I was depressed and lonely - not looking forward to my first friday in the bay area alone - when I stumbled upon a light...yes, it was...a MAC store. I felt almost at home...as fourth street is the closest I've found to my beloved Georgetown in the East Bay. I'd go to Union Square if I wanted the full on GTown experience, but for a quick pickme up of yuppiefied shopping, 4th street is the place. In particular - wow! to the Cody books, the bath products store and the Crate and Barrel OUTLET (why didn't I find this when I was buying stuff for my new place? sigh). I think I may be making several return visits, till I get a hankering for georgetown out of my system. read more

Places like this make me feel so conflicted! I totally get sucked into drooling over the furniture, home decor, and kitchenware because it's so pretty and shiny. And then I remember that I make 15k a year, live in the Midwest, and there's no way I can manage the lifestyle that so many of the shoppers here embody. Still, it's a nice place to walk and people watch. The parking can get pretty crazy; your best bet is to come in on 5th and take the back way into the parking lots, or park on the street there. read more

Thumbs sideways. 4th Street has some amazing word-of-mouth in the Cal community. All I heard during my tenure at Berkeley was how awesome the shops were and how it was a little southern-californian-oasis amidst this northern-californian-climate. Well. After 4 years, I finally ventured out to 4th street, only to be fairly disappointed. Some neat stores, but I was expecting better. Regardless, it fits into Berkeley (or at least, my idea of Berkeley) and has value as a retail district! Pro: parking read more

Personally, on a nice day I like to take BART to the North Berkeley station and walk down Delaware St. to 4th St. I usually start at Benefit and work my way down one side and up the other. Lunch at Tacubaya for their tortilla soup, a snack at the Pasta Shop before I leave, and finally a Peet's coffee or tea to hold me over until I get home. Sometimes, if I want to get more of a walk in, I will head up to Downtown Berkeley via University and take BART home from there or if I am really in the mood to walk, I will just walk all the way home to Oakland continuing down Telegraph, up to College, down Piedmont, and through to Grand Ave. via Linda. A great way to spend a nice sunny day with my hubby or my iPod. read more

-1 star because since Restoration Hardware recently closed their bathrooms to the public, the only other restroom to use is Cody's (edited: now closed) which can have a pretty long line and smell like crap. Unless you're going to eat at one of the local restaurants (which I rarely do) or make yourself a customer at Teance, I don't know of any other places to go potty. Do they not want us to shop there anymore?? Edited: Peets's bathroom is open now, but the lines can be long and I've seen cleaner and better smelling bathrooms at the rest stops on i5 when its 110 degrees out. read more

I don't think that 4th Street is as snobby as people say. Yes, most of the stores lean towards higher-end. Yes, there are a few sit-down restaurants that are expensive. However, there are plenty of offerings for everyone. I, for one, am grateful for a shopping area that is outdoors and not in some mall enclosure. I prefer the fresh air and any chance to enjoy the bay area weather. During the holiday season, the lights are so pretty and really get you in the spirit! As for the stores: Fourth Street IS in Berkeley, so there are a plethora of small boutiques and shops. Naturally, this means somewhat steep prices, but the products are often gorgeous. The clothing stores mainly cater towards older women (mid/late 30s-40s), though you will find some youthful pieces if you look hard enough. The exception in Anthropologie (which is around the corner, on Hearst), which is very trendy and youthful but also carries a higher price tag. Miki's Papers and Castle in the Air are also shops with beautiful items - lots of screen printed and washi paper, stationary, tea sets, etc. The bigger stores are chains - Sur la Table, Crate and Barrel Outlet, CB2, Restoration Hardware, Apple Store, Paper Source. They are what they are, but I don't agree that the first two are terribly pricey - I have found many items on sale at these for surprisingly dirt cheap, especially during the holiday shopping season. And Paper Source was an incredible resource when I was in the midst of wedding activity. The eateries are varied. Peet's, of course, is a Berkeley staple. The actual sit-down restaurants (O'Chame, Zut, Cafe Rouge, Cafe M) are all fairly expensive. However, cafe's like Bette's, Tacubaya, and the Pasta Shop are all very affordable. In addition, the Pasta is simply AMAZING. I usually spend less than $5 for more than enough fresh pasta to cook dinner for my husband and myself. One very important tip: The Fourth Street shops don't just encompass 4th Street. Wander around to Hearst Ave or 5th/6th Street and you will find much more cafes and shops. I already mentioned Anthropologie, but there's also Sola Lucy (designer consignment), East Bay Vivarium (for all your reptile needs), and more. There's mostly street parking, but they also have several parking lots that are free - you just have to know where to look. Happy shopping! read more

