Solano Junction

133

3 years ago

My favorite place for a delicious breakfast create your own scramble or eggs Benedict . And lunch is great too . My go to place to meet friends dine inside or out. Friendly efficient staff and quick service . Substitutions not a problem . I ordered an americano and it knocked my socks off. I will be back! read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

We are glad to hear that you liked our food, coffee and place. We…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

paula c.

223

730

5 years ago

Stopped in for a rare weekday lunch opportunity with my daughter. We both decided to take advantage of the all-day breakfast menu items. When ordered the classic Eggs Benedict and I ordered the Herby Egg white Omelette. She was disappointed that the Benedict didn't have much hollandaise sauce. It's the hollandaise that I love best, but she said it tasted good. It came with crispy potatoes. I tried a couple and liked them. My omelette with tasty and prepared well with good ratio of egg to veggies. I could see and taste a little fresh parsley, but something called "herby"in the name might benefit from a little more herb flavor. The side salad was a nice accompaniment with a good dressing. Only downside was that we were left waiting to place our order for a while- about 15 minutes -even after I told the guy who brought our drinks that we were ready to order. We had a slight timing concern that was a bit stressful, but it ended up being fine since the rest of the service was quick. read more

Solano Junction - Herby Egg White Omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Classic Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Hi Paula, Appreciated for the details reviews about your experience…

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Julia H.

2 years ago

Our favorite local brunch spot. Not exactly a greasy spoon diner but definitely no frills. Solid family-friendly brunch food with good service at good prices. The french toast, huevos rancheros, fresh squeezed orange juice are our go-to's. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Royce R.

201

375

4 years ago

Very attentive Waitstaff - perfect for outdoors Sunday Brunch with delicious Eggs Benedict, perfectly brewed coffee and real half-n-half, six kinds of fruit juice mimosas, we'll be back! read more

Solano Junction - Wildcat Benedict with potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Appreciate the review and rating. Come again to try other dishes and…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Odie O.

2116

150

3 years ago

Excellent friendly service huge portions nice patio seating great place for breakfast or lunch

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Appreciate your time for the review and rating..

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Zita H.

209

5 years ago

I am shocked this place was not full, even on Christmas Eve. RK greeted us and offered 5 star hospitality throughout our dinner. He even made me a delicious customizes blueberry lemondrop. We had the Tangy fries,, Butternut squash soup, the Asaparagus Frisee, the Quinoa bowl, lamb shoulder and fried chicken and fries. Everything was delicious, and the presentation was beautiful. I will definitely be back soon and recommend you come in for dinner and drinks before they go back to breakfast/brunch only. RK, thanks again for a great dining experience! read more

Solano Junction - Butternut squash soup and Asparagus Frisee - absolutely delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Shoulder of lamb - do flavorful, cooked to perfection - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Hello Zita, Thank you very much for dining with us and appreciated…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Al T.

5 years ago

OMG! I'm always looking for great places to eat/drink in the local area. I ran across this place and went on Sunday with my bestie and had an amazing time. The food was great and the drinks were phenomenal! My fav so far is the Lavender Mimosa! Grabbed a burger to go for my hubby and he loved it! Can't wait to go again. The owners are attentive and want you to enjoy and have a good time. They go above and beyond to make your experience amazing. See you all soon and will post pics, later! read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you for the great review. Looking forward to serve you…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gustavo C.

Elite 22

4 years ago

Been here for the first time with my family this Sunday. It's unbelievably good. It was surprising to me that they weren't overcrowded... Overall my experience was definitely rewarding. The coffe was excellent, the food tasted the best I've ever had. Absolutely amazing! read more

Solano Junction - Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Latte - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you Gustavo for rating and comments. Appreciated ! We also…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maribel G.

106

162

358

5 years ago

About a month ago I gave Solano Junction an abysmal 1 star review. The owner of Solano Junction reached out to me and very respectfully pointed out some errors in my review. I said that I had not been served the chorizo burrito that I ordered when in fact I had. My mistake was due to the fact that they use a very healthy, fancy chorizo that I had never heard of. It surprised my Mexican-oriented-chorizo palate but it's still chorizo even if I prefer the traditional crumbly salty stuff. The owner refunded me $16.45 for the burrito. I was too harsh in my original review so I asked Yelp to take it down altogether. I can acknowledge some hasty judgements and admit that I was dead wrong about the food at Solano Junction. While I'm still not a fan of that particular item I had a chance to speak with Dev (owner) and Chef Lila, try some other food items and now understand the experience much better. I returned upon Dev's invitation, sat down in their nice outdoor setup, and here's what I had: - Florentine Benedict: they were phenomenal. The garlic roasted tomatoes are a game changer. The hollandaise sauce is delicate, perfectly lemony, creamy but light -- delicious! I really love their crispy home potatoes too. - Belgian waffles: my husband couldn't elaborate on how good they were because he inhaled them. He said was they reminded him of his childhood in Brussels! The next time we visited we ordered: - Cinnamon French Toast: if I could recreate this French toast I'd never leave my house. I would just sit around eating French toast for breakfast lunch and dinner. - Grand Canyon Scramble: my husband is the king of scrambles and this one is now at the top of his list. I took a bite and declared that the next time we visit this is what I'm ordering. We both said our meal reminded us of an epic breakfast we once had while staying at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in SF. Then I found out Chef Lila is a Sous Chef at The St Regis San Francisco and it all made sense. Brunch at Solano Junction is akin to a very relaxed, decadent room service experience at The St Regis. Sadly, you'll have to skip the fluffy white robe and terry cloth slippers, but the food is just as delicious without the $100 tab for room service. This experience has really encouraged me to reach out to restaurant owners if I have an issue before judging too harshly with a 1 star review. I will not make this mistake again. I encourage anyone reading this to talk to Dev first before posting a bad review. I spoke with Dev (owner) and Chef Lila at great length and they were delightful, thoughtful, informative and clearly committed to delivering quality food for their customers. Excellent coffee too. It's my new neighborhood brunch spot that I'll be going back to again and again. read more

Solano Junction - Grand Canyon Scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Belgian Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - The Florentine Benedict - phenomenal!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and this…

Helpful 9

Thanks 0

Love this 4

Oh no 0

Tatianna A.

219

266

5 years ago

Really good food, good environment. A bit pricey, for 1 appetizer, 1 bottle of wine, and 2 main dishes it came out to around 125$ but the food was beautiful and tasty. I would go here again for a special occasion versus just casual dining. read more

Solano Junction - NY Steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Salmon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you for your feedback and for your review. We are glad that you…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Colby S.

