When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
U :Dessert Story
Why U :Dessert Story is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
U Dessert Story, located in San Francisco's vibrant Castro District with a second location in Berkeley, is a standout destination for dessert enthusiasts seeking unique, Asian-inspired sweet treats. This cozy café blends flavors and traditions from Thailand, Japan, and Korea, offering an innovative menu that captures the imagination and palate. The ambiance is inviting and perfect for gatherings, making it an excellent spot to meet up with friends for an indulgent experience. Highlights include their visually stunning Thai tea crepe cakes, Japanese croffles, and a reimagined mango sticky rice bingsu that fuses Thai flavors with Korean snow ice technique. The desserts are crafted with care and creativity, emphasizing both taste and presentation. Customers can enjoy highly customizable options with various toppings and sides, allowing personalized dessert stories. The café’s colorful and artistic dessert displays also make it a favorite spot for social media sharing. Beyond the sweet offerings, U Dessert Story prides itself on the passion behind each creation, ensuring every visit is memorable for dessert lovers looking for a modern twist on beloved Asian classics.
Here's what people think of U :Dessert Story
As of recent, U :Dessert Story holds a 4.4-star rating based on 538 reviews.
Reviews of U Dessert Story reflect a generally positive reception among customers. Many praise the café for its unique blend of Asian flavors and fusion desserts that are both creative and delicious. Positive feedback often highlights the beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation of the desserts, the flavorful variety, and the cozy atmosphere conducive to socializing. Customers appreciate the creativity and the passion evident in each dessert, praising signature items like the Thai tea crepe cake and mango sticky rice bingsu. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional service delays and busy peak times that can lead to hectic experiences. A few customers note that dessert prices are on the higher side, and some desired more seating space during crowded periods. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of reviews acknowledge that the quality and uniqueness of the offerings make up for minor inconveniences. Overall, U Dessert Story is celebrated as a must-visit for those wanting to explore Asian fusion desserts in a welcoming environment, combining taste, creativity, and atmosphere effectively.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Yunuen Korby
I've been to the one in San Francisco, so I expected this spot to be just as packed. To my surprise it wasn't, which is really nice. Busy but not packed. I wanted to show U :Dessert Story off to my husband, and he was impressed with the atmosphere, the cute set up, and the beautiful mural. We got a cake trio. It was all so delicious, the Thai was my husband's favorite, mine was all three (I'm not picky, he is). I totally recommend U :Dessert Story even for the little the Volcano Bingsu was a big hit with all four of my kids, the presentation is beautiful (we had this in Frisco). We'll definitely be back to try some of the drinks and food soon.
ahkwai Lert
Today, I had a wonderful time with my friends! We indulged in some delicious treats, including Honey Brick Toast for $20.00, Tempura Shrimp for $13.00, Cheese Fries for $14.00, and a refreshing Thai Tea drink for $6.50 with lite ice. We also tried a delightful Fired Boba Brown Sugar for $7.50 and ended our meal with Mango Sticky Rice Bingsu for $22.00. Although the place was a bit bustling, we made the most of it by sitting at the counter. Sharing our food was a little tricky, but we managed just fine! The restaurant, while small, was beautifully decorated and exuded a cozy atmosphere that made our experience even more enjoyable. It was definitely worth it!
M Nedloc
What a great place to grab dessert! This place is popular, at least it was the night I went. This place was packed and did have a little short wait. But I understand why. The staff was efficient. But the food is where you get to brag. Their Milo cheese drink, flippin’ delicious, of course simple but with their spin, is awesome. I also tried my first brick toast, and I didn’t realize it would taste this good. You figure its only just toasted bread; how good could it be? But it was great as well. The Bingsu was top notch as well, the simplicity but all the add-ons make is flavorful ride. Crepe cakes slices are my favorite, love crepes and love thai tea. Even though we came for desserts, I did see they offer savory foods as well. As far as parking goes, I’m sure it’s busy depending on the day and time. I came to this place on scooter, so if you’re game, have fun on your way there and treat yourself to something sweet!
Don't Write Down, Printup
It was a quaint restaurant. I am very picky when trying new foods, but found that the menu was succinct enough to understand what was in each dish. I got the cheesecake sampler. I wish that there were tiers to the sampler, as I was just one person enjoying the sampler in my party, the portions were a little bit too large. It was good though and I will be back for the mango cheesecake at a later date.
James
Delicious desserts, but overpriced. The desserts here are exceptional, especially their Spicy Out Summer Bingsu, which has such a unique flavor, but the dishes are on the more expensive side with smaller portion sizes. I do appreciate that they offer vegan bingsu options and are accommodating for substitutions even when you order through the app, but the other bingsu flavors are a little bland and the price for their slices of crepe cakes are much too high. Haven't tried any of their snacks, but probably won't try again based on the price.
