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Rico's Diner
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Burgers Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Diners, Burgers, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
400 15th St(between Franklin St & Broadway)
Oakland, CA 94612
Neighborhood: Downtown Oakland
(510) 444-8424
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 3 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
181 reviews for Rico's Diner
Review Highlights
"The vegan pulled pork sandwich is awesome."
(in 18 reviews)
"Silly, I know, but I freakin' love tater tots."
(in 33 reviews)
"And curly fries are curly fries."
(in 17 reviews)
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180 reviews in English
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Review from Ileana S.
Oakland, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm so glad to have finally tried Rico's! After months of eying this little downtown gem (cute, nostalgic, classic diner), I looked up their hours and stopped in for weekend breakfast. My boyfriend and I were the first customers of the day, so we got outstanding, friendly counter service, including the freshest pot of coffee and great descriptions of menu items.
The food was terrific and the portion sizes were perfect. Usually when I go out to breakfast, I have to compromise something because the portions are too large and at least one component of the combo doesn't measure up. This was NOT the case at Rico's, where everything from the pancakes to the potatoes and everything in between was delicious!
I can't wait to come back and try their lunches, including the famed vegan pulled pork. I'm an omnivore, but this menu item just sounds too good to miss.
Now, my one complaint: I wish they kept longer hours. They seem to be open mainly for the weekday lunch crowd, which means I gotta keep those Saturday mornings free (it's ok, Rico's is worth it!) -
Review from Jenn C.
2/3/2012 2 photos
Quaint little diner with a wall full of license plates and maybe two dozen tables. They have loads of vegan/vegetarian options - they even have a separate menu to highlight those options (see photo I uploaded). I came here on the strength of raves of the vegan pulled pork sandwich - and I was not disappointed! The seitan/soy shreds were mixed in with a spicy-sweet bbq sauce, though my filling was soft and hard to keep in the bun, it wasn't a problem I had to deal with very long because I wolfed that sandwich right down!
Justin S ordered a bacon cheeseburger, pretty much the opposite of my lunch - and it looked like he enjoyed it quite well. The sweet potato fries were crisp & delicious - and the onion rings, though not being skinny rings, were quite tasty - not overly oily, the onions were not overcooked and they were fantastic - like they actually use fresh onions (I'm going to ask next time).
Definitely worth a repeat - looking forward to trying this place again!Listed in: Jenn's Favorite Vegan-Friendly…
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Review from Heather P.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2012
I work right next to here and wonder in from time to time. I will say there food is pretty good, but their wait time takes way to long. (10-20 min) The prices seem reasonable, but if you look closely nothing comes with any sides. So by the time you have made your choice, its much more then you expected.
AND FYI, they do not open until 10AM, so if i want their Chix fried stake and eggs( a classic breakfast food) then you have to wait 2 hours after you arrive to work!!
things that frustrate me:
not open until 10AM
the to-go menus have no phone number or all menu items
no menu on YELP
sides not included
wait time
Things I LOVE:
many shake flavors
sweet potato tater-tots
Tater-Tots
gravy
nice people -
Review from Ariel F.
San Lorenzo, CA
1/30/2012
I've actually never given a restaurant a bad review before. I'm really disappointed to have to do it here, but I was not in the least bit impressed by this dump.
I walk by this place often and can often smell amazingly delicious food coming from there. In retrospect, I think it must have been next door.
First off, terrible service. The woman at the counter VERY obviously didn't want to be there, and she made that quite clear. I've actually never received worse service at a restaurant. She didn't ask me if I wanted anything to drink, so I asked her for some water, which I never got.
Next. high prices. Everything here is ridiculously overpriced.
I ordered a Caesar salad. Perhaps that was my mistake, ordering a salad at a diner - I'm a big meat guy usually, and for some reason I just felt like eating healthy that day. Bad decision. The salad was tiny. I don't remember the price, but I want to say it was around $8 or $10. I expected a high-quality, large salad that would fill me up. I got a tiny plate with a salad slightly larger than what you'd get as an appetizer salad from any major chain restaurant. I think it had five small strips of chicken that looked like they came from a package.
The veggies were also wilted and bland. The Caesar dressing was bland and there wasn't enough of it. The chicken was rubbery and poorly cooked.
I left hungry and irritated, and went across the street to fill myself up on lamb shwarma.
From what I hear, this place used to be great. "Used to be" is the key sentiment here. Won't be coming back. -
Review from Allie B.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2011
This place is not bad.
I like their philly cheesesteak. And I always get their tatertots.
