Rick & Ann's Restaurant

Some of the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. I got the buttermilk pancakes with blueberries and I have never been so happy. We also really enjoyed the steak sandwich! The steak was tender, and the spread on it was absolutely delicious. The fries had the same look and texture as the fries from In N' Out which to me was a good thing since I enjoy their fries. We will definitely be back to try more of their menu!

The food was pretty good for the price!! The potato pancakes were quite good (the Midwest). The salmon hash was fine but I do wish it had been left on the griddle til something was crispy or had a little color on it. Everything needed a little salt but I think that's standard for diner food. Wish the mimosas used fresh orange but for the price that would be silly! Certainly was poured generously so a very good bang for your buck! Our servers were fast and attentive. One of them was super tall and incredibly pretty and was extremely friendly and helpful the whole time. Honestly they made us feel quite at home! Very good vibes. We were in and out very quickly but never felt rushed at all. I can see how this place stays in business, I'd be tempted to come here all the time if I lived close by! Very much worth a visit.

Food was delicious. Enjoyed the unique spin on the toast/side options - we got a banana oat crunch muffin and the cherry corn scone. Both of them were absolutely delicious! The home fries are delectable. Service was quick and friendly. We went for breakfast around 10 am on a Saturday and found the space to be so loud that me and my partner are our meal in silence to avoid having to repeat ourselves since it was hard to hear each other. I wish the acoustics were better to dampen the ambient sounds.

Such a great brunch spot On cal game days- vegan scramble was awesome and we enjoyed the mimosa Bottle And carafe of Fresh juice

Omg yum! The breakfast here is so good! We walked in and there was a 15 minute wait which was not bad. You order your food and drinks at the counter and then they sit you at a table and the food comes out. They have a great system and great service. We got the pork chops, eggs, and cheesy potatoes. It was a first for me having pork chops for breakfast but I wanted to try something true to their menu. The combination of flavors and the apple sauce with the pork was amazing! So good!! This is a must visit if you’re in Berkeley.

Nice breakfast spot by the Claremont Hotel. The place gets really busy sometimes and the wait can take over 30 minutes. Before you are able to sit, you order and pay for your food. This system allows the kitchen to prepare your food much faster as you wait. The food is delicious and service was great.

We got there at 8:30am on a Saturday and there was already a line! You order and pay before they seat you. Baby-friendly (highchairs available) with a kids menu. There's outdoor seating. Seasonal menu offered as well! Food was delicious but I might skip the coffee next time and get one next door. We got the seasonal autumn frittata and blueberry pancakes that came with the lightest orangey syrup.

Good food and fast to come out but I felt like we weren't getting any attention from the servers after that. Our water jugs were never refilled/replaced and we had to get up to ask them for ketchup. I would go back but will be quicker to raise my hand or get up and ask for things instead of waiting. The patio ambiance was nice.

Some of the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. I got the buttermilk pancakes with blueberries and I have never been so happy. We also really enjoyed the steak sandwich! The steak was tender, and the spread on it was absolutely delicious. The fries had the same look and texture as the fries from In N' Out which to me was a good thing since I enjoy their fries. We will definitely be back to try more of their menu!

The food was pretty good for the price!! The potato pancakes were quite good (the Midwest). The salmon hash was fine but I do wish it had been left on the griddle til something was crispy or had a little color on it. Everything needed a little salt but I think that's standard for diner food. Wish the mimosas used fresh orange but for the price that would be silly! Certainly was poured generously so a very good bang for your buck! Our servers were fast and attentive. One of them was super tall and incredibly pretty and was extremely friendly and helpful the whole time. Honestly they made us feel quite at home! Very good vibes. We were in and out very quickly but never felt rushed at all. I can see how this place stays in business, I'd be tempted to come here all the time if I lived close by! Very much worth a visit.

Food was delicious. Enjoyed the unique spin on the toast/side options - we got a banana oat crunch muffin and the cherry corn scone. Both of them were absolutely delicious! The home fries are delectable. Service was quick and friendly. We went for breakfast around 10 am on a Saturday and found the space to be so loud that me and my partner are our meal in silence to avoid having to repeat ourselves since it was hard to hear each other. I wish the acoustics were better to dampen the ambient sounds.

