Cali Alley

Nice little restaurant in the cut , big food coming across the window! Take your time to find this little gem just off San Pablo in Berkeley. I had a tri-tip sandwich, it was so big I literally needed a cherry picker to get it out of the box. Tri-tip with thinly sliced seasoned with salt and perfect smoke , super tender and bathed in coleslaw . French fries were so amazing everybody at the table just helped themselves. You definitely want to get another order of those if you're with friends. It's rare that you find a homemade fry that's actually good these people do it extremely well. My friend is a fan of waffles and pancakes and was thrilled to see a waffle on the menu that was also fabulous. Mac and cheese was tasty and came in as one of the cheapest items on the menu but didn't lack flavor or size. Can't wait to come back.

Best fried chicken sandwich I've had (and I've had a few) and consistently good! Great spot to relax too

This place is a bit hidden, especially at night. But I'm so glad we found it. The food was very good. I got the chicken sandwich. It was soo good, crispy and big! Cheesecake was amazing, small though. We got it with fresh blueberries . So good. It's well lit at night and the heaters were on if you want to sit in the patio area (although they weren't up as high as I would've like because I was still pretty cold). But it's a cute, cozy ducked off spot.

I had the tofu bowl. It was fresh and the flavors were excellent. With tax and tip, it came in just under $20. A little pricey but everything is expensive now with this inflation. I’d definitely go back to have it again if I’m in that part of town.

We spent $80 on lunch and they wouldn’t even let my daughter use their bathroom. Forgivable if lunch was good but it was pretty bad :/ burgers and shrimp both super over cooked.

Very cute small outdoor dining area, quick service. I had the Cali alley burger and it was delicious and a good size without being too tall and messy like many other burger places. The fries were crispy and fluffy! Will definitely come back

Patio only, pet friendly dining with a walk-up order window. My Cali Alley burger was cooked perfectly and served with crispy fries. My new furry friend from the next table was silently imploring me to share. Maybe next time, Milo!

Fantastic Burger to be had at this place. It was juicy and the tritip on top was excellent. Fries were crispy and tasty. it deservers it's spot on the best burgers in the Bay lists.

Fast, Delicious, never had chicken that juicy in my life and the cinnamon butter was to die for!

A real pandemic success story here. One of the most exciting new businesses to open up in West Berkeley in the past couple of years. The Fat Cat is probably the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. Seriously, when I need to convince my out-of-town friends that living in California is worth the hassle, i take them here. The other food is really good, too, but I just keep coming back for that Fat Cat... I really like the casual outdoor space, too, good vibes.

Came here on a Friday afternoon, and guess what: it was happy hour! I honestly don't remember the time or what percentage discount we got off our order, but in this economy, I'll take what I can get! Ended up getting the Banh Mi Burger, Mac n' Cheese, and Cuban Mojo Braised Pork. The banh mi burger was cooked well; it just fell apart as I was eating it. The Mac n' Cheese was solid. The braised pork was just okay. It seemed on the drier side as I was eating it. Not sure what cut they used, but it could have been more moist. Food-wise, I'd give this somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. Rounding up on the review since they had the happy hour discount though! No restroom, and all seating is outdoors.

Super cute little spot in their own alley, literally! Food was delicious, good portions! Overall we'll be back!

Came for lunch and parking is a bit of a beat down. They offer outside seating only with picnic tables both shaded and in the sun and there is no customer bathroom offered. The menu is absolutely mouth watering. I finally selected the Pork Bao Buns. Ordered at the window, picked up a couple of cups of ice cold water and hand towelettes that are self serve as are lots of condiments. When our buzzer went off and we picked up the food from the window it was hot, so it appears to be made to order. My Bao buns did not disappoint and came with a side sauce, marinated cucumbers and rice with slabs of pineapple. Even though you are outdoors they keep the area and tables very clean, and for those not ordering take out, the dishes (plates and cups) are not disposable, which is really nice. Great place to grab and go if you are in the area. They also play great music at the right volume that you can enjoy when the the loud whatever it is is not running.

