Berkeley Cafe

Recently reopened in their new location. Food and staffing in good shape already, though they have yet to get the front sign up. Fresh made food is creative with the fresh chips being excellent!

Lots of convenient parking options in the city deck and surface lots.

Awesome little dive bar, very quaint atmosphere but wow the sandwiches were killer. Stellar local vibes, everyone was chill and friendly. Upset I've been living right next to it all this time without stopping by.

Fried banana peppers ruled, way better than fried pickles

Great little hole in the wall place. Had been many years since last visit, and although there had been changes such as closing off the side room and bringing in the vintage bar from Sadlack's, the grill and overall feel has definitely aged well. Really enjoyed the 'back stage' covered patio area out back; the musical trio this evening were amazing. The cafe staff and patrons were friendly, food tasty with good portions and fair prices, and over all had a really enjoyable time. Highly recommend.

Great hospitality, a very welcoming little cafe to ALL people. There was different board and card games to play, very entertaining. I got the "Shut up and Eat It". Best thing I've ever eaten in my life, was blown away how good it was. I recommend the food here. Good prices as well. Had a blast here. Food portions are great. Everyone is friendly here, a quality place you need to visit.

I love finding diners, so naturally I found Berkeley Cafe. Yes, it's divey but the food is excellent (seriously), full bar, good beer selection.

Simple spot without the pretenousness of the hipster spots. Berkeley Cafe is always a hit.

They have a great live music and open mic culture established too. Most vibey back patio in downtown too. Iykyk

Very simple and very good.

Kids friendly too.

Excellent sandwiches, people, and personal service that isn’t stuffy. This cafe makes you feel like you are at your friend’s house for lunch. So I’ve spent the week ordering three different sandwiches, like the Turkey applejack and Skillinator, which were two of many famous menu items from Sadlack’s Heroes. If you aren’t local, ask someone about this icon of Raleigh lunchtime.
Be greeted with the smell of bacon on the grill, Elvis Costello playing in the background, and some of the best vibes. The bread is fresh, and the balance of flavors are just simple. No hubris –and without hurting your wallet. Rock n’ roll on a bun.
I’m posting two pictures today and I’ll make sure I add the captions and descriptions later.

Whether you're an old Raleigh head or a fresh Raleigh transplant, you can't miss this authentic Raleigh institution. Great food and good vibes abound at the Berkeley Cafe. The spirit (and menu) of Sadlacks lives on.... and while you're there, check out their super cool community garden!

I cannot say enough great things about Berkeley Cafe! I went yesterday for the first time and had the BEST Philly cheesesteak I’ve had in a long time. The house made chips were amazing (very crunchy). Prices for food and beers are fair especially for the area. Service was great too! Highly recommend.

Good food at great prices.
Love how attentive the staff was.
A little hot inside, but I cooled off nicely with some brews.
I love the use of "hippy" vibe below in an earlier review. Come for the beer and food, stay for the music.

We went to watch a friend play live music the other evening. Chill bar, very nice staff, and pretty good prices for Raleigh. We ordered these nachos covered in everything and they were delicious. Took forever to find parking, but the bar itself was great!

My 5 star might not be your 5 star. But if you like good sandwiches, burgers, and beer, and good music, then this is a good place to go. Relaxed hippy vibe, the music ranges from young bands just launching their careers to seasoned veterans, mostly rock and blues, but a place not afraid to go to the edges. Highly recommended.

Love this little dive bar spot! Great attentive staff, delicious cold beer, affordable prices, fun music. They even had tea, hot cider, and coffee (no decaf sadly). Would certainly come back for a quick beer and chat with locals!

Good food, cool staff, fun vibe. Reasonable prices. HUGE portions too, which is nice because the grocery store was out of tots when I went the other day. Now I’m all set.

Great hangout for affordable beer and great sandwiches. Good place to see a wide variety of clientele chatting and enjoying life.

Food was amazing. Bartender was the only server and he was slammed but he did a great job keeping up. Nice little local place for a quick meal and local entertainment.

We asked the smoke shop next door where they would recommend for lunch. He said he always went next door. I have to say that I had the best Philly Cheesesteak ever 😋 we had wonderful service and a great time on our afternoon off from the State Fair. I will definitely go again 😊

Great service! Good food and live music. Great pre-concert stop.

Such a great place to enjoy great food, drinks and awesome live music!!! Staff is always friendly and attentive!!

Very attentive staff, they greet you as soon as you sit down. Prices were excellent. Food and drink options were good especially for such a small place. It's like a diner in a way that's also a bar. A little old/dirty but that's kind of the charm of it with it being a smaller, local, simple, long-time option for downtown. Definitely recommend it if you have a smaller group or for two. Good hours too, open lunch till midnight every day (till 9pm Sundays). Oh and we had live music when we went on Friday nights. Which was nice, a little loud, but the type of music was chill enough where it didn't ruin the experience.

If you live in the area you have to come here! Food is good I recommend the Buffalo wings. House drinks are at 5.50 and they are pet friendly inside.