Such a great brunch spot On cal game days- vegan scramble was awesome and we enjoyed the mimosa Bottle And carafe of Fresh juice

Omg yum! The breakfast here is so good! We walked in and there was a 15 minute wait which was not bad. You order your food and drinks at the counter and then they sit you at a table and the food comes out. They have a great system and great service. We got the pork chops, eggs, and cheesy potatoes. It was a first for me having pork chops for breakfast but I wanted to try something true to their menu. The combination of flavors and the apple sauce with the pork was amazing! So good!! This is a must visit if you’re in Berkeley.

Nice breakfast spot by the Claremont Hotel. The place gets really busy sometimes and the wait can take over 30 minutes. Before you are able to sit, you order and pay for your food. This system allows the kitchen to prepare your food much faster as you wait. The food is delicious and service was great.

We got there at 8:30am on a Saturday and there was already a line! You order and pay before they seat you. Baby-friendly (highchairs available) with a kids menu. There's outdoor seating. Seasonal menu offered as well! Food was delicious but I might skip the coffee next time and get one next door. We got the seasonal autumn frittata and blueberry pancakes that came with the lightest orangey syrup.

Good food and fast to come out but I felt like we weren't getting any attention from the servers after that. Our water jugs were never refilled/replaced and we had to get up to ask them for ketchup. I would go back but will be quicker to raise my hand or get up and ask for things instead of waiting. The patio ambiance was nice.

Best Challah French toast ever!!! ...and across from me at another table, I witnessed a splendid plate of Eggs Benedict!! Execclent atmosphere! Swift and detail-oriented staff! Love this place, and so glad I discovered it last week!!! I'll be back...

We're in the middle of having our PRE-prepared Thanksgiving EVERYTHING meal we purchased on Wednesday every single day until Tuesday- Yep, 6 days worth and enough to have friends over twice! Such incredible food: sweet potato biscuits with Lobster Bisque soup, Stuffed Mushrooms, Asagio cheese and butternut quash phyllo triangles (& that's just appetizers!), awesome salad, Fresh sliced diestal Turkey with stuffing and mashed potatoes, amazing gravy, glazed carrots and green beans, cranberry sauce. Everything is packed perfectly and in containers I just heat in the oven. THANK YOU STELLAR RICK&ANNS for making our Thanksgiving WEEK effortless and incredibly delicious!!!

Though I'm not a huge fan of brunch/breakfast if it's something you can make at home, Rick & Ann's does it right! They have a great selection of breakfast and lunch items that make it worth the visit and waiting. Ordering works such that you put your name down to get seated and before they show you your table, you place your order next to the host stand & pay. It seems more on the efficient side but I can see how some folks don't like the linear process. It has a very cozy and homey feeling with both indoor and outdoor (covered seating). I ordered the steak sandwich which was great in portion and quality of meat. Their red velvet pancakes were amazing and had the perfect amount of buttercream frosting & nuts. Ann's Catering is also a business run out of there that is always a favorite at UC Berkeley. Small finger foods with immaculate presentation and quality ingredients. Will hopefully be back soon!

A nice little gem in the Claremont area of Berkeley. We had the usual brunch special, chorizo scramble and shared this yummy and refreshing salad. Service was great and fast paced. The ambiance is quite nice especially on a sunny day because they have an outdoor seating, which is good for people with dogs and also good to people watch. Highly recommend this place for brunch.

What an institution! The food and service is amazing. I especially love the french toast! The place is super homey with tiny bouquets of flowers and homemade jam on all the tables.

Great food! The banana pancakes are amazing. The service was great I did pick up and it only took 15-20 minutes

Biased by nostalgia, but awesome every time I've been. Cornmeal pancakes are my favorite! There may be a line on weekend mornings.

I had such an amazing experience! Alfred and the entire staff were so welcoming and personable. Visiting from Atlanta and we will definitely be back. Thank you for the amazing service and great food !

The system of taking your order before sitting down to breakfast is a fail. We waited 15 minutes to try and place our order as there was a large group of 12+ ahead of us. Though the dining room was fairly empty. Once it was our turn to order we were asked to wait 5 min. After waiting they told us there were no large enough tables for our party of 3, because the large group wanted to move and it would take 15 min to clear a table and we still weren't allowed to order. Sadly, done with Rick and Ann's after 3 decades.

