The College of California at Berkeley wants no introduction, famed each and maybe equally for its top-notch teachers and as a coronary heart of the Sixties (and ongoing) Bay Space cultural revolution.
Based in 1969, the yr of the Summer time of Love, Individuals’s Park—on Haste Avenue simply off Telegraph—is a delegated historic landmark identified for its position as a gathering place for peaceable protests going again to the Free Speech Motion; as a public area for occasions resembling gardening and stay music; and as an open-air sanctuary for the unhoused.
Telegraph Avenue, a fundamental artery that leads proper as much as the doorway of campus, is a hub for colourful avenue distributors, worldwide eateries, and indie retailers with youthful vibes.
Whether or not you are a Cal scholar or simply visiting one, an out-of-towner absorbing Berkeley historical past, or a neighborhood taking part in vacationer in your individual yard, here is the place to eat, store, and luxuriate in a little bit of arts and tradition on Telegraph Avenue.
The place to Eat on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley
Seize a freshly made sandwich at Mezzo.
(Courtesy of @mezzo_berkeley)
Mezzo
Previously referred to as Cafe Intermezzo, Mezzo has been whipping up high quality sandwiches and salads since 1983. The intense and cheery environment consists of an out of doors patio with a bean bag toss and bocce court docket, in addition to indoor seating. Choose a sammy or salad from the menu, or construct your individual; crowd favorites embrace the B.L.T.A (honey-cured bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado) and the Berkeley Particular (selfmade hummus and recent veggies). Need a little bit little bit of each? Go together with the combo for simply $13. The menu additionally consists of customized breakfast burritos and loaded-up toasts. Mezzo is conveniently linked to native favourite bar Raleigh’s, so pop in subsequent door for a chilly beer or onerous cider to go together with your meal.// 2442 Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley), mezzo-berkeley.com
Romeo’s
The theme of the menu is evident: Romantically named coffees embrace the Immortal Kiss (espresso with notes of maple, butter, and pecan) and Mild My Hearth (espresso with darkish chocolate and salted caramel). Not trying to attempt one of many distinctive love potions? Romeo’s additionally makes killer staples resembling the favored iced vanilla latte. If you need a chunk to eat, you’ll fall for the Midnight to Thriller and Erotic Metropolis sandwiches, in addition to the avocado or almond butter banana toast. Convey your laptop computer and get some work executed in a comfy surroundings with upbeat tunes.// 2499 Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley), instagram.com/romeos_coffee
Little Gem Waffles
Since 2015, this the one joint making genuine Liege Belgian waffles within the Bay Space. When you have a candy tooth, that is place: Little Gem’s crispy-fluffy, small-batch brioche waffles are baked with pearl sugars and are available in signature creations such because the I’m Gemmin’ It (Nutella and recent strawberries) and Pearlicious (a “churroffle” with Nutella, Oreo, and toasted marshmallows). Desire one thing savory and wish a little bit protein? Go for the rooster and bacon. Little Gem is open day by day till midnight, so it’s an ideal spot to seize a late-night dessert.// 2468 Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley),littlegemwaffles.com
Berkeley Thai Home
Positioned simply off of Telegraph, this spot is beloved for its genuine Thai meals at respectable costs (calling all broke school children!). Sit down on the out of doors deck below hanging cherry blossoms and order the BTH combo to get an appetizer, entree, and drink for below $20. Crowd favorites embrace vegetable egg rolls, rooster gyoza, pad see ew, and, after all, Thai iced tea.// 2511 Channing Method(Berkeley), berkeleythaihouseonline.com
Sheng Kee
With row upon row of scrumptious, genuine Taiwanese pastries together with Mooncakes, custard-filled buns, and to-die-for tarts, Sheng Kee is a dessert-lover’s paradise. Add on a lychee boba drink or a Pete’s Espresso for a pick-me-up. // 2307 Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley), shengkee.com
Music, Books + Classic Procuring on Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley
Sift by means of classic data at Amoeba Music.
