Oceanview Diner, a beloved Berkeley spot, serves up fluffy soufflé pancakes and hearty classics with a cozy vibe, perfect for lazy weekend brunches.
"Formerly Bette’s, this beloved all-day breakfast diner on Fourth Street reopened in 2022 under employee ownership and kept the 40-year-old menu intact, to the delight of East Bay kiddos devoted to the short stack, waffles, tuna melts, and lox and bagels plates. The nostalgic 1950s decor evokes the jukeboxes, fluffy biscuits, and cream sodas of yesteryear. The wait can be hefty, especially on weekends, so families in a hurry can swing by the “To Go” outlet next door, to pick up sandwiches, pizza, soups, or burritos — and the requisite sweets — to bring home." - Justine Jones, Laura Smith Borrman
"The nearly 40-year-old diner in West Berkeley known as Bette’s Oceanview has a storied history, known for fluffy pancakes and takeout pizza from the to-go counter. In recent times, the family-run business decided to close. However, to the delight of many patrons, workers banded together and recently reopened it under the new name, Oceanview Diner — and as a cooperatively-run business. The menu remains the same." - Momo Chang
"Bette’s will offer chicken parm sandwiches and a Korean tofu parm sandwich for vegetarians at the festival." - Dianne de Guzman
"The perfect Saturday should involve zero plans, other than devouring the Maryland plate at the classic Fourth Street breakfast haunt Oceanview Diner (it dropped Bette’s from the name after an ownership change). This corned beef hash will make you climb up on the counter and break into a ballad about the fall-apart meat and jiggly poached eggs that meld together like soulmates. It’s one of many hearty diner standbys that this spot nails. Fluffy pancakes, loaded omelettes, and, of course, free coffee refills attract families, solo diners, and hungover students daily. Just be prepared to pop into the nearby toy shops and boutiques selling fancy leggings while you wait. There will be a wait. " - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway
"The perfect Saturday should involve zero plans, other than devouring the Maryland plate at the classic Berkeley breakfast haunt Oceanview Diner (it dropped Bette’s from the name after an ownership change). This corned beef hash will make you climb up on the counter and break into a ballad about the fall-apart meat and jiggly poached eggs that meld together like soulmates. It’s one of many hearty diner staples that this spot nails. Fluffy pancakes, loaded omelettes, and, of course, free coffee refills attract families, solo diners, and hungover students daily. Just be prepared to pop into the Fourth Street toy shops and boutiques selling fancy leggings while you wait. There will be a wait. photo credit: Krescent Carasso" - Julia Chen