With major assistance from power tipster Al M., we've prepared another roundup of the Town's newest food and drink spots.

In this edition: a pizzeria debuts in East Oakland, Grand Lake gets a boba tea shop, an Irish pub takes over a former Indian spot in Jack London Square, and falafel lovers have reason to throw a pita party. Chow down!

What's New

Sam's Carryout, 6432 International Blvd.

Sam’s Carryout recently opened on International Boulevard, taking over Fiesta Pizza's former location. Alongside standard and combo pies, the pizzeria serves subs and a variety of wings (teriyaki, BBQ, Louisiana Rub, buffalo, lemon pepper).

"Sam's signature pizzas" include the Pepperoni Stack, the Steak Pizza and the Hawaiian Chicken.

QTea Bar, 478 Lake Park Ave.

Gelato Firenze now houses a new boba tea shop called QTea Bar. In addition to sharing the same address, tipster Al M. reports that it has the same phone number and hours of operation; beverages start at $3.75 (with optional toppings for 50 cents), and patrons may also customize their levels of sugar and ice. 

Coming Soon

Falafel Stop, 3256 Lakeshore Ave.

Al M. also tells us that Falafel Stop is scheduled to open in mid- or late May. The fast-casual restaurant, which specializes in authentic Middle-Eastern falafel, is taking over the former spot of The Burrito Shop. 

Besides hot food, Falafel Stop will also sell freshly baked pita to go. According to contractors, the interior is about 35 percent done; it's already fitted with stainless steel refrigeration, ducts and air vents.

Sláinte, 131 Broadway

Back in February, we spotted an application to sell alcoholic beverages on the window of Ghazal Indian Cuisine, which shuttered earlier this year. A commenter hinted that an Irish-style pub would be taking over the space.

SF Eater now confirms that Sláinte (pronounced slahn-cha, Gaelic for “good health" or "cheers”) is taking over the location, where it will sling traditional pub fare like Irish breakfasts, fish & chips and shepherds pie. The drink menu will also include a selection of Irish beers, whiskey and cocktails. 

The new venture, slated to open on April 1, is headed by Irish-born chef Jackie Gallanagh and partner Jenny Schwarz, who is also the beverage director at Hopscotch, located in Uptown Oakland.

Gallanagh hopes to create an Irish community within the space, which will be decorated with a cozy fireplace, a wrap-around oak bar, comfortable armchairs and books by Irish authors. Musicians will also be invited to participate in impromptu sing-a-longs and storytelling sessions, known as Ceili. 

Thanks to Al M. for the tips! See something interesting while you’re out and about? Text Hoodline and we’ll see what we can find: 510-757-9959.