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Cafe Espresso Experience

4.5 star rating
based on 41 reviews

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Restaurants  [Edit]

Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
2440 Bancroft Way
(between Dana St & Sather Rd)
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 845-6039
  • Price Range: $
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: Yes
  • Takes Reservations: No
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: No
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Wi-Fi: Free
  • Good for: Lunch
  • Alcohol: None
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41 Reviews for Cafe Espresso Experience

Review Snapshot   

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"you have to try the bulgogi sandwich- best ever." (in 25 reviews)
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"It's a great place to study and read, as it gets a lot of sunlight." (in 3 reviews)
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"She always remembers that I like jalapenos on the side." (in 7 reviews)
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Elite '08

29

169

Sean B.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
08/01/2008

I never heard of a bulgogi sandwich before, and I was inrigued. I ordered the small which was about $5.00 and it was plenty big to fill me up (and I'm the guy who's never ordered the 6" at Subway, always go for the 12".
Really nice flavor, unique yet familiar. I'll definitely be back.

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5

26

Sherry W.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
08/27/2008

Oh Espresso, Espresso!
Let down your hair!
I crave the secret of bulgogi
Please share!

That's what I'd say if I knew how to cook, anyway. Since I can't cook, I eat out, then I Yelp. My first bulgogi experience was about a year ago, and let me just say.... roast beef has never been the same. The bulgogi has a slightly sweet flavor and is full of warm juices and tender goodness. The bread is crusty and fresh, and the mix of sliced carrots and some pickled veggies makes a refreshing contrast to the warm meat. I also love how they give you all the sliced jalapenos your tongue could ever take. For less than $6, you can easily fill your tummy with 6'' of  yummy! And for $9, it's twice the yummy, but if you're by yourself it would probably leave an ache in your tummy.

The food at Espresso Experience is great, and the owners are hospitable beyond belief. I was meeting some friends all day there, and they did not mind at all while I surfed their free WiFi for 6+ hours on a rainy day. I only ordered a chai latte during that time and had water from their cooler for the rest of the day, but they did not mind me sitting there at all! Some other cafe owners might get antsy, but they welcomed me back with smiles over the next few days and c'mon, who wouldn't give them business after that?

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20

65

Pete C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
08/27/2008

Two words: Bulgogi Sandwich.

Yes, I'd hate to repeat what all the other reviews have said but a simply truth cannot be denied. You come here for the Bulgogi Sandwich. The beef is tasty, the bread is toasted, there's a decent amount of veggies inside so you're not just eating beef between bread and eaten with pickled jalapenos that add a nice zing to the flavors in your mouth.

I really miss this place and have never found a similar substitute for it. The place seemed to be family owned and the owner and her daughter (?) are really nice people.

I have no idea how anything tastes here (including their coffee since they are a cafe after all) because it was love at first taste with the bulgogi sandwich. Back when I was there, the price was decent.

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9

Kim F.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
10/01/2008

Cafe Espresso Experience doesn't look like much from the outside - it doesn't have the sort of character as, say, Caffe Strada down the street, or even Musical Offerings nearby.  But it should definitely get credit for its cleanliness and service.  I don't have much to say about the coffee (which is pretty silly considering the name of the restaurant), but the sandwiches are tasty.  I haven't tried any of the desserts, but the ice thing looks really good.  
Note: It can get pretty packed at lunchtime.

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2

3

purple d.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
09/24/2008

I absolutely adore Espresso Experience.
Cleanliness, Service, Speed of Service, Price, and Quality of Food. I come to this Korean Cafe almost 4-5 times a week for their Patbingsu and Barbeque Chicken Sandwich. Their specialty is the Bulgolgi - but I'd rather go with chicken.
Coming from socal I know my froyos and bingsus, and this place has pretty authentic patbingsu! The Korean lady that owns the cafe with her husband is the sweetest woman you will ever meet, and she always makes you (or at least, me) feel special! I am always here reading and students come here to study and AirBears connection is available.
I feel not the need to comment on their sandwiches as there have been endless reviews of their Bulgolgi... but I'd like to suggest to many others to try their Patbingsu! (Korean Shaved Ice) it is a definitely hit-the-spot dessert for those with a sweet tooth. Gooood stuff! (if only they served it earlier... it's available only after 2 pm but if it's not busy, the Korean lady will make an exception!) :)

