Brazil Fresh Squeeze Cafe

4.5 star rating
511 reviews Rating Details

Category: Brazilian  [Edit]

2161 University Ave
(between Shattuck Ave & Walnut St)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhoods: UC Campus Area, Downtown Berkeley
(510) 845-8011
Hours:

Mon-Sat 11 am - 8:30 pm

Sun 11 am - 7 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Anyway, the tri tip sandwich was sooo good." In 166 reviews
  • user photo
    "I love love LOVE the cilantro garlic sauce." In 52 reviews
  • user photo
    "Pedro is one of the nicest dudes you'll ever meet." In 67 reviews
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511 reviews in English

  • Review from Uyen N.

    • 13 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/14/2012

    This place has LIT-ER-ALLY the best tri tip i have ever had in my entire life, and ive had my fair share of good tri tip! Better than Sampino's in sacramento and even better than Baby Blues BBQ in venice.

    I came here several years ago with my friend that attends UC berk. i asked her the one place that i HAVE to try and she immediately pointed to this tiny roadside shack (similar to food stands in portland, OR) and ive been coming here everytime ive come to berkeley henceforth.

    Now, berkeley is a highly underrated city, where its crime rates and university prestige precedes its reputation that people completely forget about the amazing array of restaurants here (i.e. Chez Panisse, nuff said). But besides the fame of Chez Panisse, are these even more unassuming restaurants and cafes. That's where Brazil Cafe comes in. I havent tried enough places in berkeley (although, i have been around the block several times) to really rank their restaurants but Brazil cafe is probably in my top 15 restaurants that ive ever been to. this is a roadside shack we're talking about here.

    Anyway, ive had several things here: tri tip plate, tri tip sandwich, and tri tip mediterranean plate (sense a tri tip theme here?). As previously mentioned, the tri tip is astounding. This isnt any american tri tip either. The way they cook it, marinade it, season it, whatever, is what makes my mouth absolutely drool. i have a puddle of drool on my laptop just thinking about it! And oh, that cilantro garlic sauce. OH GOD. i can drink that stuff by the bottle. fresh and garlicky but not overpowering that the garlic is burning the back of your mouth. all this + freshly baked bread + lettuce, tomato, & onion? if you havent tasted perfection, you will here. Another plus: they cut the tri tip into bite size pieces so youre not tearing into a big piece of meat like a t-rex nor is it left hanging from your mouth.

    Actually, writing this review has made me have a hardcore craving for a tri tip sandwich. ill be making a trip to berkeley soon, even if it's just for this place.

    Comment from PEDRO R. of Brazil Fresh Squeeze Cafe 5/14/2012   
    Heres to all our valued customers!!!  All the best!! More »
  • Review from Melissa F.

    • 52 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Mill Creek, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/26/2012

    On my road trip to WA, my best friend and her sister brought me to this spot in Berkeley. I got their signature tri tip sandwich and mango smoothie. The sandwich was sooooooo goood! So flavorful! They put pineapple in the sandwich which compliments the tri tip and the pesto spread in the bread and to top off the meal, the mango smoothie was soo yummy and reminded me of the Philippines.

    Seating is very limited and there is a line but the food is worth the wait and sitting on the curb is need be lol!

  • Review from Angie M.

    • 38 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/28/2012

    I took a friend from UC Davis here and she loved it.
    I loved it.
    (I went for the only vegetarian thing they had)

  • Review from Brian B.

    • 42 friends
    • 222 reviews

    South San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/15/2012 4 photos 1 Check-in Here

    I decided to go to Berkeley one day for lunch and meet some friends who were going to the Cal vs. Asu softball game. All the reviews said to get the tri tip and mango smoothie. So I decided to order that and it was the best tri tip I ever had and mango smoothie was so fresh and cold for the hot day in Berkley. Whenever i'm in Berkeley I will be sure to stop here again for some tri tip  and a mango smoothie and some brazillan jams!

  • Review from Deanna Y.

    • 47 friends
    • 23 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here

    The place looks like a taco truck with no wheels. Kinda cute. perhaps kinda ghetto.

    My friends all recommended the tri-tip - in any form. Plate, rice bowl, sandwich. They all come with this creamy cilantro garlic sauce that creates a signature flavor.