2 years ago

Can't believe I haven't reviewed Solano Junction yet! Been here half a dozen times already and it's always fantastic. ‍ They make a little bit of everything but do it all extremely well. Always hot, fresh, and delicious. read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Hello Colby, Thank you very much for an excellent rating and…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Christina M.

116

703

859

3 years ago

Finally checked this place out as I'm always on Solano Ave and was looking for places to eat breakfast. The service was really nice and attentive as we didn't have to wait long to order. My hubby and I both ordered the breakfast bowl scramble and both were very delicious. We also ordered a bloody mary to go with our breakfast and that was the highlight of our morning! I love when places can make a great Bloody Mary and this place makes a terrific one with just the right spice and kick in it plus they include the bacon!!!! YAS! read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you for choosing our restaurant and for sharing your positive…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Skip R.

545

111

3 years ago

This is a fantastic restaurant!!! I thought I had eaten at every restaurant on Solano but apparently not! I sat out on the patio, pulled out my favorite authentic pizza cookbook, and expected to have time delays! No!!! Very pleasant waitress, kind and professional. I ordered a cup of coffee (very good) a glass of Champaign, and enjoyed both while trying to decide on breakfast! Only 10 am and the salmon Benedict was already sold out, so I chose the Florentine with fruit. Both were awesome, poached eggs were perfect, wonderful hollandaise!! Then I had the Elderflower peach Bellini, awesome!! Finished with a great cup of espresso, excellent bean!!! My waitress was always attentive at exactly the right time, she was fantastic! For the last six months I have been making it a plan to visit every restaurant on Solano from San Pablo east to Alameda Ave! This will definitely be at the top of my list!! read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Appreciate your time for putting these fantastic review for us

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 2

Patricia M.

2 years ago

The food was really good, the drinks were delicious, I liked the vibe, the only reason I am giving 4 stars is because that day was very hot, and there weren't enough ventilation. Other than that everything was perfect, the service was great, the staff super friendly. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Liz C.

4 years ago

I came here on an unassuming Sunday with my partner. I am so glad that we decided to try this spot out (and follow the meal with a leisurely stroll up and down Solano Ave.) Honestly, the experience was so good and the food perfect that I really have to thank the staff and chefs for really pulling my mood up for the weekend - it'd been a rough previous week for me. I ordered the Salmon Scramble and it was PERFECT. This is made with normal salmon (not smoked), cream cheese, and dill. Sometimes I find smoked salmon scrambles to be too punchy, so I appreciate that they keep the flavours a bit more mellow. I also commend the chefs on their technique on mixing in the cream cheese. It was the ideal amount for each bite to have a delectable (but not too indulgent) creaminess. I also ordered a cup of Coffee. I am confirming here that refills are included. As a bit of a coffee snob, I am really impressed with the brew ratio and the beans. I only added a hint of cream and a pinch of sugar because te flavour profile of the coffee was already quite balanced. I had 2 full cups and 0 regrets. Last, I loved the house hot sauce. It didn't have a strong flavour (thinking in comparison to Cholula or Tapatio), but it did have the most wonderful heat which was much welcome on such a cold morning. This kind of hot sauce warms the mouth forward. I mixed it in with my ketchup to pair with the potatoes. Delicious! I am looking forward to coming back in the future. Thanks, all! read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

First we are glad and honored to pull on your mood up. Thank you so…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sothea K.

502

3 years ago

Food was good, service was fast and friendly. Fresh squeezed oj was perfect. Highly recommend for a filling and delicious breakfast. read more

Solano Junction - Build your own scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Black coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you for the nice review and recommendation..

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Christine H.

204

2 years ago

Nice breakfast place, and a good place to meet friends. Also, the food and service were good. My friend was coming from out of town, and it was not a problem for me to wait an hour while I checked email and drank my coffee. I really appreciated that, especially since it was breakfast time and they were busy. read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you Christine. We are thrilled to know that you and your friend…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jasmine H.

6 years ago

Amazing service Fabulous food Outdoor dining Cute interior design Great location Clever named Thank you for everything. We will be back again. read more

Solano Junction - Fried chicken sandwich. They put it on sourdough for me! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you very much Jasmine for good words and excellent rating.…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Victoria G.

452

115

5 years ago

Food and service was excellent! Easy parking which is always a bonus. I think my favorite was the buttermilk pancakes and French toast but really everything was so good. I'm glad I asked for the compote on the side...it was too sour for me. Lavender mimosa?! I think yes! Fresh squeezed delicious orange juice?! Double yes. I can't wait to come here for lunch. read more

Solano Junction - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Side Bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Buttermilk Pancakes 2 Stack - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you for taking the time to review us. Looking forward to…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cynthia T.

147

2 years ago

We come here often especially after a good OTF workout next door. Food is consistently good. I actually really like their healthier pancake option. I get a latte with oat milk. A the staff are always super nice and on top of their service. On weekends, can get busy and May have to wait. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

John R.

2 years ago

Great little breakfast place. We sat outside a had a build your own omelette with mushrooms spinach and avocado. It was delicious. The home fries were cooked to perfection. My wife had the salmon Benedict. It was cooked great needed just a little bit more hollandaise sauce. Overall a great breakfast. P. S. Try the raspberry mimosa it's delicious read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Gina W.

6 years ago

Great little place for sunday brunch! We came here before but in the last year it felt like they changed owners. They are now own and serve by a family that are friendly and nice. We have been here at least every other weekend. Enjoyed the quaint omelette or sometime the special steak and egg. Portion is just right. Not overloaded and not skimmed. Most recent weekend, I got the warm chicken salad and it looks and tastes fantastic. They have both now in-door and out-door seating with a nice fencing from the street and umbrellas. Good outdoor seats for the pup the enjoy the sun as well. Keep up the good work. read more

Solano Junction - Build your own Omelette and egg Classic Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Grilled Warm Chicken Salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Solano Junction - Egg Classic Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Appreciate such nice words, Ms. Gina. Look forward to serve…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maggie Y.

3 years ago

First time visit, we ordered egg Benedict, omelette and waffle for 2 of us. We completely finished everything, because the foods are amazing. And their service was great. Surely will come back. read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you for your wonderful thought about us. We are waiting for you…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mahesh S.

2 years ago

It is best appetizer in the evening. We had pork Dameko ( pork grilled oven ) . That is best appetizer even had with homemade tomato sauce .homemade chicken dumpling very delicious And lentil waffles was mouth watering . I would highly recommend to everyone to great experience read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Darryl D.

