September, October, November Restaurant Of The Month
The Fat Lady Restaurant
201 Washington Jack London SQ Oakland, CA 94607 510-465-4996
Click the photo above to open their website
YELP Rated 4 out of 5 Stars out of 333 Reviews
The Fat Lady Bar and Restaurant first opened its doors on May 14th, 1970. It was the creation of Louis and Patricia Shaterian, who, along with their three daughters, Patricia, Karen and Cori, started this family tradition. The current owners are Jerry and Patricia Rossi. The third generation are now taking their places in tradition.
The first thing you notice when you walk inside the Fat Lady is the Victorian Decor. Eye catching Tiffany lamps, beveled glass doors, brentwood chairs, beautiful stained and leaded flass signs, and the other delighful collectibles work their magic to take you back to another place in time. The result is a relaxing and fun atmosphere.
Where did the name Fat Lady come from? There are two stories, fact and legend. Fact has it that when Louis Shaterian owned the original Overland House, a superior court judge told him about a nude painting his son had painted of a pleasantly plump lady. This aroused Lou's curiosity. He was taken to the view of the painting and upon seeing it, decided it was definately unique but he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. The judge suggested it should hang in the new restaurant Lou and his wife, Patricia were about to open and this became the namesake of the Fat Lady Bar and Restaurant. The legend says: The Fat Lady building (built in 1884) was once a house of ill repute and the "Fat Lady" could have been it's madame....Rumors also say that Jack London slept here. Considering he lived within walking distance, maybe....just maybe he did know the infamous Fat Lady. We'll let you decide.
The dining room is business casual. The lunch menu is varied and offers a simple fare of salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees as well as daily specials Monday through Friday. The dinner menu offers salads, soups, small plates, large plates, and assorted items from the grill. The weekend brunch menu consists of two pages of a large variety of goodies. Check their website (by clicking the photo above) for the extensive menu selections.
Everything on the menu is outstanding. Of course I recommend the Fried Zucchini, Ground Round Steak for lunch with Cabernet wine and mushroom sauce. The Chicken Marsala is also outstanding for lunch. For dinner I recommend the Dungeness Crab Cakes, Caesar Salad, Rack Of Lamb or Ribeye Steak. Desserts are fabulous too. Apple Upside Down Cake or Creme Brulee are my favorites..........Reviewed by Ryan Hanan
Open for Lunch, Brunch (Sat & Sun) and Dinner. Hours are:
Lunch 11:30-2:30 (M-F) / Brunch 9-2:30 (sat-sun) / Dinner (5-9 M-Thurs) 5-10:30 (Fri-Sat) The Bar is open from 11:30am to 1:30am M-F / 9am to 1:30am (Sat) / 9am to 4pm (Sun)
YELP Rated 3 1/2 out of 5 Stars out of 288 Reviews
The Quinn's building was constructed in 1903 as the Oakland Harbor Entrance Lighthouse by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. It cost $19,000 and replaced the original 1890 structure, which had been badly damaged by marine borers. The building, which was located on the north side of the entrance to the Oakland Estuary, served as a house for two lighthouse keepers and their families until the lighthouse service became part of the Coast Guard in 1939. From 1939, until the structure was moved to this location in 1965, the families of the keepers lived ashore.
Now resting on the shore of the Oakland/Alameda estuary on "The Embarcadero" right next to the entrance to Coast Guard Island, Quinn's is a historic landmark dating back to the 1890's. In 1984 it was completely renovated and opened as: Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant.
Quinn's prepares a wide array of mouth watering always great fresh food. Quinn's serves an eclectic mix of traditional American cuisine, ethnic specialties and award-winning seafood specials from both coasts all at very generous prices.
Enjoy the 1st floor Yacht Club Dining Room or travel upstairs to the Upper Deck Pub or on a warm night sit in their outside upper deck overlooking the marina. Enjoy the full menu on both floors!
Quinn's has an amazing ambiance. It's quiet, vibrant, charming, romantic and always hopping. Some of my favorite dishes are the Garlic Bread, Clam Chowder or Lobster Chowder, Pear & Gorgonzola Salad, Quinn's Deep Fried Breast Of Chicken, Grilled Chicken Dijon, 12oz Ribeye Steak, Free Range Buffalo Burger and the Fish & Chips. The Key Lime Pie & Homemade Apple Pie are out of this world! The food is always outstanding and the service is always good too.
The first floor resturant is open from 11:30 am to 9pm (7 days a week including holidays) and the upstairs pub is open from 11:30am to closing. The first floor restaurant is semi casual to slightly upscale. Casual attire is ok.
The pub upstairs is casual attire and lots of fun. Baskets of whole peanuts litter every table and you simply throw the shells on the floor. 8 beers on tap and over 50 bottled beers. Great mixed drinks too! This upper pub is a great place to socialize or unwind.
Quinn's Lighthouse is the place to eat and I highly recommend it. It will become one of your favorite new restaurants!.......Reviewed by Ryan Hanan
15508 E14th Street San Leandro Reservations: 510-276-1793
Click the photo above to open their website
YELP Rated 3 1/2 out of 5 Stars out of 66 Reviews
This is another "old school" San Leandro staple and just minutes from our neighborhood. Tito's opened it's doors in 1956 as a small family restaurant. Over time it has expanded into an indoor Mexican oasis decorated with authentic relics from it's mother land.