    I ended up with the sandwich. The meat was tender and cut into perfect bite size pieces. I didn't have to deal with draggin' half the meat out of my sandwich and trying to stuff it back in. Yeah you know what I'm talking about. You get that annoying piece of meat hanging out of your mouth that is oh so attractive.

    The mango smoothie was delicious. Simple and fresh.

    Friendly service and the food came out fast. Outdoor seating. When we got here at around 12:30, there was no line, but it got really crowded around 1pm.  

    Perfect lunch on a Sunday afternoon.

  • Review from Adele F.

    Fremont, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here

    || B A C K G R O U N D ||

    I think I may be confusing this location with the shack cafe...but the hours of operation belie the location! Since we came at 8 PM, this location MUST be the sit-down place. I hope @__@

    My friends and I were the only party in the place, so service was pretty fast. The cashier had lost her voice due to sickness, and she was using a computer Powerpoint slide to communicate. Three of us each got the hot tri-tip sandwich, along with a small mango smoothie that is only $1 if you buy a plate or sandwich and you show your student ID.

    || F O O D ||

    TRI-TIP SANDWICH: grilled tri-tip served with carmelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and cilantro garlic sauce served on a French roll [$7.50]
    - The tri-tip was tender but fairly salty, which made the sandwich not too appetizing.
    - The cilantro garlic sauce had a slightly bitter aftertaste that didn't sit well with me.
    - The sandwich was pretty messy, and all the insides kept spilling out :P

    MANGO SMOOTHIE: mango puree, ice ice baby! [$1 with meal and student ID]
    - Simple and sweet, but not too sweet. Like c:

    || C L O S U R E ||

    The famed tri-tip was too salty and pricey for me. I don't think I would return :/ I would try the stand next time to see compare. And the prices there are cheaper because it's not sit-down.

  • Review from Paula V.

    • 34 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/27/2012

    My favorite place to eat in Berkeley HANDS DOWN.

    I come here pretty often since I live nearby. And if you love meat you will enjoy it.

    I usually order the tri-tip bowl to-go, but when I eat there I get the tri-tip sandwich. The cilantro sauce is very creamy and delicious.  I would buy it by the bottle if Pedro (the happy owner) sold it.  And the meat is juicy and flavorful. The stand gives off this amazing meat smell when you walk by, that you have to stop and take a sample from Pedro.

    Pedro's favorite and the chicken bowl are pretty good too. I have yet to try Obama's favorite (carnitas).

    Other must try is the acai smoothie! Its sweet and topped off with a bit of granola. Yum.

  • Review from Estela Y.

    • 8 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/23/2012

    The tri-tip meat is so good! I just really wish that they would expand though... they have a few chairs and tables, but is may not always be suitable for the weather. I can't complain about the taste though.

  • Review from Jack J.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Pedro and his crew do a great job. The tri-tip bowl is fantastic and the chocolate chip cookies are outstanding! Nuff said.

  • Review from Liz W.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here

    "WINNING!!!!"

    TRI-TIP SANDWICH IS A MUST!!! The green lime-cilantro-ish sauce is the best sandwich spread EVER!  The size of the sandwich is a little stingy...same with the mango juice..but the quality and the deliciousness is worth it!

  • Review from Gabriela G.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/12/2012 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Its worth a visit for an authentic Brazilian experience in the Bay area.

    The prices are fair. Comparable to Chipotle. A Brazilian bowl is between $7-$9 depending on what you get on it.

    The salads are huge and packed with creative items. I got the tri-tip salad and it had steak, queso fresco, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, pineapple and jalapeños. Honestly the jalapeños were pickled (from a jar) and salad could have done without. It was also too much salad on a small plate and all the ingredients were separated so it was difficult to mix everything up, i ended up having to eat it by parts.

    The meat was a bit fatty (i had to spit some of it out since it was un-chewable and  turned into little balls of fat). The garlic adobo on the tri-tip was a bit salty.

