RUTH'S BUKA

Toriano Gordon's bright-yellow food truck near Lake Merritt serving bold, 100% plant-based BBQ and soul food — smoky "brisket," gumbo, dirty rice, and loaded bowls.

Uptown Oakland's neon-lit, award-winning cocktail bar pairs farm-to-glass drinks like the signature Tomato Beef with standout Szechuan salt and pepper wings and umami tots.

A waterfront East Bay institution since 1976, Scott's Seafood in Jack London Square serves fresh-caught seafood, prime steaks, and the famous Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch.

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.

Flaky, baked-to-order Argentine empanadas on Market Street, plus dulce de leche alfajores and house chimichurri. Dog-friendly parklet seating out front.

Bold, beautifully plated Thai cooking in a vibrant Jack London Square space with an estuary-view patio. Khao soi, papaya salad, Hat Yai fried chicken, and fun cocktails.