August 10, 2017

Oakland: Drake’s Dealership; restaurant review

880 South

Drake’s Dealership  

2325 Broadway/23rd St., (510) 568-2739 x40.  L-D daily; $$. 

Located on Auto Row inside the parts and service department of a former Dodge dealership, with brick walls and vintage lettering to prove that point, Drake's Dealership is a haven for beer-lovers.  It is tucked way back from the street in the Hive complex, with a large parking area in front that is, unfortunately private, but you can use it for a fee.  
 
exterior entrance to Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California
exterior entrance to Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California


Plenty of indoor seating is available,

interior bar and dining room at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California
interior bar and dining room at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California


but what I came here for is the very big outdoor beer garden with a gravel “floor” and even some trees strung with little lights.  When it fills up, it rocks with happy voices.  Several fire pits and some wood booths line the back garden wall, and Adirondack chairs mix with traditional tables and chairs--there is plenty of room, though sometimes there is a wait to get in.

beer garden at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California
beer garden at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California


beer garden at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California
beer garden at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California


Pours are 4-, 12-, and 20-ounce, and 32 brews are on tap (my choice is The Sun Never Sets, a delightful nitro English summer ale).  
 
beer service in beer garden at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California
beer service in beer garden at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California


The pub fare is pretty good and includes a variety of wood-fired pizzas (I loved the Old School topped with mozzarella curd, pecorino, and baby basil), 
 
Old School pizza at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California
Old School pizza at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California


salads (I liked the “Kudos” with cucumber, watermelon, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, arugula, and pistachios), 
 
Kudos salad at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California
Kudos salad at Drake's Dealership in Oakland, California


sandwiches (think barbecue pork and a burger), and more.  I was disappointed to find out too late that more goodies are in the Snacks section on the separate beer menu.  Next time I will be ordering When We Dip (toasted pizza dough with a garlic dip) and a bratwurst.  The entire place is kid friendly, and the garden is dog friendly.  Music is scheduled Thursday through Saturday evenings. 

          Complimentary tours are available of the San Leandro Brewhouse, where the Barrel House on-site brewery taproom and retail store provides a no-frills, warehouse-style tasting room set amidst the barrel and packaging storage area.



Way more things to do in Oakland.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

2 comments:

  1. Looks like a cool place. Love the interior with the "old" brick and the fact that it has fire pits. I'd definitely check this oat when i am in Oakland.

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  2. Yep. I can see myself at Drake's Dealership having a great time. Thx for sharing your find.

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