When I'm deciding where to eat, mac and cheese is almost never the first thing that comes to mind. It's usually more of a side dish than the main event. But this place completely changed that for me. Their mac and cheese comes out hot, steamy, and loaded with flavor, comfort food turned into something way more exciting. What really stands out is how creative the combinations are; it's not just cheese and pasta, it's layers of texture and bold flavor that keep me coming back. The buffalo chicken mac is a standout. It arrives with this crispy, golden breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. Pro tip, if you're getting it for takeout or delivery, the steam softens the topping in the container, so you miss out on that contrast. It's definitely best enjoyed fresh, in person, when that crunch is at its peak. Then there's the elote mac, which brings a totally different vibe. The bits of corn add little pops of sweetness throughout, and the slices of lemon on top are a game changer. A quick squeeze cuts through the richness of the cheese and oil, balancing everything out in a really satisfying way. I'm lactose intolerant, and that should be a dealbreaker here, but this is one of those rare exceptions where I'm willing to deal with the consequences. read more

Had our usual Macs: Jalapeño Popper Mac - 7* Elote Mac - 5* (Wish there were more Vegetarian Mac choices in the Mac Trio) Good service and Nice ambiance!! read more

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Disappointing experience that had a lot of potential. We arrived right at opening and were seated outside quickly -- a great start on a beautiful sunny day. Unfortunately, it went downhill fast. We ordered a trio of mac-n-cheese, biscuits, and a kids mac-n-cheese. The biscuits arrived about 20 minutes in and were raw inside. We sent them back. At the 45-minute mark, we still had not received our main food. With a hungry 4-year-old at the table, we made the decision to leave. When we tracked down our server to let them know, we were told the kitchen was slammed with to-go orders. That's understandable -- but that information was never communicated to us at any point. A simple heads-up would have gone a long way. Instead, we sat for nearly an hour, sent back undercooked food, and left without eating. We genuinely wanted to love this place and were looking forward to the experience. It just didn't happen. Better communication from the staff and prioritization of dine-in guests would make a big difference. Not sure we'll be back. read more

We were craving mac n cheese and came back to try some of their other flavors. This time we ordered the Kogi Short Rib Mac and the Garlicky Bacon Mac. Both were delicious. The kogi short rib mac had a sweet flavor from the kogi bbq sauce, along with Gouda, pecorino, scallions, garlic butter, and sriracha. If you like a little kick of heat, this is your go-to. The garlicky bacon mac came with lots of bacon, garlic gouda, and pecorino. It tasted cheesier compared to the short rib mac. If you are a bacon lover, this is your go-to. read more

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I dined here a few weeks ago with my boyfriend and sat at the bar. It was very quiet inside so we received extra great service. We shared an order of brussel sprouts, the French onion Mac n cheese, and the chicken pot pie Mac n cheese. I thought it was weird that the chicken pot pie had no chicken in it - we search and there was none! In the future, I'd order something else and prioritize adding some type of protein. Otherwise, the food was yummy - large portions also meant that we had leftovers so that's also a win in my books. read more

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Homeroom feels like a cozy blanket right out of the dryer on a cold blustery day. I love this place. Everyone who works here is so sweet and kind and the food is creatively comforting and delicious. Every single thing I've tried I've loved. I love Brittny & Kacey and the level of service they offer every customer. It's so refreshing to be served by super sweet people who care about the type of experience you're having at their establishment. If you get a chance come to Homeroom and indulge on some oooey gooey goodness. read more

