Introduction
Life in the East Bay is a whirlwind. Between work, family, and the endless list of things to do, sometimes the last thing you want to do is cook. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious, quality food. Luckily, Oakland’s vibrant culinary scene thrives on offering fantastic take out options, from classic comfort food to exotic flavors that will transport your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a late-night snack, Oakland has a take out spot to satisfy every craving. And with so many amazing local restaurants, choosing take out is also a fantastic way to support the community. This guide will explore some of the best and most diverse Oakland take out options available, helping you discover new favorites and contribute to the success of our local eateries. Get ready to embark on a culinary tour without leaving the comfort of your couch!
Oakland’s Amazing Mexican Take Out
Craving something spicy and satisfying? Look no further than Oakland’s incredible selection of Mexican restaurants offering top-notch take out. From crispy tacos to hearty burritos, and flavorful enchiladas, you can find all your favorites and discover some new ones. The beauty of Mexican take out is that it travels so well. The flavors meld together, and the textures hold up, making it a perfect choice for a meal on the go.
Tacos Sinaloa
If you’re in the mood for some of the best tacos in town, look no further than Tacos Sinaloa. Located on International Boulevard, this popular spot is known for its authentic Sinaloa-style tacos, packed with flavorful carne asada, al pastor, or cabeza. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the tacos are simply divine. Their take out packaging is simple but effective, keeping the tacos warm and preventing them from getting soggy. Ordering is easy; just give them a call or stop by and place your order at the window.
Cholita Linda
Another fantastic option for Oakland take out Mexican food is Cholita Linda in Temescal. This popular spot offers a variety of delicious tacos and other Mexican favorites. They have a great selection of vegetarian options and their flavors are amazing. Cholita Linda focuses on sustainable business practices, which is another great reason to visit.
Exploring Asian Flavors: Vietnamese Take Out
Oakland boasts a rich and diverse Asian culinary scene, and the Vietnamese offerings are particularly exceptional. The fragrant broths of pho, the crispy crust of banh mi, and the refreshing flavors of spring rolls are all perfect for enjoying as take out. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, making it a healthy and delicious option for a quick and easy meal.
Pho Huynh Hiep 2 – Ben Thanh
For an authentic Vietnamese experience, check out Pho Huynh Hiep 2 – Ben Thanh. This Oakland institution on International Boulevard is famous for its flavorful pho, packed with tender noodles, flavorful broth, and your choice of protein. Their broth is rich and aromatic, and the portions are incredibly generous. They offer online ordering for easy pick-up, making it a breeze to grab a comforting bowl of pho on a busy day. The broth is packaged separately from the noodles and toppings, ensuring that everything stays fresh and delicious until you’re ready to eat.
Savoring Japanese Cuisine at Home
From delicate sushi rolls to comforting bowls of ramen, Oakland’s Japanese restaurants offer a wide array of take out options that are perfect for a satisfying meal at home. Japanese cuisine is known for its artful presentation and attention to detail, and many restaurants have perfected the art of packaging their dishes for optimal take out enjoyment.
Kirala
For a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, consider Kirala. This popular restaurant, located in Berkeley, offers a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. Their bento boxes are especially popular for take out, offering a complete and balanced meal in a convenient package. They use high-quality ingredients and their sushi is always fresh and delicious. Ordering online is easy, and pick-up is quick and efficient.
American Comfort Food on the Go
Sometimes, all you need is a classic burger, a hearty sandwich, or a comforting bowl of mac and cheese. Oakland’s American restaurants have you covered with a wide range of take out options that are perfect for satisfying your cravings. From gourmet burgers to creative sandwiches and flavorful salads, you can find all your favorite comfort foods ready to go.
TrueBurger
If you’re in the mood for a truly exceptional burger, check out TrueBurger. With two locations in Oakland, this popular spot is known for its juicy burgers, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes. Their burgers are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection, and their fries are perfectly seasoned and crispy. They have streamlined their ordering process for quick and easy take out, and their packaging keeps the food hot and fresh.
Indulging in Italian Flavors at Home
Pasta, pizza, and everything in between! Italian cuisine is beloved for its comforting flavors and satisfying dishes, and Oakland’s Italian restaurants offer a wide array of take out options that are perfect for a cozy night in. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to gourmet pizzas and creative sandwiches, you can find all your Italian favorites ready to enjoy at home.
Gaspare’s Pizza
For authentic Italian flavors, consider Gaspare’s Pizza. This pizzeria is known for their traditional pies. Gaspare’s has been an Oakland staple for decades. Call in and have a delicious pizza for pickup.
Late-Night Bites: Oakland’s After-Hours Take Out Options
When the late-night munchies strike, Oakland has a surprising number of take out options that are open late to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a greasy burger, a comforting bowl of noodles, or a slice of pizza, you can find a spot that’s open and ready to serve you.
Healthy Choices: Guilt-Free Take Out in Oakland
If you’re looking for healthy take out options in Oakland, you’re in luck. Many restaurants offer lighter fare, vegetarian and vegan options, and customizable dishes that allow you to create a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Family-Friendly Feasts: Take Out for the Whole Crew
Finding take out that everyone in the family will enjoy can be a challenge, but Oakland has plenty of restaurants with menus that appeal to both adults and children. Look for places that offer family meal deals or have a wide variety of options to choose from.
Picnic Perfect: Easy Eats for Outdoor Adventures
Oakland is a great city to spend time outdoors. Restaurants with food that travels well make it even better. Find places with salads, sandwiches and treats that can be packed and taken on the go.
Date Night In: Romantic Take Out Experiences
Sometimes, staying in is more romantic than going out. Some Oakland restaurants have special dishes or sides that make the experience all the better. With a little planning, a romantic dinner can be enjoyed at home.
Supporting Local and Sustainable Practices
Choosing take out in Oakland is not only a delicious way to enjoy a meal, but it’s also a fantastic way to support local businesses. By choosing to dine locally, you’re helping to keep our community vibrant and thriving.
In addition to supporting local businesses, you can also make a positive impact by choosing restaurants that prioritize sustainable practices. Look for restaurants that use compostable containers, source ingredients locally, or have other eco-friendly initiatives.
Souley Vegan
One example of a restaurant that is committed to sustainability is Souley Vegan. This popular vegan spot uses compostable containers and sources ingredients from local farms whenever possible. Their menu is entirely plant-based, making it a healthy and sustainable choice for take out.
Ordering directly from restaurants is another way to support local businesses and ensure that they receive a larger share of the profits. Many restaurants have their own websites or online ordering platforms, which allow you to avoid the fees charged by third-party delivery services.
By making conscious choices about where you order take out, you can support local businesses, promote sustainability, and enjoy a delicious meal all at the same time.
Conclusion: Oakland’s Take Out Treasure Trove
Oakland’s take out scene is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering something for every taste and budget. From authentic Mexican tacos to comforting Vietnamese pho and gourmet American burgers, you can find a wide variety of delicious meals ready to go.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on the go, or simply looking for a convenient and tasty meal, Oakland take out has you covered. Explore the options, support local restaurants, and discover your new favorite dishes. And remember, every time you choose to dine locally, you’re helping to keep our community vibrant and thriving.
So, next time you’re craving a delicious meal but don’t have the time or energy to cook, remember the amazing take out options available in Oakland. Your taste buds (and your local restaurants) will thank you! Perhaps you’ll find your new go-to taco spot, or maybe you’ll discover a hidden gem serving up the best pho you’ve ever tasted. The possibilities are endless. What are your favorite Oakland take out spots? Share them in the comments below!
