Helacio's Deli and Cafe

Helacio's Deli and Cafe

Helacio's is a small cafe and deli on Sacramento Street that serves a wide variety of options. This includes pastries, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, salads, paninis, soup, coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, and ice cream. The entire menu is displayed either on the chalkboards on the wall behind the counter, on signs posted along the counter, or in the glass cases that make up part of the barrier between the kitchen and the rest of the restaurant. 

You order and pay at the register at the counter. They accept credit card and contactless pay. Almost as soon as you place your order, they will begin preparing you food or beverage. The service is relatively quick, even when it's crowded.

The environment is very comfy. The entire restaurant is painted in soothing shades of brown, ranging from a cute orangish brown to a light tan. They have some cute and funky decorations that add intrigue to their shop, including a Super Mario-themed knick-knack on top of the drink cooler, a few Star Wars and lego Star Wars decorations, some posters, and a bulletin board with various announcements. They also have some very pretty paintings that depict the natural beauty and the diversity of San Francisco and some hand-drawn artwork that appears to portray stylized faces on their walls. I also like the way they have some attractive indoor plants that add to the homey, comfortable feel. 

You can sit on a padded bench along the wall, at a standard table in padded but regular chairs, or you can try one of their arm chairs. All of these options are comfortable, and this contributes to the feeling that there is absolutely no rush whatsoever. Helacio's is not in a hurry to turn over your table. Quite the contrary, it is a place where people come to stay a while, either to chat or to work (they have free and fast wifi). The speakers play mellow classic rock just loudly enough to give privacy to those who came to chat; it is a medium volume that is not distracting but muffles the noise of the other patrons, so you can focus on your own conversation or work.

Every detail has been thought of. The bathroom is clean and functional. There is free tap water and free milk, cream, and sweetener to go with the coffee. They also have free hot sauce, salt, and pepper for their other offerings. 

When I stopped by, I tried some of their coffee. I ordered a white chocolate mocha (pictured above). It was very good. The beverage had a powerful coffee flavor that harmonized with the sweetness of the white chocolate flavor. The drink was a large fraction frothy milk; it was milky and frothy but still bitter and sweet from the coffee mixed with chocolate flavor. 

I noticed the parties at the other tables enjoying large salads and sandwiches. It appears that the portions are somewhat generous and that the food is aesthetically pleasing. The other guests seemed to be quite satisfied as well. 

I really enjoyed my experience at this cafe. The coffee was delicious, but I also fell in love with the environment. It was relaxed and comfortable. I sat and stayed a while, savoring my drink and the peacefulness of this small restaurant.

Monday-Saturnday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Sunday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

2517 Sacramento Street

Berkeley, CA

94702

 

510-705-1673