Daytrip — Restaurant in Oakland

The good: the food is unique, zesty and memorable. I would happily get takeout for 30% off the dine in prices.

The not so good: everything else.

We dined in for a special occasion. Given the hype and the price point, we expected top notch service. The restaurant was empty yet we waited as the host hurried around and ignored us upon entry and then seemed confused when we weren’t walk ins. How dare we have a reservation!

I’d describe the scene as a poorly retrofitted garage trying too hard to emulate the 70s with decor pulled from a smattering of midwestern garage sales. We had two disabled folks with us with chronic pain disorders and the seating was so uncomfortable we had to leave early. The walls were adorned with nauseating multicolored projections and the menus were intentionally confusing and printed on scrunched up pieces of yellow paper folded (middle school note style) tossed in the middle of the table. Even the plates were all mismatched - a fun(?) idea but came off as: I bought all the plates at a thrift store and I’m going to charge you $30 per dish becuse this is my first lemonade stand - yeah, not cute.

The server seemed to be on whatever the wall projection was having. Here you have this innovative menu and the server didn’t explain anything or guide us through the menu and gruffly and begrudgingly offered some suggestions when prompted in the form of ‘well the brisket is pretty good’.

They have a bottle shop full of ‘different for the sake of being different’ over priced bottles, which the server knew nothing about, eliminating the fun of exploring non mainstream labels and grapes. So much potential, wildly poor execution.

The service was clunky. At one point I had three sets of hands an inch from my face setting down and picking up various dishes. Given the experience, I was tempted to take a bite more than once.

Last but not least. The server brings our bill, which is on a QR code, which they then spent a minute describing how to use and that a 20% plus 5% service charge was included to pay for employee healthcare and wages. At over a hundred dollars per person, let’s not pretend to be a beer garden - take the check and run it, it would take as much time as explaining how to use the QR code. Second, pay your staff a fair living wage, add 25% to your menu prices instead of pinning the living part of their wage on them to explain to guests. I’m all for baking tips into prices and paying fair wages, I think it’s disgusting to make staff explain a surcharge that allows them to make ends meet. It’s either 1) performative to draw attention to the fact that they are paying their staff a living wage (yay?) or 2) designed to shift any resentment towards non food spending onto the staff. Both are uncool.

The place has good food; if they want to honor the food they’re making, dispense with the poorly executed window dressing and turn the place into a food truck with seating and lower prices by 50%. If you’re going to continue charging what you’re charge, grow up, train your staff, buy some plates and put some non nauseating art on the wall.

TLDR: a restaurant that has tried to cooly pull off a ‘Less is more’ vibe, but falls on its face via inversion. In day trip’s case, more is less....

I recently embarked on an enchanting day trip to a wine bar in Oakland, and it turned out to be an extraordinary experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance, accompanied by an impressive selection of wines that would satisfy even the most discerning palate.

The wine bar, tucked away in a charming corner of Oakland, exuded an understated elegance. The decor was tastefully minimalistic, with dimmed lighting that created an intimate atmosphere. The cozy seating arrangements were perfectly suited for both solo visits and gatherings with friends. The attentive and knowledgeable staff were true wine enthusiasts, eager to assist and share their expertise, making the entire experience all the more enjoyable.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the extensive wine list. It featured a diverse range of varietals from both local and international vineyards, ensuring there was something to cater to every preference. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, this wine bar had options to satisfy all tastes. The well-curated selection encompassed everything from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, sparkling wines to delicate rosés, and even rare finds for the adventurous connoisseurs.

What truly set this wine bar apart was their commitment to showcasing local wineries and lesser-known vineyards. The staff was passionate about promoting small-scale producers and often offered limited editions and exclusive releases that were a delightful departure from the mainstream. It was a refreshing opportunity to explore unique and exceptional wines that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Accompanying the delightful libations, the wine bar also offered a thoughtfully crafted menu of delectable bites. The small plates and charcuterie boards provided the perfect complement to the wines, featuring an array of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and tantalizing tapas. The flavors harmonized beautifully, enhancing the overall tasting experience and leaving me craving for more.

The attention to detail and dedication to quality were evident...

I love restaurants where you KNOW they took so much time to perfect, experiment, and explore all elements of the dishes. From the flavors, textures, and presentation—Daytrip considers it all.

No it’s not cheap, but you’re paying for all of the time and love that went into each distinct dish. I truly enjoyed everything I ate. I will note that if you’re not a fan of salt and fat, you might be deterred. They go big here which personally, I love. Maximalist foods that are memorable and inspiring.

I would highly recommend the gem salad. The flavors and textures were SO good. Really filling but still fresh and just so balanced. The hazelnuts and blanched (?) broccoli was such a nice touch. The squid dish was gorgeous! Delicious too. I wish things were chopped a little smaller to make it easier to get the perfect bite. Without knives it was a little hard to fit it all on my fork, but more of a user suggestion. It was a bit salty but man, that sauce was dreamy!!! I’d recommend it, ask for a knife ;) Miso pasta was good, I wouldn’t come back for it only because it was just too heavy and not bright enough for my liking. Awesome if you’re looking for ultimate comfort and indulgence though. Hands down, the BEST thing was the focaccia and house vinegar and oil. Holy HELL! What a delicious and perfect appetizer. I will be running back for that and a glass of natural wine (insane list!)

We also shared a tasty shrub non-alcoholic cocktail and it was very tasty. The Sacramento Sherry shots were fun, especially being from there. Had to do it to ‘em.

Overall, a really special place. I am excited to come back and try more but definitely order the focaccia and gem salad again. Would be really fun to order a bottle and hang when friends. The interior is beautiful and fun, elevated but not too formal. Service was amazing too, I regret not getting our servers name but they were thoughtful and attentive! Thanks...