[Photo: Aubrie Pick]
Coming off about seven months of work on the former Levende space in Old Oakland, what you see here is the newest branch of District, all set for it's grand opening on Friday. With its large, central horseshoe-shaped bar, ample seating and sofas strewn around the lounge, the space designed by Arcsine Architecture and Bellusci Designs does indeed look very much like its older SoMa sister. Sidewalk seating might be the biggest decor departure.
Owners Jon D’Angelica, Chris Vance and Ryan Vance have Rome native Caterina Mirabelli on board to curate a list of over 40 wines available by the glass (menu here), 16 draft beers, and—perhaps the biggest difference from the existing District—whiskeys, 40 of them, and a very on-trend list of classic cocktails to boot.
Existing executive chef Bob Cina will carry on the small plates tradition here with arancini, Moroccan lamb meatballs, pizettas, cheeses and other wine-friendly fare. Here's the full menu, should you wish to peruse.
Walls will be adorned with constantly rolling vintage movies and a mural by Brian Barneclo, the same guy who did the wall work upstairs at Nopa. Most importantly, Old Oakland's roster of adult playgrounds—Liege, Trappist, The Night Light, Miel, Pacific Coast Brewing Company, and now this—is becoming quite substantial.
District's hours are Monday — Friday from 4 p.m. onwards and from 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Daily happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) featuring $1 oysters sounds like a good place to start.
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