One of America's last great piano bars, going since 1933 near Lake Merritt. Nightly live piano sing-alongs, business-card-covered walls, strong drinks, and classic American fare.

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 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.

An Alameda burger favorite on Park Street with Food Network cred, serving East Coast-style burgers on challah, Nashville hot chicken, and a chopped NY hero — with a bar next door.

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 Temescal bagel fixture since 2011, now part of the Wise Sons deli family, serving kettle-boiled bagels, smoked salmon, pastrami, and latkes daily.