Share BARTable on Facebook BARTable on Twitter Email Explore These New Businesses in the Bay Photo courtesy of Over Proof, Grace Sagar. 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. Photo courtesy of First Edition, Hardy Wilson. First EditionWhen 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 94612Nearest station: 19th St/OaklandWalk time: One minuteWebsite: First EditionPhone: (916) 601-1782 Photo courtesy of Dear Inga. Dear IngaHungarian 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. When: Tuesday-Saturday: 5:30-10:30pm | Sunday: 5:30-10pmWhere: 3560 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110Nearest station: 16th St MissionWalk time: Eight minutesWebsite: Dear IngaPhone: (415) 829-2125 Photo courtesy of Mela Bistro. Mela BistroMela 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. When: Monday-Friday: 11am-9pm | Saturday: 5-10pm | Sunday: Closed Where: 35 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94612Nearest station: 19th St/OaklandWalk time: Six minutesWebsite: Mela BistroPhone: (510) 844-4886 Photo courtesy of Over Proof, Grace Sagar.Over ProofWhile 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. When: Daily from 2pm-2am Where: 3174 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103Nearest station: 16th St MissionWalk time: Five minutesWebsite: Over ProofPhone: (415) 400-4748 Photo courtesy of Brown Sugar Kitchen. Brown Sugar KitchenChicken and waffles in Uptown Oakland? Since opening in February 2019, Brown Sugar Kitchen’s vibrant and spacious sit-down restaurant, just a 5-minute walk from 19th St/Oakland Station, has been showcasing chef Tanya Holland’s famed Southern fare in the buzzing Oakland neighborhood. Warm up with buttermilk fried chicken, cornmeal waffles, and flaky fruit hand pies. Try pairing the hearty home-cooked flavors with the in-house bar's craft cocktails—just don't forget the sugar-topped beignets.When: Wednesday-Saturday: 8am-3pm, 5-9pm | Sunday: 8am-3pmWhere: 2295 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612Nearest station: 19th St/OaklandWalk time: Five minutesWebsite: Brown Sugar KitchenPhone: (510) 839-7685 Photo courtesy of Third Haus. Third HausAround 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. When: Check website for program timesWhere: 455 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103Nearest station: 16th St MissionWalk time: Three minutesWebsite: Third HausPhone: (415) 857-4727 Photo courtesy of Graffiti Pizza Yelp. Graffiti PizzaLate-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. When: Tuesday-Thursday: 12-11pm | Friday: 12pm-3am | Saturday: 3pm-3am | Sunday: 3pm-10pm Where: 719 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607 Nearest station: 12th St/Oakland City Center Walk time: Five minutes Website: Graffiti Pizza YelpPhone: (510) 250-9303 Photo courtesy of Milkbomb Berkeley.Milkbomb BerkeleyMilkbomb 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: 2:15-10pmWhere: 2079 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704Nearest station: Downtown BerkeleyWalk time: Four minutesWebsite: Milkbomb Berkeley YelpPhone: (510) 250-9303Let's get social. Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay. Know of any fresh new businesses opening near your BART station? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable and your business could be featured in our next article. by BARTable Partner Subscribe. Follow. Share. 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