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900 Grayson
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Burgers Breakfast & Brunch, American (New), Burgers [Edit]
900 Grayson StBerkeley, CA 94701
(510) 704-9900
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 3 pm
Sat 8 am - 2:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
814 reviews for 900 Grayson
Review Highlights
-
"The Demon Lover is hands-down the best thing here." In 313 reviews -
"The chicken and waffles were cooked to perfection." In 273 reviews -
"Go for both the homemade gravy and maple syrup." In 17 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
814 reviews in English
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Review from Gerald W.
Albany, CA
5/25/2012
The Demon Lover is incestuously good (or bad meaning good). Best chicken and waffles I've had in the Bay Area. Go with a friend so that you can swap the syrup and gravy. I'm talking about the food freaks.
If, like me, you want to switch it up with something sandwich style and you're not down with the swill or red meat, you can't go wrong with The Charlie, a colorful, coriander crusted tuna sandwich that comes with a tasty serving of fries with herbs. -
Review from idlehouse i.
El Cerrito, CA
5/20/2012
solid food from them the 3 times we have been there within the last 2 months. The line is a bit discouraging if you are in a hurry or starving, but you can clearly see that the staff work very hard to move everyone through without being rude.
we have tried the Devil's Lover, Burger, Steak & fries, cob salad, house salad, Stone soups, TV dinner, Lady Boy... Personally I love their steaks, burger, and soups, but everything else tasted good too. Their cole slaw is one of the best one around here. Their Ricky and Chai teas are also good -
Review from Tamera G.
Oakland, CA
5/19/2012
This place is the ONLY place that remembers service is as important as the food. Both are always wonderful.
Good food, good service - great place to spend my hard earned dollars. -
Review from jason g.
San Francisco, CA
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
900 Grayson is a very cool place. They have food that will not blow your mind but their service is excellent. Upon entering, you know they are on the ball with their friendly smile, welcoming demeanor, and willingness to help. Something about the area, the weather, the people that makes this restaurant very alluring.
One thing that I really liked here was their chicken and waffles. You can have it savory or sweet. The gravy on that chicken was awesome. It's a great place to go if you want to discover berkeley's neighborhood. Jimmy Bean's is still my favorite all time "egg benedict" joynt but 900 Grayson is not a bad option. Portions are a little on the lighter side.
I would come back if I wanted a light breakfast/lunch. -
Review from Kae D.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2012
800 reviews and so much talk about huge, towering, over-whelming Demon lovers - on the other hand; 900 Grayson has the best waffle with yummy real
( "May I have the bottle, please?") maple syrup, with sliced strawberries, in all of Berkeley. And, yes, the coffee is the best!
The brothers are the best maitre'd's around - charming and efficient. -
Review from Donna M.
Milpitas, CA
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have nothing to compare it to except my own makeshift versions, but the Demon Lover is sooo good! The chicken isn't fried but lightly breaded and baked, which I almost prefer just because I like to believe it's healthier. The waffles are also well made with a nice soft texture. Don't get both the gravy and syrup unless you're super curious about which one is better. I prefer the gravy just because it's tastier and adds a little kick to the chicken.
-
Review from Kelle E.
Oceanside, CA
5/1/2012
Delicious, fresh, creative. (But not so creative that you wouldn't try it!)
I wish I lived here so I could frequent this establishment. -
Review from Lisa C.
Oakland, CA
5/22/2012
I surprised my boyfriend with Saturday Brunch at 900 Grayson for his birthday. We both ordered the Demon Lover - he got it with gravy, and I got it with maple syrup. The service was quick, the food was delicious, and I would definitely come back to try the other items on the menu. Our waiter told us that they make their own hot sauce, but we did not have the chance to try it since we did not want to eat it with our breakfast.
-
Review from Daniel S.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2012
Best $11 burger and fries evar. That's right, ELEVEN I said. You in Berkeley now, fool.
Enjoy.
Oh yeah, closed Sundays. -
Review from Sarah D.