    Quality and Value for Money = 5 STARS (great prices, great looking plates)

    Convenience, Line to order, places to sit = 2-3 STARS (a bit of a hassle)

    Environment and Authenticity = 5 STARS (totally authentic even in the fact that you have to sit outside on plastic lawn tables and chairs to down your carnitas sandwich or drink your mango shake. Might even have to share a table with strangers unless you want to sit on the curb. this is cool though, it works with the theme of the Cafe).

    Mango Shake = 1 STAR: it's not actually made out of mango but rather a sugary mango puree that is so sweet i had to send it back to the kitchen. sorry. i don't like to drink blended sugar.

    I say, come for LUNCH since you have to sit outside and it's best if its warm. You don't want to sit outside and freeze with sandwich in hand from the cold. If you are craving Brazilian for dinner order it (now you can order online) and have it ready for pickup!

    Still, FOUR STARS for the great overall experience. You don't wanna come everyday but when you do, its definitely as if you stepped into a street corner cafe in Puerto Allegre, Brazil.

  • Review from Salon C.

    • 20 friends
    • 65 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/12/2012

    Not to be confused with Brazil Cafe.

    This one is the shack with more colors than a crayon box. Add habanero sauce to your tri-tip and your tongue will make love to your mouth.

    Bom!

  • Review from Christina H.

    • 3 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/14/2012

    Perhaps one of the best sandwiches (tri-tip with the works) I've ever had, and definitely the best from a stand. Not super cheap for the size, but delicious bang for your buck.

    Mango Smoothie isn't that great, but sometimes they'll give it to you for free if you're ordering around when they're closing up their stand.

  • Review from Mina K.

    East Bay, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/3/2012

    For oh so long, I've been hearing raves about the tri-tip sandwich at this place. Determined I had the best tri-tip sandwich of my life in Cal Poly, my curiosity stirred and I knew I had to try Brazil Cafe.  I finally had the opportunity to try it today.

    My friend and I were rushing to catch a movie screening at 7:00 pm in Berkeley. Driving from Oakland, I called in to place a phone order. "One tri-tip sandwich and a tri-tip plate, please."

    "Okay, it'll be ready in 10 minutes," the worker informed me.

    It took us 20 minutes to get to Brazil Cafe, and the order was still not ready. I waited maybe 5 more minutes, and I was handed my warm, freshly made food. I couldn't help it; I may have drooled a little upon inhaling the aroma. I hastily ran back to the car, and we sped off, hoping to catch our movie screening.

    Luckily, I was able to bring the treasured tri-tip into the movie theatre without any objections. (Good thing, because if they told me I had to throw it out, I would have chosen the tri tip over the movie.)

    In the darkness of the movie theatre, i ripped apart my paper bag, eager to consume its delightful contents. First bite: OH. MY. GOODNESS. The garlic sauce, the tender slices of tri-tip, such flavor! I paid no attention to the movie plot as I scarfed down every nibble of my tri-tip sandwich. It was messy to eat, with food particles falling all over my lap, but I paid no heed. THIS SH*T WAS DELICIOUS. Sadly, the adventure was over before I knew it and I reluctantly turned my attention back to the movie. I had no idea what was going on, since I was more engrossed in my sandwich than the movie itself.

    I have found my piece of tri-tip heaven. It is served from a magical place called the Brazil Cafe.

    Next time I will try the tri-tip plate, since it seems to be more bang for its buck. $8.78 (including tax) is quite a lot to pay for such a small sandwich, however delicious it may be! (Hence the -1 star.)

  • Review from Kevin H.

    • 2 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Martinez, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/15/2012

    Where else can you get a great tri-tip plate served with cilantro from a hut in a parking lot and get greeted by a long haired tan guy in a white linen suit?

    Need I write more?

  • Review from L P.

    • 3 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2012

    Best tri-tip sandwich EVER!! (#84 on the menu). Get a smoothie to go with it or the Brazilian soda! Pedro, the owner, is always there with a smile and a delicious tri-tip sample to greet you. This is a must go for anyone visiting Berkeley!!!

  • Review from Nathan L.

    • 81 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Daly City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2012

    Don't be fooled by how small this place is. They crank out the best tri-tip sandwich I've ever had. The meat is so juicy, so flavorful and so perfectly marinated and spiced - this is THE place to go to get comfort food. The owners are also extremely chill and let us sample their house mango smoothie. After the first sip, I got two orders of it. Ridiculously smooth texture and sweet mangos - can't get enough.

