Seemor
Original PolloBWorth Trying
2101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
· Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (198 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Old-school Berkeley diner serving hearty breakfasts, burgers, and rotisserie-style chicken at friendly prices; mostly loved by regulars, with occasional inconsistency on burritos and sides.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Original Pollo delivers solid neighborhood dining through genuinely friendly, owner-led service and strong burgers and breakfast execution, with excellent value for downtown Berkeley. However, inconsistent burrito quality and occasional bland sides prevent higher performance, while the simple, functional diner setting lacks distinctive appeal. A reliable local favorite rather than a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels like a time capsule of Downtown Berkeley, warm and welcoming without any fuss. Regulars trade greetings with the owner, and plates land fast with a smile. One diner summed it up: "It feels like the neighborhood spot that still remembers you." The vibe is cozy and calm, steps from BART, and priced for everyday meals. Cooking leans classic diner with a Mexican-American streak, more comfort than flashy. Burgers bring real grill character, kabobs stay juicy with a light char, and breakfast runs all day with crisp home fries and fresh-squeezed OJ. Most love the hearty value; a few call out burritos that can run cold or bland, so stick to house strengths if you are particular. Service is genuinely friendly and owner-led. For families, the menu reads kid-ready: grilled cheese, burgers, fries, hot dog, waffles, and simple eggs. Veggie options like a beans-and-cheese burrito or veggie burger add flexibility. No kids menu is noted, but portions are shareable and prices stay reasonable for downtown.
At a Glance
- Community favorite with friendly owner presence
- Strong value on burgers, breakfast, and chicken plates
- Burrito quality can be inconsistent (temperature and seasoning)
- Street parking can be tricky; transit is easiest
- Breakfast served all day with fresh-squeezed orange juice
What Sets It Apart
- all_day_breakfast
- owner_present_hospitality
- value_burgers_and_fries
What People Love
- Nostalgic diner feel and hospitality
- Char-grilled burgers with big, hot fries
- All-day breakfast and crisp home fries
- Juicy chicken kabob and value plates
Points of Concern
- Burritos occasionally arrive cold or underseasoned based on recent reports
- Salad freshness issue mentioned once; not a recurring theme
- Parking is limited; expect metered street spots
- Review patterns show natural variation; one location-confused review exists but no manipulation signs
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$18-28 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose kabob or chicken filet hot plates for balanced value
- Pair burgers with a half order of fries if available
- Add cheese or tzatziki to dial up flavor on sandwiches
Perfect For
- Casual breakfast before campus or BART
- Quick, hearty burger-and-fries lunch
- Solo bite with friendly service
- Affordable family meal in downtown
Location Insights
Area: Student-centric downtown near UC Berkeley with casual eateries, foot traffic, and transit access.
Safety: Generally safe, busy by day and early evening; standard urban vigilance late night.
Nearby: Steps from Downtown Berkeley BART, near theaters, bookstores, campus buildings, and hotels.
Downtown BerkeleyDowntown Berkeley offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to a youthful and eclectic crowd. The area is lively and walkable, with a strong emphasis on local and international cuisines, reflecting the diverse community and academic influence.
SouthsideSouthside is a sub-area of Downtown Berkeley known for its dense concentration of student housing, casual dining spots, and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular destination for affordable and diverse food options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–17:00
Tuesday07:00–17:00
Wednesday07:00–17:00
Thursday07:00–17:00
Friday07:00–17:00
Saturday07:00–17:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →