Pretty much a Philz rip off if you don't live near one - but definitely try Philz first

Trendy coffee you'd find in SF

Close to campus, but also a non-profit that hires refugees and donates money to the cause!

If you're waiting for the Amtrak, worth swinging by for their lattes

As pretentious as coffee can get, which is why I love it

I can't explain this place more than it being a bar that serves coffee instead of alcohol

They close at 4, but their coffee doesn't taste burnt

I don't like this place as much as I wanted to, but they have vegan options

A coffee stand with outdoor seating but the best coffee I've had in Berkeley - get their Mexican mocha

Coffee shop and board game room

Probably the most high quality ice cream in Berkeley (pay extra for their cinnamon cone it's amazing)

Ice cream sandwiches open late! Don't be turned off by the line, it goes quick

Vegan cinnamon buns (maybe better than Ikea) - I go specifically to buy just a tub of their vegan cookie dough you can eat raw

Authentic(ish), weird flavors, and vegan options!

Known for their cakes, amazing pasteries and tiramisu

Where to find any 21+ student on a Thursday night (Monkey Head Thursdays)

BYOF with beer flights! Order IPAs here

Almost perfect rating on Yelp - open Thurs-Sun and known for their sours

A Friday night favorite - be sure to head to the dancefloor in the back

If you've never tried kava, it's a beer-like drink that is non-alcoholic but gives you a high (so legal for those younger than 21!)

French toast in the morning and beers at night

Fairly new in North Oakland, so it's a 51b away, but I've heard they have a great selection of beer and whiskey

Fantastic beer, unlimited truffle popcorn and lots of djs

Technically Emeryville and they don't sell food, but I'd say it's classy and has a great selection

Both Cheeseboard and Sliver compete for best vegetarian pizza (note they only have one type of pizza a day, and eat it with the green sauce!)

Life changing souffle pancakes close to the Marina

Authentic(ish), fresh, and handmade pasta in Elmwood

Technically in North Oakland but still a 51B ride away

Probably not for a student budget, but when family comes over it's worth visiting

House of Curries may be the most well known Indian spot in Berkeley, but Chaat has great quality

Portion to price ratio is great and I've heard the place is very authentic

Thick Sicilian pizzas - not a lot of seating room

The owner makes pizza's one at a time - you can't visit the brick and mortar, and the wait is forever, but I heard this place is outstanding and the best pizza most people have had EVER

Usually has a wait, but soul food +ordering their biscuits is a MUST

A student favorite because it's cheap and is a crazy amount of carbs. Of course, delicious too!

A healthy, if not the healthiest, food option in Berkeley - fresh juices, salads, sandwiches, etc. - one located across RSF, one in Elmwood

Oh my god their tri-tip - please try it

Italian bakery/cafe

Italian bakery/cafe

Italian bakery/cafe

Italian bakery/cafe

Italian bakery/cafe

Italian bakery/cafe

Italian bakery/cafe

Where to bring your out-of-town friends for breakfast

Not cheap, but high quality Mexican - get tamales, nachos and tacos

As an Iranian, I wholeheartedly miss good Persian food. This is not horrible, but better quality iranian food, and where to buy Middle Eastern brands

Korean Japanese fusion - not my favorite, but very popular!

Unique architecture, great fish

High quality Indian food (get the bread obviously)

High-End Japanese Food (Kirala 2 is a cheaper alternative)

Named the best iIndian in Berkeley

You're probably going to have to get it to-go but their mac and cheese combos are out of this world! Located in Oakland

Pizza, beers and a beautiful patio

My favorite place for beer flights

Near the marina with an amazing view of the bay

Upscale(ish) vegan - definitely a bucketlist place for foodies

Definitely an older crowd but worth heading for their french toast or pizza

I mean it's still North Face prices, but an outlet!

Frequently open with lots of well-known plays

Pay an entrance fee and head to the game room to play board games with your friends!

Japanese fish market and grocery store

The more famous music store

Music venue you'd take your parents to - more indie

All-age (mostly punk) music venue

Community bike shop with cheap used parts, and repair classes

On the weekends, hub of African & West Indian culture/goods

Probably the coolest thing ever ; Comedy and Wine show in a mattress store

Community sewing studio with classes/meetups & an art gallery

Located across Codornices Park (Open dusk until dawn) - Great for picnics

Hiking, Horseback Riding, Golf, a tiny farm

Lots of people fish here - I'd say it's a place to do a picnic or wrap up a date

You see it from outside, but the house is literally made from junkyard cars

Bouldering - doable for beginners too!

If you haven't, it has amazing views of the Bay [3rd tallest bell tower in the world]

Hiking with gorgeous views

Lots of concerts! But if you don't want to buy a ticket, you can hike to Cheapskate Hill (yes that's the name of the place) and hear the music

Tilden Park area - not a crazy huge lake, but worth checking out

Bouldering - for non-beginners

Concrete slide, bbq picnic areas, rose garden with bay views

Park with ampitheater that sometimes hosts outdoor plays