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35

191

Esther Y.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
06/11/2008

Such an American-sounding name for a Korean-owned cafe. My friend from Korea who was studying here at Berkeley for a year brought me here because she likes it a lot. So I had my first bulgogi sandwich here (I LOVE bulgogi, just never had it in a sandwich before) and it was delicious. The bread was crisp but soft on the inside - perfectly toasted. The meat was good and the sandwich was pretty filling. I wanted the shaved ice afterwards but couldn't find enough space in the stomach to order it, so I still owe myself a shaved ice next time...

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12

19

Steven L.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
07/19/2008

I had an experience completely different from what I would describe as "espresso". Actually, I think the food is only okay. The sandwiches get great praise around here, but to me, its just some meat and buttered up bread. The cookies are alright, and the coffee is decent. However, the korean woman here is really sweet, enough for me to give the place 5 stars.

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Elite '08

138

328

Jen S.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
04/16/2008

Cute little cafe! The bulgogi sandwich was better than I expected, because honestly "bulgogi" sounds like it's gonna taste like feces or worse. Rest assured, you're in for a great lunch. The cafe is cute and in a convenient location and the sandwich is less than $5. As others, I really liked the bread. No complaints, give this place a try!

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1

35

Traci C.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
06/04/2008

EE is a pretty good sandwich place.  Their bulgogi sandwich, if anything, is unique, and I love eating it with the jalepenos they give with it.  They do have off-days, when it doesn't taste as good, so if you had a bad experience, I wouldn't completely write this one off.  Their coffee is usually pretty good too.  I think I've had the cafe latte and the cafe mocha, and I remember both of those being pretty good--not too strong and not too sweet.  The patbingsoo I'm actually not that fond of.  I actually found it rather bland and the ice was really chunky.  The owners are really nice.

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Elite '08

71

345

stephanie r.

Koloa, HI

3 star rating
04/13/2008

Before I left Berkeley, I made a point to try as many new (to me, at least) restaurants as possible.  Espresso Experience was one of them.

I came here specifically for a shave ice...and was sorely disappointed.  In fact, I threw half of it away and I have never NOT finished a shave ice.  I don't know what Korean shave ice is supposed to taste like, but let me assure you there was no ice that had been shaved in my quart-sized container.  Was there ice?...yes  Had it been shaved off of a block of ice?.....no.  It was more like crushed ice that you get in your beverage at a fast food joint.  

In addition to the ice having NOT been shaved, they were not going to add syrup.  Hmmm...a shave ice with NO syrup?  "What then, pray-tell, are you going to add to this quart of crushed ice to give it flavor?", I queried.  "Oh, strawberry and other fruit, scoop ice cream & other tings", she replied.  This was disappointing.  I came here specifically for a shave ice...I even called first to make sure they had it, that the machine was working, and asked what flavors they offered.  I felt as though I had been duped.  What had happened was a miscommunication.  

The woman explained to me how they made the "shave ice".  First, they put milk in the bottom of the container...then crushed ice...then a small scoop of vanilla ice cream (think the size of a melon ball  scoop), then chocolate syrup on top of the ice cream.  Then fresh fruit.  This included fresh sliced banana, fresh sliced kiwi, whole green grapes, and normally they would slice fresh strawberries (I'm allergic to them), too.  Then, as if that weren't already enough, they throw in tiny cubes of mochi, sweet red bean paste (like they do in Hawaii), and, get this.....corn flakes.  It was almost like I was eating a bowl of corn flakes, with fresh bananas on top, and adding all that other fruit, mochi, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate syrup....GAG!  It was the grossest concoction of crap that I had ever eaten.  

I don't mind shave ice with red beans and ice cream, but all the other flavors and textures mixed in seemed like all that was missing was the kitchen sink.  Perhaps I am a shave ice purest....I like snow-like ice, that has been shaved from a block, covered in syrup...one flavor, only...no need to dress it up with red beans or ice cream or milk, or chocolate syrup, or fresh fruit, or mochi and corn flakes.....much less ALL of those things together.