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Heading to Homeroom Berkeley on a rainy day I think should always lead to smiles for miles. And for those that are reading this and don't know, Homeroom is an incredibly fun eatery that specializes in all things mac and cheese! And right now, they have a mac and cheese flight (see video) that is very yum! You can choose three different flavors (we did the special - Chicken Pot Pie, and then Classic, and Buffalo Chicken). All solid choices..especially just the honest and true, Classic Mac. We also ordered the Bacon Brussels Sprouts. To note, they also have a kiddo menu, beer/wine/soft drinks, salads, other sides, sweets, plant based options, and a catering menu. Mac-wise, a few of their other current seasonal specials include the Kogi Short Rib Mac, Garden Pesto Mac, and Elote Mac. We learned the Berkeley location is also the only location to also serve items from The Melt (burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more). So def lotsa items and options to choose from! I like the 'Homeroom' and play on old school nostalgia ~ there's a 'locker' area and kid's corner with games to keep the young mind's entertained. Very much appreciated! Highchairs/crayons for the kiddo menu/and small water cups with pre-cut straws..that's the first time I've seen this (not on Instagram). How nice! I feel like this spot needs some extra love ~ they've got a good thing going! My takeaways are mainly on consistency and service. Our Brussels were a bit cold, but the Mac was piping hot. All in all, we will def be back to enjoy all the yums and Mac fun with our family. There aren't a plethora of entirely kid-friendly spots in the East Bay, and this is worthy of checking out..especially on days that could use a little extra cheesy comfort. Street parking can be found outside :) read more

Homeroom always serves up the ultimate comfort food for every occasion! I frequent Homeroom for takeout, yet I never get bored because they have such a wide variety of flavors to try from. When I'm feeling something simple but aromatic, I go for the Gilroy Garlic. When I'm wanting something a little more refreshing, the Elote Mac or the Garden Pesto Mac hit the spot. And sometimes, when I really just need something to warm my tummy and my soul, the Kogi Mac is what I reach for. Also, how could I forget? The sides! If you're not quite in to Mac and cheese, at least come try their Bacon Brussels & Buttery Garlic Green Beans! The Brussels can also be ordered without bacon. I am definitely guilty of just getting an order of Brussels sprouts and taking it home to eat with a hot bowl of rice. Since it's such a crowd pleaser, you could even bring it to a potluck! I have yet to dine in at the Berkeley location. But I've waited in the lobby for my takeout. It's spacious, modern, and sleek. There's also a play area for the little ones! Perfect spot for a family dinner. I do also want to mention the Vegan Mac! Even though I don't have a picture of it, I still think about it often. When Trader Joe's doesn't have their butternut Mac and cheese in season, the Vegan Mac here is a great dupe! Smooth and creamy without the dairy. read more

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Yes, Homeroom is in Berkeley, now too. Parents who wait for their kids get out of a concert @ 924 Gilman, treat yourselves here ^_^. I walked in 30 minutes before the restaurant closed and the service was outstanding. Thanks, I'll be back to order macs ;) read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Original Melt Burger, veggies on the side please. Seasoned fries Coca cola - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Their Oakland location was pretty memorable for me when I used to go there many years ago. Pretty happy to see they opened another location in Berkeley that's a lot easier to park at. Hawaiian Mac (5/5) - Added some breadcrumbs and it was still as delicious as I remember. That blend of pineapple and bacon hits the spot. Elote Bowl (3.5/5) - Was ok but wouldn't order again. If you are a fan of restaurant mac and cheese, I would definitely recommend. read more

Homeroom Berkeley - ELOTE BOWL - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I took my grandson and his very favorite food is macaroni and cheese. And he says this is the best he's ever had! He always gets the garlic mac & cheese, and some kind of shake. Eduardo always recognizes us and says hello - he's the best waiter! I am not a mac & cheese, girl, so I always get the brussels sprouts with maple and balsamic vinegar and the garlic green beans. They are delicious! read more

Homeroom has the best vegan mac & cheese options I know of. You can get a spicy Mexican version, or the regular, and many many add-on options. I usually get delivery but have eaten in the restaurant several times and always felt like the service was attentive and respectful and good. Ambiance is nothing special, but clean and comfortable enough. The Mac is really very satisfying and I crave it! read more

Depends on the location. I've had great experiences which is why I still eat it and I've had a food poisoning attempt when I ordered at another location. Maybe they got rid of the guy but if they lost business, I'm sure that he is why. read more

