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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Oakland

Cool salad spots

A salad that manages to be cool and interesting without trying so hard that it loses the simplicity of the greens.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club image 1
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club image 2
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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.

Seating includes cool nooks scattered throughout. The lounge vibe feels like stepping into the 1950s. An aperitif bar cart adds to the atmosphere.

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 vibe here is super cool, like stepping into the 1950s."

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.

02
Sideshow Kitchen image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant offers spacious outdoor patio with covered seating and multiple TVs playing sports. Atmosphere stays warm and friendly with a mix of Bay Area hip-hop music and relaxed vibes. Patio welcomes dogs and encourages lingering with picnic tables and heaters.

Salads come fresh and delicious with options like fried chicken salad and grilled salmon salad. They pair well with wings and sauces, offering a tasty, satisfying choice alongside burgers and fries.

Casual, family-friendly vibe blends with a chill, young crowd. A cool patio and TVs add to the relaxed atmosphere, while the staff keeps the energy inviting.

People are saying

"These juicy burgers are delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The salads here are fresh and mind-blowingly delicious."

"The food here is cool, flavorful, and seasoned."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The menu is small but features unique items specific to the Bay Area.

3

Sideshow Kitchen is pet-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs.

03
MENSHO image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant with modern decor and shared tables creates a loud, packed atmosphere that feels cramped but lively. Music adds a loungey, housey vibe while seating includes a section for solo diners. Air conditioning runs strong, sometimes uncomfortably so.

Fresh microgreens come with a tangy sauce that stands out. Pickled yuzu cucumber with ikura offers a refreshing, elevated twist. Daikon salad feels heavenly and crisp.

A super cool vibe fills the space, making it feel fresh and inviting. The atmosphere blends modern style with a welcoming energy that suits all kinds of visitors.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be amazing and flavorful."

"The vibe here is super cool."

"The Yuzu Mizore Ramen's flavors stood out beautifully."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

2

During peak hours, there might be a 20-30 minute wait, so it's better to go right when they open.

3

The restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian options for most of its menu.

04
Persian Nights image 1
Persian restaurant

Warm Persian authentic ambience fills cozy indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful holiday decorations and a cozy patio featuring outdoor heating. Quiet atmosphere encourages easy conversation, while a small bar with TV adds casual charm. The setting feels like a welcoming family gathering spot.

Salads here feature fresh ingredients like feta and cucumber. The Ghormeh Sabzi and Salad Shirazi stand out for their distinct flavors.

A little bar with a TV adds a unique touch. The atmosphere features cool decorations that stand out.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I loved the Shirazi salad; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant no longer offers a buffet option, focusing on a la carte dishes.

3

Expect higher prices than average for Persian cuisine in the area.

05
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 relaxed vibe sets the tone here, making the bar feel very cool and welcoming. The atmosphere stays fun and easygoing throughout.

People are saying

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

"The food here is really good and hit the spot."

"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.

06
The Lumpia Company image 1
Filipino restaurant

Filipino restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with spacious patio and water views. Atmosphere is family-friendly with a vintage arcade corner featuring free play games. Music and TVs create a lively vibe, while Filipino-flavored beers add a unique touch.

Crunchy lumpia wrapper bits and fluffy cornix add texture to the salad, paired with fresh kale and a zesty calamansi vinaigrette. The Filipino Cobb Salad offers a hearty option with bold flavors.

A bar with six large TVs shows different sports, creating a lively vibe. The space feels open and cool, serving tasty Philippine food and drawing fans of GTC because of band members from Guam.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"It's a cool spot with an arcade and tasty Filipino food."

"I loved the Filipino Cobb Salad."

Good to know

1

Live bands perform every few weeks; check the schedule for exact dates.

2

Comedy nights are hosted regularly; plan to attend for a fun evening.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to walk.

07
Burdell image 1
American restaurant

Rustic dรฉcor with vintage charm and stained glass windows creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Funky music and a nostalgic vibe complement the comfortable, casual yet classy setting. Soul food flavors stand out amid a relaxed, stylish environment.

Salads feature rich textures and flavors with careful ingredient selection. The fried green tomato salad on Little Gem lettuce offers delicate, crispy breading and a creamy, slightly puckery dressing. The Cabbage & Pears salad combines dill, pears, and candied pecans for a unique flavor mix.

The vibe feels cool and trendy with a comfortable and casual yet classy atmosphere. Seating is comfy, though it can get quite hot inside due to no air conditioning.

People are saying

"The American Food's duck was intensely flavored, almost unrecognizable."

"I enjoyed the salad; it was tasty and on point."

"The chicken and waffles here are perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect to pay around $30-50 per person for a meal.

3

The restaurant can get crowded during Sunday lunch hours.

08
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.

Creative use of space and an open kitchen make the atmosphere cool and engaging. The music adds to the vibe, making it a unique spot to hang out.

People are saying

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

"The food here is great, especially the unique kimchi sauce."

"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.

09
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.

Buzzing atmosphere carries an eclectic energy with cool decor and good cocktails.

People are saying

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

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

"The decor here is really cool and eclectic."

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.

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Oakland, California

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