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CAL'S FRIED CHICKEN AND BURGERS

Berkeley

Welcome to Cal's Fried Chicken & Burger

Voted Top 50 Fried Chicken Sandwiches in California

Looking for a finger-licking, crispy, and flavorful fried chicken sandwich? Look no further! Cal's Fried Chicken & Burger in Berkley, California, has been voted among the top 50 fried chicken sandwiches in the entire state! Our passion for food and commitment to quality have earned us a well-deserved spot in California's culinary landscape. We take immense pride in using only premium, locally sourced ingredients. Our commitment to quality ensures that every bite you take is a burst of freshness and flavor. From the succulent chicken breast to the handcrafted burger patties, each ingredient is carefully selected to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.
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Indulge in a Flavorful Experience with Our Menu

Our signature dish that has earned us a spot among the top 50 fried chicken sandwiches in California! Bite into a perfectly crispy chicken breast coated in our secret blend of spices, served between two soft buns. The fiery kick of our spicy fried chicken will leave your taste buds tingling for more. Elevate your dining experience with our succulent chicken wings smothered in our mouthwatering sauces, each bite is a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Try our classic Smash Burgers. We take premium beef patties, smash them on the grill to achieve the perfect sear, and then layer them with your favorite toppings. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will satisfy your burger cravings. Don't forget to treat yourself to our luscious shakes that serve as the perfect dessert or accompaniment to your meal

Here's

Generous Portions, Satisfied Customers

One thing we understand well at Cal's Fried Chicken & Burger is that a good meal should leave you satisfied. Our generous portions ensure that you not only enjoy a delightful culinary experience but also leave our restaurant feeling truly full and content. Looking for the perfect venue for your private events? Whether it's a business lunch, dinner gathering, cocktail reception, or any special occasion, Cal's Fried Chicken & Burger is here to make your event exceptional. We cater to events of all sizes and can customize our offerings to suit your preferences. Let us be a part of your next memorable event! Stay up to date with all our upcoming events, promotions, and delectable offerings by following us on Instagram @elpollopicanteberkeley. We are excited to share our culinary journey with you through social media!

Customer Reviews

Ayush N.

Google

It was juicy and real tasty. The cheesy flavor was spot on. It isn't the most bustling place for a Friday evening in the summer but the food and the fries are great. The service is also fast. The fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and for me that's the perfect fry. The music was okay in the beginning with generic pop music but then it went into some annoying electronic/dance, so I'll ding a star for that.

Maya R.

Google

I had the shrimp po' boy, which was spicy but delicious. The french fries were hot and cooked perfectly. The place is small, some when a couple enter the restaurant and sat at the table next to us with their large dog, wagging his tail and dog hair flying, I decided it was time to leave. Going forward, I would ask that large pets be kept outide the restaurant.

Fred H.

Google

Good burgers. However, on Doordash, they do not have an option to remove cheese. If they offered hamburgers, or at least a way to ask for no cheese, we would order more frequently.

Bao N.

Google

The portion sizes are amazing, the food is absolutely divine and the fries quite good. Service was great and the food arrived very timely. Would recommend after a night out, for lunch, or even a date place!

Jordan C.

Google

1 of the best chicken sandwich I ever had, I couldn't explain when the place used to be el pollo picante and the free side of fries made it even better. The pricing a bit expensive but overall, I can't stop going there sometimes.

Johnathen B.

Google

VIBE- The vibe is simple, the art is hand painted and dope, the music is chill, but listen. to. me! The best time to come here is definitely before Berkeley HS gets out or later in the day. Unless you don't mind playing musical chairs around 15 high schoolers and listening to school drama. Luckily, we made it just in time before they rolled in and backed up the kitchen. FOOD - I ordered the double smash burger + jalapeños. The wife ordered a chopped cheese. We both agreed on lemon pepper + spicy ginger garlic wings. The food took about 10 minutes to come out just as you'd want it to, hot, fresh and crispy. The chopped cheese and wings were lacking flavor. The lemon pepper left us wanting more of that real tanginess and the spicy ginger garlic was straight ginger. We love ginger, but not on these wings. The size of the wings were crazy and worth the price tag based off of portion. The double smash burger and the fries were definitely the stars of the show. They didn't have any lemonade or "cherry blast" (stated on the menu), but they have plenty of canned sodas and milkshakes. The Oreo cookie shake after all this food sent me into a food coma. PRO-TIP: Definitely coming back for that double spicy chicken sandwich and more of those fries! If you're a fry snob like me, theirs won't disappoint.

Jonathan W.

