shake shack now open in berkeley
fast-casual chain shake shack has opened its first berkeley location, welcoming the downtown berkeley crowd with cal cheerleaders and a visit from oski, the mascot of uc berkeley.
first in line at 10am today for the brand's burgers, shakes, fried chicken sandwiches and newer smoky bbq menu (and the chance for a free shake shack tote) were mainly college students – a given, due to the spot's prime location at 1950 oxford street at university avenue, across from campus at the base of college housing complex anchor house.
curious downtown professionals, families and nearby berkeley high school students also joined the queue.
scenes from the opening of shake shack berkeley. photo credit berkeley eats.
the shake shack chain famously started as a hot dog cart in new york city in 2001; the brand now operates more than 400 locations worldwide. the fast-casual counter restaurants feature a trend-forward menu of burgers, hot dogs, stacked fried chicken sandwiches and milkshakes that also includes vegetarian options, loaded fries, flavored lemonades and frozen custard.
the new berkeley location marks the 52nd shake shack in california, and joins two other east bay locations in emeryville and walnut creek.
note: a dollar from every burger and sandwich sold today at the berkeley opening goes to the berkeley food network.
update: the berkeley shake shack is open daily beginning at 10am, and stays open until 11pm sunday-thursday, and until midnight friday-saturday.
shake shack is at 1950 oxford street, suite f, in berkeley.
april 28, 2026 (more openings, closings, treats, tips.)
updated.