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Smart Alec's Intelligent Food
Categories: Restaurants Burgers Restaurants Sandwiches Burgers, Sandwiches [Edit]
2355 Telegraph Ave(between Channing Way & Durant Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhoods: Telegraph Ave, UC Campus Area
(510) 704-4000
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Our specialties are sustainable, healthy , and tasty cafe cuisine, including sandwiches, sustainable meats, 85% organic produce in a casual dining… read more »
511 reviews for Smart Alec's Intelligent Food
Review Highlights
"I'd love to try the garlic fries next time."
(in 130 reviews)
"I love the soups and cornbread mmm."
(in 143 reviews)
"Love love love the eggplant melt."
(in 19 reviews)
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511 reviews in English
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Review from Mark J.
Richmond, CA
2/9/2012
If there is one city in the Bay Area that would have a restaurant that served healthy fast food, it would definitely be Berkeley. Am I right, or am I right?
I've tried about 3 different burgers/sandwiches here, and liked each one. I like how they make their fries...it's like they always have the right amount of "crisp" about them. I've never had any of their soups or salads, but I'll definitely have to try them next time I'm here. As a couple of other reviewers have noted, it's kind of a trip eating stuff like burgers and fries here, but not feeling guilty about it since the food at Smart Alec's is a healthier alternative to the typical burger joint.
In terms of location, it's at a pretty good spot to sit, eat, and do some people watching since it's right at the corner of Telegraph, across from what used to be the old Rasputin's, if I remember correctly. It's not too far from the Cal campus, and is close to a number of the other cool shops and street peddlers' tables on Telegraph.
FYI: make sure to bring cash, since they don't accept debit/credit cards here. -
Review from Andy Q.
Berkeley, CA
2/5/2012
It's very average burgers for a premium price only because it's only mediocre [non-McDonald's] around. The only other option for burgers near campus is GBC, which isn't exactly much of a competition. So, it's not worth the price, but the only option if you want a halfway decent burger.
Their fries are better though than most places nearby, and are a filling snack. It's easy to grab and go. Expect to wait a little bit for the fries [not too long] but it's expected of fresher food. -
Review from Anna C.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
I think every Berkeley student has had Smart Alec's at least once. I mean, it has the best location on Telegraph and it's hugeee.
The food is pretty good. It's nothing spectacular that you crave, but it's never bad. When I can't think of something to eat, Smart Alec's is a good choice. They have soup, salad, sandwiches, etc. I usually go in for the salad because I try to tell myself that I'm healthy. The full salad is huge for a pretty decent price as well.
I also don't understand the hype of the cornbread, although I do find it a better selection than wheat bread - which is just one slice of regular wheat bread. I usually try something different there each time because nothing has disappointed me here. I like the chicken sesame salad the most but it could use more dressing but it has super duper muchacho amount of chicken! -
Review from Lila G.
Fresno, CA
2/7/2012
Another place I like to eat when I go to Berkeley! Air baked fries= zero grease, it sold me and the soup was really good and usually I'm not a soup kind of girl. I def. reccomend if you're craving good american food.
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Review from Furai X.
Berkeley, CA
1/15/2012
My go-to place for a delicious and filling salad. I always get the superior chef's salad with tuna and it never disappoints me. I like how the tuna isn't dripping with mayonnaise and the variety of goodies in the mix (hardboiled egg, carrot slices, sprouts, edamame, garbanzo beans, croutons) but let's be real, I mostly go for the cornbread. HUGE piece, perfect amount of sweetness, moist, and comes with every salad. The salad + cornbread combo can definitely cover for lunch and dinner. The half sized salad + cornbread is also filling enough for lunch or a light dinner.
Their eggplant melt is also amazing and the veggie patty used for the burgers are so juicy and non-obviously-vegetarian that my diehard carnivore of a boyfriend was duped. Absolutely duped.
One star off for inconsistent quality of ingredients (have gotten stale cornbread at the end of the night, extremely dry and almost inedible carrot slices before, dry and funky tasting tofu) and the inconvenience of the Cash Only policy. Luckily, the atm is literally right across the street. -
Review from Trace H.
Carmichael, CA
2/5/2012
Went here today and it was definitely a tasty option! I'm a vegetarian so my options were endless which is always a treat! Great atmosphere and good food! The portions were reasonably sized and the garlic air baked fries were delicious! I would definitely go again next time I find myself in town! The food tasted really fresh and was a great alternative for "fast food".
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Review from Christine E.
Hayward, CA
1/29/2012
I love how healthy and quick this place is. To me, they give huge portions leaving me full and extras to save for later. Their Tuna Sandwich was delicious :) Salads were decent, I would prefer ordering the half order instead of the full order because the full order is humongous! Salads come with cornbread or a piece of bread but I would definitely recommend getting their cornbread.
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Review from Nyla J.
Bay Area, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Okay, I am such a fan of Smart Alecs food because of the non fried, no oil used, healthy food options that are on the menu. For all those " IN AND OUT " lovers, in my opinion Smart Alecs is Way better because:
1. no oil used -- NO GREASE!
2. fresh vegetables
3.dolphn safe tuna
4.large portions
5.weight friendly
6. Roasted turkey
7. less then $10 per person
I tried their corn bread, salads, chicken sandwiches, burgers, french fries- plain and with garlic and the next time I go there, I will order the corn chowder.
I seriously feel that I'm eating a diet burger and diet french fries when I go here.
Love this place!! -
Review from Albert W.
Berkeley, CA
1/18/2012 23 Check-ins Here
A staple restaurant for Berkeley students around Telegraph.
For a place that talks about "intelligent food" and healthy fast food, it's quite ironic that the only time they trump their nutritional info is on the trays. Even then it's only about the fries!
Non-healthwise, they make good salads and soups, but their burgers aren't anything to write home about. Pretty much any non-burger item on their menu is good, although I'm not a fan of tofu or eggplant in sandwiches. I usually get a half caesar salad and half tuna salad combo, or a superior chef salad with poppyseed and beef patty/tuna.
I'm sure I don't need to talk about the cornbread. It's loaded up with sugar and milk and obviously bad for you, but it's really good!
Smart Alec's also has a rewards program where if you get enough stamps, they'll give you a free bowl of soup or vegan burger along with free cornbread. I don't know how many times I've gotten this, but it keeps me coming back.
Cash only, although Bank of America and Wells Fargo are close by. Prepare to bring about $6-10. They've recently installed wifi too! -
Review from David C.
1/4/2012
Another place I am happy to call a 'staple' of collegiate cuisine. Located conveniently on the corner of Durant and Telegraph, Smart Alec's boasts an extensive selection of salads and burgers. Most are affordable and taste great. This place is also great for take out or an on-the-go meal because their turnover rate is incredible. The portions are pretty standard, and it offers a run for your money.
PROTIP: They give you free food if you score well on exams. Just bring in some proof. -
Review from Shubs K.
Palo Alto, CA
1/4/2012
This place is awesome for many reasons:
1. Super casual place to hang out with a group or get quick take out
2. Seriously, so quick.
3. Healthy! Or at least, healthier than most fast food places. Their food is never greasy and the ingredients are fresh.
4. Garlic (air baked, not fried!) fries with chunks of garlic alllll over.
5. Corn bread + leek soup = amazing chilly day lunch.
6. Chicken pesto burger is so good, and this from someone who doesn't really like burgers.
7. Chinese chicken salad is huge! Great for lunch and leftovers for dinner.
8. Pretty cheap prices! And you get a loyalty card so you can get a free meal after eating there 10 times.
The only thing that's lame is that Smart ALec's is cash only. Sometimes I forget and have to run to the ATMs across the street after I've already gotten ahead in line, but it's worth it! -
Review from Rebecca H.
Berkeley, CA
1/11/2012
(vegetarian reviewer)
I used to come here a lot because serving sizes are nice and large (I have a big appetite), and I love their cornbread/chili combination. The atmosphere is pretty nice, too.
Unfortunately, when I came in to buy my girlfriend a dinner right after Christmas break, the lettuce in our salad was frozen. Not exactly a great casual date. Maybe they froze food over break when the students weren't around to create less waste or something. But my appetite for Smart Alec's has been pretty much filled for now. -
Review from Jeremyn H.
Alameda, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was ok for what it was. Service was good, and the food was cheap. The salads looked pretty decent but I ordered the burger and garlic fries. The burger had decent flavor but there was this weird metallic odor that lingered over the table and sort of stuck in the back of your throat. I dont know if it was the garlic fries or the burger but it kind of annoyed me. From the other reviews on here I'd say skip the garlic fries. I think if you're trying to find a healthy option, there's better tasting food out there on the same street. Want burgers and fries?--just go to jack in the B and work out a little harder the next day.
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Review from Edward W.
Fremont, CA
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food here is definitely on the healthy side. The burgers aren't as filling as your normal burgers since they aren't as thick. The garlic fries aren't even that good since its just normal fries with a whole bunch of garlic stacked on top. Smart Alec's needs to learn to fix the garlic into the fries with a bowl or something.
TL;DR; Garlic fries can be better flavored. The burgers are leaner and smaller, but organic.Comment from Miguel S. of Smart Alec's Intelligent Food 12/7/2011
Our Burgers are a full One Third Pound before cooking, which… More » -
Review from Theresa A.
Fresno, CA
12/23/2011
Every single time I'm in Berkeley I make a stop here for the BEST corn chowder I've ever had in my life. Along with cornbread and a fresh iced tea, it's one the best meals I could possibly have. I usually make my stops at my usual places I know in Berkeley, but out of the blue one day I decided to stop in here after always seeing this place packed to the brim and the amazing smells coming from inside. I definitely was not disappointed!
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Review from Raymond M.
San Jose, CA
11/15/2011
Smart Alec's serves grass fed ground beef burgers and air baked fries. It was the first time I ate a combo meal like that. Delicious! The burgers are served on a whole wheat bun with lots of veggies.
The restaurant also serves sandwiches including dolphin safe tuna, grilled chicken breast, and roasted turkey breast. The garden fresh salads include homemade cornbread or wheat bread. The fries can be plain, garlic, or chili cheese.
Prices are reasonable. Cash only. -
Review from Jason T.
Berkeley, CA
9/9/2011
I think after eating here, my IQ dropped by like 30 points...
Just kidding.
But seriously, I think just after the two burgers my friend and I ordered...we were slowly falling into a food coma. I think it was the mayonnaise-type of sauce they had on their burgers that made it incredibly heavy. :(
My friend ordered a cornbread on the side as well, which wasn't all that bad, but it wasn't anything extraordinary.
Anyways, the food was fresh and well-cooked, so at least when we ate ourselves into a food coma, we weren't slowly DYING in the process, haha.
Maybe next time we should try eating a salad. Yelpers seem to be leaning toward a more positive side on that. -
Review from Meghana S.
Berkeley, CA
9/10/2011
Amazingly healthy organic food with generous portions! I always get the 1/2 salad+1/2 sandwich combo and eat it for two meals. I love the Chicken Caesar salad and the veggie burger- you can't go wrong with these two. The cornbread is fresh, light, and really filling. Their air baked fries taste super sinful but are healthier than the regular greasy ones, and their garlic fries are INCREDIBLY yummy! Just writing this review is making me crave food here!
Cons: Cash only. Service isn't the nicest; some cashiers here have been pretty rude to me. -
Review from Bite M.
Hell, MI
11/19/2011
Stale bread for the sandwich and the girl working the register at 2:30 this afternoon was a bitch. Seriously, my friend said she looked like a serial killer. You could tell that she absolutely HATES people. Fire her already. And I've had major gas all day and night from their soggy garlic fries. $9 not well spent.
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Review from Zariah G.
West Oakland, Oakland, CA
10/28/2011
Not sure how one can mess up a tossed green salad- but they did. No flavor and the lettuce was soggy. Why must you always use plastic - try eco-friendly "to-go" containers.