Seating is pretty limited though. -
Review from Vincent K.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2011
I always love a good diner, and NO, not like a Mel's or a Lucky Penny, its gotta be one that is alive, and looks like its got some old school feel but with some subtle upgrades to the modern era. Rico definitely hits that spot.
I've passed by this joint a few times on my way to Uncle Dougies and to Ichiro and finallly made the decision to go in for some lunch. Oddly enough, I was captivated by the All Day Breakfast menu and decided to order one from there at 1pm in the afternoon. And before Rico's, the only other diner-ish breakfast joint that was in my favorites, was Buttercup off I-880, but with the location and vibe, Buttercup has been bumped to 2nd. Here's what I ordered without any regrets whatsoever.
-Breakfast Country Fried Steak - amazing. Eggs were perfectly watery and enough to soak my sour dough toast in. Fried steak was smothered in delicious rich gravy which I don't even want to begin to imagine what's in that artery clogging goodness.
-Side of Onion Rings - good batter, very generous portion for a sidedish
-Coffee Milkshake - how could I not, and yes it was delicious. perfect thickness and consistency with whip cream on top.
My next plan of attack? Another shake, meatloaf perhaps, or the burgers which look monstrous. Till next time! -
Review from Cassie C.
Alameda, CA
8/11/2011
I know it's been said before but OMG! the vegan pulled pork is to die for! I ate the whole thing because it was that tasty and I never eat that much. My coworker hailed the cheeseburger the best of downtown. Only complaint is that it's a little on the pricey side - at least for fast food.
I'll definitely be back especially to try a soy nutella shake ^_^ What an awesome selection for vegetarians! -
Review from christine h.
Berkeley, CA
7/1/2011
I had read earlier reviews saying the place is cash only - mostly came here to report that it's now no longer cash only. They'll take credit cards, with a minimum purchase of $10.
That's not hard to spend at this place. If you're vegan like me, you've heard about the vegan pulled pork sandwich ($6.99). Add in some vegan chili fries ($3.49), and you're already at the minimum! Haha.
In that sense, the prices are pretty comparable to the only other diner I've been to with vegan offerings, Saturn's, on Oxford St. in Berkeley near campus. I never really thought I'd say this, since we're talking about burgers and fries here, but Saturn's seems like the healthier version of Rico's. I think it's in the way that the vegan pulled pork sammich is 90% filled with that sloppy juicy pulled "pork" stuff...they really fill 'em up. (In comparison, Saturn's got a more conventional burger with juicy tomato slices and big leaves of lettuce on a griller pattie or one of those hippie black bean/rice/herb patties...none of that here! It's definitely a place to 'GIT UR MEAT ON' vegan-style.)
I probably don't really need to add more comments on the taste, as my sentiments have already been expressed by the other enthusiastic raving Yelp reviews from vegans.
There's a lot of choices of vegan milkshake flavors (raspberry, blueberry, banana, peanut butter, etc.), but I didn't get one when I went (I was ordering takeout, and had to get on BART soon thereafter). Maybe next time! I would definitely come back, but it was definitely more expensive than I was initially expecting. -
Review from Chris M.
Updated - 6/17/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Rico's is the best burger joint in the area. A touch expensive with Burger, Fries and a shake setting you back $16.
The atmosphere is chill with some low level Jazz in the background and some interesting decoration with one wall completely dedicate to license plates
Try the Rico's House Burger, sweet potato tots and a Nutella shake!
Warning: don't plan on being productive after a trip to Rico's.. the food comma hits hard!
At the moment it is only open lunch hours!!Listed in: Oakland Lunches
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2011
I begin with I am not a burger fan!
But as far as burgers go this place is pretty good, good quality… Read more »
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Review from Cathy K.
5/28/2011
Quick Tip: Rico's is currently closed in the evenings. I tried coming here for dinner last night and was disappointed to see this notice posted.
After reading all the positive reviews, I'd love to come back sometime and try Rico's fare when they are open. -
Review from Krystal H.
Berkeley, CA
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Rico's is cute. Had the vegan pulled pork sandwich and a Newcastle for lunch and enjoyed it! Kinda pricey for counter service, but it's definitely a good choice in the downtown Oakland area.
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Review from Seri L.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 7/2/2011
Long overdue for an update. Since my last review, I have discovered their burgers. SUPERGOOD burgers. And onion rings! Portions are a good size and I was barely able to finish my burger.
I don't crave them that often, but it's good to know that I will know where exactly to go when I do.
I think the rest of the reviews cover everything else.
