Oakland’s Party for Two

By OtownEater

I spoke with a friend the other day as she was getting ready to meet a date, a guy who was coming over from San Francisco.  She had selected your everyday pub as the venue for the date, a place with a decent beer selection and mediocre, greasy pub food.  It got me thinking about places I would recommend for a date night.  The following OTown eateries offer a fun and casual vibe with an impressive ambiance, perfect to woo the object of your affection!

For a nice glass of wine and some light appetizers, head to Toast.  The owners did a fabulous job with every unique touch this restaurant brings to Oakland, from the “cabin in the woods” table tops to the creative menu that changes often, ensuring fresh, delicious food every time you dine.  Enjoy a smooth glass of red wine, and order some marinated olives, parmigiano-reggiano nuggets (more like crispy cheese wafers) and truffle honey, or a cheese plate and an assortment of salumi to snack on.   If the date is going well, there are more substantial plates to share such as spicy lamb meatballs or a roasted poblano sandwich with white cheddar cheese and a pumpkin seed pesto.

If you and a date are looking for a well-made cocktail, check out The Grand Tavern.  The prices are a bit higher, but they have great outdoor seating and great snack options, perfect for an online dating meet up suggestion.  Get cozy inside on a cold winter day with a Hot Buttered Rum and some polenta fries with curry cream and jalapeno chutney.   Or, soak in the sun with a $5 Linden Street Brewery pint served on tap, and enjoy a cheese plate and olives.   Again, you may just decide to stay for dinner, and you won’t be disappointed.

For the casual night out for two, with food that will leave you coming back for seconds and thirds, try Southie.  This playful, bustling restaurant sits next to its parent restaurant, Wood Tavern, but don’t be fooled; they are totally different dining experiences.  Grab a beer and a pulled pork sandwich, or try the truffled bacon and poached egg salad, and get ready to have your taste buds tantalized.  I have yet to order something on the Southie menu that doesn’t quench my foodie obsession.  Southie hits a home run every time, and since most tables can only seat a party of two, it is the perfect option for a date night out.

1)     Toast
5900 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Hours: Tue-Sat 12 pm – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Bar Snacks- under $10; Plates to Share- under $15
Expected Wait: 0-30 min. (weekend evenings can get crowded)

Hours: Mon-Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 10 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Bar Snacks- under $10; Dinner- Under $20
Expected Wait: 0-15

3)     Southie
6311 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am – 9 pm, Sun 9 am – 3 pm
Average Entrée Price: “Nibblings”- under $10; “Bigger Bites”- Under $20
Expected Wait: 0-30 (limited seating can make the wait longer…but it’s worth it!)