Explore These New Businesses in the Bay

 

There's no better time to celebrate new businesses in the Bay Area that recently hit the local scene in 2019—and are now ready to take you into 2020 for more fun and fine foods. 

 

Whether you’re on the hunt for fresh barside chats fueled by innovative craft cocktails in stunning settings, modern takes on traditional foods from across the globe, or a new spot for creative youth education, this list features Bay Area locales whose grand openings and continued success are a short walk from BART.

 

When the sign out front reads “Villains Welcome,” you know a good night is in store. Craft cocktails and a classy comic book-themed space are making Oakland’s First Edition—which opened in October 2019—a first stop outside 19th St. Oakland Station. Two mezzanines, an outdoor patio beneath the stars, and an event space overlooking Broadway give visitors plenty of spots to hang. Choose a signature cocktail (like the New Gotham or El Bromista) from a changing menu printed like a comic book. And, you can pair your sips with in-house taco service from Xolo next door. Whether you’re nestled on the huge chaise lounge or posted up at the bar surrounded by black walls, original comic murals, and raw woods—with no neon or labels in sight, you’ll enjoy escaping to another world. 

 

When: Open Every Day 5pm-2am 

Where: 1915 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

Nearest station: 19th St/Oakland

Walk time: One minute

Website: First Edition

Phone: (916) 601-1782

 

Hungarian food to cure your hunger—with cocktails, of course—comes to SF by way of Dear Inga. Self-described as “new old world cooking,” this sleek and unique restaurant opened in October 2019. Smoked meats and fermented foods are the menu’s main focus, while dill-tinged craft cocktails wash down all the Eastern European fare. The space is expansive, featuring a long chef’s counter, communial tables, and outdoor seating with heat lamps. Think kielbasa, potato dumplings, smoked steak. All the fine dining is served amidst clean modern lines where high ceilings and a wall of windows let the light flow. 

 

 

Mela Bistro, which opened in September 2019, unrolls endless teff flour-infused injera (sponge flatbread) to serve as vessels for Ethiopian meats and vegetable stews. Chicken, fish, and lentils delight patrons at this Uptown Oakland addition to Grand Avenue. The gorgeous Vegetarian Platter showcases a vibrant mix of colors, warm wedges of pita with Ethiopian hummus offer an alternative to injera, and traditional berbere spice enlivens the full menu of fresh ingredients. Whether for lunch or dinner, Mela Bistro’s elegant environs and friendly staff have already lured an enthused and loyal East Bay crowd. 

 

 

While ABV has already established itself as a hot spot in the Mission, it’s new speakeasy-style upstairs bar was just revealed as a permanent new gem in October 2019. Beyond a sliding wood-slat door that marks the entrance, an 18-seat candlelit nook with gold foil wallpaper blossoms; feel like a VIP with high-end cocktail flights and bites that satiate the select few who’ve scored a spot. Reservation-only means you’ll want to plan in advance to get your party at the 4-seat bar or sitting at a table in the cozy space where drinks include a margarita with corn- and tortilla-infused mezcal, and The Sauna Cocktail with whisky and, yes, steam. 

 

 

 

Around the corner from 16 St Mission Station in San Francisco, Third Haus is an expansive child-enrichment space that opened in June 2019. It’s also where you’ll find Minecraft Architecture sessions. “Curiosity, commitment, discipline, and patience” are the priorities here. Weekends offer open studio time for drop-in projects, and weekdays see a full schedule of Open Labs. From 3D design to LEGO building to languages to video game coding, Third Haus is focused on child development and creativity. You’ll also find events for families, educators, and panel discussions at this brightly inviting new community facility. 

 

Late-night pizza slices (till 3am on Friday and Saturdays!) are served atop black-and-white checkered paper—and it’s a treat that will never go out of style. New to the scene, Graffiti Pizza opened in October 2019 and has been dishing up hot pies in Old Oakland to hungry fans since. It’s become a go-to for the after-bar crowd when those munchies kick in, and chef Matt Molina’s thin crust recipes of classic slices (along with stuffed calzones) have warmed up plenty of passersby on Washington Street, whether day or night. 

 

Milkbomb just opened its new East Bay location in October 2019, and that means it’s now giving college students on University Avenue (and all of Berkeley) a taste of its heavenly combo: ice cream-donut sandwiches. One to keep the hunt and dream alive for that which is most decadent, Milkbomb catches eyes with endless colorful pairings of ice cream or frozen yogurt with creative toppings. Complement your cold dessert with dry cereal, warm glazed donuts, flame-toasted marshmallow sauce, and more. 

 

When: Tuesday-Thursday: 2:15-9pm | Friday-Sunday: 2:15-10pm

Where: 2079 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Nearest station: Downtown Berkeley

Walk time: Four minutes

Website: Milkbomb Berkeley Yelp

Phone: (510) 250-9303

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