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(888) 281-7865
1515 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley,
CA
94709
37.8798
-122.2692
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
What People Are Saying About Cesar
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – An open patio, a long, glass-tiled bar and communal table are a welcome encouragement for conversation and camaraderie at this Berkeley favorite. Tapas use organic, local ingredients, but are influenced by Spanish and Mediterranean flavors. While bocadillos are typically small, the Spanish sandwiches of tuna and egg, ham and cheese, grilled eggplant or dry-cured pork loin are more than enough for an afternoon meal. A healthy wine and spirits list changes weekly.
09/04/09
Eat at your own risk! MSG served here.
by quiubomona at Citysearch
I went there mainly to enjoy a mojito and relax with a friend; we only ordered salads and a plate of the herb fries to snack on. I should have noticed the warning sign when I started to feel very, very thirsty a while later. I requested water and downed the whole glass in one gulp, but figured it was just the salt from the fries that was dehydrating me. But, later that night, I started to feel like I was suffocating. My whole mouth and throat felt coated and completely parched: my classic MSG reaction. Drinking water didn't help at all. The next morning, I woke up with a migraine and nausea. (I should point out that I only had one mojito, so it wasn't hangover.)
There are plenty of restaurants where it would occur to me to ask about MSG before ordering, but this is not one of them--it's right next to Chez Panisse, across from the Cheeseboard, in the heart of the Berkeley organic/local/fair trade etc. foodie fastidiousness. Finicky Berkeley types would be better off frequenting one of the neighboring spots. Cesar's nasty, chemical ridden food ruined my Saturday!
- Pros: location
- Cons: MSG in the food
05/27/08
Hands down the best sangria
by girlgenius2008 at Citysearch
The drink menu here is ridiculously large and the food menu is scarce but let's face it. We come here for drinks, not cause we're hungry. They have good noshings to share and nibble on but the drinks are what's happening. If you haven't the sangria here, you must put it on the list to try. I've had lots of sangria in my life and they make it the best here. Perfect drink for a sunny day. Crowded on the weekends and dinner time but if u have the patience to wait, the drinks and tapas and fun atmosphere are worth it. Be warned, it gets loud!
03/25/08
Phenomenal
by fakhavan at Citysearch
Yes, this place gets crowded and maybe the seating isn't as quick as one would hope, but the the food was amazing. The ingredients are SO fresh. The steak was cooked perfectly. The rose whipped cream was heavenly. The portions are small, but really tasty. I remember the Sangria being pretty good, not great but nothing to complain about. I love this place.
- Pros: Great food
- Cons: Seating may take a while
The Details on Cesar
The Extras:
Olivier Said has teamed with Spanish-foods authority James Mellgren and chef Maggie Pond and compiled more than 100 classic spirits and tapas recipes in the Cesar cookbook.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are not accepted, so put your name on the list and hang out at the bar while you wait.
When to Go:
Those looking to avoid the buzz of the bar or communal tables should head for the restaurant at mid-afternoon before the private seating is filled and evening rush.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Outdoor Dining
