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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Oakland

Salad spots with bars

A cold salad and a drink at the bar make for a simple, low-pressure evening.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Co Nam image 1
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Vietnamese restaurant

Small, intimate space blends modern, trendy bar style with Vietnamese fusion cuisine. Atmosphere feels cool and vibrant, with fantastic cocktails and best chicken pho standing out. Indoor seating and a clean, well-kept interior create a cozy yet lively setting.

Papaya salad stands out with its crinkle cut like a french fry style, offering a surprising twist. Side salads served with fried chicken are consistently very good and complement the dishes well.

Bar features a friendly bartender and a welcoming atmosphere for sitting and chatting. Seating at the bar encourages easy interaction.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese Food pho broth here really rocks."

"I enjoyed the sugar cane spring rolls and fried chicken."

"The cocktails here are made with true craft and flair."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

3

A $15 per person deposit is required for reservations of six or more.

02
Mesa Maguey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, casual space with lively dance floor playing salsa and cumbia music creates an energetic vibe. Warm, inviting atmosphere blends funky decor and tasteful accents, offering comfort for both casual and special occasions. Tables accommodate couples and large groups, with a back room for events enhancing versatility.

Fresh sides often accompany main dishes, like a mixed green salad with light vinaigrette served alongside tamales. Beet salad appears as a distinct option, adding variety to the salad choices.

An eclectic bar list focuses on mezcal and tequila with a well-stocked selection. Bartenders craft outstanding cocktails with care and skill.

People are saying

"These enchiladas verdes are the best Mexican food I've ever tasted."

"The mole dishes here are outstanding and complex."

"The salads here are fresh, balanced, and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day with great deals on food and cocktails.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially for the back room.

3

Portions are designed for one person, so order extra if you're a big eater.

03
Bocanova image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining area with an open kitchen and walls of windows showcases local art and a courtyard garden. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, with dim lighting and soft Peruvian music creating a cozy vibe. Full espresso and cocktail bars offer top-notch mezcal and passion fruit margaritas, while the patio provides a warm urban outdoor setting.

Shrimp Louie and Mexican Caesar with grilled chicken stand out for their freshness and flavor. Mango and avocado salads add a fruity twist to the mix.

A wall of windows brightens the bar, which offers a full espresso and cocktail selection. Peruvian music plays softly, and bartenders deliver great drinks with attentive service.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtful, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious."

"Alex at the bar makes amazing drinks and great conversation."

"The mango and avocado salad was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with $2 oysters.

2

Valet parking is available at the Marriott across the street.

3

Bocanova has outdoor seating that is dog-friendly and equipped with heaters.

04
Ace Seafood image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Outdoor seating features sunshades, string lights, and a fire pit, creating a lively patio vibe. The atmosphere blends modern and east coast fishing house styles with a cozy, inviting feel. Fresh oysters and seafood draw a crowd looking for a relaxed, casual spot to enjoy quality dishes.

Menu offers a small but creative selection of salads like the Crab Louie and Caesar-ish options. Portions are good size and prices are reasonable, with the Caesar salad served as a small side.

Offers a great oyster bar experience with fresh seafood and a fun atmosphere. The owner brings a lively vibe that makes it stand out among local oyster spots.

People are saying

"You have to try their fish and chips; it's the best I've ever had."

"I loved the Caesar-ish salad and delicious seafood."

"The oysters at this bar are super fresh and yummy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend evenings.

2

Expect a wait time of about 15-20 minutes during peak hours.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

05
D.Monaghans On The Hill image 1
American restaurant

Older building with elegant decor and a warm fireplace creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Small outdoor deck and live music add to the pleasant vibe. Space suits celebrations, meetups, and casual dining with a friendly, familiar crowd.

Beet salads come with spring mix, diced beets, thinly sliced orange, candied walnuts, diced goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. The Tequila Chicken and Spinach salad stays fresh, hot, and tasty every time.

