Tada Cafe

One might call Tada Cafe a whole-in-the-wall lunch spot, and that’s exactly what it is. When you near the corner of Berkeley and Nebraska, Tada’s bright orange exterior is hard to miss, and the hanging letters that spell “Tada” give off loads of whimsical charm. You won’t find added frills here, just smiling faces, fresh sandwiches and cool canned soft drinks. Patrons either enter the small rectangular restaurant to place an order, or they line up at the outside window to place an order there. Some of the more popular sandwiches are already made to provide more efficient service, while many of the dishes are prepared when ordered.

There’s no seating indoors, as most people come here to scarf down a sandwich and head back to work. You can sit outside under the tent, where small tables and chairs cause diners to get cozy. Around the corner, however, there are two large picnic tables painted a spunky blue.

The menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, specials, pastas, burgers and more. Vegetarian items are easily recognized by the pink “V” beside the no-meat items. Some staple sandwiches are found on the menu, like BLT, crispy chicken club and tomato mozzarella, but there are also some more creative options. The Cuban sandwich with roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on toasted bread provides comfort food for California-dwelling Cubans and Miamians. 

The hearty Italian combo sandwich comes with Italian beef, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese and bell peppers with a side of potato salad or Caesar salad. Keep it light with colorful salads like the curred Sonoma chicken salad with tomato, spring mix, raisins, chicken, cucumbers, cream cheese and a curry mayo spread. The Albacore tuna salad is filling and delicious, with spring mix, three been salad, hard boiled egg, tomato, bell peppers, potato cubes, cucumber, tuna and balsamic dressing. Patrons can also order breakfast online (and also lunch!) so it’ll be ready to pick up and go.

HelloMetro Tip: If you’re visiting during the usual lunch rush hour, look at the menu online beforehand. Many customers are regulars, so even though the line may look long, it moves quickly. Be prepared! After your meal, head next door to YogaGlo for some downward dog inspired digestion.

- by Jessica Bates, Santa Monica Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.