Best Southwest American Restaurants in Berkeley

110 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Study Hall Rooftop Lounge restaurant

1. Study Hall Rooftop Lounge

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Berkeley

Booked 6 times today

Welcome to Study Hall! Located on the 12th floor. Indoor/outdoor dining with stunning views of the area. Beverage Centric - light food menu with Pacific, Oceana and Asian inspired appetizers, share plates and entrees

A photo of Revival Bar+Kitchen restaurant

2. Revival Bar+Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(2785)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Berkeley

Booked 13 times today

Revival Bar+Kitchen in Berkeley masterfully showcases Californian cuisine with its commitment to farm-to-table freshness and innovative dishes. Diners rave about the “utterly delicious food” and the “amazing” heirloom tomato burrata paired with focaccia appetizers. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring each visit offers something new and exciting. Patrons particularly love the mocktails, described as “tasting like the real thing,” making it an inclusive spot for all diners. With its prime location in Berkeley, perfect for pre-theater meals, Revival Bar+Kitchen is celebrated for its “great food, great service, and all around great environment,” making it a must-visit destination for authentic Californian dining.

A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant

3. Creekwood Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(979)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Berkeley

Booked 6 times today

Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is an exemplary showcase of American cuisine, delivering a menu filled with heart and soul. Diners rave about the "excellent Beef Short Rib and Crab Ravioli" and the "delicious, unique choices" that keep the local community coming back for more. The thoughtful use of "seasonal ingredients" in dishes like the praised "corn and asparagus pizza" and "brussel sprouts with a very light sweet praline crust" highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviews consistently highlight the "attentive and friendly" service, making Creekwood not just a meal, but an experience. As one review puts it, this is a "wonderful neighborhood spot" where every dish is "beautifully prepared," making it a must-visit for those seeking the best of American dining in Berkeley.

A photo of ACRE Kitchen and Bar restaurant

4. ACRE Kitchen and Bar

4.6

Exceptional(647)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Oakland

Booked 31 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oakland, ACRE Kitchen and Bar delights with its authentic American cuisine, offering a creative twist with California and Mediterranean influences. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in dishes that patrons describe as "fabulous," from the "perfectly grilled burger" to the "most delicious morel pasta" and the standout "Calabrian pizza." Reviewers consistently praise the "welcoming and attentive" service, making every dining experience special. ACRE's atmosphere is described as both "comfortable and attractive," perfect for family gatherings or a casual yet elegant night out. As one reviewer puts it, ACRE is "exactly the kind of restaurant you hope would open in the East Bay," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch American dining experience.

A photo of Claremont Lobby Bar restaurant

5. Claremont Lobby Bar

4.7

Exceptional(35)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Berkeley

The historic Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar sets the tone for a sophisticated evening, serving up signature craft cocktails, light bites and a selection of local craft beer and wine. Join us after dinner for a nightcap, or gather with friends over a glass of champagne while you take in the sweeping San Francisco Bay views.

6. Juanita & Maude

4.8

Exceptional(1751)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Albany

Booked 9 times today

An intimate neighborhood restaurant, Juanita & Maude features Chef Scott Eastman's personal take on American Cuisine. The daily changing menu highlights classic dishes including Michelin Guide's top 5 hamburger in California. His refined comfort food is matched with seasonal craft cocktails and an international wine list. Juanita & Maude's lively dining room or serene outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a night out, celebration or special occasion. Conveniently located near the corner of Solano and San Pablo Avenues.

7. Burdell

4.5

Awesome(155)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Oakland

Booked 7 times today

Burdell, nestled in the vibrant Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, stands out as a beacon of exquisite Soul food cuisine. Led by James Beard Finalist Chef Geoff Davis, the restaurant pays homage to his grandmother, infusing traditional Soul food with innovation and sophistication. Diners rave about the authenticity and elevated flavors, describing dishes like the pickle brined fried chicken as “elevated to the highest level of execution” and the BBQ shrimp as “the best I’ve ever had.” Every dish, from the smothered rabbit to the slammin' chocolate cake, is crafted with care, showcasing the best local produce and sustainable practices. The experience of dining at Burdell is consistently applauded as “a special dining experience” with an atmosphere that combines nostalgia and modern flair, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly remarkable Soul food journey.

