It can be hard to keep up with the incredible food and drink explosion happening in the East Bay. 2014 has been a banner year: new breweries and barbecue joints, butcher shops and bars, we’ve seen it all in Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond. Here are the 13 openings in 2014 that caused the most excitement. We can only imagine what 2015 has in store for us!
1. The Dock
Can James Syhabout do no wrong? Based on the Dock at Linden Street, his most recent entry into the East Bay dining game, we think not. Internationally-inspired “drinking” food housed in an industrial-chic space in the Linden Street Brewery; it’s a sure-fire recipe for deliciousness.
2. Shakewell
We weren’t sure things could get any better at Shakewell, where a pair of Top Chef-alums were serving up delicious, inspired Mediterranean food. Then, they started serving brunch. Touche, Shakewell, touche.
We’ll take a great new brewery however you sell it to us. The good people at Diving Dog have gone one further with their Uptown Oakland spot. Here, you can find a wide selection of top local brews on tap along with all of the goods (and equipment) to start brewing yourself.
Now, you can find top-notch sausages, burgers, and sandwiches in Fruitvale thanks to the Half Orange, where Niman Ranch pork and Marin Sun Farms beef rule the day. Artisanal fried cheese curds and craft beers are available, too, making this spot, more or less, the best.
Barbecue and beer is a win-win combination. Barbecue and beer from the guys behind Mikkeller Bar in San Francisco is a slam dunk. Expect meaty delicacies like Duroc pork shoulder and black angus brisket, plus 40-plus beers on tap to go with ‘em on their back patio.
An English pub with California flair is just what the doctor ordered for this rainy winter. The Growler’s Arms has that, plus an A16-vet chef, a full bar, and plenty of great local brews to wash down your housemade sausage and haggis (trust us).
7. Jack’s Oyster Bar & Fish House
Joining the ever-growing food scene in Jack London Square is Jack’s Oyster Bar & Fish House, a seafood-centric spot from the Bocanova team. Dig into seafood via old- and new- styles, including squid ink pasta, cioppino, and a sizable raw bar. Bonus: their weekly three-course Sunday Suppers.
8. Clove & Hoof
Whole animal butchery, comfort food, and a sustainable meat ethos? Sign us up. Clove & Hoof is your new spot for interesting (and delicious) cuts of meat, delicious prepared food, and plenty of barbecue, courtesy of their smoker.
This offshoot of Paisan is a godsend for those of us looking for quality late-night eats in the East Bay—everything from their in-house smoked ribs to their brand of bangers and mash is available until midnight. Their quality grub, plus 24 beers on tap and 100+ whiskies, make Longbranch a spot to celebrate.
More beer from Jim Woods of Ceveceria de MateVeza and Woods Bar (both in San Francisco) is nothing but a good thing. His new spot on Telegraph, however, not only includes a whole new brewing facility, but a number of guest taps and El Porteno Empanadas for your eating pleasure.
11. Longitude
All hail the return of the tiki bar, particularly in the form of Longitude. This adventure-inspired cocktail bar not only makes some of the best rum drinks in town, they also have the atmosphere (and totally addictive, globally inspired bar snacks) to fully transport you to a vacation mindset.
12. Bay Grape
Our new favorite wine shop, period. Bay Grape has one of the best bottle selections around, a refreshing attitude towards tasting and education, and a goal of becoming a true neighborhood center. In addition to great, affordable bottles of wine, you can stock up on cheese, charcuterie, and other goodies to go with your drinkable purchases.
13. Liba Falafel
In an area relatively devoid of truly great falafel, Liba has always been a relief. Their brick-and-mortar spot, which opened this year, features the same perfectly fried falafel, plus an ample menu of seasonal salads, toppings, and sides.