It's better to dine in than take out with this place. There have always been seats when I've gone, but I tend to take late lunches.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/7/2010
Went here with my coworkers here today for lunch. I'll have to give them another try because he… Read more »
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Review from David O.
Berkeley, CA
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not bad. Not great. A-OK, as yelp suggests 3 stars should merit.
The best thing this place has going for it is their shakes (which can be veganized for $1.50, if you're into that sort of thing); pretty damn good. The breakfast quality is a step up or two from Denny's, at best. I asked for lightly scrambled eggs, they were not. The french toast sticks are novel and highly processed.
Their strong suit seems to be in vegan offerings, according to my vegan roommate. But even I don't think you'd be hard-pressed to find better vegan places. Apparently their vegan 'Pulled Pork' sandwich is really the dog's woof, however. -
Review from Scott M.
Oakland, CA
11/22/2011
A great place to take a lunch break from a hectic day at work. I can vouch for the Santa Fe chicken sandwich, salmon burger, cheeseburger, and sweet potato tater tots. All hit the spot and are served piping hot.
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Review from Gianella F.
Concord, CA
11/14/2011
I'm picky when it comes to diners, but this place sure did satisfy me. I split a burger with my friend as well as the curly fries and they were bomb. They have all types of milkshake flavor and my chocolate milkshake was delicious. Can't wait to go back!!!
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Review from amy l.
Oakland, CA
6/20/2011
PLEASE OPEN UP ON THE WEEKEND or for dinner!!
why only only Mon-Fri 10-3?? i have been wanting to try the vegan food here for YEARS but only recently was in downtown oakland during a weekday. it was SUPER YUMMY!
such an excellent vegan blackberry shake i might just add several miles to my bike commute to get one. if it were open evenings or weekends i would eat here a LOT. -
Review from Kristine W.
Oakland, CA
2/15/2011
Okay, a 4 star average??? Really? REAAAALLY???
We came here because we saw they had corned beef hash (the bf's sole requisite for breakfast) and guess what! They no longer serve it! So he ended up ordering something else, which I can't remember, but he said he was not impressed (and he never comments on his food unless prompted). I ordered the Oaktowner and was pissed to see french toast STICKS in my to-go box, but tried to calm down---maybe these tiny sticks were amazing. Umm, no! If I want mediocre diner food I want QUANTITY, baby! I wasn't expecting much in terms of taste here, we just wanted to be fed...a lot...and fast.
But I must say, I do like the funky license plate decor because I like tacky things. I wanted to like Rico, but no one messes with Kristine's french toast and no one messes with my man's love for CBH. No one.Listed in: Ca+Su=Br
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Review from Colin M.
Albany, CA
2/2/2011
This place makes a very nice burger. It is worth going here if you are in the hood. It's hard for me to decide whether I like this or the 510 Burger Truck better; in the end, they are separate but equal.
But they were annoying about their bathroom. It really pisses me off when you fork over dollars to a place and their bathroom is "out of order (because I just cleaned it and I don't want it to get dirty again tonight)." -
Review from franonymous x.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/23/2011
What the hell happened here? This used to be staffed by two sweet ladies - maybe a mom & a daughter? The food was fast and delicious, and I never ever had a problem with vegan stuff.
Now, it's open later, accepts credit cards, etc., but the service has gone way down, the food takes forever & the prices have gone up, & there was butter on a vegan sandwich bun yesterday when I went. One person in my party didn't eat because they had "run out" of the vegan pulled-pork. Um, okay. It is super, glaringly obvious that the same people are not running Rico's anymore. :(
I was looking forward to it being open late, etc. & I used to really look forward to coming here, but now I probably won't be back.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2008
One of my favorite vegan breakfast places! The vegan menu is small, but everything on it is… Read more »
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Review from Halley B.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2011
This place was dead on a Friday night, so I was suspicious when I walked in. But the food was great! We had a root beer float, cheeseburger, fries, and a chili cheese dog. The decor is half retro/half hipster, but surprisingly homey. This place made me feel nostalgic of diners I frequented as a teen in the northern suburbs of Detroit. Its the kind of place where you could guzzle sodas and nibble on fries for hours with friends and wonder where the time went.
I'll be back to Ricos for sure, maybe next time for a late night snack. -
Review from Emily A.
Oakland, CA
4/11/2011
I had the vegan "pulled pork" sandwich and was disappointed. It was sickeningly full of too much seitan and it made my stomach turn. I often like fake meat, but this was just too much.
Otherwise this place is not veggie/vegan friendly at all. -
Review from Andrew C.