I tried the fat cat fried chicken sandwich and truffle fries. It was really good and large size so I split it over two days. I definitely want to come back and try more things

One line review: Came for the burger, coming back for the Mojo Pork Plate. We went on date night because a good friend highly recommended the burger. We ordered their special burger -- an avocado bacon cheeseburger -- and a Mojo Pork Plate. We also got a Thai iced tea with boba. The burger was fine -- decent meat, a good portion -- but it was not especially well-seasoned or flavorful. The fries were noticeably better than average, apparently double fried or lightly battered. The beverage was fine, though a bit sweet for our taste with the brown sugar boba. But the big winner of the evening was the Mojo Pork Plate -- a generous portion of tender, delicious pork with cabbage fried rice, black beans, and maduros -- delicioso! We wished it were spicier, but we always wish that... Thankfully, they have a number of hot sauces, and we generally bring our own! Parking was free in the neighborhood, and we found it relatively quickly. The service was kind and responsive. Bottom line: We'll be back and definitely get the Mojo plate. We /might/ give the burger another chance.

Tasty lunch! I ordered a smoked tri tip sandwich (sorry about the picture - I should have turned the platter around) with fries. Tender beef, gooey cheese, slaw was crunchy, and somehow the bun held together until it was all gone. Fries were crispy, and how cool is the little basket they came in? My wife got pork belly banh mi, and offered me a bite. Nice sear on the meat, nice chew on the bath. Seating is outside in a little patio area, and today was sunny and breezy, so very comfortable. They have a couple gas heaters in place for cooler weather. Not crowded, so can't say how loud it might get - except for the air conditioner that kicked on a couple times. That was my only complaint, really. They take orders at a window and send food out another, so service is ok as long as you can live without tableside attention. Food was out in less than 10 minutes, which no doubt was paced by the pork belly. We'll be going back, for sure!

I got the Banh Mi burger. The burger was good but I don't know why they insist on making it too thick to actually be able to eat. And the bun they used was not very good. Fries were great but I have to take off three stars because I couldn't actually eat my burger.

Just Ordered The Surf And Turf Special Excellent Flavor And Taste Thank You So Much Really Appreciated Cali Alley The Best

Was in the area and decided to try this place out! So glad we did! We had our pup with us so this was the perfect place to have lunch. There is no indoor seating, but they have lots of nice outdoor seating, with shade. You order and then find a spot to sit. They'll buzz you when your food is ready to pick up from the window and afterwards, you bus your table. We loved everything we ordered: Truffle Parmesan Garlic Fries (geez this was HUGE!), Mint Limeade (so refreshing for a summer day), Waffle (next time I wanna try the chicken and waffle! The waffle itself was delicious too), and the Tofu Bao Buns. I will say entrees are meat-heavy so there aren't too many vegetarian options besides the grilled tofu. We thoroughly enjoyed it though! Would definitely go back again next time we're in the area!

The name of the establishment is apt, as they really are located down an alley and they offer eclectic California comfort foods. There are no inside dining; just several large wooden picnic tables with umbrellas. Great place if you enjoy outdoor dining, but be warned that the wind can be brisk. You order at the window and get a buzzer. My friend and I had the fried chicken sandwich with fries and the pork belly baos. I enjoyed my baos. The pork bellies were tender and seasoned well, and I liked the chopped peanuts, julienned carrots, pickled jalapeño peppers and cilantro toppings. They also provided a small portion of the house bao sauce, which I gladly poured over the baos. There's also a side dish of vegi fried rice and grilled pineapple. My friend's fat cat fried chicken sandwich was filled with a huge fat slice of butter milk fried chicken. She enjoyed it very much but could only consume half of it. There are a lot of interesting things to try on the menu so I plan to be back.

I've been here before and the food was good. This time the burger was a disappointment. Not juicy at all. The french fries were lukewarm. I told the cashier that I wanted fries only if they were hot otherwise just give me a salad. There was only one other customer there. No clue how they messed up my order.

Just great foos. I fund thus place while walking. Great food and big portions. Service is friendly.

Cali Alley is an immediate favorite for me. The food is consistently delicious. They smoke the meats themselves! The pork belly is the best I've ever had, it's actually meaty not just fatty! The flavors are all ravishing. The boa buns have me hooked, my goodness. I love all the confinements they come with. Pickled jalepanos, pickles, cilantro, carrot and crushed peanuts. My coworker always gets the brunch burger and it is huge, juicy and loaded with flavor! The fries are absolutely delicious. There isn't table service, you order at the window. The folks working are super helpful and accommodating. The overall ambiance is super chill. There are several large outdoor wooden benches and a couple or high tops. They have a water jug outside to grab your own water but they also sell drinks like soda, fresh made mint limeade and milkshakes. Needless to say, I'm obsessed!

