6 places to check out near Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

A saxophonist leans against a wall as he plays “The First Noel” near antique-style lampposts decorated with large purple and gold ornaments.

UC Berkeley students and workers on their lunch break walk along this busy thoroughfare, with its rows of trees and mix of contemporary and historic buildings, enjoying being outside after the recent rainstorms.

Julia Morgan designed this Gothic Romanesque building with Moorish architectural elements as the Berkeley Women’s City Club.

Featuring two interior courtyards, a grand staircase and an indoor swimming pool, it continues as a club, hotel, restaurant and event space.

Formerly the Ali Akbar College Store, this shop imports handcrafted sitars, sarodes, tabla and harmoniums from India.

The staff are knowledgeable, seasoned musicians who enjoy discussing each instrument and giving a background on the history of Indian music.

There’s a joyous vibe at Angeline’s, where New Orleans jazz plays, and Mardi Gras beads and wrought iron sculptures adorn the walls.

Built in 1913 as a single-screen theater for showing silent films and housing live theater performances, today “the Cal” is a three-screen movie theater that screens independent, foreign and Hollywood films with substance.

Choose between organic Mediterranean fare and healthy versions of a burrito.

Choices include baba ghanoush served with toasted pita bread, falafel and tofu, beef, chicken or fish shawarmas.

An ode to rock and pop culture, Dennis King’s gallery displays contemporary and vintage posters, and ephemera such as handbills, concert programs and guitar picks.

The Berkeley City Club became known as the Little Castle in reference to the 28 years Julia Morgan worked on Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

The Berkeley City Club Conservancy offers free 45-minute, docent-led historic tours, between 1 and 3:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of every month, except December.