A great place to shop for up scale stuff. I come here for the kitchen/cooking stores. It's a nice place to stroll on a lazy Sunday. (and then eat at Tacubaya) -Sur La Table -Napa Style -Anthropologie -DWR -Flight 001 -Crate and Barrel Outlet -scrapbooking stores CB2 -George (very cute pet store) Restoration Hardware Benefit The Gardener Ark Toy Store read more

5 stars on a weekday when parking is easier and it's less crowded. 3 stars on a Saturday which is almost always when I get over here. Ah 4th St. Husband refuses to come with me to visit you anymore. He reviles your ladies who lunch and stroller pushers who all seem to arrive here in Land Rovers full of cash. Ironically, West Berkeley and 4th St. used to be the place we went to clothe the kid fashionably and inexpensively when we were struggling financially, as it was home to a bunch of kid's clothing manufacturers who had excellent sales. What is here now? Well the Crate and Barrel Outlet is mostly why I drop by. There are a bunch of other chain stores for your shopping pleasure including: Restoration Hardware, Flight 001, Sur le Table, Design Within Reach, CB2. There is a bathroom at Pete's which is pretty gross by midday on a weekend ( better to find a restaurant.) Parking can also be pretty challenging, so plan on parking farther away and walking. No valet parking yet... Ok all done with posh 4th St? Now stop by Vik's (former Baby Carey) and have some Indian street food before you brave the bridge... read more

I always try to stop at 4th Street whenever I'm in the general area. Bette's is a fantastic place to take out of towners for breakfast, Peets is there, Crate and Barrel and Sur La Table which is worth the trip all by itself. As other reviewers have said - Books Inc is terrific and so is Restoration Hardware. Fourth Street managed to get upscale without being soulless. Good thing too or the Berkeleyites would have none of it. When you are there, have lunch at the awesome Japanese restaurant right down the way from Peets.. fantastic! I echo other's wish.. a bathroom please? Having grown up in the area I know that public bathrooms just won't work but something for shoppers is essential. P.S. Christmas is gorgeous on Fourth Street! read more

This is the yuppie part of Berkeley. Lots of shops and boutiques that are pretty pricey. If you like Anthropologie, there's a pretty nice one down on this street. Everyone brings their dogs here or so it seems. You'll see a bunch of them sitting outside with their owner at an outside dining area. If you're willing to look around, you can find parking on the street, but you might need to circle around for a bit. I love the Crate & Barrel Outlet store here. If you're into makeup there's a Benefit, Kiehl's (my personal fave) and a Mac store all within walking distance. It kind of reminds me of Walnut Creek's outdoor shopping mall in a more urban area. It's a great place to browse if you're poor like me, if you have the money to spend, I'm sure you'll be in heaven. read more

This is still one of my favorite shopping centers. They have a wide range of stuff to buy. Quality shops and a real relaxing vibe. Every time here I feel at peace. They even have a couple breweries down the street. The only downside of this shopping center is that it may take a while on the weekends to find parking but hey that's ok. Also if you have a big truck or car be sure to bring your smaller car lol. I have been frequenting this shopping center now for about 15 years and I will continue to. read more

