On the nights when you're getting blown away in San Francisco, or chilled to the bone by Karl the Fog, head to the East Bay for a warmer dining experience.
You can't get a better view of the twinkling lights around Lake Merritt than Lake Chalet's back dock and dining area that extends out over the lake. It's a pretty romantic spot (with gondola rides and an oyster happy hour) so bring your A-game and someone special. // 1520 Lakeside Dr., Oakland (Lake Merritt); thelakechalet.com
With covered seatings for over 50 guests, as well as a full bar, fire pit, and lounge area, Comal's sexy al fresco space is to die for. If you think you can handle the heat, sip the Jack Satan cocktail (Tres Agaves reposado tequila, infierno tincture, hibiscus syrup, lime, and salt) near the fire for a truly hot experience. // 2020 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; comalberkeley.com
As previously noted, this is one of our all-time favorite brunch spots in Berkeley, and what makes a weekend morning at this homey French spot extra special is a seat outside in the garden patio, open April–October. Order the lemon gingerbread pancakes with poached pears and a cappucino and spend your morning basking in the sun. // 2377 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; lanoterestaurant.com
Portal's big outdoor patio and proximity to Lake Merritt make it perfect for a sunny day in the East Bay. They've got a wide variety of local and regional gourmet beers on tap or by the bottle, so stay all day and try a few brews. // 1611 2nd Ave., Oakland (Lake Merritt); portaloakland.com
Every floor of this Berkeley gem is worth checking out, but the lower deck is where you should be on a warm night in the East Bay. Featuring a beer garden, luxurious patio seating, and a pretty rad fire pit, order a wood-fired pizza and a gluten-free beer (this is Berkeley after all) to get the party started. // 2181 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; jupiterbeer.com
Trappist has one of the better beer selections in the Bay Area—there are two bars serving nearly 30 brews—and a sunny back space in the heart of Old Town Oakland. On Tuesdays, next door neighbor Tamarindo visits to sling carnitas and chicharrón tacos plus bean and cheese huaraches for $2 a pop for their own version of Taco Tuesday. // 460–468 8th St., Oakland (Old Town); thetrappist.com
If you're looking for the epitome of an urban oasis, you can find it at Uptown's Lost & Found. Plants galore offering pops of green in a mostly concrete setting, and the food is meant to be eaten without utensils, so you always have one hand ready for the ping pong table. // 2040 Telegraph Ave., Oakland (Uptown); lostandfound510.com
With unparalleled views of the yacht harbor, you can unwind and admire the City skyline from Haven’s shaded outdoor area overlooking the bay. Plus, the revamped family-style menu will have you lingering over every last morsel. // 55 Webster St, Oakland (Jack London Square); havenoakland.com
The latest project from brothers Benjamin and Daniel Cukierman (of Shattuck Down Low and Room 389), is a revamp of the former Oasis nightclub on 12th Street. The space boats not only an outdoor patio, but an expansive roofdeck with 40 beers on tap, a seasonal cocktail program, rotating food trucks holding court in the yard, and a late night kitchen. // 135 12th Street, Oakland (Downtown); facebook.com/MadOakBar
The East Bay's response to Soma StrEAT Food Park, this sunny and boozy beer garden with over seven draft beers and three draft ciders offers prime viewing for local sports games, plus tasty tri-tip sandwiches from Berkeley staple, Brazil Cafe. // 1280 Gilman St., Berkeley; westbraebiergarten.com
Featuring a bowling alley, beer garden, bocce, and even arcade games, Oakland's newest addition to Jack London Square promises you won't get bored any time soon. // 98 Broadway, Oakland (Jack London Square); plankoakland.com
The vibrant back space to the Oakland Mexican restaurant is the next best thing to making the trip south. For anyone who wants the best of both worlds, Doña Tomás’ cantinetta is available for private dining. // 5004 Telegraph Ave., Oakland (Temescal); donatomas.com
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