Almost exactly a year ago, we reported on Uptown’s Bar Dogwood expanding into the space next door and opening Darling’s, which is now going to be DARLING’S ELIXIRS. Owner Alexeis Filipello is paying homage to the space’s former existence as Darling’s Pharmacy in the 1920s, so expect some pharmacy-inspired style and cocktails. On the menu: housemade phosphates, lactarts, and other old-school soda jerk-inspired adult drinks. While it’s primarily reserved for private events, it will be open as a bar Thu-Sat. The official opening is this Friday March 13th. The entrance is at 1635 Broadway at 17th St., Oakland.
Meanwhile, over in Emeryville, the couple behind CommonWealth Café and Public House have just opened COMMONWEALTH MICROPUB (in the former Café Biere). East Bay Express notes there’s just table service (no bar), and there are eight beers on tap, two ciders, and quite a menu, from miniature Yorkshire puddings to mulligatawny soup. Open Tue-Thu 4pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12am, Sun 4pm-10pm. 3896 Adeline St. at 40th, Emeryville, 510-858-5122.
