Loving the Laurel:
No Frills- just fantastic food, friendly service, and great prices!
I was absolutely ecstatic to see the city I adore receive long overdue recognition in the New York Times, as the #5 place to visit in 2012 (check it out http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?pagewanted=all)! Often when Oakland is highlighted, neighborhoods such as the newly revamped Uptown area, the always improving Lake Merritt, and the beautiful waterfront wonder of Jack London Square get all the attention. While there are several eateries in these neighborhoods worth mentioning (and will most likely be the topics of future blog entries), I find Oakland’s Laurel district to be a hidden gem for tasty and diverse cuisine, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Food here, on this short stretch of MacArthur Blvd. between 35th Ave. and High St., is always delicious, and the value is hard to beat!
In the early morning or for a leisurely brunch, try Full House Café. Try their various selection of fresh baked coffee cakes and muffins (options change daily), or order something tantalizing for breakfast and lunch off the posted “Specials” chalkboard. The Cajun Hash is a must, and I never leave without ordering a stack of the corn meal pancakes (good enough to turn any skeptic into a crazed fan) for the table to enjoy. Seriously…order the pancakes!
If you’re in the mood for something different in the afternoon, check out Phnom Penh House Cambodian restaurant just down the street. This is the 2nd location opened for Phnom Penh (there is still a restaurant in Oakland’s Chinatown), and it remains a great option for dining in or taking out. Portions are generous and the South East Asian flavors are delicious. I recommend the Troap Ang (eggplant with shrimp and pork) and the Sachkor Cha Ktis (beef in peanut sauce).
Finally, treat yourself to a stunning meal of Italian comfort food at Trattoria Laurellinos, where the restaurant’s chef, and owner, serves home-made gnocchi and other traditional Italian fare. The Bolzano gnocchi with sun dried tomato pesto is an excellent “primo” course to accompany any of the mouthwatering entrees. This neighborhood trattoria has an inviting ambience, consistently fabulous food, and prices that make it worth a trip over to the Laurel.
Summary
1) Full House Café
3719 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619
Hours: Tue-Sun 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0-30 min. (weekend brunch can get crowded)
*Cash Only
2) Phnom Penh House
3912 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619
Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat11 am – 9:30 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0
3) Trattoria Laurellinos
4171 Macarthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619
Hours: Mon 11:30 am – 8 pm, Tue-Thu 11:30 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: $9-15
Expected Wait: 0-10 minutes
*Outdoor seating available