DeLuxe

T-Rex BBQ in West Berkeley makes some mean BBQ. Opened by the same people who operate Sea Salt, LaLimes, and Jimmy Bean’s cafe, the industrial chic lets in a lot of light. The upstairs has couch style seating and big screen TVs — it’d be a good place to watch a football game with friends. The food is delicious. The pulled pork and cheeseburgers are particularly good as are all their side dishes. The corn bread is made in a crock with honey. The fries are served with a nice chipotle flavored ketchup. There’s some outdoor seating next to the parking lot which they’ve screened in with some nice bamboo plantings. Berkeley’s got more vegetarian people than any place I know but T-Rex seems to have no trouble attracting those who enjoy a good piece of smoked meat.

T-Rex BBQ
1300 10th Street (at Gilman), Berkeley, CA 94710
510.527.0099

Tamarindo in Oakland’s Old Oakland neighborhood has some of the best Mexican food around. It’s not a tacqueria, although they do serve tacos. Try the chilaquiles, the queso fundido, or the delicious mulitas. Everything here is prepared with care and the freshest of ingredients. It’s like going out to dinner at an upscale restaurant in Mexico City. Leave some room for dessert or their fantastic Mexican hot chocolate! They don’t take reservations so show up early or order a drink from the bar while you wait. It’s worth it.

Tamarindo Antojeria Mexicana
468 8th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
510.444.1944

The House of Chicken & Waffles in Oakland’s Jack London Square neighborhood serves up some mean soul food. Until you try it don’t knock the combination of the waffles with maple syrup paired with the crispy fried chicken pieces. It’s really good. They also make great collard greens and grits. The place is modeled after Southern California’s famous Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. They’re open ’til something like 4am on Friday and Saturday nights so bleary eyed club and party goers can eat a late meal or perhaps an “early” breakfast since most people up that late don’t wake up until lunchtime the next day.

Home of Chicken and Waffles
444 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607
510.836.4446