5 New Sunny Spots for East Bay Al Fresco Dining
Sun’s out, hamburger buns out! While San Francisco frequently loses its summer to the Marine Layer, the East Bay has been enjoying non-stop sunshine, pretty much since February. Sun plus pleasant temperatures equal dining outdoors, pets and friends in tow, and every year, a fresh crop of restaurants and breweries joins the party, offering premium outdoor seating. Want to partake in the action? We surveyed all the new and recently opened East Bay spots, which, in addition to last year’s top 5, need to go on your radar ASAP.
Way Station Brew
A coffee shop and a beer garden under one roof? The killer patio of Way Station Brew makes it all possible. Ever since opening earlier this year, the small and friendly establishment has been serving Berkeley a daily dose of coffee and beer, plus a delicious selection of lunch options, including a fan-favorite tarragon tahini open-faced sandwich and an Instagram-famous ricotta and hazelnut toast. The wooden benches and tables can accommodate crowds and pets, so make it your weekend crew’s go-to.
2120 Dwight Way, Berkeley
Beer Baron Bar and Kitchen
Something about outdoor seating and beer seems to make all the problems in the world go away in a heartbeat. The newest addition to Rockridge, mini-chain Beer Baron successfully marries the two and banishes work week blues, and adds on some decadent fare already loved by people in Santa Rosa, Pleasanton, and Livermore. The sunny patio is great for people-watching, but will you be able to concentrate on anything but the duck fat fries, the lamb meatballs and the chicken and waffles?
5900 College Avenue, Oakland
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhjzNS5hA_Z/?hl=en&taken-by=cafereveille
Cafe Reveille
Believe it—the Instagram-friendly chain just opened a new outpost in Berkeley, and it’s as pretty as its San Francisco friends. Located in a pedestrian corridor of the developing Fourth Street shopping area, this branch is as sunny as they come, complete with outdoor sitting on soothing pink chairs. No matter what you order, be it an acai bowl, a burger, or a simple matcha latte, bet on it being gorgeous, good for you, and well worth the slightly steep price tag.
760 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley
Arthur Mac’s Tap and Snack
Right next to the hip McArthur Annex complex, a duo of new businesses will keep you hydrated and well-fed. While the tiny Subrosa Coffee serves, you guessed it, coffee drinks, the next door Arthur Mac’s takes care of more serious food requests. The formula is simple—craft brews and ciders on tap, spicy wings by the bucket, fresh pizza (with gluten-free options), and soft serve for the kids and the young at heart. The large, occasionally shaded patio is where all the fun happens.
4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland
Nyum Bai
You’ll have to drive or BART to Fruitvale to sample Nyum Bai’s excellent Cambodian fare, but the fragrant curries, the delicate amok (fish and coconut milk baked in a banana leaf) and the addictive egg rolls are well worth it. While sitting indoors by the open kitchen is fun, grabbing a table outside, next to a vendor playing loud hits in Spanish, is quintessential; mixing Cambodian flavors with lively Mexican tunes is as Oakland as it gets.
3340 E 12th Street, Oakland
More options for some fun in the sun:
Urban Remedy Oakland (175 Bay Place)
Julie’s (4316 Telegraph Avenue)
Stay Gold Delicatessen (2635 San Pablo Ave, Oakland)
