"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
"Residents of Berkley can rejoice because they’ve got access to award-winning tacos in an unexpected space. Chef Amado Lopez was named a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category for the 2023 James Beard Awards for his work during the pandemic to transform the old Atomic Dog restaurant from a fledgling diner into a pop-up operation, and eventually a full-time taqueria. The specialty here is braised meats, such as the pork braised in red chiles, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, like the mushroom taco or vegan beans and rice. Guests still thinking about those Atomic Dogs can reminisce while enjoying Amado’s Sonoran hot dogs topped with bacon, green chiles, and garnishes of pickled onion, jalapeño, and roasted chile sauce. Casa Amado accepts online takeout orders as well as delivery orders through Toasttab and Uber Eats." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Residents of Berkley can look to an unexpected space for note-worthy tacos and other Mexican specialties. Chef Amado Lopez was named a 2023 James Beard semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category for his work during the pandemic to transform the former Atomic Dawg restaurant from a fledgling diner to a pop-up operation, and eventually a full-time taqueria. The specialty here is braised meats, such as the pork braised in red chiles, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, like the mushroom taco or vegan beans and rice. Guests still thinking about those Atomic hot dogs can reminisce while enjoying Amado’s Sonoran dogs topped with bacon, green chiles, and garnishes of pickled onion, jalapeño, and roasted chile sauce. Online ordering is available." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Residents of Berkley can rejoice because they’ve got access to award-winning tacos and other Mexican specialties in an unexpected space. Chef Amado Lopez was named a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category for the 2023 James Beard Awards for his work during the pandemic to transform the community’s Atomic Dawg hot dog restaurant from a fledgling diner to a pop-up operation and eventually a full-time taqueria. The specialty here is braised meats, such as the pork braised in red chiles, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, like the mushroom taco or vegan beans and rice. Guests still thinking about those Atomic Dogs can reminisce while enjoying Amado’s Sonoran hot dogs topped with bacon, green chiles, and garnishes of pickled onion, jalapeño, and roasted chile sauce. Online ordering is available. Best for: Tacos featuring a range of regional influences in a family-friendly atmosphere." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Amado Lopez, co-owner of Casa Amado in Berkley and a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category, echoes that sentiment." - Serena Maria Daniels