Love Mac n Cheese? Love Melted burgers and sandwiches? Then get here now! A ton of specialty mac n cheeses are on the menu along with burgers and beers. Wine is available too. We ordered the Gilroy Garlic mac n Cheese which is AMAZING!! The service here is friendly and they were patient with my questions. Great space here. Great local feel feel and nearby Gilman Brewery and Philz. We're definitely returning! read more

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Delicious Mac and cheese and also very yummy chicken sandwich!! Service was quick and the restaurant has a lot of seating. Definitely will be returning to try other dishes. read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Was stuck at an appointment in waiting room. Had delivery of my favorite flavor Mac. It was amazing and I was grateful for a good meal while waiting. read more

Homeroom Berkeley - JALAPEÑO POPPER MAC - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ordered through doordash and was very impressed with the timing and quality! Although it was claimed that my order would be ready within 40 minutes, it was way quicker than that. My order was placed and arrived at my place within 25 mins. Got 2 Gilroy Garlic Macs with added breadcrumbs and it was yummy! It was lacking some salt but nothing I couldn't add myself. The portions may seem small but is actually very filling since it's carb heavy. Would love to dine in next time! read more

First time here! I have heard Homeroom had really good mac n cheese and my friend finally introduced it to me. We got the flight deal - 3 small mac and cheeses with select flavors you can choose from. We got 1. Elote mac n cheese (my personal favorite!) 2. Truffle mac n cheese (comes with the breadcrumbs on the top) 3. Garlic mac n cheese with added bacon This is great - price wise ,and if you don't want eat the same big bowl of mac and cheese because you get variety! Also one of the waiters were kind enough to offer us a free strawberry lemonade! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

This was an order we placed for delivery for a happy hour event we were hosting. We ordered the following: 1) VEGAN MAC PLATTER, 1) JALAPEÑO POPPER MAC PLATTER, 1) GARLICKY BACON MAC PLATTER, 1) CLASSIC MAC PLATTER, 2) BUTTERY GARLIC GREEN BEANS PLATTER, 2) VEGAN BRUSSELS PLATTER The total with tax, tip and delivery was $331.38 The food was served nice and hot, very tasty, everyone loved the selection of Mac-n-cheeses. I enjoyed the classic Mac and the jalapeño Mac had a nice spicy kick. The brussel sprouts paired well with the Mac. We will definitely order from Homeroom again soon!! read more

This Homeroom is located part of the Gilman District with a small shared parking lot. They have a spacious dining area with a bar area, they also have games and a play area for kids. The employees were friendly and welcoming, but the service and wait time for the food was a bit slow, even though the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived. My friends ordered a variety of their Mac & Cheese and other dishes, while I ordered their classic mac & cheese and grilled cheese. They thought their food was enjoyable. I thought my food was good for the most part - the mac & cheese was cheesy and flavorful, while the grilled cheese was good and crispy, but a bit on the oilier side. read more

Really enjoyed my visit and my kids were happy to have so many options to pick from! Also really like the beer menu very surprised with selection. read more

I was contacted by the manager at Homeroom after leaving my initial review just a day ago, and she attempted to make up for the not-so-positive experience I recently had. I didn't need any apology or freebies, to give the business another chance, but the effort alone showed me that they really care about their customers and resolving problems, and hold a high standard for their business, vowing to improve both the service and the product. So I thought it was only fair that I update my review. That kind of effort and dedication deserves 5 stars. read more

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Was welcomed as soon as I entered. Seated immediately. Service was fair. Stronger at the start, but once I received my ordered, I was left unattended. The plates are a whopping portion size. The gluten free elbows are tiny, and the vegan cheese sauce was a bit runny so eating with fork didn't quite cut it, when I finally flagged someone down and requested a spoon, I was able to dig in. I added broccoli, spinach, jalapeños and tomato. The added veggies were pretty scarce, especially the jalapeño. The dish was piping hot, and I really enjoyed the flavor or the cheese sauce for a vegan version. Hoping service is a bit better next time, and now I know to order dbl or triple veggies in order to get my dish to my exact desires. Happy I stopped in and will return. It's great to have a place to enjoy vegan + gluten food. Huge dining room and big bar. Prices are fair. read more

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Homeroom is hands-down the best spot to fix your Mac&Cheese craving in the Bay. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and family-friendly. The price for quality and portion size is unbeatable, and the options are unique and plentiful. Especially vegetarian options, which was a huge plus for me! They also have Vegan options- very cool and unheard of to cater to literally everyone. We just couldn't decide which ones to pick, lucky for us- Homeroom does a Mac & Cheese Trio for a crazy low price. We had plenty to eat and leftovers too. The staff is always so kind and personable, their GM Erick is amazing, we got a sample of his experimental flavor- French Onion Soup, and it was a knock-out, hope to see it on the menu soon!!! They have beer & wine to pair your meal with and I love that they're planning events to engage with the community and create a super trendy, warm, and homey- hang out spot. If you're looking for a place for lunch or dinner for amazing food, value, and a place that feels like home- look no further. We can't wait to come back!!! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - TRUFFLE MAC, ELOTE MAC, GILROY GARLIC MAC - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Tashanti was absolutely incredible! She was working the floor by herself and still managed to stay completely composed the entire time. Her service was fast, attentive, and always delivered with a genuine smile. You could tell she truly cares about her guests, even under pressure. It's rare to see someone handle a busy shift with that level of professionalism and positivity. She made our experience so enjoyable, and we'll definitely be coming back because of her. Thank you, Tashanti! read more

This is my third time at this location and it was an amazing experience! Our server Tashanti was very friendly and attentive to our needs-- making sure we were doing okay and so forth. Definitely made our dining experience a 10/10! As for the food it was great! Just what we needed after a long day of being out and about. Awesome comfort food and the cheese was in my grilled cheese was to die for. In the past I've ordered off of the Homeroom menu, but this time I ordered off of "The Melt" menu and it was just as good! Would definitely come back to dine in again soon. Great place to take friends, family, or date to! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Theee cheese classic and TOMATO SOUP - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

The bacon brussel sprouts were good. They looked burnt but didn't taste burnt. The kogi Mac and the chicken pot pie were good. The portion is large. I took my leftovers home and enjoyed it later for a snack. My boyfriend thought the chicken pot pie tasted more like a pasta than a Mac and cheese. I wish they had a Mac flight so I could try all the flavors. read more

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My husband and I decided to take a detour and come here for dinner instead of the Oakland location because it's larger and is usually less busy. I'm glad it's not as busy at this location, but I hope it doesn't mean they'd be at risk at closing for good, because it's a solid spot in terms of service, food, and ambiance. The restaurant is modern and cute. They're currently collaborating with The Melt, so you can order from Homeroom's menu and/or The Melt. Moreover, their menu options are simple yet eclectic. A mean reason why I LOVE Homeroom is because they have gluten free options without compromising the texture or taste. Anyway, what I really want to highlight is their service. I excitedly ordered the Mac n cheese "flight" because I am the type of person that likes to try a little bit of everything. I chose buffalo chicken, truffle, and classic (added jalapeños). The problem is I forgot to order them gluten free. This is a no-no for my gluten-intolerant self. I didn't notice until my order came and I saw the breadcrumbs on top. I felt so bad!but the waiter sincerely said it was not a problem, and redid my order gluten free. I offered to pay for the wrong order because it was my fault, but the waiter said he didn't want me to worry and would rather I enjoy my food. Nowadays, I feel like customer service like this is so rare. I was really touched by the waiter's patience and kindness. For this reason, I hope this Homeroom location stays here forever. read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Mac and cheese flight (BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC, TRUFFLE MAC, CLASSIC MAC (with added jalapeños) - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Highly recommend against ordering anything from The Melts menu here. Still very confused if this is like a franchise partnership or what, but the burgers we got were nothing like Melts we've had before. The burger was comically thin, think Burger King size.. and was somehow not cooked all the way through. The Mac & Cheese was great. Service was friendly and quick, but probably should have taken the empty restaurant as a sign.. came here on a Monday night for dinner, and the only people walking through the door were DoorDashers. Prices were fair all around, but I would never come back here. read more

