The Walnut Tavern Bar & Grill

1508 Walnut St, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States
+1 415-966-6277
$$$ Indian restaurant , American restaurant
(60 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you’re looking for a dining experience that perfectly fuses a lively ambiance with a menu packed full of American comfort food, look no further than The Walnut Tavern Bar & Grill in Berkeley, California. Nestled on Walnut Street, this gem offers an inviting escape for locals and visitors alike, where freshly prepared meals meet warm service in a vibrant setting.

The menu is a delightful adventure, particularly known for its rich and varied selection that caters to all tastes. For starters, you absolutely cannot miss the Walnut Tavern Classic Caesar Salad—a refreshing blend of artisan romaine, anchovies, and house-made croutons drizzled with aged Parmesan, promising a refreshing crunch in every bite. Perhaps you’re in the mood for something heartier? The famous Rib Burger is a must-try, renowned for its juicy patty topped with all the fixings and served with their signature crispy fries—think of the crunch and that golden-brown hue that beckons you with each mouthful. Or, go for a burst of flavors with the Pan-Seared Atlantic Salmon, artfully accompanied by au blanc vegetables and saffron beurre blanc, taking your taste buds on an exquisite journey.

The atmosphere at Walnut Tavern is another highlight, offering a cozy yet vibrant dining space that feels both like a local secret and a bustling hotspot. Whether you slip in for an intimate dinner or a lively brunch, the ambience—punctuated by charming decor and friendly chatter—creates an enjoyable backdrop for a satisfying meal. Customers frequently praise the attentive staff, who strike the perfect balance of being present without overwhelming the dining experience. John Larson captures this sentiment perfectly, describing a supportive waiter who thoughtfully provided a doggie bag for leftovers and included extra treats for his pup—truly showcasing how much they value customer experience.

For those who enjoy brunch, Walnut Tavern shines with its delightful offerings. As G Lee fondly notes about pairing a savory steak sandwich with a waffle, you’ll find that indulgence is not only permitted but encouraged here. Picture yourself savoring that perfectly cooked steak, nestled in ciabatta bread, each bite a fusion of flavors that satisfies both the palate and the heart.

In a world where dining can feel rushed, The Walnut Tavern Bar & Grill invites you to slow down and relish the moment. Whether you opt for a shareable appetizer like the Grilled Veggie Panini or a sumptuous entrée like the Roasted Herb-Marinated Chicken, you’ll genuinely find joy in every plate served. The festive touch of specialty cocktails—remarkably crafted and well-paired with the delightful menu—only adds to the overall charm of your dining adventure.

So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in this culinary haven, head to Walnut Tavern on Walnut Street. The mixture of outstanding food, a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service makes this locale an absolute must-visit in Berkeley.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has rooftop seating
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Friday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

60 Reviews
John Larson

14 Oct 2025

Lovely quiet environment. The food was outstanding: the fish and chips actually made fresh; the crispy French fries; the meaty cheeseburger. If this is bar food, give me more of it! Our waiter was great, attentive but not intrusive. He not only gave me a doggie bag so I could give my starving terrier the leftover meat but snuck in extra dog treats as well.

G Lee

31 Jul 2025

Walnut Square is a cool little shopping and eating inlet in Berkeley’s gourmet ghetto. At the west edge of the square you’ll find Walnut Tavern. Dined here for brunch and enjoyed it quite a bit. They have a nice menu combination of breakfast and lunch items. I chose both! The steak sandwich and a waffle. I know, gluttony. The steak sando was on ciabatta bread and cooked perfectly. I asked for medium and that’s how it came. Steak fries usually not my thing but these were crispy and seasoned enough. The waffle loses points because it was soft and had no crispness at all. And the syrup was the fake maple. They improve that and it’s a winner. The last dish was the Mom’s eggs Benedict which comes with ham. Hash browns were thin and crispy… perfect. And the atmosphere of this little tavern is great. Natural light. Woody. And a bar. Makes me want to come here to watch a Cal game. Service was a little spotty. Nice enough but kind of slow and didn’t quite get my order right.

Lama

29 Jul 2025

Enjoyed a fantastic meal at Walnut Tavern in Berkeley, CA. The rack of lamb was cooked to perfection, the Caesar salad was fresh, and the grilled salmon was incredibly flavorful. The holiday cocktails added a festive touch to the evening. The ambiance was welcoming, and the service was excellent. A must-visit for anyone looking for a delightful dining experience in Berkeley!

P. I.

26 Jul 2025

In the location of the former Nico's and if you're a long-term resident around here Chester cafe, the breakfast joint everyone here used to come to, Walnut tavern has totally beautified the inside, and while I was only able to get a drink because of time constraints their "Old Cuban" (basically a mojito with spiced rum), was excellent, and the people working there we're friendly and the place has an overall goodbye. I'll review it some more when I have time to have a full meal there. But I can already recommend the bar. Great drinks.

Anton Athanasiu

21 Jul 2025

Rib burger and calamari were wonderful, fries were also especially good, the kind that have the extra crunch to them with the flaky bits on the outside. Wouldn’t hesitate to return again

Jeffrey S. Terraciano

06 Jul 2025

Love this place. Consistently good food and the service is always friendly and quick. Off the main strip so kind of hidden a block away from the Gourmet Ghetto but worth the detour.

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