QUICK BITE: The Trappist

The Trappist

Located in quaint Old Oakland, The Trappist provides a cozy pub experience right in the middle of Downtown Oakland. Here you can easily feel like you are back in a traditional Irish pub where you’re surrounded by wood paneling and small tables perfect for intimate conversation. I visited on a recent rainy day so it was the perfect spot in the Old Oakland neighborhood to stop in for a nice working lunch.

Since I was by myself I decided to saddle up to the bar to enjoy my lunch. I was immediately welcomed by my server/bartender Bridget who handed me a menu. Clearly The Trappist knows its clients and the menu matches the environment – simply cozy, comfort food.

The menu consists mostly of sandwiches and also offers a lovely charcuterie selection of local cured meats and cheeses. Since this was lunch, I chose the BLT sandwich since a little bacon sounded perfect for a rainy day. My server Bridget suggested a half-pint of Fort Point KSA Kolsch beer as the perfect pairing. She was so right! It was light and crisp and a really refreshing beer to have with my sandwich.

I must admit that there was a little mixup with my order. I was served the Turkey Club instead of the BLT. But immediately my very friendly server Bridget offered a little bacon to add to the Turkey Club making it one of the most delicious sandwiches. Served with a very tasty tomato soup, this lunch was perfect for the rainy day.

Overall, I can’t recommend The Trappist enough, especially if you work in Downtown Oakland. Clearly this spot could be considered a great place for guys. In fact, I was the only woman having lunch that day. But the cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff made me feel welcome. I would easily go back, especially on a rainy day, with a good book and just sit an enjoy.

So grab a beer and some friends and you’ll have the perfect afternoon at the pub … especially with the absence of the glare of televisions – a definite plus!

The Trappist: 460 8th Street, Oakland, CA – www.thetrappist.com (510) 238-8900

Quick Bite is a series of reviews of local restaurants and food establishments in my hope to help you discover great places to eat and spend your hard earned money across the East Bay. You can find more Quick Bites here on the Yummy Blog as well as on the Local Food Adventures Google profile and on Yelp!