47 - Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Emeryville

4081 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA. 94608, (510) 594-1221

Last visited: February 2010

When you reach Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe, you'll wonder, "Why is there so many people in a cafe that's in the middle of nowhere?" But the question that's equally important is, why is there SO MANY people?

I went there for the second time on Valentine's Day 2010 and our wait was an estimated 40 minutes for a table of 6 plus 2 kids. Luckily we were the vanguard and the second half of our party didn't have to bear the wait. They carried the two young ones, so the less waiting, the better.

We got our table and ordered breakfast. They had a plentiful menu of morning food which included: eggs hollandaise (homemade sauce) and many breakfast burrito variations. The grits were actually pretty good. They also make mini cornmeal waffles there that reminded me of Eggo minis.

I ordered from the lunch menu because it was about noon time. I had the Ranchero burger which came with onions, the usual fixings, and a homemade barbecue sauce. The sauce had a little kick to it, which made it really good. I ordered a cherry coke, but they didn't have any left, so they recommended a black-berry coke. I've never had that before, but it was actually pretty good too. It would be unfair of me to not mention their helpful and accommodating staff. They did a lot of little things to make our breakfast as relaxed as can be with an infant and a toddler.

They have an open terrace for smokers and very limited seating inside. The decor is punk-rock like and the clientele is very eclectic. They also open (with breakfast) until 1am. I'm pretty sure I'll revisit this place, but hopefully the wait won't be so long next time.

Lastly, if you're creeped out by barbie dolls, you should avoid this place. Otherwise, enjoy!

39 - Aunt Charlie's Lounge - San Francisco

133 Turk St., San Francisco, Ca. 94102, (415) 441 - 2922

Last visit - January 2006

Aunt Charlie's Lunge

Yes, these are a couple old reviews that I am porting here from a couple years ago. I guess this is a trip through memory lane. It will also start a 5 part series of bars.

(image from unknown source)

The moment you step into the bar, you see it all: the narrow walls, the fluffy cloud-like ceiling, the bar on your left, and old TV hanging on the ceiling. In other words, this bar is small! I think the maximum capacity is twenty.

I went on their dragqueen show night. It was dark and a small crowd of people were drinking by the back of the bar, staring at the curtain to a stage. From there on, drag queens came out in their full made-up appearances and started singing to their heart's delight. It was a loud and rather festive event. I was kind of awestruck because it was my first time at this kind of thing.

The bartender is a old bearded man with a long pony-tail. He serves super stiff drinks. I saw him do my cranberry-turkey, and he let the bottle run up to about three-fourth's full then splashed the top with a little cranberry: the result, a very strong drink. For $4.50, it's a steal.

I think the bar is made up of mostly regulars, but welcomes strangers. It is a bit away from downtown, so it might be difficult to find.

32 - the Candy Bar - San Francisco

1335 Fulton street, San Francisco, CA.94117, (415) 673-7078

Last visited - August 2009

(image from curbednetwork.com)
One look inside you'll notice something different about the bar. It's clientele? Preppy and in their early 30's. The food? Desserts that people don't think about would taste good, but it TASTES GOOD! The ambiance? dimly lit with hints of artificiality. It took me awhile, but the bar didn't look out of place, it WAS out of place. It's the type of bar you'd find in L.A... but in San Francisco.

I did like the fact that they had board games in the bar. It seemed like a good idea to be able to play some Monopoly or Yatzee while sipping on some cocktails, but the tables were amazingly cramped. I guess they wanted to pack more people in, but it's a small issue. We ordered our food and it arrived promptly. My girlfriend had the nacho sundae platter (is it a play on the words "not your sunday"?), our friend had the matcha green-tea cake, while I had some fruit tart thing that's served in a little jar, the white chocolate mousse it looked like creme' brulee. It was made of three layers and garnished with the white chocolate mousse on the side. Reviewing their menu online, I learned that the three layers were Blue berry compote, Kalamansi Sorbet, and Candied Parsnips. Upon the second spoonful I realized it was the Kalamansi sorbet that really excited me. It was amazingly smooth and the chill kept the whole dessert together - a tingling delight at every bite. The blue berries were fresh and the parsnips were delightful. I almost forgot about the mousse. The sorbet was a true winner, and I had a cup of coffee with it that went together really well. The cake was mediocre for the price, but my fruit snack and my girlfriend's nacho desserts were both tasty.

