West Oak Nosh — Restaurant in Lodi

This place is one of Lodi's top rated and premier places for a reason: everything here is quality.

The beer list is extensive and diverse, the cocktails are top notch, and the food is refreshing and traditional at the same time.

If you're looking for a hybrid between German traditional and new American, this is it. It balances both quite well, and while the menu is pages and pages long, you won't miss all the extra chaff; schnitzel, pretzel, and fries fried in beef fat are what you're looking for, you just didn't realize it.

But its the fries. That's one of those things that sets this place apart. If you're older, you may remember a time when McDonald's fries were as good as the reputation that preceeded them. They used to fry their fries in beef fat, and then they took that away from you.

If you've never experienced that version of fries, then try them to start; the difference should be palpable (and quite paletable).

You can also order online and pick-up food to go from the bar, which is much better than doordash or any other such thing.

They also have a very good brunch on weekends which is worth experiencing, especially when the weather is nice and they open the front windows or you sit out on the patio. The interior is nice, as well, modernly adorned yet minimal enough to enhance while not detracting from the cultivated ambiance.

The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, but above all, nice, friendly, and warm. If you're passing through town, this would be an excellent choice to get a feel for what is in Lodi; if you live here you've probably already been and return still yet. And on that note, and for the stated reasons above you will generally find a rotating cast of regulars that seems to be growing. The food really is good enough to eat over and over again without...

West Oak Nosh is a great place for a quick day date or a night out with friends! My husband and I had a late lunch there and really enjoyed it. The modern, casual, industrial vibe is fun. The service is decent. Plus, they have a great selection of drinks and flavorful dishes! This restaurant is semi-German inspired with a modern twist. It emphasizes freshness and creativity! My Shnitzel sandwich was to tie for. The meat was cooked perfectly. My husband enjoyed his burger and fries. Plus, the spicy pomegranate margarita was a fun try! (I would get it without the pomegranate juice next time, the tart didn’t balance for me.)

Though we went in wintertime, this place opens up with a garage door style wall that leads to a small patio. There is a dining room adjacent to the bar, which would be more of a sit down or family vibe. I can imagine that it would get very slammed on Farmers Market evenings or during any popular downtown events.

Overall, we really liked West Oak Nosh and...

We were sent here for brunch by our winery buddies! The first sip of the Bloody Mary set the bar high. Incredibly fresh ingredients and amazing flavour with a fun rasher of bacon added for extra flourish. My coffee was made fresh and delicious if on the light side for this traditional (boring) French roast drinker.

We were excited for our food orders but were ultimately a bit disappointed. My avocado toast (kindly served on potatoes instead of bread because I’m GF) had generous amounts of guacamole instead of fresh avocado and the flavours just didn’t quite jive correctly. The chipotle aioli was tasty. My husband loved the schnitzel on his waffle and schnitzel but the waffle itself tasted and looked a bit like an oversized eggo.

Everything we ate was good but it wasn’t great like the drinks. Would go back for the...