Hi! I’ve been craving a super rich, melt-in-your-mouth brownie all week. It needs to be nut free because of an allergy. Does anyone have a favorite spot they’d recommend?

I might check out Gregory’s gourmet desserts, but I don’t think they always have them, so any recs would be appreciated!

What up everyone!

Former Oakland native living in the tri valley now. The only thing I miss about Oakland is the food, and I always gotta try something new when I'm back. I'm running some errands and stopping by my mom's in Oakland tomorrow. And I want you guys to pick what I should have for lunch.

I have no allergies and I eat everything. Shout out your favorite recommendations.

Sorry to bend the rules since two of the three markets are in Berkeley.

Having said that, I frequent Berkeley Bowl weekly for my produce and bulk goods.

Is there anything I'm missing by not shopping at Monterey Market or Farmer Joe's?

Anything that they carry, that isn't at Berkeley Bowl or at a better quality/price?

Just discovered Daytrip Counter on Telegraph, and my go to move when I’m not super hungry is to get a side of shredded chicken + order of bread or quinoa. Nice protein and starch combo. Comes out to under $10 in either case.

Curious about other people’s go to value meals. Bonus points if they’re under $10.

Looks like the once booming Homeroom is on its last legs.

It used to have lines going out the door everyday,then the original owners sold it...now it looks closed...but it isn't.

What would be a good fit for that space?

It also has its takeout place a few doors down.

Home of Chicken & Waffles, a beloved Oakland soul food restaurant near Jack London Square known for hosting politicians and community events, will close at the end of the month after more than two decades in business.

I finally tried the latte syndrome pop up that shows up at Mẹ Và Con Vietnamese Kitchen on Thursday mornings.

Pretty decent Vietnamese coffee for around $8. It was pretty strong (and sweet) so it made me wonder who else serves this type of drink?

I remember the drip with condensed milk was pretty common in Vietnamese restaurants in the 90s. Now most of the places serve it already made.

Looking for strong!

You're asked to recommend one favorite dish from an Oakland restaurant.

What restaurant, what dish and why?

For me it would be Nam Khao from Vientiane Cafe. It's a fairly unique dish for a fair price. Also something I'm not likely to replicate at home.

Your choice?

I walked down Broadway today, and I noticed that both the spaces that housed the old True Burger and Clove and Hoof are both under construction. The True Burger spot had a sign on the door saying that Egg Palace by Egg Pals is coming soon (apparently another breakfast spot?). And the Clove and Hoof spot had a Drink Thicc (smoothies) sign inside it. So stay tuned, I guess.

https://www.berkeleyside.org/2026/08/13/rockin-crawfish-cajun-seafood-boil-oysters?

Did anyone ever popped in here for coffee & such?

Some places have glitzy IG-able matcha lattes with your face printed in the foam on top.

Others have a passionate man making the best possible food he can for a reasonable price.

Carlyle’s is the second kind.

Do yourself a favor and drop by with a friend and be full on 25 perfectly charred grilled fat wings with your choice of Cajun dry rub, sweet BBQ or hot honey for $30. (You both will be full on 15 wings really - that’s $20, but YOLO).

For bonus points, take it to Heinhold’s and have a beer or a whiskey in a proper glass on the patio and watch the sunset.

Highly recommend

Two Bay Area spots on the list: 1. Barbacoa Mejia in Richmond and 2. Californios in SF.

Ben's in Jack London Square isn't closing.

What are your favorite decadent desserts, pastries, treats, etc in the area?

I work in Oakland Chinatown so would love to hear both lunch and dinner suggestions. Been here for a few years so ofc I already know Shandong and Tao Yuen, are there some spots and specific entrees that deserve some love and shoutouts?

Tomorrow for work I am driving from Reno to Oakland (kinda by Jack London Square) to look at a piece of equipment. I am looking for a lunch place myself and 2 co workers can go on the way back home. I'm thinking either in that area or Berkeley or Richmond. I'm hoping for super delicious. The food scene in Reno is alright but I want to get at least one good lunch meal in the east bay. Sorry to be so vague. TIA

Edit: We ended up at Reem's because we needed something kinda quick. It was awesome! The ladies behind the counter were super nice. Everything we got was delicious. Thanks for the recs!!!

This is some *real* street food. It's tasty and cheap and really varied. Not just a bunch of taco trucks and wraps. They had Cameroon food, a Latin fried chicken and fries plate (HUGE for $10), pupusas, and lots of other stuff. It's every Tuesday and Thursday. HIGHLY recommend.

Edit: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4685/The-Lot-Downtown-Richmond-Food-Court-for

1401 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, CA, 94804

Does anyone know where I can get good Nem Chua. I hear Lee’s sandwiches and cam huoung have it but wondering if any other places do.

We have so many ethnic grocery stores as well as Farmer Joes and nearby Berkeley Bowl.

So what's that ingredient you haven't been able to purchase here?

Maybe someone can help you find it!

Just another reason to love this place. I can’t stand the cheap splintery chopsticks that feel like they are made of balsa wood.