Comal
| Address: | 2020 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA |
| Phone: | +1 510-926-6300 |
| Site: | comalberkeley.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–11PM 5:30–11PM 5:30–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
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Kristen Burns
Went here for a friends birthday with a group of 12. I was initially impressed with the ambiance - very cool vibe here. The lighting is nice and the building itself is very visually appealing. However, things started to go down hill from here. I noticed on the menu that the 20% tip is automatically included (for everyone, not just for large parties). I guess that made our server think she didnt have to provide good service. She was not welcoming or kind whatsoever. When some of us didnt order drinks, her disappointment was obvious (less automatic gratuity for her!). It was getting late and I had to work at 8 am the next day, so I wanted to pay my tab. When she FINALLY came by the table, I asked for mine and my boyfriends bill. She said "its on one check." I said "no, were all separate". She said "its gonna be on one bill. we cant separate it." *long pause* "sorry about that." So then we had to spend another 20 minutes dividing up the bill accordingly with pens and calculators. SO FRUSTRATING. Everyone agreed she had a sour attitude... she definitely did not deserve that automatic 20% tip. And then there was the food. Mediocre at best with a high price tag. My bf ordered tacos that were $13, consisting of two measly tacos barely the size of an appetizer. Unless youre going out for a casual $12 drink with one or two people, Id avoid this place at all costs.
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Shikha Kaiwar
Exceptionally well-executed food at this Mexican restaurant. Berkeley is long overdue for a new, well-built, delicious establishment that is conveniently located (right next to downtown Berkeley BART) and attracts more than the usual college crowd - although I highly recommend that if you are a student, this would make a great date place. Food is not expensive at all for the quality and portions. Guacamole comes with 3 salsas at different heat levels so you can mix and match - of course I liked the spicy one best. For dinner, there are options for everyone - quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. The rock cod tacos were fantastic, loaded with fish and veggies with extra pickled carrots and jalapeños to add spice if you wish. Two tacos and I was stuffed! But obviously theres dessert. Their flan is one of the best Ive ever had and Id go back just for that if nothing else - can someone say FLANomenal?! Even on a Tuesday night, the place was full, but not super busy. Id recommend rezzies just in case. Service was slow during my dinner, so be prepared. But food is fantastic.
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Catherine Naughton
DO NOT EAT HERE. WORST EXPERIENCE. I am fatally allergic to ALMONDS which was in the mole sauce WITH NO DISCLAIMER. In fact, there was no note AT ALL on the menu that said there was NUTS in their food. When I began to have the reaction, I asked the server if there were almonds in the mole to which he replied, "No, there are never almonds in the mole sauce usually, but I will check." He was surprised to find out there WERE almonds in the sauce (usually it is only peanuts). I asked to speak to the general manager ZACHARY, and he told me it was MY FAULT for not asking if there were almonds in the mole AND that before I left to seek medical attention, I needed to PAY THE BILL that he did NOT discount at all. He was defensive, angry and non-apologetic. He said he would NOT put on the menu a disclaimer about nuts in their foods. What kind of a manager does that?? For O.K. Mexican food, go somewhere else with nicer staff and a better GM.
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Michael Hraba
This was an unexpected but delicious romp through modern Mexico, with "emphasis on Oaxaca and neighboring coastal regions". Waiting for our seat at the bar, we delved into an array of delicious craft-made cocktails, from expedient and friendly bartenders that got the job done, tastily. By the time we sat, having munched a bit on the chips with 3 salsas, the entire menu posed an incredible problem in that everything sounded delicious... and we wanted to try everything. And we did.... We got the guacamole, yum... zesty, fresh. The albondigas were huge, and simply fantastic... cooked perfectly, with an incredible sauce, with perfect balances on seasoning (I overseason EVERYTHING). The ceviche was delicious, lightened by the cucumber. I got a bunch of tacos, and they were unreal: Berkshire pork al pastor, pineapple-morita chile salsa. So fantastic... cannot wait to go back!
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Jennifer Wong
You want to go to the coolest restaurant in Berkeley? This is it. Comal has incredibly good Mexican food, with items like duck enchiladas. Even the basic items like the guacamole is so delicious. If for some reason youre not impressed by the food, then the restaurant space itself should. It has a variety of seating arrangements. You can sit at the counter overlooking the kitchen, at a table, at a booth, or outside. There are two bars, one in the front and one in the back. The back bar is beautiful. Its shaded, but there is also an open area with open seating picnic tables, wooden stumps, and some fire pits. You can just walk straight to the back and have a drink if youre not there for the food. They have an impressive mezcal menu and you can order it in a taster flight too. The cocktails are superb. Get the Comal swizzle. Youll be glad you did.
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Hermann Haller
Its overall a great place but service has gotten worse over the last year. If the restaurant is going to have a mandatory 20% gratuity, then they should at least provide the service to justify it. The employees in the outdoor area delegate everything to the bartenders who almost always have too much going on themselves and it makes us feel ignored. Customers in the outdoor area will keep feeling this way until the process is changed and the element of service is brought back. The food is good and the venue and atmosphere is beautiful. There is a nice outdoor area in the back with a full bar are fire pit where you can relax while waiting for your table. Were lucky to have this place in Berkeley but they need to get their customer service act together else it negates all the other hard work they put into the place!
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Keifer Shell
Went there for the first time Thursday, Feb. 13 with two people visiting from Japan. One person loves Mexican food and this place was recommended to us. The food & atmosphere were good. The problem was the manager. Our two guests wanted to have their pictures taken and asked a person if they would do so and the person looked at them and said "NO". Later that same person brought two people to our neighboring table and so we found out they worked there. At this point I asked for the manager to complain only to find out that it was the manager who said "NO". He did not apologize. He told me he was busy training a new staff member. I guess he trained them well. The customer does not come first at Comal.
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Steven Johnson
Ive been to Comal twice since it opened and both times the food was amazing. The environment brings a great cool, modern vibe to downtown Berkeley and thankfully its spacious. They serve three types of salsas with their guacamole appetizer and each one is fresh and flavorful. Id get chips just for the salsas alone. I particularly enjoyed the squash blossom quesadilla and the cod tacos are sublime. Nice smokey flavor with slaw and dressing. I dont drink alcoholic drinks, but my friend did and both the margarita and Del Rio cocktail were fantastic (and he watches the Food Network 24/7). A great experience, Im happy to see more places of this high quality opening in the East Bay.