(Courtesy of @amoebaberkeley)
Moe’s Books
Moe’s Books is a Berkeley landmark since 1959, brimming to its rafters with classics and new releases and specializing in books on pictures, positive arts, and structure. Do not miss the distinctive Uncommon & Advantageous Arts division on the fourth ground, which is form of a retailer inside the retailer. You’ll be capable to discover virtually any guide you’re considering of, plus a number of pleasant surprises. // 2476 Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley), moesbooks.com
For Music Lovers
Given its historical past as a hub for hippies, creatives, and humanities lovers, it is little shock that Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue gave rise to a few best-in-class report shops. The OG Amoeba Music (2455 Telegraph Ave.) has a significantly spectacular number of music and films each new and used, and properly as an epic assortment of posters. // Opened in 1971, Rasputin Music(2401 Telegraph Ave) not solely sells classic vinyl, CDs, and DVDs however they’ll additionally purchase yours when it’s essential to make a little bit further money. For those who’re fortunate, you would possibly even see a star searching the shop—Oakland singer Kehlani is a fan. Each of those retailers have a number of places in California, however each originated right here.
For Classic Lovers
Cal style professionals on a price range are grateful for the array of classic retailers within the neighborhood. Girl-owned and -operated, Indigo Vintage(2505 Telegraph Ave.) is stocked with denim and distinctive clothes that mirror the artsy, fashionable vitality of Berkeley and prides itself on selling sustainability and showcasing native, impartial classic curators and designers. // Two tales tall with a cool inside, Mars Mercantile(2398 Telegraph Ave.) is a superb all-genders thrift spot for leather-based and denim jackets, patterned shirts, and slip clothes. // Additionally take a look at Anastasia(2360 Telegraph Ave.) for a big selection of latest and used clothes; stand-out items embrace funky-patterned units, classic windbreakers, and stylish equipment.
Arts + Tradition Round Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue
A present at The Greek is should on any Berkeley bucket listing.
(Courtesy of Greek Theatre)
Cal Performances
Positioned on campus at Zellerbach Corridor, Cal Performances supplies quite a lot of music, dance, and theater occasions; upcoming exhibits embrace the Dover Quartet, George Balanchine’s Jewels ballet, and a recital with Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov. Stroll down Telegraph then pop in and luxuriate in a efficiency. // 101 Zellerbach Corridor (Berkeley), calperformances.org
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
The stage at nonprofit Berkeley Rep is the place to see creative West Coast premieres resembling Emma Rice’s tackle Wuthering Heights (Nov. 2022) and Broadway and Tony Award–profitable performs resembling Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s (Jan. 2023). The theater additionally serves as an activist hub: It’s committed to fighting racism and likewise helps a pro-environment philosophy by means of using recycled and biodegradable supplies. // 2015-25 Addison St. (Berkeley),berkeleyrep.org
The Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley
Arms down our favourite live performance venue within the Bay Space, The Greek out of doors amphitheater has hosted a variety of spectacular bands and artists—assume Radiohead, Erykah Badu, and Billie Eilish. Upcoming performances embrace Robert Plant and Allison Kraus (Aug. 21), Leon Bridges (Sept. 7), and Jack Johnson (Sept. 28). Arrive early to seize the perfect seat! // 2001 Gayley Rd. (Berkeley), thegreekberkeley.com
Cal Sports activities
Put on your navy and gold and sit at one among Cal’s PAC-12 sports activities video games. Whether or not you determine on a basketball sport at Haas Pavilion or a soccer sport on the California Memorial Stadium, you’ll really feel the Golden Bear spirit from the loud chanting of Cal college students. The primary soccer sport of the season takes place September third in opposition to UC Davis. // 2227 Piedmont Ave. (Berkeley), calbears.com
Berkeley Artwork Museum & Pacific Movie Archive (BAMPFA)
Take a detour downtown to go to BAMPFA, which presents greater than 400 movie screenings, a minimum of 15 exhibitions per yr, and dozens of public packages for guests to get pleasure from. Shows are curated to signify the range and creativity of Berkeley. Enjoyable truth: BAMPFA holds the most important assortment of Japanese cinema outdoors of Japan. Cease by the artwork gallery for breathtaking sights; with a big monochromatic silver exterior, it’s onerous to overlook. // 2155 Heart St. (Berkeley), bampfa.org