanile at Berkeley's campus. It's also a great place for rock climbing. Go at sunset or sunrise.