Shattuck Ave, Downtown Berkeley

I used to work on the corner of Shattuck and Vine and was down there every day. Shattuck is an awsome street that completley changes the more downtown/South you go - or the more north you go.
Traveling south, you'll hit up downtown Berkeley, pass the Bart station, book stores and cafes. I think the only thing that truly lacks is actually FOOD. There's a Baja fresh, but thats about all the options other than coffee and sandwiches.
The street gets more residential and then you come across the best place to grocery shop EVER - Berkeley Bowl. It's filled with tons of fresh organic produce and it's actually really reasonable. Just be prepared to sit and wait for a parking spot for 15 minutes!!
Venturing north from downtown, you'll pass one of my favorite Brewery's, Triple Rock and after a quick pit stop there, you'll inch closer to the 'Gourmet Ghetto'.
This little district is littered with the aged hippies that once ruled Berkeley in the 60's. Yes - they ALL still wear Birkenstocks. Yes - they ALL still wear tye-dye. Yes - they ALL now drive a Prius. And this can all get quite annoying when it's shoved in your face on a daily basis.
But, needles to say, it's a really laid back, easy-going and friendly place to stroll in the morning, noon or night. There is no lack of food options, even though most things are a bit pricey.
For a cheap bite - go to the Cheeseboard and grab a slice of their pizza of the day, or for a huge splurge try Chez Panisse and don't even LOOK at the prices!!
Shattuck Ave. is a place for eveyone and anyone who wants to get a quick taste of how Berkeley has transformed from how it used to be (Telegraph Ave.) to how it is now (Gourmet Ghetto).