We enjoyed a delicious Sunday breakfast at Rick and Anns before heading out for a long hike. I really like that you can customize your pancakes here, for instance we asked for banana and instead of just putting the banana on top it was so nicely cooked in the batter - great flavor! The heirloom tomato special omelette was very satisfying as well. Coffee and service are great.

The lackluster greeting from a young female rubbing her eyes , as if she just woke up, and the impersonal male food server indicates how the whole experience was: no energy, no personality,not customer focused. When I asked the young woman about the flavors of muffins, all she did was point to the handwritten sign, obviously uninformed of the current days variety, like any pedestrian walking by the restaurant. The $16 curry tofu scramble was more of a tofu stir fry, but the dry Indian curry spices were not allowed enough time to hydrate, even though there was ample enough liquid to run into the half cooked home fries. The strawberry muffin was the size of a Chinese tea cup and tasted stale, cold, and bland. They need to do a daily Costco run to improve on the size, freshness, and taste. The area definitely felt elitist, as it has always been since the 80's in the shadow of the Claremont Hotel and Tennis club.

We catered our event last weekend from here! Fantastic! So easy to order and work with, we had specific questions about allergies and they were prompt and detailed. We got the arugula salad, fried chicken sliders (so good), sandwich platter of turkey and steak, mushroom swirl apps, wrapped dates and the dessert platter! All delish! Presented well, very classy and easy to serve! Highly recommend!

Delicious pancakes! Stopped here for brunch and I ordered the cheesy potato pancakes. I was expecting traditional potato pancakes like latkas, but these honestly looked like just hash browns with cheese on top. Not the same thing as potato pancakes! Their original pancake stack was much better, I love the unique grainy texture that is a perfect lovechild of cornbread and pancake parents. Very delicious! Their eggs were also superb! So creamy, moist and delicate, I will definitely be back to order the eggs and pancake combo. This place is definitely a must try for brunch!

We we're staying in the nearby Fairmont hotel and saw this place out of our window. Definitely a neighborhood place filled with locals looking a bit rowdy belying the wealth i this neighborhood. Had a bit of a wait and noted some folks sit down ahead of us. Had to order and pay in advance. Service was so so and seemed almost surly, with a sprinkling of frowns and irritated looks. Food was actually good; they got the eggs and lox just right and drip coffee was good. Ambience could be described as Berkeley funk, outdoor tables are prime. A good choice and likely superior to the hotel restaurant. Would tip less next time.

Came here to treat my youngest brother out for finishing his finals at Berkeley! He really likes this brunch place and I can see why. They had a salmon special today and it was so good! I even asked for soft boiled eggs instead of my usual sunny side up and it came out perfect. Do note that you pay first and then sit down to eat.

It's been a few years since I've eaten at Rick and Ann's. Today was a big disappointment! Having to order at the front door was like going to a fast food restaurant. Being asked to tip before even laying eyes on the meal seemed presumptuous and rude. The service was terrible! The food was mediocre. Will not be back!

This was my first time here. The setup is a little odd - you can't order until they say your table is ready, but then instead of taking your order at the table, you order at the counter. We had the orange rice flour pancakes (great), the chorizo scramble (good, but there was hardly any chorizo, and overall it was just ok), and the latkes (in the menu they're called something like potato cheese pancakes, but they're latkes). The coffee was good and I was happy they had decaf. The ambiance felt a little cramped, but it wasn't too loud, and service came by a few times to check on us, which was nice. I'd go back - overall the food was good enough that we all felt satisfied, the service was good enough that we felt taken care of, and the ambiance was pleasant enough not to be exhausting.

We loved our brunch here. We've been coming here for a very long time, maybe over 20 years. This is one of our favorite spots for brunch. It gets very crowded, and since they don't allow reservations, there's a lot of waiting time when we get there when everybody's famished. We have a routine, where we put our name in the wait list then we go for coffee nextdoor at Peet's. If we're really hungry, we sometimes go to Fournee Bakery a few doors down as well. Just to minimize the wait time, we are open to any seating, even their communal table. That's where we sat last month. You really can't go wrong with any of their dishes. We have had every item on their menu over the years. Whatever you choose, I highly recommend getting the blueberry scone if that's offered. Their scones are so delicious! Enjoy!