Google

This review is solely based on the direct response from the owner explaining his reason for eliminating phone orders. It's extremely unfortunate that people will order food for pick up and then not pick it up leaving it to be unsold and literally taking money out of the pocket of a small business and ruining it for the rest of us. I appreciate the explanation and wish them the best of luck in the future.

Rose T.

Google

the smash burgers were delicious, juicy and crispy at the same time. the chicken was flavorful and seasoned well, cooked perfectly. the fries were my favorite part they seemed battered and crispy and were so flavorful. quick and friendly service, no one was in there when we walked in but it was quickly filled with people shortly after.

Clayton P.

Google

When I went to Oder a Oreo shake that said no my friend said it too and then let him have it I didn't know they were testing it my bad I'll give them five stars.

Michael V.

Google

Mikko's Tier List Reviews~ Food - Hard to go wrong with the food! Whoever is cooking is talented but tbh it's hard to mess up this type of food. Price - bit expensive for this type of food, which it was 1-2$ cheaper for all items Ambience/Atmosphere - Casual and quick, not much to say Wait time - None when I went, lots of open seats Individual Dish Ratings - Chopped Cheese - Solid overall, flavors were great Tier Verdict - S+ Tier (out of SS, normie grade is 90/100)

Yesman C.

Google

if you come here I suggest the spicy chicken sandwich. Possibly the best piece of food I've ever had. After eating the sandwich I missed it more than my ex.

Bertha H.

Google

Best chicken sandwiches and burgers I ever had. Travel a couple hours to go eat there. Worth every mile... Thanks Cal and Christina

Ben F.

Google

I love Cal's Fried Chicken and Burgers! I've tried the smash burger and the mac and chicken. Both were very delicious and filling. The staff is friendly and the prices are totally fair. I'm excited to visit again!

Rachel D.

Google

Excellent food, excellent service, ambiance giving high school/college student demographics. Clean space , indoor seating available . Ordered chopped cheese no lettuce no tomato comes with seasoned fries other sides available with charge. Cashier was hella nice and has a great personality. Very popular amongst the students, one said he comes at least 3-4 times a week.

Inder S.

Google

burgers bread was spot on Perfect. Meat was done just right and juicy. place is a hidden gem . I have to say if you try it once then you are hooked just like I am .

Amanda M.

Google

Amazing chicken sandwich. Ordered thru website. Fast fresh and juicy. Will get again soon.

Greg H.

Google

Good value and fast service from very nice people. I really like cal and his family. Get the chopped steak or double chicken sandwich. The have the best onion rings in town.

Marion M.

Google

This is one of my fave spots in Berkeley! The portions are huge, enough for at least two people and prices are normal for the area. I've tried chicken sandwiches elsewhere and have found the chicken to be dry but not here!! The chicken here is so juicy and perfectly spiced. I love pairing it with the spicy honey they serve. It's SO legit..my mouth is watering just thinking about it. We've also tried the chopped cheese and smash burgers and honestly you cant go wrong with any of them! I'm glad they've expanded their menu because I'm often in the area and this is always my go to spot. The staff is super friendly and welcoming and they seem very supportive of other small businesses as well. Highly recommend.

Aj C.

Google

I had the Chopped Cheese Sandwich and seasoned fries, it was my first time here and the service was amazing! the food was even better, I've had chopped cheeses at other places but this one has definitely topped my list, I will continue to go there and try everything on the menu. The restaurant was super clean and inviting.

G R.

Google

Food was delicious, wings really tasty, sandwich amazing, chicken fresh and crispy, we love their drinks lemonade and sweet Ice tea on Point. Also friendly Service. Prices affordable especially here in Berkeley.

Marcus G.

Google

Best fried chicken sandwich I've ever had and the chopped cheese is new to me but unreal

Jacob W.

Google

The chopped cheese was fire, definitely be back for it. The double fried chicken sando was loaded w flavor and enough for two meals. A must stop here in Berkeley

Trent A.

Google

Yes it was so good and I got it DoorDash I can only imagine what it taste like fresh at the restaurant

Elegance H.

Google

Love this place! Fast service and delicious burgers! So glad I had lunch here with out-of-town friends!

Paul A.

Google

Staff is friendly and the place is clean. Vibe is a bit cold and not as cozy as others. Food is top notch. Ingredients are fresh and flavors are solid. I would agree with another reviewer that this seems like the 5 Dudes but better. Best fries all around! I'm not sure I would call the burger a smash burger. Definitely has the crust and flavor, but is like a normal patty in size. Portions are huge so price seems fair. I do wish there was an option for no fries. Good stuff!