Berkeley, CA
4/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This little spot almost completes my crazy breakfast cravings. If and when I go out for breakfast I have to have real hash browns (not homefries), a buttermilk biscuit with graving and really good coffee. This place covers it and its really fresh good food.
Taste: Demon Lover, Fried chicken on a thin waffle with choice of maple syrup and gravy. Fresh roasted and brewed coffee while we wait.
Sound: The super nice host/server/busser/barista extraordinaire taking our drink order while we wait for our table.
Site: Imagine eating in a restaurant that once was a Berkeley home. Oh and the painting of a naked Latina on the wall by the breakfast bar.
Smell: Delicious fresh made waffles and baked goods.
Overall Feel: The food is inexpensive, large portions and they make their own jam! The only thing is the menu is limited but very farm to table. Get there early or late to avoid the wait. -
Review from Ryan W.
Oakland, CA
5/20/2012
all really good every time I've been here. (maybe 6 times?) I'd definitely give them five if i could get to the front of the line. You kind of have to go at slightly off hours to be seated in time before your girlfriend gouges out your eyeballs and eats them instead. I dunno, maybe your woman is not like mine.
-
Review from Charee S.
Orinda, CA
4/30/2012
My very first chicken and waffle experience. I ordered the demon lover. The chicken was very well seasoned and yummy. The gravy was a bonus for me because i don't eat pork and its vegetarian, very yummy. The waffles were a little too brown for my taste but soft and good. There was a large crowd gathered when I arrived which meant a 45 min wait for a table. I didn't mind once the food arrived because as I said it was good.
My only complaint is the prices. I mean $2 for a tiny cup of syrup at a place that serves waffles? Are the molasses and sugar grown out back? -
Review from Kathleen C.
Pleasanton, CA
5/3/2012
The chicken & waffles were very good. Almost as good as Roscoe's.
Need to be open Sundays. -
Review from Eugene Z.
San Marino, CA
4/14/2012 2 photos
Get the demon lover with gravy and you'll never want to go back to Roscoe's. Also ask for the housemade hot sauce, which tastes kind of like a more acidic tapatio. It cuts through the gravy nicely.
I've tried many other items on the menu and some are really good, but others can be passed on.
-The grayson burger is juicy with thick strips of bacon, crispy onion straws, cheese, and bbq sauce. Delicious
- The ladyboy is awesome as well.
-Caesar salad w/ flank steak is standard but still a safe choice
- The pulled pork sandwich isn't that great and pales in comparison to the other options, and I'm a guy who loves pulled pork. Pass on this one
Worth making a trip to this Berkeley gem. -
Review from Tammy C.
(See pics) Review #1158. Yelpers were right, at 10:45am it's packed!
We came here before 10am and the place was only half full and the pace was more relaxing. As the same with everyone, I tried the demon lover that had the spicy chicken breast that was very crispy and the gravy was delicious. The waffle was also pretty good and am glad to try the maple syrup too. The coffee was just okay and wish it was a bit stronger.
As we were leaving around 10:45am we saw lots of people waiting and realized why the service was a bit rushed at the end of the breakfast when they kept coming by asking if we needed more coffee very often. -
Review from Kevin T.
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
After a seemingly endless week of non-stop exams and and late nights spent poring over an unknown number of power point slides, I was spread pretty thinly. And although my Doctor wouldn't have agreed with my decision, nothing helps me start to feel human again better then some good old-fashioned home cooking.
Enter the Demon Lover.
Although the name may leave you questioning the nature of the dish, rest assured that it's nothing more than your basic Chicken and Waffles with a little extra Cayenne incorporated into the breading (not enough to make it very noticeable, but then again I have a high heat tolerance).
What sets the Demon Lover apart from other takes on this classic is the option to order gravy IN ADDITION TO syrup.
Say yes to both. (It costs $2 more but it's SOOOOO worth it)
I'm such a sucker for dishes that use sweet and savory elements simultaneously that it was no surprise that I was soon lost in my own little calorie-packed world.
