Sure, San Francisco racks up most of the accolades when it comes to many regional things, but the East Bay is nothing to scoff at. With a population of roughly 2.5 million in 2010, it is the most populous subregion in the Bay Area, and features some of the most impressive food around. Here you can find countless restaurants serving everything from boozy brunches to bagels to hard-to-find African specialties. That said, here are our East Bay Best Breakfast winners, selected by our editors — look for our readers’ choice winner, selected by our audience.
Feature Photo: Brotzeit Lokal
In and Around Berkeley
Bagels
Good for Kids | Meal Under $20 | Grab 'n Go | Brunch
At Bageltopia, you can get yours boiled or baked, with just about any topping you could imagine. And starting at $2.50 per bagel, this breakfast is a no brainer. They also have plenty of vegan options and gluten free bagels. They do not accept reservations.
1401 University Ave, Berkeley, 510.529.4151
Californian
Good for Kids | Happy Hour | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Brunch | Dogs Welcome
Located at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Berkeley Marina, The Berkeley Boathouse offers great views of the San Francisco skyline on the East Bay side. Enjoy an innovative menu of contemporary California cuisine highlighting fresh, local ingredients that pay tribute to purveyors from California and the Bay Area. We recommend ordering a plate of the Boathouse Benedict and dining outside so that you can enjoy the Berkeley sunrise. Reservations made by phone.
200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, 510.665.7171
Korean-American
Good for Kids | Happy Hour | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Brunch | Dogs Welcome | Grab 'n Go
Located in the heart of Berkeley’s University Avenue, Berkeley Social Club specializes in Korean-American cuisine for unique takes on Asian fusion breakfast and lunch dishes. Like thick cut Millionaire’s bacon scramble or the Morning Pizza with a Korean-style pancake crust…the flavors will surprise and amaze you. Top it all off with bottomless mimosas, but note, it’s just for one hour!
2050 University Ave, Berkeley, 510.900.5858
Vietnamese
Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly
This new coffee shop on Berkeley’s Bancroft Way is a hub for Vietnamese beverage and foodie delights like coffee and matcha, and even banh mi sandwiches or pandan waffles. It’s the endeavor of already loved shop Boba Binge, so trust that their new spot will deliver too. They do not accept reservations.
2199 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, 510.721.3839
Bagels
Brunch | Dogs Welcome | Grab 'n Go
According to The New York Times, the best bagels aren’t in NYC, they are here in Berkeley, California. Need to bulk order bagels? Make sure you get on the waitlist 1-2 weeks in advance. Try out their pink label whipped cream cheese; it’s one of those, if you know, you know, things. They do not accept reservations.
3170 College Ave, Berkeley, 510.858.5189
American
Outdoor Seating | Brunch | Dogs Welcome | Grab 'n Go | Private Party Room
This employee-owned and run diner up serves up breakfast classics with a twist like banana rum soufflé pancakes. Long lines are the norm here on the weekends, so get here early if you aren’t keen on waiting and take advantage of the unlimited coffee refills that makes waking up early on the weekends even more worth it. They do not accept reservations.
1807 Fourth St, Berkeley, 510.644.3230
Jewish
Full Bar | Outdoor Seating | Good for Kids | Dogs Welcome | Grab 'n Go
A taste of New York in California. Known for their pastrami, latkes, matzo ball soup, and other Jewish food staples. Their friendly atmosphere and staff will draw you right in. We recommend ordering a Pastrami Reuben with a side of their lightly-dressed coleslaw and enjoying it there. They do not accept reservations.
1475 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, 510.848.3354
In and Around Oakland
Columbian
Full Bar | Happy Hour | Private Party Room
Parche, a Bay Area favorite in Oakland has recently upped the ante on their brunch, and we have noticed. Following their Drag Brunch Specials during Pride Month, Parche is still offering delicious food and drinks for your weekend mornings. Parche is known for their contemporary Colombian cuisine that is served family style and comes out as soon as it is ready.
2295 Broadway, Oakland, 510.922.9687
East African
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome | Watch the Game | Meal Under $20
An Eritrean-run breakfast and lunch spot, known for its authentic East-African dishes and community-oriented atmosphere. Cordial staff and large portions are Alem’s staples. We recommend ordering the Fata, especially if you appreciate a decent amount of spice. They do not accept reservations.
5353 Claremont Ave, Oakland, 510.655.6003
German
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Private Party Room
This wharf-side spot serves authentic German food and German beer on tap. With an enclosed outdoor biergarten, rain or shine, Spatezl will be served. All tables are first come, first served so make sure to get their early for prime views and brews. Pro-tip, if you’re coming for or after sunset, bring a blanket with you, it can get a bit chilly.
1000 Embarcadero, Oakland, 510.645.1905
Cafe
Grab ‘n Go | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
43 Embarcadero, Oakland
Boats & Beans is now serving coffee out of a colorful, yellow shack near Quinn’s Lighthouse on the Oakland waterfront. Try blends from local roastery Mother Tongue Coffee and pastries from Haddon Hill Cafe in Lake Merritt. Drip and espresso coffee are both available at this “seaside” shanty. They do not accept reservations.
In and Around Walnut Creek
Cafe
Grab ‘n Go | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
Highwire Coffee Roasters recently announced a new location — its seventh — just steps away from the Walnut Creek BART station. Your commute just got all the better with Highwire’s selection of pastries and beverages at your fingertips. They do not accept reservations.
200 Station Wy, Walnut Creek, 925.430.2781
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
