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Sep 1, 2015 2 min read

The Lodge on Piedmont Opens in Oakland (Cue Craving for Fondue)

The Lodge on Piedmont Opens in Oakland (Cue Craving for Fondue)
The chic cabin interior of The Lodge. Photo courtesy of Alexeis Filipello.
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We are thrilled to announce that after teasing us on Instagram with sneak peeks of taxidermy, Alexeis Filipello (Bar Dogwood, Stag’s Lunchette, Darling’s Elixirs) and Matt Eiseman are ready to open THE LODGE ON PIEDMONT. As we previously reported, it’s opening in the former Egbert Souse’s in North Oakland, but you will hardly recognize the place. What was a dark and rather dodgy bar has been transformed into quite the lodgelike atmosphere. It has some Tahoe cabin throwback kitsch to it, starting with the exterior, which  has new framed windows to let in some light and a log cabin set on the roof. You can’t miss it.

Inside, there is a 30-foot redwood bar with room for 25 (the front of it was made to look like tooled leather); walls made of redwood, alder, and nutmeg; a paint-by-numbers mural that Filipello commissioned for the space (she collects paint-by-numbers pieces); custom lighting (yay, smoky glass); two-top and six-top tables; and of course plenty of taxidermy, plus a brown bear pelt a friend gave to them (which they installed on the ceiling). They really enjoyed working with Ecological Builders on the space and had such nice things to say about them (and their landlord, the Weinsteins).

The duo really wanted to create a neighborhood bar, so while the cocktails will feature some quality spirits and fresh ingredients, they won’t be too precious—just simple and good. Look for four or five classics, plus well drinks to fit everyone’s budget. Filipello did mention there is an adult slushie machine, which they will be making an amazing piña colada with, featuring agricole rum and no sugar—cane syrup is more their style. There will also be some local beers, and Spanish and Italian wines.

As for the menu, you’re the first to take a look. You’ll be able to snack on a house-smoked pork and cheese plate, spicy Rocky wings with habanero and aji (that you can dip into smoked blue cheese sauce), and chicken chicharrones with lime-chile dust and bird’s eye chile sauce. Yeah, good stuff.

There’s also boar sausage made with St. George Terroir gin, housemade venison and veal sausage in puff pastry with spicy mustard and caramelized onion, and a steak sandwich with cheddar beer sauce. No fear, vegetarians, there’s a vegetable sandwich on Dutch crunch, a customizable grilled cheese menu, and avocado toast. Filipello only uses quality ingredients, and everything the menu is still less than $10 (except for the steak sandwich, which is $15, and the smoked pork and cheese plate for $12). It will be a limited menu to start; look for mac and cheese soon and a full fondue spread in the winter, oh you know it.

Pssst, there’s also a small outdoor space in the back, with German hofbrau tables. Go ahead and let that be a local’s secret. Also of note: there is a TV in the back of the space, but it will only be playing big games and won’t always be on.

For the first few months, The Lodge will only be open until 12am, but hours will extend soon. For now: Mon-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri-Sun 12pm-12am. 3758 Piedmont Ave. at MacArthur, Oakland, 510-350-8470.

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Wood paneling forever. Photo courtesy of Alexeis Filipello.
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