So I cross the Bridge to hit up the Crate & Barrel Outlet (in search of a plate set) and Voila! I find myself in a sea of upscale hippies... kinda different for an urbanite such as myself, but I'm ez and just go with the flow since its my first time visiting 4th St. My observation- there are a number of cute stores, eateries and lots of little people (kids). Overall, the vibe was good. People were pretty polite and actually held open doors and said excuse me. Ok, ok I have to be honest there was a woman wearing an Ugg type of boot and cargo pants who decided to share her cell phone convo with everyone by talking, walking and stopping in the crowd while her phone was on speaker...I had the great misfortune of walking behind her not once but twice. After shopping around at the CBO and a few others, I didn't find what I was looking for (ahh a U2 moment) but left with a pleasant experience walking around in the sun (sans the Ugg woman) and a super cute card from Papyrus. Heads up- Parking was a bit of a nightmare, however, people were pretty polite read more

one long block of east bay yuppydom. Awesome for people watching, one of my favorite games - try matching the waiting dogs with their credit card toting owners . Papersource: oh let your crafty side free; there's pretty paper and kitschy books galore; Kiehl's is next to the MAC store on the corner although it's pretty much the antithesis of MAC and their extreme eyeshadow wearing employees (you don't' have to wear all the colors at the same time...) all across the street from Benefit. Expensive shoes, expensive baby clothes, expensive adult clothes, and for those of you who don't have enough stuff there's a store full of stuff to sit around your house, take up space and serve no real purpose. Crate and Barrel "outlet." It's cheaper than other C&Bs but you know it's still marked up just because of the location, I still love it. Food/Drink: Peets, Tacubaya ...and some other places. There used to be a crepe place but it was replaced with jewelry or something - blah. The soap place is awesome and you can dart across the street and get your olive oil fix too. Bonus - quiet as it's kept the East Bay Vivarium is just one block over on 5th, lizards, snakes and frogs oh my! read more

I don't know that this is a destination in and of itself but it's a nice place to wile away an hour or so, or to get coffee/lunch. If you are touring the nearby Marina or need a break while passing by on the 80 this might be a nice place to stop. I am particularly partial to Sur La Table but they have a Crate and Barrel Outlet and some other home stores It is worth seeing around Holiday Season, they do a nice albeit slightly excessive light show. read more

Street of small brand & boutique shops, bookstores, interior home decoration, restaurants, cafes, etc. I've been here a lot- great place to meet people as it's just off the I-80 freeway. A few bits here and there... - There's a parking lot in back and street parking. - During December the Christmas lights makes this place beautiful. - Large centralized seating area outside Peets, Tacubaya, etc. Sometimes a band plays, creating such a relaxing environment when the environment is nice. - Women's clothing shops- Antropologie, Jigsaw, Margaret O'Leary - Keter's Salon is here. Great place to get your hair cut. - Good restaurant options. Bette's Ocean View Diner is popular- expect a wait. Zut! is very family friendly. - Dog central. So many pet owners here. Overall, this place is rather yuppie, shi shi- but it's a very relaxing and slow place. Great place to leisurely stroll and hang out. read more

This place is unique! They have meat markets, deli's, clothing shops,dessert bars & cafe's, and more! It's so relaxing here because there are so many trees and patios to sit at. I get this carmel type of vibe here and it makes me literally want to sit down, eat a bowl of pasta and sip on good coffee. Then maybe some chocolate bites? ah yes. read more

What was once an industrial/not the best neighborhood in town, has transformed to a shopping, eating, chilling, drinking, people watching oasis. A good number of high quality restaurants (Iyasare, Zut!), brunch spots (Cafe M, Bette's), Cafes (Artis) and shops (Crate and Barrel) reside in the surrounding neighborhood. I love the Christmas lights they put up around the neighborhood in the Winter. Check it out! -Tyler read more

Love 4th street in Berkeley!! Has a variety of unique shops - boutiques that you can find one of a kind items. Of course there's the regular suspects like anthropology, Mac, benefit, crate and barrel outlet. But my favorite store is Castle in the Air!! It's a magical papery store. It's like you just transported yourself to a store in Harry Potters world. Fountain pens, special inks, personalized wax stamps, special envelopes, beautiful old styles brass desk flair and then upstairs is adorable little mice world creatively crafted to melt your heart. You'll have to see it for yourself. But I will tell you hand crafted magic wands are sold here!!! I have never left this place without buying something. read more