Offers a full bar with a great backyard and multiple rooms for a relaxed vibe. Feels like a true neighborhood bar.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great, especially with outdoor seating."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and attentive."

"I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the beet salad was."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is popular, so expect a full bar during that time.

2

Taco Tuesday is a weekly event with special menu items.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during busy hours.

06
Xingones at Fort Green image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and comfortable seating including high tops and couches. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming, suited for groups with plenty of TVs for sports viewing. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a full bar serving cocktails like margaritas and Negronis.

Grilled chicken stands out in the Cobb salad, which also comes in a keto-friendly version. Caesar salad with shrimp offers a solid option, though some salads arrive with little dressing.

Atmosphere feels chill and casual with a small sports bar style. Parking is easy and many bars nearby make bar hopping convenient.

People are saying

"This Mexican food, especially the burritos, is so delicious I finished the whole thing."

"The wings at the bar were a banger, fresh and toasty."

"I loved the Cobb salad; the grilled chicken was a big winner."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted items, making it a great time to visit.

2

Parking around the neighborhood is easy with plenty of options available.

3

Xingones opens at 10am on weekdays, which is uncommon in the area.

07
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club image 1
American restaurant

Mid-century modern design shapes a warm, intimate space with wood paneling, curated lighting, and cozy nooks. Live music and a stylish bar create a sublime atmosphere that balances upscale and inviting vibes. Cocktails stand out as a highlight, complementing the overall elegant yet relaxed energy.

Local melon salad stands out with fresh, crisp flavors. Bardoโ€™s Caesar salad offers a classic taste with a notable twist. Pickled vegetables add a sharp, tangy contrast to the mix.

A beautiful bar sets the scene with romantic and cozy lighting creating a swanky vibe. Inventive cocktails and attentive staff make it a spot to unwind and enjoy elevated drinks.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are phenomenal, with finely crafted flavor profiles."

"I thought the Caesar salad was definitely something to rave about."

"The bar has a beautiful, moody interior with a swanky 1950s vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

Parking can be tricky; consider side streets for better options.

3

Prices are on the higher side, but the quality is excellent.

08
The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant image 1

Old wooden bar, antique lighting, and vintage decor create a unique, funky atmosphere with a cool, eclectic energy. The space separates bar and dining areas to avoid feeling cramped. Guests enjoy classic American fare alongside craft cocktails like martinis and spritzes.

Salads feature very fresh ingredients with options like a warm spinach salad and a side Caesar salad that stands out for its quality.

The bar features an original countertop and register that add to its unique charm. It offers a spacious layout with a clear separation from dine-in tables, making it feel less cramped during happy hour or casual drinks.

People are saying

"The Date Spots here have generous portions of outstanding food."

"The bar's cocktails are expertly mixed and well made."

"I ordered the warm spinach salad and it was great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get packed.

2

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm every first Friday of the month.

3

Parking is no longer validated, so plan accordingly.

09
The Monk's Kettle image 1

Gastropub offers a dark and moody atmosphere with a cozy vibe that invites lingering without rush. A heated back patio provides a warm, intimate outdoor space hidden behind a narrow hallway. The place features a curated beer selection alongside a large, clean bar and a classic dining room setting.

Kale salads come without stems and mix in root vegetables with an umami-ish vinaigrette. Chicken Caesar salad swaps romaine for a cabbage blend, adding crunch and a unique twist.

A large, crisp bar top anchors the space with a large selection of beers. A back patio adds a cute, relaxed vibe to the bar area.

People are saying

"You'll find a great beer selection with a solid variety."

"The food at this bar is outstanding."

"This kale salad is fantastic, fresh, and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until midnight for late-night dining.

2

Parking is available on College Ave., just 50 feet from the entrance.

3

The restaurant offers a kids menu with crayons for young diners.

10
Crogan's Montclair image 1
American restaurant

Upscale American restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere and many TVs showing different games. Bar area draws a local crowd including police, creating a lively but casual vibe. Outdoor dog-friendly parklet adds a relaxed, social element to the space.

