A short walk up the Embarcadero, Ramen Station serves eight-hour tonkotsu with house-made chashu via a fun self-serve, train-station-themed kiosk. Bay views, easy parking, open daily.

A 1926 former speakeasy in Emeryville serving tavern-style Californian fare with a Mediterranean twist. Famous fried brussels sprouts and one of the East Bay's best patios.

Voted Best Beer Bar in California, The Monk's Kettle in Rockridge pairs an exceptional craft beer list with upscale, from-scratch pub fare worth the trip up the hill.

A Black-owned Oakland institution since 1973, Everett & Jones serves oak-smoked ribs, hot links, and brisket with legendary house sauce — plus live blues in the Jack London Square music hall.

A warm, community-rooted coffee bar in Old Oakland with in-house roasted coffee and generously built sandwiches — the pulled pork is the local favorite.

A short drive across the estuary, Ark Chinese Restaurant in Alameda serves outstanding hand-pulled noodles, xiao long bao, and authentic northern Chinese and Cantonese favorites.