On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Cheese Shops, Pizza [Edit]
Neighborhoods: North Berkeley, Gourmet GhettoTue-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
"Aaah...a Berkeley favorite. Here's how I do the math: good beer+good food+ good prices+live music+chill atmosphere= GOOD TIMES! The…" read more »
Loading...
Celia and Jeff both agree that Cheeseboard Pizza Collective is an awesome place. Walking in we are always greeted by the warmth of the ovens which are clearly visible behind the counter. Talented musicians play in the corner and give the place a lively feel.
The pizza here is not only well priced but healthy! Cheeseboard has one randomly chosen type of vegetarian pizza a day so it's always a surprise, but we have never been disappointed. Each slice is $2.50 so it's very well priced.
It's definitely better than A-OK, but I'm not quite a fan yet.
After watching "Food, Inc" on dvd, friend JunPower was scarred for life (again.) He decided to say no to all the non-organics, and definitely no more McDoubles!
3 hungry people pondering on the idea of organic and satisfying food, nothing seem to come to mind. All of sudden, JunPower said, "dayam, I want some pizza...... hmMmm cheeseboard.... I heard they use good ingredients...." And then off we went to cheeseboard to try out their pizza.
None of us had cheeseboard before, so when we see a line, we just line up, and very quickly we learnt that they serve only one type of pizza per day.
We bought the whole pie for 3 people. Pizza of the day was something with sweet corn on it. Pizza was piping hot. Awesome smell. Lots of grease. Great cheese. No meat.
We quickly devoured the whole pie. 2 slices for moi, 3-4 slices each for the bf and bf friend. Great flavor, delicious cheese, we liked it.
The dough's texture is in between pizza and bread. I felt like I was eating cheesebread with corn.... Not bad though.
A little too greasy, but we didn't seem to care too much at that time. However, the bf and I quickly got hungry again after couple hours. Perhaps the lack of meat? we weren't quite sure, but we'll return :)
Thankfully I went with friends who had been there before, because when I see a line that long my stomach strays elsewhere. I was assured the line moves fast, and it did.
Pizza here is somewhere between the doughy thick (but not Chicago-pie thick) pizza crusts you get at Round Table and Pizza Hut, and a nice thin crust pizza. Now I love thin crust, but I also like to have more to chew and grew up on pizza from American chains. This was a nice balance. The pizza of the day had tomatoes on it... and other things I can't remember except that it was good. And HOT. And a wee bit oily but it's good olive oil I don't think I've ever eaten a pizza so fresh I needed several napkins so it wouldn't burn my hand.
The cheapo deal-lover in me was most pleased with the extra slices that came on top of our whole one. I think it's a nice touch. Like getting a baker's dozen of donuts. Fresh hot tasty pizza + extra slices makes my stomach a happy and loyal customer. The line will never keep me away again.
I'm usually not much of a fan of the hybrid American pizza. I like my dough traditional - Roman is fine, Neopolitan is better. But I'm willing to make an exception for interesting. I'm willing to paradigm shift if the product is good. And a good value.
For $2.50 a slice for beautifully made pizza, the value is there. The flavors are fun, though certain kinds of cheese (today's cheddar, for example) get a little greasy and soak through the crust, not something I really like.
As pointed out by all zillion other reviews, there is a long line here at meal times, but service is fast (cash or checks only, please) and mostly friendly, although the guy handing me my pizza today, say, in that all-too clever way as he handed me my to-go order, "GO HOME" as the woman who waited on me laughed. Eh? Really? Did you really say that? I didn't realize collectivism had a seat on the sarcasm train.
Despite staff cheekiness (I suppose they just needed to insult the sheep and let off some steam), the pizza is, for a hybrid type, quite tasty. And even the onions, which I'd ordinarily object to, were cooked to a delightful crisp, making them rather palatable. I'll forgive the remark as long as the pizza continues to be tasty.
Great pizza place! It's always pizza of the day and it's usually delicious. Flavors are very creative and always vegetarian, it's like Jackson Pollock spat in your mouth. Lately they have been using a lot of corn in their pizzas, I know you're like "corn?". Trust me it's good. You should have came here yesterday, but you can come here today.
Downside is that they don't take card and some people don't like prefixed menus.
Minus the one star because some of their pizzas of the day are not that good. I thought the roma tomato one was too salty and the eggplant one is very lacking in flavor. You can go on their website once a week and find our what pizza they are serving each day.
Because of the multitude of reviews, I dont think I need to mention how great cheeseboard is. It's cheap and theyre so friendly sometimes that they can give you a whole extra slice. Plus, I really like their ginger ale.
My favorite is the fresh corn and chile pasilla, feta and mozzarella cheeses, garlic olive oil, cilantro and key lime. mmMm. There's a good combo of sweetness and saltiness. However, I think it only tastes good warm and hot.
Well done, Cheeseboard, well done.
Worth the money, efficient service, and tasty, innovative pizza. Read up on their daily pizza selection for the week on their site. This cilantro hater would've choked after making the trek here when they were serving the corn, bell pepper, cilantro pizza.
Glad we went on a rainy day...line wasn't crazy! Limited seating made us panic while in line, but a table freed up just minutes after getting our order. Don't expect a seat though. I also like that you can get whole pizzas on the fly like that, as many people walked out with them. $20/whole.
After listening to my brother rave about Cheeseboard time and again I decided to try it. The pizza of the day was...
Cremini mushrooms, onions, Couturier goat cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic olive oil, fresh herbs.
It was so good. Don't be intimidated by the line, it moves quickly since people only have one choice on the menu. Take your pizza to go or sit in the restaurant and listen to live jazz music! If there isn't anywhere to sit inside, another option is to perch on the grassy island that divides Shattuck Ave with the local students and fellow Berkeleyites They will also give you limes to put on top of the pizza... sounds a little weird but it's really tasty! Cash only but there is a Bank of America right next door!
Amazing. $2.50 for a slice of heaven. I am all about the meat, but I will never say no to a slice of whatever they're cooking up at the Cheeseboard (or it's sister coops, Arizmendi). Jazz musicians play on the side while about 8000 pizzas roll out of the ovens, steaming hot.
I don't do pizza & my hubby don't do vegetarian but after reading raving reviews on yelp, we just had to go & check out ourselves.
Fairly easy parking just few blocks away. Bank of America was right there so cash was not an issue. It was 2pm on Saturday - The line was not bad at all! We only waited 3-4 minutes.
It was crowded inside but we stood inside eating our pizza listening to the live jazz music. We loved it! Oh, today's pizza was tomato basil feta cheese pizza which doesn't sound too good but guess what? I finished 2 slices!! My baby loved it too.
Very unique pizza! You all should try & the price is amazing!
To get the one missing star out of the way - I don't completely enjoy their pizza every single day / every single flavor.
But other than that.....the service is super fast and efficient, people are very friendly, the lines (although ridiculously long most of the time) moves very fast, pizza is always served hot (or at least warm), and the salads can complete the deal. Most of the their flavors are also delicious and very unique. Safe to say you can't find most flavors anywhere else.
One of my first days in Berkeley I was waiting to meet some friends and had a few hours to kill. I was walking around this area and saw a line of about 50 people waiting for something. I was like, really? I'd heard of this Cheeseboard and everything, but seriously this was one of the most ridiculous lines I've ever seen, aside from people camping out for concert tickets.
But I did have a few hours to kill, and had pretty much exhausted the paltry shopping options on North Shattuck, so I decided to see what the fuss was about and made my way to the back of the queue. I was so ready to hate it and scoff at all those suckers for waiting eons for their trendy pizza.
But... it was great!!! It is worth it. So awesome. I will probably go there every time I am in Berkeley.
Seriously the best place to get your fix for thin vegetarian pizza! They change their menu everyday so you usually get to try something different every time. As a very indecisive person, I appreciate how they only have one option. I also love how they give you an extra mini piece for free!
Yes Cheeseboard is awesome. I like any of the pizzas that have tiny little lime halves involved, but this review is not about how awesome it is, its about the little things you can ask for when you order.
Extra Crispy: They'll stick the pizza in there for you a little longer if you want a crispier crust
Extra Light: Want to go soft? They'll take a pizza out a little earlier for you.
Extra Limes (when its part of the pizza of course): OH YES. They'll be more than generous with those little lime halves. You'll be squeezing three of them on a slice. Or maybe thats just me.
Extra cilantro/parsley/whatever the fresh herb is on the pizza
Head of roasted garlic: They roast heads of garlic in the ovens too. I forgot how much they cost, but its super delicious on some bread from their bakery next door or Andronico's.
Don't come too late, they may run out of pizza, and they like to give any leftovers to the homeless, which makes them, in my book, one of the best Berkeley establishments by far.
Cash/check only, but the Bank of America is right next door in case of emergencies.
Cheeseboard is amazing. For a place that only serves one kind of pizza a day, this place sure knows how to do it well. You'll be hard pressed to find another restaurant that has such a laid-back atmosphere with such a delicious product.
On the day the girlfriend and I went for lunch, the pizza of the day was one with Roma tomatoes, onions, blue cheese, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. A slice was $2.50 and a whole pizza was $20.00. Let me just say that although I only ate two slices, I probably could have eaten an entire pizza. It was really was just THAT good. With a live band playing acoustic music inside and a beautiful day outside, there was no better place to eat lunch.
The ingredients they use for their pizzas are fresh. Nothing, and I mean, NOTHING tastes processed. You're looking at quality and tasting freshness (or is that AWESOMENESS?!) with every bite.
Although only street parking was available, we were able to find some relatively quickly. On the other hand, finding a place to sit inside was almost impossible, with the never ceasing lunch rush.
Still, despite those minor setbacks, Cheeseboard's pizzas are in a class of their own. Unrivaled, unparalleled, and most definitely unmatched.
With 1138 reviews and an average of 4.5 stars, the Cheeseboard does not need any more accolades.
But...
I am adding my 2 cents, in honor of my friend, Rita, the pizza diva, who will travel distant lands over the vast 7 seas in search of the best pizza on this planet.
Rita, if you havent been here, you just gotta go!! They make one type of pizza daily. Vegetarian only. Thin crispy crust. Fresh ingrediants. Any pesto pizza is my fave. The line can be long but it moves quickly. $20 for a whole pie, 'cause one slice is just NOT enough.
Oh Cheeseboard, i need to take you down One star today
Fresh Corn Feta Mozarrella Cilantro Pepper Pizza. Sounds somewhat fresh & interesting ...so why not give it a try
ALAS.
There was TOO much corn- which tasted like...nothing. Just bits of fiber stuck on a pizza and it did Nothing for it. I wish it was at least charred.
Then there was the Crust- which in my eyes is a bigger travesty than the Corn.
The crust today was limp; the pizza was cold (i was the 10th person in line at 11.35a, so that's not an excuse).
I was Sooooo disappointed!
I liked the cheese though...i'll give you another chance...don't disappoint!
I was so excited to try the pizza, I came here at 11.15a on a Tuesday...where there was a LINE… Read more »
The lines stretching down the block have always intimidated me ... but since I took the day off for my birthday, I decided I had time for once to wait in line. Wanted to heck out what all the fuss is about.
I get it now.
I ate a vegetarian pizza and I loved it. I loved it so much in fact that I'm willing to go back ... despite the lack of meat and despite the lines.
Also, the ginger cookie was amazing. I ate it with cinnamon gelato from Ciao Bella across the street and it was like a birthday party in my mouth. Yay for me.
I consider myself a pizza connoisseur, especially when it comes to thin crust pizza. And I've yet to find a better all-around slice of pizza anywhere.
Some things to be aware of: 1) You will have to wait in a line that can reach the end of the block 2) There is one pizza per day and it is always vegetarian.
If you're all good with that, prepare yourself for some of the best pizza around. I went recently and this was the pizza on the menu: Heirloom tomatoes, red onion, aged asiago cheese, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, mozzarella cheese.
The big win with Cheeseboard is the cheese. Definitely the star. Add in some great ingredients and a crust that, in my opinion, is one of the best I've ever tasted, and you've got pizza to die for.
You will always get a half a slice with every order as well. Seriously, what more could you want? Oh yeah, live jazz. Word up.
By far the best pizza I've ever tasted. If I have a friend in town, I insist that they come here and prepare for their taste buds to be blown away.
No ambiguity here: this is unadulterated, home-grown California-style pizza. What's California-style pizza? Well in case you're not in the mood to wiki it, it's pizza with a flair for quirky and FRESH ingredients. Arugula and walnuts? Corn and potatoes? Yes please!
Because of their history with the Cheeseboard Cheese Shop, you can also expect the best kinds of cheeses to be served in the pizzas.
One type of pizza a day. You might think by looking at the long lines that you'll be waiting a long time, but on average I wait no longer than 5 minutes for a nice steaming-hot pizza.
Berkeley tradition: eat out on the median with friends for the perfect afternoon. Yes, the median that has the "Keep Off" sign on it.
Wow, 1000+ reviews? I guess I'll add to that. This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat at in Berkeley! When I first came here a few years ago, I was kinda confused..."What? Potatoes on pizza?"
But it was good, and so is any of their vegetarian pizzas. The crust is thin, the cheeses are good, and the veggies are always delicious. The pizza can be a little greasy, but hey, it's pizza.
Their live music is always fun, and a couple weeks ago they had a guitar duo that invited one of the collective's members to sing. It was great!
Be sure to check their website for their "Pizza of the Day." Parking's a little tough to find, and so are tables, but I'm sure you can get creative. Each slice is $2.50; a half pie is $10, a full pie is $20.
I came here looking for NY pizza. It was nothing like NY pizza, but it was delicious too. If you like thick crust, this is not a place for you. Nice thin, crispy crust pizza. I love the fact that its a different type of pizza each day.
It was small, but there is a band playing once in awhile. Loved it and will come back next time.
4 stars for food
5 stars for price (only 2.50 per slice!!)
4.5 stars for atmosphere
Best Pizza Ever. They only make one kind of pizza each day, so don't expect to select from a menu.
But don't let that turn you away, go there, have what they make, and you won't be disappointed.
I was ready to pronounce Cheeseboard Pizza a mere A-ok 3 stars. I was ready to duck under that rushing tidal wave of 5 star reviews, not to be a contrarian, but to give an honest assessment of my experience. To readily admit that I'm no pizza connoisseur, (but how many of these 1000+ reviewers are, anyway?) and suggest to you, reader, Yelper, curious pizza consumer, to ignore the hype either way and just decide for yourself. Because such a beloved institution often inspires slavish devotion - and an accompanying backlash.
The special of the day was composed of Roma tomatoes, red onions, blue cheese, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, herbs, and sauce. Fortunately I picked up a whole pizza at a time when the line was less than 5 minutes, and as soon as I walked away with the box, I had myself a slice.
I had to wrestle with my first impression: I kept telling myself that this is A MUST TRY BAY AREA special, this is supposed to be orgasmic, this is supposed to be mind-blowing. And, well, it wasn't. It was... merely good. It was, yes, in Yelp parlance: A-OK. But you know what's said about pizza and sex: they go great together. Wait. Ok, yeah, but also, there's that adage about no such thing as bad pizza or bad sex. If you're having either, you're in the 90th percentile of all humankind. Your life can't be that bad. And this was certainly no bad pizza, so, I counted myself lucky.
Still, I was ready to put a 3-star stamp on that experience, enough to say "been there, ate that," but maybe not running out to seek it again.
But.
But then.
Then I had leftover Cheeseboard pizza the following morning. Uh, wow. That olive oil that was dripping off the pizza the night before had either congealed, been absorbed by the crust or the box itself, or somehow vanished into the ether. In any case, it may have been the most-improved morning-after pizza I've ever had. It's like having sloppy forgettable sex one night, only to wake up and have the most toe-curlingly fucktastic morning sex.
Oy, hyperbole much. Anyway, I think the contrast between slight disappointment and morning surprise merits at least a one-star raise in rating, and a definite willingness to come back for more.
Cheeseboard - you make me happy. Oh so happy.
The best week I've had so far was a few weeks ago when Cheeseboard was my dinner consecutively for three days. Okay, fine, for some or many, this is nothing to cry home about as someone has probably done far greater damage.
But when I eat a shitty lunch or dinner that failed to meet the price/quality I paid for, I think how $5 for two Cheeseboard slices (more like 3 with that free extra slice) would never make me feel bad in terms of taste, quality, price and service.
Bottom line: The 1100+ reviews show that Cheeseboard = FAIL PROOF except, personally, for the times they have those sad, sad pinenuts dancing around or pesto making love with the olive oil, saying "You can't eat me, sucka!!!"
