A Note on the History of Raleigh's

The menus at Raleigh's more or less make the claim that they brought the microbrew industry to Berkeley, and hence, the world. This may or may not be true, but Raleigh's many great features had already made it a landmark by the time I got to Berkeley in 1990, just a few years after it opened.

The pub has undergone a slow evolution in the last 10 years: They've expanded their patio area, improved their menu, and begun to attract an older crowd during their off-peak hours. In the decade I've been in Berkeley, Raleigh's has always been my favorite hangout.

Once a week, Raleigh's holds a "Glass Night", where a particular (often new) microbrew is featured. A novelty glass with the beer's logo on it is available for a few bucks.¹ Glass Night is by far the most popular night at Raleigh's, featuring LOTS of drunken people, so that's the best night to go if you're looking for a party atmosphere.

How to Find This Place

Raleigh's isn't hard to find at all. It's a short walk from any point in Berkeley's Southside neighborhood.²

Telegraph Avenue is the epicenter of Southside. The north end of the road dead-ends near the center of the University's southern border, at a street called Bancroft Avenue. Moving south from the University, you will cross Durant, then Channing. The next street is Haste. Raleigh's is on Telegraph between Channing and Haste, on the west side of the street. Look for the sign with the giant chicken.³

As you may know, parking in Berkeley is very difficult to find.⁴ I recommend that you scout the area to the west of Raleigh's, particularly along Haste. There is usually a spot to be found there.

What to Order

Raleigh's actually has a fairly extensive menu for a brew pub. They offer burgers, sandwiches, soups and chili, salads, Mexican food, munchies, and desserts.

Unfortunately, most of the selection is of varying quality. The Mexican food is highly Americanized, the burgers often have stale buns, and the sandwiches -- while good -- are a much better deal if you go next door to Cafe Intermezzo.⁵

The star attractions, food-wise, are the salads. The Garden, the Cobb, and the Fiesta Taco Salad are all outstanding. If you're just looking for a snack, their big basket o' fries is always a cheap crowd pleaser.

THE RALEIGH'S GARDEN SALAD

This is an excellent choice for the vegetarians of the group. All kinds of goodies mixed in, and comes with their artichoke-heart bread in a big wooden bowl. My favorite in the meatless category.

NOTE: Vegans, be sure to ask for "no egg", or you will get a sliced-up hardboiled egg in there. If they're feeling extra nice, they might replace it with extra avocado.

THE COBB SALAD

I love the Cobb. I always have loved the Cobb. In fact, the first Cobb salad I ever got was at Raleigh's.

I have since come to find that many places serve Cobb salads that absolutely suck. If you're a Cobb aficionado, do not miss this rare opportunity!

THE FIESTA TACO SALAD

The Fiesta Taco is a newcomer to their salad line, but it has proven to be tremendously popular, and will likely stay for the long-term. Featuring grilled chicken, pumpkin seeds and jicama⁶, this unique and hearty blend is the perfect salad for a sunny afternoon.

How to Eat

OK, one thing I may not have warned you about: Raleigh's salads are BIG.

I mean BIG. I mean, most-people-don't-finish-it BIG. I mean don't-kid-yourself-you'll-hurt-something BIG. I mean ricky-don't-be-a-hero BIG. These salads are best tackled on an empty stomach. If you do not have an empty stomach, plan to share. By the time you get a beer or two in you, that last dozen bites will be torturous.

The pace at Raleigh's is a bit relaxed. Waitstaff visits are infrequent, but they usually keep an eye out if you want to flag one down. I've always found the staff to be exceptionally friendly, so let them know if you're in a rush.

If it's midday, the patio is the best place to sit. Soak in the sunshine, listen to their fountains, and get a few pints in you. Oh, yeah, that's the stuff.

Share and enjoy!