The food at Skates is on par with room service at any Marriott-type hotel in any midsize city in the US. If you're a foodie, stay away. Yes, the view is fantastic. But that's about all Skates has to offer that is in any way different. For a better value, have a drink at Chevy's down the street in Emeryville, which has the same view, then head to one of Berkeley's real restaurants for a food experience worth your money - anywhere on North Shattuck (near Vine) ought to do.
Pros: view
Cons: average food, poor service, noisy
more