Super disappointed. Downhill, perhaps due to pandemic. You have to order your food before you're seated. Half the fun of eating out gone. Then our orders were mixed up. Wrong side, eggs when not ordered. Quality and presentation of food mediocre. Really missing the old Rick and Ann's. Don't think we'll go back.

Rick & Ann's continues to delight in every way! Our dishes were the same quality and flavor as always (for years!) which always makes me so relieved and grateful. And the staff are long time employees so I enjoy seeing familiar friendly faces even if it's been awhile since we've been in. Thank you for maintaining such great service and meals, our family will always love our R&A's Sunday traditions. Bonus for a great woman owner, I've witnessed her handle some wild guests who recently, were way out of line with "service animals" with such grace and firmness I really appreciated and support.

If you get anything here get the French toast. You won't regret it. Perfect combo of being crispy and fluffy and gooey. The bread was made for French toast. I'd recommend the short stack because I got really full and a side of banana for a 10/10 experience

Good food and they have a nice market where you can buy chicken salad and other goods to take home

Been coming here for years and years. Food has always been fantastic. Servers usually very nice. But giving it two stars for two recent and not so recent reasons, 1. The host stand has always been hit or miss. They usually teeter on looking like they'd rather not be there. And 2, they now charge you BEFORE you sit and eat. Basically, their new "system" is ordering before they seat you, which is fine for efficiency. BUT the you also have to pay before you are seated. Including the tip. So if you don't have cash or change, you will have to add a tip before you even know if you will like the server or not. Wild guessing game. And how weird would it be if you were that customer that didn't tip at all before they even served you...I prefer no spit balls in my food. Bottom line, asking your customers to pay BEFORE they're served is TACKY. I mean that in and of itself is putting me off. I'm sure the restaurant is saving those few dollars from those few who dine and dash. If that's what I assume is the reason for switching to this "system". In an area where you're serving the fine people of Berkeley next to high end institutions like The Claremont, it's TACKY. Foods good but I prefer a non tacky experience to go with it. Time to find another breakfast spot.

Awful service, pretentious staff, and food was average. Not worth the dime! Save yourself a trip to Ann's this place was sub-par.

Darling little local's place and perfect for those staying at the Claremont hotel. It is a little odd that you place your order in advance of sitting down but it does make for efficient table service. The biggest bummer for us was that our coffee and mimosas came after our breakfast was served. That was pretty annoying. It also meant we couldn't add to our order for say another coffee or more mimosas... or a side of toast Overall though the food is great. Pancakes are fluffy. The scrambles and other egg breakfasts with potatoes are piled high. And they accommodate gluten free and vegan diets.

5 stars for the food and ambience; 1 star for the new barriers to entry - their very off-putting new ordering/payment procedure. I've been a solid Rick & Ann's fan since they opened. This new system spoils the experience. You have to stand in the entry with the people or person you came with, order and pay first - you can't relax at the table to decide, or possibly add items. It's like ordering takeout at a fast food joint. I won't use Rick & Ann's for business meetings anymore.

Ono food, awesome service, friendly staff. Great location, safe area. Love the menu choices. Delicious w!

My wife and I used to enjoy Rick and Anns for breakfast but the new ordering system has ruined it. It's no longer dining out - it's a cafe where you pick up food. We won't be going back.

Surprise Surprise, what a cool spot in Berkeley! Thanks to yelp reviews we tried the North East which has beets, potatoes, bacon,eggs and some other stuff? It's worth getting and I'd totally order it again. I was a bit squee-mish b/c I was scared I wasn't going to like it but it was pretty darn good and why I'm thankful for Yelp b/c it forces me to eat things I normally wouldn't try. My significant other had the mid west-ern? What a unique blend of lamb chop applesauce and hash browns. A huge plate and I wouldn't mind had I ordered this as well. This place gets pretty busy, put your name on the list, once they call your name you place your order and pay. Then proceed to take your seat and they bring the food out to you. Great spot will definitely visit again! If you like my reviews, consider "following" my profile for reviews all across the SF Bay Area . Why "follow" someone? It causes the person you follow's reviews to tier to top when you pull up a business. I find this very handy when researching venues. Rod's Review grading scale explained. Essentially I personally base it on the likelihood of a return visit and I try to be stingy with 5 star reviews since they should be "special" in my eyes. Price/Value also play a role obviously but there are $ and $$$$ littered across my grading scale. 5 stars - "I'll go out of my way" (approx 6 % of my reviews) 4 stars- "If I was in the area I'd go here and would recommend", (approx 38% of my reviews) 3 stars "Maybe if was nearby", (approx 37% of my reviews) 2 stars -"Would likely not return, Only if you want to go", (approx 16% of my reviews) 1 star -"No thanks, even if I was hungry", (approx. 3 % of my reviews)