149

6 years ago

Found this establishment on "Yelp". Had a good rating. Along with two of my grandkids I decided too give it a go. We were traveling and I've made it a point too "not" dine at chain restaurants, and experience the local foods in areas we visit. I ordered the tofu scramble with spicy sauce. Absolutely delicious and a side of fresh fruit. Boys ordered full pancake stack and the breakfast burrito. We enjoyed not only the food, but the staff was attentive and friendly. read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

We are glad that you and the kids had a enjoyable experience with…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Akash K.

6 years ago

LOVE this place! I brought the whole family for breakfast / lunch and I don't have a single bad thing to say. Food was beyond delicious. Staff was extremely friendly, and their location is awesome. Indoor or outdoor seating are both great because the sun is usually always keeping you nice and warm while you eat. Food I recommend: - Eggs Benedict w/ Garlic Tomatoes - Chicken & Waffles I would recommend more, but these are the only two things I get because they're just so delicious. It's making my mouth water just thinking about it lol. Not sure what else to say except that I'm definitely eating here again. read more

Solano Junction - Chicken and Waffles, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, omelets - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thanks Akash, for the nice review and rating. Looking forward to…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Della B.

4 years ago

The Alameda was pretty good. My husband says it tasted a lot better than when it was served under previous ownership as Sunnyside Up. Service is great also. Always made sure our coffee topped off. The tofu scramble is also good. I was allowed to sub the potatoes and toast for a mixed green salad. I ordered this twice already. read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you Della for excellent rating and great comments. appreciated…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Joanne P.

Elite 21

510

138

281

4 years ago

This is a cute little cafe that's on Solano! Went on a walk with some friends and ended up here! Service was good and the food was delicious! They have a homemade spicy sauce that I HIGHLY recommend!!It gave my scramble and potatoes the kick that I was looking for! read more

Solano Junction - Chorizo Scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you Joanne for rating & reviews.

Helpful 5

Thanks 0

Love this 16

Oh no 0

Gurleen B.

3 years ago

Yummy food, strong drinks, bottomless mimosas. And they had the game on! If you're in the Berkeley area, this is a must-try!

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you Gurleen, appreciated the great review and comments.

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Virginia G.

2 years ago

They have the best cinnamon French toast I've ever had! I get it with a side of scrambled eggs.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angie G.

4 years ago

Great food and to check in was a breeze, just log in at the iPad in the front! Service was great don't be afraid to ask for refills on coffee they will be more than glad to do it! Totally recommend their black coffee so good!! I recommend their waffles with fruits and get an omelette!! read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thanks for the review. Our coffee is organic blend. Looking forward…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

marilyn h.

3 years ago

Great breakfasts! Home made hot sauce and salsa always a hit. Mimosas are good too.

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you !!!!

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tania C.

3 years ago

I wish I can give them 0! Walked in with a party of 5 and wasn't greeted at all. The lady looked at us then turned her head and walked around to other tables. We had to go get someone but once she seen us, she gave us instant attitude stating they can't seat a party of 5. We opted for the bar. Once at the bar, we waited 10-15 mins before someone even asked us if we wanted water. The place wasn't busy at all for them to take that long to acknowledge us. We were racially profiled from the minute we walked in the door. I will never give them my time money. I'm very disappointed. read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

We are sorry to hear about you and your group's experience at our…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Debora H.

4 years ago

Huevos Rancheros Delicious breakfast. Efficient and friendly service. Can't wait to try their other numerous breakfast dishes. read more

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you Deborah, looking forward to serving other dishes in our…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dena R.

797

107

4 years ago

Lovely spot! Comfortable environment , pleasant wait staff and tasty food. Senior staff could been seen productively mentoring and training newer staff- insuring continuing success. Not a drinker, but saw them hand mulling fruit for what looked like a delish brunch cocktail. Enjoyed my visit and would definitely return. read more

Solano Junction - Bar area with window to street - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Business owner information

Praveena S.

Thank you Dena for your lovely review and the rating. Happy to see…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Juliette L.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

279

385

477

4 years ago

New favorite!!! Showed up at noon for a late brunch on a Saturday afternoon, no wait time and got seated right away. The staff was very friendly and attentive. I ordered the figgy blue piggy burger with sweet potato fries and my partner ordered the alameda. Unlimited coffee refills and the food came out hot and ready. Starting with the burger it was delicious. Cooked medium just like I asked, fig jam and blue cheese with bacon all complimented each other perfectly and even as big as the burger was it didn't fall apart. The fries were crunchy and I got a side of hot sauce and ranch with them, with were nice and creamy. The alameda was a stack of all your favorite breakfast foods and it was so tasty. The balsamic glaze was a new flavor combination for me which was a fun surprise and there was thick ham, French toast, and eggs smothered inside. Overall great experience and definitely will come back to try other menu items. read more

Solano Junction - The Figgy Blue Piggy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

See all

Business owner information

Lila N.

Hi Juliette, Thank you very much for taking the time to spread the…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Page 3 of 6

See outside
1499 Solano Ave
Albany, CA 94706
Berkeley Hills
Directions
(510) 527-5383
Call Now
Visit Website
https://solanojunction.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Solano Junction open?

Solano Junction opens at 8:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Solano Junction close?

Solano Junction closes at 2:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Solano Junction closes at 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 2:30 PMSat-Sun 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Solano Junction take Bitcoin?

No, Solano Junction does not take Bitcoin.

Does Solano Junction take credit cards?

Yes, Solano Junction takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Solano Junction have catering options?

Yes, Solano Junction does have catering options.

Does Solano Junction have a drive thru?

No, Solano Junction does not have a drive thru.

Does Solano Junction have a happy hour?

Yes, Solano Junction has a happy hour.

Does Solano Junction serve alcohol?

Yes, Solano Junction serves alcohol. Full Bar

Services

Is Solano Junction by appointment only?

No, Solano Junction is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does Solano Junction have TVs?

Yes, Solano Junction has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Solano Junction have bike parking?

Yes, Solano Junction has bike parking.

Does Solano Junction have outdoor seating?

Yes, Solano Junction has outdoor seating options.

Does Solano Junction have parking?

Yes, Solano Junction has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Solano Junction wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Solano Junction is wheelchair accessible.

Does Solano Junction allow outdoor smoking?

No, Solano Junction does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Solano Junction have free WiFi?

Yes, Solano Junction has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We’re your all-day spot right on the Albany–Berkeley border, serving up breakfast favorites, brunch and lunch all day every day. Sip on craft cocktails, enjoy bottomless mimosas and mimosa flights, plus a full lineup of crafted cocktails. Make yourself at home in our warm and buzzing café — perfect for relaxing, catching up with friends, and treating your taste buds to something awesome.

History

Established in 2004.

