Berkeley's 5 top cafes (that won't break the bank)

Berkeley's 5 top cafes (that won't break the bank)Fertile Grounds Cafe | Photo: Sofia K./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on August 23, 2019

Wondering where to find the best cafes near you?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable cafes in Berkeley, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to satisfy your cravings.

1. Nina's Cafe

Photo: Mahsa V./Yelp

Topping the list is Nina's Cafe. Located at 2703 Seventh St., Suite 159-160 (between Pardee and Carleton streets.), the cafe, which offers coffee, tea and more, is the highest-rated cheap cafe in Berkeley, boasting 4.5 stars out of 120 reviews on Yelp. 

According to the business' Yelp page, Nina's Cafe has been around since 1909. On the menu, you'll find breakfast burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, curry bowls, Caesar salads, hot pastrami sandwiches and more. 

2. Zing Cafe

Photo: Olivia P./Yelp

Next up is Zing Cafe, situated at 3051 Adeline St. (between Emerson and Essex streets). With 4.5 stars out of 92 reviews on Yelp, the cafe, which offers coffee, tea and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a budget-friendly option. 

The menu features croissant sandwiches, bagels and paninis, as well as affogato, gelato, espresso and more. 

3. Way Station Brew

Photo: Liz Z./Yelp

Way Station Brew, located at 2120 Dwight Way (between Shattuck Avenue and Fulton Street), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cheap cafe, coffee roastery and New American spot 4.5 stars out of 76 reviews. 

Here, you'll find fresh pastries, homemade scones, grilled cheese sandwiches and more. The cafe also offers beers on tap and espresso drinks like the house specialty — the Brooklyn Bear — a hybrid of a New York egg cream and espresso. The cafe also has an outdoor patio that is dog-friendly.

4. Abe's Cafe

Photo: chris m./Yelp

Abe's Cafe, a cafe that offers sandwiches and more, is another much-loved, cheap go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 82 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1842 Euclid Ave. (between Hearst Avenue and Ridge Road) to see for yourself.

The cafe serves up cobb salads, chicken tostadas, BLT sandwiches and quesadillas. When it comes to drinks, look for smoothies and fresh juices.

5. Fertile Grounds Cafe

photo: catherine s./yelp

Check out Fertile Grounds Cafe, which has earned four stars out of 255 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the cafe and breakfast and brunch spot, which offers coffee, tea and more, by heading over to 1796 Shattuck Ave. (between Delaware and Francisco streets). 

The two-level cafe has plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. On the menu, you'll find gourmet sandwiches like an eggplant sandwich or a Caprese sandwich, alongside breakfast options like scrambled eggs and breakfast sandwiches, iced chai tea, espresso drinks and more. 


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.