'We are home:' Berkeley Cafe will reopen Monday at new location

After closing its doors last year, one of Raleigh's oldest downtown bars and cafes is finally reopening in its new location.

Posted 2:56 p.m. Apr 27 — Updated 2:56 p.m. Apr 27

After closing its doors last year, one of Raleigh's oldest downtown bars and cafes is finally reopening in its new location.

"We are home!" announced Berkeley Cafe on Friday.

They will reopen for lunch on Monday, April 29 at their new location on 428 S. Dawson Street, right behind Red Hat Amphitheater in the space formerly occupied by Fiction Kitchen.

According to Berkeley Cafe's post, they will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for lunch. Once they receive their ABC permits, they will resume their regular schedule and activities.

"Thanks to you all for the support you have thrown our way," they wrote.

Raleigh's oldest music venue's future is uncertain, amid rezoning plans

Why did Berkeley Cafe have to move?

They closed in 2023 due to rezoning happening at their former location on West Martin Street inside a building with a history dating back to the 1920s. Despite the historic building acting as a "contributing structure to the National Register Depot Historic District," current zoning would allow for "redevelopment of the site, while the proposed rezoning would require photographic documentation of the building prior to any potential future demolition."

Historic Raleigh music venue to host final live shows this weekend before closing

Besides its history as a beloved music venue, The Berkeley has had a loyal lunch following for its burgers and sandwiches.

The Berkeley used to occupy more space. In 1988, owners expanded to adjacent property at 215 W. Martin St., and began hosting bigger shows featuring punk, hip-hop and electronic artists. The venue was shuttered in 2013 as The Berkeley went back to a one room venue.

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