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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Alameda

Cool spots

The mood calls for a bite to eat in a place that feels a little different and interesting.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated April 2026
01
The Bureau 510 image 1
The Bureau 510 image 2
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American restaurant

Small space with a modern industrial look featuring dark wooden tables and metal chairs. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy despite lacking windows, enhanced by great background music and many plants. Bar area resembles an old-school setup with a calm vibe and sports on TV screens.

Food comes fresh and tasty with big portions at a good price. Service matches the exceptional quality of the dishes.

Quirky details and a relaxed atmosphere create a cool vibe throughout the space. The setting feels unique and inviting without trying too hard.

People are saying

"I found the best burger I ever tasted."

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"You've got to try their parmesan garlic fries; they're a must-have."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 4:30 PM with a delightful menu of good eats.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider parking a few blocks away.

3

The restaurant is open for only six days a week.

02
Boathouse image 1

Maritime-themed bar with indoor and outdoor seating offers a laid-back, dive bar vibe popular with locals and boat owners. Music ranges from Ethiopian jazz to oldies rock, complementing a pool table and multiple TVs showing sports. Dog-friendly atmosphere supports a community-focused, unpretentious hangout.

Food here is homemade and pairs well with a great beer selection. The menu focuses on bar food that is tasty and affordable.

A funky, old-school bar with strong ties to local history creates a cool vibe. The spot stays well maintained and offers a solid location.

People are saying

"They have a great beer selection and it's a steal for the price."

"I found the homemade food here to be great."

"It's a cool old-school bar with a lot of history."

Good to know

1

The Boathouse is a dog-friendly bar, so feel free to bring your pet.

2

Expect a casual dive bar atmosphere popular with locals and boat owners.

3

Drinks and food are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option.

03
Forbidden Island image 1

Dark indoor space with vintage tiki decor and a large lush patio creates an authentic island escape vibe. Music and occasional live shows add to the fun, mysterious atmosphere. Cocktails focus on historically accurate tiki drinks with a strong rum selection.

Tasty drinks pair well with decent bar food that comes at very reasonable prices.

Cool tiki vibe sets the tone with awesome drinks and fun events like burlesque shows. The atmosphere feels mysterious and hella cool throughout.

People are saying

"The tiki bar drinks here are creative, delicious, and surprisingly strong."

"The drinks here are creative and delicious."

"The vibe here is hella cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended for indoor seating, especially at night.

2

The happy hour menu offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm.

3

No off-street parking is available; the former lot is now a patio.

04
Yojimbo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small cozy space blends minimalist dรฉcor with anime pop culture, featuring Studio Ghibli films and original Japanese art. Atmosphere feels authentic and serene, with a chill vibe enhanced by unique artwork and figurines. Seating is ample, creating a spacious yet intimate environment.

Food here is consistently delicious and fairly priced. The menu offers excellent dishes served in a friendly atmosphere.

Anime movies play on screens while figures and mazung artwork decorate the walls. The ambiance feels cool and showcases a unique vibe.

People are saying

"The ramen here is perfect and the noodles have a good texture."

"The food here is delicious and satisfying."

"The anime artwork and movies playing inside are really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome.

2

Expect a wait time of around 30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

Street parking can be challenging; consider arriving early.

05
Park Station image 1
Beer garden

Vast beer garden with live jazz music and a large patio creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The space balances family and dog friendliness with a vibrant crowd enjoying diverse drinks and casual seating.

Fast and fresh food stands out, especially the ahi tuna sandwich from Southie. Park Station offers a great mix of food and drinks with a nice ambiance.

Huge beer garden creates a cool atmosphere. Outdoor venue sits in a perfect location for relaxing and socializing.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty great and tasty."

"They had a great beer selection, including gluten-free options."

"It's cool how many beers they have on tap."

Good to know

1

Live music happens on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with alternating Salsa and Swing bands.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

The beer garden is family and dog friendly, making it a great spot for all.

06
Firebrand Bread image 1

Big open space in a former hangar creates a buzzing energy with a friendly vibe and good music. Plenty of outdoor seating including dog-friendly picnic tables suits families and casual meet-ups. The atmosphere carries an Italian influence that shapes the overall experience.

Food arrives quickly, usually within 15 minutes, even when busy. The menu features pico de gallo potatoes, pastries, and a great selection of beverages.

Space has a cool vibe with a great selection of food and drink. The surrounding area adds to the overall cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"Their bread is legendary, especially the croissant loaf."

"I found their kale Caesar salad amazing."

"The pastries and baked goods here are creative and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines on Saturday mornings, especially during brunch hours.

2

Parking is limited, with only six spaces available for customers.

3

The indoor seating is limited, but there are plenty of outdoor tables.

07
The Fireside Lounge image 1

Neighborhood bar with cozy atmosphere and inclusive crowd that varies by event. Live music and DJs create a lively vibe, complemented by artistic decor including guitars and local art. Regulars gather here for drinks and dancing in a space that feels like a friendly hangout.

Food comes cheap and cheerful with no fuss. Drinks and music mix well with the tasty dishes. Bringing in food from another restaurant is allowed.

A very cool bar with a relaxed vibe. The lounge offers a chill atmosphere for hanging out.

People are saying

"It's a cool neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name."

"The food here is tasty and cheerful."