What a wonderful little neighborhood gem!! Thank you YELP . I had a doctors appointment in the area and didn't know what was around so I used YELP and found this cute place in the residential area off San Pablo in a little alley way with a garden type outdoor seating area. Walked up to the order window and asked for their popular sandwich. She recommended the friend chicken sandwich and I got their homemade habanero hot sauce on the side (which was HOT - but sooo yummy). It came with fries . Would definitely come back!

I had my first visit to this wonderful little hidden lunch/dinner spot in West Berkeley. I'm allergic to cow's cheese which can make for pedestrian burger experiences but this was one of the BEST "regular" burgers I've ever had anywhere! Perfectly ground, super "clean" tasting beef was topped with delicious pickled onions, a thick beefsteak tomato slice, a crisp wedge of lettuce, (Iceberg?) a mustardy spread and sat on a gorgeous brioche or Challah bun, (not sure which but soooo good!) The generous helping of seasoned fries were a delicious surprise. Having worked in restaurants a long time myself I really appreciate two things about this place, it's "Black Owned" and pay their employees a "living wage!" I support both of these efforts and I feel this place is a complete package: Great food and policies! I will definitely be back and will bring my friends!

In a cute alley in Berkeley. The loco moco was delicious and the boys really liked their chicken and waffles and burgers. Great presentation.The chicken was fried in a flavorful light batter and very juicy inside.

Solid place. We went for work lunch and I didn't know this place was there. Located down an alley near 900 Grayson. Go on a nice day the seating is all out doors, but in Berkeley there are plenty of pretty days. We ordered a variety of food and everyone loved everything. I did not order fries but I had some and it was delicious. I ordered the steam buns with pork belly and it was amazing. Good prices, great food.

I have a $100 gift certificate on my Door Dash Account. I ordered a hamburger through Door Dash with CALI ALI and had difficulty ordering so used the "help"chat " and spent a half an hour with Door Dash to no avail. I called CALI ALI to order directly and pick up the order myself. They were VERY nice and helpful. I am not happy with Door Dash to say the least. The food at CALI ALI is wonderful. The Door Dash ordering process did not work for me. That is not CALI ALI's fault but it was not convenient and I would never try to make an order with CALI ALI using Door Dash again.

loved this place! their loaded mac n cheese and cabbage were my favorites, really tasty and filling plates

Tried this place out for the first time. The Chefs burger was insane! So much flavor! Not for the faint of heart though as it's a big burger. Come hungry! Fries were good also. My sister said the Cuban Mojo was delicious! Will definitely be back.

The food choices, presentation and taste were all amazing. And the decor is breathtaking - greenery galore! Just gorgeous! The service was fast and friendly. Try Cali Alley. You will not be disappointed.

Came across this spot on DoorDash and was not dissapointed. I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich and truffle fries and a side of loaded mac n cheese. First of all let me say the portions are HUGE! Secondly, everything was packed with FLAVOR. Definitely will be paying this spot a visit in person.

Such a great spot! Really enjoy the food and always enjoy interacting with their staff

They made a wonderful Thanksgiving "complete" meal for our family that was amazing!!!! And we picked it up at a designated time so it was totally ready to eat right then! Highly recommend!!!! Really well done.

Their loss is my gain. I ordered a burger and mac and cheese and someone goofed. I ended up with two burgers I didn't order including the chicken sandwich. The wasn't sure what happened but I hope whoever got my order had the same pleasant surprise. The burgers and chicken sando are spot on in taste, preparation and presentation. Definitely high level burgers and flavor profiles. Will be back to try my original order and more!

On a whim the family and decide to get some take out and this place for my husbands dream of a big burger, mine of a decked out salad and our sons of a kids meal with Mac and cheese. I was highly skeptical as comfort food places have burnt me many times before. We were astonished to find everything we ordered was expertly cooked and absolutely delicious. The chef today clearly knew what he was doing. We didn't visit the restaurant but I will be in the future. Might be one of our new favorite spots. I might have to stay away from the fries though as they were addictive, yum!

