-
The Alley $$
- 3325 Grand Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-444-8505
-
Be the first to review this location!
Rod Dibble plays piano nightly at this Lake Merritt bar, often with vocal accompaniment from local amateur cabaret crooners. Designed like an old saloon with relatively private diner-style booths (where you can order a burger, steak, or fries to go with your drinks), the Alley is characterized by its vintage clotheslines, pink and baby-blue restroom stalls (much cleaner than your average East Bay haunt), and the thousands of marquees and business cards stapled to its walls. In contrast to the swankier Kingman’s Lucky Lounge across the street, the Alley stays true to its namesake, and the cluttered decor makes it seem homey.
-
Asqew Grill
- 5616 Bay St., Emeryville (map)
- 510-595-7471
-
Be the first to review this location!
-
Au Coquelet Cafe $
- 2000 University Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-845-0433
-
(based on 1 user review)
Ahh... Au Coquelet, the welcoming Berkeley cafe where you can get a cup of coffee at the crack of dawn and come back after midnight for another cup with an Irish kick, indulge in a fresh fruit torte or any of the spot's homemade desserts. No matter what time of day you opt to sit for a spell in the brick-walled Berkeley institution, there tables are sure to be dotted with people typing at laptops, thumbing through books, or just shooting the breeze.
-
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers $
- 4162 Piedmont Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-655-7180
-
Be the first to review this location!
-
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers $
- 1600 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-849-2827
-
Be the first to review this location!
-
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers $
- 1591 Solano Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-526-8185
-
(based on 2 user reviews)
-
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers $
- 5819 College Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-601-0444
-
Be the first to review this location!
-
Beta Lounge $$
- 2129 Durant Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-845-3200
-
Be the first to review this location!
This sleek, loungey little wine/sake bar boasts an interesting menu of nigori cocktails, a dozen or so largely satisfying noshes, and an ambient conviviality that belies its proto-IKEA design scheme.
-
Bistro 1491 $$
- 1491 Solano Ave, Albany (map)
- 510-526-9601
-
Be the first to review this location!
-
BrainWash Cafe
- 1122 Folsom St., San Francisco (map)
- 415-861-3663
-
Be the first to review this location!
Folsom Street may not be the most picturesque destination in San Francisco, but that doesn’t stop musically inclined and hip thirtysomethings from hanging out at this popular cafe. Known for its unique combination as a cafe and Laundromat, Brainwash also features predominantly acoustic solo acts seven nights a week, as well as a Thursday comedy night. During the day, Brainwash attracts suit-and-tie types to informal business lunches over burgers and delicious french fries. At night, it’s a haven for young aspiring songwriters.
-
Bureau 510 $$
- 5800 Hollis St., Emeryville (map)
- 510-595-1000
- (based on 1 user review)
-
BurgerMeister
- 2319 Central Ave., Alameda (map)
-
Be the first to review this location!
-
Café Clem $
- 2020 Kittredge St., Berkeley (map)
- 510-280-3881
- (based on 1 user review)
Operated by the owner of La Note, the cafe features salads, sandwiches, organic coffees, and sweet and savory pastries, served in a traditional French ambiance with a modern twist.
-
Café Jolie $-$$
- 1500 Webster St., Alameda (map)
- 510-523-4500
- Be the first to review this location!
-
Chop Bar $$
- 247 4th St., Oakland (map)
- 510-834-2467
-
(based on 3 user reviews)
With its savory Vietnamese pork sandwiches and occasional pig roasts, the Chop Bar is a favorite neighborhood eatery in the warehouse district. The owners are adamant about locally sourcing their food, and they also offer drafts from several Bay Area breweries, including the beloved Linden Street.
