The Collegian

Issue date: 3/27/07 Section: Detour

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After a hard night of studying, or other activities, too often one can find him or herself stuck with no place to eat once 11:01 pm rolls around. Moraga unquestionably lacks in the late-night food department-save Jack-In-The-Crack, a fine eating establishment that simply does not fit my fancy. If one is willing to venture beyond the bubble, numerous nocturnal eateries can be found, pending the interest of the individual. With about a dozen Bay Area options, there is not enough room to cover them in one article. Thus, this week's featured area is Berkeley. Offered below is a list of underage-friendly places open until at least 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Au Coquelet Café (2000 University)

Closes 2:00 a.m. Fri-Sat, closes 1:30 a.m. Su-Thu

Au Coquelet has a café feel, but still offers a full menu while managing to not feel too much like a restaurant. If you are in the mood for a quiet conversation and amicable ambiance, Au Coquelet more than suffices. It seems like an ideal place for studying, for a low-key date or to just enjoy life. Upon walking in, an immediate artsy feel manifests itself, with walls covered by photographs depicting various socially conscious causes. Adding to the experience is a staff that gives the place a whole lot of color and epitomizes what you would expect to see in Berkeley. Prices range from $6-$10 for food and mostly less than $4 for café drinks.

Blondie's Pizza (2340 Telegraph)

Closes 2:00 a.m. Fri-Sat, closes 1:00 a.m. Su-Thu

The pizza is nothing to write home about, but rarely disappointing. It is reasonably priced ($2.25-$3.00 a slice), amply portioned, and has friendly service to boot. The music is loud and the patrons diverse. Seating is available downstairs, but one wouldn't guess it after simply walking by. Make sure to hit up the change drawer before checking it out though; there's a cash-only policy.

LaBurrita (2530 Durant)

Closes 1:30 a.m. Fri-Sat, closes 11:00 p.m. Su-Thu.

It has uncommonly friendly service and a menu that offers the various munchies one would expect from a Mexican restaurant. Rumor has it they do a decent burrito and you can never go wrong with nachos. Burritos are affordable ($3-$5) and are gargantuan.

Top Dog (2534 Durant)

Closes 3:00 a.m. Fri-Sat, closes 2:00 a.m. Su-Thu

While the customer service is dismal, the dogs definitely make this one of the better late-night establishments to check out. Cheap (every dog is $2.75) and quick (there is nowhere to sit) this is an ideal place for someone on the move. While the "top dog" (which is a frankfurter) is the most popular, they offer a veggie dog and a wide array of other scrumptious sausages. Crowds and drunken Cal students might turn some off, but you aren't going to find a better dog this good, this late, anywhere else.

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