Lee Stephen

Dentists in downtown Berkeley tend to cluster near BART, but the ones with window views are rare. Lee Stephen sits seven floors up at 2140 Shattuck Ave. # 701, where the afternoon light spills across the treatment chair and the elevator ride gives you a minute to switch from street mode to care mode. Routine cleanings, fillings, and emergency repairs all happen here without the underground feel of some basement clinics.

Across the hall from a law firm and a graphic-design studio, the office shares the building’s quiet hum. If you need to call ahead, the number is (510) 843-1192. For directions, pull up the map—the cross street is Center. Bring a book; the waiting area is small but the view makes up for it.