Lastly, I enjoyed the food and the presentation of the food, but I wouldn't make a trip to San Francisco for it. Now if I was already in town, it would be a different story. Bon appetite!

30 - the Victorian Pub - San Leandro

15325 Washington Ave., San Leandro, CA 94579, (510) 614-7130

Last visited - November 2008

Most likely known to many as "the Vic", this San Leandro hole-in-the-wall bar is recognized as a homey place for its locals. Located right off of the Washington Ave exit across from the Walgreens, you'll find yourself wondering, "Why is there a bar here?", believe me I was befuddled the first time I seen it. This place is so hole-in-the-wall that I can't find a picture of it on Google. Well, not the first few pages at least. I was introduced to this bar by my co-workers at Peterson Tractor. They go on regularly and enjoy a couple of pitchers to ease the hard work week. Drinks are decently made, the beer isn't ridiculously priced, and there is a nice juke box with today's tunes.

I like places like these because it reminds me of the way "America" used to be. America with it's steel workers and brick-layers and all that blue-collar, work a "dollar-a-day" for an "honest man's wages" kind of deal. When I picture the Vic, I am reminded of the U2 song, "These are the hands that built America". Anyways, it's just a bar. They don't serve food neither. Walgreens can supply chips. Hell, the guys sometimes order pizza delivered there.

The Vic has limited seating, two pool tables, a dart board and a big TV. Last I heard they installed a couple of gaudy LCD's to guide the eyes of sports fans. They like to turn on to MMA and wrestling there, so if you're into that kind of stuff and around town, duck into the Vic and have a pint. I find myself having a good time the few times I been there. I think I should make another pilgrimage there myself.

29 - Frank's Saloon - San Leandro

2014 Marina Blvd, San Leandro, CA.94577, (510) 895-0140

Last visited - June, 2009

(image from citysearch.com) One of the things I grow fondly of is the amount of lesser known eateries around the Bay Area. If the East Bay restaurants were to be made into a Monopoly board many of the casual diners would be made to resemble Baltic and Mediterranean avenue. It's quite sad, but a lot of these places deserve a brief visit if one has the time.

Yesterday I went back to Frank's Saloon towards the Marina in San Leandro for some tacos. They do it pretty good there. These little soft shell tapas with spicy pork and chicken. It's definitely got a kick and the price is cheap. I think it's about $1.75 each, and you can get full off of four of these. They did a remodel to the kitchen so it's a bit cleaner. The people there usually buy the food to supplement their drinking and drinking games.

The bar is friendly and there are three TV's for the usual sports. I think the price of drinks is low, so you don't have to worry too much forking up the tab for a round. There are two pool tables and an electronic dart board. I played a sorry game of darts the last time I was there. I'm usually there for the tacos and beer. If you're headed to San Leandro and find yourself towards the Marina, I suggest you go in for a bite too.

27 - Asia S.F. - San Francisco

201 9th Street, San Francisco, Ca. 94103, (415) 255-2742

Last Visited: August, 2009

Asia SF's Website

To borrow an over-used cliche', going to Asia S.F. isn't just dinner; it's an experience! There is a lot of confusion around even when you go knowing that it's a up-and-coming night club in San Francisco that's hosted by cross-dressers. The waitresses of the night are not women, but transgender men. Knowing this does help, but not too much when you're there.