We have been coming to Rick and Ann's since at least 2012 if not earlier and I have never once left feeling anything but overjoyed and so so satisfied. The north east is always my go to, it is the perfect balance of sweet and savory and unlike anything you could get anywhere else. This time we also got the special lox Benedict. It was probably the most perfectly balance Benedict I've ever had, not too much lox the sauce wasn't too rich and the English muffins were so fluffy but not too thick. It was PERFECT! The homey vibe is always wonderful and makes it feel like you're eating in your kitchen. I always bring people from out of town here, so glad they made it through the pandemic.

Haven't been here in a long while and was craving a cornmeal waffle. Aside from the waffle, everything else was super disappointing. Service kinda sucked. No one checked on us the whole time we were here, just dropped our food and cut out. Had to hunt someone down for our forgotten toast and then get up to ask for a box. One girl in the front had attitude. What the hell did we PRE tip 20% for exactly?

Great food, service, and atmosphere. It can be a long wait though and they don't take reservations. It is worth the drive though and you won't be disappointed. The staff is friendly and I have been going here for a long time. The food remains consistently good! They have not lessened their portions or sacrificed taste and quality because of the "pandemic" like so many places. Go and enjoy the restaurant but hang around and visit some of the other great shops on the block. Maybe even get a massage at the Claremont!!

Best French toast I've ever had! Warm friendly environment. The waiters & hosts were friendly and inviting!

I really enjoyed the ambience of this place. It feels very homey and has a welcoming environment! The menu consists of classic breakfast staples made using fresh, local ingredients. The set up a little confusing - you order at the counter when your table is called and then they seat you. There isn't a waiter/waitress so its a little hard to ask for help. We had to wait until practically the whole meal was over to finally get water. Besides that the food was delicious! I ordered the North East which was something very unique. It had fresh red beets, sweet potatoes, new potatoes, red onions, bacon, topped with sour cream and green onions. I got my eggs poached and a blueberry scone on the side! Pair that with a strong iced coffee and good friends and it was such a nice Sunday brunch!

Excellent catering service. Food is always well served. There are always lots of options and they are very accommodating in their catering service.

Worth skipping. Went here and it was D-. I have been many times over the years as the business fell apart. New rule: order and pay first. But no sign or menu outside for the line of guests. This creates a crowded entry of confused folks who lose their place in line because THERE IS NO MENU OR SIGN OUTSIDE. Food soggy, not made to order. Ordered "well done" bacon and was delivered soggy, slimy strips, that maybe, maybe were microwaved. This food used to be edible. Not sure when they began RUSHING everything but it ruined my patronage. Looks can be deceiving. My photo may look good but the food IS terrible.

Great neighborhood spot! One of my faves. Try the tofu scramble! Cornmeal pancakes good also and don't forget the deli/grocery!

Rick and Ann's is a Berkeley favorite for Breakfast and Lunch. They are more efficient at getting a table quicker. They have good service if they are not busy. There maybe a wait if the crowds are big. It is very cozy.

This old standard has been consistently good for so many years. It's a great breakfast spot and if you like standards for dinner, like meatloaf, this has it They have the best red flannel hash anywhere. It's fantastic with beets, bacon, potatoes. Has a touch of cream in it as well Potato pancakes: my adult child ordered this on our last visit and it was great it was crispy outside but slightly soft inside. Served with sour cream and applesauce and-- less traditional-- cheese melted on top. So good. The only reason I can't order this on our next visit is I love the red flannel hash and having potatoes with a side of potatoes would be unwise Sausage: the turkey Pattie's and chicken apple links are both good Corn cakes were pretty good, as was the waffle. Eggs are as expected Scones: are moist so I think they are better than most scones. Flavors of scone and muffin change frequently Post Covid they require all party members be present, then you order, then you are seated as availability allows. To expedite your seating, have everyone look at the menu online before arrival. Bathroom: C. It's shared with other businesses in the complex and is not always super clean. You get a key from the restaurant to access across the way ( near peets)

Our favorite brunch spot in Berkeley - It's always the first place we go when we're in the area, because we love the food and the service. Yummy iced chai, too. We've tried so many different items on their menu and everything has been scrumptious.