8. Skates on the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(7447)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Berkeley

Booked 93 times today

Skates on the Bay, nestled in the picturesque Berkeley Marina, is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, famed for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Since its opening in 1984, Skates on the Bay has been lauded for its commitment to quality and innovation in its menu offerings. Diners rave about the "amazing and breathtaking views during dinner" and the "food that is as spectacular as the sunset view over the ocean." The restaurant has cultivated a reputation for excellence, with one reviewer exclaiming it's "worth every single dollar. A+++++." Whether it's the New Orleans style shrimp, the exquisite lobster bisque, or the perfectly charred filet Mignon, Skates consistently delivers a top-notch dining experience that highlights the best of American culinary craftsmanship.

9. Monk's Kettle

4.5

Awesome(33)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Oakland

Booked 2 times today

Monk's Kettle in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, celebrated for its "phenomenal food and drink" and a warm, inviting ambiance. This neighborhood tavern has earned accolades as the Best Beer Bar in California, and it’s easy to see why with its "broad and balanced craft beer list." Patrons rave about their burgers and fried chicken sandwiches, hailed as some of the best in the region. The dedication to quality is evident, as every dish showcases locally sourced ingredients transformed into "mouthwatering dishes" that elevate traditional tavern fare to gourmet delights. Whether you are a local or just visiting, Monk's Kettle offers an unmatched culinary experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates great food and a fantastic beer selection.

A photo of Cafenated Coffee Company restaurant

10. Cafenated Coffee Company

4.6

Exceptional(11)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Berkeley

Cafenated Coffee Company in Berkeley is a gem for those seeking authentic and high-quality American cuisine with a creative twist. Nestled in a flora-strewn garden, this cafe shines with its unique brunch offerings like the "Spicy Chicken and Waffles," which had one guest drooling, and the "Brunch Board," praised as setting "the bar higher for every other brunch experience." The dishes, such as the candied bacon and smoked salmon avocado toast, are described as "huge and very satisfying." Guests rave about the atmosphere and service, with one noting the "perfect combination of sweet and savory" in their meals. Whether it's the vibrant garden setting or the innovative American dishes, Cafenated Coffee Company stands out as a beloved brunch spot in Berkeley.

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From verified diners like you

M
1MoeVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2019
Great food. Great service. I will be back
More info
Colibri - Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.1
GH
GeraldH
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 5, 2019
Pleasant experience, good food for reasonable prices. Great for lunch. Helpful and professional waiter. Easy to get to by public transportation, located in a pleasant 24th street mission neighborhood.
More info
Rosa JavaliPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Mission District
•
3.6
JG
JohnG
Greater Boston •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jun 12, 2019
The food was great the location was decent seems more like a take out place as there wasn’t anyone else dining when we were there but the service was great and food was prepared quickly.
More info
Criollos Mexican and Mediterranean CuisinePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Oakland
•
4.5

Discover best Mexican / Southwestern restaurants in Berkeley

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine in Berkeley, a gem in the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay. Renowned for its eclectic dining scene, Berkeley offers a range of Mexican restaurants that cater to aficionados of authentic and innovative Mexican dishes. Each restaurant in the area boasts a unique twist on traditional Mexican fare, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors that reflect the cultural richness of Mexico. Whether you're in the mood for smoky mole, zesty tacos, or fresh ceviche, Berkeley's Mexican eateries promise an unforgettable culinary journey. The dining experiences are enhanced by charming ambiances, from quaint, intimate settings to lively, festive atmospheres, ensuring that every meal is not just a dish, but a celebration of Mexican culture. Ideal for both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts, Berkeley's Mexican restaurants embody a commitment to culinary excellence and a passion for delivering genuine hospitality. Step into any of these establishments and prepare to be delighted by the depth of flavors and the warmth of the welcome that awaits you.

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Berkeley

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110 restaurants available nearby

1. Study Hall Rooftop Lounge

2. Revival Bar+Kitchen

3. Creekwood Restaurant

4. ACRE Kitchen and Bar

5. Claremont Lobby Bar

6. Juanita & Maude

7. Burdell

8. Skates on the Bay

9. Monk's Kettle

10. Cafenated Coffee Company

See what locals rave about

Discover best Mexican / Southwestern restaurants in Berkeley

Explore OpenTable