J H (TourGuideLifeJ)

Yelp

Extremely good fries and smash burger! Never had a smash burger before, but now I understand the hype -- the flavor is trapped at the center of the burger. Pictured is the double patty with cheese, tomato, lettuce, bacon, house sauce, and spicy chipotle sauce. Highly recommend the mix of house and chipotle sauce with tomato. And it also comes with super delicious beer battered style fries that are mind blowing as well. Do go. Top tier burger. Real hard to beat Cal's in fries and burgers.

Davis Ng

Yelp

Ordered online for a specific time, ordered was ready 3 minutes early which is pretty spot on. We got the banana shake, chopped cheese waffle fries, and berserk burger. The banana shake was very good, good banana flavor, not too sweet. Chopped cheese fries were good as well. Waffle fries were cooked well, not soggy even after a 15 min car ride home. It tasted like a cheeseburger on waffle fries without the buns. Berserk burger was good. Very messy though. I didn't care for it as much, but my wife liked it.

Omar Sultan

Yelp

If you're looking for an exceptional burger joint, look no further than Berserk Burger. My recent visit to this Berkeley establishment left me thoroughly impressed. After reading a glowing article about the restaurant in SF Gate, I decided to give it a try with some friends. I ordered the Classic Chopped Cheese, and let me tell you, it was absolutely phenomenal. The patty was juicy and packed with flavor, while the melted cheese was oozy and irresistible. The dish was served with waffle fries that were fresh, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. One of my friends ordered a banana shake, which I couldn't resist trying. And let me tell you, it was a real treat. The shake was creamy and full of flavor, with bits of graham cracker topping and whipped cream adding to the decadence. Not only was the food top-notch, but the service was impeccable. The staff were friendly, efficient, and clearly take pride in their work. The restaurant itself was also spotless and had a great atmosphere. Overall, I cannot recommend Berserk Burger enough. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and stop in for some great food and a shake. You won't be disappointed.

Kevin K.

Yelp

If you're on the hunt for a burger joint that takes your taste buds on a wild ride, look no further than Berserk Burger! Nestled in the heart of Berkeley, this place truly lives up to its reputation as the home of the West Coast Chopped Cheese. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more! Let's start with their iconic chopped cheese, a heavenly creation that is a flavor bomb in every bite. Bursting with savory goodness, it's no wonder this dish has achieved legendary status. The blend of perfectly seasoned beef, melted cheese, and an assortment of other delectable ingredients will have you hooked from the very first taste. Trust me, it's addictive! But Berserk Burger is not a one-hit wonder. Their regular burgers, fries, and shakes deserve just as much praise. The burgers are nothing short of exceptional, boasting juicy patties that are smashed to perfection. Each bite is a mouthwatering symphony of flavors, complemented by fresh toppings that add an extra layer of deliciousness. And let's not forget the fries—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. It's impossible to resist their tempting allure. To complete the experience, don't miss out on their shakes. Creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, these shakes are the perfect accompaniment to your meal. The atmosphere at Berserk Burger is lively and inviting. The staff is friendly, attentive, and passionate about their craft. You can tell that they take pride in what they serve, ensuring that each customer leaves with a smile on their face and a satisfied belly. It's worth noting that the popularity of Berserk Burger speaks for itself. Expect a bustling crowd, especially during peak hours, but rest assured that the wait is worth it. The quality and flavor of the food are unmatched, making this establishment a true gem in the East Bay. In conclusion, Berserk Burger has won my heart as the ultimate destination for burger enthusiasts. From their mouthwatering chopped cheese to their outstanding burgers, fries, and shakes, every item on the menu is a testament to their dedication to quality and flavor. Whether you're a Berkeley local or just passing through, make sure to treat yourself to the tantalizing delights of Berserk Burger—you won't be disappointed!

Cloudbusting

Yelp

I really enjoyed their Chopped Cheese and waffle fries. One thing I couldn't take for granted—usually sides are extra at a lot of places these days—these fries were included and still great quality. Looking forward to trying their expanded menu with the Berserk Burger and Banana Shake. 🔥

nadji dawkins

Yelp

The food tasted really well and the burger was seasoned. The fried egg on top was a nice add on. The banana milkshake is so good and made with real bananas.

Brian Taylor

Yelp

Brand new spot in Berkeley. It’s not often that you find a Chopped Cheese on the west coast. The sandwich was excellent and the service was on point.

Catalina Oyanadel Alfaro

Yelp

My family and me went for lunch and we are very grateful for the service, the waiter who served us was super friendly. He was attentive all the time in case we were missing something and he gave us 3 milkshakes free of charge. The food was exquisite, we ordered a Berserk Burger with waffle fries, and we highly recommend them. Also, the milkshakes were delicious and sweet. The restaurant was nice, when we went there weren't many people, so was quiet. The most beautiful thing was the mural, that was very representative. So, definitely, we recommend this restaurant and thanks for the service. :)