Is it just me, or does the dish seem to be a little on the small side? Definitely order an appetizer to accompany your entree if you are feeling especially toothy. -
Review from Gabby Y.
Union Square, San Francisco, CA
4/21/2012
Had to check out the demon lover, after reading all the great reviews. It was delicious, but it didn't blow my mind. The chicken was flavorful and moist, but the waffle seemed soggy and didn't have the crispy exterior I read about on yelp reviews.
My friend had the tomboy- two lightly poached eggs with corned beef hash. The eggs were perfectly cooked, and delicious with the perfectly toasted bread that came with it. The corned beef cash was excellent- beef was well-seasoned and very tender, in nice large chunks. The potatoes I wish had a little more flavor and texture, but still worked in the hash.
Delicious coffee too! -
Review from Shirene B.
San Leandro, CA
5/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Another DDD spot I just had to try. Saw Guy Fieri give this place a spot on his show on Tailgates featuring the Oakland Raiders... after that I just knew I had to go. Circled around a bunch of times looking for parking (oh the joy of Berkeley) got in and knew it was the Demon Lovers that was gonna get in my belly! And boy did it! I had it with the gravy and ate every single morsel. The chicken was boneless breast that was breaded and seasoned well. The waffle was yummy. I was thoroughly ready to slap my mama and kiss the cook all in the same swing.The portion size was perfect for brunch. Can't wait to come again and love another Demon!
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Review from Katrina T.
Cupertino, CA
Spring break has allowed me to find time to go on my food adventures and 900 Grayson was definitely on my list!
Didn't even notice this place when I drove by because it blended in with the other houses on the block. 900 Grayson is cute. It's petite and spacious enough to have a nice luncheon. Can't express to you how delighted I was to come here and try the DEMON LOVER. BEST CHICKEN AND WAFFLES EVER. Reasons why?
1. It is NOT greasy
2. The gravy is sprinkled with a bit of red stuff that makes it pretty. ALSO the gravy tastes like clam chowder!
3. The Chicken isn't your typical wing and leg. It is almost like tenders. They taste extra moist when you eat it with the gravy AND can't forget the waffle
4. The waffle is original but so good with the chicken.
5. Good sized portion so I didn't feel like a little pig afterwards
6. It is plated nicely and makes you not want to ruin the delicious goodness.
I LOVE IT HERE. ALL of their menu options look and taste amazing. From the pork belly burger to the hamburger and even their soup and fries. GOOD GOOD GOOD!
Limited menu options, but it is the perfect amount of choices because you will want to try them all! Wish I lived closer so I can just come here again and again. -
Review from Kelly E.
Berkeley, CA
4/8/2012
This review is only for the Chicky chicky waffles!
Maybe it was too hyped. Maybe it was an off day. Maybe I'm just mean.
I had their demon lover with gravy AND maple syrup (because go big or go home!) and I was disappointed by their squishy, flip-floppy waffle. Don't get me wrong, the flavor was fine but the texture was completely lacking.
The draw of the chicken is that it's boneless and fried up in a marinated seasoning so as to ensure maximum flavor, but alas the chicken was only okay - it was moist, had some flavor, was kind of crispy but just did not have the oomph i need from my fried chicken. The gravy and the maple syrup did not add nor subtract to the dish so I do wish I had saved a couple bucks.
Service is very friendly and I went when they were just opening for lunch on a Friday so it wasn't busy at all. One star is for service, 2 stars for the chicky chicky.
Maybe next time I come back I'll go for some of those nerdlicious titled menu items! -
Review from William B.
Berkeley, CA
4/19/2012
Grayson is both dependable and spectacular at the same time. Incredibly consistent service, food, atmosphere, and general experience and it never gets old! I've overheard them mention that the hash browns served with "The Breakfast" are frozen... but they're incredible... especially with a light sprinkling of the great salt on the table. Sounds simple yes... but I look forward to it and enjoy the hell out of every time. Steak frites at lunch is outstanding and an absolute steal. Generous portion of delicious flankish/hanger steak, piping hot crisp herb fries, and salad with pickled onions (pickled onions should garnish damn near everything).
