Happy Hour is Wed/Thurs 5:30-6:30; make reservations! Looking for something to go with your beer besides the happy hour menu? Get the Tako Wasabi, octopus marinated in wasabi. It's a perfect combo!
Top Dog in Berkeley is my Bay Area baseline for great hot dogs, and while Underdog is a bit more expensive, and the buns aren't as good, the quality and flavor of their sausages are just a bit better!
If you can handle the intensity, get the chocolate mousse. House-made mousse, house-made whip. So. Incredibly. Rich. Worth it. Just make sure to find somewhere soft to lie down post sugar-high...
It's not listed on the menu, but they will do omakase at whatever price level you choose. I strongly recommend it, as I've had incredible meals every time. Just don't go lower than $30 per person.
I love the soup dumplings here, they're smaller to fit in the soup spoons without risking spills. The hand-pulled noodles are scrumptious, but aren't in every noodle dish, so check before ordering!
You can turn any pie purchase into a 'combo' by adding either a soup or a salad. Both are solid, and given the minimal 'combo' price increase it's a steal!
Get the empanadas. When you order them, they are cut open to add sour creme, lettuce, and cheese. Golden, crispy, gooey, and delicious! Not hot enough? Add something from the salsa bar.
Almost every savory crepe they have is improved by ordering it 'half-cheese'. Especially the philly. Plus, you don't feel so guilty about getting that dessert crepe after. Nom.
A friendly, family-run joint, there's tons of imported asian fare, from cleaning supplies to shampoo to candies and food. Check out the little freezer by the register for the really great stuff!
When it's in season, get the organic watermelon! There's portions of all sizes, so you can get any one you can manage. It's incredibly juicy, sweet, and so cheap you'll swear it's not organic!
There's tons of european food, imported and locally sourced. There's also an extensive deli where you can get meat/cheese, and things like pirozhkis. Get 1 (or 3) filled with cheese, potato, or meat!
I'm convinced the prepared food section is a trap. Everything looks great but ends up being bland, overcooked, overseasoned, underseasoned or oily. No matter what I end up buying I am disappointed.
On a cold sunset day(aka every day), try a hot milk tea, with no sugar. It really doesn't need it. Add your own, if you must. Delicious!
Deal alert: You can snag a half dozen donuts for less than 5 bucks. There's also ample window seating for people-watching 24 hours a day. Grab a coffee and dip a classic cake donut. Yum.
Upgrade to the STONE-POT Bibimbap. Don't touch the pot (YOU WILL BURN YOURSELF), and resist the urge to mix immediately. You will be rewarded with a crispy rice bottom. Mix in the spicy sauce and nom!
Try not to get mesmerized by the rotating grill. Must... order.... grilled... meats...
I prefer the standard tonkotsu to the spicy garlic version; no reason to mess up the deep rich flavor. Make sure to add an egg (perfectly cooked!) and of course, those braised pork belly chunks.
My advice? Both shrimp and pork dumplings (solid), mini egg tarts (incredible), steamed pork buns (if that's your thing) & try the chicken pies; they're underrated but fantastic.
The kitchen is shared with San Tung next door. If the wait is too long, order those amazing dry fried wings from here, and then you're in the perfect spot for dessert when you're done!
Yes, the hashbrown sandwich is a signature dish. But make sure to order the eggs over easy, top with salt&pepper, separate, and put each egg between the sliced toast for two runny egg sandwiches! Yum!
Their scones are great, but I love their breadsticks as more of a midday snack. Salted, crunchy, crispy goodness. At around a buck a pop, it's a perfect midday treat!
Get a couple friends, order something super meaty and large, get a drink or two at Yancy's while you wait, then take the pizza to Yancy's, eat & continue drinking. Repeat as necessary until satisfied.
Their uni packs are just 9.95! Buy one, take it home, cook some rice, add some of the uni and a fried egg. Nom. Repeat.
