7th West Opens in Oakland With Jeepney Guy | Eater SF

"Opening on Saturday, August 25, this sprawling 8,000-square-foot bar, restaurant, and events space in West Oakland—dubbed 7th West—features fresh murals, plentiful outdoor seating, room for live music and art shows, and an exclusive kitchen space for Dennis Villafranca of the Filipino truck Jeepney Guy. Villafranca’s expanded menu at 7th West goes beyond his truck offerings and includes his famous lechon (boneless roasted pork belly with crispy golden skin), fun bar snacks like fried pig ears and chicken nuggets dredged in mochi flour and coconut milk, larger rice plates piled with adobo ribs or buttery shrimp, and a couple of vegan options. With partners from local bars, the venue emphasizes creative cocktails using ingredients such as Thai chili pepper, sugarcane, and rosemary, and a beer list that favors West Oakland and Alameda breweries. Aiming to be a true community space that’s family-friendly by day and lively at night, 7th West also offers a small dog park, an arcade, indoor and outdoor bars, and the capacity to host events highlighting local art, music, sports, and gaming; the opening celebration starts at 11 a.m. at 1255 7th Street with a ribbon cutting, live music, DJs, dancing, and tarot readings." - Janelle Bitker