GF loves the demon lover w/ syrup, barbecue burger, side of market vegetables... yeah damn near everything she tries is good. Iced tea is outstanding... cold Trumer Pils, housemade syrups, jams, hot sauce... all at neighborhood prices what the hell else could you want/need?
Go on Saturday after about 9AM with 3 or more and you'll wait 45 min.+ The wait is worth every minute this place has long been discovered... the quality of the entire experience endures despite it's constantly growing fame. If they were open for dinner I'd be broke and weigh a cool 350 pounds. -
Review from Christopher E.
Oakland, CA
5/1/2012
I walked in and was greeted with all kinds of rudeness and attitude. I then walked right out. The worst thing about my experience was I believe I was "greeted" by the owner. What's up with place? I would go somewhere else.
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Review from Mike B.
New York, NY
5/10/2012
Small-ish portions and I don't know: I just think fried chicken loses a ton of flavor if it's cooked off the bone. Gravy and waffle were GREAT tho. Cute place.
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Review from Henri W.
Dublin, CA
Updated - 5/2/2012
If you're into good food, good sandwiches, and especially chicken and waffles, this place is truly the best of the best. Gotta love their gravy, I can even eat it alone.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/17/2011
OMG you have to try the Onion Rings Read more »
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Review from M G.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 4/28/2012
I'm still a fan---of the super friendly owners and now of the coffee. WOW, good stuff for drip coffee!
This time I tried the "Breakfast" w/ eggs over medium (nicely done), bacon (yum), and hash browns (perfect).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/14/2011
I really like the atmosphere and staff here. The owners are super friendly and make me happy to… Read more »
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Review from Christina L.
Berkeley, CA
3/31/2012 1 photo
Cute hidden place in Berkeley.
When we first came by, they were shutting down breakfast and getting ready for lunch. So we had to wait, but we decided to just to come back another time because I really wanted to try our their demon lover.
So breakfast ends at 10:45am. After this they can serve you drinks as you wait for the lunch hour to come by, but they can't serve you any food.
Service:
Our waitress was friendly and professional. She got things done, which is what I like. No complaints.
Food:
Demon Lover - YUMMY! I didn't like the sound of fried chicken and waffles, but after trying this. It was all I could think about!
My friend had some kind of skillet with potatoes, sausages and apples... yes apples... I didn't like it too much because the apples gave it a tart taste that didn't go well with the potatoes. But that's just me.
Overall:
I would recommend this place. -
Review from Luigi C.
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
As appetizing as the description or reviews may have sounded, the food at 900 Grayson is average, at best. I would not go out on a limb to say that it has one of the best chicken waffles I've ever tasted -- which was a top recommendation.
A lot of points go to the outside curbside appeal and the quaint yet simple decor inside. The staff is great and the service is quick, but keep in mind, my visit was in the middle of the week. The food wasn't terrible, but far from anything extraordinary.
Demon Lover - 3/5
I thought the chicken lacked flavor and fell on the bland side, which I find surprising for a fried chicken. Definitely expecting more bold flavors. I will say this, there is a subtle kick of spiciness after each bite. As for the waffles, I was not a fan at all. It was a little hard and I just wasn't feeling the batter used.
The craft of chicken & waffles can be a hit and miss -- in this case, it's the latter. -
Review from Kevin K.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2012
So I've been wanting to come here for a while after seeing it on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives to try the "Demon Lover."
Was in Emeryville, just a couple blocks away at Guitar Center with a friend picking up my guitar, and we look up the directions on how to get here. Almost drove right past it because from the outside, it's just a purple building made of wood. Luckily got parking right in front (I always get luckily with parking for some reason), and we head in to this not so great looking building. Walk in and my jaw drops at how amazing it was inside. TOTAL change from what you see outside. We opted for outdoor seating in the back as it was a nice sunny day with a light breeze.
We get seated and stare off at the menu for a couple minutes. They have 2 Korean soju drinks that I may have to come back to try, seeing as I am Korean. Anyways, looking through the lunch menu, they've got some delicious sounding dishes. But as I said, my sole visit this time was for the Demon Lover. My friend and I both get the Demon Lover with both gravy and maple syrup. I mean, why would you choose only one? We also shared an order of herb french fries while he got a coke, and I got a root beer.
Drinks come out first and I didn't realize that it was bottled root beer (not Barq's root beer. Was maple with real sugar cane and thus had a more natural sweetness and was not as sharp as most root beer tends to be. I should've paid more attention to the brand so that I could stock up, but out comes our food. First glance, chicken was fried perfectly, not too dark nor was it greasy. Waffle also looked to be prepared very well. I poor on the gravy (all of it obviously) and the maple syrup and start going at it. Chicken was so moist and well seasoned while the waffle was nice and fluffy with a great crunch. The gravy was not super strong nor was the maple syrup too sweet. The combination of gravy, maple syrup, fried chicken, and crispy fluffy waffle was divine. Herb french fries were cut thin which is a good thing since I don't particularly enjoy thick cut fries anyways. Seasoned well overall. I added Tabasco to the ketchup and my Demon Lover to send it over the top. They did also have this other bottle of what looked to be house-made hot sauce. It reminded me somewhat of Frank's Red Hot and Tabasco mixed together but with a different consistency. It tasted great, but the initial texture of the hot sauce was weird at first. But I quickly bypassed that as the house-made hot sauce was damn tasty.
Service was quick and super friendly. Food was fantastic. Eating outdoors in the sun with a nice breeze, great food, cold drinks, and a good friend? What could be better. Will definitely be back to try some of the other things on the menu as well as the Demon Lover again. -
Review from Dez B.
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here for brunch yesterday as a special request for the hubby's birthday. Not only was there NO wait but we were lucky enough to get prime seating at the front which not only allowed us to people watch through the front window but we also were able to somehow trap our 3-year old daughter between us (window side) so that she wouldn't run all over the restaurant.
My husband and I already knew that we were both going to order the Demon Lover since we studied their menu online the night before. Lemme just put it out there - this is probably the best chicken and waffles I've ever had. To anyone that orders it, make sure you get both the gravy and syrup. There's a reason why they give you that option :) I ended up cutting up my chicken pieces and waffle and pouring a decent amount of gravy, syrup and A LOT of hot sauce, which is made fresh according to the owner(?), on top of my plate so that everything mixed. I normally don't eat my food like this but it just seemed fitting to do that so that I could taste everything together. **drool** I would say that I'm looking forward to trying something else the next time we go here but I'm sure I would regret not getting the Demon Lover if given the opportunity.
This place is definitely on my list of brunch places to go to whenever we feel like venturing out of Alameda. -
Review from Amy D.
Fremont, CA
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friend and I decided to grab our food to-go from 900 Grayson instead of battling it out with the crowds on a Saturday. We called them around noon, and they informed us our order would be ready in 10-15 minutes. We ordered:
-Demon Lover (Spicy Buttermilk Fried Fulton Valley Chicken Paillard, Buttermilk Waffle & Old-Fashioned Cream Gravy or Vermont Maple Syrup $14 [we paid the extra $2 to get both the gravy and syrup- WORTH IT!!]): YUM, A MUST TRY! Different than Roscoe's for sure, but the fried chicken was crispy on the outside and super tender on the inside. DELICIOUS! The waffle was crispy (probably cooked a teensy bit too long) and tasted good dipped in the maple syrup and also the gravy (don't judge til you've tried it!). They give you a huge amount of gravy, which had chunks of mushroom in it, and was at the perfect consistency for gravy- not too thin or too thick. I usually don't like gravy, but really enjoyed this one.
