Visiting Downtown Berkeley, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Berkeley neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Cajun restaurant to a sandwich shop.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Downtown Berkeley, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. John's Ice Cream
Topping the list is John's Ice Cream. Located at 2204 Shattuck Ave. (between Allston Way and Kittredge Street.), it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 654 reviews on Yelp.
The ice cream comes in a variety of flavors, from classics like espresso, caramel, cookies and cream and coconut, to more exotic options such as mocha almond fudge, Thai tea, guava and lychee.
2. El Burro Picante
Next up is Mexican spot El Burro Picante, situated at 2021 University Ave. (between Milvia Street and Shattuck Avenue). With four stars out of 498 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
At El Burro Picante, the salsas and Mexican drinks horchata and agua fresca are made daily, while the chips and guacamole are handmade. On the menu, anticipate traditional Mexican fare like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more.
3. Cinnaholic
Bakery and vegan spot Cinnaholic, which offers desserts and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 2132 Oxford St. (between Allston Way and West Entrance), 4.5 stars out of 1,567 reviews.
Cinnaholic offers over 20 unique frosting flavors and a variety of toppings on cinnamon rolls. On the menu, look for cake batter, banana cream, maple, raspberry coffee and more frosting flavors. Other bakery items include brownies, cookies and cinnacakes, which include up to five toppings.
4. Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen
Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen, a Cajun/Creole, Southern and seafood spot, is another high-traffic neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 4,087 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2261 Shattuck Ave. (between Allston Way and Kittredge Street.) to see for yourself.
The menu features specialty items such as jambalaya (roasted chicken, tasso ham and andouille sausage), shrimp Creole (with zesty tomato sauce over rice and green beans), the Cajun mixed grill (anouille sausage, baby back ribs, grilled shrimp over remoulade salad and potato salad) and the muffuletta sandwich (salami, mortadella, provolone cheese and olive salad).
5. The Butchers Son
Finally, check out The Butchers Son, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 1,088 reviews on Yelp. You can find the traditional American spot at 1954 University Ave. (between Milvia Street and Bonita Avenue).
The Butchers Son offers signature deli sandwiches and salads along with weekend brunch. Menu standouts include the chicken grinder with lemon herbed chicken, bacon, pepper jack cheese, a pickled jalapeño and tomato; the Buffalo bacon ranch fried chicken served on a toasted kaiser roll; and the roast beef Reuben on rye bread with Russian dressing, grilled mozzarella, grilled onion and sauerkraut. Click here for the full menu.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
