Things to Do in Berkeley (2025)

Alice Waters’s landmark still sets the standard for California cuisine, celebrating peak-season produce and relationships with local farms. Recognized with a Michelin Green Star and widely profiled by national outlets, it remains a defining Berkeley experience.

A worker-owned collective since 1971 turning out market-driven vegetarian pizzas, breads, and almost 400 cheeses. Celebrated by the San Francisco Chronicle and beloved by locals for its lively curbside scene and occasional lunchtime music.

A Tony Award–winning regional theater known for adventurous new work and smart revivals. Regularly covered by respected critics, it anchors the Downtown Arts District with premieres that often travel nationwide.

A nonprofit venue since 1968 championing folk, bluegrass, roots, and global traditions—with superb acoustics and community classes. Regularly praised by local arts editors, it’s a welcoming place to hear musicians up close.

Bold, community-rooted productions in a neighborhood theater across from Ashby BART. Frequently noted by Bay Area critics for inventive staging and accessibly priced tickets that keep the house buzzing with locals.

Pianist Sam Rudin’s 100-seat listening room revives vintage Berkeley club vibes—BYOB, sofas, and acoustically minded sets from jazz, blues, and folk players. Recommended by local guides for its artist-first focus.

Low-intervention wines poured in a relaxed urban tasting room and patio. Vogue spotlighted this 5th Street cluster as a natural-wine oasis; Broc’s lineup showcases organically grown California grapes with freshness and verve.

Pioneers of Berkeley’s natural-wine scene—early to orange wine and pét-nat—pouring flights in a laid-back warehouse tasting room. Frequently cited by local editors for sustainability and boundary-pushing styles.

A working sake brewery with a serene tasting room and exhibits on sake-making. The official site lists current hours; design details and cultural programming make this a distinctive Japanese American stop.

Four floors, 200,000-plus titles, and decades of literary history near campus. Documented by Berkeleyside and honored locally, Moe’s remains a cornerstone for browsing, author events, and the spirit of Telegraph Avenue.

A family-run institution renowned for elegant Northern Chinese dishes, from Peking duck to walnut prawns, paired with a deep cellar. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and praised by Bay Area critics.

This independently owned Mexican restaurant blends local produce with Oaxacan inspiration, plus a lush back patio and superb acoustics. The San Francisco Chronicle praised its cooking and design—still a prime downtown dinner choice.