Discovering the Berkeley food scene through my part-time job | Blog

As a Berkeley student juggling the demands of academics and working part-time, it’s easy to fall into a routine of convenience when it comes to mealtimes. Sometimes, feeding myself can feel like a chore. The daunting task of deciding what to eat everyday can be tedious and loathsome — especially on a college budget.

Amidst the whirlwind of shuttling between my classes in McCone and Lewis Hall, and the long nights spent in Moffitt Library, my part-time job at a property management company has been rewarding in more ways than one. Despite having to occasionally illegally park outside of the office and spend hours answering phone calls and emails, it’s a good gig with good pay and good people. In my mind, it truly is the jackpot of student jobs. I get to momentarily leave behind the balancing act of student life, and focus on assigned tasks at hand all the while laughing and gossiping with my desk buddy, Jenny.

Over the two years that I’ve worked at the company, I’ve come to realize that a big part of our office culture revolves around a shared appreciation for great food. Be it an obsession with soup dumplings, or the art of mastering the charcuterie board, office banter often centers around the question: “What should we have for lunch?” My colleagues, with their refined palettes, have become my guides to some of the best restaurants and take-out spots in Berkeley. Their recommendations never seem to miss the mark.

Our shared lunches on special occasions — whether it is someone’s birthday, the holiday season or sometimes simply because it’s Friday — have been a highlight of my employment. As a student, my meals are often a result of Berkeley tunnel vision: Durant Avenue late night take-out and half-assed frozen Trader Joe’s meals. These office-introduced (and sometimes free) meals have really broken me out of my broke, lazy, college student shell. Each time the office gets lunch, it’s an exciting affair — the confines of my college food rut are shattered and my appreciation for good food is once again rekindled.

Among the gems my workplace has introduced me to are:

Rose Pizzeria:

My office is a big fan of pizza. One of the best pizza spots my coworkers have introduced me to is Rose Pizzeria on University Avenue. Named one of the best pizza places in the U.S. by the New York Times, my colleagues have been raving about Rose Pizzeria long before the distinguished accolades. My favorite pizza there is the pepperoni and jalapeño pie. It has just the right amount of spice-to-crust thickness ratio. If you want to eat there, be sure to make a reservation. Otherwise, be prepared to wait in a long line for either a table or take-out.

Sprouts’ sandwiches:

Did you know that Sprouts’ sandwiches are only $5?! Inspired by the viral TikTok trend of people trying out its sandwiches, my office decided to give Sprouts a try. I can confirm that the sandwiches did not disappoint! I got a ham and swiss sandwich on toasted sourdough with tomatoes, lettuce, onions and deli dressing. Along with the sandwich, the $5 meal-deal also includes a bag of chips and a water bottle. I would say that’s a good meal for when you are ballin’ on a budget. The only caveat is that the nearest Sprouts is located over two miles away from the UC Berkeley campus in Albany.

Cheese Board Collective Pizzeria:

Cheese Board Collective Pizzeria has become a staple of my weekly lunches because of its proximity to the office. When I get into the office on Wednesdays and Fridays, the first thing I do when I turn on my computer is to check the Cheese Board website to see what the daily pizza flavor is. Every day (except for Sunday through Tuesday), the pizzeria makes a different type of veggie pizza. You have the option to buy just a single slice for $3 or a whole pizza for $24. The $3 slice is my preferred midday snack. The best pie I’ve tried thus far has been topped with feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, corn, red onion and a refreshing lime sauce.

Tigerlily Bar:

Sometimes on Fridays after work, Jenny and I will meander over to happy hour at Tigerlily, a charming, family-owned bar in North Shattuck. It serves a delightful blend of Indian fusion alongside an impressive menu of creative, hand-crafted cocktails. One of our favorite pairings is its chicken tikka masala and garlic naan, perfectly complemented by the “Clone War” cocktail — an herbal mix of chamomile-infused gin, elderflower liqueur, honey, lime and a pinch of salt.

Cha-Ya:

My office ordered take-out from Cha-Ya several months ago, and ever since, I have not been able to stop thinking about its “Cha-Ya roll.” The cozy Japanese restaurant is a great option for vegan food in Berkeley. It makes soups, sushi and tempura all crafted using plant-based ingredients. The Cha-Ya roll is a sushi roll filled with asparagus, yam, avocado and carrots. The whole thing is lightly battered and deep fried like tempura.

Rick & Ann’s Restaurant:

If you are looking for a great brunch spot, Rick & Ann’s Restaurant near the Claremont Hotel is where you should go. Recommended to me by my coworkers, the restaurant has become my go-to for weekend comfort food. I’m always sure to avoid peak breakfast hours because of the long waits, but its potato pancakes and french toast are definitely crafted by the hands of a culinary angel. It also makes great espresso drinks!

Overall, these office-introduced places have expanded my culinary horizons from the confines of my typical student diet. Experiencing these new restaurants and food items have been a delightful escape from the mundane rituals of student life. Definitely try them out!