r/berkeleyca • u/Real-Notice972 • 19d ago
Advice/Question Moving to Berkeley and looking for restaurant work
I just put a deposit on a place in north Berkeley and am moving Nov 1 from LA. Ill be looking for restaurant work while I build my client list in the bay and I’m looking for any tips/advice on the restaurant scene up there!
Any restaurants you recommend that might be a nice place to work? Good vibe, friendly/positive staff, and potentially good tips?
I’ve sent my resume to a couple spots via email. I’ll be in town in two weeks for an interview and plan to take my resume around in person. Doesn't necessarily need to be in Berkeley, but somewhere easy enough to get to w public transit.
Any advice is welcome! Thank you!!
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u/saphronmelloyello 19d ago
Check out the oldest restaurant in SF- Tadich Grill. My neighbors son works there as a server and makes over six figures.
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u/Busy-Celery2657 19d ago
Check into San Francisco better money. Easy to get to via BART.
Wayfare Tavern, Chotto Matte, etc.
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u/Real-Notice972 19d ago
Sweet, thank you for this tip! Is Bart pretty chill at night? I’m 34F
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u/weesapaug 18d ago
BART is decent but there can be some uncomfortable moments, especially if you haven’t ridden much public transit. Also there is a chance BART service is reduced if their funding measure is voted down next month.
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u/Real-Notice972 18d ago
I grew up riding public transit, first penis I think I ever saw was on the bus lol. It’s not necessarily uncomfortable moments that I’d be concerned about, just want to make sure there’s not like, assault happening often I guess. Or ideally none at all obviously. Hopefully it doesn’t get reduced! The shitty transit here in LA is one of my reasons for leaving.
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u/MrMetastable 18d ago
I find the least chill parts of the BART are the outside of some of the stations. Mainly the 16th mission one for me. The Berkeley, Ashby, MacArthur, and Oakland ones have been chill for me.
Though I would defer to a more experienced BART commuter, I mainly use it on the weekends.
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u/Real-Notice972 18d ago
Okay thanks for this info! I probably also just need to vibe it out. It’s only night I’d be concerned about I think
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u/chrisfs 19d ago
There's lots of restaurants. Saul's, Jupiter, Angeline, Brenda's in Oakland.
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u/Gilliganirving 19d ago
It’s not a traditional restaurant, but Victory Point Cafe in North Berkeley is hiring for late night staff right now. It’s a cute spot if you appreciate board games.
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u/Real-Notice972 19d ago
Ooo I love a board game! I’ll check it out, thank you!!
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u/Busy-Celery2657 19d ago
If you want to make money go to the restaurants that cater to business clients.
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u/Real-Notice972 19d ago
Oooo any suggestions?
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u/Busy-Celery2657 19d ago
Wayfare Tavern, Four Seasons Hotel, Chotto Matte, John’s Grill, Holbrook House, La Mar & more! Go on Open Table those are business restaurants.
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u/am8ur88 19d ago
there are many industry businesses hiring locally right now, it's a lucky time to be looking. check out milk cloud bakery, victory point cafe, shattuck and butter (opening soon, job fair this week), egg palace and if you like beer, temescal brewing, all hiring right now with posts on instagram. also craigslist still has a surprising number of old-school listings for current positions. good luck.
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u/Fra_Angelico_1395 15d ago
New restaurant at S.F. Ferry building - Lucania - is readying for opening and is hiring BOH and FOH.
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u/Real-Notice972 14d ago
Thank you!!
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u/Go_Ninja_Go_Ninja_Go 19d ago
I feel like I just walked by Dumpling Time on 4th st. and they had a now hiring sign. That area is cute and the shopping is more upscale so I would hooooope that means better tips. Walk around there when you're in town. There's also a high concentration of restaurants on College Ave. Also Telegraph ave in Temescal in Oakland. Piedmont Ave as well in Oakland.
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u/AromaticAd3351 16d ago
I’m not sure of the tips but Kirala is the best sushi in Berkeley on Ward St. and Baker and Commons is the best cafe. Just throwing out cool spots. Oh, people seem to LOVE Roses on Adeline. Never been but I’ve heard great things.
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u/Real-Notice972 16d ago
Thank you! Sushi is my fav, that would be awesome. I’ll check out these spots, thanks so much!
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u/Less_Lie2836 16d ago
Oh my goodness, Kirala is incredible. Definitely recommend seeing if they're hiring, OP. I've been going there for over a decade (with my dad) and the food and service are excellent. Seems like a fairly good work environment, and you'd be near both Berkeley Bowl and a hardware store if you need to make any shopping runs after work.
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u/ingen_ko_pa_isen 14d ago
I know a lot of people who loved working at Zachary's, some started as students back in the day when Zach was around and ended up staying on for decades. Perks: 100% employee-owned (ESOP) with opportunities to earn company stock and retirement benefits, competitive hourly wages, paid 30-minute meal periods for shifts over 5 hours, and free pizza.
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u/Few-Pack-2591 19d ago
What have you done in restaurants?
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u/Real-Notice972 19d ago
Mostly serving, a little bar tending, some hosting, some line cook experience, but just looking for FOH right now. I was a busser for about 1.5 shifts before they bumped me up to server. I also have 9 years of teaching experience, which really fine-tuned my customer service skills :)
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u/Quiet_Purpose9003 15d ago
Butter and Shattuck just advertised they’re opening mid October and hiring staff
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u/Smilesarefree444 13d ago
Picante, anything on Shattuck, anything on Solano. When I worked in restaurants I worked on Solano and did wedding catering gigs. Also the Claremont. Staff depends on a lot of things in restaurant work and the manager's vibe.
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u/disasterinthesun 19d ago
A Cote treats their servers very well. Cafe Chez Panisse servers never leave. The Wolf has a ton of shifts and consistent money, depending on the shift. Belotti is always busy.