Restaurants near Cactus Jungle

The wife and I recently dined at Skates by the Bay for lunch to celebrate her birthday. The ambiance, food, and service were excellent. The wife ordered the Lunch Box Special. It includes soup or salad, and an entree, vegetables, and starch. And it is an excellent value for a two course lunch. The wife selected clam chowder soup, and Blackened rockfish for her entree. She commented both were delicious. and the fish flavorful, and perfectly cooked. I opted to order off the regular menu. A cup of clam chowder, and a bowl of steamed clams. Both were delicious. Our server, Jay, provided excellent and attentive service. Jay was very knowledgeable of the menu, and recommended the steamed clams. When I mentioned to Jay it was the wife birthday, to our surprise, Jay brought out a complimentary desert. A perfect ending g to an excellent dining experience. The restaurant is right on the water, and has a million dollar view of San Francisco Bay. Free parking lot a few steps away from the restaurant. I highly recommend Skates by the Bay for an excellent dining experience. It is one of our favorite “go to” restaurants whenever we are in the Berkeley area. Great for a special occasion, or dinner after a Cal game. GO BEARS!

I just love Babette. The patio is beautiful, brick walls and glowing lights under the big redwood, the indoor space interesting and stylish and warm. The food is a treat. Today we had the borscht with short ribs, unusual and delicious. Also the 2 cheese and grilled onion sandwich, and the baby gem salad with poached salmon. The salads had thin cumquat slices and grapefruit as well as greens, very fresh. Also the almond pistachio cake that we shared with a candle since we were celebrating a birthday. Every bite was a pleasure. I am so glad that Babette is open for lunch now!

Great atmosphere and service. We liked most of the food, some dishes more than others. Our favorites were the Piquillos, Croquetas, and the Sangria to drink. The desserts all looked great and we enjoyed one but I don’t recall the name. We recommend and will be back.

The restaurant has a very nice ambiance. Happy hour cocktails are great and very reasonably priced. The music was a bit too loud. A bit softer music would be more appropriate for the dinner crowd. Server was attentive and pleasant.

Another great evening at one the best restaurants in the country. The consistently innovative menu with flavors and combinations from around the world but united by a Bay Area perspective always has great choices and is unfailing delicious. Great vibe and comfortable atmosphere starting with Nick at the front of the house to every member of the staff.