Omg! The Tri Tip sandwich with fries is amazing! I'm from Texas and this is the bet smoked meat I've had out here. Sandwiches are huge! Adorable pop up type restaurant in an alley with outdoor seating. I ordered at noon time for 6 pm pickup and it was ready when I arrived at 6pm. I'll definitely he back!

Dear lord this was the best burger I have ever eaten. I got the brunch burger. This shit was so good I forgot where I parked my car. It's a counter service place and my food came out pretty quick. It's all outdoor seating but they have good shade so it wasn't too hot. I am so full. Praise god

A nice little surprise. A small little spot with a cool vibe but only outdoor seating. A pretty large menu some pretty tempting items. I went for the loco moco and it was..ok. I really like the mushrooms but the beef patty could've had a bit more flavor/salt. My cousin had the bao buns which I should've tried. This all to say, the menu had so much I wanted to try that I'd probably come back. Eat well or die trying. -ant

Good hidden spot for a casual lunch. I went at a random time on a weekday afternoon so it was pretty empty but parking was still difficult to come by. For being located in an alley, the ambiance was still quite nice with lots of succulents around. It's a very casual restaurant where the seating is all outside in the alley. You order your food from a window and they give you a beeper that goes off when your food is ready. I did note that there aren't that many tables so it doesn't seem great for larger groups. Even though the restaurant was near empty they said my burger would take 15 minutes so I'd suggest ordering ahead online if you don't want to wait. I just got the Cali Alley burger so I can't say much about the other food but I enjoyed eating it, and the burger patty is fat enough that you can request how you like your burger to be cooked. I asked for a rare/medium rare and they nailed it. The fries were also cooked well; they had a nice crisp on the outside while still being tender on the inside. My two complaints about the food is that I had to pay an extra $2 for cheese on my burger, which I didn't realize because the photo of the Cali Alley burger they show on their website has cheese on it. The second complaint is that they serve pickles with their burgers but don't state it anywhere! Which I definitely think they should warn customers because pickle juice can ruin a burger for us pickle haters.

The food was really good. Ordered a smoked tri-tip sandwich with a side salad. The brioche bun was filled with a generous amount of tender tri-tip and smothered in slaw. A portion of bbq sauce was served on the side along with a salad of greens, tomatoes and fresh corn. So good! You order at the window, pick up your order when your buzzer rings, and self bus your table. Tables are all outside with music playing. This place is a hidden gem.

We came here partially based on the fantastic yelp reviews and because it is within walking distance of Berkeley Bowl, my favorite grocery store. Wow, what a find! Although the ribs were not as tender and fall-off-the-bone as I would've liked, the bbq sauce was out of this world! They have their own special recipe for the sauce and it is the best bbq sauce I've ever tasted! LOL, I can't believe I almost ate part of the paper to get at the very last vestiges of sauce. Hubby shared a bite of his Cali Alley burger with me and it was so good, I'm already thinking of when I can get one for myself. All the sides were so delicious right down to the house made vinaigrette on their salad. As with the bbq sauce, I loved the vinaigrette which was so light and tangy with hints of garlic and onion. Both bbq sauce and vinaigrette were so delicious that I just had to ask if I could buy some from them to take home. What a blessing, they sell some of both in small containers! Looking forward to going back to try their other things!

I order from Cali Alley alot when I want that good good comfort food and they never disappoint. I have never been inside the restaurant, only delivery. Everything I have ever ordered from them arrives hot, delicious, perfect portion size and from a friendly delivery person. Today I got the Loco Moco and WOW was it good. So good I had to call the store and thank them "in person". The sunny side up egg was cooked to perfection. My burger was ordered medium and THANK GOODNESS for a chef who understands what that means. It was perfectly pink where it should be and browned around the edges. The kale and gravy that the loco moco sat on top of was so flavourful. I can tell that love went into this meal. The veggie rice was the perfect thing to soak up all that goodness, and perfectly seasoned. I will always frequent Cali Alley but the Loco Moco is going on the list of meals to order again.