Pleaseeee try the cheddar jalapeño biscuit. Maybe I'm just a sucker for carbs, but this was my favorite thing I ate here. The biscuit is warm and fluffy and is served with a sweet butter which makes for a delightful combo. The jalapeño flavor could be stronger. The mac and cheese was pretty good, as well. Points for the concise but considerable menu. I would appreciate some way to sample or order a small portion of the limited edition macs--I wanted to try both the BBQ and Hawaiian macs, but was afraid I would get tired of the flavor after a few bites. I ordered the elote mac, and my boyfriend ordered the garlicky bacon mac with grilled chicken. The garlicky bacon mac was definitely more cheesy, but felt a tad bit salty and missing something to offset the smoky flavor. I really enjoyed the sweetness of the corn and tang of the lime in the elote mac. The portion size is pretty reasonable for the price--we ended up with leftovers, about 40% of the mac. The only thing that left me wishing for something more was the temperature the mac was served at. It was warm, but I was expecting it to be piping hot. The mac is not baked, maybe broiled for a couple of minutes on top. The "homeroom" concept is cute, complete with lockers and all. Place was pretty empty when we went on a Friday around 6 pm. read more

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First time trying the Berkeley location. Ive been to the original Oakland location multiple times. This place takes over where Farm Burger used to be. This location also seems to have a ghost kitchen or something as they also serve burgers which I will have to try next time. Had my go to truffle mac and cheese 5/5. As mac and cheeses go, expect it to feel heavy and delicious. bacon brussel sprouts 4/5 could be crispier. Parking is tiny or street parking. Place is clean. Forgot to take pics cause i was so hungry lol read more

I had actually heard of Homeroom through a podcast interview with the founder Erin Wade, and was surprised they were based out of the Bay Area so we decided to check it out. We ordered an elote bowl as a starter and a BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese, but unfortunately the elote bowl came after the mac and cheese. for the elote bowl, the corn was soft and sweet and had great tasting cheese and pepper powder. The BBQ pulled pork was quite good as well, nice and cheesy and the pulled pork was decent Overall a great place to go if you're craving mac and cheese! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - elote bowl - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Just decided to take out dinner from Homeroom this afternoon as I was running errands around Berkeley. It was so easy to call & order, ready in 10 min. & packed beautifully. Enough for 2 people- Classic Mac & Cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts and pie for dessert- all for $28!! Very generous in portions too. Um seriously- RUN to this place (or just order Door Dash!) with your kids, your parents, friend's & neighbors and have a fabulous tasty and $reasonable$ meal!! The play area for kids is truly awesome too. Ambiance A+ read more

Last time I had Homeroom was 2019 at the Oakland location. I was excited to try the Berkeley location and had been looking forward to it all day. When I got there, it was not super full which was nice. Ambiance is nice. Tables and floors were clean. But it was super chilly inside? I don't understand why since it was super chilly outside. Since it was not busy, we got to pick our own table. The menu was pretty straightforward. I ordered the BBQ pulled pork mac with a ginger ale. Ginger ale came out first. It was good but there was no ginger flavor present. The mac took a long time to come out. When it finally did, it wasn't HOT. It was warm. That's not ideal for me when it comes to mac and cheese. I need to burn my mouth first in order to enjoy it. I thought the pork was going to be mixed within the mac but it wasn't. They slapped it on top with some store bought hot sauce and crunchy onions. No thought whatsoever with the presentation. I stirred my bowl and the cheese was already getting runny from the pork sitting on top. I stirred it some more and it finally mixed in but it still wasn't great. The mac and cheese itself was not that great. Kinda bland, no cheese pull, and no creaminess. The pork was okay. Not much flavor but it was very very tender. This was the only component I was satisfied with. Other than that, this bowl of mac was mid at best. It was edible and I ate it anyway, as it was $23 for the meal. Like I mentioned earlier, it was cold inside. My bowl didn't have a chance to stay warm. It got cold so quick! I don't really have a desire to come back. Turn down the A/C and have the bowls come out HOT, not warm. Meh. Also, the bathrooms smell. Yuck! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - BBQ pulled pork - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

