A welcome addition to Berkeley (3.5 Green Stars) I haven’t written a review for two months – the guilt! Looking through my photos, I’m going to review places where I’ve been, in reverse order. First up is Cornerstone, and I have to say that I’m proud of this photo. A basket of fries and pint of Death & Taxes, sitting on my table in the evening light, took on the gravity and artistry of a masterwork by Vermeer or Degas. Anyhoo, after a solitary start with my beer and fries, it ended up being a big group – a post-lockdown work reunion – and I think everyone was pretty happy with their night. I like Cornerstone because it’s one of those bars where you’re more likely to mix with more people (within your own group or randos) rather than somewhere like Jupiter where people tend to not leave their seats. Not that I don’t love Jupiter – the two places are similar in some ways but Cornerstone adds a level of chaos (but in a good way!). Good selection of beer and food, spacious and pretty – what more do you want?

I’m also giving the Cornerstone 3.5 out of 5 “Green Stars” for social and environmental impact, based on this:

• Large emphasis on local draft beer, which is so much better than packaged beer from afar. • On this visit, the staff ran out of clean glasses and switched to plastic cups. Generally that doesn’t happen but hopefully it won’t become a trend. • The food menu caters well for vegetarians and fairly well for vegans. • No info is provided on social and environmental impact (e.g., food sourcing, staff benefits, etc.) • According to Glassdoor, a server/bartender earns around $16/hr plus around $10/hr in tips.

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