Ordinarily I wouldn't go on and on about shave ice at a cafe, since it is not the primary item they serve, but I did call in advance to ask if they had shave ice and what flavor SYRUP they had.  I was told they have fruit flavors.  I asked her to name the fruit and she gave me a list.  When I arrived I was told that they do not ordinarily use syrup....the time to mention that would have been when I asked on the phone, not after I had payed for the thing....which was $5.  Now, if you like the concoction I have mentioned above, knock yourself out, because that is a bargain for all the crap they put in the quart size container.  Think of it as a bowl of corn flakes meets fresh fruit plate with a scoop of vanilla and chocolate syrup on top.  Who thought of this?

Thankfully, I also decided to order my first bulgogi sandwich, and it was to my liking.  Since it was my first I can't actually rate it, but I ate EVERY last bit.  The meat was sweet and flavorful, the bread was fresh and tasty....crisp outer crust and soft inside...and the lettuce was fresh and crisp.   It was satisfying and worth $5.  Actually, it cost me almost $11 when you consider that I paid for the "shave ice" that I didn't eat.

The WiFi is truly Free (apparently a novel concept in many Berkeley cafes), the large plate glass sections of the front glass wall open to allow in fresh air...it's quiet, clean, and the interior tables are well spaced.  I would come here again, especially for the bulgogi sandwich and free WiFi, but forget that "shave ice"...AWFUL:!

It's Berkeley, and less than 5 strides from their front door to the Cal campus, so parking is next to impossible.  I do not recommend making a special trip here and I definitely do not recommend driving here.  If you are in the area and on foot or bike, I would recommend giving the bulgogi sandwich a try.

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6

116

Melody L.

Torrance, CA

2 star rating
04/27/2008

Uh. I don't get why this place has such high ratings for the blandest sandwich in the world. Bulgogi sandwich - AMAZING IDEA. Korean BBQ in a sandwich at less than $5. But the meat tasted hardly marinated. It was just like chewing on something with the texture of beef and essence of Korean BBQ sauce. Ditto goes for the chicken teriyaki. Rascal's in the South Bay has nailed chicken teriyaki sandiwches. This one clocks in at below par. Further more the fillings and bland and typical. Shredded lettuce and tomatoes and mayo? Reminds me of cafeteria food.

If I'm gonna consume red meat soaked in sugary marinade sandwiched between carb heavy white bread, it better be helllllllla good. And this place is FAR from hella good. I'd rather head to cheese and stuff for a $3.25 sandwich, which is FAR tastier.

The only merits of this place are that its spacious and quiet, and it's cute that the owners are the ones who run it.

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Elite '08

78

264

steven t.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
02/01/2008

Oh how I would have given this place 5 stars because nothing was wrong with it.  The place was clean, access to air bears, bulgogi sandwiches (gosh I love the toasted bread here)

So I am in trying to get my usual order and ask for the bulgogi sandwich (2 to be exact) with no mayo on either one.  Needless to say, she put mayo on each one and realized she wasn't supposed to afterward.  Instead of doing what most places would do and either

A. move the stuff to a new bun
B. make a new sandwich all together

her eyes light up and she makes the "oh no" face and proceeds to wipe off the mayo with a napkin. Lucky for her we didn't ask for no mayo for allergen reasons as there was still hints of mayo left that my friend and I were exposed toooo argggggggg! Lucky for her I let it slide that day =p

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Elite '08

103

147

Christine C.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
02/26/2008

Good bulgogi sandwiches?  Check!
Variety of Tazo tea selections?  Check!
Cleanliness?  Check!
Relatively quiet?  Check!
Friendly service?  Check!
Access to AirBear Wi-Fi?  Check!
Perfect place for a little studying/reading? Check!

5 stars!

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13

27

Vivian H.

New York, NY

5 star rating
01/10/2008

The bulgogi sandwiches are delicious, though it is true there isn't a whole lot of beef (but health-wise, we could probably do with less red meat).

But really, the lady is so warm and friendly! She always remembers that I like jalapenos on the side :).  The cafe is such a nice little nook with chaotic Telegraph a turn away that I really recommend this place very much! Ever since my boyfriend introduced me to the sandwich, I'm allll about it.

Update 1/08: I went today for lunch (DELISH) and my bulgogi sandwich had the perfect amount of beef in it! SWEEET.