Contrasting decor with a wall of license plates, exposed beam ceilings, and frosted glass counter where you order at. You get a number from playing cards in a stand and grab a table. Get your own utensils and napkins from the counter as well.
I ordered Biscuits & Gravy with a side of Sausage and the g/f ordered a short stack of Pancakes w/ Banana.
About a 15 minute wait and our food arrived. Nothing really stood out. Standard breakfast links. OK pancakes. Decent biscuits, but paired with so-so lukewarm sausage gravy. Some bacon pieces helped the gravy, but I kept thinking of the rich gravy at 900 Grayson (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
Jazz playing a little too loud coupled with all the hard surfaces made conversing difficult. Service was non-existant beyond bringing you your plates. I had to go back to the counter to ask for coffee refills.
Their burgers & sandwiches seem to have better reviews and I've read they make (made?) their own pastrami so might venture back to try those.Listed in: Brunching the Bay
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Review from Cliff F.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2011
Awesome. My bacon mushroom burger was so big I was worried I wouldn't be able to get my mouth around it. But I found a way.
The tots are silly good and, though I haven't tried them yet, they have tons of fresh-fruit milk shakes.
And the woman at the counter was so sweet. Definitely going back. -
Review from Teague G.
Oakland, CA
4/7/2011
I loved this place. I loved the Rico's burger, the fried chicken sandwich, the french fries, the tater tots, the milkshakes, and the country fried steak. Most of all, I loved the two women who staffed the front and Rico who staffed the kitchen. Lovely people serving good food.
All that has changed. New owners. Food quality down. Old favorites no longer offered. Lost that special touch. Not worth it. Too bad. -
Review from Allie P.
Fremont, CA
4/11/2011
It was.. meh. I had the bacon cheeseburger with avocado, fries and a root beer float. Mine was fine.. the burger was really tall so it was hard to eat, I had to fight the burger, it was really messy. Fries? Eh.. average.
My friend had the tuna melt, curly fries and chocolate shake. She loves tuna melts and she didn't even eat half of hers :( She did like the curly fries and shake though.
It was EXTREMELY overpriced. My lunch was $16.90... if I wanted to pay that much for a burger I could go to Cafe 15 and actually pay less.. and in my opinion, tastes much better; their fries are light years more delicious.
You have to spend $10 or more to use a credit card (won't really be an issue.)
Given the cost and the less than wow factor, I don't think I'd come back unless all I wanted was a milkshake. For a better burger go to Cafe 15. -
Review from Jane S.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2010
Rico's rocks, yo.
The fried chicken sandwich is pure bliss - two generous pieces of perfectly fried, crispy yet moist chicken, smothered in country gravy, topped with romaine lettuce, all on a soft Acme roll. Far from healthy, I've managed to avoid coming here often for lunch. But when I'm down in the dumps and/or have a hankering for comfort food, I know where to go and what to eat (hint: Rico's, fried chicken sandwich).
My co-workers got the tuna melt and veggie burger, which they found very good as well.
~$3 bottles of Anchor Steam, Fat Tire, Blue Moon and Corona.
Anchor Steam + sandwich = about $10.
Cash only, folks! -
Review from Jay C.
Berkeley, CA
2/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Stopped by here one late night.
Ordered a Nutella shake and chilli cheese fries.
The shake was good. I wish I had more fries though.
Overall, I'll try their sandwich sometime soon and get back to you!
Happy Eating! -
Review from Jackie M.
Oakland, CA
9/14/2011
So I went to Rico's today for lunch with my friend and I ordered the bacon, mushroom cheeseburger with avocado and she ordered Vegan "pulled pork" sandwich. I really loved my burger, I was in a fatty mood and decided to go all out and was super happy with the result. My friend loved her sandwich and was a little nervous because the fake meat actually looked like real meat but she took a bite and liked it a lot.
The environment was nice, it was busy but it wasn't hectic. The service was good.
I know I liked it because I want to go back and try more food :) -
Review from Angela N.
1/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have yet to actually eat inside this establishment or try anything other than the vegan pulled pork sandwich. AND WOW. It's so good! I read about their sandwich on a list of vegan items that even meat -eaters would enjoy, and while I've given up meat for some time now, I still do appreciate all that it has to offer. Enjoying all those fabulous flavors guilt-free - even better!
The staff has always been super friendly, even though I think I've managed to catch them just before closing each and every time. Any time I think I might veer off the vegetarian track, I just call and order the vegan pulled pork on the whole wheat bun. -
Review from Michael B.