On a sunny day, this place is wonderful. It's diverse and has an eccentric atmosphere. It's a good place to stroll down the street and window shop and people watch. Lots of yuppies here that chill outside of restaurants for their weekend brunch or at Pete's coffee. They have nice furniture stores here and a nice shoe store. Also Crate and Barrel is here and Restoration Hardware. Anthropologie here has nice cute clothes. There are a lot of other cute stores and a lot of families with kids and strollers that come here. This place is dog friendly so I like to bring my dog with me when I go here. It's usually crowded on the weekends but the more the merrier right? I've never really had trouble parking, there is this lot where you can park to pick up furniture and stuff that you order, that lot is usually not full, so we park there. Come here on a nice day to walk around, it'll be a pleasant experience. read more

"Welcome to My Centurion Review!" Cool place to hang, shop, browse, window shop, or people watch... I just discovered this place this week and was pleasantly surprised. I had only been near this area in the past for REI and the Smith & Hawken Outlet. I had no idea that this amazing shopping area existed. It's easy to waste a morning or a whole day in this area especially if the weather is nice! Since I grew up in Jersey, I'm part of the first generation of Mallrats. There's no concept of outdoor shopping like this that I can recall from NJ. 4th Street is a unique retail/shopping district. Lots of cool stores - Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, DWR - Design Within Reach, Antrhopologie, etc. Reminds me of the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica (LA) minus the beach, the mall, the theatres, the nightclubs, well lots of things... I like the outdoor pedestrian-friendly aspect of this shopping area. It's not snobby like the Stanford Shopping Center with any big anchor stores like Nieman-Marcus, Bloomies, or Nordstroms or super-high end stuff at Santana Row in San Jose. Parking can be challenging but the lot adjoining the Crate & Barrel Outlet has lots of turnover, so just hang out in your car and be patient... read more

4th street is a charming street of shops close to home. It makes for a lovely stroll on the weekend. It has clothing, cosmetics, books, travel and furniture stores among a healthy selection of restaurants and artisan goods (paper, wine, cheese, kitchen, etc.) read more

I love this area for the convenience since Berkeley doesn't have shopping malls and I don't always want to drive to Walnut Creek or San Rafael/Corte Madera. Please note that Restoration Hardware is no longer at 4th Street. I was sad to find this out after going there specifically to replace my household towels. There was another shop down the way selling towels, but the man there was terribly rude. Enjoy your shopping or meandering. Stop at the market for some fun snacks and if you have the patience to wait, it's worth taking time for a meal at Betty's Ocean View Diner and get some scrapple! read more

Lighten-up.... if you don't like Sketch Ice Cream, Miki Paper, Castle In The Air, Hydra, Scrapbook Territory, *CODY's*, Stonehouse Olive Oil, and (as everyone else says) a great place to hang-out with your dog - then just don't go to 4th Street. Get your cards from Hallmark instead of Papyrus, buy your salt at Safeway instead of The Pasta Shop, obtain your kitchenwares from Penney's instead of Sur La Table, pickup your towels & sheets from Bed, Bath & Beyond instead of Earthsake and who knows where you'll be getting your snakes, monitor lizards & tarantulas. read more

Fourth Street Shops - Transition Vendor, 4th & Virginia Streets - Shopping Centers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Super cute little street, essence of Berkeley. Boutique shops, skincare and makeup, specialty papers, delicious food and sweets (Bette's and Chocolatier Blue!), and of course the beautiful Apple store! Parking can be a @#$O(*@$ though. read more

One of my favorite things to do in my free time is to grab a cup of something, stroll and shop outdoors in the sun in a cool neighborhood and this one fits the bill more than fine. I love this little shopping area....part yuppy mecca, part neighborhood feeling. Sorta like the make-up of who I am. Crate and Barrel Outlet, Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie and the beat goes on. If you have a dog, bring it. read more

Pros: Cafe M, Peet's, Convert (the best Toms selection... I buy for the style, not the "cause" bc we all know children in third world countries don't need shoes as a priority) and Anthropologie Cons: Parking Cute little gem in the East Bay. Perfect for a quick stroll on a nice day. Avoid the weekends, it's pretty crowded. read more

