Northbrae and Westbrae
These twin neighborhoods, both nestled below The Alameda, are some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Berkeley. There are plenty of wonderful California bungalows here, as well as some fabulous corner properties which have surprisingly good views of the San Francisco Bay. And, like the Gourmet Ghetto, Northbrae and Westbrae are about walking! Both neighborhoods are fairly close to the North Berkeley Bart, and have their share of express buses to San Francisco.
The centerpiece of the Northbrae neighborhood is the Hopkins Commercial strip, which features several specialty stores. The Monterey Market is a fresh produce and fruit market reminiscent of a giant open market in another country. IN just one block, you can shop for fresh fish, fresh bakery goods, gourmet cheese, and stop for a delicious espresso at Café Roma. Also in Northbrae are public tennis courts, a public swimming pool, and the loveliest public library of all at the intersection of Hopkins and The Alameda. If you enjoy gardening, take an hour or two to wander through Berkeley Horticulture on McGee Avenue—it is a gardener’s dream.
Westbrae’s central street is Gilman Avenue, which houses two of the best restaurants in Berkeley: the ultra cool and always satisfying LaLimes, and the sumptuous Vietnamese restaurant Mama Lam’s. The New Leaf Garden Gallery has a fabulous assortment of garden fountains. The centerpiece of Westbrae is the lovely street-to-street Cedar-Rose Park. It is a great place to picnic, or just let your kids run til they drop!
