Bette's Oceanview Diner

1807 4th Street, Berkeley, CA - (510) 644-3230

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Posted By Jim Ellison on 12/14/2007 2:24:00 PM

Bette’s offers a great two-for-one deal. On the right side is a perfect breakfast and brunch spot with the atmosphere of a classic American diner. On the left side is Bette’s To Go, which offers a wide variety of foods for take-out, including exceptional baked goods. If you cannot get into the diner at least pop in for one vanilla macaroon; these are the best I have ever had.

Opinions differ on whether the place is cozy or cramped. Everyone seems to agree that the wait can be very long for a booth or table, but people keep waiting, and the time spent in line is worth it. Bette’s serves up classic breakfast items as well as some not so traditional morning fare such as huevos rancheros or lox and eggs. Pancakes are one of the major claims to fame here. There are several varieties of perfect pancakes to choose from (buttermilk and buckwheat are local favorites) and if you adore them, you can buy the pancake mix to take home with you. If you want something just a little bit lighter try the California Breakfast: toast, two eggs, perfect homefries, and avocado slices.

For lunch and brunch, there is an array of sandwiches from meatloaf to tuna salad. The sandwiches are served with your choice of four types of fresh bread. There is something good for everyone here.

The interior is classic diner: checkered floors, red vinyl booths, and plenty of art deco ambiance. The staff is friendly and enjoys helping you make a selection from among the many tough choices on the menu. This is a dining destination in Berkley that you should not miss. If you arrive early in the week, you can minimize the wait. If you do have to wait for your table or need to work off a big meal, fill your time by wandering along 4th Street.

Scorecard

Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace

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"Souffle pancakes are made by whipping egg whites into the batter then baking. The result is an ethereal cake that is unbelievably lightweight but big on flavor. This one is dotted with fresh strawberries."
Michael Stern

"Specials vary. You might luck out with some huevos verdes."
Jim Ellison

"At Bette's To Go, the shop adjoining the diner, the pastries are nothing short of sensational. This 'chocolate espresso Twinkie' resembles the snack cake only in its shape. It is devilishly devil's foody, robed with fine chocolate, and filled with dairy-rich espresso cream."
Michael Stern

"Bette's corned beef hash has massive amounts of crisp, crunchy edge. The potatoes and beef are coarse cut and delicious. On the side is a muffin made with donut batter: what a good idea!"
Michael Stern

"I automatically love any place that doesn't give in to the Belgian waffle plague. This waffle was made using the batter du jour the day before Christmas, 2007: egg nog."
Michael Stern

"From my counter seat, I watched each fruit in this salad peeled and/or sliced just before it got sent forth to the person who ordered it."
Michael Stern

"The homefries are heavenly."
Jim Ellison

"Bette's at dawn: a good time to come if you don't want to wait in line."
Michael Stern

"No line outside is a good thing... and rare."
Jim Ellison

"Pancakes are Bette's signature dish, so much so that the diner has published a cookbook titled The Pancake Handbook."
Michael Stern

"The Sign of Good Eats on 4th Street."
Michael Stern

"Too bad you can't eat this pie."
Jim Ellison

"$1.25 is a small price to pay for perfection."
Jim Ellison