Loosen your belts, Oakland — since the start of the year, the city has welcomed a slew of new eateries spanning several cuisines, including Indian street food, pizza, soul, and a sandwich/burger hybrid.
If you'd like to put some of your New Year's resolutions in the rear view mirror, read on.
Lena’s Soul Food Café
On February 4, Lena's Soul Food Café opened its second Oakland location on 6403 Foothill Blvd., a site formally occupied by Souls Restaurant.
Alongside the same traditional soul food served at its flagship (1462 High St.), the new full-service, dine-in establishment offers an extended menu and features a large dining room, private banquet areas and a parking lot.
Curry Up Now
Yelper Alan C. reports that the newest brick-and-mortar location of Curry Up Now (1745 San Pablo Ave.) opened for business on January 30, taking over the Mockingbird/Hibiscus storefront. What launched as a single food truck back in 2009 is now a budding empire with four food trucks, five restaurants and two craft cocktail bars.
As for the menu, think Indian street food with a creative twist — tikka masala burritos, deconstructed samosas, Naughty Naan and Sexy Fries are just some of your options.
Spinning Dough
According to West Oakland Neighbors, Spinning Dough (2935 Market St.) celebrated its grand opening on February 3 after taking over a cheesesteak and wings space on Market Street near San Pablo Avenue.
The menu includes starters like baked wings, as well as 18-inch pies like Prosciutto (Béchamel sauce, arugula and parmesan) and the Seafood (Béchamel, clams, crab, scallop, shrimp, green onions).
Cracked
Cracked (4901 Telegraph Ave.), known for its fried-egg breakfast sandwiches and French toast bites, started off as a pop-up inside Chick & Tea before moving to its new location in December 2016.
According to tipster Al M., it's now located up the street inside Blackwater Station. Since it's no longer inside a shared space, the facility is bigger, which means "business is booming more than ever," he said.
"In addition to Cracked, they've also [opened] Buna Burger at the same location, serving traditional burgers and appetizers," noted our tipster.
The Wolf
Rich and Rebekah Wood — the husband/wife duo behind Wood Tavern and Southie — have taken over Bay Wolf restaurant on Piedmont Avenue. On February 8, the legendary establishment reopened as The Wolf (3853 Piedmont Ave.), which now boasts lighter colors and a modern, open kitchen, SF Eater reports.
Chef Yang Peng’s French-forward California opening menu includes creative reinterpretation of classic dishes, including Alaskan Black Cod, Grilled Pork Loin and Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast.
Seawolf Public House
As we reported, Seawolf Public House (350 4th St.) has renovated the space formerly occupied by The Warehouse near Jack London Square, opening yesterday.
The California-inspired menu of traditional pub fare will soon offer "the best burger in town," boasted executive chef Jason Moniz, who also opened Philomena and Portal.
Thanks to Al M. for the tip! See something interesting while you’re out and about? Text Hoodline and we’ll see what we can find: 510-757-9959.
