EAST BAY INSOMNIAC

La Piñata

1440 Park St, Alameda • 769-9110

SERVING:

• Mexican entrees and taco bar (see menu)
• Over 300 100% Agave Tequilas
• Largest collection of Tequila in Northern California

OPEN UNTIL: 3AM

PARKING: street

AWARDS: Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Happy Hour, Best Margarita (all 2007 from Alameda Magazine)

WEBSITE: Alameda La Piñata

REVIEWS: yelp

The Oakland Raiders at La Piñata

ROOSTER’S ROADHOUSE

1700 Clement Ave, Alameda • 337-9190

STUFF:

• goth kids
• rock-n-roll
• pool tables
• Roy’s kitchen

AMBIENCE: young crowd, smack in the middle of the suburbs

OPEN UNTIL: 2AM
PARKING: street, easy
EBI MINI-REVIEW: Roy makes killer garlic fries, and I mean that literally for all the young vampires.

FROM THEIR MYSPACE PAGE: “ROOSTERS ROADHOUSE is the East Bay’s underground live music hideaway. With a 200 person capacity, full bar, full kitchen menu, phenominal sound and lighting system, outdoor smoking area and plenty of parking, Rooster’s is a great place to enjoy live music ranging from local, to national acts. Dedicated to giving the opportunity to upcoming artists from all genres, and providing a hospitable venue for national shows and promotions. Come out and support your local music scene!”

ACME BAR

2115 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley • 644 2226

Considered by many to be the best bar in Berkeley on account of the divey smoke-friendly vibe; hip, tattooed locals; good jukebox (punk, indie, metal); proximity to Lanesplitter pizza and distance from UC Berkeley students.

OPEN UNTIL: 2AM

PARKING: street

REVIEWS:

KINGMAN’S IVY ROOM

860 San Pablo Ave @Solano, Albany • 526-5888

I haven’t been here since it was reinvented, so I’m quoting the following Yelp reviews. Apparently, there is no more live music, no cover charge, no beer on tap and better restrooms. A sampling:

• “I’m sorry, but I loved the original Ivy.  This one bites.” 
• “The place is excellent, and it’s nice to not have to go to SF for a decent bar.”
• “I miss the shuffle board, and the sticky floors, and the jazz band that played in the other room.”
• “A PIER 1 IMPORTS WITH A BAR.”
• “They know how to make Mojitos and Martinis… they have an entire Martini menu…”

Perhaps “Sophia C.” sums it up best: “In order to appreciate the new Ivy Room, you can’t compare it to the old–the two are like night and day.  The only recognizable remnant of the old Ivy Room is the sign outside.  Old clientele will be disappointed by the change and will probably never set foot in the new version, except maybe to use the (clean) restroom.”

OPEN UNTIL: 2AM

PARKING: street

WEBSITE (splash page): Kingman’s Cocktails

REVIEWS:

The Ivy Room past and present…

McNally’s Irish Pub

The Oldest Irish Pub In Oakland

5352 College Ave, Oakland • 655-6469

FEATURING:

• beer and whiskey
• full bar
• Irish coffee
• billiards
• bar food
• fireplace and patio
• a portrait of JFK who once had a drink here during a campaign stop

OPEN UNTIL: 2AM

PARKING: street

REVIEWS: