Berkeley is known for having some of the best food venues in the Bay, there’s no question there. But, if you’ve grown up under the wing of corporate America, sometimes the only thing you miss is a nice and greasy meal from your favorite fast food chain. Here at the Clog, we’ve got you covered with a list of the closest chains and where to find them.
All directions and time measurements are assumed from a starting location at the Downtown Berkeley BART Station.
Wendy’s, 5211 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Every 30 minutes, you have a chance to board the 12 bus from Center Street and Shattuck Avenue to take a nice 25 minute ride to your nearest Wendy’s. Get off at the 51st Street and Broadway exit, and you’ll see the sign with the red Western-style font just down the street. No distance is too great for a pretzel burger straight from the assembly line.
Panda Express, El Cerrito Plaza, 5020 El Cerrito Plaza, El Cerrito, CA 94530
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday
Only $1.95 and eight minutes on the Richmond-bound BART and you’re in the suburban micro-heaven of El Cerrito Plaza. And the gem here is Panda Express. So take a quick break to go grab yourself some of the finest Americanized orange chicken out there.
Burger King, 6021 Central Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday
Take the same BART as for Panda Express, but this time, walk a few more minutes west on Central Avenue and you’ll reach this classic American food destination in only three minutes more. Sometimes all you need is a few chicken fries and a red velvet Oreo shake to warm the heartstrings.
Jack in the Box, 6510 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
24 hours
Take the 1 or 1R bus from Center Street and Shattuck Avenue for a nice 13-minute ride to the Alcatraz Avenue and Telegraph Avenue stop. Whether you’ve got a lunch craving or the midnight munchies, this Jack in the Box will be open and waiting for you, ready to satisfy your craving for the fried everything you’ve been dreaming of for too long.
McDonald’s, 1998 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
5 a.m. to 12 a.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Tuesday
Our most easily accessible fast food chain is just a short walk or short bus ride away. We all know and love this joint so much we even held a gala for the reopening. Sometimes, all you need is a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets with fries and an M&M McFlurry.
Taco Bell/KFC, 6035 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
24 hours
Just 15 minutes away on the 1 or 1R bus to Alcatraz Avenue and Telegraph Avenue, this two-in-one combination restaurant is a great way to get a quick fix for all the Baja Blasts and chicken buckets you’ve been missing. This particular location also boasts meal deals on Mondays and pot pie sales on Wednesdays.
Carl’s Jr., 3770 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m Sunday to Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Thursday to Saturday
For Carl’s Jr., you’ll need to take the BART in the opposite direction toward Daly City/Millbrae with a $1.95 ticket to exit at the MacArthur Station. Once you’re there, you’re just a quick walk up to Telegraph Avenue for a total trip of only 11 minutes. Because sometimes a substantially filling burger made-to-go just hits the spot.
In-N-Out Burger, 555 Willie Stargell Ave., Alameda, CA 94501
10:30 a.m to 1 a.m. Sunday to Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday to Saturday
Yes, that’s right, In-N-Out has not forsaken you. Last but not least on many of your lists, this authentic Californian cuisine is only a nice 25 minutes away. To get to your promise land, you’re going to want to take the southbound BART to 12 St. Oakland, at which point you will board the 20 bus toward Webster Street and Stargell Avenue. A short trip under the Harbor and you’ll be there. Go and be merry with a fistful of Animal Fries.
