Best Southern American Restaurants in Berkeley

103 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Study Hall Rooftop Lounge restaurant

1. Study Hall Rooftop Lounge

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Berkeley

Booked 15 times today

Welcome to Study Hall! Located on the 12th floor. Indoor/outdoor dining with stunning views of the area. Beverage Centric - light food menu with Pacific, Oceana and Asian inspired appetizers, share plates and entrees

A photo of Revival Bar+Kitchen restaurant

2. Revival Bar+Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(2787)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Berkeley

Booked 12 times today

Revival Bar+Kitchen in Berkeley masterfully showcases Californian cuisine with its commitment to farm-to-table freshness and innovative dishes. Diners rave about the “utterly delicious food” and the “amazing” heirloom tomato burrata paired with focaccia appetizers. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring each visit offers something new and exciting. Patrons particularly love the mocktails, described as “tasting like the real thing,” making it an inclusive spot for all diners. With its prime location in Berkeley, perfect for pre-theater meals, Revival Bar+Kitchen is celebrated for its “great food, great service, and all around great environment,” making it a must-visit destination for authentic Californian dining.

A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant

3. Creekwood Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(979)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Berkeley

Booked 23 times today

Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is an exemplary showcase of American cuisine, delivering a menu filled with heart and soul. Diners rave about the "excellent Beef Short Rib and Crab Ravioli" and the "delicious, unique choices" that keep the local community coming back for more. The thoughtful use of "seasonal ingredients" in dishes like the praised "corn and asparagus pizza" and "brussel sprouts with a very light sweet praline crust" highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviews consistently highlight the "attentive and friendly" service, making Creekwood not just a meal, but an experience. As one review puts it, this is a "wonderful neighborhood spot" where every dish is "beautifully prepared," making it a must-visit for those seeking the best of American dining in Berkeley.

A photo of ACRE Kitchen and Bar restaurant

4. ACRE Kitchen and Bar

4.6

Exceptional(652)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Oakland

Booked 59 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oakland, ACRE Kitchen and Bar delights with its authentic American cuisine, offering a creative twist with California and Mediterranean influences. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in dishes that patrons describe as "fabulous," from the "perfectly grilled burger" to the "most delicious morel pasta" and the standout "Calabrian pizza." Reviewers consistently praise the "welcoming and attentive" service, making every dining experience special. ACRE's atmosphere is described as both "comfortable and attractive," perfect for family gatherings or a casual yet elegant night out. As one reviewer puts it, ACRE is "exactly the kind of restaurant you hope would open in the East Bay," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch American dining experience.

A photo of Claremont Lobby Bar restaurant

5. Claremont Lobby Bar

4.7

Exceptional(36)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Berkeley

Booked 1 time today

The historic Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar sets the tone for a sophisticated evening, serving up signature craft cocktails, light bites and a selection of local craft beer and wine. Join us after dinner for a nightcap, or gather with friends over a glass of champagne while you take in the sweeping San Francisco Bay views.

6. Juanita & Maude

4.8

Exceptional(1751)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Albany

Booked 14 times today

An intimate neighborhood restaurant, Juanita & Maude features Chef Scott Eastman's personal take on American Cuisine. The daily changing menu highlights classic dishes including Michelin Guide's top 5 hamburger in California. His refined comfort food is matched with seasonal craft cocktails and an international wine list. Juanita & Maude's lively dining room or serene outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a night out, celebration or special occasion. Conveniently located near the corner of Solano and San Pablo Avenues.

7. Burdell

4.5

Awesome(157)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Oakland

Booked 19 times today

Burdell, nestled in the vibrant Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, stands out as a beacon of exquisite Soul food cuisine. Led by James Beard Finalist Chef Geoff Davis, the restaurant pays homage to his grandmother, infusing traditional Soul food with innovation and sophistication. Diners rave about the authenticity and elevated flavors, describing dishes like the pickle brined fried chicken as “elevated to the highest level of execution” and the BBQ shrimp as “the best I’ve ever had.” Every dish, from the smothered rabbit to the slammin' chocolate cake, is crafted with care, showcasing the best local produce and sustainable practices. The experience of dining at Burdell is consistently applauded as “a special dining experience” with an atmosphere that combines nostalgia and modern flair, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly remarkable Soul food journey.

