New Eats: Shiba Ramen, Drip Line, Suchimu Crib, Lady Esther's, More

New Eats: Shiba Ramen, Drip Line, Suchimu Crib, Lady Esther's, MorePhoto: Drip Line Oakland/ Facebook
Susan Xu
Published on February 21, 2017

The number of new restaurants opening in Oakland continues to provide a steady stream of news; if you've exhausted all the options in your vicinity, here are the newest arrivals on the local culinary scene. 

Drip Line Oakland (1940 Union St, #21)

Drip Line Oakland recently celebrated its grand opening in West Oakland; headed by owners Joshua Larson and Carrie Shores, the café is set inside an industrial loft complex, offering Four Barrel Coffee and homemade pastries.

According to Facebook, the mezzanine houses their architecture and interiors practice, Larson Shores Architects; café patrons can also find a library of design journals and magazines to peruse.

Executive Chef Nora Dunning (previously Blue Bottle Coffee, Farley's, and Monkey Forest Road) is the mastermind behind Drip Line's seasonal dishes, which are inspired by Singaporean and Californian cuisine.

Lady Esther’s Original Soul Food Café (300 Frank Ogawa Plaza)

Tipster extraordinaire Al M. informs us that Lady Esther’s Original Soul Food Café is opening tomorrow in the former Crossburgers location, news that was confirmed via Facebook by Soul Food Alley. For more information, call 510-823-2447.

[Update, 2/23/17: The café is still not open, but work continues; we'll continue to track their progress.]

Photo: Suchimu Crib

Suchimu Crib (251 9th St.)

Suchimu Crib is Oakland's newest shabu shabu (hot pot) restaurant, serving house soup bases with American Kobe beef or lamb. For its soft opening, it's holding an  "All You Can Eat and Drink (non-alcoholic beverages)" special for $25.99 — you can tack on endless rounds of beer for an additional $10.

Interior of Shiba Ramen with a "zigzag counter" and "stand and eat counter." | Photo: Albertino M.

Shiba Ramen (1438 Broadway)

Al M. also reports that Shiba Ramen will be holding its soft opening today from 4:30 – 9. The ramen restaurant — an expansion of Emeryville Public Market’s Shiba Ramen — is taking over the former location of Bittersweet Café, according to Berkeleyside. 

Aside from its "streamlined, ramen-focused menu," this new, 40-seat location will offer dishes like rice bowls and fried chicken sandwiches, as well as sake and rotating draft Bay Area craft beers. 

Photo: Albertino M.

Subway (6341 Shattuck Ave.)

The long-vacant spot, once home to Pizza Hut, is now open as a Subway sandwich shop that seats roughly 14 people. According to tipster Al M., nothing has changed in the immediate area, although a mechanical rolling gate has been put in place to prevent loitering.

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