Top Dog. 
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And Bongo Burgers! I had my first Bongo Burger in 1971.
There was something about leaving a Dead show at the Greek and getting a Top Dog fix. In its own way, it was the most satisfying culinary experience. Or hitting the Chez Panisse Cafe after a Saturday show. Those were the days. 
Ended up stopping by Snail Bar. The food was on point and both dishes I had were Michelin quality and I thought a fair price. The ambience is almost a low key dive bar playing very hip music–with some mid century diner and Eames feel. Very small place. I went on Sunday at 5 PM and it was perfect. Not sure I’d want to be there if it was prime on Friday night. Thanks for the recommendation @Betty_C and @patrick_c_albright. Awesome place and food:
@Alan_Rath - for beer near Cal, Triple Rock and/or Jupiter (same owners) are probably the standard “campus experience” 
Know you are staying at the Claremont–which looked nice, but I had a lovely time at The Berkeley City Club. Julia Morgan Long was the architect–who went on to design the Hearst Castle. Can you see the similarities?
The other thing of note is Kermit Lynch Imports is headquartered there and has a nice retail shop. Picked up some Villaine.
I’m of the generation that for a wine geek to “experience Berkeley in some way” would require stops at KLWM and North Berkeley Imports, followed by a meal at Chez Panisse, either the cafe or restaurant. BTW it looks like reasonable times have opened up at both throughout the week.
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Got to spend a few days in Berkeley a few years ago and was so happy to finally get to eat at Chez Panisse. - it was so very good, as good as I always hoped for.
We also spent a long evening at jupiter eating lots of pizza at one of the outdoor tables. My colleague loved beer and enjoyed lots of theirs. it was a perfect relax, hang out spot.
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Snail Bar just received a Bib Gourmand.
This might be too late, unless you are going back to pick him up. Second the cheeseboard in N Berkeley, though it has been 30 years and I hear they are more of a pizza place than a cheese place these days. Chez Panisse is across the street, you could have a wave at the place, and the original Peet’s coffee is just a block or two away.
Zachary’s Pizza is a must, and at the top of the list for college students, even after all of these years. If you stay at the Claremont, Rick and Ann’s is right there (brunch) and you can grab coffee at yet another Peet’s while you wait.
A non-culinary must-do is sunset from Grizzly Peak. Drive up centennial drive, make a right on grizzly peak. Better yet, hike up the fire trail. Yes, the view from the Claremont is good, but the one from Grizzly Peak (provided you aren’t fogged in) is stunning. And if you stay at the Claremont again, I think it’s either 404 or 410 that has the amazing picture window from the bedroom. Had my wedding reception there in 2006, and I’m pretty sure that was the room I stayed in during the days leading up to the big event.
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