Ben and Nick's or Luka's Taproom

[lovebitessf]

Going out in the East Bay with another couple tonight. I want to try one of these places because both feature Dogfish Head 90-minute IPA on tap. (Thanks to Chowhounds for letting me know in another post.)

Yes, food quality matters, but it's not the ultimate criteria for tonight. Luka's menu looks good, but we'd also be happy with more standard pub fare (featured at Ben and Nick's) as long as the quality is above average.

None of us have been to either of these places. Which one should we choose and why?

[lovebitessf]

We will be back in this neighborhood on Monday 4/13 for a concert at the Paramount. Was planning to go back to Luka's before the show. Are any of these other places worth checking out? Are any closed on Mondays?

[Robert Lauriston]

Franklin Square and Vo's are good and open Mondays, as is Ozumo, which I haven't tried yet. Best to make a reservation if you're going before a Paramount show.

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Franklin Square Wine Bar
2212 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

Vo's Restaurant
59 Grand Avenue, Oakland, ca

Ozumo
2251 Broadway Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612

[lovebitessf]

We had a great time at Luka's Taproom. They still have the Dogfish Head 90 min IPA, which I enjoyed immensely.

Called at 4:30 and got a 6:30 reservation. They recommend reservations, especially when there is a show at the Paramount (one block away). But it never did get what I would call crowded. While the dining room remained full throughout the evening, a wait for a table never developed. Maybe it's a sign of the times, or maybe it's because we were there on the early side - 6:30 to 9:30. We had the pool table and jukebox to ourselves.

The food was very good - delicious asparagus soup with preserved lemon oil, the pork loin was perfectly medium (as requested) and served atop nice artichoke mashed potatoes, mac & cheese was yummy.

Will go back...

[Robert Lauriston]

For some reason I'm always surprised at how good the food is there.

[bbulkow]

Sign of the times, I bet - 6:30 to 9:30 saturday should be prime time.

Glad you had a good meal there - every time I go there I wonder why I don't go more often.

[JasmineG]

There are also a lot more options in that area than there used to be: with Flora, Ozumo, and Franklin Square wine bar (and some other spots) all right there, Luka's isn't the only show in Uptown for people grabbing food or a drink there, so that may have slowed their business down a little.

[Robert Lauriston]

Good point. There's also Vo's just a block away.

Franklin Square and Luka's have the same owners.

[rworange]

Thanks for reporting back

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Luka's Taproom
2221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

[Robert Lauriston]

I'd make a reservation at Luka's. Call to make sure they have that beer though, they rotate often.

[Jumbo_Jack]

Ben and Nick's food is very medium. Average pub fare exactly. It's a friendly place though.

Luka's on a Saturday can be a bit of a scene. Long wait for table, cover charge starts at 9:30pm I think. Food is better than Ben and Nick's, and more unique. You can dance at Luka's on the weekend. More extensive beer menu and more expensive.

I'd only do Luka's on a Saturday if I wanted the nightlife that comes with.

[bbulkow]

Perfect description. Luka's is louder, too - tables are very close together. I don't consider B&N much of a destination - Luka's, however, is worth a drive. I hate the crowds, though, and go on the late side.

[Robert Lauriston]

I don't find the crowd a problem in the dining room.