Shopper's paradise, some of the best collection clothing, shoe and home decorstores that will get you to buy buy buy. But the food, oh so disappointing. We've tried all of the places here and wow, the restaurants need to go. Parking lot was designed by a comedian, there's no way... read more

Nice street to go and relax, see some loud-ass trains going by (which they should really stop tooting there horns so often), and eat some good food. There is a public restroom located inside Sur La Table. Like others mentioned there aren't public restrooms so as to deter the homeless and/or crazies from mucking up the area. Even south of University is building up slowly and cleaning up that portion where the train station is under the highway on/off-ramp. read more

I love that I can window shop around 4th street and then blow my hard earned cash, albeit a small amount, at the Crate and Barrel outlet store. What is an outlet doing here? I don't care. I'm just glad it's there. I discoverd this place the first month I moved to the Bay area and consider it one of my greater finds. read more

Ok I make the occasional trek to 4th Street and wonder why I drove around in a mad search for parking without any real love for the stores over there. (I do enjoy Tacubaya) If you like to shop, stroll, drink coffee, shop some more.... Try COLLEGE AVE....there is a better selection of shops and just more fun. The parking isn't much easier but at least it's worth the effort. It seems that this street is a magnet for up and coming boutiques. read more

A few days ago we met friends for dinner at Café Rouge. We were totally unprepared for the Christmas decorations on 4th Street. We've been here countless times to shop or eat or hear music (Jazz on 4th) but this was the first time we had been down here at night around the Holidays. It was absolutely fabulous, a festival of lights, some static, some moving. I understand they add a bit more each year. If you're in the area and haven't seen it, go down and give it a look. Someone has posted a photo, which gives you a bit of an idea, but it's better in person. Five stars for the lights alone. read more

