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Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley Reviews List
Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Located on the Berkeley Marina, just inside The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The Bay Grille's waterfront location boasts 180 degree panoramic views of the San Francisco cityscape and Golden Gate Bridge. It is the ideal setting for your next celebration or intimate gathering. We cordially invite you to indulge in coastal-inspired selections. We feature a variety of tantalizing options sure to exceed your expectations. The scenic Bay Lounge and its outdoor patio is also the perfect setting to enjoy light fare with a favorite cocktail or regional wine.
See more Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley details
52 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 52 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(32)
- special occasion(17)
- romantic(15)
- good for groups(14)
- great for lunch(10)
- neighborhood gem(8)
Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley Reviews List
Review 1 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Almost Great, but Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Buffet had a good selection, food was good, and had a variety. We had made the reservation because we thought we were going to be seated near the window so we could look out at the marina (kind of the whole point), but I guess because we had a large group we were seated in what seemed like a conference room. A bit crowded, but not too bad. King crab legs were awesome, the rest of the good was just good. A bit overpriced for what we got and the beverage selections were few, but maybe because it was a Mother's Day brunch."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing view of the Marina! Definitely a romantic setting for special occasions!! Food was good too."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent setting in Berkeley
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant is set right on the Marina in Berkeley. The Golden Gate Bridge is across the bay. The dinner selections include an outstanding clams and mussels appetizer and the steaks are excellent. One caveat - you must specify no sauce or your steak will be loaded with stuff that I don't want on a steak!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was slow on sunday.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was slow on sunday. Needed more wait help. Food was very good as usual."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 5 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Bay Grill & Lounge offers
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bay Grill & Lounge offers a very good - though not overly innovative - menu. Dishes feature excellent preparations of such things as steak, shrimp, scallops, and chicken.
The setting is beautiful, looking out at the bay with the many boats harbored here.
Our hostess provided excellent service. Unfortunately, she had to pick up some of the slack during our dining as the waitress had to cover too many tables and the bus boy was basically clueless.
With a full bar, it's too bad they don't have any signature drinks or even a drink menu at the table.
Worth it for the very enjoyable setting and decent food."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
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Review 6 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Understaffed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We made a reservation but upon arrival were told that the restaurant was understaffed and that since there was only one server, we were to wait 30 minutes for our table. Given that it was already late and there are many other restaurant options in Berkeley we did not stay. It was disappointing for me and my guests."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
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Review 7 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was Delicious!!! Love
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was Delicious!!! Love watching the Marana.."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view
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Review 8 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We went to this restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to this restaurant mainly because we bought a 50% off coupon from TravelZoo. The value of the food was quite good when we taken into account our discount. Otherwise the food would be over-priced. The appetizer my wife chosen was fried calamari. The batter was on the heavy side and the taste was covered by too much salt. I had the crab cake. Again the delicate crab flavor was overpowered by too much spice. The entrees were better (seared scallop and cioppino)although the subtle flavor of the seafood still tended to be overshadowed by salt and spice. The size of the portions was generous. The view of the harbor during the sunset was the best part of the dinner."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2003
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 9 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This restaurant has been around
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant has been around for quite awhile. All the more impressive then is that it still remains an appealing destination. The staff here must be doing things right"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice of them to take
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very nice of them to take our coupon on Saturday before Easter..."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice setting on a beautiful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice setting on a beautiful sunny day."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was very uneven and slow and the waiter quite annoying. Food was average. Disappointing evening."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
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Review 14 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Go for breakfast -- Not dinner
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The high service rating is due to contact with a single individual -- the greater. I believe her name is Talulah. She was superb -- vibrant, attentive, aware of the whole dining area. When our waiter had forgotten our table, she kindly and subtely reminded him of our existence. We were initially greeted by the suited manager who could not find our reservation for dinner. There would have been a great view, but the lighting was so bright that the dining area was reduced to a black walled box. Many tables under a glaring spotlight. Food was OK. Go for breakfast--not dinner."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 15 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had an excellent dinner,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had an excellent dinner, the food was prepared just right.
What was off, way off, was the service. This staff needs a lot of training."