The large restaurant offers a dimly lit authentic sit down style dining room, a separate bar "cantina" area with tables and booths for casual affairs and an outdoor seating area in the rear of the restaurant for those warm summer nights.
Offering all homemade items prepared fresh daily with only the highest quality meats, poultry, fish and spices, authentic sauces, original recipe beans and homemade rice recipe all passed down through the generations. Tito's "cantina" also offers over 100 tequilas.
Tito's is centrally located on E14th Street right across from Bay Fair Mall and is only a 5 minute drive down 580 from our neighborhood.
My recommendations are (of course the traditionals) the Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken Tacos, Tito's Chimichanga, Tostadas, Tamales and my favorite of all is the "Mixed Plate" (which features 1 enchilada 1 taco and 1 tamale served with rice and beans). I love the rice and beans too which are served with every item!!
Of course (and another ones of my favorites) you are served (upon seating) a very delicious pico de gallo (chunky & not hot) style salsa with warm chips. A hotter thinner salsa is also available upon request for the brave souls.
The staff is very friendly and attentive but for outstanding service ask for "Rosie". You will be pleasantly surprised! .............Reviewed by Ryan Hanan
CLICK THE TITO'S PHOTO ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THEIR WEBSITE Open Tuesday through Sunday. Call for hours
1456 E 14th St, San Leandro Reservations: 510-351-8131
Click the photo above to open their website
YELP Rated 4 out of 5 STARS out of 160 Reviews
You have probably driven right by this "hole in the wall" restaurant in San Leandro on E14th street between Juana Ave and Joaquin Ave (right next to the Bank of America parking lot) 2 blocks south of Estudillo Ave. The food is impressively tasty and authentic. The restaurants real authentic-ness is obvious when you enter and notice the mostly Chinese clientele. The REAL SIGN of a good authentic Chinese restaurant!
Chef Cheheng Lee and Chef Chiho Lee (brothers) are the owners of Daimo Chinese Restaurant of San Leandro. The brothers were executive chefs at Daimo of Richmond since 1999. In 2005, they decided to take ownership of Daimo in San Leandro. Although the restaurants share the same Daimo name, they are not affiliated.
Originally from Hong Kong, both chefs have worked in various Chinese restaurants all over the Bay Area since 1984. With over 25 years of experience, they are well rounded in Chinese culinary skills. The goal is to give customers an excellent dining experience with quality in both food and service.
The variety of food available is stunning and there is something for everyone. From many varieties of Seafood (including fresh live tanks), Poultry (including duck), Beef, Tofu, Vegetable, Clay Pots, Congee, Rice Plates, Pan Fried Noodles and many delicious Soups. The large reasonably priced menu is well thought out and also includes lunch and dinner specials.
ONE NOTE: Takeout menu is smaller than dine in menu. Check restaurant for full menu.
My personal favorites are the Hot & Sour Soup, Beef with Ginger, Lemon Chicken, Salt & Pepper Fish Fillets, General Tao Chicken, and the Pan Fried Noodles. The complimentary tea is also very good. Take a night off and enjoy the most flavorful Chinese Cuisine San Leandro has to offer. I guarantee you will make it one of your new favorites. Reviewed by Ryan Hanan
CLICK THE DAIMO PHOTO ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THEIR WEBSITE Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am - 3 pm & 4:30 pm - 11 pm / Sat-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
VILA CEREJA 1045 MacArthur Blvd San Leandro 510-562- 3916 Serving Dinner Wed - Sun 4pm to 10pm Yelp: 4 stars out of 22 reviews (click photo of Cosmo to open their website)
Click the photo above to open their website
YELP Rated 4 out of 5 STARS out of 24 Reviews
One of the last "old school" restaurants left in the area, discreetly nestled on MacArthur Boulevard between Dutton and Estudillo, it has been a San Leandro icon since the 1960's. Formerly Jakes Lion and remodeled several years ago and renamed Vila Cereja (portuguese translation "Cherry Village"), it was always a hang out for the San Leandro elite. This restaurant has no windows, which might seem odd, but the oasis inside makes up for it. Saved from the original design remains the large open center firepit with its dome chimney and is routinely lit on cool nights which creates a very warm and romantic atmosphere. Sadly the restaurant is rumored to close in 2011 as the original owner "Jake" is retiring. Jake Francisco usually works behind the bar and has a reputation for making world class drinks. The dining menu is outstanding and offers a wide variety of selections in a small design. "Small" and "Large" plate offerings are avaliable as well as homemade soups and delicious crisp salads. I highly recommend the Deep Fried Zucchini appetizer too! Their complete American/Italian inspired menu, hours of operation and phone number is on their website (http://www.vilacereja.com). Since this nostalgic restaurant is rumored to be closing in 2011 we have chosen it for Dec & Jan. I highly recommend it! Reviewed by Ryan Hanan
DECEMBER 31ST 2010 UPDATE....It is rumored that this restaurant will remain open in 2011 for some time and not close as reported above.
Finding a good place to eat locally can be a challenge. Now, every 2 months (6 times a year), we will review a local restaurant we think is really worth trying. If you have a restaurant that you think is above average then we want to know about it. E-mail your suggestions to rhanan@att.net.
