Good beers - 23 of 'em! - and food on tap in Oakland...

In this part of California, people often focus on the dining choices in San Francisco, unfortunately overlooking Oakland. But there are some great restaurants and ale houses in what is affectionately known as Oaktown. One of my favorite restaurants, for example, is the Z Bar and Cafe near Lake Marriott and automobile row.

Linden Street Brewing is one great place for brews... And then there's Cato's Ale House in north Oakland, reviewed below (click on the orange link), home of 23 beers on tap and fine food at a discount.

http://tinyurl.com/mh2w9w

Photos: flickr (top photo by fotogail, bottom photo by peterme)

Do the Linden...

Sometimes you just need a reason to down a few good beers. The San Jose Mercury News recently printed an article entitled, "City of Oakland has put Linden Street Brewing on the ropes." I won't restate it except to note that it explains why the Linden Street Brewery has experienced two years of bureaucratic delays. These delays have placed the brewery on the edge of going out of business even before it has officially opened.

I've never been to this brewery and have no connection to its owners. However, I was extremely impressed when I went to Yelp! and found 31 five-star reviews posted by Linden Street's customers. (That's a batting average of one thousand!) Joe B. said that, "It's a small crafty brewery... that harkens back to Oakland's working-class history."

So if you're in or visiting Oakland, you might want to head down to the Port of Oakland area and stop in at 95 Linden Street, Suite 8, Oakland 94607. Try the Urban Lager draft (pictured) and tell 'em that Munchy sent you!