What was off, way off, was the service. This staff needs a lot of training."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Marina view can't be beat
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My sister stays at the Doubletree Hotel every single time she comes to Berkeley. We've started calling it "Laura's Hotel." We've ended up meeting my sister at the Bay Grille and Lounge for Breakfast a few time -- and I'm always surprised how un-crowded it is because the food is excellent, the staff is friendly (and we get them all to ourselves) and the view of the Berkeley Marina can not be beat. I wonder if the locals just never consider going to a hotel -- because IMO The Bay Grill beats the nearby Skates on the Bay in all categories.
The seafood got raves from all 13 of our party for my brother's 50th birthday dinner last week. So did the steaks and the blue cheese mashed potato."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 17 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The restaurant is inside the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The restaurant is inside the Double Tree Hotel on the Berkeley Marina. The restaurant is clearly geared to people staying in the hotel. We went because all the restaurants we normally go to in our area were full (Valentines Day). We found the restaurant to be very pleasant and the food was very good."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view
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Review 18 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for a daytime meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was a very nice restaurant. Though the place was quite empty, service was slow. I feel it might've been nicer during the day when we would've been able to see the ocean outside their huge windows. Our waiter was very nice and have us a few extras. All in all, I'd go again but for brunch or anytime before it gets dark."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, scenic view
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Review 19 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a coupon with Living
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a coupon with Living Social to try this restaurant. In buying it, I thought that it would be a romantic place to have dinner with OK food. However, my expectations were far exceeded. The rolls that we were brought at the begining of the meal were piping hot and delicious. The crab cakes were wonderful, served on cole slaw with grapefruit, that were a perfect compliment. The calamari was just OK, although the dipping sauce was very good. Both entrees, the seafood risotto and the fresh fish, were exceptional. Despite being busier than expected, the service was quite good. I will be back."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 20 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was great but our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great but our waiter Roger was the highlight of the experience. Everyone on staff was super friendly. The food was delicious and our waiter knew exactly when the fresh seafood arrived and even refused to serve us sub par scallops. Try to dine before or around sunset as there is a beautiful view. All in all, we loved our experience!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view
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Review 21 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall it was a nice experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall it was a nice experience. Servers were very friendly and helpful."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2013
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Review 22 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was seasoned with coarsley
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was seasoned with coarsley ground pepper, toouch for
my liking. Basalmic vinegarette was very strong
on the vinegar side and overpowered everything.
Prices are too high for food lacking true, well layered seasoning.
We are locals and will not be going back.
my liking. Basalmic vinegarette was very strong
on the vinegar side and overpowered everything.
Prices are too high for food lacking true, well layered seasoning.
We are locals and will not be going back.
Our service was very good. They deserve to work at a place serving better food.
I frequently travel for work and would say this is the worst hotel food I have experienced in the past
Six years."
Six years."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
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Review 23 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, but took long
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food here was really good.... and the wine too. The server was very nice, but the service was extremely slow! We were not in a hurry, thankfully, but we were starved! And it took a long time for even our appetizers to come out. Then, I think the server forgot to get our mains and he had to have the chef do them over. It was an interesting place and the food was great,..... had crab cake, fried calamari with asparagus, steak with port sauce, and salmon with creamy polenta. Service was very friendly, just sorry it took so long."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view
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Review 24 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
What's up with a restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"What's up with a restaurant that is less than half full and they tell you it will be a minimum of one hour wait before you can get your order? While the food was good it is nothing to write home about. The wait-staff were great, the mediocre rating reflects the one-hour wait for the food which was completely out of their control. They made certain that even though the main dish was a forever process that I had something to quell any hunger pains. I give the wait-staff an A+, the kitchen a C-. I probably would have been more understanding had the restaurant been full!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2005
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Review 25 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
wonderful surprise!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are pleasantly surprised with the quality of food and service for this restaurant. It's inside the Doubletree hotel in the Berkeley Marina. We came here for my friend's birthday celebration. The staff recognized her birthday and we received complimentary champagne toast and dessert as part of the impeccable service. All four of us in the party enjoyed our different entrees and the appetizers. I had a Travelzoo voucher which initially was for lunch, but the manager had no problem applying to dinner. All in all, we had a very pleasant dining experience. Would definitely recommend!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good overall
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Quiet place, good service, food was good but had its flaws. Came here with a deal voucher, otherwise i would go somewhere else if you plan to pay regular price."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
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Review 27 for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice place to enjoy good food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nice place to enjoy good food and a relaxing time. Highly recommended."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bay Grille & Lounge - Berkeley
Based on the average of (25) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate