About
Welcome to Cal’s Fried Chicken & Burgers, a culinary gem nestled at 2026 University Ave in Berkeley, California. This eatery serves up hearty, mouthwatering dishes that perfectly blend classic comfort food with a modern twist. With a casual ambiance and a menu that caters to all cravings, Cal's is not just a place to eat; it's a destination for food lovers seeking a satisfying meal.
At Cal's, the star of the show is undoubtedly the fried chicken. The standout item is the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, featuring a freshly fried chicken breast, slathered in homemade habanero mayo and accompanied by pickles on a toasted brioche bun. This culinary delight is served with a side of seasoned fries and coleslaw, making it a complete meal for just $11.99. The layers of flavor in each bite are sure to leave you craving more.
For burger enthusiasts, Cal's offers the Smashburger, crafted from certified Angus beef patty smashed on a flattop grill that creates a beautiful crust. Choose between single or double for $13.99 and $15.99, respectively. Each burger is adorned with grilled onions, pickles, American cheese, and their house-made Berserk sauce, ensuring a rich and savory experience with every mouthful. The Chopped Cheese is another must-try, serving up a classic flavor combination that hits all the right notes.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the crispy onion rings as a standout side, providing the perfect crunch to complement the meal. One patron described them as "easily the best I've ever had," emphasizing their flaky and flavorful nature. While some found the fries to be on the frozen side, others enjoyed their generous portions and seasoning.
The dining experience at Cal's is enhanced by their casual setting, making it an ideal spot for families, college students, and anyone in between. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and offers takeout and delivery options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delicious food, whether dining in or on the go. There is also a variety of sauces available, which adds a personalized touch to your meal.
Cal’s Fried Chicken & Burgers is not just a fast-food joint; it's a local favorite known for its camaraderie and hospitality. While some customers noted a wait time for their food during busy hours, many agree that the flavorful creations make the wait worthwhile. With options for private dining and catering, this establishment balances a fun and inviting atmosphere with the warmth of home-cooked meals.
For a delightful evening filled with hearty dishes, tasty burgers, and a casual vibe, Cal’s Fried Chicken & Burgers is undoubtedly a place worth visiting. Whether you’re a family looking for a satisfying dinner, a group of friends seeking a late-night meal, or a solo diner wanting to indulge, Cal's has something for everyone. Don't miss out on their happy hour specials, and be sure to treat yourself to their signature Oreo shake!
“ My boyfriend saw a tik tok of Cal's & decided he wanted to try it out. It took a while to find parking since it's in a busy area. When we arrived we were greeted and placed our order. I got a doublesmash burger with fries while my bf got the Cal's burger. We also got the onion rings & an Oreo shake to share. I really like that they gave us a variety of sauces! I enjoyed everything & the onion rings were my favorite. I feel like the patty itself could use a little bit more seasoning but still good. My bf liked his burger as well. I realized they didn't give us the shake so my bf reminded the guy & he had it out quickly after which I appreciated. I would say it's a pretty small restaurant & there were a lot of teens when we were there so it's definitely not the ideal sit down restaurant. I would definitely visit again tho! ”
“ Tried this spot for the first time today, and overall, it was really, really good! The chicken sando was unique and flavorful with a side of honey, and the fries bountiful and perfectly seasoned with a crispy, flaky texture. The onion rings were easily the best I've ever had--super crispy and packed with flavor. The only downside? The food took a long time to come out. It was definitely worth the wait, but if you're in a hurry, be prepared for a bit of a wait. That said, I'll definitely be back--this place knows how to make a great burger! ”
“ 5 stars. I haven't had a burger in a few months and this place was fire. It is so much better than in n out. Even the fries were amazing. I've personally never done meth , but I can imagine this is what it's like...simply incredible Not even lying such a great burger . Best way to describe it: it's like the 2008 Transformers Megan Fox of burgers Would definitely highly recommended ! ”
“ My kids are so basic - they always want fries, chicken fingers and hamburgers. Cal's Fried Chicken & Burgers is a great option, popular with 7 year olds and the college kiddos alike. If you don't order through uber eats, where prices are jacked by a few dollars, prices are reasonable. And the food? I mean not for anyone trying to be healthy, but the burgers are delicious topped with caramelized onions and pickles. The roll was well sized for the meat and fresh. The chicken tenders were thinly pounded fried cutlets. The fries, while they give you a lot of them, weren't my favorite. They definitely were the frozen, battered type... no fresh potatoes here. Overall, a really solid bet for fried eats or a really good smash burger. People rave about the shakes, but a pass for us this time. Overall, a glutinous, filling meal. Chicken and burgers are a solid 5 stars, but those fries were a 3. Enjoy! ”
“ I came here with a group of 6 and we had no issues getting a table. The staff was friendly and worked diligently to get the orders out despite being fairly busy. All of the food was really good and was cooked very well. I recommend giving them a try if you're looking for a good burger. ”
“ Yum Yum Yum!!! I seen Cal's burger on Instagram and decided to try it. I am in LOVE with burgers, and I haven't had a good one in the Bay Area in a while!!! Babyyyyy- these burgers wouldn't let me forget to make this Yelp post! Because I had them yesterday and my mouth is watering for them today. They are smashed to perfection and the toasted bun is like everything and more. Something as so simple as them toasted our buns makes a huge difference- the burger is so satisfying like nothing was wrong with it. I got the double smash with everything on it and added bacon- had mines cut in the middle to tackle better. My friend had theirs plain lol no veggies really just double smash with cheese - and loved it as well. Now the fries... they look very regular when they came out I was thinking I might not be a fan of these!!! But no!!! THE FRIES ARE THE BEST- I can't really put my mouth on what they do to them but they have a different taste and crunch I loved them!!!! * I will say customer service was a bit dry wish it was a bit more energetic- especially since this is a great place and it was not later in the day we came around noon... but everyone has there day - so I get that. Man please check them out, because I'm ready to grab my coat and head back there now!!!! ”
“ Food was good and fresh. Burger was juicy and flavorful. Chicken is fried well and well seasoned. Quick service and prep. Ample seating. Little chilly with the door open but overall a great experience. Parking is hard to find even on a Sunday. Will definitely be back. ”
“ Came here with a big hungry group and we all really enjoyed it! We left stuffed and many of us even had leftovers. The guy who helped us was super nice and helpful. I had the single smash with onions rings and I thought the burger portion size was perfect, seasoned well, had great flavor! Loved the pickles. I also had some of the Mac n' chicken which was tasty. The chicken was crispy and moist, and Mac was gooey. They give you a little honey to drizzle too which I tried and thought was a nice sweet and savory combo. Others said they enjoyed the chopped cheese and chicken sandwiches they got. Would come here again and definitely recommend! ”