Build a beer garden and they will come. Barely a month old, Portal offers a casual outdoor space in which to sip good beer and nosh on savory bites. Jennifer Tucci, of Rosemunde Sausage Grill, and Warren Rector opened this restaurant just steps from Lake Merritt in Oakland and have been bringing in the locals.
There's also a small, stylish indoor dining area and bar, but when you can drink under the stars with a lake view, why go inside?
The vibe: Familiar and comfy, like hanging out in your neighbor's backyard.
The crowd: Groups of friends and couples of all ages share the long patio tables and benches. The early evening hours see a fair share of families with small kids.
Best seat: Outside is the place to be. The large beer garden - complete with umbrellas and heaters - looks out over Lake Merritt. If the weather is bad, a seat at the backlit bar indoors is a sweet spot in its own right.
Killer app: Portal does pickles right. The pickle plate ($6), with its ever-changing offering of seasonal vegetables and pickled egg, is a great match with beer. The dueling salmon (seared and crudo, $12) is delicate, while the stuffed "garbage bread" is hearty and filling. The menu is packed with vegetarian items, like a salad of marinated beets, squash blossoms, arugula and a grilled nectarine vinaigrette ($8) or quinoa-tempeh sliders ($11).
Signature drink: Beer is the specialty of the house, and Portal pours a fine selection. The taps change daily, but among the offerings you might find are the Dogfish Head 90 Minute ($7), Allagash Tripel ($7) or the Oaktown Brown Ale ($6.50). There are nine bottled beers as well.
Also on tap: If you don't fancy a pint, three wines are available by the glass, including a house white and red ($6 each), and there are a few nonalcoholic options.
Portal: 1611 Second Ave., Oakland. (510) 663-7678. www.portaloakland.com. 5-11 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (drinks only 3-5 p.m.).
