Plum Bar
| Address: | 2216 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA |
| Phone: | +1 510-444-7586 |
| Site: | plumbaroakland.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 3:30PM–12AM 3:30PM–12AM 3:30PM–12AM 3:30PM–12AM 3:30PM–2AM 5PM–2AM Closed |
Location
Photos 90
Reviews 25
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Diana Sky
We had a hankering for some late night drinks and some snacks after the Brave New Voices show at The Fox Theatre, so we wandered down the street looking for a chill spot open after 10 p.m. Downtown Oakland was jumpin but my friend and I werent feeling it. Make Westing was packed with fun and Dogwood was like a sardine can, so I asked the bouncers recommendations there where we could find something low key. He suggested Plum Bar. We made the quick drive a few blocks over, and found it pleasantly -- with Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and her hubby having a late dinner in the adjacent empty restaurant. We should have just asked her for a recommendation since wed just seen her at the same show! Owner Daniel Patterson was also there with his father in the last booth of the bar -- and even our waitress looked familiar. I could see why everyone gravitated toward this small, out-of-the way venue. Its dimly lit dark interior with a long bar to the right, several cozy boothes on the left, high stools with a high top toward the back, and two small tables in the front. Sitting in the corner table by the window, we started out with a couple of fancy drinks: -- Melon-Choly -- Aquavit, Tequila, Cantaloupe, Star Anise, Bitters, with a Cantaloupe Ball skewered on a toothpick as decoration. It was a smooth concoction. -- Sillaro -- 100-proof Rye, Nocino, Falernum, and Xocolati Mole Bitters, which packed a punch! We then ordered two Moscow Mules (Vodka, Lime, and Ginger Syrup -- they ran out of Ginger Beer), which came in tin mugs -- exactly what they should be served in -- and the acidity of he mixture was perfect! They are known for their doughnuts, which came with a raspberry jam dipping sauce (we were told dipping sauces vary with the seasons). Soooo good, we got two orders! Yum.
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Melissa Watson
I rushed in a while back right after they opened (I think it has been at least two years) and liked my meal but it was pretty spendy and I wasnt totally blown away. Im a big fan of great food served in casual settings and when I finally returned recently Plum hits the perfect balance so Im giving a full five stars. We had seats at the counter and got a great show as they carefully prepared all the dishes. Herbs torn and placed just so by yes, hip kitchen staff who look pretty cool doing it. I had house made ricotta in ravioli in a fresh tomato sauce, joined a little unexpectedly by little chunks of fried okra... and you know what? It totally works. Delicious. The chicken was great as well, Im so glad chicken is getting treated well in restaurants again after so many years as a throw away dish. My dining companion and I sipped our way through most of their barrel aged cocktails (passed through a window by the bartenders at Plum Bar next door) and could not resist indulging in two desserts. It was an exciting meal so when the check came it felt worth every penny. Well done! Random notes: street parking was quite easy on an early Sunday evening and we saw many of the other restaurant guests at the concert at the Fox we were on our way to after.
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A Private User
Excellent Place! Its small, cozy and does not have a big menu, but they really excel at what they do. Locally sourced food cooked fresh in front of you, how can you go wrong! I loved the fish special (with a bok choy side I have been trying to replicate ever since) and the breads where a delicious pre cursor to the meal. Although the plates are small, you definitely dont go home hungry. When in Oakland, this is the place to eat (unless I am in town, I dont want to wait).
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Ayele Ajavon
Had such a good time there the other night! They played the hottest jams from the 90s -- like color me bad, adena howard, little kim and mase! We were grooving. The drinks were all right? They defiantly measured out my glasses of wine. The only thing we ordered were these baked maple glazed sweet potato -- they were awful. I ate them but my partner in crime for the night wasnt having it and wouldnt try anything else on the food menu because he was soo grossed out.
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Rebekah Nummer
I really love the adult happy meal. Its a burger a shot of whisky and a beer. Pretty fun! Plum has changed the adult happy meal quite a bit over the years, which is somewhat disappointing. The burger itself has changed at least 3 times fairly drastically. I still love the concept though, and the place is cool and chill.
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Ryan Baudoin
This place has a great bar that makes one of the best old fashions in the city. Great atmosphere for a first date, drinks with a few friends, or a calm place to begin youre event filled night of binge drinking. Just make sure you leave before you get too crazy. Its not that kind of bar ;-)
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Brittany Roberts
I would have to say the cocktails are what shines at the plum bar. The bar itself is trendy and designed beautifully but the food was just a little lacking. I expected more unique menu options and twists rather than the standard type bar food. But the cocktails were what sold me.
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Julee Lee
Ive only been to the Plum Bar. Really nice decor - very simple and modern. I like how you can order food from the bar as well. Their sweet potato fries - YUM! Friendly bartenders and good service.
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Timothy Wingerter
Did Valentines Day here and had a seat at the cooking area. The cooks were fun to watch, the food was incredible, and the cocktails were delicious. Everything was presented very nicely.
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Jeremy Laurin
Really good small-plates and cocktails spot! I highly recommend the brussel sprouts! If you have a larger party, you should definitely call-ahead, as the space is small.
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Jessica Sneed
Really over priced. Food isnt that great. We had the falafel burgers. Service is really nice though and the drinks were pretty good. Not really any gluten free options.
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Christopher Gale
Inventive? Very. Food a bit bizarre? Absolutely. Smallest portions since 8 people stranded on a desert island shared one coconut? Indubitably. Would I go back? Maybe.
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A Private User
Exciting food and good service. It managed to have a strong emphasis on vegetables while still having strong and enjoyable flavor and texture profiles.
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Marie T Fisher
Loved the friendly service and inventive cocktails. Not so much the San Francisco prices, but hey, Oakland really is so much hotter anyways.
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Jolene Mendiola
Drinks are always good here. Nice comfy spot and bartenders are awesome. Havnt ordered food yet, but the menu did look appetizing.
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Brian Pepin
Really fresh, tasty, and perfectly executed upscale fair in a casual setting. My go-to in Uptown Oakland for a nice evening out.
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gregory pearson
Pretentious and off-putting place. Very noisy; food lacks a distinctive touch. Consider this place an attractive lost cause.
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MaryAnn Witherspoon
Great fancy bar and restaurant. Get the burger. If you dont like great cocktails and great food, go to a different place.
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Miki Habryn
Sweet flavors, but delicious and wonderfully composed. Barrel aged cocktails! Sit at the bar. Flirt with the staff.
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Charles Heinrich
Really good food, a little pricey but you get what you pay for. Nice waitstaff, friendly cool vibe.
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A Private User
The food is amazing! The burgers are so tasty. The service is nice and l liked the atmosphere.
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Kacey Hadick
Nice trendy bar in downtown Oakland. I liked the atmosphere, and it wasnt too crowded.
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A Private User
Food is delicious; however, portions are disappointing.... and service is mediocre!
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A Private User
Everything we ordered was exquisite. This is my new favorite restaurant in Oakland.
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Tanny Johanson
Best Place to eat delicious foods.A little pricey but nice place not much crowded.
