"When you want to soak in the sun like a lizard, a trip to Mad Oak is in order. The two-story bar near Lake Merritt has a massive patio and an even bigger rooftop deck with lots of communal seating and a second bar. Sip on one of the 40 beers on tap or one of their excellent cocktails, and try something from a rotating selection of snacks including beef sliders and chicken karaage." - julia chen 1, lani conway