Berkeley art district has a lot to offer when it comes to dining options, but Comal, a restaurant that is packed most nights, is a special treat. Their spacious and delightfully simplistic dining room accommodates 150, while the lovely back patio with a fire pit can seat another 70.

Even with all that space, you will still have to make reservation to get in. Comal is an excellent combination of a village-type atmosphere with its large communal tables and Chef Matt Gandin’s fabulous Mexican food. Let’s not forget the drinks – their margaritas attract flocks of university students, and their house-made sangrita flows freely every night.

Comal has any kind of Mexican dish you could ever want, and their skilled chef prepares everything to perfection. Try their quesadillas – they come with Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and epazote herb, and they are served with habanero salsa.

2020 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, California, Phone: 510-926-6300