How to reach U :Dessert Story
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Why U :Dessert Story may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at U :Dessert Story with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at U :Dessert Story is an irresistible choice because it offers more than just delicious desserts; it creates a lively, photogenic environment perfect for socializing and making memories. This dessert cafe combines unique Asian-inspired sweets with a warm atmosphere that invites conversation and sharing. Whether you want to unwind after a meal, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a casual outing, U :Dessert Story provides an ideal backdrop. Its blend of visually stunning dishes and cozy seating encourages groups to linger, try various treats, and engage in lively discussion. The passion of the staff, even when the cafe is bustling, adds a sense of community and shared delight. For those looking for a trendy yet comfortable spot to connect with friends over something sweet, U :Dessert Story fulfills this with a touch of creativity and an emphasis on quality. Its reputation for both classic favorites and innovative desserts makes it a crowd-pleaser that keeps guests returning again and again.
What dessert options and activities make U :Dessert Story ideal for a group meetup?
U :Dessert Story offers an exciting variety of desserts rooted in Korean, Japanese, and Thai influences, including specialties such as honey toast and shaved ice bingsoo made with oat milk. This extensive menu allows groups to explore flavors together, sharing plates and discovering new favorites. People react positively to the quality and creativity of desserts that incorporate fresh fruits, rich chocolate, and unique toppings. The portions are considerate for sharing, which naturally encourages communal tasting and lively discussion about flavors. Beyond eating, guests engage in the experience of photographing the visually appealing dishes, which are crafted with presentation in mind; this adds an interactive, social media-friendly layer to your meetup. With crowd favorites like strawberry bingsoo and mango sticky rice bingsoo, the cafe caters well to group palates that appreciate both traditional and modern sweet treats. The ambiance is casual yet buzzing, where the interplay of tastes and company transforms dessert time into a lasting shared experience.
How does the atmosphere of U :Dessert Story enhance group interactions?
The bustling yet welcoming atmosphere at U :Dessert Story enhances group gatherings by supplying an energetic vibe mixed with comfort. While it can become quite busy, this crowd contributes to the lively ambiance that many enjoy as part of the overall charm. The venue typically sees lines out the door, reflecting its popularity, and this excitement can amplify the feeling of being part of a trend or local hotspot. Inside, seating arrangements cater to groups, facilitating face-to-face conversation and closeness. Despite the fast pace, staff members are known for their politeness and effort, reinforcing a positive mood for visitors. The interior design encourages relaxation and encourages people to linger, making it easy to transition from dessert to engaged interaction. This energetic yet intimate feel positively affects group dynamics, turning a simple meal into a celebration of friendship and good taste.
What makes the dessert presentation at U :Dessert Story unique and appealing to groups?
Presentation plays a crucial role at U :Dessert Story, where desserts are designed to entice both taste buds and the eye. Each plate arrives with vibrant colors, artistic plating, and careful attention to detail, making it an experience to visually savor before indulging. For groups, this aesthetic allure generates excitement and becomes a conversation starter, as guests often take pictures to capture the moment. The highly photogenic nature of the desserts boosts their shareability, adding a modern social dimension that groups enjoy. Additionally, the uniqueness of the desserts —from honey toast to Asian-inspired bingsoo varieties—contrasts with typical dessert fare, rewarding adventurous eaters in the group. Overall, the creative plating and thoughtful ingredient combinations elevate the entire meetup into an event that stimulates all the senses.
Why is U :Dessert Story a good choice for diverse dietary preferences?
U :Dessert Story thoughtfully serves customers with various dietary needs by clearly labeling vegan and plant-based options, such as mango sticky rice bingsoo, strawberry bingsoo, and matcha oat milk drinks. This transparency makes it easier for groups with members having dietary restrictions to enjoy their visit without stress or second guessing. Offering dessert choices that use oat milk for shaved ice and other dairy-free ingredients reflects the cafe’s commitment to inclusivity. This variety ensures that everyone in your party can find a dessert that suits their preferences, which is especially crucial during group gatherings. Such accommodation builds a welcoming environment where no one feels left out, making U :Dessert Story a considerate and modern dining destination.
How accessible and convenient is U :Dessert Story for group visits?
Located in vibrant neighborhoods like San Francisco and Berkeley, U :Dessert Story is accessible and convenient for groups planning meetups. The dessert cafes operate during evenings and weekends, accommodating after-work or weekend social plans. For larger parties, reservations are advisable given the venue’s popularity and frequent lines, ensuring the group can be seated comfortably and promptly. Proximity to other popular local eateries and attractions further enhances its appeal as a meetup destination, allowing groups to combine dinner, activities, and dessert in one outing. While it can be busy during peak times, the energetic environment and quality desserts justify the visit. Ample nearby seating and clearly marked takeout options also offer flexibility for casual or planned group gatherings.
What are some final reasons to choose U :Dessert Story for your next meetup?
Choosing U :Dessert Story for your next group meetup means opting for a place that merges delicious, thoughtfully crafted desserts with a social and upbeat environment. Despite occasional busyness, the overall experience is engaging, from the creative menu selections to the vibrant, colorful presentations. It’s a destination that sparks conversation, offers something unique to try, and delights visual senses as much as the palate. The mix of traditional Asian dessert inspirations with modern twists appeals to a wide variety of tastes. Plus, the venue’s embrace of dietary diversity, combined with its strategic locations, makes it a practical and enjoyable place for groups to gather, celebrate, or simply unwind together. Gather your friends or family at U :Dessert Story and turn an ordinary meeting into a memorable, sweet occasion.