Will not be returning.Comment from Miguel S. of Smart Alec's Intelligent Food 12/7/2011
Smart Alec's makes every effort to serve fresh, flavorful… More » -
Review from Christine T.
Los Gatos, CA
9/25/2011
I love this place, since I've gone on the Insanity diet/workout I always turn to Smart Alec's for healthy, reasonable priced food.
Pros:
Great service from Jude ;)
the cornbread is a must
air-baked fries- my life line alternative to junk food cravings -
Review from Stephanie Y.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first time in Berkeley and it seemed like a pretty crowded place, so we stopped in for a quick lunch. I got the caesar salad and my bf got the hamburger. he wanted to get a fruit smoothie too, but they were out. I guess the AC wasn't working either, It was really hot inside.
I couldn't finish half of my salad because the leaves did not look healthy. The dressing was only so so. Overall, I do not think I will be coming back. -
Review from Katie S.
8/16/2011
I would go here for burgers, but definitely not again for salads. Their salads are just lettuce and cucumbers, absolutely nothing compared to Intermezzo. If you want a good salad, please, go to Intermezzo right down the street. And.. if you absolutely insist on getting a salad here, at least get the corn bread rather than the wheat bread. The corn bread is fresh baked and the wheat bread is just a slice of oroweat like sandwich bread. Their burgers are pretty good. Not too fatty, yet juicy and tender. And the idea that the bun is whole wheat sort of makes burger eating a healthy thing.
Bring a test with an A and receive a free order of garlic with any order!
P.S. Be careful when you're around the area, especially at night. My friend got punched in the face for absolutely no reason right outside by a drunk. He's ok, so were his expensive glasses. Wtf tho. -
Review from Allie E.
Danville, CA
9/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good place to stop by for lunch in between classes...
Their turkey sandwich with everything (including cranberry mayonnaise.. it sounds weird but it adds the perfect touch) and as a MELT is delicious.
I can only eat half due to my small stomach, so its less than $8 bucks for lunch for 2 days! -
Review from Jenna H.
Concord, CA
12/2/2011
May have cheap food but you get what you pay for. After I thought that I had made it clear to the person at the register that I didn't want cheese on my burger, there was cheese on it. When I politely told them I didn't want cheese because I was allergic, they just took it off instead of remaking it. Also the fries were VERY cold and stale tasting. Never going here again even if it is a cheap meal.
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Review from Katie M.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2011
Smart Alec's offers pretty tasty food for being on the healthier spectrum; I'm definitely a fan. I always get the Basil Chicken sandwich combo with regular (not garlic) fries, which are air baked. Granted, they don't taste quite the same as the deep fried variety -- but they are delicious for being better for you (then again, I never met a french fry I didn't like...!). As for the sandwich itself: it's served on a wheat bun, and the basil mayonnaise is delicious. The chicken itself is not bad, but it's not the best I have had, either. Other points worth noting: Cash only, and the sun can be blinding if you're sitting near the windows. All in all, Smart Alec's is worth a trip!
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Review from Alex S.
Boston, MA
6/8/2011 1 photo
As soon as I saw "Avocado Burger" on the menu, I knew I was going to eat here. Prices are a little up there for a sit-yourself hamburger restaurant, but I have to say...it was worth it. The wheat buns are fresh and have a nice, earthy texture. The vegetables are fresh and the guacamole was well-prepared. My sandwich came with a special sauce but I honestly can't point out what it was; it tasted great, nonetheless.
When I come here again, I'm bringing a friend so we both can enjoy! -
Review from Amaury d.
Berkeley, CA
5/24/2011
I've always liked Smart Alec's. I like their avocado burger and their fries are pretty good. So it kinda bothers me to give them one star...
