How do you update a chicken pot pie? Replace the chicken with bone marrow and oysters, of course. How do you introduce porcupine meatballs to 21st century social-media-savvy generations? Serve them with a stunningly flavorful and colorful cocktail in gorgeous vintage glassware that’s ready for its closeup.
At least, that’s how Bardo Lounge & Supper Club is doing it.
One of the newest and hippest additions to the Lakeshore neighborhood in Oakland, the two-level space offers both a mid-century living room-inspired lounge and bar with a more formal dining loft with a three-course supper menu. It’s these dishes that you are not likely to find elsewhere, like a Sea urchin fondue or an advanced non-alcoholic cocktail program, along with an inviting interior that set Bardo apart.
While most pieces and decor were collected from vintage dealers or locally sourced over a few years, co-owner Seth Bregman even found a place for his mother’s 1960’s couch. Co-owner Jenni Bregman will contribute R&B, bossa nova, jazz sounds as Bardo’s resident DJ.
We were lucky enough to be invited to the lounge space to sample the menu and cocktail program. We went for the Loving Sobriety…aptly named, because you would be loving it too would too with this blackberry syrup, rosemary, lime juice-infused seltzer…and refreshing Imperial Rule with ginger spice and lychee. We ordered the Broccolini Casserole with brown mustard and gruyére, the life-changing Oyster and Bone Marrow Pot Pie (seriously: see above), Pickles & Puffed Tendons, and classic 1950’s dish Porcupine Meat Balls (no, it’s not really porcupine). Finally, we made a digestif of the Draft Gin and Tonic.
Buzzed Bites is a video series that explores the new, noteworthy, and must-know underground food scene in the Bay Area. Hosts Danica and Arthur visit a local bar or restaurant, with a little extra fun – one of them has to review the new spot sober, while the other has to review it…not sober. Our drunk thoughts are your entertainment. Check it out above.
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
3343 Lakeshore Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
510-836-8737
Lounge: 5pm-Late, Wednesday-Monday
Supper: 5:30-10pm Thursday-Saturday
Price: $$-$$$