-Grayson Burger (Creekstone Natural Beef, Nueske's Double Smoked Bacon, N.Y. White Cheddar, Crispy Shoestring Onions, House-Made BBQ Sauce & Herb French Fries $11.25): The burger was cooked a perfect medium, and the beef patty melted in your mouth. They also do not skimp on the bacon! However, I thought the bun they served the burger on was too big, since the patty was not big enough to cover the entire bun. Since we ordered to-go I forgot to ask for mayo, which is a bummer. The shoestring onions and bbq sauce added a nice touch, and they give you a humungous pile of herb french fries (the skinny pomme frites kind).
Overall, the food at 900 Grayson did not disappoint, and I'll have to come back to try their other dishes, such as the buttermilk waffle! The street parking was fairly easy to find, and the wait didn't seem too long, but I've heard it can get packed. There is also outdoor seating so you can enjoy the nice weather! -
Review from Maria M.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2012
The soup nazi of brunch. Great food, crappy service...
This was our 2nd visit to 900 Grayson. The food lives up to the hype, however the service is another story. If we were rating based solely on food, 5 stars. It's bomb. The demon lover is everything everybody has written about. The Grayson burger rivals any burger joint in the bay.
That being said... the service stunk. It's good food with attitude. The staff comes off as if they know if the food is good enough to keep the restaurant going so they don't need to give 5-star service. I'm being this critical because I grew up in the restaurant business as my family owns their own establishment. Breakfast and weekend brunch is our biggest seller. I know first hand giving top notch service isn't always easy when you have a line out the door and food at the window waiting to be served, but would it kill you to at least crack a smile and pretend you're happy to serve us?
As I write this, I'm keeping in mind that it was busy and towards the end of the day but then again when is 900 not busy? It shouldn't be an excuse for bad service. Our biggest complaints were:
- sat at the table for almost 10 minutes before our order was taken
- given water glasses for water, but no carafe with water until our food came
- when asked for a refill of ice tea, never received it
- never asked by the waiter if we needed anything or how the food was (biggest pet peeve)
- quick to give us the check
- had to ask for condiments when the table next to us automatically got theirs without having to ask (ketchup and hot sauce is kind of essential when you have fries and potatoes on your plate)
We'd like to say we'll return but it's hard to justify when there's other places in the area that are on par food wise but with better service. -
Review from Jen L.
3/18/2012 1 photo
Yummy! You can believe the hype about this place - I recommend it to everyone!
I've come here several times with girlfriends and have loved the food every single time! The Demon Lover is SO GOOD - the waffle is everything a waffle should be - light and fluffy with just the right balance between carb and sweet, and the chicken is deliciously moist and well seasoned. I'm a fan of the gravy more than the syrup.
Recently, we tried the TV Dinner lunch special which was mussels in a white wine sauce - LOVE mussels, so naturally loved this dish.
The Charlie Sandwich (ahi tuna) was also quite good if you like that "fusion" taste although nothing to write home about. And we had another traditional breakfast plate that I can't recall the name of - but it was also yummy.
The service is always friendly, and the ambience is lively. It's been more than packed all the times I've visited (all on weekday mornings). I understand that space is limited, but I do wish it wasn't so cramped as you can hear everything the table next to you is saying. Also, parking can be horrendous on busy days. -
Review from Christ P.
Oakland, CA
4/24/2012
What a let down. Journey with me for moment...It was Sunday 4/22 Earthday and I covered in mud fantasizing with my fellow comrades about the bomb breakfast joint. We had just completed the Survivor Mud Run (good clean fun!) when 900 Grayson was being touted as the quintessential spot to scratch that breakfast itch. So the very next day I took my two year old son to gymnastics from 9:45-10:30. We had both worked up a healthy appetite and were ready to chow down! So on the car ride over we kept talking breakfast this and breakfast that. Someone pulled out directly in front of 900 Grayson, score the parking gods were smiling on me. Nothing worse than a long walk with a hungry two year I thought as I unbuckled my little man and skipped into the spot. We stood for about 5 minutes before anyone even acknowledged we were in the house.It was an older white guy he explained they were changing menus from breakfast to lunch. It felt like he punched me in gut. Did he not see the hungry two year old delicately holding on to sanity clinging to his every word or at least the ones he understood, no & breakfast!