I went with my girlfriend and her co-workers for a birthday bash/ company gathering. The place was packed and the ladies of the night were walking handsomely down the aisles. We took a preview of the dance floor on the bottom cellar and waited for our table to be cleared, a table for fourteen. As our pre-set meal started coming, we got ourselves comfortable by ordering drinks and making small talk. Naturally the focus was on the waitresses. For the men, it was mass confusion; for the women, it was a guilty stare of shock and envy. I mean, they have made-up faces, tone stomachs, and shaved legs - not to mention well-endowed tops. Surgery can do wonders I guess. But besides that, the food was good.

Our appetizers came and a small show ensued. I guess if this was the old days, I'd describe it as "burlesque". I guess it's cabaret, which reminds me of the word kyaba-kura, or cabaret club for short in Japanese. I enjoyed the pre-set dinner. It was four courses with a baby-back rib entre' and a memorable lamb course. I didn't care too much for the grilled banana dessert nor the ice-cream cones in the end, but it received spectacular response from my fellow dinner mates. I think they were all still gawking at the men/women.

When we finished our food, which came with a gigantic bill, we went down to hang out with the bachelorettes dancing and acting wild. It's one of the gimmicks for Asia SF, and they have regular bachelorette parties. I guess you feel safer getting crazy in a gay bar than a straight one. I ate, I drank, and I danced. I don't think there is much to say about the place besides to just go see it for yourself. The behavior is quite scandalous, but at the same time you're not sure if you should behave or set yourself apart. Boys will be boys I guess.

25 - Luka's Tap Room - Oakland

2221 Broadway, (between Franklin St & Grand Ave), Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 451-4677

Last visit - June 2009

http://www.lukasoakland.com/

To snap my four month hiatus from writing about food I decided to write about Luka's in Oakland. This fine establishment located on the corner of Telegraph avenue and 22nd street, between Franklin and Grand. It is unassuming, but many a times I drive past it and the place is booming with customers and music. At night they have music venues that fill up the lounge. I am not sure of the name, "Luka's Tap Room and Lounge", but I guess they have tap dancing somewhere at some time?

I went there Sunday morning for their brunch and had a good time. They open at 10:30am, so it's not wise to go early like me. I waited in front of downtown Oakland in front of the newly constructed condos in the area. Not much goes on in this place on Sundays; most folks are at church. But by the time we got in, there were other patrons that got in with us. The tables filled up quickly and we ordered our food. I had the Scrambled Eggs with Trout and my girlfriend had the Eggs Bennedict with Catfish (fried). Both dishes came out quickly and were delightful to taste. My dish was a bit too creamy, but my girlfriend's catfish was really good. I also enjoyed their house coffee, which was a fine roast (perhaps the first roast of the morning?).

The last thing to say about this place (for breakfast at least) is that they serve a complimentary corn bread sliced into cubes as an appetizer. It's quite cute.

23 - the Hob Nob - Alameda

1313 Park St,(between Alameda Ave & Encinal Ave), Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 769-1011

Last visit: January, 2009

the Hob Nob's website

The Hob Nob is a place where food, games, and drinks meet in Alameda. They actually have a server and a kitchen, and I found it interesting that they have daily specials. It's a dimly lit place that caters to who seem to be regulars there. They have one flat-screen that shows predominantly hockey for some reason. It's good that there's only one screen I guess, nowadays places are decked out with five or six at least. 

We get there early and the eating crowd is still there. I order their Blue Berry Mojito, which came with too much blue berry. My friends order their tequilla and Tecate combo and a pink cosmo-like drink. The drinks are pretty strong at the Hob Nob, so don't go crazy in ordering your cocktails. I try their Long Beach later and it has a bit of a kick to it. 

Our food comes in due time. I recommend the garlic fries. Quite a treat while watching the games on TV. They have the usual sports bar menu with daily specials. I have to try the burgers next time. 

Board games are in the back, and so are some in the front of the bar. We check out the scrabble and began our night of word banter and stories over drinks. I would like to go there again.