Welcome to Berkeley Cafe
Welcome to Berkeley Cafe, your go-to destination in Raleigh for satisfying, laid-back dining. Nestled at 428 S Dawson St, this unassuming gem specializes in mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches, alongside a vibrant bar scene. With a commitment to inclusivity, Berkeley Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian options and is accessible for all. The atmosphere buzzes with live music and karaoke, making it the perfect spot for social gatherings, late-night bites, and family-friendly meals. Diners rave about the attentive service and the inventive specials, ensuring each visit is a delightful surprise. Join us and savor the warmth of community and great food!
- 428 S Dawson St Raleigh, NC 27601 United States Hotline: (919) 828-9190
Welcome to Berkeley Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, at 428 S Dawson St. Known for its casual yet vibrant atmosphere, Berkeley Cafe specializes in burgers and sandwiches that cater to a diverse audience, from meat lovers to vegetarians. With a myriad of options, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
The cafe isn’t just about food—it's an experience. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating options, and the space is wheelchair accessible, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. The venue strikes a fine balance with its moderate noise level, making it ideal for both casual lunches and late-night hangouts. Berkeley Cafe also offers a full bar, complete with happy hour specials, making it a popular choice for groups looking to unwind.
What makes Berkeley Cafe particularly special is not only the delicious food but also the welcoming environment and attentive service. From burgers stacked high with quality ingredients to seasonal sandwich specials that wow every palate, the food here reflects a commitment to flavor. Customer reviews frequently highlight dishes like the “Shut Up and Eat It” special that showcases the chef's creativity. Diners rave about the quality, freshness, and unique flavors. For example, the fried chicken sandwich paired with crunchy slaw has become a staple favorite for many.
- Utilities: Reservations accepted, takeout and delivery options available, and many vegetarian choices.
- Atmosphere: Casual, dog-friendly, with outdoor seating and live music/game nights.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, bike parking available.
In addition to its delectable menu, Berkeley Cafe places a strong emphasis on sustainability with plastic-free packaging and encourages guests to bring their own containers. The vibrant community feeling is palpable; diners can share a laugh during karaoke nights or enjoy the excitement of open mic showcasing local talent. Many patrons describe it as one of the last true dive bars in Raleigh, where the energy and camaraderie foster a sense of belonging.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that merges delicious meals with an inviting atmosphere, look no further than Berkeley Cafe. Whether you’re there for a quick bite or a lively night with friends, this cafe promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. For additional details or to make reservations, give them a call at (919) 828-9190. Don't miss out on the chance to taste and savor what everyone is raving about!

this place so epic had burger and bar drinking so good yummmmn fellas in the back frying it up so good. mmmmmmmmmmmm burger so yummy. i spilled my coke on the table and broke the glass and was so embarrassed but they were so chill and nonchalant about it cleaned it got me new one was so lit whata great place. kareoke was good and everyone was so fun and such great singers they got these black lights and they have live music and open mic nights and bingo what a legendary location big ups berkley love you fam you guys really the goat i wanna give you more stars if i could just so awsome please keep up the good work kings and queens.

Had lunch at the new location and still as good as ever.....still a very unassuming answer casual place that delivers great sandwiches .....i had the Andy, which had a thick juicy piece of fried chicken, slaw, sauce etc......my daughter had a special sandwich of the day which had ham, pineapple, chilis, Monterey Jack cheese, grilled on good sliced bread. Attentive but laid back server/manager handled our order. They seem very enthusiastic about the future at the new location.

Took me THIS many years to find out that Sadlack's had MOVED!! Please bring back Stroh's dark draft! {(*.*)}

My friends, hear me out. This is one of the last real dive bars in Raleigh. Their music is AMAAZING! Drinks are priced like it's not the recession. Food is incredible!!!! I promise you, order the "Shut up and eat it" (kitchen makes you whatever)...YALL! Every time it's amazing. This place always feels like home and friends. Walk upstairs to the rad outside area. People jamming, relaxing, being humans. It's amazing.

Food was great and the environment was very inviting and chill. Our server was also very helpful and kind!! Definitely recommend going to try them out:)

A cute hole-in-the-wall spot. We stumbled upon it after being deterred by the crowd at Whiskey Kitchen. Definitely had our doubts as we were walking in, but the staff, food, and environment were perfect. If you want a quick, affordable bite to eat or beer to drink, Berkeley Cafe is perfect. Everyone inside was pleasant and the food was surprisingly tasty. A pleasant surprise for sure.

This is what makes Raleigh great. My wife and I stopped in here for a quick bite and drink. I had a local draft and we split a fresh garden salad. Perfect. Nice pink in the burger. Spicy. Homemade chips. And, they have a semi indoor smoking lounge where the locals hang out. We enjoyed a great local feel of food and drink. Bartender was friendly and the music was great.

Oh man, was this a lucky find! When we finished eating, my whole party agreed that Guy Fieri should come do an episode of Diners, Drive ins and Dives! My sister said she had the best quesadilla of her whole life! We thanked the chef on the way out and we would definitely come find this place again next time we are in town!

There are a couple of these sort of spots in downtown Raleigh that are open for lunch and have full bar service. That's interesting and useful for folks who maybe don't have to go back to work. But me? I want lunch and I want to go back to work and be sober enough to be effective. So while Berkeley Cafe is great for late drinks, it's also good for burgers and such at lunch time. I had a simple enough Caesar salad with chicken and it was very good. Maybe a little heavy on dressing but a good portion and I enjoyed it. Service at the bar was good and the young lady serving kept my drink refilled. [Review 12274 overall, 2058 of 2019.]