So I asked to see the lunch menu. He obliged and disappeared into the ether. I scoured the page for a hint of vegetarian fare. Not even a rumor of veggie love. So I said to my little man hey dude NO BREAKFAST here let's grab a slice of coffee cake and go get breakfast. He looked extremely confused but he heard CAKE so i was in the clear. We waited for another 5 minutes not so much as a glance in our direction. I proceeded to walk out when my boy erupted into tears of longing for a dream of breakfast deferred. I momentarily caved into the will of boy and genuine sorrow he expressed. We went back in after I talked him down from the ledge. Did I say that all of this took place in plain view of the entire patronage? We then stood for another 5 minutes. I finally decided to approach the counter. When I said excuse me I promptly got the back of the barista's head. That was more than I stand. I promptly walked out feeling invisible at best. Discriminated against, disrespected, and overlooked my two year old and I had a heart to heart about how some people just can't see daddy. It's not because they hate, they just have no cause to acknowledge me. Truly a harrowing encounter. I never had a single bite. But one thing is for sure they will never get a dime of my money and everyone who asks me about this place will get my gas face. If you have been keeping track you'll know that by the time we got in the car it should have been well after 11, it was only 10:52. -
Review from Tiffany H.
Rohnert Park, CA
Chose this restaurants because I saw it on Guy's DDD's show. In the past I have been very disappointed with Guy's reviews, however, this time happily I was not. It looks like it was a house converted to a restaurant and the decor is so fun. Love the crystal chandelier in the middle. I am sure you don't want to hear about that so on to the food. My girlfriend both had the Tom Boy, corned beef hash with potatoes, apples, & celery root topped with a poached egg cook to perfection. The beautiful yellow yolk flowed out perfectly over the top when pierced and blended itself so nicely among the hash. The sweet touch of the apple was a delight to the pallet....can't forget the bread, they are only responsible for the toasting so the flavor goes to Acme Bread Company. It was amazing! After leaving Grayson street we drove straight to the Acme's store and bought a few loaves to take home.
Drove from Sonoma County and will drive it again, worth the trip. :-) -
Review from Suzy S.
2/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Our timing was perfect, just in the door before the rush and out the back door to the sun drenched patio on a perfect mild winter day. The patio filled up quickly, but we didn't truly realize it was a full house until we tried to make our way back through the front door on our way out. Lots of happy smiling diners here enjoying a delectable lunch.
I was delighted with my "Charlie" Ahi Burger. Perfectly rare and every bite was a treat of ginger and tuna, just like I like it. Of course my husband had the Grayson burger and enjoyed it but wasn't totally impressed, mostly because the medium rare was more on the medium side. It would usually be me that wants my meat mooing but I shared bites and loved his burger. The meat really passed the tasty test. Also was surprised to learn they use Nueske's bacon which we have shipped at home because it's the best. The crispy little onion strings were addictive. I could have eaten a whole plate of those alone without food guilt.
I know we'll return soon from the way he was leering at the Chicken and Waffles...won't have to twist my arm - I'm there! -
Review from Kristy K.
Berkeley, CA
3/17/2012
I had the demon lover. It was DELICIOUS! It really did live up to the hype. Two generous moist pieces of fried chicken on top of a waffle. The gravy is really really good! I got both the gravy and syrup, but to be honest, next time I'm just going to get the gravy. The waffle was okay and went better with the syrup than the gravy.
I also had the grayson burger, which was kind of a disappointment. It was okay. It came with a generous portion of fries. I asked the burger to be medium well but it was too well done, so it was a bit dry. But the patty was very thick and meaty. The bacon was crispy shoestring onion didn't do much for the burger.