In 2020, during the heart of the pandemic, hospitality pros RK and Chef Lila brought new life to a local favorite and renamed it Solano Junction. Our goal was to serve high-quality comfort food to the Albany and Berkeley communities. Focused on safety and service, we offer takeout, delivery, outdoor seating, and limited indoor dining—making sure guests can enjoy warm, satisfying meals in a safe, welcoming way.

Meet the Business Owner: RK Dev and Chef Lila A.

With a shared passion for exceptional food and community, Chef Lila and RK Dev bring a unique blend of global expertise and heartfelt hospitality to Solano Junction.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Solano Junction

Is there parking near by? Is it easy to park on the street?

Yes please. We are in front of Safeway and on the street plus we have some parking garage as well. Thank you

View question details

Do they require proof of vaccination for indoor dining (hoping the answer is yes)?

We are following the county’s guidelines, the Alameda county hasn’t enforced vaccination guidelines only masking requirements. Our guests are mostly local and Albany city is more than 90% vaccinated.

View 1 more answer

You might also consider

Hotsy Totsy Club

4.1(415 reviews)

0.7 mi

The Hotsy has provided me with years of great memories, laughter, and good times. It is one of…read morethose places that has more character and charm than many bars twice its size. The menu changes regularly, which keeps things interesting, but one thing that never changes is the consistently excellent service. One of my favorite things about this spot is how dog-friendly it is. The owner's dog is practically the co-owner of the bar and is often lounging around, adding even more personality to the experience. If you are lucky enough to meet him, just know the dog has standards. The dog only accepts meat, so do not bother offering him the tortilla from your taco. Trust me, you will be judged. Another major perk is that they allow outside food. Conveniently, there is a taco truck right next door serving some of the best carnitas tacos around, making it easy to pair great food with great drinks. Also, keep an eye on the TVs. They always seem to be playing some delightfully over-the-top late-night movie programming that inevitably sparks random conversations and plenty of laughter among the crowd. Overall, this is a fantastic neighborhood bar with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a ton of personality. It can get crowded, so try to grab a spot early if you can. You'll notice plenty of regulars who come back again and again, and to me, that is always one of the best signs that a place is doing something right.

Came in on a Saturday for the $15 cocktails, left an hour later when they turned on the soft core…read moreporn at 6 pm. Is the Hotsy Totsy Club a secret porno theater or is the owner just trying to make his female patrons feel uncomfortable? According to the too cool for school bar tenders, it's his choice to play soft core porn on the TVs behind the bar. "Well, we do play soft core porn," she said when I complained. So, hate to break it but I'm a middle aged white lady, who is only now learning that people like the bartenders at the Hotsy Totsy Club in Albany really hate middle aged white women! The lady bartender, who is not of the sisterhood, was not interested in answering my questions about the $15 cocktail menu. She was over it. She was too busy talking to the boys at the other side of the bar. It's okay girl, I get it, you want them to like you. But I'm about to drop $100 at a dive bar, so can you answer my questions without a side of attitude? Will you treat me with some shred of dignity? No? Too much to ask? And girl, those guys don't actually respect you, they just like your curly hair and pretty face. Don't sell out other women because I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but, you will be my age one day and unless we change things now, you aren't going to like the world you're aging into. So there we are, me, my friend and my husband, enjoying well made drinks (they were good even if the bar tender was a jerk), watching what was on the tv behind the bar. It was the 1988 Run DMC-Beastie Boys joint called Harder than Leather. We were enjoying it... until 15 minutes into the movie when the male bartender comes in to work at 6 pm on a Saturday, and turned OFF Harder than Leather, and turned ON soft core porn. Within minutes, I was drinking a $15 cocktail in a crowded bar while being forced to deal with a woman being fingered on screen. Before I left, I told the boy bartender that I thought it was really a bad look to be playing soft core porn in a bar three weeks after the Cornell/ Phi Chi Rape case broke - that this is Berkeley (Albany, close enough!) and women should be able to feel safe in a bar and not be confronted with their own dehumanization. But here's where it got really weird: when I attempted to speak directly to the boy bartender, he wouldn't answer me, and instead, the lady bar tender jumped in and defended him, energetically. She said he was just doing his job and that the OWNER actually picks out the porn to play every night, and that he was a good boy for doing his job without taking any accountability for his actions. She wasn't going to let me talk to her good boy, who btw was genuinely acting like a child, as he wouldn't look at me except with a sneer on his face. (He had one of those faces you just want to punch.) His keeper, the lady bar tender, told me the owner is the one who picks out the porns to play at the bar where no one can change the channel. It's the owner's choice. And don't give me any bull about soft core porn being edgy or artistic - this is 2026. A bar owner playing soft core porn depicting naked and semi-naked women being fingered by fully dressed men on the only screen on one side of the bar isn't edgy - no, it creates a sense of entitlement to men and dehumanization to women, and in this climate post Jane Doe v Cornell, post Shane Gillis calling women who work out whores, post Trump grab em by the pussy, post capitalist patriarchal bs - well that's a choice. He made a bold choice and I think the owner must hate women because how else can I explain such a hostile experience? How cynical must he be to think it's perfectly fine to play pornography at a bar full of women at any point but especially now? Forcing your patrons to watch porn is only good if you're a pornography purveyor and not, say, a purveyor of expensive intoxicating liquors. And let's be real - the cool 20 something kids who go to the Hotsy Totsy, they can't afford drinks like women my age can. We can drop $100 on a few cocktails and not bat an eye. And yet you're playing the porn for who, exactly? The pos young dudes who buy PRB on tap and then go off and assault women? Is that your clientele? Is that your legacy? You'd rather send the message that adult women are unwelcome here? Is that it? You don't want my money? That's fine by me. So, if you're looking for an expensive but well made drink, rude bartenders, and forced pornography, boy do I have a place for you. If on the other hand, you'd rather not engage with the dehumanization of women, if you'd rather spend money while being treated like a human and not with abject contempt, then you might want to stay away. Needless to say, I won't be back. I think it's gross and everyone who works there needs to really examine themselves and their behavior.

Interior of the building

Inside the bar

See all

Lively scene. It gradually got more crowded as the night went on.

Club Mallard

4.1(490 reviews)

0.7 mi

Club Mallard can easily become anyone's favorite bar! The venue is two stories and offers a lot of…read morespace for friends to gather. Entering it feels very much like a cabin vibe and you wouldn't think there's more beyond the back patio, but when you head back there, you'll notice a staircase that leads to the second floor. There's several pool tables to place a game at and there's even a rooftop patio to chill at. The drinks are good and the bartenders are super nice. They're great at making recommendations if you don't know what you want - just don't hold up the line! Club Mallard is easily one of my favorite bars in Albany! Check it out if you haven't been before!

Our second bar of the night! Stopped by Club Mallard after Blue Rabbit Bar for something more…read morespacious so our group could all be together. This was very nice; it was very spacious and offers outdoor patio with tiki vibes! Our group was able to snag the outdoor patio upstairs! Other people were free to also hang out in the patio too, but because we got there early and our group was big, we were able to put the tables together and it really just felt like we were the only ones there; very intimate. There is a pool table and a bar on the second floor, so you don't have to go back downstairs. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They provided great customer service and came by to our table to pick up empty glasses. There was an incident that happened where a man was taking pictures of people in the bar and he came outside to the patio and started taking photos of our group, which we felt very uncomfortable about. We alerted staff and they were able to handle the situation and came back to check on us. They don't serve food here, but they do allow you to bring food from other places! That was very convenient because we were already comfortable and didn't want to leave to go somewhere else. Tacos El Autlense is a 5 min walk away and it's one of my fave places to get tacos; that's where we got our food at! I literally had it the night before too hahaha, but I wasn't complaining! This place was so cute; the music, the ambiance, the service... a whole vibe!!! I would definitely come back.

Chic!?

The place has a unique motif! A tiki Cabin in the woods!?

See all

Yonsei Handrolls

4.5(114 reviews)

0.6 mi

I got the Temaki Gochisou Lunch Set…read more The edamame is surprisingly filling and cucumber sunomono is refreshing. I enjoyed all the hand rolls, but I had been hoping to be handed a handroll directly from the chef at the bar as I eat. Since the hand rolls are open taco-style, you get a nice presentation of the toppings. Service was great, keeping my water cup filled several times. 3 rolls would have been enough for me to not be hungry by itself, but with the lunch special appetizers I left full. I think this is fairly approachable Japanese handroll restaurant with a diy trio for a more interactive dining experience, cooked fish options, and accommodating to vegans.

The service was very attentive and friendly. The lunch special with 3 rolls for $30 (seared…read morealbacore, blank cod and mackerel) was delicious. They were all served warm and thoughtfully seasoned. I had to order another Saba (mackerel) because it was a surprise hit for us. Don't get me wrong, the black cod with truffle butter is their stand out for a reason but their mackerel was nicely seared on top and had perfect umami with the miso ginger. I hope they never change that lunch set. We also ordered the 5 omakaset, and they were all good, but I have to say my 3 set was the best. A delicious meal and well worth the price for the quality of fish and service.

View of the bar area inside the restaurant

Salmon toro

See all

Duck tataki

Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar

4.3(854 reviews)

0.6 mi

Zaytoon on Solano in Albany, Palestinian-owned spot named after the Arabic word for olive and the…read morefood makes that heritage feel meaningful. Kefta wrap was the move, well seasoned meat, warm pita, comes together right. Lamb shawarma plate with the saffron rice and yogurt sauce was the other highlight, big cubes, proper seasoning. Mint lemonade is a must, fresh squeezed with just enough tartness. Room is bright with skylights and blue walls, feels elevated without being stiff. Sunday brunch is worth knowing about, they run the full lunch menu alongside brunch options.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great modern Mediterranean spot…read more We came here for dinner with local friends on their recommendation and had a lovely time. It had appealing upscale modern decor and the service was very friendly. I started things off with a Coffee Date cocktail, which was excellent. Our group shared: - Complimentary crackers and dips (great) - Mezze platter with babaganouj, hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh, pita (all our favorites, done well) - Mujadarra (absolutely delicious lentils and rice with caramelized onions and veggies) - Vegetarian moussaka (eggplant-forward, which was fine with us) - Brussels sprouts (good, but not particularly Mediterranean) Our friends also had a beef kebab dish that they enjoyed. It was a very nice dinner overall--a bit pricey but great for a special occasion.

Dining room

Mezze Platter

See all

Mazza platter and eggplant salat

5 Tacos and Beers

3.7(458 reviews)

0.5 mi

Family-owned & operated

Live music

10/7/26. Had lunch here today at 11/15 am. Emmanuel was our waiter. He is the nicest waiter I've…read moreever had. He made the best margaritas and he was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks they serve. If I could give this place 10 stars I would. This is one of the best waiters we've ever had. Thank you Emmanuel. The food and drinks were delicious too.

I went there three times - food was meh the first time, gave them a second try and the food became…read morebetter than 1st time; went back for a 3rd time but then I got food poisoning from the octopus tacos. Atmosphere is good and happy hour deal is solid, tacos that are non-seafood is probably a safer choice here, unless you are into food poisoning... I don't think I will be returning. Food safety is of utmost importance when it comes to a restaurant.

See all

Ivy Room

4.1(99 reviews)

0.6 mi

Just off the corner of Solano and San Pablo, not too far from the 80 freeway exit…read more At the tip of the epicenter of gastronomic delights-Solano Avenue in Albany. I was there the other night with my beer buddy and all around friend with the same first name as I (and that's another story!) for the tribute to the local beloved character that passed recently, Mr. Bailey Pendergrass. A longtime institution in the Berkeley music scene from way back in the day till present. An interesting, kind fellow who still walked around in skinny trousers and a leather jacket- even on very hot days. And a hairdo like no other! He kind of reminded me of a character from Rocky Horror Picture Show or someone who could be played by Johnny Depp in some hip artistic movie. A bit of an eccentric, soft-spoken, amazingly charming man. A joy to sit down and chat with who had strong opinions and a distrust for doctors and their prescribed medication's,etc. I don't go very far back other than six or seven years when I met him at a popular watering hole called the Cornerstone on Shattuck. He would invite me to hang out while he ate his standard hamburger and fries and wash it down with what I remember was cranberry juice. He could never finish the whole burger so he'd take half home but would eat the fries usually, with a little help from me. We would talk about Minneapolis (where I'm from) and Prince of course, and he would share interesting stories. I'd keep him company until the music event would start where he had carte blanche, complementary entry with a plus one at the Cornerstone. I was his plus one and it was fun one night. I'll have to dig up the mixed CDs that he made for me that he presented in a recycled/repurposed "In-n-Out" bag, it was a nice touch. There was a little hand written note as well. The IVY ROOM put on a nice event and many showed up to pay their respect. Some were given a chance to get on the stage and recall memories. However, the crowd never stopped talking, so it was very hard to hear their praises, etc. The bartender was superb, but I'm sorry I didn't catch her name, very kind and approachable and humorous and of course, extremely efficient! It's a nice cozy room with a lot of history and an eclectic group of patrons. I chatted with a couple of extremely friendly kind people. However, I left before the music started as after a long day of work, I started to fade. Thank you Ivy Room for opening up your space to honor Mr. Bailey Pendergrass, and the wonderful people attending this event.

