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East Bay Eats: Can't Stop Eating Those Free-Range Burgers
SFist Julie continues today's burger theme!
Another stop on our East Bay tour of the best burgers made from "naturally-raised" meat: Luka's Taproom & Lounge.
Just look at the picture. Need we say more?
Note the little cup of garlicky-mayonnaise. That's 'cause these fries are Belgian.
Speaking of which, want some Belgian beer ON TAP to go with 'em? No problem. They've got a selection. (Hence the name, "Taproom.")
After the jump: Salads, oysters, and beignets!!! We are so going here!
SFist Julie, contributing.
We also love the big salads here. Crisp greens and veggies dressed in perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors. We're fans of the Hearts of Romaine & Radicchio Salad, with arugula, shaved reggiano, truffled vinaigrette, and a drizzle of 25-year aged balsamic vinegar ($9), and the Chioggia Beet Salad with arugula, toasted walnuts, Pt. Reyes blue cheese, in a muscatel-walnut vinaigrette ($9). Did we say these are BIG?
Main dishes are reasonably priced ($13-24), generously sized, and similarly delicious. On our various visits, we've tried and loved various fish and pork loin preparations. We also recommend whatever the chef is doing that day with the gnocchi. His potato dumplings are soft little airy pillows, seared for a crunchy and chewy bite.
For oyster, charcuterie, and cheese fans, there are good selections of all three, which you can order singly or in platters.
Don't even get us started on dessert. Beignets. Molten chocolate cake. Ice cream sundae. Let us just say this: If you go, if you order it, we envy you.
The scene is lively and local, with all manner of folks mixing and mingling in the bar area as well. They are open for lunch too, and brunch on Sundays.You might consider Luka's for your dining pleasure in conjunction with a show at the nearby historic Paramount Theatre.
Oh, and by the way, there's a parking lot. With FREE parking.
Luka's Taproom & Lounge
2221 Broadway, Oakland
(Closest BART: 19th Street Station)
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Dinner: 5:30 - 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week
Brunch: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday
Limited bar menu offered all day until 12:00 a.m.