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Elite '08

278

701

Dave K.

Sunnyvale, CA

5 star rating
12/25/2007

Oh, how I miss the bulgogi sandwich.  $5 for a mouthwatering mound of sweet Korean barbequed beef on a crunchy roll.  Sweet baby Jesus I just had Christmas dinner but I want this now.  It's a little on the small side, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in taste.  I came to this place to study in my college days and they were always nice to me, probably because they knew me and I gave them a decent amount of business by bringing dozens of friends here throughout the years.

I went back a few months ago and it looks like they've got new ownership, but I think they've carried on the same tradition of great customer service and good quality food.

Who's coming with me next time?

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Elite '08

59

219

Brad L.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
03/06/2008

Truth be told, Berkel Berkel a few blocks down Telegraph does better bulgogi, but not in convenient sandwich form. Esp Exp's is kinda like a Subway sandwich, except with surprisingly decent bread. Given that it's reheated, the bulgogi is about as good as it can be.

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13

42

Ralph L.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
07/09/2008

Visited on Wednesday around 6p, ordered a Bulgogi sandwich. Cost: $5.20, tax included.

Pros:
-Tasty bulgogi sandwich. Bread was crispy, tasted fresh
-The bulgogi meat was similarly fresh-tasting, juicy, tender, and quite delicious.
-Satisfying portion. Half of the sandwich (it came cut in half) would be a rather light, but tasty lunch. Both halves made for a great filling dinner, without the point of becoming heartburn. to the guy above who got the $9 portion instead, I have no clue how you ate that thing.
-Great location for students or those tied to public transportation. Directly across the street from the south side of the Cal campus, and a few major AC Transit bus lines: the 1, 51, 52L, F, 7, etc. Parking is decidedly less convenient but there is a short-term garage a block away on Durant.
-Restaurant was unusually clean for southside Berkeley with attractive furniture, lighting, etc.
-Free water seems to come from an outside source (a Sparkletts-like machine) instead of the tap. I realize this is a strange personal preference but years of drinking bottled water has trained me to hate the taste of tap water.
-Friendly staff.

Cons:
-Does not accept ANY credit cards. $0.50 charge for debit cards. If they took American Express, I would probably go twice a week for lunch (hint hint). Minus one star.
-The lady behind the counter failed to ask whether I wanted mayo on the sandwich (I didn't), and it dripped over my hands. They didn't have a restroom on site, which kind of ruined my original plan of reading at the table after my sandwich. To her credit, she tried to open up the restroom around the corner of the restaurant in a nearby alley, but couldn't get it unlocked :(

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29

109

Jeff C.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
01/02/2008

I came here a while ago, but I just now remembered to yelp it. Awesome place to get a great Bulgogi sandwich. There isn't much meat, but its all about the flavor! Sweet BBQ'ed beef on a great roll. The bread perfectly complements the rest of the sandwich.
My only problem is that its far from where I usually am. Its not really Cafe Espresso's fault, so I cant take off a star for that, but if more of my classes were closer to the southwest side of campus I would come here a whole lot more often. Maybe its time for a change of major to get closer to these sandwiches!

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12

2

Emmanuel K.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
03/19/2008

I've been a fan of the bulgogi sandwich since I first had it in 2000.  The owners have been super classy ever since, and continue to provide quality service and food.  Their spicy tuna rolls are good too, and have a good amount of tuna - more than at most restaurants.  I haven't had much  else here because I always get the bulgogi sandwich - you just have to try it.

It seems as though they changed the recipe, however.  Back in the day, they used to include julienned carrots, which gave the sandwich a crunchy texture as well as sweetness to complement the beef.  Still an outstanding sandwich, though, especially with jalapenos.

It's a great place to study and read, as it gets a lot of sunlight.  Not sure if they still have them, but the sliding glass doors by the tables at the front were also a nice touch.

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17

16

Maple L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/03/2007

We'd go here just for the yummy bulgogi sandwiches, with carrot sticks and jalapenos on the side, this boy and I.

We'd go for the coffee and tea drinks, this boy and I, now my boyfriend.

We'd go to snag a seat by the big windows that fold out, this boy and I, now my fiance.

We miss this place, this boy and I, now my husband.