I continue to love the Ivy room. Bartenders make the best drinks and they aren't overpriced…read more Doorman is always really accommodating and friendly, and the bands are fantastic.

The huge selection at the bar

See all

Tipsea

4.4(184 reviews)

2.0 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Cute decor, love the name, and very nice staff. Cocktails are crafted really well and tasted high…read morequality. Didn't try the food, but saw lots of people ordering with good happy hour deals. Love that the workers were having fun and playing music. Lots of bars were closed during a Friday early afternoon, but tipsea was open! Can't wait to come back here anytime I go to a concert at the Greek or Cornerstone.

Music was not my favorite. I didn't try any, but the food looked good. The decor is pretty cute…read more Overall, ok.

Full bar

Pina colada(flower) lemon drop and a ocean breeze(so good!) all amazing drinks

See all

Lemon drop

Schmidt's Pub

4.4(242 reviews)

0.1 mi•Berkeley Hills

•$

It's a wonderful tobacco shop and bar/cafe to visit with friends…read more If you travel alone though, the crowd is very introverted, the most of any bar I've ever been to, so much so it may take years of going there before someone says hello to you, let alone bring you into the conversation. I spent my first ten years going there maybe six to ten times a year. That was what it took I immediately sensed. Socially, the Pub moves glacially. I had fun with it. In my eleventh year, 2023, I went regularly for two years, after being officially invited "in". It was then I got to see the depth of the cowardly bully culture there. It's bullies and those that play along, and the bullies are the most socially insecure of the men, essentially Incels, and they hold sway. Kinda sad. I've never been anywhere like it. Ironically, the Pubsters say , "It takes ten years to be a considered a regular." They don't realize what they're saying. It's not inviting. It's also the only bar I've ever been where they give regulars nicknames.....that are only used behind their backs. That said everything to me.

FYI, this spot is cash only. Schmidt's Pub is so unique. Solano Ave. in Albany/Berkeley doesn't…read morehave too many watering holes, and this pub is the perfect mix of quirky and community. There's an exterior in the front to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful late summer evening, and also an exterior in the back of the building to do the same. Or enjoy purchasing a tobacco pipe/tobacco/papers. No food here, but Solano is lined with eateries for pre/post pub action. They have a fireplace for the cold nights, and board games. A fun mix of locals working or hardly working :) This is a beer/wine spot also. Great mix of local sips, and some fun snacks too. Love the art and wall artifacts. A great addition to the area and meeting place for new and old friends alike. Easy on the wallet, metered-parking on Solano.

02.2023 fieldwork blueberry parfait

See all

02.2023 today's wine menu

Little Hill Lounge

4.5(122 reviews)

1.9 mi

Lovely music venue. Amazing staff. Wheelchairs can be a bother for staff and they handled it with…read morekindness and aplomb. Delightful place. Great atmosphere. Excellent drinks. Ordered "Your most absurd cider" and they nailed it. ;}

This is a nice bar for a relaxed evening with great music the bar is transitioning to new…read moremanagement and the manager is welcoming and friendly , the drinks are good and the prices are reasonable keep in mind that the only thing is that they don't serve food.

Tonight's headliner, Slow Motion Cowboys!

A packed house! Pre-headliner band showtime.

See all

Conservatory. Pre-show milling about.

Little Star Pizza

4.0(1.1k reviews)

0.5 mi

The pizza is the star at Little Star Pizza! Located on a busy stretch of Solano Avenue on the lower…read moreportion near the San Pablo Avenue intersection on Albany, California, Little Star Pizza is just one of many locations of this burgeoning franchise from owner Brian Sadigursky, who began his mini-pizza making empire of his signature cornmeal crust deep dish pizzas in a small location along Divisadero Street in San Francisco's Nopa neighborhood. That location has since closed down, but two locations remain, this one in Albany and another along Valencia Street in San Francisco's Mission District. The team also owns three The Star pizza restaurants with locations in Oakland, Alameda, and Portland, Oregon. With all these locations to keep track of what makes people keep coming back for all these wide varieties of pizza pies? It's the dough of course, but it is not just any dough, it is their beautifully crusty cornmeal dough that is cooked to perfection for their Chicago-style deep dish pizza that is what makes Little Star and all of their subsidiaries so worthwhile. I had originally been to this location when they were located literally right next door in a smaller location on the corner. Now, in a much larger location, with floor to ceiling windows that let in natural light on two sides, and their own communal parking lot, where there is a door for direct takeout orders, Little Star Pizza is thriving here in Albany. What brought me and a dining mate back for a first time visit to this newer location was the affordable lunchtime deal that they serve seemingly seven days a week. From open until 3 p.m. diners can order a Personal Signature Pizza either Deep Dish or Thin Crust for only 11 dollars. You can also build your own personal pizza for 9 dollars which is an affordable option. My fellow dining mate and I knew we wanted to select from their Seasonal Specials or their Signature Pies. I decided to order their Personal size All-Star Signature Pie, which was topped with bacon, meatballs, sausage, pepperoni, provolone cheese and served on their signature cornmeal crust, then filled with mozzarella cheese and house-made tomato sauce & finished with parmesan & oregano. My dining mate was intrigued by their Specials menu, and their Personal size Sweet Heat, which was topped with spicy sausage, caramelized red onions, cherry peppers, hot honey and served on their signature cornmeal crust, then filled with mozzarella cheese and house-made tomato sauce & finished with parmesan & oregano. Since both pizzas were so affordable at 11 dollars each, we decided to splurge and order two dessert drinks as I ordered their Golden Gate Orange Soda Float and my dining mate ordered their Dad's Root Beer Soda Float. The wait for our personal size pizzas would be a lengthy one, at least twenty minutes, which for about a nine inch pizza pie, is still a considerable amount of time. But once you do get the pizzas you order, I can report it is well worth the wait, as the pizza has that extra special graininess to it that makes it extra special good. Combined with the fresh tomatoes and an abundance of mozzarella cheese, you cannot go wrong with any type of pizza you order. I liked my All-Star pizza pie with its abundance of meat toppings and I tried my dining mates Sweet Heat pizza pie and it came as delivered as it has a combination of sweetness meets spiciness. Luckily our wait wasn't too long, as we had our ice cream and soda floats to keep us satiated while we waited for our pizzas to be handcrafted. Our total bill was $42.08, which was with tax but before gratuity, which in all reality was very reasonable considering we ordered two rather large personal deep dish pizzas, and our floats were a mere fraction less in terms of pricing. Since they have a Happy Hour on weeknights from 3-5:30 p.m. with reasonably priced cocktails, one-topping pizzas and other menu items at affordable pricing, you better believe it will not be another decade that passes by before I make another appearance. Here's to the continued success of Little Star Pizza, may more locations be in the future, and may their current locations continue to thrive thanks to their delectable Signature Deep Dish pizzas!

