Golden Outside
New independently-owned Cleveland Heights cafe Golden Outside feeds two cherished local interests — coffee drinks and plants — with a focus on wellness. The cafe also serves fresh-pressed juices, teas, matcha, chai, flowers, snacks and gifts. The word “lovely” seems to be used often in reviews so far to describe the products, as well as the service here. Golden Outside, 543 Athol Ave. (at Cleveland Street), Oakland
Headlands Brewing Westbrae
Get ready. Hotly anticipated since late last year, Westbrae’s comfy, beloved, family- and dog-friendly beer garden reopens under new management this Friday, June 21 and Nosh got the scoop. Eleven-year-old craft brewing company Headlands Brewing has built a solid reputation in Lafayette since opening its first easygoing taproom there in 2021. At the Westbrae location, expect award-winning Headlands flagships on tap as well as small-batch exclusives, guest local brews, wines and ciders. The food leans approachable and gastropubby, from brats to smash burgers to hot pretzels. The space is refreshed, with new features and furnishings, but maintains its outdoor-living-room appeal. Headlands Brewing is also at work on a third beer garden in Walnut Creek slated to open in late 2024. Headlands Brewing Westbrae, 1280 Gilman St., Berkeley
Heads and Tails Barbecue
As promised back when Gaumenkitzel closed earlier this year, the long-loved Berkeley corner restaurant has now softly reopened as Heads and Tails Barbecue, from operating partners Rick Stolle and Drew Majoulet. The new neighborhood bar and barbecue restaurant has a focus on Texas-style slow-smoked meats coupled with California ingredients, tasty-looking fried chicken sandwiches, and plenty of vegetarian-friendly slaws and sides. Heads and Tails is serving takeout only as the business ramps up; expect fun things such as frozen margaritas once the bar and restaurant fully opens. Eater SF has additional details. Heads and Tails Barbecue, 2121 San Pablo Ave. (at Cowper), Berkeley
Las Brasas Peruvian
Emeryville has a new spot for ceviche, lomo saltado and other Peruvian cuisine in Las Brasas, which quietly opened in the former Touch of Soul space back in May. Also on the menu: tangy chicken wings and many seafood specialties. Las Brasas Peruvian, 4336 San Pablo Ave. (at 45th St..), Emeryville
Mesa Maguey
Contemporary agave bar and Oaxacan kitchen Mesa Maguey has opened on Broadway near 40th in Oakland, in the Temescal neighborhood spot Copper Spoon operated for six years (until it closed quietly last October). Look for mezcal cocktails and other happy-hour-worthy refreshments, and upscale Mexican plates getting rave reviews, such as mole, tacos, enchiladas, soups and ceviche in the welcoming bar and dining room. Mesa Maguey, 4031 Broadway (between 40th and 41st), Oakland
Tommy’s BBQ Hercules
East Bay barbecue favorite Tommy’s, known for its former, popular food truck near the Richmond Craneway Pavilion and El Sobrante, is now serving up tender brisket from the team’s first brick-and-mortar eatery in Hercules. Tommy’s BBQ Company Hercules, 1611 Sycamore Ave., Hercules