**4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars** This was one of the best deals I found for Berkeley restaurant week, which is ending 3/31/21 -- you can pick an entree (usually $14-$19), a dessert (either chocolate Creme de pot or Nonna's cheesecake, which are usually $5-$6), and a drink (either agua fresca or sangria, which are usually $5-$6) for ONLY $20! I've been meaning to try this place for awhile and once I saw there was a deal going on, I thought it was a sign to finally check it out. Alley Bao Buns w/ Pork Belly: the pork belly is braised super well and the entire bun is full of flavor. Hold off on the sauce that comes on the side because I got a bit excited and put too much on, which ended up being really salty. The fried rice is also a bit crispy in some parts, but in a good way..I actually really liked it but don't know if that's just me haha. The bun bao itself is a bit dry and I wish there was a bit more pork belly in the ratio, but I still liked it. Alejandro Burger: this is delicious and the patty was cooked to medium rare as requested. Eating this was super messy though so be prepared. All burgers come with fries and let me just say THESE FRIES ARE THE BEST IN THE BAY AREA (that I've had so far). They have this exact statement in their online menu and I thought it was just optimistic advertising but it's true...they're crispy, well seasoned, and perfect. Nonna's cheesecake: really nice balance of sweetness and tartness from berry compote with a great crust on the bottom. didn't mean to finish all of this as fast as we did. Chocolate pot de Creme: super velvety and rich dark chocolate flavor. Eat this before the cheesecake otherwise it will just taste bitter. For the drinks, the sangria was okay as I wish there was more fruit or flavor from fruit in general, but the mint limeade was great (tart and minty). I really enjoyed the food from here and would want to come back to try the barbacoa plate, since it was out when I came. Cali Alley is also a black-owned business, so eating here is another great way to support the community. Don't miss out on your chance to try this place! Even if restaurant week is over, the food here is worth checking out anyways.

Yes! Yaaas! Yum!!! Tucked into a little driveway, sits one of Berkeley's hidden gems. Originally a catering business, Mr. Dov pivoted and made a pick-up spot because let's face it, people need good food and good people in bad times. Yo! No joke! That barbacoa beef plate with the plantain! Sheesh! Fire as my students would say or write in their papers. Chill, we can fight over writing conventions later on another platform. I'm settling beef now. There's so much flavor in this dish with that tender barbacoa and the plantain on top of the beans for a little flavor dance on the tongue. Not to mention Mr. Dov and Ms. Jenn were the friendliest people! I was singing "It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood" when giving my order. Funny, with the mask on, you can feel their good energy. Tip: if the cooks are friendly and genuinely excited when describing their food, then you know the food will be bomb!!! Cali Alley! I'm coming back for that chicken sandwich!!!

We discovered Cali Alley on UberEats and ordered delivery for a Grilled Prawn Rice Bowl and Alley Beyond Burger for my vegetarian boyfriend. While the menu is Thai/Vietnamese fusion-inspired and meat-heavy, there are some standout vegetarian options like the Beyond burger and tofu-based things like grilled tofu bao and a meatless tofu version of the rice bowl I got. The order was very thoughtfully packaged with a hand-written thank you on the bag, 2 pieces of candy, and biocompostable plasticware. Most importantly, the food was really good. All the ingredients were fresh and perfectly prepared; from the perfectly cooked and separated grains of rice in my rice bowl (you know how much rice matters to me!) to the fresh roasted corn straight off the cob in the side salad that came with the burger. Absolutely yummy. I do however think everything is substantially overpriced. $19 for a burger, $18 for a bowl of fried rice with 4 pieces of shrimp... it was really good, but like $5 more than what I'm willing to pay for for casual fare. I know it is advertised as "artisan" but quality and taste-wise, it isn't significantly higher-end than other places in the area. I wholeheartedly support this small business and recommend you give them a try, but don't think my wallet will allow me to dine here regularly. Yet it's not necessarily a special occasion establishment either, but rather an awkward in-between.

Great variety of dishes to choose from! You got some Asian style rice bowls, Hawaiian-based Loco Moco, and Southern mac n' cheese. I'm really here to speak on the mac because, oh my word, it was amazing! On point in terms of creamy and cheesy! This is primarily a small outdoor location so I noticed many patrons pick up their food to go.

