Oakland Eats: 'Hawking Bird' Opening Soon; 'Bourbon & Beef' Shutters, More

Oakland Eats: 'Hawking Bird' Opening Soon; 'Bourbon & Beef' Shutters, MoreRoam Artisan Burgers. | Photo: Sarah C./Yelp
Nathan Falstreau
Published on December 01, 2017

In this edition of Oakland Eats, an upscale burger joint moves to Uptown, a boulangerie debuts its first brick-and-mortar locale, a surf-and-turf restaurant calls it quits, and more developments on a hotly anticipated Laotian eatery. 

Let's dig in. 

Openings

Roam Artisan Burgers (1951 Telegraph Ave. Ste. 2)

Hoodline tipster extraordinaire Al M. reports that Roam Artisan Burgers—which has locations in San Francisco, Lafayette, and San Mateo—is opening its fifth location in Uptown on Telegraph between 20th and William Streets. 

The new burger joint is setting up shop next-door to Little Giant Ice Cream, he said. "As of now, there's no set date for opening yet, but it will happen," Al assured. 

"By the looks of things," he added after speaking to a few construction workers at the site, "the construction just got started and [I can see] tools and equipment along with bags of cement and drywall." 

On the menu, expect to see specialty burgers like the Tejano with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño relish, avocado, tomato, white corn strips, and herb ranch; and the Chalet, which comes with Swiss cheese, cremini mushrooms, watercress, tomato, and a house sauce. (You can check out the full menu here.)

Bread at The Pain Shop. | Photo: Wing Y./Yelp

The Pain Shop (482B 49th St.)

A new boulangerie called The Pain Shop is now serving, East Bay Express reports

The bakery is helmed by Davey Surcamp, who opened nearly two years ago in San Mateo and used to run the bread program at Pizzaiolo. His flagship business mainly catered on sales to local grocers, but The Pain Shop will be his first retail location.

The space is meant for "grabbing bread to-go," however, a representative told the Express that the shop will begin serving vegan sandwiches as well in the near future. 

Expect to see plant-based versions of Philly cheesesteaks and Vietnamese banh mi. Le Pain's inventory includes classic country loaf, whole wheat, olive, sesame, walnut, and oat porridge. 

The Pain Shop is open Wednesday–Sunday noon–6pm. 

Closings

Bourbon & Beef. | Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline Tipline

Bourbon & Beef (5634 College Ave.)

Bourbon & Beef has closed, Al M. reports, "[There are] undisturbed leaves and paper articles resting on the floor leading to the front door, and the windows are covered with no notice of if and when they'll be open ever again." 

During Al's visit, he spoke to the owner of next-door gift shop Nathan & Co., who said he hadn't seen anyone in or out of the space in weeks. 

Though there's no official word as to why the owners apparently threw in the towel, Yelp reviewers have posted images of a sign on the door that said the business may have closed due to the loss of a home in the recent North Bay wildfires. 

Other reviewers mentioned declining levels of service and potential labor disputes among staff as reasons for the closure. Photos also show broken glass and flatware strewn about the now-empty restaurant. 

Updates

Pork Belly at Hawker Fare. | Photo: Lily L./Yelp

Hawking Bird (4901 Telegraph Ave.)

Lastly, as we continue to watch developments unfold with new Lao spot Hawking Bird from James Syhabout—the former owner of Hawker Fare—Al M. said the space is almost up and ready to go. 

Interior space at Hawking Bird. | Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline Tipline

We last reported that the building was getting a fresh, new coat of paint and that the the eatery had a scheduled opening of November 15th. 

But Al was told a remaining license to operate needed to be obtained. Meanwhile, the restaurant "is receiving supplies and the place is more than ready," he said. 

If you've seen a change n Oakland's food landscape, text your tip and a photo to 510-757-9959. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.