Gentlemen, I need your help! I've been under a rock socially for a bit and have no idea of the good spots anymore. Can anyone recommend an elegant/cool restaurant in the Oakland/Berkeley area? Preferably with a place to park where my car isn't killed? (Yes, I'm asking a lot....lol).

 

taco truck!

 

Hey Grace!

I don't know what you have in mind...but when I'm in Oakland and want to listen to some great Jazz, I go to Yoshi's http://www.yoshis.com/

Their cocktails aren't bad either. I'm planning to see Bilal & Chick Correa.


Skates has good food too. http://www.skatesonthebay.com/ the view is great.

 

Giovanni's On Shattuck

 

I heard Jupiters in Berkeley is a really good place to eat at. Also depending on what night you go, there are bands that perform there as well. It's right there on Shattuck as well.

 

Spangers is good if you want fresh fish

 

+1 for Yoshi's. You can park in the parking structure right across from the movie theatre.

 

rockridge is great for this gillian. check out garibaldi's, oliveto's and citron. i can vouch for the first two being quite good.

 

chez panisse in berkeley.

http://www.chezpanisse.com/

 

that's a bit much for a date restaurant leon... maybe for a special event

 

depends on what kind of a date she had in mind.

btw, she did say elegant.

 

Oops, I seemed to have missed the elegant part. Nevermind about Jupiters then, it's more of a "casual" atmosphere.

 

WHOA okay, wait a minute, girl-talk, boy-talk here.

Sorry to change the subject Grace, but I want to ask this question, what do you guys normally do or expect on a first date when you guys meet a girl? YOu ask her out so you can get to know her more... what sort of venue or event would you take her on your first date?

I guess to me, Chez Panisse is appropriate. It's quiet, you and your date can talk and not yell above the noise. Skates is nice, same type of atmosphere, the view of SF is breathtaking.

Let's here it guys.... just want to know.

 

if chez panisse is going overboard, then i concur on garibaldi's and citron...both good.

 

for a first date?? lol crazy imo. i think as a guy i would feel like i'm flaunting a bit to go drop $400+ on a first date dinner.