I worked in the vicinity of 4th Street for two years and approximately four months. This job and my consequent intimate relationship with 4th Street ended (voluntarily) last Friday. Has anyone noticed it's just not that fun down here? For laughs and drinks I usually had to head back to the office. I'll miss the breakfasts at Tacubaya, the once/twice daily runs to Peet's and the mad dashes over to Sketch with fellow Yelper Jolt G. for a dish of spearmint ice cream paired with grapefruit granita. But Oh! Those canvassers! "Do you have a moment for the environment?" "Do you have a moment for democracy?" "Do you have a moment to catch my newborn baby which I intend to toss like a football in your direction momentarily?" "Do you have a moment to help stop the blood that's gushing through this open wound in my chest?" Saying "no" always made me look like such a jerk, but, hey, it's hard to pick your place, stand in line, buy your food AND eat it on a half hour lunch. With the aid of my memory (okay, and Google Maps -- street view) I've provided a list of stores located on 4th Street bound my Hearst and Virginia. I'm beginning my tour at Hydra -- the northwesternmost store and moving in a counterclockwise direction, crossing 4th at MAC and ending the tour at the Northeasternmost store -- Scrapbook Territory. I've approximated my number of visits to each store during my twenty seven months of employment in the area and I've itemized purchases where I was able to recall them. HYDRA- 2 (once to borrow a piece of paper and a pen to write down a driver's license # and once to see where that "smell" was coming from.) TRADITIONS - 0 CODY'S BOOKS - 17 (They rarely have the book I'm looking for, but I've purchased many cards here in a hurry. Nice selection of those.) NAPA STYLE - 1 (To inquire if anyone had turned in the necklace I lost somewhere on my walk between the office and Peet's. They hadn't.) DESIGN WITHIN REACH - 2 (Once to inquire if anyone had turned in the necklace I lost somewhere on my walk between the office and Peet's and once to see if the price of a chair was within reach. They hadn't and it wasn't.) EARTHSAKE - 1 (To inquire if anyone had turned in the necklace I lost somewhere on my walk between the office and Peet's. Nope.) FLIGHT 001 - 2 (Purchased a carry-on bag that I mostly use as a gym bag) PEET'S COFFEE - 435 PAVE FINE JEWELRY DESIGN - 0 TEANCE- 2 CAFE ROUGE - 4 PASTA SHOP - 35 (because the salad bar is accessible, if pricey and neverchanging, and I sometimes required a Vosgues chocolate bar fix) TACUBAYA- 75 (frequent breakfasts of chilaquiles, juevos nortenos or churros and Mexican hot chocolate; frequent lunches of frijoles con todo and tamal de veduras with a a side of pureed sweet potatoes!) VINO! - 2 FOURTH STREET FLOWERS- 6 (unusual arrangements culled from uncommon flowers and foliage) STAINED GLASS GARDEN- 0 SUR LA TABLE - 2 THE LIGHTING STUDIO - 0 THE ARK TOY STORE - 0 LA FOLIE - 3; When it was ISABELLE LINGERIE - 3 ECCOLO - 0 O CHAME - 1 THE GARDENER - 11 THIS LITTLE PIGGY WEARS COTTON- 0 JIGSAW - 0 GEORGE- 3 (for Champ's first collar and toy; to check out cat carrier selection and prices, accompany a coworker friend on toy-hunting mission for her dog) AVEDA - 2 (both times by accident, thinking I was walking into Kiehl's) KIEHL'S - 4 MAC - 4 (I know I purchased an eyeliner pencil called "phone number") PAPER SOURCE - 3 ANTHROPOLOGIE- 8 BENEFIT COSMETICS - 2 CP SHADES - 0 ERICA TANOV- 0 RABAT- 7 (Tsubos and sandals) SLATER/MARINOFF & CO. - 0 BUILDER'S BOOKSOURCE - 2 KET'ER SALON - 0 SHOKA- 0 MOLLY B. - 0 DOWN HOME MUSIC- 1. When it was HEAR MUSIC- 10 SKETCH- 35 BETTE'S OCEAN VIEW DINER - 3 BETTE'S TO GO - 30 CASTLE IN THE AIR- 3 THOUSAND CRANES-0 MIKI'S PAPER- 2 BARE ESSENTIALS - 0 PAPYRUS - 0 JEST JEWELS - 0 MANHATTAN BAGEL- 12 (the breakfast bagel with the synthetic orange cheese until I couldn't stomach it any longer) CRATE & BARREL OUTLET- 4 RESTORATION HARDWARE - 0 Z GALLERIE- 0 FOURTH STREET STUDIO - 0 WHEELGIRL- 1 STONEHOUSE CALIFORNIA OLIVE OIL - 4 PELLA WINDOWS AND DOORS - 0 SCRAPBOOK TERRITORY - 2 NOTE: Lost on 4th Street: four leaf clover necklace: http://static.px.yelp.com/photo/e5tyQ8yDw4HWqzPQJGbrqA/l read more