"I found this bar to be a really cool place to hang out."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a fun atmosphere.

2

Open mic events occur every Wednesday, encouraging a supportive crowd.

3

DJ heats take place every Friday night, adding to the lively vibe.

08
Fikscue Craft BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Halal Texas-style barbecue fills a small space with limited seating and outdoor tables, creating a crowded, family-friendly atmosphere. Long lines form early due to popular, high-quality smoked meats like brisket and dino ribs. Nearby beer options add to a relaxed vibe despite the tight quarters.

Indonesian flavors shine through in dishes like Soto Padang and rendang, blending well with classic BBQ items. The smoked fried chicken stands out for its juiciness and crispiness, making the food consistently delicious.

Chic southern barbecue sets a cool vibe here. The potato salad offers a refreshing contrast to the spicy sausage, and the fun line adds to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and smoky."

"The Indonesian BBQ food here is creative and flavorful."

"The brisket here is so juicy and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

All the meats served are halal.

2

They often run out of food by 3 p.m., so arrive early.

3

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

09
Pho Nation image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious Vietnamese restaurant with VIP karaoke rooms, full bar, and late night DJ creates a lively, club-like atmosphere. Bright lighting and multiple rooms offer space for dancing and socializing. Energy ranges from loud game nights to enjoyable bar vibes with music and dancing.

Vietnamese dishes feature a variety of pho options with consistently delicious flavors. Staff accommodate dietary needs, such as removing onions for allergies.

Lowkey vibes make it a cool spot for drinks and late-night eats. The bar atmosphere stands out, and the servers plus bartender add to the relaxed feel.

People are saying

"I love their Vietnamese food, especially late at night."

"The food here is delicious and varied, especially the pho."

"The vibe and music here are really cool, especially with the DJ."

Good to know

1

Pho Nation stays open late, making it a good option for late-night meals.

2

They host DJ nights every other Saturday, adding to the nightlife experience.

3

Comedy nights are also featured, providing entertainment options.

10
The Rake at Admiral Maltings image 1

Restaurant offers ocean views and seating that includes shaded outdoor picnic tables and indoor booths overlooking a malting floor. Atmosphere stays intimate and quieter than nearby spots, with good but low-volume music. Family-friendly vibe includes games like cornhole and pet accommodations.

Food pairs well with a great selection of brews on tap and delicious dishes that suit every palate. The pub offers excellent food and beer that fits well with a casual, game-friendly atmosphere.

Staff show friendly vibes and the beer selection is great. The tour offers a cool experience.

People are saying

"I loved the beer selection, especially the Belgian and saison varieties."

"I loved the beer selection and the delicious food."

"The beers here are great and tasty."

Good to know

1

Tours of Admiral Maltings are conducted on Sundays at 3 pm.

2

Parking is available next to a gym nearby.

3

The establishment is pet friendly and welcomes families.

11
SAGA Kitchen image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Minimalist dรฉcor and soft lighting create a relaxed atmosphere with a cool Japanese vibe. Robots deliver food, adding a unique tech element alongside TVs and free arcade games for entertainment. Seating includes cozy indoor and outdoor options, with some high tables that add a playful touch.

Food combines Japanese and Chinese cuisine with a huge menu offering many options. Quality is high and the food is available late, satisfying cravings at any hour.

Cool Japanese atmosphere sets the tone with a robot that is cute adding a unique touch. The interior design also stands out as cool and inviting.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so flavorful, you'll want to lick the bowl."

"The food here is amazing and high quality."

"I thought the ramen here was good."

Good to know

1

Customers order and pay upfront from their phones, and the service is done by a robot.

2

The business is cashless, accepting only online payments.

3

Ordering is done by scanning a QR code and selecting items online.

12
Lucky Strike Alameda image 1

Bowling alley combines colorful lanes with animal-shaped ramps for kids and a massive arcade featuring modern and traditional games. Atmosphere is fun and lively, with music and a family-friendly vibe that suits all ages. Bar and pool areas offer spots to relax and catch games, enhancing the social energy.

Food arrives fresh and hot with quick service. Staff keeps things clean and efficient, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Really cool drinks fit for adult outings. The punching bag machine draws a crowd. The bar and pool area offers a solid spot to catch the game.

People are saying

"I had so much fun here with my friends."

"The food here is good and arrived very quickly."

"It's a cool spot to hang out with friends."

Good to know

1

Unlimited bowling after 9 PM on Mondays through Thursdays costs approximately $25, including shoes.

2

Discounted bowling specials are available on select weeknights.

3

Expect crowded lanes during mid-afternoon on Saturdays.

13
lemon drop image 1
Bar & grill

Dark space with trim lighting, neon signs, and candlelit tables creates an upscale lounge vibe. Music stays on point while cozy fire pits outside invite connection. Seating includes plenty of bar stools and couches, welcoming both solo visitors and groups.

Real mojitos and a variety of bar food stand out here. Dishes like tuna tartare and popcorn chicken come in large, shareable portions.

Atmosphere feels cool and aesthetic. Bar suits both solo visits and groups.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails to be tasty, strong, and delicious."

"The drinks here are original and delightful."

"The drinks here are good and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

$1 wings are available on Wednesdays.

2

$1 oysters are offered on Thursdays.

3

Happy hour runs every day until 6 pm.

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