The Bureau 510 — Restaurant in Alameda

What's to like? This place feels like the previous restaurant, Tu Tai 2, with a minor cosmetic upgrade. I pretty they have the same plants in the entry way, but on new shelves. The chairs look new, and uncomfortable.

We ordered Fish and Chips, Coop De Ville (copy paste from the website: chicken breast, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, alfalfa ,russian dressing, dark rye bread) with onion rings, and chicken strips, for take out.

When I arrived they said they were out of dark rye, and asked if whole wheat was ok. I said I didn't think whole wheat would hold up to that sandwich, and asked if they had light rye, sourdough...turns out they don't, so there wasn't really a choice. I paid, and paused, thinking they were going to assemble my sandwich. Turned out it was already in the bag, so the asking was just a show.

On the way home in the car I realized I had smelled the chicken strips before, more than once. So they were bought frozen and fried. Kid confirmed, said that they are the same as Ikea.

Half of the onion rings were light golden, the other half were dark and greasy like they had been fried twice. The golden ones contained partially cooked onions. The dark ones had been cooked so much the onion was mush. Everything else was astonishingly bland. The table spoon of coleslaw (served in the same size container as the sauce for the rings) was mildly sweet, that was the whole seasoning. The chicken was barely seasoned and rubbery, and for some reason, cut into strips. The cheese was also rubbery. There was a miniscule amount of Russian dressing on the sandwich, and even the sour kraut managed to be flavorless. Did they rinse it? The overriding flavor of the sandwich was alfalfa sprouts. And as predicted, the bread didn't hold up. I should have asked for a bun.

And then the fish and chips. The fries were flaccid and pale. The fish was was apparently twice fried, like some of the onion rings, but breading was rubbery, seemed like it was bought pre-battered and frozen.

I will be interested to see what restaurant takes Bureau 510's place...

The Bureau 510 is a nice new addition to Webster St.! I'm rarely on this side of town, as I spend most of my time on Park St., but with more establishments setting up shop around here, I might have to venture out to this area more often!

As a sister location to the popular branch in Emeryville, the Bureau offers many of the items we all know and love, plus a few new ones. There is nothing too frou frou or bourgeousie here. It's simply your good old fashioned American bar and grill type of fare - burgers, fish and chips, onion rings, tater tots, and fries.

Being somewhat of a burger connoisseur, I would probably say that the versions here are in the upper 70 percentile, although not necessarily the most amazing I've ever had. There is a good level of juiciness and flavor, but the patties are somewhat on the dainty side for the price.

Since I don't eat flour, I typically order with a lettuce wrap (protein style), and unlike at most other places, it is a plus that Bureau gives two entire bun sized pieces of lettuce large enough to cover the entire burger. I can actually eat it with my hands if I wanted to (although I still use fork and knife). More times than not, other restaurants will simply use random small pieces that end up falling apart and making a mess. Well, not here!

I have not tried the fish and chips personally, but members of my acquaintance group have mentioned that they are just so-so, with the batter being a tad too thick. Fries, tater tots, and onion rings are all great though!

The decor and atmosphere are a lovely blend of coziness and airiness, with tables spread out far enough to not make things claustrophobic. Dark wooden tables with metal chairs give a modern industrial look.

Service is friendly, and I can tell the ownership truly appreciates your patronage, since it still has that family owned feel to it.

Come on down to support your local Bureau when you are on...

The well lit space of The Bureau 510 exudes a simple charm, making it an ideal spot for a laid-back evening or a night out with friends.

The friendly staff were attentive and knowledgeable, guiding me through their extensive drink menu. As a non-alcoholic drink enthusiast, I couldn't resist ordering their renowned Blackberry Virgin Mojito. It did not disappoint! The blend of muddled blackberries, fresh mint leaves, and zesty lime resulted in a burst of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The mocktail was beautifully garnished, adding a touch of elegance to the overall presentation.

The Bureau 510's commitment to using quality ingredients was evident in every sip. The attention to detail and balanced flavors showcased the bartender's skillful craftsmanship. Even though it was alcohol-free, the Blackberry Virgin Mojito provided the same level of enjoyment and satisfaction as any well-crafted cocktail.

Aside from the drinks, the food menu was equally impressive. I opted for their selection of small plates and was delighted by the diverse range of flavors and textures. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and showcased the chef's culinary expertise.

The cozy seating arrangements and background music set the perfect tone for an engaging conversation with friends or a relaxing solo outing. The Bureau 510 strikes the right balance between a vibrant social setting and a tranquil hideaway.

Overall, my experience at The Bureau 510 was outstanding. The combination of excellent mocktails, delectable food, and exceptional service make it a standout destination. I'm looking forward to returning soon to explore more of their offerings and to savor another round of their delightful Blackberry Virgin Mojito. Whether you're a teetotaler or a cocktail enthusiast, The Bureau 510 is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a memorable and...