Would want to go again for the demon lover + old style gravy! -
Review from Lloyd K.
Emeryville, CA
4/29/2012
Another great brunch place on weekends and a great lunch place during the week. Why oh why is this place not opened for dinner or later into the afternoon? :-) I only say that because I have wanted to come here and its closed.
When its busy, street parking can be difficult. Its almost harder during the weekday because I think people park around the area as they work in local businesses.
They do not take reservations here. The place is medium sized with outdoor seating. I find the tables are a little close together though. But hey if I get a seat, I am happy to be eating!
I have been here and waiting longer than 30 mins to get seated. If the wait is longer, I usually go somewhere else.
I do have to say though that I have always gotten a consistent tasting meal here. The quality has never disappointed me.
I didn't think the burger was anything special, but I find the salads and sandwiches to be great. Also the larger plates and the chicken and waffles.
If I have any recommendations for the first time chicken and waffles eaters, if you have multiple people ordering, instead of all getting the syrup and gravy (which costs more) I would recommend some people getting syrup and some getting gravy (in a cup on the side). That way you can taste the differences. Otherwise, they pour the gravy on the waffle so you really cannot share it....probably by design. The syrup is in a server. I personally like both, so I pay extra hahaha.
The salads to me though are really great. Very large and bursting with ingredients and the sandwiches have been great as well. The to go sandwiches in front are large and tasty as well. -
Review from Tung T.
San Jose, CA
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
When i first had the premonition to go here it is simply for their chicken and waffles. Which i do feel real guilty about because this is a real restaurant ya'll and I should not just judge one's restaurant over just one dish. But i'm going to anyways.
I would've for sure given 900 Grayson 5 stars, but after heading over to Brown Sugar Kitchen and having their chicken and waffles. I have to bump it down just a bit. But the fact that I'm defending my actions on giving 900 Grayson 4 stars should already tell you that this place is no joke when it comes to great eateries in the East Bay!
I will attempt to do a compare and contrast between the two C&W at 9G and SBK.
900 Grayson:
1. Have your option of syrup or gravy, or yet both! All options are delicious.
2. More of a flat and big American style waffles.
3. Boneless chicken strips rather than big pieces of chicken.
Sugar Brown Kitchen:
1. Comes with apple cinnamon butter and syrup. No gravy : (.
2. Belgian style waffles thick and crunchier.
3. Big pieces of fried chicken.
To each their own I guess but I do prefer the chicken and waffles from Sugar Brown Kitchen. Reason being, i prefer fried chicken on the bone! Everyone knows that any meat tastes better when cooked with the bone on rather than off and I'm a grown ass man! I want my big pieces of chicken rather than delicate pieces of chicken strips. Also, i just cannot resist Belgian style waffles! But oh man if i could have it my way. I would love to have 900 Grayson's syrup and gravy poured all over Sugar Brown Kitchen's fried chicken and Belgian style waffles.
900 Grayson is a great restaurant in the outskirt of Berkeley and if you want to win some brownie points with your friends or your boo. Or if you are stuck in the friendzone, taking that girl or guy here will fix all of your problems! -
Review from J W.
UC Campus Area, Berkeley, CA
4/14/2012
I must admit right away that I have never eaten here, but it isn't from lack of effort. This place has the worst hours in Berkeley. Every time I have tried to go, it's closed. I bet the food is amazing, but I have given up trying to find a time to accommodate the schedule of this place. I even tried to go during a vacation, only to discover that this place closes from 11-12. I guess the owners have such a busy life they don't have time to run a restaurant.
-
Review from Jeanette Y.
Oakland, CA
3/2/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I think I fell in love with the demon...
DEMON LOVER is by far THE BEST chicken and waffles I've had! Don't be a cheapskate and pick just the gravy vs. the maple syrup. Get both. You'll leave happier! Because I sure did!
900 Grayson. I will be back!