Yet, the last time I came to eat there (May '11), I saw rats. Yes, ratS. Twice. And they were not coming from outside, no no, they were going from the cashier to a bin. I'm not so keen on food poisoning, so I guess I won't be going there anymore...Comment from Miguel S. of Smart Alec's Intelligent Food 5/31/2011
We have been making a concerted effort to eliminate rodents,… More » -
Review from Angela S.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011
I wanted to like this place. I really did.
Smart Alec's seems to have a great reputation around town as a "healthy" restaurant, with organic, fresh food and all that shit. I usually see a lot of people in here, so I figured it must be good.
I got the marinated tofu sandwich with avocado, and literally, everything about it was bad. I am definitely NOT a picky eater or a food/health snob in any way, but I could barely even stand to eat half of this sandwich. The tofu tasted like it was marinated in salt water with no flavor, and the avocado tasted like it was way past its prime. The bread was also pretty generic, cheap wheat sandwich bread, and overall, I don't think it was worth what I paid for it. My friend got a burger, and he said it was ok, but that he'd had way better burgers for $8.
Service is pretty good, and the place is pretty clean, but I don't think that's enough for me to come back to this place again. -
Review from karina q.
Berkeley, CA
8/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Their Chef's Salad with Ranch dressing and a slice of wheat bread and a GENEROUS amount of what I assume to be LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN is THE BOMB.
It costs about $8 but it's worth every penny, seriously!
They put a whole boiled egg, edamame beans, alfalfa sprouts, some corn, sunflower seeds (or some similar seeds), tomato slices, carrot slices, and a WHOLE bunch of that jummmy jummmy chicken in there, along with the lettuce of course, and i JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH!
I usually only eat half the salad cuz it's just too much, even when i'm starving, so i usually eat the rest for dinner or something.
I seriously NEED this recipe for the CHICKEN cuz i cannot afford to go here every week! I wish i could!
I splurge on this about once or twice a month when i'm in the area, and i ALWAYS leave with a very happy belly. -
Review from Kris G.
3/27/2011
my favorite holiday is thanksgiving. four days off in a row, lots of football (including UVA vs. VA Tech - GO HOOS!), all of your family and closest friends, and naturally, the food. mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie; they're all winners, but pale in comparison to the star of thanksgiving - the turkey. i mean, we call it "turkey day," for crying out loud. according to the USDA, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten on thanksgiving. that's a lotta turkey.
well if like me, you desire turkey more than once a year, fear not! for delicious turkeys are being freshly roasted and carved every day by smart alec's' chefs. forget the slimy deli slices of your past and come here to embrace the thick-cut, tender, and juicy cuts that smart alec's offers. they use it to top salads and serve it with cranberry mayo in a sandwich that's thanksgiving personified (sandwich-ified?).
there's nothing like the warmth and comfort of thanksgiving, but when it's just the eats you're jonesing for, check out smart alec's roasted turkey.Listed in: Why Brown Bag When You're in…
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Review from Mark M.
6/18/2011
The food here is fresh, often organic, and good quality. However, the taste is just okay.
They have awesome garlic fries and corn chowder though. Get them here and go next door for a good hoagie at IB Hoagies. -
Review from Marilyn T.
Palo Alto, CA
4/25/2011
Air baked garlic fries are so garlicky, you wake up with garlic breath the next morning! That's how garlic fries should be. When I was in college, bringing a paper/test with an A got you free fries.
I'm not a veggie burger fan, but I always got the eggplant melt or basil chicken burger.
For soups, my favorites are potato leek and the corn chowder (but I prefer Intermezzo for salads.) The cornbread is as addictive as the fries.
I obviously have lots of fond Cal memories of Smart Alec's... what's not to like about friendly healthy fast food on Telegraph? -
Review from Stephanie W.
Cambridge, MA
7/19/2011
I had heard from a friend that this place was really good, and as a visitor from New England, I really wanted to get the Berkeley student experience.
For about $9 I got a meal, which included a sandwich, a soda, and a side of fries.
I had the basil chicken burger. The bun was whole wheat (big plus) but the meat was dry, tough, and rubbery. I could hardly taste the basil in the mayo, which was thick and creamy.