Food was ok, stuff was nice, but... Having to order and pay before you even get a table or have to wait for it completely ruins the experience. Besides the fact that it makes you feel like a suspect, there's no sitting down, reading the menu, chatting, ordering, eating, maybe ordering some more. Not idea who came up with this but it's BAD. Won't be back anytime soon.

West Coast breakfast spot with and East Coast feel. Lines can be long on the weekends but the wait is worth it. Their menu is unique and the service is quick and friendly!

Hi fellow foodies . Just a heads up on the beet egg breakfast . The beets , bacon , potatoes, etc all come out in a totally red mush, where everything is indistinguishable. The only thing you taste is beets! Just wanted to make you all aware of that when ordered . Instead of having these veges separate, so you can actually taste them all individually, it's all pushed together . I don't get it . Had to send the eggs back , in correctly prepared , but that's another story . Actually, an iconic breakfast restaurant that can't prepare eggs properly is kind of sad . From the silence , it's clear the apathy!

Rick & Ann's. Our Sunday was off to a late start and as our appetite grew, my bf suggested we come here. Nestled on a quiet block next to a coffee shop and bakery, this quaint mom and pop shop brings a sense of comfort, a timeless experience you want to grow with. We were seated by the window where we stared off to people walking by and the Claremont Hotel at a distance reminiscing the time we once had dinner and gazed at the sunset from afar. The Down South was a simple dish with all the basics, exactly what I needed. Our recent food tour for hashbrowns have failed us and we were hoping to change that here. No hashbrowns, however, they can prepare shredded potatoes fried to a crisp with cheese..... Yes, we'll take it. With disregard for time, we slowly enjoyed our meal and coffee. I smiled while watching the elderly couple in front of us and whispered to him, "It's like they're Rick & Ann. I want to be like them at age 90, visiting my local diner, greeted by the servers with hi, the usual? And smiling and laughing with my partner. How sweet is that". As he responds, "I think they are both males". Well, Rick & Morty always seem to enjoy each others company *side eye*. Overall, service was great, would definitely come back for the not hashbrowns, but cheesy shredded potatoes that look like hashbrowns.

Food was delicious, high quality ingredients, good flavors. Had the chorizo frittata. Love that you can get a scone or muffin instead of just toast. Cherry corn scone was great. Some people are hating on the ordering system, but honestly I liked it. Super efficient, works well, doesn't take away from the experience at all. Just means they can run their restaurant more efficiently and make sure they can serve their great food to as many people as possible!

You get one star from me simply for the discrimination. I wish I could give less, honestly. Berkeley is a melting pot of diversity and to be treated like we were today is outright wrong. We were the only people asked for proof of vaccination and she rudely added that they would be checking IDs/to match the cards as well. Like, ma'am... really?! Mind you, this was not said to the white couple in front of us or behind us. We are absolutely vaccinated but after that experience, who'd want to prove they have the right to spend THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY with you. You literally looked at our skin color and assumed we weren't vaccinated. I'll never return and I recommend others skip this restaurant as well. By the way, vaccinated people contract and spread covid just like unvaccinated people.

Loved everything about Rick & Ann's, some people don't like how you have to order at the counter before being sat but honestly it's super efficient! Our food was delicious and we will definitely be back!

Lunch of meatloaf sandwich with french fries was delightful. DELIGHTFUL. I was surprised by how much I was raving about my meatloaf sandwich and the side of fries. We used to come here for weekend brunch before the pandemic, but now I've found Rick & Anne's for the meat loaf (3 slices to reheat for dinner, or a meat loaf sandwich for lunch). There's walk-in and take-away.

Love the food, love the ambience once seated, wish we could order at the table. Five star food, one star off because the 'cozy' is completely gone with this kind of set-up.