8. Monk's Kettle

4.5

Awesome(34)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Oakland

Booked 25 times today

Monk's Kettle in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, celebrated for its "phenomenal food and drink" and a warm, inviting ambiance. This neighborhood tavern has earned accolades as the Best Beer Bar in California, and it’s easy to see why with its "broad and balanced craft beer list." Patrons rave about their burgers and fried chicken sandwiches, hailed as some of the best in the region. The dedication to quality is evident, as every dish showcases locally sourced ingredients transformed into "mouthwatering dishes" that elevate traditional tavern fare to gourmet delights. Whether you are a local or just visiting, Monk's Kettle offers an unmatched culinary experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates great food and a fantastic beer selection.

9. Skates on the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(7456)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Berkeley

Booked 93 times today

Skates on the Bay, nestled in the picturesque Berkeley Marina, is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, famed for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Since its opening in 1984, Skates on the Bay has been lauded for its commitment to quality and innovation in its menu offerings. Diners rave about the "amazing and breathtaking views during dinner" and the "food that is as spectacular as the sunset view over the ocean." The restaurant has cultivated a reputation for excellence, with one reviewer exclaiming it's "worth every single dollar. A+++++." Whether it's the New Orleans style shrimp, the exquisite lobster bisque, or the perfectly charred filet Mignon, Skates consistently delivers a top-notch dining experience that highlights the best of American culinary craftsmanship.

A photo of Cafenated Coffee Company restaurant

10. Cafenated Coffee Company

4.6

Exceptional(11)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Berkeley

Booked 2 times today

Cafenated Coffee Company in Berkeley is a gem for those seeking authentic and high-quality American cuisine with a creative twist. Nestled in a flora-strewn garden, this cafe shines with its unique brunch offerings like the "Spicy Chicken and Waffles," which had one guest drooling, and the "Brunch Board," praised as setting "the bar higher for every other brunch experience." The dishes, such as the candied bacon and smoked salmon avocado toast, are described as "huge and very satisfying." Guests rave about the atmosphere and service, with one noting the "perfect combination of sweet and savory" in their meals. Whether it's the vibrant garden setting or the innovative American dishes, Cafenated Coffee Company stands out as a beloved brunch spot in Berkeley.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Samaan
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Solid menu/food Exceptional service Will most definitely return again
More info
Pierre PierrePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Oakland
•
4.2
J
JessicaVIP
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food and service were excellent! The pork chop is an absolute must. Drinks were very creative and paired very well with the food. The decor, lighting, and mood inside were very mid century inspired, making for a fun dining experience. We will definitely be coming back!
More info
PreludePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
B
BVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •133 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We ordered drinks, which came promptly and were good. Both of us had jambalaya. It was quite tasty. The show started somewhat late, so we had time for another round of drinks. Once the show started, and during and after the show, service was less available. It took us a bit of time to get our check, but we were able to chat with the performers, so it was fun. The parking discount at the Mason-Ellis garage worked out well. We highly recommend Biscuits and Blues for dinner and a show! We'll definitely be back.
More info
Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
J
J. Alan
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The server Jake was great. We ate at the Dog Patch location (last day open) The food was exceptional. I am looking forward to visiting the Clement location in the future. All the best to the owners and staff at Hard Knox. Merry Christmas. Thank you!
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on Clement StreetPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Richmond District
•
4.8
C
ChadVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 Nov 2024
Excellent food! Highly recommended. Looking forward to going back.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on 3rd StreetPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.6

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Berkeley

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Best Southern American Restaurants in Berkeley

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103 restaurants available nearby

1. Study Hall Rooftop Lounge

2. Revival Bar+Kitchen

3. Creekwood Restaurant

4. ACRE Kitchen and Bar

5. Claremont Lobby Bar

6. Juanita & Maude

7. Burdell

8. Monk's Kettle

9. Skates on the Bay

10. Cafenated Coffee Company

See what locals rave about

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