Date night
One of my all-time favorite Onion articles is “It Only Tuesday”, and while it is indeed, only Tuesday, you should plan a date for this week/end. With someone you like. Maybe even love. ‘Date Night’ will also be an on-going series, but let’s just dig right in with a double-header date night to plan:
Dinner at Comal, followed by a show at the Greek
Comal is actually the first east bay restaurant I fell in love with, many years ago when I lived in SF. Its always bustling, the food is consistently delicious and the cocktails are usually strong - especially if you just do a straight up tequila tasting. The first time I went to Comal, we sat at the chefs counter, usually a good place to sit so you can see all the action and not have to talk too much. You can watch the live fire cooking of their flavorful Mexican dishes and observe the staff rolling and pressing scratch-made corn and flour tortillas. Comal always has a good energy, whether you’re sipping cocktails and crunching on freshly cooked chips at the bar, enjoying a family style meal in the main dining room or even better - relaxing in the area out back with an outdoor bar and expansive patio space. On weekends they even bring around a margarita and guacamole cart - which sounds like the kind of thing I need at home. Also worth noting - there’s a really cool three piece art display above the bar on the wall which is by Billy Martin - of the jazz trio Medeski, Martin and Wood, a band i’ve low-key liked since college. Sets a curious vibe for the room. Reservations optional.
After your dinner at Comal, take a less than 1 mile stroll and burn off your meal on your way to the 100+ year old Greek theatre on the Berkeley campus. This historic theater is such a beautiful, unique venue and a great place to catch indie artists. They serve healthy pours of beer and wine and its just a generally chill vibe to catch a show with other east bay hippies and college students. If you get there early you can find a spot on one of the classical greek theatre stone seats or bring a blanket and sprawl out on the lawn. Or do what I do and show up super late and 'smile and thank you’ your way to the very front of the stage so you can look berkeley-native Adam Duritz or whoever is performing in the eye and feel like you’re having a small concert for one. Upcoming shows at the Greek are here - this fall has a great calendar line up with acts like Tycho, Thom Yorke, Herbie Hancock, Anderson East, Michael Kiwanuka (who you may know from opening track to Big Little Lies), and living legend Van Morrison (which is obvs already sold out).
Now get out there and make some memories!
Looking for more things to do at night in the East Bay? Here’s a list of time warps and tiki bars to try.
Know someone you want to go on a date with? Forward them this email!