It's been years since I last had Homeroom--the Oakland location was my go-to. This was my first time checking out the Berkeley spot, and it didn't disappoint. We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon, and it was nice and quiet with open seating available. I ordered the Kogi Short Rib Mac and it was absolutely delicious--hot, flavorful, and hard to resist. I may or may not have burned my mouth because I couldn't wait for it to cool down (worth it though, LOL). We also tried the Garden Pesto Mac, and it tasted just like the ingredients promised--fresh and comforting. Overall, we had a great lunch at Homeroom and would gladly come back! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Top: Garden Pesto Mac, Bottom: Kogi Short Rib Mac - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

Love me some Mac n' Cheese... but after eating here I'm like GAWD DANG this is delicious. Imagine going to a restaurant that specializes in Mac n' Cheese. All kinds too like Mac n cheese with pulled pork and bbq, hawaiian Mac n cheese, or just good ol fashioned Mac n cheese! I loved the selection, variety and creativity Homeroom has to offer. They have other dishes besides Mac n Cheese, their tomato soup is tasty and the peanut butter pie satisfies any peanut butter junkie! I was also pleased with the awesome service especially all the questions and suggestions our waiters gave us. The ambiance is reminiscent of a classroom vibe but more modern and uptempo. They do have lockers to give it that school vibe! Definitely recommended and I will be back! read more

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OMG. This place is LIFE CHANGING-ly good. I have been here more times than I can count and not ONCE have I been disappointed. The customer service and food is so GD good it should be illegal. Do I recommend this place? Um, YES. Fk YES. BEST MAC AND CHEESE EVER! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Even the damn to go bags are cute - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California

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All I have to say is that I left with a stomach ache. The food was soooooo good! I couldn't stop eating! Every time I said I was going to take the rest home, I would take another bite! I had the Elote Mac. Definitely different but delicious! My server, Isaiah, was personable, knowledgeable, attentive, and the restaurant has such a fresh, clean, and inviting atmosphere. Oh! I forget to say that the price was excellent! I drove from Sacramento just to try and they did not disappoint. I will absolutely be back! read more

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Food was great, I got the kogi Mac and it was delicious, the kids loved theirs and the Parmesan fries were super tasty. Brittany was our server and she was amazing. First thing that happened when we sat down was my daughter spilled her entire water. Brittany didn't bat an eye and cleaned it all up, plus brought new waters and a new kids menu. She checked in on us regularly, making sure we could bounce when ready before the kids fell apart. There's also a great little kids play area inside to keep Wiley ones entertained with toys and activities. All around great experience. read more

What a pleasant surprise to see that homeroom has a new location in Berkeley! It's very spacious, there's ample street parking, and even a cute outdoor seating area. My friend and I came for a weekday dinner and it was basically empty lol. We ordered the crab mac and the short rib mac. They both smash hard hahaha The crab mac had a delicious crabby flavor throughout and the lemon adds a nice acidity to balance the heavy cheese. Breadcrumbs are a super must. They make every mac taste better Short rib mac is not as good as the crab mac imo but it was still really good. The short rib was tender and flavorful. The mac has bits of jalapeño, so it's a tad spicy, but evens out nicely with the cheese. Service was also good! It was super empty (just 2 groups), so we were left alone most of the time, but definitely didn't forget about us. Overall, super good. Homeroom has the best macs and this location is a lovely addition to their business. Would definitely come back! read more

Homeroom Berkeley - Crab Mac - Comfort Food Near Me - Berkeley, California