This has been on my "To Eat" list for almost 2 years, I told myself now or never! Parking here is scarce and difficult to be prepared to finesse and figure it out. I could have ordered online, but I decided to order in person so I knew what they actually had on the menu. Ordering was simple and easy, there isn't an "inside" because it's an ordering window set up and they have a few tables for outdoor seating. They also have cornhole games to enjoy as you wait for your food. I ordered the Cali Alley burger with a side of fries, the fried chicken plate and a mint limeade. After ordering I realized I should have order the Loco Moco burger, there's always next time. That mint limeade was delish and refreshing (I wonder if it's homemade?). I switched my fries with my moms sides because she preferred fries. The mac & cheese and berms were alright, nothing to crazy about them. I enjoyed my burger, it was juicy and flavorful. Definitely a quality meal. If your able to "dine-in" I would recommend you do. It's a cute place to have a nice lunch, with a backyard vibe. If I'm able to come back I'll get either the Loco Moco burger or the ribs (I know that meat falls off the bone!)

They messed up my order. I ordered 2 meals, 1 of which was the tri tip sandwich and paid extra to upgrade the fries to garlic truffle fries. They gave me regular fries and the sandwich was cold. And I got there early and was waiting on the order, so it wasn't an issue of the food getting cold before I picked it up. UPDATE: Management contacted me and made things right. It is very refreshing to have people who care about their customers and want their customers to have a good experience.

Cali Alley is a sister operation to an ongoing catering operation. a few tables outside for dining. not much street parking in the area. offerings: burgers, bbq, bowls, eats: "St. Louis BBQ" (18)' -"dry rubbed with special mix, slow roasted, served with chocolate BBQ sauce". -mac & cheese slighty runny, had nice texture & flavor, salad just crunchy. -Ribs had a nice char, inside meats tender, moist, minimalist flavoring sauce added a nice sweetness to naturalist meats *big bones on the inside. 3.5 stars wouldn't repeat BBQ, a burger maybe

Best fries ever!!! The rest of the food was great too. It's a really small place- literally in a well landscaped little alleyway with only a few outside tables, but it's all scrumptious. Such a great spot!!

This restaurant is literally a window in an alley. It started during the Covid shutdown and was a great gift at the time when very few places were offering much. Now there are tables with strung lights outside. I've only ever gotten the burgers and only to go. The burgers are absolutely amazing!! They carefully pick what meats are ground together, and everything else, including sauces and fries, are equally epic. Outstanding quality and flavor. Possibly the best burgers I've ever had. I order online, then drive 15 minutes to pick them up. They're always ready before I get there. I've never had to wait. The small staff is cheerful and never seems to forget anything. Highly, highly recommended!

Super fresh and delicious local spot. Salads are crisp, fresh and perfectly dressed. Prawns were well seasoned. The banh mi burger was ridiculous with smoked brisket, pork belly, picked greens -- more banh mi than banh mi. The fries and mint limeade were also top notch. Can't wait to try more.

What a hidden gem! Tucked into an inconspicuous spot down the block from Teance (where btw they will allow you to bring food from here to have with your tea) with outdoor seating only serving sandos, burgers, rice bowls and flavor! (And Double Rainbow ice cream!) My fellow gluten intolerants, you know that moment when you're eating something and you're like, "Wait! This is too good to be gluten free" and you go back to check with the kitchen! Yeah, you do. That happened to me here! Because they have DELICIOUS gluten free hamburger buns! Fluffy, soft, does not fall apart when it gets juicy from the perfectly cooked burger that is actually cooked medium! They only have one menu item labeled gluten free but I think you can ask for sauces and such to be left off to make items gluten free. I had the Ban Mí pork belly burger minus the glaze and it was yum! Even the side salad was super good! As were the fries which had a lovely spice blend. Their staff was super nice, they played good music, and it was chill vibes all around.

The west coast has a bbq place and you will never guess where it is...Berkeley! Each item combines classic bbq elements with California freshness and flavor. Hidden in the back of what appears to be someone's garage this truly is an oasis.

All outdoor eatery featuring delicious, hefty serving food and drinks! Pork belly was solid. Good service and love the ambience with the market/fairy lights outside. It was Halloween when we went, so there were extra decorations, too.

Finally went back for that burger and I have been converted! BEST BURGER IN THE EAST BAY! Creative toppings, hot & juicy, a very generous side of crispy fries. No joke, best fries in the bay. They even made the drive home crispy and hot. Super filling. Super generous huge portions. Customer service is still A+. I will be back!!!!