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The Alley $$
- 3325 Grand Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-444-8505
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Rod Dibble plays piano nightly at this Lake Merritt bar, often with vocal accompaniment from local amateur cabaret crooners. Designed like an old saloon with relatively private diner-style booths (where you can order a burger, steak, or fries to go with your drinks), the Alley is characterized by its vintage clotheslines, pink and baby-blue restroom stalls (much cleaner than your average East Bay haunt), and the thousands of marquees and business cards stapled to its walls. In contrast to the swankier Kingman’s Lucky Lounge across the street, the Alley stays true to its namesake, and the cluttered decor makes it seem homey.
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Asqew Grill
- 5616 Bay St., Emeryville (map)
- 510-595-7471
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers $
- 4162 Piedmont Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-655-7180
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers $
- 1600 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-849-2827
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers $
- 5819 College Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-601-0444
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Beta Lounge $$
- 2129 Durant Ave., Berkeley (map)
- 510-845-3200
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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.
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Bistro 1491 $$
- 1491 Solano Ave, Albany (map)
- 510-526-9601
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BrainWash Cafe
- 1122 Folsom St., San Francisco (map)
- 415-861-3663
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Folsom Street may not be the most picturesque destination in San Francisco, but that doesn’t stop musically inclined and hip thirtysomethings from hanging out at this popular cafe. Known for its unique combination as a cafe and Laundromat, Brainwash also features predominantly acoustic solo acts seven nights a week, as well as a Thursday comedy night. During the day, Brainwash attracts suit-and-tie types to informal business lunches over burgers and delicious french fries. At night, it’s a haven for young aspiring songwriters.
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BurgerMeister
- 2319 Central Ave., Alameda (map)
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Café Jolie $-$$
- 1500 Webster St., Alameda (map)
- 510-523-4500
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The Connecticut Yankee
- 100 Connecticut St., San Francisco (map)
- 415-552-4440
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This neighborhood sports bar and restaurant dates back to the early-20th century, but has been the Connecticut Yankee since 1989. Located on the corner of Connecticut and 17th streets in Potrero Hill, it hosts live blues and funky jam bands about three or four nights a week. It has a dark, woody feel, perfect for seeking refuge on days when dreary fog blankets the city. A sports-lover's paradise, the bar has large-screen TVs, and serves brunch, lunch, and dinner.
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Day of the Dead Cafe
- 3208 Grand Ave., Oakland (map)
- 510-325-3113
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Cute neighborhood coffee joint next door to the Grand Lake theater with Dia de Los Muertos-themed decor and a menu serving hot dogs and sandwiches in addition to typical coffee shop fare like pastries, drip coffee, and espresso drinks. This isn't a get-in, get-out morning pit-stop kind of place, but rather one that invites and encourages patrons to stay awhile. Don't miss Smokey, the beloved and knowledgeable proprietor.
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Doc’s of the Bay $
- Various locations, mobile (map)
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Doggy-Style Hot Dogs $
- 1234 Park St., Alameda (map)
- 510-521-5555
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Elevation 66 Brewing Company $$-$$$
- 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito (map)
- 510-848-9176
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A nine-table, twelve-tap family-friendly brewpub offering updated takes on American standards, as well as a full slate of beers, both brewed in-house and elsewhere.