It's amazing to read all* of the reviews and see how excited people are about this place and how everyone has their own distinct reasons for fondness. It's pretty beautiful and really makes this more of a time to share than to review.
My memories revolve around illegally parking Fiver at Adronico's, standing in a massive line, reading the pizza of the day ingredients just before reaching the register in the cramped interior (before the remodeling), sitting on the grassy island with cars passing by, eating the small bonus slice first, listening to the piano they keep inside, sipping root beer, and talking/hearing about whatever significant collegey thing was on our minds, with "tomorrow" a mere abstraction.
I never really considered how finite those times would be, but in retrospect I am so glad that I did not think about it, since it was really just about that moment and not about what I would think of it later.
I'm so glad that the Cheeseboard was a primary backdrop for this innocent era. I go back whenever I am in California and it still wows me. Sure, the island now has a "no sitting" sign (that no one follows - I guess it's just to help relieve some liability from drivers who have to deal with the foot traffic), the store is a little larger, cleaner, and more established-looking, but it still does what it does better than any other place. It's great to go there and see others creating their own memories as well.
*Obviously not "all," since there are over a thousand!
crazy good pizza... i love love LOVE the corn with feta and cilantro and lime and that sauce. too bad they don't carry it every day but that's part of the charm of the place! i am definitely not a vegetarian but i cant' get enough of these vegetarian pizzas. there is a reason why there's always a line here even though they only do one pizza a day. it's a good excuse to try something new since i'm the type that sticks with the usual.
I love how as a student, Cheeseboard seems to take a little more effort to get to, so each visit is a treat. And also, as a non-student, each visit is slightly nostalgic and reminiscent of the good ol' days. But let's talk about the food.
If you come at any typical eating hour (12-1, 6-7), expect to wait in line. Expect the line to reach the cheese store and perhaps even beyond, to the grocer at the corner. Bring a friend, bring some entertainment, or allow yourself to be teased and tempted by the aroma of cheesy goodness attacking you from all directions.
You probably already know there is only one type of pizza each day. If you are not the spontaneous type or if you are a picky eater, best thing to do is to look up their weekly menu and pick the day that sounds the yummiest to you, or follow Cheeseboard on twitter.
Each slice is 2.50 and comes with a sample slice (basically 1/3 of a real slice of pizza). A half pizza is 10, a whole pizza is 20. The side salads are usually delicious. I love ordering a slice of pizza and a small salad with a beer. The selection of beer is quite tasty if I recall correctly. Surprisingly filling and super satisfying!
If you can get a seat inside, the ambiance is one of a kind. There is often a live jazz band jamming. The open windows bring in fresh air and it is just a beautiful experience.
On warm sunny days, it is ideal to sit in the median (unsure if I am suggesting an illegal activity) and just chill on the grass while eating.
My personal favorites are 1. Corn, limes, cilantro, peppers, onions, feta cheese 2. cauliflower, pistachio, and a lot of other amazing goodness
Flavors I would not wait in line for 1. Four Cheese
Plus the remodeled interior is great. They even have very clean bathrooms with state-of-the-art hand dryers!
I've been coming here for over two years now, and I thought Cheeseboard could do without an extra 5 star review. But I just want to show my appreciation for opening on Sunday (for the Shattuck Street fair) and presenting me with not just one option, but TWO. The curried potato was absolutely dazzling. And because you made me wait two minutes, thanks for giving me 2 full slices. Not that your usual tomato, basil one is ever lower than fantastic, but today's curried potato was extra cheesy, extra flavorful, extra crunchy, and extra brilliant.
On a side note, the cheese rolls are slightly downgrading (getting harder to chew) but that's not a complaint. I can always go home and heat it up for a bit and it would be good to go. I think you've spoiled me. I never want to leave Berkeley--ever!
There's little to say about Cheeseboard that hasnt' been said, but I will add that I even like standing in line for their pizza cause it just heightens the anticipation and makes it last a little longer before I get to devour my slices! The last time I went they had a curry pizza, a yellow curry w/ potatoes, soo good. Crust is thin and crispy, the way I like my pizza (sorry I am actually not a fan of Zachary's deep dish). The other fun thing to do here on a summer evening is to sit in the grass-lined divider in the middle of Shattuck Ave, just chillin' right across the street from Chez Panise and laughing at the suckas who paid hundreds of times of monies for their meal while you're chomping on your perfect pizza.
Get two or three slices, one is probably not enough.
My friend has been claiming this place has some of the world's best pizzas here. I would have to agree, their cheese pizzas here so definitely. After such a long hiatus, I finally able to goto Berkeley and try out their incredible pizza. This is also probably why I'm such a fan of Berkeley. Berkeley and San Francisco have some of the best food in the world.
Coming here is quite an experience also. There's a small band playing music off to the side of the dining area. Since cheeseboard is quite busy and crowded people would sometimes be eating their pizza in the center divider in the busy Berkeley street.
When I was at the Cheese Board, their pizza of the day was the Asparagus with aged Gouda, and etc. The line can be line but it moves quickly since the ordering process is quick and easy. Ordering was quite easy you have your option of slice, half-pizza, or the whole pizza. Opening the pizza box, I was slightly upset with what's on the pizza just some cheese and small bits of veggies. The pizza was just flat (I was expecting a lot of "stuff" on the pizza), but, boy was I wrong to judge it so quickly. The pizza is by far a purist's pizza. The pizza has some in amazing flavors packed into every bite. If you are a fan of cheese you should definitely come here.
I have ordered the whole pizza, which was about 20 bucks and they included two extra slices in the box. Pricing is quite decent for what you are biting into. 5 Stars.
Although ridiculously long lines most of the time they move fast. Pizza is almost always good and always creative, salads and drinks are limited.
What makes this place great besides the pizza are the employees who are great, the general atmosphere, the jazz bands that appear there and the fact that The Cheeseboard Pizza Collective has created a culture around it and earn a reputation of being one of the few great places to eat in Berkeley.
What can I say? The Cheeseboard is a Berkeley classic. The fact that it's a worker-owned collective shows in every aspect of the business. The storefront is clean, the people are friendly, the food is carefully served and prepared.
I'm a fan of jazz, blues, and live music in general, so it's a real treat that they play live music during the lunch hours - some of these musicians are really talented.
On to the main course: the pizza, which the best pizza I've ever tasted (tied with Joe's on Carmine and Bleeker in Manhattan.) They only serve a single type of pizza each day. I think you can find out what it is online before coming, but I prefer to roll on in and be surprised. I've seen corn, gorgonzola, eggplant, zuchini, and other wonderful veggies and cheeses on pizzas. You'll never get bored coming back for something new. No meat though, which is too bad, but that's Berkeley for you.
Congrats to the Cheeseboard on their transition to a beautiful, larger new shop, while keeping the same spirit that they've had here in Berkeley all of those years.
Years ago I used to go to the Cheeseboard for baguettes because they made the most authentic ones, sprayed w/ water as they baked for the perfect crust. Occasionally I'd buy cheese there. Then I got seduced by other, closer places to buy baguettes and cheese, We've been talking for a long time about trying their pizza. We've read rave reviews on Yelp. We've seen people clustered on the Shattuck median strip munching pizza.
Earlier this week Alan printed out their pizza menu for the week. We agreed today's pizza, asparagus with Prima Donna and mozzarella cheeses and gremolata topping. (garlic, parsley and lemon zest), sounded best to us. We strategized and a little before 4:30 he drove over. He estimated the line at 20 people when he drove by and 35 when he'd parked and joined the line. It moved quickly. He bought a whole pie because he was unsure how big the slices were. They gave him two tiny slices in addition. Sweet.
When it got to be dinnertime he heated our pizza stone in the oven and warmed up the pizza. The little pieces got a bit crisper than the large ones. Both were very good. Not OMFG good, but very good nonetheless. We agreed it wouldn't knock Gioia out of the apex of our pizza pantheon. The crust was just a bit thicker than Gioia's--not bad, just different--and we don't have the option of several different slices to give us a variety of tastes, but it was very flavorful and fresh and we enjoyed it. Plus we no longer have to admit to never having had the iconic Berkeley pizza experience.