The fries (regular, not garlic) were dense with a texture like Play-Doh. I didn't like it enough to eat the whole dish.
The beef burgers did look "hella" juicy, though. I wouldn't go back unless I was with a friend who really insisted on going to Smart Alec's. And if I did, I'd try a beef burger and the garlic fries.
P.S.
A local friend told me that if you bring a midterm or a final that you scored an A on to Smart Alec's, they'll give you fries for free! -
Review from Adele Z.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2011 1 photo
I like this place a lot. It just FEELs healthy.
The ambiance is really casual, your usual Berkeley fast-food-ish place. The best part is this place is actually pretty fast. You only have to wait like 10 minutes max even if it's busy.
I usually order the regular burger. It is SUPER filling and can get soggy near the end but good for that burger fix if you are fiending for it and don't want to eat McDonald's (not too many burger places in Berkeley. I guess there is IB's across the street and Bongo Burger around but Bongo Burger has a less healthier feel. Don't know if that makes sense.).
Today I ordered the half salad half sandwich which I found to be delightful as well. Portions are big, and the cranberry mayo made the Roast Turkey sandwich absolutely delicious. It had a sweet tang that made it pleasant to eat. Just enough of a sandwich to get your fix and you don't have to be overwhelmed or bored by the second half.
Friend and I then shared the large garlic fries. Freshest fries he's ever had at Smart Alec's, he said. They were warm, crunchy, and even though the garlic wasn't exactly evenly spread, you can't ask for much more.
I don't ever dig the cash only aspect though. -
Review from Lucy N.
Berkeley, CA
3/8/2011 2 photos
Smart Alec's claims to be healthy, but how healthy can a burger get?
I got the Eggplant melt + soup combo and it came with a side of cornbread. The potato and leek soup was very thick and filling. I like my meat, but the eggplant melt was good to the point where it silenced the carnivore within. The cornbread was amazing, but I seriously doubt how healthy it is.
If you come with an A-grade test/quiz/paper, you get free garlic fries! Im not that big a fan of the fries but free food is free food. When you're a college student on a budget, you don't have the privilege of being picky.
So much food for under $10! Come if you're running low on $, don't if you're tryna lose weight.Listed in: UC Berkeley Eating
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Review from Mandy R.
Oakdale, CA
9/26/2011
Great burgers, super crowded inside but the food tasted yummy.
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Review from Erin A.
2/24/2011
When to come: When you've got a good grade to show!
The only time I usually come is when you've got a good grade on your scan-tron or paper. Show off your paper/test and grab you're free garlic fries! As a college student, free fries just makes your day!
The rest of the food here really isn't memorable. Burgers are average. -
Review from Jenny Z.
5/9/2011
Garlic French Fries and cornbread are a MUST when you come to Smart Alec's. The fries are thick slices of potato tossed with fresh garlic condiments. Yes, it is oily but every now and then a little indulgence is acceptable! Cornbread is thick, moist and carries strong corn flavors.
Their soups, salads are okay. Nothing special. Burgers are on the dry side, imo. I like their eggplant sandwich the best; it's unique and extremely juicy.
I can't agree that Smart Alec's is a place to grab "healthy" food, as they self-proclaim. But its menu items are nicer options over food from McDonalds or other fast-food chains. Service can be a little slow at times but bearable. Also, they close a little early, compared to other restaurants in the area. -
Review from Stephanie F.
Millbrae, CA
6/7/2011 1 photo
I love this place!
So after passing by Smart Alec's a few times, I decided to stop by when I finally had a bit of time in the area. Their salads are HUGE. My friend got the Caesar, and was barely able to finish it, so she took it for lunch the next day. I ordered the Basil Chicken burger, and a hefty piece of cornbread. The burger was a bit dry, but that can be expected from chicken, so I just asked for more sauce. The plethora of lettuce, tomatoes and onions was a plus as well. Maybe I gave them such a high rating because of the cornbread. After a healthy meal, I didn't feel guilty after eating the whole piece of what is usually my ultimate food-guilty-pleasure.
