Raleigh, NC keeps unveiling its secrets to us every moment, and today was not the exception.
After looking through records, articles, and whatever piece of information we could get our hands on, Berkeley Cafe opened their doors and revealed why they are such an important addition to our city’s history.
The three story brick building that stands on 217 W Martin St. dates back to circa 1920s, it used to be the location for Atkins Grille, Carolina Hotel & Café, and the Hollywood Hotel.
In the early 1980’s, a man by the name of John Alfred Blomquist took over the place, and decided to name it Berkeley Cafe, the name came from how much he enjoyed Berkeley California.
Lisa Lewis and Alex Little, current owners of the cafe have kept this place alive, placing their personalities on every square inch of the building, if you just take a few minutes and walk around you will find out why. Books, art, decorations and memorabilia, musical instruments, as random as it may look, it all ties the place together.
Multifaceted just like the performers who have stood on their stage, for many, this has been the first opportunity performers and artists have had the chance to be introduced to an audience, a space where they plucked their first notes, and recited their first songs. An experience that gave many the confidence to continue reaching for their goals and dreams of becoming a proud artist based out of Raleigh, NC.
The food that comes out of the kitchen is another gem this cafe offers; salads, burgers & sandwiches. Or, if you just want to take a break and enjoy some home made finger food, then the small bites are for you. Like a cup of soup, a quesadilla or a basket of fries, warm and cozy just like the attention you receive inside this location.
We tried the Classic Reuben, home made chips, paired with a topo chico, greatest combo ever. Marbled rye bread that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, corned beef that melts in your mouth, kraut, swiss cheese and mustard puts it all together. Personally, I’m a chips over fries kinda person, it always makes me feel like a little kid eating them, so you know I was in my happy place.
If you look into their social media, you will find out why this is a place loved by their patrons. It’s charm makes you become a frequent visitor as soon as you walk in, you can hear the locals chat away with their friends and strangers, others enjoying a chess game on the patio, or even reading a book in a corner, a pit stop for some, and a place they can call home for many.
Berkeley Cafe is currently going through an unexpected scenario, with developers investing into our city, many of our Raleigh staples have had to move out or relocate from buildings that stood in place for a centenary or more, our history is being modified right before our eyes.
This is an excerpt from Alex Little speech at the city council on September 20, 2022.
“It’s very frustrating here, what do real estate developers in Madison or New York City know about living in Raleigh? They don’t live here, they don’t even want to visit here, but they just want to come and make money off of us and tear down our historic buildings and it’s frustrating to spend years building a business just to have this out of town money come in, and buy up our property and then just run up our small business out”.
Below is a link to the video where you can watch the whole speech.
Hey! Raleigh 
One response to “Berkeley Cafe, and the history within its brick walls.”
Great article. The Berkeley Cafe is one of the last true Raleigh businesses standing… for how long remains to be seen, sadly.
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