Cheeseboard is good. But there are some conditions. First, you must order the special for that day. Second, you must be satisfied with no meat on your pizza. Third, you must be ok with grease from cheese. I'm talking about the potential oil-drizzle from a slice thats folded in half and was held vertically. If you said "no problem!" to all of the above, then you got yourself a winner.
I can't handle too much grease, which is why I always rate this right under Zachary's, but I would have to say that the uniqueness of the pizza is definitely unparalleled even for Berkeley.
Cons: I often don't feel "good" after eating here...unlike the "clean" full feeling you get after leaving a japanese place. Intensely carbonated soda will improve your experience.
The best pizza in the bay area. The best. The price is also right, the service is quick, plus live jazz. If only you were open Sunday and Monday and on those days you made pizza w/ sauce. Still getting 5 stars.
I would give this place 10/5 stars if I could. Located across from Chez pannise, Cheeseboard (imo) encompasses everything there is to offer behind the philosophy of many of Berkeley's good eats. Run as a co-op by dedicated individuals, you know you're in for something special the moment you see that long ass line circling the block and hear the sounds of a live band keeping everyone's anxiety of good eats at a calm.
Their pizza's follow a very simple structure but that simplicity in structure expresses itself in the forms of complex flavors the moment it touches your taste buds. The beauty behind their pizza lies not in the topping but their thin sour dough crust. For such good food, they charge a very reasonable price per slice. Be sure to checkout their website for the pizza's during the weak. I recommend the corn lemon zest cilantro one but avoid the potato one - too much starch.
After an entire afternoon of eating and drinking beginning shortly after noon, the BFF convinced me that it'd be a good idea to roll on up to Berkeley from Rockridge for a couple slices of Cheeseboard pizza. Who was I to say no to a PhD candidate? Clearly, she has more brainpower than I do, right?
Good thing I was warned about the process. Otherwise, I would have given up upon seeing the line of people wrapping through the restaurant, out the door, and down the sidewalk. Whoa. Even with a good twenty or thirty people in front of us, the wait was probably under ten minutes. It became clear when we got to the register why.
Cheeseboard makes one kind of vegetarian pizza a day. And they churn these suckers out like it's nobody's business. So literally, you walk up to the counter, you give them a number (of slices of pizza you'd like), and you walk away with your order (plus a half slice as a bonus) in hand to make an attempt at hunting down seating.
Of course, being yellow, it's not weird to me to share a table with complete strangers. In fact, this is part of the reason I adore trestle table seating - the opportunity to randomly strike up conversations with your dining neighbors. Not that they have trestle tables here. But the same concept applies. Due to the ridiculously limited seating (or more accurately, the ridiculous popularity of Cheeseboard), you basically end up having to share space with others, anyway.
And the pizza? Even as a Chicago deep dish pizza snob, I have to admit to the quality of this stuff. Reasonably thin with a crispy, solid crust to support the gourmet toppings. In our case, this included pine nuts, spinach, creminis, and asiago and mozzarella. Absolutely delightful and ridiculously satisfying.
If not for the fact that the District has Vace, I'd probably get cravings for Cheeseboard now that I've had a first taste of this goodness.
There are 1,116 reviews of Cheeseboard Pizza. I swore never to review it for that reason. However, something happened today that has caused me to go back on my solemn vow: a free slice of pizza.
This is how it went down: I went into Cheeseboard with my friend Mia K. I didn't have any cash, she only had enough cash to buy herself a slice. "Fine, whatever," I tell myself "you had Cheeseboard yesterday, you don't need it two days in a row, even if today is Bartlett Pear day." I waited in line patiently with her, and when we got to the front, she placed her order and the man at the cash register asked what he could get for me. I sheepishly replied that I had no cash. In response, he turned to the pizza doler-outer and said "give her a sliver", but really, she gave me an ENTIRE SLICE! NORMALLY $2.50, FREE OF CHARGE!!
Miracles do happen my friends. That's why I wrote this review.
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
Category: Cheese Shops
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
Category: Delis
Neighborhood: Lower Hills
Category: Bakeries
Seriously, when it's around 5pm and I'm ready to…
I will cut you I shit you not if you touch my last…
Let me just say first that the best pizza I EVER…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the Bay…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Many thoughts on the pies and slices of the east…
My list of "best evers" from calamari, to brunch,…
Places I went/ate at when I lived in and around…