One of the perks of living in Emeryville is that I'm now so close to Fourth Street. The drawback is that I'm going to be in credit card debt forever. However, if you have more willpower and can keep your spending at bay, Fourth Street is the perfect place to waste away your Saturday or Sunday. First - parking advice. The public lots (and there are several) offer free parking with 3 hour limit. But fret not if you lose track of time hoarding samples at Kielh's. The "security" do chalk your tires but if you violate the time limit, they just leave you a threatening note saying your license is now on file and next time you will be towed. I've been warned 3 times and and no towing yet. Okay, onto the fun part in no particular order - Shopping, People Watching & Dining Shopping 4th Street has got a pretty eclectic mix of stores - think of it as Fillmore meets the Mall (minus the annoying teeny-bops). Anchoring the street is Anthropolgie on the south end, Crate & Barrel Outlet in the middle, and Cody's Book on the north end. In between you will find Benefit Cosmetics, MAC, Kiehl's, Rabat, Bare Essentials, the new Paper Source, the Gardener, Sur La Table, Restoration Hardware, Z Gallerie, Design within Reach, Papyrus, a few kids stores, a few clothing stores, and a great scrapbook store. (notice how I can name all the cosmetics and the home stores?) Crate and Barrel outlet might be the main draw of this place - you get alot of the similar items from the main stores but at a fraction of the retail price. There is also a big room in the back selling their AS-IS furniture - if you don't mind a few scratches on the headboard (it'll get there eventually anyway), you can save up to 50% off. People Watching Due to its location, 4th Street draws a mix of people. You get young professionals, stroller pushing families, people walking their dogs, students from Berkeley (though not too much), and just other hip people of the East Bay. The best place to enjoy the crowd is outside Peets coffee. There are a few tables on the patio but you can also sit along the cement ramp to enjoy the scene over your Scharfenberger freddo. Dining Whatever you want to eat, you got it. Be prepared to spend a lot but you will never go hungry on 4th Street. Spengers located on the south end of the street has been a Bay Area institution for years. They offer possibly one of the greatest selection of seafood anywhere. Eccolo and O'Chame are both on the SF Chronicle's List of the 100 Best Bay Area restaurants. Eccolo offers elegant pastas, sandwiches and burgers. It's elegant but not pretentious. O'Chame is Japanese Fusion. There is Tacubaya, an pricier order-at-the-counter Mexican restaurant. Their tortas are excellent. The place with the longest line would be Bette's Oceanview Diner. There is no view of the ocean but who cares when you are enjoying their souffle pancakes! To die for. If you're just looking for a little pick-me-up between the shopping, make sure you stop in at Sketch. The little husband-and-wife owned ice cream shop is ADORABLE. They offer a selection of gelatos and granitas (think the sno-cone ice). My favorite is the earl grey gelato, served in the decorative plastic bowls. There is also a Sugar Bowl bakery behind Bare Essentials. You can never go wrong with a cookie or slice of cake. So here is Fourth Street in a nutshell (or twenty page thesis). Hope you enjoy your visit. read more

yuppies no parking everything costs WAY too much $$ (there is a store for doggy treats and accessories that sells jackets for dogs that cost more than my entire personal wardrobe!) tacubaya is tasty. kiehls nearby is handy for refills. did i mention it is yuppie-ville? NOT worth the effort. read more

Look people. There is no reason in HELL that you need to DRIVE DOWN 4TH STREET. There are plenty of side streets to accommodate you and your gas guzzler. (And DEAR LORD if you see someone walking to their car, if they are NOT ACTUALLY LEAVING RIGHT THIS SECOND, don't wait for their spot. Berkeley is filled with street parking...all at least 2 hour...and if you have to walk two blocks, then so be it. You're fat anyway.) Leave us in peace to roam the streets. Hopefully it gets big enough to where they put up blockades to make the row pedestrian only, that way I can frolic with my Sketch Burnt Caramel in peace. read more

I love this area and the "meltingpotiness" of it. I love the creative and eccentric atmosphere and the laid back intellectual sort of sophistication -- it's like super chill and down-to-earth, but still hip in relaxed sort of way. =) Parking can be difficult, but not too bad... read more

such a cozy area... i love these types of outdoor shopping areas. nice selection of shops and spots with food... wish we had a place like this in oakland... read more

Only a short distance away from the campus area but it's like a whole new world! It has a ton of restaurants and cute shops. I especially love going on the weekend to have brunch at cafe m and strolling in paper source, sur la table, anthropologie, and the crate and barrel outlet. read more

Great shopping center for those who shop for high quality end products. But to pay for it to have much more.

After moving from LA to Berkeley to attend Cal, this is perhaps one of, if not the only, area of Berkeley that I can stomach. The only place where the buildings are older than I am and there is a distinct lack of hobos. This place is pretty cool on a weekday because there really isn't any traffic and there is always some parking to be found. I love the chocolatier here, some of the shops are cool, its nice to have a mac cosmetics too! My hair salon is here as well. I really like the CB2 and the Crate & Barrel isn't bad either. Coming here on a sunny warm weekday afternoon just to hang out is always fun. However, coming here when its cold sucks cause no one wants to trample through these shops all wet getting stared at like you aren't good enough to shop on 4th street. Also the parking is HORRENDOUSLY BAD on the weekends and on some weekday evenings. Most of the places here seem to close by 4pm which I will never understand. Also traffic both auto and pedestrian is pretty stressful on the weekends. If they could just do something about all the pesky cigar smokers, it be a pretty awesome place. read more