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Bars & Drinks in Berkeley

Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley

4.4
390 Google reviews$$ · Moderate

One of 20 bars & drinks we've tracked near Berkeley.

Things to Know

Kalaka Mexican Kitchen is a vibrant casual Mexican restaurant in Berkeley known for fresh, flavorful food and a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere that's perfect for both business lunches and social hangouts.

Reviewers praise the combination of solid, fresh food and an inviting vibe with good music and friendly service, making it an easy spot to return to whether you're catching lunch solo or gathering with friends.

  • ✓Dog-friendly patio is a major draw for locals who bring their pets
  • ✓Creative house cocktails like pomegranate margarita and carrot margarita are signature standouts
  • ✓Low, ambient music allows you to actually have conversations without shouting
  • ✓Generous portions leave you fully satisfied
  • ⚠Service can be inconsistent on busy days
  • ⚠Bar area cleanliness could use attention

How this is written: we run the full set of recent Google reviews through AI to pull out what guests consistently say — including the complaints, which is why there's a downsides list rather than only the good bits. It's rewritten as new reviews come in, so it describes the hotel as it is now, not as it was whenever someone last got round to writing a paragraph about it. Read the reviews yourself on Google Maps.

Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Closed now

People Order

  • —Kalaka Burrito
  • —Birria tacos
  • —Pomegranate margarita
  • —Al pastor wings

Things To Do Nearby

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Jeanette Salazar

a month ago

As a local, I’ve been wanting to try Kalaka for a while, and it did not disappoint! My husband and I stopped in during lunch, and it was such a great experience. The atmosphere was great — they played good, low music that set the vibe without being loud. You can actually have a conversation, which I really appreciate, especially during lunch. I ordered the pomegranate margarita. It was definitely on the liquor-forward side (not complaining at all 😆), but in my opinion it would’ve been even better without the big craft ice ball. That said, if you’re a sipper, the ice helps dilute it perfectly over time. For food, my husband ordered the Kalaka Burrito and I had the Aztec Bowl — I highly recommend both! Everything was flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. Overall, such a solid spot. We’ll definitely be back!

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Oniel McDonald

3 weeks ago

The vibe and atmosphere were really cool laid back, energetic, and a great place to hang out with friends or grab a casual meal. The food was solid. I ordered the birria tacos which was really good. Overall, the combination of good food and a great atmosphere made it a spot I’d definitely come back to. Looking forward to trying more from the menu next time.

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Salvador Martinez

9 months ago

Stopped in for a business lunch. First time eating at this restaurant. David our server was amazing very friendly and attentive. We tried multiple items off the menu and everything was great. I highly recommend the Chicharrones, al pastor wings, and any of the tacos all were delicious. Great for business meetings or just casual dinning nice place I'll definitely be back.

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JL Mellott

10 months ago

I don't get up to this end of town very often, but when I do this is my favorite place to stop for brunch - especially since the patio is dog friendly and I almost always have a dog or two along for the ride. I'm a big fan of the carrot margarita - I know, it sounds weird, but it's super yummy. Last time I was in I had the breakfast tacos, and the friend dining with me had the brunch skillet. Both of us were very happy with our choices. On this most recent visit, service could have been better and the bar area cleaner, but I'll definitely be back for the margaritas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley worth it in Berkeley?

Reviewers praise the combination of solid, fresh food and an inviting vibe with good music and friendly service, making it an easy spot to return to whether you're catching lunch solo or gathering with friends. Known for: laid-back mexican with creative cocktails.

What should I order at Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley?

Popular choices at Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley include Kalaka Burrito, Birria tacos, Pomegranate margarita, Al pastor wings.

What do visitors love about Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley?

Dog-friendly patio is a major draw for locals who bring their pets Creative house cocktails like pomegranate margarita and carrot margarita are signature standouts Low, ambient music allows you to actually have conversations without shouting Generous portions leave you fully satisfied

Is there anything to know before visiting Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley?

Service can be inconsistent on busy days Bar area cleanliness could use attention

How expensive is Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley?

Kalaka Mexican Kitchen - Berkeley is moderately priced, with a 4.4-star rating from 390 Google reviews.

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