Alameda's 8 Best Food And Drink Spots: Businesses Of The Year

ALAMEDA, CA — Alamedans are passionate about their favorite local businesses. Friendly staff, quality food, and top-notch service are among the reasons why Alameda Patch readers love these 8 local hot spots nominated as Local Businesses of the Year.

Here are the businesses that rose to the top, according to Patch readers:

The Fireside Lounge
Hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday for beer, cocktail kits, and drinks to-go
Location: 1453 Webster St.
Phone: 510-864-1244
From the nominator: "The owner has helped so many other businesses on their same street and has really brought the street to life ...The owner works tirelessly to keep her staff and customers safe and helps the community."

The Park Street Tavern
Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. daily for to-go orders
Location: 1901 Park St.
Phone: 510-671-2867
From the nominator: “This family-run restaurant cares about your experience from beginning until the end. You are greeted promptly and with a smile, you are given excellent service, the food is delicious and Chris, the owner is warm and always there to make sure you are having a good experience. Alex, Chris's brother makes the best drinks, while their mom and dad fill in for any and everything including deliveries. They have adapted to all of the changes during the pandemic and have not skipped a beat. They are truly deserving of this award. .. They don't get any better than this. They cater to your every whim.”

Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails
Hours: 3 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday for to-go orders, Closed Monday
Location: 2213 S. Shore Center
Phone: 510-521-1152
From the nominator: “Ever since Chef Giuseppe and Christine have opened their restaurant, they have improved the Alameda restaurant scene while also supporting all the businesses around them from hosting fundraisers for business down on their luck like Kamakura to supporting Alameda Meals on Wheels with their talent and time. This has not slowed down during the pandemic hosting fundraisers for Alameda Theater among other local businesses. Beyond offering amazing food, having a staff that always provides a family atmosphere, and helping turnaround the Southshore Center in becoming much more than a supermarket-anchored mall, Trabocco has helped raise fellow Alameda businesses and organizations along the way. They deserve so much credit. … They have created an atmosphere that is both upscale and welcoming to children and families. Our kids and out-of-town family remember the staff members from the runners and servers to the host and chef. To see them recognize and greet you outside of the restaurant at the 4th of July parade or at a local fundraiser makes you feel like we all are part of this Alameda community.”

Angela's Kitchen
Hours: 4 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday for to-go orders, Closed Monday
Location: 1640 Park St.
Phone: 510-263-8788
From the nominator: “Angela's started offering very affordable & delicious take-out meals (& much needed cocktails!) early on in the pandemic - along with a very easy ordering & pick-up process - such a treat - we are grateful for amazing food & lovely staff...Saboor is the seared salmon whisperer! The bartender (Cody) makes the most creative & interesting cocktails using special ingredients he prepares himself.”

Jack in the Box
Hours: Open 24 hours
Locations: 1257 Park St., 1826 Webster St.
Phone: Park: 510-522-8865 Webster: 510-523-6396
From the nominator: “We take fast food for granted. As a mom, being able to grab a quick bite or beverage when I'm on the run or pick up a cold drink for my son after school, or not wake a sleeping baby while getting dinner is a welcome convenience...The manager is often there and runs a tight, friendly ship.”

Crispian Bakery
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for takeout
Location: 1700 Park St. #120
Phone: 510-239-4751
From the nominator: “Very quickly after shutdown they had a wonderful website up and running for ordering online and payment and easy pickup. In addition, they had homemade masks for sale foundations to Alameda Food Bank. As business opened up they had organized pre-order line and line for non-pre-ordered bakery items. Very wonderful customer service, staff, atmosphere, etc. Their products continued to be of the best quality...Family owned and operated business with friendly employees”

Ole's Waffle Shop
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for takeout
Location: 1507 Park St.
Phone: 510-522-8108
From the 3 nominators: “Beloved Alameda restaurant since 1927. Employees are like a family with several being with the restaurant for decades. Owners sold their retirement home to be able to pay employees during Shelter in Place...Now as the SIP continues, the Owners are selling another property again to support employees.”
“Supporting employees by not laying them off, at great personal cost to owners: selling their retirement property...Excellent food & respect shown to employees.”
“Great food, friendly staff, compassionate owners...Thanks for selling your home, to stay in business & not lay workers off.”

Asena Restaurant
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday for takeout and delivery
Location: 2508 Santa Clara Ave.
Phone: 510-521-4100
From the nominator: “They have never closed but adapted to the COVID rules and have been serving up "to go" dinners of the highest quality during this whole pandemic. Not only is the food delicious - they maintained friendly service and care of their patrons this whole entire time. Kudos to Mustafa and Muhittin...I love them. They make you feel special. Plus the food.”

Patch will feature nominated businesses throughout December. Please submit your nomination by Dec. 15.

Find out how to nominate an Alameda business here.