  • Review from Megan L.

    Pleasanton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/30/2012

    The only two things I ever get are the tri-tip sandwich and the tri-tip plate, though I usually opt for the plate as I can't manage to eat the sandwich very gracefully (plop!).

    The tri-tip plate is pretty much what's in the sandwich, deconstructed, and in scoopable face-stuffing form. The cilantro garlic sauce is amazeballs. But what really makes the dish special is if you drizzle on some of that green hot sauce that you can find in small glass bottles on the outdoor seating tables. If you can handle your spice, definitely try it.

    And If you don't care about garnering some serious hatred from your classmates, take your tri-tip to go and bring it to class to bask in the glory of your garlicky meaty aromatic goodness.

  • Review from Valeria R.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/5/2012

    Delicious! Tri-tip sandwich, chicken salad plate, veggie plate... Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong! Gotta love the "brazil shack"!

  • Review from Kelly T.

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/23/2012

    Evening munchies? Check
    Delicious mango smoothies for you and your friends? Check
    Good location? Check

    I love these guys! Dropped by with some out of town friends after slow service at another little spot and our bellies were very happy for it.
    Only two of us ordered mango smoothies, but the girl served all four of us one. Nice touch.
    Everything I have eaten here is very tasty, but the thing that gets me is I can never quite recover-- everything tastes like their food once I leave! It can be a bad thing or a good thing depending on who you are and how you look at it, but I don't hold it against them.

  • Review from Ken G.

    • 2 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Leandro, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/30/2012 1 photo

    I had the Tri-tip "The Works" and it just might have been the best sandwich I've ever had.  The cilantro sauce is what hooked me.

  • Review from Catherine C.

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/9/2011 1 photo

    When people describe their food as being orgasmic, I kind of laugh at that phrase, thinking people are being dramatic. But my friend and I stopped here, and we both ordered Tri tip with the works (cheese,grilled onions, pineapple, olives, jalepenos, lettuce, tomato, and cilantro garlic sauce). When we got our food, she took a bite first, and I watched her eyes roll back and heard her exclaim how good it was. It was mildly  reminiscent of When Harry Met Sally and a little hilarious.

    So of course, I took a bite of my sandwich, and it was seriously GOOD! I made a huge mess with all that dripping cilantro garlic sauce, but I just didn't want to put that thing down to clean up! The perfectly tender tri-tip with its delicious ingredients, sweet pineapples, and amazing sauce was so good that I finished the whole thing and still wanted more. But of course, I restrained myself. :) And also, because it was a tad salty, so I went on a search instead to quench my thirst.

    If you get a chance, stop by this little shack and get the works!

  • Review from Tammy T.

    Claremont, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/6/2012

    This is a great place to go for some solid, meaty sandwiches. The tri-tip is a staple and I think it's made really well. The ingredients are not fancy or anything of the sort. This place is closer to a mom-and-pop type of stop. The sandwich comes with this cilantro, garlic sauce which is absolutely amazing! The sandwich comes with an option to include pineapple (which is weird). I advise against it unless you like pineapple in savory dishes (I reserve pineapple only for pizza and fresh fruit). I always bring a coupon (I see them on campus, passed out sometimes, and on berkeley goodlife(?)) for a free mango smoothie with sandwich purchase. The smoothie is hardly amazing, but you can't complain when it's free with a coupon. There isn't a lot of seating but I've never seen it too busy.

  • Review from Richard K.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/29/2012

    The tri-tip was tough and chewy. My friend and I were both sick afterwards. The mango smoothie was very good but I would stay away from the food.

  • Review from Melissa T.

    • 2 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Pittsburg, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/19/2012

    My bf and I went here for lunch with some friends and we had the pedro and a smoothie both were amazing. We have been there again since the first time and it has been just as amazing every time. The owner is also very nice and friendly. Always giving samples of the axing food and candy. AWESOME place.

  • Review from jessica m.

    • 28 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Diamond Bar, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I've tried this place twice now, and I've got to say that I still don't understand what all the fuss is about.