Salads vary widely here. The mandarin chicken salad is refreshing, while the salmon and blue cheese wedge offers solid flavors. Smaller salads often come with bagged greens and can be disappointing due to old fruit or lack of dressing.

A local Irish bar with a pub-style atmosphere that feels welcoming and lively. The bar serves decent pub food alongside a solid drink selection.

People are saying

"It's a great local spot with friendly staff."

"The pub food at the Bar was decent."

"The fish and chips here meet high standards."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted appetizers and drinks during game days.

2

Parking can be tricky; arrive early to find a spot.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy game days.

11
Sirene image 1
Seafood restaurant

Open kitchen and speakeasy-style back bar create a lively, curated atmosphere with tasteful nods to the sea. Seating varies from garden to cafe-style high tables, fostering a comfortable yet upscale vibe. Live piano music and botanical gin martinis add to the refined but unpretentious experience.

A warm salad with chicory stands out on the menu. The salad pairs well with oysters and comes as part of a multi-course dinner.

Bar staff show deep knowledge and keep drinks flowing with attentive service. The back bar offers a speakeasy vibe with carefully chosen spirits like La Gauloise Jaune.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the oysters."

"The bar team's service was so warm and attentive."

"I was surprised the chicory salad was actually warm."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers a special 40pp fried chicken dinner set.

3

Hydrangea coffee is a unique offering not commonly found elsewhere.

12

Sharp design and spacious seating create a warm, inviting atmosphere with live jazz music enhancing the vibe. The space balances cozy booths upstairs and pleasant outdoor seating with heaters and blankets. Noise levels can rise, especially downstairs, making it lively and social.

Salads feature salmon lunch salad and a bitter Caesar salad with a unique twist. Lentil salad also appears alongside other dishes.

Upstairs bar offers great service with attentive and professional staff. Cocktails pair well with dishes like the ribeye in a sharply designed setting.

People are saying

"The wood-fired pizza and roasted chicken are standout dinner spots."

"This salad made my birthday meal feel like perfection."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Tuesdays features $1 oysters and can get very crowded.

2

The restaurant offers a Tuesday half-bottle wine and fried chicken special.

3

Live music is available on Wednesdays, enhancing the dining experience.

13
Cellarmaker House of Pizza image 1

Industrial space with indoor and outdoor seating offers a relaxed, chill vibe and a dog-friendly patio. Big screens and a projector show games, creating a lively yet welcoming atmosphere. Known for excellent beers and standout pizza, it draws a crowd that enjoys casual dining and craft brews.

Bean salad stands out with its shockingly amazing flavor. Caesar salad pairs well with cider, both are fire. Seasonal autumn harvest salad offers a great mix of fresh ingredients.

Bar-style pizza offers a thin, crispy crust with a notable cheese crunch, while the Detroit-style pizza balances fluffiness and crispiness. The bar pie serves as a solid snack option between meals for groups.

People are saying

"They have an impressive, wide variety of beer choices."

"The Caesar salad here is tasty."

"The beer selection here is excellent and will bring me back."

Good to know

1

There is now a Friday lunch special at Cellarmaker House of Pizza.

2

Parking around the area is not safe; consider alternative options.

3

The restaurant uses QR codes for ordering, except at the bar.

14
Molcajete Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and a comfortable covered patio that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere feels intimate and authentic, with lively music and bright lighting. Popular for excellent tacos and a phenomenal guacamole experience.

Salads come with bits of mango and fresh-made corn tortillas. Chicken taco salad and burrito salads taste delicious and sometimes arrive as a complimentary side.

Fully stocked with a full bar, the spot blends a sports bar and taqueria vibe. Some decorations stand out as unusual.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the handmade tortillas and guacamole."

"I enjoyed the taco salad with mango and corn."

"The mole at this bar is sweet, savory, and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 5:30 PM, so arrive early to take advantage.

2

Parking is limited to curbside with a $3 per hour charge.

3

Expect to be seated outside in the covered section for parties over four.

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Oakland, California

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