Houston, TX
2/25/2011
Stopped in here for dinner after a long day with some friends, and it was exactly what we needed. Burger had excellent flavor, properly juicy. Even the bun had the perfect grilled crunch to it.
I had the Rico's House Burger, with jalapenos, an onion ring and pepperjack cheese. I recommend it.
Also got a vanilla malt. It was smooth, very creamy. Not as rich as a Blue Bell malt from Brenham.
They had a wall of hot sauces, and I did not recognize a lot of them. -
Review from Allison K.
Arlington, VA
7/15/2010
Delicious!
We had the vegan pulled pork (who knows what it is made out of, but it's amazing!), the grilled turkey and cheese, and the grilled cheese. Top that off with curly fries and tator tots (any place that serves tator tots all day gets 5 stars) and you have an excellent place for lunch. It also serves Barq's root beer, if you're searching for a root beer in Uptown.
Cash only, great service. Shakes looked incredible. -
Review from Helen T.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 1/5/2011
They now ACCEPT credit cards!!!!
Been back over 4 times now and yes, still frickin awesome. It hits the spot for breakfast (probably an excellent lunch spot for those working near 15th st/broadway in oakland). I have tried the vegan pulled pork and I love it. It's the best vegan pulled pork I've ever had, but it's also the only vegan pulled pork I've ever had. I don't really care that it's vegan--it's goooood! Can't wait to get it again... it's not as cheap as the other meals because you have to add an order of curly fries, of course.
But here it is....
They discontinued their corned beef hash! :( Man, their corned beef has was my favorite... ahhh the tradeoff for accepting credit cards I guess.
If it's your first time, get the country fried steak with tater tots.Listed in: Restaurant Fallbacks!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/1/2010
note: CASH ONLY
WOW. Country fried steak, corned beef hash, the Oaktowner (definitely with the tater… Read more »
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Review from dani d.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 12/8/2010
Rico's is open for dinner?!?!? Til 2am?!?!?
Thank you god.Listed in: Within walking distance.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2009
First of all, I don't understand when someone claims to absolutely LOVE a joint and will only fork… Read more »
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Review from Tina S.
Oakland, CA
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got the vegan pulled pork. It was ok. Small portion and ok flavor. The tater tots were ok, a little too crisp and oily. I would eat here again, but perhaps get something else.
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Review from Victor G.
Oakland, CA
6/14/2010
Rico's offers breakfast, lunch specials, shakes, and burgers.
drill: order at couner, get a number, they bring food to you. you get own utensils, water.
decor: basically white with a wall of license plates
music: jazz
sampling:
-texas country fried steak lunch special(7.75)
meat was still curled up on my plate. curious it wasnt unravel from it's previous frozen state. steak was overbattered and fried. meat dry. gravy uninspired and dry.
potatos brownish colored -so so
-carrot- ok
-coffee (1.50) after cream, was pretty good.
crumbs:
-steak a disappointment. burgers highly rated here.
-greasy feeling afterwards.
-friendly service
-just a few tables here.
-cash onlyListed in: civic center/downtown oaktown
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Review from Michelle C.
Oakland, CA
8/5/2011
The vegan pulled pork sandwich is awesome!
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Review from Rafael N.
Oakland, CA
11/15/2010
Self service DINER! seriously.
You order at the counter, you pay upfront(cash only), then u wait.
U get served and if u need anything, u better use what GOD gave u to get
it. i.e. utensils, napkins, condiments, refills.... The joint cooks up freshly
fare for the vortex ofa area. Nice mom n pop DINER in the cuts. Vegi
options, fryer gets u damn good, and actually seems to have an elevated
standard for whats being sent out of the kitchen.
p.s. So happy they don't have a sink to wash your own dish when ur done! -
Review from Mishelle N.
Tracy, CA
7/6/2011
i saw this place and wanted to eat here for months, then one day i finally went in, the 1st day i got the reuben and french fries, i should not had it toasted with my braces - :(
the 2nd day i had a chili dog and french fries it ok - nothing to write home to momma about. the hot dog is a "casper dog' long and thin. -
Review from Joy H.
Oakland, CA
4/11/2011
Amazing tater tots, nutella and chocolate shake, and ginormous bacon mushroom burger! Super fast service, and the food was hot and tasty.
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Review from Jessica B.
Oakland, CA
1/10/2011
Good place for a quick bite in downtown Oakland. Definitely diner-ish food. Good and cheap. I would visit again, especially if it's open later like before a Fox show.
I had the mexican omelet with greasy tater-tots and my boyfriend had the meatloaf, that he liked but I thought it was a little too mushy.
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