We have had nothing but a love affair with Espresso Experience.

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Elite '08

16

60

Ada T.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
12/21/2007

Good lord, I'm obsessed with their bulgogi sandwich. The idea of putting Korean beef into a perfectly toasted sandwich -- totally brilliant. The owners of the place also seem extremely nice, which is why I'm able to forgive the fact that a fair amount of time passes between when I order a sandwich and when I'm finally able to take a huge, delicious bite.

Really not much else to say, considering I've never tried any of their other menu items (and why would I do such a thing?) The place is clean and bright for studying, it probably gets AirBears, silly $0.50 charge for credit/atm card...but really, who cares about these details. Bulgogi sandwich = everything. More people need to know about this place!

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171

63

Susan H.

West Covina, CA

4 star rating
09/05/2007

Food:  A-
Value:  A
Service:  B-
Decor:  Americana style cafe
Rate of Return:  Often
Best Time To Go:  anytime they're open

BULGOGI in a SANDWICH ... who would have thunk it.  It's super affordable and worth a few trips a week for a college student.  But it's definitely a must try for anyone living in or visiting the bay area.

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Elite '08

20

138

Andy M.

CA

4 star rating
07/26/2007

The espresso isn't much of an experience - I tried it. It tastes kind of like coffee.

The bulgogi beef sandwich or the teriyaki chicken sandwich, however, are quite delicious. Imagine a Korean cheese steak and you're getting close.

They just remodeled and it looks nicer but has lost a little soul in the process. Still, cheap and delicious.

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Elite '08

165

265

Karen W.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
09/03/2007

My first Bulgogi Sandwich...and it was YUMMY.
Hot tasty beef, mayo (a yummy sort, i usually hate mayo), lettuce, and tomatoes sandwiched in a white deli roll.

Other stuff here:
-Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich: Yummy! Lighter tasting than the Bulgogi. The chicken is very fresh and tender.
-Edamame: 1.25 a box! Yay!
-Potato Salad: Similarly cheap. Not bad, great portions.
-Shaved Ice: Pass on this one. It was heaping, but the quality was so-so. Not enough Adzuki beans or other toppings, and NO CONDENSED MILK. Craziness. Also, the Ice was very hard. It needed to be chipped off. Unsatisfactory.

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21

Ann S.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
01/08/2008

Don't mean to be a spoil sport but when I saw this in the top five in the Best of Berkeley list, I had to complain.  No way it is in the top 15 best places to eat in Berkeley.  

If you're a vegetarian, this is not a great choice for you.  They have hot-dog-topping-style veggies: my veggie sandwich tasted like a McDonald's salad on bread with Italian salad dressing.  Does that sound exciting?  Considering that the sandwiches are smallish and not that filling, they are rather pricey.  The ambiance is a bit clinical: clean, but without personality or style.  

However, the staff are really nice and it is always refreshing to see a clean, well-lit, non-seedy looking cafe in Berkeley.  I would bump up the rating if they had better veggie sandwiches.

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Elite '08

146

298

Dave L.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
05/05/2007

It's all about the Bulgogi Sandwich.

Don't be a fool and order a generic turkey sandwich. Get the mighty Bulgogi Sandwich. There's no other choice. It's a little overpriced, but totally worth it. I used to motivate myself to go to the RSF by letting myself have one afterwards. So awesome. Now I'm crazy ripped. Aw yea! Just kidding. But seriously the Espresso Experience is one of my top ten fondest college memories.

Tips: Hurry! This family owned shop closes down for summer vacation.

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3

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-- -.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
04/30/2008

I'm not sure I would have gone to this place if my curiosity had not been piqued by the rave reviews of this "bulgogi" business.   For that reason alone, I had been meaning to go here for a while.   I finally dove in today, and I am psyched about it.   Thank you, fellow yelpers, for introducing me to my new favorite easy campus lunch stop.   I usually have trouble finding food I really like around campus.   I will have trouble no more.

Here's the run-down
First impressions:  the cafe was totally clean and friendly.   And by friendly I mean both the service AND the customers were very pleasant to be around.   The cashier asked how I was doing (standard) but in a very genuine way and with a huge smile on his face (not so standard).  
Ordering:   Ordered the regular bulgogi (sans mayo) for $4.80.   Please note, I never eat beef.  I don't particularly like it, I never want it, I don't see the point.  I ordered it here because I felt I owed it to yelp to try this famed bulgogi sandwich.  It took a little longer than I expected for it to be ready but there were a lot of orders in front of me and the cute lady behind the counter was making each item fresh and with care.
Taste:   holy crap.    The first bite was amazing, mind you, but I swear it got better with each bite.   I lost myself in this simple little sandwich.   It didn't LOOK like a sandwich I would normally eat--shredded lettuce, toasted white bread roll, and, again, beef--but after trying it, I'm pretty sure this will be a lunchtime staple for me.   The bread was the perfect texture (not what I would expect from an everyday white bread roll!), the meat was perfectly thin and had great texture, the lettuce was crispy juicy good, the tomatoes weren't the mushy flavorless slices of crap you'll find at Subway, but fairly flavorful and juicy (good considering this is not their season).   The beef has a slight sweet flavor which is clear in each bite but not overpowering (THANK YOU.  No bigger turn-off than over-sweetened, drowning-in-sauce teriyaki items).    

I adored the food and the atmosphere.   I will definitely be back.   Bonus: I don't have to feel guilty for spending  all of my money.   Delectable but simple sandwich for less than five bucks?   Yes.

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8

88

Nuri K.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
06/04/2008

One day I walked into Espresso Experience after having heard loads of good things about the bulgogi sandwich. Perfect, I cried, it holds the two culinary entities that I love the most: Korean barbecue and bread-and-cheese. Completely expecting to be floored by this marriage and having seen other customers each with two large-ish halves which I misinterpreted to be the large, I decided to order one, myself. While simultaneously wondering how Espresso Experience could charge almost five dollars for a measly half-sandwich.

Five minutes later at my little table, out come four halves of this bulgogi-bread wonder. I can feel people doing double-takes, politely trying not to look but flabbergasted at the piles of meat and carbs presented in front of lil' ol' me. A lightbulb-d'oh experience that still leaves four halves of a sandwich waiting to be consumed.

So, to my (and, I'm sure, now your) horror. I ate it. All. In that one sitting. Before rolling off to work across the street and then falling asleep in my chair at the office sometime later. There was something irresistible about this melding of East and West, but I soon discovered that though it was in part the bread, it was mostly the concept that was so alluring.

Soft, spongy, crunchy-on-the-outside grilled bun and choice of (what I think might be--has to be) provolone (could've been white American, fine) aside, this sandwich was poorly executed. I saw the beef being cooked on one of those portable griddles, slices stacked atop one another in large piles, which will lead to no browning whatsoever. The meat will just boil in the marinade, which at EE is bland, unpleasantly sour, and too black peppery. The beef is the star of this sandwich, and should shine like one! How about some char-broiling or something to get a little caramelization on these bad boys. Plus, the meat is of low quality; too much fat and gristle stays on the pieces. Traditionally, bulgogi (not galbi) does leave a little room for fat and the like, as it is prepared with less pricey cuts, but this was a bit much. I know my eating the equivalent of two sandwiches had a lot to do with it, but it was also the beef that left me feeling nauseated. Additionally, something was off about the shredded lettuce.

I'm in love with the idea of this sandwich, but not so much the item itself at Espresso Experience. I will definitely not be shelling out nine-plus dollars next time, and I'm very reluctant to try it with even 4.60. However, the location is convenient if you're around campus and they make a pretty good cappuccino.

I'm actually fantasizing about the perfect homemade bulgogi sandwich, this time using marinated short ribs, which I happen to have in my freezer. I would chop it up like cheesesteak, sprinkle some fresh black pepper on it, lay a piece of provolone on top, stick it in the salamander until the cheese melts, and top it off with shredded lettuce (maybe blended with a little cabbage), tomatoes, and thinly-sliced, white balsamic-pickled onions and jalepeno. I just have to find some quality bread on which to smear some mayo and I'm good to go.

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Sunim K.

New York, NY

5 star rating
02/07/2007

More Berkeley kids need to know about this place to support this unknown cafe. Their bulgogi sandwich is just THAT good. Cult following right here for this thing. It's strange how I've never heard of such a concoction in my life until coming to Cal. There's jalapenos in the sandwich which gives it a kick. It's a hot sandwich with a toasted bread. The perfect bread for this sandwich! Haven't tried anything else and I don't think I want to. Hm, maybe I'll get one tomorrow! :)

They serve other hot sandwiches as well. Coffee, tea, pastries, etc. Try this place out!

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al l.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
08/15/2007

I had an English GSI who had a thing for this establishment because Michel Focault supposedly frequented the coffee joint during his Berkeley escapades of the '60s. Well, I no longer come here due to its Foucaultian history, but rather for their sumptuous eats.

While they may be called ESPRESSO Experience and have a full coffee bar complete with affordable lattes and teas, their main selling point must be their sandwiches, which are perfect for a light lunch that won't give you a severe food coma in lecture afterwards. I especially recommend the chicken terryaki. The price of the regular size (below $5) is very reasonable. Highly recommend that you try it, they're very addictive.

The cafe itself is owned by a Korean family that's really friendly and almost kow-tow when serving you...kinda weird but nice that they appreciate your business. They just opened a few weeks ago after a renovation and I like the new, more sophisticated atmosphere. Though it's not crowded at all during the summer, it does get busy during lunchtime throughout the academic year with students opting for the signature bulgogi eats.

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brian m.

El Cerrito, CA

5 star rating
01/26/2008

Came for a quick lunch after hearing all the compliments from fellow yelpers. It sure didn't disappoint me. The bulgogi sandwich was great and the owner was very nice. Good price, wi-fi, clean interior, great food, and what else.... I'll leave it there. Will surely go back soon.

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clara h.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
10/07/2007

Perfect place to study! Plus they're open til 7 PM on Sundays!  

I revived my Yelp account just to write a review about this place.  I don't think they get as much business as they should, because they're in an awkward location where there's not that much foot traffic.  

They're under new ownership (since the summer) and wow, they have really cleaned up the joint....total makeover.  The cafe is so cute now and just a really pleasant place to study.  Green walls, Audrey Hepburn artwork, new counters, new tables and chairs, new lighting...it's an all new environment.  They have sandwiches, sushi rolls, pastries, cookies, tea, coffee, misc. drinks.  I can't speak for their sushi, but I will say that you will not be disappointed with the bulgogi sandwich and the pastries are fresh.

2 Stars for the DELICIOUS bulgogi sandwich
+ 1 star for Airbears
+ 1 star for plentiful seating and close proximity to campus
and lastly, +1 star for the great service.  Seriously, the cute Korean couple that own this place are SO sweet and friendly.  That alone makes me want to go back and give them business.  They treat their student customers like their kids, and I noticed they know some of their customers by name. Cute.

Support this local family owned business. :)

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Elite '08

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erica c.

West Hollywood, CA

5 star rating
08/31/2006

The best sandwich ever!  You'd think that in LA's K-town I'd come across a place that sells bulgogi sandwiches but no... I have to go back to Berkeley to get my fix!

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Wonnie K.

Fullerton, CA

4 star rating
11/16/2007

The bulgogi sandwiches are great, but too small.  It would be a 5 if I wasn't still slightly hungry afterwards.

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esther o.

Arlington, VA

5 star rating
09/12/2006

I've eaten everywhere there is to eat in Berkeley, but the bulgogi sandwiches from Espresso Experience are what I miss the most.

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46

Jean K.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
04/05/2008

i didn't find anything special with their bulgogi sandwich. maybe because i am korean and so accustomed to the taste of bulgogi. but i can see how others might like it.

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26

O i.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
02/27/2007

toasted bread, bulgogi, mayo, lettuce, and some other stuff  =  glorious euphoria unequaled by any other sandwich experience, ever.

people, this is good stuff.

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eriin w.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
03/03/2007

been coming here since i first went to berkeley, um, years ago. you have to try the bulgogi sandwich- best ever. in fact, the ONLY place i know that serves it. now if only they open longer hours on the weekend...it's anti non students--i can't catch them on weekdays!

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Elite '08

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96

sherilyn t.

New York, NY

4 star rating
12/27/2006

i love the teriyaki chicken sandwich...especially with extra jalapenos. the sandwich is kinda small and a bit pricey, but taste great.

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