Babette is the kind of place one is reluctant to talk about in the fear that its quaint, “unmapped” charm might lead to loud people, long lines and popularity. I’m willing to sacrifice all of that though because, in the words of L’Oreal, “you’re worth it”.
They serve Ritual Coffee and I’m pretty sure that they’re the closest place to campus willing to serve local coffee. The whole vibe, situated in the Art Museum, tucked away from the madness with a seasonal menu and super cute hipster staff with vintage jazz and what seems to be some sort of record collection; yep, up my unpredictable alley.
The teas are dreamy. One time the owner was making daal or should I say, “chonking” (the hindi word for adding the garnish of spices to cooked lentil soup) daal and I went over and had a chat and he told me all about his obsession with Madhur Jaffrey’s Indian cookbook. Another time they were serving toast that looked so infinitely better than the kind I made at home that actually I spent $2.50 to order some and you know what? It was worth it.
I’ve been happy with pretty much every item I’ve had here, including the overpriced oatmeal which somehow just tastes expensively delicious?! Funny how that happens. The coffee like I said, is stupendous, soy milk is free and the tea is local and delicious. And those soups, argh, yum.
So the next time you’re on some sort of date, or you need a cool place to meet a professor or co-workers or a some place to just curl up and read with some coffee while it dreamily rains outside. Head over to Babette’s.
Babette
2625 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94720
Early Grey, Toast with Brandied Nectarine and Cardamom Plum Jam.
Red Chairs
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Bosmopolitan 