    I got the tri tip sandwich combo with the mango smoothie ($9) the first time. It was okay. Mango's not really my fruit, and it was kind of small. The sandwich was also small but was pretty filling. My taste buds weren't crazy over the cilantro garlic sauce, which is weird because garlic is my thing!

    So I came back here again and got the tri tip plate this time. It wasn't a plate, more like a small bowl, which made it super hard to eat because the food was so crammed. And for $8 I thought it was pretty pricey. I wanted to love the cilantro garlic sauce, but once again my taste buds just couldn't. The tri tip was well cooked and all, but it just didn't amaze me.

    They say third time's a charm but I don't know if I want my taste buds to be disappointed again. For now, 3 stars is all I can spare.

  • Review from Dandara D.

    • 63 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Number 8. If they ever close for any reason there will be riots.

  • Review from Mousputin S.

    • 3 friends
    • 78 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/11/2012

    Not sure if they've changed their bread or if we came on an off day, but the tri-tip sandwich was much smaller than I remember and was served in a baguette-like roll instead of the square, fluffy bread I'm used to.  It really makes a difference!  The sandwich is messy as is, but crusty bread makes it so much messier!  I already feel like a monster when I eat sometimes, and this sandwich makes things so much worse...on the plus side, my little brother and I once came here for lunch (at the sit down cafe, actually) and this sandwich was so good it pretty much made HIS LIFE.

  • Review from Jeanette Y.

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Mmm. Pedro's favorite is definitely a FAVORITE! The pineapples in it definitely gave it a good twist.

    AND to top it off, Pedro gave us a coupon for free mango smoothies on our next purchase. YES! FREEEE! Free is always awesome!

    Be warned though, this sandwich can be a bit messy. Be prepared to use all ten fingers and get sloppy!

  • Review from Claire J.

    • 64 friends
    • 235 reviews

    Daly City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Friends and I were trying to kill some time so my friend suggested to come here.  She mentioned this was a spot that UCB students frequented.  
    It's a small shack but didn't bother me.  I know good food usually come from small spots like this.  
    During that time, I was not eating red meat so I ordered their chicken dish while my husband ordered their tri tip.  I loved enjoying the food under the sun and checking out the quirkiness of Berkeley.  
    Now I see why this is a popular spot.

  • Review from Dave Y.

    Westwood, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here

    SO GOOD! Like most others said, the tri-tip with garlic cilantro sauce is a must have here. I also just love the setup here, just a cart with a few tables off the street. I've been wanting to stop by here for a very long time and sure am glad I finally did. Will definitely come back for more.

  • Review from Tiffany S.

    Santa Cruz, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/25/2011

    TRI TIP SANDWICH + MANGO SMOOTHIE ; #8 STUDENT SPECIAL.

    SO GOOD.  IT DESERVES ALL CAPS.

    Man, the combination of cilantro, pesto, and garlic smothered over the bread is absolutely delicious. the sauce will probably drip all over your plate, around your face, and all over your hands, but who cares. stop being dainty and use your hands like a mammal. SO DELICIOUS.

  • Review from Hello K.

    • 327 friends
    • 711 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/8/2011 3 photos

    Returned recently on a sunny day in Berkeley and had the chicken and tri tip combo plate....still DELICIOUS! Ate every bite!
    I still love coming here-definitely need to try the mango smoothie next time.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      9/20/2009

      Came here today for a nice outdoor lunch in sunny Berkeley!
      Enjoyed a chicken plate with rice,… Read more »

  • Review from Samuel C.

    • 69 friends
    • 87 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/15/2011

    One of my mentors took me to this place after raving about how fantastic it was. I guess my expectations were pretty high.

    Decor and Service: I'll skip these because there's not really any to speak of. It's pretty similar to a food truck except that it's always there.

    Food:
    -I got the combo with the tri-tip sandwich and mango smoothie. The mango smoothie was actually pretty good. I could feel tiny bits of mango pulp inside of it that made it pretty enjoyable. I'm pretty sure the only ingredients to it were mango and ice, so I guess they kind of made it work.

