Oakland’s Bar 41 is located at 41st and Telegraph in the space where Cafe Underwood used to be, and it was a welcome hideout from the pouring rain when Christina and I stopped by with some friends one night.
The place had a clubhouse vibe, with tv shows projected onto the large wall behind the bar, long rustic tables and benches, upholstered chairs and couches tucked into corners, even a lofted area that was being renovated to host workshops and events. It was effortlessly welcoming and cool.
Owner Christopher Parks and his business partner Stacy Vella were there to greet us and pour drinks.
We started with cocktails, and I ordered the Aviatrix #2 (mezcal, violette, maraschino, lime, $11), which was unique and beautifully purple, but ultimately a little too floral for me.
As we moved on to food, we began with extra-large versions of an impressive charcuterie board (mortadella, speck, chicken liver pate, Spanish chorizo, $18) and cheese board (Marin French Cheese Co. truffle brie, DO Spain manchego, Pt. Reyes Toma, Nicasio Creamery raclettes, Cypress Grove humboldt fog, $22). Both were totally decadent and had enough variety that we could make every bite a little different.
There were more entree-style dishes as well (not that I’ve never eaten a cheese board as my whole meal). The Truffle Grits (roasted mushrooms, soft egg, truffle salt, frisee, truffle oil, $12) were creamy and cozy, with just enough freshness from the greens to brighten up the depth of flavor of the truffle and roasted mushrooms.
The Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup (toma cheese, Napa Valley batard, $10) was a comforting classic, and while the soup was a little on the salty side on its own, it paired perfectly with the melty grilled cheese and a glass (or three) of red wine.
Parks is a seasoned sommelier, so it is no surprise that Bar 41 offers an extensive list of wine available by the glass and bottle (you can even take bottles to-go!). But if you’re in the mood for something else, the cocktails were also imaginative and diverse, and the beer selection included everything from local craft sours to a $3 Olympia Lager.
Bar 41’s chameleon-like ability to offer something to everyone in a laid back environment makes it a solid addition to a neighborhood that already has good food and drink options. Their menu has changed a bit since my first time there, so I’ll definitely be back soon to try out their new offerings (not that I needed an excuse).
Have you visited Bar 41 yet? What did you love there?
308 41st Street, Oakland
(510) 350-8895
Becca Frost
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