Went to Little Star Friday for lunch. The place was pretty empty, pretty dark inside and on the…read morecold side We ordered two side Cesar salads which were good. My partner got a personal Sweet Heat pizza, a very value. I ordered the personal Meatball pizza and it was awful. The thing was topped with huge gobs od mozarella cheese. Way too much cheese. I should have sent the thing back but I scrapped off the cheese and went to work. Not very good meatballs and the crust was lame. Def a waste of money

Take-out counter

Classic pizza

See all

Build Your Own - Plain Cheese w/ Olives/Spicy Sausage/ Pepperoni Deep Dish

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

8 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Dhruba G.

2 years ago

We finally had the chance to enjoy breakfast at this restaurant, and it was nothing short of exceptional! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed meal. Every bite of the fresh, organic food was absolutely delicious, clearly made with care and quality ingredients. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we felt right at home, while the owners added a personal touch with their warm and welcoming presence. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our experience, from the food to the service, and can't recommend this place enough for both breakfast and lunch! Don't miss out on this hidden gem! read more

Anthony M.

Elite 24

172

158

159

3 years ago

Well I'm giving it a 4 for the service mostly. The food was good but pretty standard scramble but the potatoe hash was a bit salty. The price on the pint of mimosas was solid. But it was the service that was great. Server was nice and had good recommendations and another gentleman (maybe the owner) went around to each table asking how everything was but wasn't overbearing. We had a little bit of a wait which was understandable for a Sunday afternoon. I'd come back as it's a low risk kind of restaurant. Eat well or die trying -ant read more

Jessica M.

7 months ago

Solano Junction is one of my favorite brunch spots. It can get busy on weekends, but it's definitely worth the wait. The food is great and portions are generous--especially the combo plates with that perfect sweet and savory mix. Fluffy pancakes, well-cooked eggs, and flavorful sausage. Friendly staff, cozy vibe, and both indoor and outdoor seating are nice. Definitely a go-to spot I'll keep coming back to read more

Vivian W.

154

2 years ago

The food was absolutely delicious and each dish was plentiful! The service was excellent and they made you feel like family! The ambiance was perfect and the day was beautiful. The customers in the restaurant were also just as friendly as the workers! I definitely recommend this restaurant and will tell others about it. read more

bipana n.

1 year ago

The staff was very friendly. We arrived before 9 and were seated right away, though there are often long lines on weekends. The coffee was delicious and offered with dairy-free milk. Both of our breakfasts were really tasty, and we loved the vibe. read more

Jerry D.

3 years ago

Also please dont reply to my review, owners, that adds to the bad time I had in your restaurant when you negate my experience and say "everyone+ loves the heuvos (I don't) and the waitress wasn't wearing perfume". She was. read more

Timothy M.

5 years ago

Had lunch here today and was a great experience! The food was delicious and the servings were big. The customer service and hospitality was truly a wonderful experience. Definitely a great place to grab a Meal! read more

Anjam R.

5 years ago

A wonderful restaurant with delicious food and super friendly service. We would like to go there again and again.

Solano Junction - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Albany, California Restaurants near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Coffee near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Desserts near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Things to Do near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Parking near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Cocktail Bars near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Lunch near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Shopping near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Pancakes near Solano Junction

BEST of Albany, California Thrift Stores near Solano Junction

Best of Albany

Things to do in Albany

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Solano Junction also viewed

Duo Grill House

4.6

(149 reviews)

Duo Grill House on Solano Ave Albany, small neighborhood diner that does the basics right. Hash…read moreBrown Hill with eggs, bacon, cheddar and avocado on top is the move, hash browns were actually crispy which sounds obvious but most places cant manage it. Monte Cristo was solid, dijon and swiss and ham, classic done correctly. Open face Dungeness crab sandwich looked incredible on the next table, that's the order next time. Service was relaxed, not in a slow way, just comfortable. 5 stars, unpretentious neighborhood spot with good honest breakfast food and fair prices for the area

Eggs Benedict Quest: #1…read more In search of a delicious Eggs Benedict, but sadly not found here; English muffin needs to be toasted more, skip the margarine spread, hollandaise needs more lemony brightness, and egg yolk should be a little runnier. Ham was fine. Not terrible, but didn't finish it and wouldn't come back for it again. 5/10 Comfortable cafe with attentive service.

Café Leila

3.6

(796 reviews)

This place saved me from traffic, ha…read more I was looking for a cafe near my dog' vet to take a meeting, and after fighting a bit of traffic, I found this place. It has its own parking lot (which is great). It's really spacious, with plenty of seating and relatively quiet. I ordered the huevos scramble with a chai. The chai was amazing (probably the best I've had since moving the west coast), and the food was yummy and filling. (They give you a lot of food). Friendly staff, and a nice little garden seating in the back. I will keep this place in my mind for the future.

It was my second time first time was great but this time it was horrible, from taking our order we…read morearrived 2:30pm the restaurant closes at 3:00pm. She was rushing so badly took our order half way and started to make the latte! Even though we asked to get the latte with the pancake she said its better for her to make it right now and she did make it before we get the pancake. My burger came with the fries which was soggy and drenched in oil which looked like it had been sitting there forever! Asked if they can change the fries for me and the second time was even worse than the first time cause you could tell they refried the old fries again tasted burnt completely inedible! Very disappointing cause I actually really like the place and ambiance but the service was really bad this time.

Cugini Restaurant

3.6

(425 reviews)

Cugini is a terrific little neighborhood Italian bistro on Solano Avenue. We had lunch there in the…read moresummer and I love the vibe and decor. It has an open window view towards the street. They have different menus door lunch and dinner but they allowed us to order from the dinner menu because we really wanted the lobster ravioli. These were super delicious. The steak panin focaccia bread sandwich with Au Jou dipping sauce and sum new mushrooms on the side hit the spot! So tasty. And off you want something a little less heavy, the grilled chicken sandwich was quite good too. The service was a bit slow but it was a weekday lunch and one guy had to take care of multiple tables plus looked like he was prepping for dinner service.

