Gather

Gather

If you’re looking for a well-liked, full-service, sit-down restaurant in Berkeley that’s near the downtown and close to UC Berkeley’s campus and provides a consistently good product for a reasonable fee, Gather is a pretty safe bet. Because of its popularity, you might find it helpful to make a reservation in advance. Although it is not exactly inexpensive, it also is not particularly expensive; it’s more of a mid-range price in exchange for a top-notch business-casual meal you won’t regret.

Gather has plenty of seating split between a large, spacious, and attractive eating area with lots of tables and a bar and a nice patio decorated with plants and colorful glass. It can accommodate large parties and even hosts events from time to time. True to its name, it is an excellent place to gather. It has just enough options on the menu that you can bring a large group and expect there will be something for everyone. The menu takes a unique spin on many classic, popular American dishes.

The theme is relatively healthy American fare that appeals to most people, made with attention to not just the delicious finished product but also the building blocks. The recipes are thoughtfully designed with regard to taste and texture, using only local, ethically sourced, organic ingredients. You can taste the freshness and quality and avoid feeling guilty about what your meal is doing to the environment. Every bite has the benefit of having been made from ingredients that command respect and speak to the restaurant’s values.

For between $20 and $30 per person, Gather offers some incredible entrees. The personal-sized pizzas are a good size and cooked in their own flame pizza oven to be warm and just charred around the edges. The salads are made from fresh, local ingredients, so they really shine; the blend of vegetables, fruits, and proteins is always perfect and creates layers of different flavors and textures, all in one bowl. But I would not overlook the sandwiches, which come on thick, soft bread and come with salty, thick-cut fries. In particular, I recommend the double smashburger here. The meat, cheese, and bread have a subtle buttery taste and a soft texture, but this is countered by the crunch of the greens and pickles. The finishing touch of sautéed onions takes it to the next level!

Gather also offers a nice collection of beverages, including coffee, soft drinks, and a large selection of alcoholic beverages. The soft drinks and coffee tend to be pretty affordable options to accompany the meal, but the alcoholic beverages vary in price. Depending on your price range (and comfort zone), you could order anywhere from an $8 beer or cider to a $63 serving of wine. The eating area is always a bit loud, so I suppose it’s a place people feel comfortable sampling some of the interesting alcoholic beverages.

For dessert, you could try the salted chocolate chip cookies, the ice cream, or the sorbet. Even a place as health-conscious as this one has enticing sweet options to finish the meal. Also made with local, organic, ethically sourced ingredients, these desserts are a wonderful treat at the end of your meal.

Overall, what really impressed me here is the ambiance; it’s a place that draws crowds with its lively, full-service semi-casual style. I also appreciated the textures and fresh flavors that went into the main courses. The salad and burger in particular were created with the best ingredients to have a unique, natural flair. Next time I want to go out with a group of friends in Berkeley, I think this is the place I will come to.