Photo courtesy of FacebookGeoffrey’s is known by locals for its welcoming staff and dance floor; here, everyone really can feel like part of the inner circle. Improv jazz jams and organized sets by local Bay Area players set the ambiance at both private events and public programming above the narrow staircase just steps from 12th St./Oakland Station.
Photo courtesy of YelpCafe Van Kleef is Uptown Oakland’s beloved little bar; a narrow and cozy feast for the eyes and ears nestled on buzzing Telegraph Avenue. A mini explosion of colors, lights and random knick knacks lining the walls befits the eclectic blues, jazzs and rock tunes. Don’t forget to try the bar’s signature fresh-squeezed greyhound with its massive wedge of fruit on the rim.
OK, the is the East Bay celebrity stage drawing international players to Jack London Square. Yoshi’s is synonymous with Bay Area jazz, and it’s where you’ll catch big names (and their accompanying revered instruments and vocal pipes) serenading a 310-seat venue. Jazz paired with Japanese cuisine is the signature here.
Photo by Mensho TokyoFamed Tokyo ramen house, Mensho Tokyo, opened its first ramen restaurant outside of Tokyo in San Francisco in 2016. Their tonkotsu-style broth is one of the richest and creamiest broths around and perfect for a cold winter day. But dress warm when you head out to have a bowl because with only 20 or so seats, there’s sure to be a line no matter the time of night. Besides the popular tori paitan (chicken broth), there’s a vegan option that will happily satisfy your umani needs.
Photo by Nojo Ramen TavernChicken-based ramen is Nojo’s specialty, and broth options include soy, tomato and spicy. Additions are unique and include things like truffle oil, Grana Padano cheese, and a braised chicken leg. It’s close proximity to San Francisco’s City Hall means that it gets busy right around opening, but you can put your name down and place your order before you’re seated, which is great for certain dishes that sometimes sell out before the night is done.
Global ramen brand Ippudo landed in downtown Berkeley a few months ago and the buzz hasn’t died down yet. If you’re curious about what ramen tastes like in Japan, try Ippudo’s version of house-made Hakata noodles and Shiromaru Classic dashi broth. With 60 locations across the globe, and a new restaurant opening up in San Francisco soon, Ippudo sets itself apart by allowing diners to select the chewiness of their noodles and even gives hungry diners the option to order another batch of noodles for any remaining broth.
Photo from YelpFairly traditional ramen is served at this small, but busy restaurant, near shops and other downtown activities. Look for various width and style noodles in their Tonkotsu and Yuzu Shoyu soup, and lots of toppings like lotus root, mushrooms, and egg. The dining room is small so expect a bit of a wait. Don’t forget to order some spicy chicken wings and takoyaki (fried octopus balls).
Photo from YelpThe proximity of this new ramen spot to BART makes it super convenient to stop in before heading home from work (or a night out). Soup bases include chicken, creamy chicken, miso, and vegetarian. Deviating a bit from the norm, Ushio ramen aims to appeal to non-traditionalists by adding things like Brussels and eggplant to their vegetarian broth. Lots of wonton options too.
The ambitious couple behind Shiba Ramen, located steps from Oakland’s City Hall, opened this location in early 2017, not long after it opened its space in the Emeryville Public Market. They’re also the duo behind the popular sake wine bar, The Periodic Table, also in the Emeryville Public Market, which has gotten lots of accolades for its clever chemistry theme, a nod to their prior careers. When they set out to create Shiba, they intentionally designed the logo (after their two dogs) and menu to be more approachable and less traditional Japanese.