Perk Up!

By Gillian Walters

We’re a month into fall semester and the Emerson library is starting to get crowded. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a computer or a viable study space. Down the street, the Emerson Café is just as busy. When you’re desperately in the need of some quiet time, try The Berkeley Perk, a lovely café in the South End. It’s only ten minutes away from Emerson’s campus at 69 Berkeley street, between Chandler and Lawrence streets.

The café is modestly sized, yet the décor is charming. A large window in the front of the cafe allows for plenty of natural light and opportunities to people watch. The green and leather booths are spacious and comfortable. Framed pictures and artwork occupy wall space, creating a welcoming atmosphere opposed to the clinical look of a library (Also, there are plenty of outlets, so don’t worry if you're wondering if you’ll be able to keep your laptop charged).

Besides the pleasing aesthetics of The Berkeley Perk, it has a great menu. The breakfast and lunch menus provide a variety of options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. When you’re working hard on school work, it’s inevitable you’re going to get hungry. I recommend the avocado, cheese, and tomato melt, a personal favorite of mine. I usually get it on whole grain bread because it’s delicious with the pesto sauce they use. The priciest item I found on both menus came out to be $6.95. The prices are unbeatable at the Perk. (Breakfast is from 8-10 AM Monday through Friday and 8-12 on the weekends. Lunch is served until closing at 5PM on both weekdays and weekends).

By the way, don’t worry about the Berkeley Perk getting crowded. Every time I stop by to study and get my usual latte, only two or three customers are there. This café is a gem, but oddly enough it’s never crowded. The only noise you’ll ever hear is the low hum of WERS and the occasional chit chat between the baristas(who are awesome, by the way). The staff at The Berkeley Perk are so genuinely nice that it will make your new study spot even more desirable.




Whether it be the great snacks or low key atmosphere, The Berkeley Perk is a great alternative to Emerson’s library and café.

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