UPDATE: MAY 17TH 2025: A special debt and acknowledgement to the two workers at Saul's FEDERICO AND FITO for launching an effort to return my neighbor's wallet with her many cards and cash, and I saw them in the neighborhood looking for her house diligently, (The exact address is hard to find), before leading them to her door, where they refused any kind to compensation. This is typical of Saul's employees who are a great asset to the community, and this above and beyond effort deserved special recognition! Thank you FEDERICO AND FITO. you rock! thank you Saul's!

Update, sat December 3rd, 2022. Walking in the rain I decided to stop here and have a hot toddy outside, and I was greeted like a family member by some of the kindest wait staff I've ever encountered. Thoroughly enjoying sitting in the rain next to a flame heater drinking a hot toddy, I'm reminded of one of the things that makes Berkeley special, and that is a Saul's delicatessen. As a long time resident, and critically hailed reviewer, (Toot toot!), I have to say that for foodies looking for authenticity and great food, on one level or another this place always satisfies.

UPDATE JUNE 29th 2022. Went in tonight and enjoyed a bagel with the works, which is one of the most reliable things on the West Coast. I got to remember to get rid of the cucumber, because I like my bagel with a bit more spice and bite, but it was really perfect. Lox, tomato, cream cheese, onion, perfect. Backed it up with a bloody Mary. Did not know they had on the menu, now I remember why there is something to be said for doing simple things. Excellently. Now, on to my regular review

This super reliable Berkeley holdout, has been serving delicious kosher for over 5 decades, and is still one of the few places that make beef borscht soup, and has a glass counter selection of many different kinds of locks, schmears, and sides. To know a Sal's bagel with a cream cheese smear, lox, onion and tomato, is to know heaven. To know it with a little bit of beef borscht soup, used to be in another dimension entirely. As usual the staff was supremely kind and engaging, and they always have a host who's a great conversationalist. Enjoy Berkeley's last real old style kosher deli while you can, because one look around will tell you that times are a' changin'. Highly recommended