    -The tri-tip seemed to be the most popular thing on the menu, so I had to get that.. I expected to be absolutely wow-ed after all the reviews on yelp and my friend's recommendation, but I was not impressed. The smell coming from it was phenomenal and the colors were fantastic, but the texture of the steak in the sandwich was really tough. I had to chew pretty hard to get the meat into smaller pieces to swallow. I will laud their cilantro-garlic sauce, which is basically made from a puree of cilantro, oil, and garlic, but even that couldn't redeem the meat. The sandwich itself was also unevenly seasoned. The first few bites I had were bland and the rest of it was pretty salty.

    Verdict: I'd probably come again if my friends wanted to, but I wouldn't go searching for it on my own.

  • Review from Angeline L.

    Burlingame, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/6/2011

    I almost feel wrong for rating this place contrary to the 4-5 star avg.

    Maybe it was an off day and they didn't feel like being in a shack on a rainy day...

    Sandwiches smelled delicious! The workers were really kind too. =)
    The pork wasn't all that tender, I actually got tired of chewing by the last few bites. Inconsistent? A couple of us ordered the same thing, but some were lacking while others were overflowing (ie. onions, etc).  

    If I'm in the area, I'll give it another shot.

  • Review from Christopher i.

    • 55 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Arcadia, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/22/2011

    Whenever I'm up north, I love going to Berkeley to visit the vendors, the UC campus, and my favorite food spots! This is one of them.

    The tri-tip sandwich is delicious. However, the bread in the sandwich disguises the amount of salt in the marinated meat. Over-salted, yep! Amazing nonetheless, yep!

  • Review from Jasmine M.

    • 8 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/10/2011

    I recently moved to Berkeley and this place is fast becoming one of my favorite lunch spots. I've had their delicious and tender tri-tip in both sandwich and rice bowl form and I have yet to decide on a favorite. You get more food in the rice bowl, which makes it more bang for the buck, but it all really depends on your mood. The cilantro garlic sauce is just so full of flavor that I dare you to resist licking your fingers! The mango smoothie that comes with the sandwich combo is like a sweet popsicle in drink form... I always want more than they give me!

    If I had a complaint, it's that during the lunch rush it takes awhile for you to get your food... long enough where it's not one of those places that you can just stop and expect to rush off to your next appointment/class right away. I've been there at 11:30 when there was no line but still had to wait a good 30 minutes for my food. The food is worth it, but just be warned that it will take some time to get to you. Also, if you don't get there before noon, I doubt you'll be able to find a seat at one of the few picnic tables outside.

  • Review from Ivan P.

    • 16 friends
    • 197 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/30/2012

    First visit today - their food is amazing.  I had their tri-tip.  Grilled to perfection.  Their cilantro garlic dressing is OMG.  Theirs also a sweetness coming from the lettuce.  Some sort of vinaigrette? Whatever it is, it blends in smoothly with the other sauce I mentioned here.  Grilled onions, tomatoes..man I want another one RIGHT NOW.  I'm hooked.  Definitely worth the travel to this joint!

  • Review from Chia L.

    • 74 friends
    • 79 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Their tri-tip sandwiches are just so amazing! Plus it comes with a side of free mango smoothie.

    The tri-tip is well cooked, juicy, and tender. That, coupled with grilled onions and a cilantro-garlic sauce mashed between lettuce and bread, gives you one hell of a sandwich.

    Honestly, it's delicious.

    The shady shack might scare you away, but face your fears, and you shall be rewarded.

  • Review from Maggie L.

    • 35 friends
    • 101 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/12/2011

    The boy and I came here one day for lunch because we heard that it was supposed to be really good.  As we were looking at the menu, another customer came up to order and told us to try the tri tip sandwiches because his girlfriend can never get enough of it, so that's what we ended up getting. #84 with mango smoothies.

    When we finally got our food, (we had to wait quite a long time for it) the sandwiches were pretty good at first.  Each bite was super savory and delicious. However, as we continued eating it, we realized that it was actually getting really salty and by the time we were down to the last couple bites, the flavor was so overpowering that we didn't really enjoy the sandwich anymore.  The taste was just too strong and we were sick of eating it.

    The mango smoothie on the other hand was delicious and we loved drinking it throughout our whole meal. :)

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