Oakland Eats: Comal debuts Oakland location, Daughter’s Diner coming to Uptown, more

Oakland Eats: Comal debuts Oakland location, Daughter’s Diner coming to Uptown, morePhoto: Ed W./Yelp
Teresa Hammerl
Published on June 24, 2020

Here's the latest in Oakland food news. In this edition: Adams Point gets a new takeout spot serving burritos, tacos and tortas; a modern American diner is on its way to Uptown; and a swath of Oakland's restaurants return to dine-in service with outdoor-only seating.

Opening

Adams Point

Comal Next Door (550 Grand Ave.)

Photo: Cassie Z./Yelp

Popular Berkeley Mexican spot Comal now has a sequel near Lake Merritt. Called Comal Next Door, it made its debut on Monday in the former home of Barlago, which closed last spring. 

According to the Chronicle, owners John Paluska and Andrew Hoffman originally planned to turn the space into a bar. But with demand for their Mexican fare through the roof during the pandemic, they've pivoted to a takeout menu spotlighting the hits: burritos, bowls, tacos, tortas, grilled elote and a Tijuana Caesar salad.

To drink, there's bottled beer, aguas frescas or 16-ounce bottled cocktails like the Jack Satan (reposado tequila, hibiscus, infierno tincture and lime). Orders can be placed via takeout window or for delivery.

"In these unusual times, it’s gratifying to be continuing our mission in new ways," a statement on the restaurant's website reads.

Uptown

Daughter’s Diner (326 23rd St.)

Photo: Google Maps

Comal isn't the only Oakland eatery to pivot due to the pandemic. Early this year, Justyna and Keven Wilson took over the former space of Chinese restaurant New Lakeside Café, with plans to turn it into a high-quality American comfort food spot.

Named for their three-year-old, Daughter's Diner would have sold items like gougére breakfast sandwiches, inspired by Keven's decades cooking at high-end restaurants like RN74 and Perbacco. 

But as Berkeleyside reports, the pandemic changed everything, and the Wilsons are now planning to switch to a to-go, counter-service operation. The focus will be on ready-to-eat American comfort foods, with a small selection of corner-store basics like milk, eggs and bread available for pickup. 

When it opens in August, Daughter's Diner may also have a small amount of outdoor seating, for those who prefer to enjoy their takeout al fresco. 

Update

Outdoor dining during shelter-in-place

Spaced out outdoor dining at Doña. | Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline Tipline

As we reported last week, Alameda County allowed restaurants to resume outdoor dining on Friday. So far, about two dozen local restaurants are participating, with some drastically expanding their outdoor space and food offerings to make it work.

For example, Piedmont Avenue's Doña has made room for nearly 90 socially distanced seats on its patio and deck, while breweries like Line 51 and Original Pattern have teamed up with food vendors to keep outdoor drinkers fed.

To get the skinny on everywhere you can eat outside in Oakland right now, check out these guides from Berkeleyside and the Mercury News.


Thanks to our indefatigable tipste Al M.! Have you noticed a new addition to (or subtraction from) Oakland's food landscape? Text a tip and a horizontal photo to (415) 200-3233, and we'll look into it.