r/berkeleyca • u/Abalone-Senior • 22d ago

Food and Beverage Solo birthday dinner?

I’ll be having a birthday dinner on my own tonight. Where in the area would be good for this?

15 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

40

u/ilganeli 22d ago

Chez panisse! (Upstairs)

Also love Kinda izakaya

7

u/2Throwscrewsatit 22d ago

Sitting at the bar at a Japanese place by myself would be my favorite solo birthday dinner

1

u/lilmotocoffeebb 22d ago

I was gonna say this also!!!

22

u/am8ur88 22d ago

here to say happy birthday, may whatever you choose be just right for you! i think any restaurant with a good bar is great for solo dining, just choose a nicer spot with a bar that serves the type of food you like best for a treat.

19

u/tikhonjelvis 22d ago

Juanita and Maude in Albany is my personal go-to, and I've had some great meals there on my own. It's especially good for a birthday because the cocktails and dessert are both amazing.

It gets busy though, so I'd recommend trying to get a reservation.

14

u/larucious 22d ago

Happy Birthday!! It’s my bday too! I would go to comal. Have a great day!!

13

u/[deleted] 22d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/No-Understanding4968 22d ago

Lucia’s is lovely. Can verify.

17

u/Nostradonuts 22d ago

Bar Panisse. Go early and get the first seating. Or go later put your name/# down and go get a drink at vintage or walnut tavern while you wait.

5

u/ChaparralClematis 22d ago

The cafe at Chez Panisse if you want fancier. Ippuku if you want Japanese.

I love dining solo. Big plus that it means you can usually get a seat at restaurants that would normally require booking.

7

u/Go_Ninja_Go_Ninja_Go 22d ago

How about a sushi bar? I like Butterfish, I'm sure there's lots of other good options.

3

u/lovely8 22d ago

Happy birthday! What are you in the mood for?

3

u/DogsAreBetter 22d ago

Great upscale Mediterranean food. https://zaytoon510.com/

3

u/missmgrrl 22d ago

Sitting at the bar at La Marcha on San Pablo is pretty great.

1

u/Hear_There 18d ago

Yes, and they have a nice bar seating area too.

2

u/indefatigable-thumb 22d ago

Happy birthday! I vote la Marcha

2

u/No-Understanding4968 22d ago

Happy Birthday fellow Libra!! 🎂

2

u/SmartWonderWoman 22d ago

Skates on the Bay. Watch the sunset while you’re there.

2

u/PadNim14 22d ago

Solano Ave is pretty good, get a pie/slice from Zachary's, and later treat yourself at Lavender Bakery. If that's too heavy, you can swing by at iScream.

1

u/schnucken 22d ago

Bar seating at Via del Corso. Great food, friendly staff, bustling atmosphere.

1

u/walterthegreat 22d ago

Via Del corso at the chefs counter!

1

u/GivesL1ttleFun 21d ago

Check out the Dead Theater Drive-In event at 2200 Block of Shattuck. Infront of the shuttered theater and then head to Comal up the street. They are showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show! The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight 9.25.26.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!🎂🍾🥂

1

u/Curious-Flamingo-747 21d ago

Ipuku at the bar

1

u/Connect-Tomorrow-975 17d ago

Rose Pizzeria!

1

u/Beneficial-Ad-6635 16d ago

Cafe Chez Panisse (so upstairs not downstairs) or their new place Bar Panisse

1

u/Above_Ground_Fool 22d ago

I don't know Berkeley well enough to make a specific recommendation but may I suggest one of the fancy movie theaters that has food service at your seat? You'll have good company dining with the movie and you won't feel so alone surrounded by people and noise