What is going on here? I used to live Cugini's it was quality food at decent prices with a lovely…read moreambiance. I ordered today via door dash and was so disappointed! 1 Eggplant parm would have been good but it was absolutely drowning in sauce. It ruined the balance of the dish as it was practically a soup. 2 Cannelloni used to be our favorite there. I'm actually nervous that the cheese or something was sour. I can't put my finger on it but it tasted like someone seasoned the ricotta with ranch dressing. It was in edible. 3 The plain bread was sliced sandwich bread. Not French bread or focaccia but white sliced bread. Now I will say it was quality sliced bread perhaps made there BUT if you have the nerve to charge extra for this bread, which they do. Why in gods name would you make one of the two slices the butt/heel/end of the bread!? I will not be going back or ordering on door dash. Very disappointing.

Inn Kensington

4.2

(343 reviews)

i've gone to Inn Kensington for decades, and their omelettes are incredible. The service is great,…read moreand very fast, the homemade bread is lovely, and you can make your own omelette or choose from one of their many great choices. they also are very flexible with substitutions, so I always get black beans instead of potatoes on the side, and their black beans are exquisite. Their breakfasts and brunches are their best meals, although their corn-cilantro pancake is excellent too. You'll be very happy you go there.

Maybe I'm a little biased but ever since I started earning my own money, I've come here for…read morebrunches and dinners. I absolutely love this place. It's a small restaurant, with high ceilings so it never feels stuffy. Service is always extra friendly and warm. Most recently, I visited for a weekend brunch and was surprised that there wasn't a wait. I ordered an omelette from their specials board and some orange juice. The omelette was filled to the brim with bacon and sun dried tomatoes. Very yum. Breakfast potatoes were herby and delicious. Tbh my favorite thing about IK is their homemade challah bread. I used to come for dinner and go home with extra loaves. So of course I asked for a slice of that toasted with my breakfast. All in all so wonderful. I'm so sad they stopped serving dinners regularly, but would definitely recommend visiting for their simple yet fulfilling brunch and special occasion dinners!!

5 Tacos and Beers

3.7

(458 reviews)

Mely's Cafe - American & Italian

4.7

(216 reviews)

TLDR: Small (but not crowded) restaurant with great customer service and food! Highly recommended…read more:) We came during lunch hour and there were no other customers surprisingly. We were seated immediately and the food came out quickly. The mozzarella sticks were a little small but tasty. Their pasta is much more flavorful compared to other Italian restaurants nearby. We spent a decent amount of time but didn't feel rushed at all. They checked up on us frequently and were extremely attentive: they literally rushed to their feet when they noticed we finished. Would definitely come back again to try out other dishes!

I wanted pancakes today... to absorb the overindulgence of cocktails the night before. (Oy!) I…read morereviewed yelp to find something close that maybe we hadn't tried, and I found Mely's with the amazing rating of 4.3 stars. We've lived in Hercules for over 30 years and are creatures of habit, so it was nice to venture the 10-minute drive to San Pablo. We were not impressed by the exterior strip mall building, but the interior of Mely's is very cute, homey, and clean. (I even peeked into the kitchen since the door was open.) I wanted pancakes, but got waffles instead since W ordered the blueberry buttermilk stack. We both had a side of eggs, his scrambled and mine sunny side up. The eggs were delish; mine in particular was perfectly cooked with slightly crunchy edges, a beautiful, silky, runny yolk, and no uncooked whites. The blueberry pancakes are so good! Of course they are huge and I ate some of them in addition to my waffle. We could have split just the pancakes and been perfectly happy. They cook berries inside the homemade batter and top them with a house-made blueberry compote. Maple syrup and soft butter on the side. The waffles are crispy outside with a light, airy, center, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. I had strawberries on the side (+$5 !!). Since I ate some of W's pancakes, we took half the waffles home. W had a drip coffee--no decalf available so I had the fresh-squeezed OJ. It was a large glass so I took half of that home, too. The coffee was nothing to rave about, but it was coffee. Service was friendly and efficient--there is only one cook and one server, and it seems several of us arrived at the same time on this Sunday morning. Overall a wonderful find that we will return to so we can explore more dishes. We saw omelets and Benedict's come out that looked amazing! Plus, I want to try the dinner menu, which also looked pretty amazing.

Vault Cafe

3.4

(402 reviews)

This building used to be a bank and you can still see remnants of "The Vault," in the dining room…read more The food is good! Eggs and pancakes, oatmeal and bacon, sandwiches, turkey burger, it's all good. My current favorite is the tofu scramble. The prices are reasonable. Service is good. Over the years we've seen folks walking in from the surrounding blocks, the place has laid back vibes. We walk here from central Berkeley and consider it a neighborhood staple. Once there was a guy hanging around outside asking for money and the server brought him a sandwich. It was nice to see a restaurant integrated into the immediate community. This is a two block stretch that has struggled to keep its businesses afloat and it's good to see The Vault hanging on.

Old school place on the corner. I came with my mom after a dr.'s appointment. We came because it a…read morecost effective place in a climate of rising prices. I had some pasta (fettuccine with shrimp and mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce) and it was good. wasn't as "creamy" as i expected but it was good. My mom had a pastrami sammich and she said it was good. It looked really fresh. I also had a mimosa that i didn't realize was going to be 20ozs. It was also pretty decent. Service was good. She was attentive and fast.

Gather

3.8

(2.6k reviews)

$26 Brunch Pizza: surprisingly not oily. Liked the flavors…read more Corn soup should have been roasted first. It was too sweet for us (very low sugar family). Shakshuka: a traditional dish spread by the Ottomans. Very good.

We hosted our wedding reception at Gather this weekend and it was fabulous!…read more Jodi, Chef Matt, Kurt, and their team are so exceptionally kind and attentive. We were lucky enough to work closed with Mika and Ivan who were so attentive, responsive and helpful with everything. Gather accommodated every food allergy request and gave us generous creativity to customize the drinks and food menu. Our top favorite recommendations on the menu: spicy tomato pizza with cashew puree, harvest bowl, corn soup, and of course all the perfectly roasted veggies!!!! The indoor space has a delightful balance of natural light, greenery, and wood and the outside garden is fabulous in the summer. We can't wait for future celebrations at Gather and feel so grateful for the kind service and delicious memories we shared there.

Abe's Cafe

4.6

(135 reviews)

•$

I love this spot! Abe is so so nice and we always have a great conversation. He is great to his…read morecustomers and makes everything from scratch which is really sweet. I love the empanadas here. The humida, mushroom, and chorizo have been my favorite for sure. Each gets served with a side of chimichurri which is my favorite. I love this spot! Perfectly to get an afternoon pick me up with coffee or have a quick and easy meal. Check it out if you haven't yet!

Abba's is favorite hummus bowl in Oakland, mostly because of the yummy side salads. On comes with…read morea fluffy Israeli-style pita bread that is also my favorite.

Henry's Bar & Restaurant

3.2

(110 reviews)