French Oak Bar & Grill
20 Elm St, Oakland
(201) 375-6588
Recent Reviews
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Had a great night getting together with friends. We usually do not eat at the bar, but it was so comfortable, we decided to stay put. The service at the bar was fantastic, and so were the cocktails. We eventually ordered dinner (it was such a chill vibe, we took our time) everything we ordered was delicious. We were sharing everything and I have to say the escargot app and the Cod were perfection.
I recently visited French Oak Tavern and had a mixed experience. Initially, the service was very good—everyone was accommodating. We started at a high-top table but moved to the bar without any issues, and our drinks came out promptly.
Our main reason for visiting was the charcuterie board we saw on the menu. However, we encountered several problems. First, we received two different menus with different cheeses and meats, leading to confusion. When we finally sorted it out with the waiter, we discovered that they were out of most of the meats listed on the correct menu.
After waiting 1 hour, the charcuterie board finally arrived, and it was terrible. The board, priced at $28, was a huge disappointment. The meat and cheese selection was poor, featuring deli cuts instead of premium cuts. The cheeses were mere slices rather than wedges, and while there were condiments, there was no bread included.
Given this experience, I will not be returning to French Oak Tavern.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Great food. Great service. Name is deceiving. When I read the name, I think of a French Bistro. This place is not that. It’s a great neighborhood spot. Check it out.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Finally came tonight after months of hearing good reviews from friends. My husband and I are definitely going to be regulars. There are so many different choices on the menu that we had a difficult time choosing. We decided to go with the onion soup and goat cheese salad for appetizers and Burger and Salmon for our entrees (which were all delicious!) Can't wait to try all their other options! Didn't have room for dessert, but the options looked so good! Service is on point and friendly. This is truly a hidden gem!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went last Friday evening a party of 8. We were all pleased with all of our choices. There is definitely something for everyone to choose from. Cocktails & food were all outstanding. They were quite busy, but the service was not slow nor rushed. We will definitely be back. We needed a place like this in Oakland!
What a gem! Fabulous French comfort food! Escargot! Crepes! Moules! Well done space with something for everyone. Lively bar area. Main dining area large enough for comfortable dining plus can host a band. Atrium area is available if you want a quieter space. They're hosting great live music throughout the week too.
Such a wonderful place! Amazing food, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. We came in on Tuesday for Open Mic Night and had a blast - a perfect date night spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you are going for the food, you will not be disappointed! From start to finish, the food was prepared well, presented beautifully, and the taste was spot on. The service was sketchy at best. The setting is okay, the live band started at 8:30 PM drowning our any dinner conversation. I hope that they continue to do what they do well (The Food) and improve the things that they can - including training the wait staff.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Entrees, Dinner Menu, French Onion Soup
If you are going for the food, you will not be disappointed! From start to finish, the food was exceptional. It was prepared well, presented beautifully, and the tastes were spot on. The service was sketchy at best, the setting is not special, and a live band started at 8:30 PM drowning out any dinner conversation. Would I go back -YES! I hope that they continue to do what they do well and correct the things that they can, including training their wait staff.
Food was delicious... great options and the presentation of all the dishes, including desserts was great. We'd definitely go back. The only small negative, they had a singer and guitarist playing and they were a bit too loud so it was a bit hard to talk when they were performing.
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice new place. Owner was greeting regulars but paid no attention to my wife and I who were first time dinners.Steak needs less resting, it was almost cold. Bar tender did a great job.Will definitely try again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
A repeat great experience! The food selection, quality, and ability to cater to dietary needs are fantastic! The desserts are out of this world. The owners and staff are so friendly! Highly recommended!!!
Food is delicious-, Bartender Al Rocks!!! And Atmosphere is cozy and relaxing!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bang bang shrimp appetizer was ridiculously small, maybe equivalent of 1 large shrimp, and at a cost of $18 was worst I’ve ever had. Sea bass special was good but again, very small portion. Kids burger was overcooked, had to douse it with ketchup so my little guy didn’t choke on it. Steak was solid, burger average, food came out slow and tough to get a water refill. Was so hungry from small portions so I wolfed down a few slices at a pizzeria afterwards. Huge disappointment, diner up the street 100 times better
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
i was under the impression i was going to a nice french / american restruant. but its a bar and grill. no need to dress up. our tuna app was delicious very fresh. disapointed to see people with hoodies and t shirts sneakers at the bar. the website says. business casual. we had to rush our meal there was a band right in the middle of the restruant about to start playing. not our cup of tea. like i said i thought i was going to an upscale restruant.
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