SF’s Mission Cheese has opened their second project, but this one’s in Berkeley and it’s called MAKER’S COMMON on University in Berkeley. Sarah Dvorak, Oliver Dameron, and Eric Miller have opened both a market and an eatery fully stocked with the best in American craft goods: cheese, charcuterie, beer, wine, and more. Cheese is cut to order, there’s an ever-growing selection of charcuterie (thhey are ramping up their offering, and even have a certified meat processing facility for in-house charcuterie production), and everything you’d need for your pantry or a picnic.
The menu (check the site) includes some favorites from Mission Cheese, plus sandwiches, snacks, salads, sides, and a family-style dinner option, like chicken in whey or cheddar brats. Eight tap beers and a well-assembled wine list (with 12 by the glass) will keep you feeling good, plus there’s weekend brunch. Cheers to the team on meeting their unique fundraising goals: over two years, they raised $532,000 from 170 Californians, becoming the first investment-crowdfunded restaurant in the state, a business truly built by the community.
There’s a large outdoor patio, plus communal tables, 2- and 4-top tables, a bar, and a market counter, making it a pleasant gathering space for groups of all sizes. The market is open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm; the eatery is open Tue-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, and Sun 9am-10pm; brunch is served Sat-Sun 9am-2pm. 1954 University Ave. at Milvia, Berkeley.
New in Oakland is ROSES’ TAPROOM, a welcoming brewpub (with a cute design) from husband and wife Luke Janson and Hillary Rose Huffard. You’ll find three house-brewed beers on tap right now, with quite the extensive menu of snacks too. Open Mon-Thu 1pm-10pm, Fri 1pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm. 4930 Telegraph Ave. at 49th St., Oakland.
Over in Jack London Square is a new spot called DIAMOND DOGS, specializing in “hot dogs for grown-ups,” which means dogs like one white cheddar béchamel, garlic confit, crispy fried leeks, and watercress, all on a Starter Bakery bun. I love being a grown-up. Peep the menu here, which also has wings, sides, and more. You’ll also find draft beer, wine, and patio cocktails. Open Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm and Sat-Sun 2pm-9pm. 468 3rd St. at Washington, Oakland.
Pssst, PENROSE is hosting another Secret Garden Pop-Up this weekend, serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, beer, wine, and cocktails every Friday through Sunday from 4pm-10pm. And this Friday July 21st at sundown, they are screening Breaking Away (the best—Cutters forever!) on their garden wall—they will provide some blankets but feel free to bring your own. 3311 Grand Ave. at Elwood, Oakland, 510-444-1649.
A look inside Maker’s Common. Photo: Molly DeCoudreaux.
