Cafe V - Berkeley

The staff (whose names I’ll keep private out of respect) are exceptional mixologists, and the kitchen team serves up fantastic food. The combination of friendly... read more The staff (whose names I’ll keep private out of respect) are exceptional mixologists, and the kitchen team serves up fantastic food. The combination of friendly people, a warm atmosphere, and excellent drinks makes for an unforgettable evening. I’m a bit reluctant to share this hidden gem as it feels special, but I must recommend it to anyone in the East Bay looking for amazing food and drinks in a laid-back setting at a reasonable price. As for my full Mezcal experience: I didn’t sample the food this time as I was focused on enjoying some serious drinks with a friend—there will definitely be a separate review for that in the future. Nonetheless, I can confidently say the staff here are stellar. They introduced me to the captivating world of Mezcal (Tequila’s richer counterpart) with some fantastic shots and a signature cocktail called a "Tepe," inspired by the traditional Mexican drink Tepache, a low-alcohol fermented pineapple beverage enjoyed by the Maya and Nahua since pre-Columbian times. The highlight of my night was a shot of Bozal Pechuga Mezcal, made exclusively from Agave Cupreata found only on the slopes of the Rio Balsas basin. This limited release from Mazatlan, Guerrero, is one-of-a-kind, as a cooked chicken is added during the second distillation, resulting in a remarkable flavor I had never encountered before. It was exotic and rich, oddly reminiscent of Charanda, a sugarcane liquor from Michoacán I once tried, which shared a similar savory note. You might think savory meat flavors wouldn't pair well with distilled spirits, but look how well chocolate and peanut butter come together! I was lucky to have wonderful guides this evening: Gian, Hamei, Stacy, and the rest of the staff—some of the friendliest people I’ve met in the bar industry. The location, which was once a notorious brothel in the 1960s (where my mother even worked), now boasts an open-air deck that's perfect for sipping drinks on a summer night. Local patrons have raved about the exceptional Venezuelan comfort food from the kitchen, which is nearly impossible to find in the East Bay. I absolutely plan to return to explore the menu and further delve into the enchanting world of Mexican Mezcal. I apologize for not taking any photos this time; I was too absorbed in soaking up the atmosphere! I promise to share more during my next visit! Cheers, Piero

Was so excited to find this place in Berkeley while I was visiting. Loved the setup indoors and outdoors there was a band playing live music in outdoor patio se... read more Was so excited to find this place in Berkeley while I was visiting. Loved the setup indoors and outdoors there was a band playing live music in outdoor patio seating nicely setup in shade! Staff was really friendly to take order and get us seated. Loved arepas Was searching for good arepas for a really long time in Bay Area and these ones were really good, we also got yuca fries which was new thing to try for me drinks were good too! Will definitely go back next time to try patacons and more arepas

Liked the chips and salsa. Empanadas were good but not the best I had. read more Liked the chips and salsa. Empanadas were good but not the best I had.

Very spacious patio seating in the back with heaters for when it’s chilly at night time. Came here with a Venezuelan friend and she said their arepas are some o... read more Very spacious patio seating in the back with heaters for when it’s chilly at night time. Came here with a Venezuelan friend and she said their arepas are some of the best she’s had in the Bay Area although they are definitely more American style in that they’re stuffed kinda like a sandwich with delicious things! The elote is cut into shareable “riblets” and is probably my favorite thing that we ate there I will probably ask if I can buy the sauce that was on them in a container to take home the next time I’m there.

My absolute favorite spot in Berkeley! The drinks are always amazing and the Food is excellent as well. The elote and pozole are my go-tos. On top of excellent... read more My absolute favorite spot in Berkeley! The drinks are always amazing and the Food is excellent as well. The elote and pozole are my go-tos. On top of excellent food and drinks, the customer service has always been outstanding. Gion always has the warmest welcome, on top of his excellent drinking making skills. The owner, Hamie is always a pleasure to interact with and has shown great knowledge in his mezcal collection. If you want to grab food and drinks, I highly recommend El Patio!