"Residents of Berkeley can look to an unexpected space for noteworthy tacos and other Mexican specialties. Chef Amado Lopez, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category, transformed the former Atomic Dawg restaurant from a fledgling diner to a pop-up operation, and eventually a full-time taqueria. While the tacos, made with braised meats such as the pork braised in red chiles, are enough to satisfy, visitors can still reminiscing about the Atomic Dawg days should try Amado’s Sonoran dogs topped with bacon, green chiles, and garnishes of pickled onion, jalapeño, and roasted chile sauce — all served on a toasted bun. Vegan Sonoran dogs and plain wieners are also available. Casa Amado accepts online takeout orders as well as delivery orders through Toasttab and Uber Eats." - Brenna Houck