Our Expert's Take
Wood Tavern is nothing short of a culinary delight, and it shines brightly in Oakland's vibrant dining scene. The rave review for their rack of lamb speaks volumes, showcasing the kitchen's prowess in delivering perfectly cooked, flavorful dishes that leave patrons craving more.
The thoughtful presentation and harmonious flavors, particularly with the accompanying potatoes, elevate the dining experience to a level that is often hard to find in a bar setting. It's a place where comfort food meets gourmet execution, making Wood Tavern a worthy destination for both casual diners and discerning foodies alike.
At a Glance
Pros
- Exceptional rack of lamb that leaves a lasting impression.
- Warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings.
- Attentive service that enhances the dining experience.
Cons
- May require a reservation during peak hours.
- Limited parking options nearby.
What Diners Are Saying
"Our first visit to Wood Tavern was INCREDIBLE! I leave quite a few five star reviews on Google, but I would probably give wood Tavern a 6 if I could. My rack of lamb was one of the greatest things I've ever eaten, and the potatoes underneath were delicious (they were au gratin potatoes and were incredibly cheesy and flavorful-- just thinking about them makes my mouth water). My girlfriend (who was celebrating her birthday the night we came in) also really loved the pork chop she ordered, and we both thought the pork belly appetizer was very unique and delicious. The lentils that came as part of the appetizer were such an unexpectedly tasty addition! All in all, we absolutely loved our visit to Wood Tavern and will be back again as soon as we find a reason to splurge and celebrate a little bit. We did notice that because we came in on such a busy night we didn't see our server a ton, but his suggestions at the outset of our meal were really helpful and he was very professional and nice. Would happily come back here again!"- Cam W
"What an incredible find. Mushroom soup was way better than expected, and the dressing on the pork loin sandwich made it a perfect, flavorful sand2och. Wes was awesome and provided professional, friendly service."- Matthew Brown
"We went to Wood Tavern for a special dinner again last night and had the same excellent experience! What follows is from last year if, anything the Double Cut Pork Chop main course flavors have my mouth watering for the meal! The food and service here were amazing last night! The Appetizers, Beet Salad and best of all the Grilled Double Cut Pork Chop was the best I've had! The Chop was cooked perfectly, sauce and sides outstanding!"- Erik H
"Had a marvelous time celebrating my birthday at Wood Tavern. It's bustling in there, but the service and the quality of the food made it very special. I don't drink alcohol so I had a bit of a pout when I didn't see any mocktails on the drinks menu. Asking the server, he verbally listed off some very interesting options, and I asked for something citrusy, bubbly, not too sweet. It came to the table gorgeous with a little pansy flower in it, and was perfect for my tastes. Started with a seasonal salad of stone fruit, hazelnut and arugula, quite good! We had the ribeye steak mains. Amazing crunchy sear. Savory but not too salty. Although the horseradish potato side was a bit much on its own, it made for the perfect bite with the steak. Smoky seared asparagus alongside. Ample serving size that left me enough for two more meals at home. I begged off of ordering dessert because I had a gigantic homebaked chocolate cake waiting for me at home. The server kindly presented me with some free sorbet with a candle, calling it a palette cleanser. Somehow in researching affordable steak meals I happened upon a very old menu image that had the steak at around $35, so I'm providing a legible set of images of the current June 2025 menu for you. Also, I don't go to fancy meals often enough and I was unsettled when the busser took my leftovers and didn't bring them back boxed until we got the check. I'll know for next time. Outside of special occasions, I'd love to return for appetizers and mocktails or dessert and coffee on a weekday. I'm grateful for my experience at Wood Tavern."- Juanita Carroll Young
"We finally made it to Wood Tavern. We had a great experience. The food was fantastic and our server was wonderful. Highly recommend! We look forward to going back and also trying their sister smaller restaurant, Southie right next door."- Thomas Murphy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking available at Wood Tavern?
Parking can be challenging, as there are limited options nearby. It’s advisable to arrive early or consider public transportation.
What is the dress code at Wood Tavern?
The dress code is casual, but smart casual attire is recommended for a comfortable dining experience.
What is the best dish to order?
The rack of lamb is highly recommended, praised for its incredible flavor and presentation.