Chez Panisse spinoff only has 14 Yelp reviews and no press. It's still mobbed. |
Bar Panisse, Alice Waters’ new restaurant next to her famed Chez Panisse, opened quietly in December — unusual for a Berkeley spot with such a legacy.
That may have been partly due to the controversy surrounding the cozy little bar on Shattuck Avenue. In order to open her new concept, Waters essentially booted longtime tenant Cesar from the space in 2023 when its sublease was up for renewal. The move sparked protests from fans of both restaurants.
Now, two months in, Bar Panisse has only 14 reviews on Yelp and barely any press. Outlets wrote about the fact that Bar Panisse was opening; none has reviewed it yet. But here’s the secret: People are going to Bar Panisse — in droves. In fact, the Chez Panisse offshoot is on fire. Bar Panisse is so popular, it is nearly impossible to get into, even on a weekday. I should know. I tried twice.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
People wait in line before 5 p.m. to go to Bar Panisse in Berkeley, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2026.
The first time was a Saturday and I gave up after an hour and 45 minutes, when there were still four tables ahead of me, per a Toast text from the restaurant. The second time, I wised up. I made my dining companion leave work early. We arrived 30 minutes before the restaurant opened at 5 p.m. and were first in a line of about 30 people.
Later, I reached out to Bar Panisse to ask about the long wait times. Varun Mehra, who manages both Chez Panisse and Bar Panisse, said they are planning to expand hours soon and expect it will alleviate some of the wait. Mehra said there was a level of built-up anticipation surrounding the debut, but that the opening is now somewhat a blur.
“It’s a small space with a limited capacity, and there aren’t too many similar options nearby, so there was some expectation that it would be well attended,” he shared over email. Sundays and Mondays are a little quieter, and most nights, the waitlist tapers off later in the evening, he said.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Bartender Clay Bernard prepares a brandy sour, left, at Bar Panisse in Berkeley, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2026.
Getting........