Brewja Coffee Oakland (Reopening)
Nosh is pleased to report that Latina-owned Brewja Coffee has softly reopened in Oakland just in time for spring, after a temporary closure that started around the new year. On offer are Latin-inflected coffee drinks and pastries, as well as additional pantry products that showcase and support local artisans (such as sought-after Kuali salsa).
Additionally, days after reopening the Brewja Oakland, the San Lorenzo flagship suffered a break-in. “The cost of repairs, loss of sales for the day, staff safety, and stress are overwhelming,” owner Brianna Vasquez told Nosh via email. “However, I am determined to stay positive and hopeful. I started this coffee bar in my hometown San Lorenzo in 2019, with big dreams and motivation to play a bigger role in my community. Despite the challenging times we have faced since COVID and 2020, I have had rewarding experiences as a business owner. I never imagined that my journey in business would end up like this, but I am not giving up. It is time for positive change and for us to demand safety in our communities. Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and we will continue to rise above the challenges.” And we will see you at the reopened Oakland shop for a Mexican mocha and a conchita. Brewja Coffee, 409 14th St. (at Franklin Street), Oakland
Comeback Cafe (Reopening)
Emeryville welcomes back the family-owned Comeback Vietnamese cafe this week, according to a notice from The E’ville Eye. The banh mi, salad, soup, curry and coffee shop on Christie Avenue fed locals and Emeryville professionals for decades, but since 2020 was yet another lingering pandemic closure for which many had given up hope. Just goes to show, never underestimate the power of a good name. The Comeback Cafe, 6009 Christie Ave. (at 59th Street), Emeryville
Kevin’s Noodle House (Reopening)
Family-owned Kevin’s Noodle House in East Oakland (also known as Pho Huynh Hiep #1) has reopened for indoor dining after a pandemic dining-room closure (take-out remained available). The local minichain serves affordable, family-friendly Vietnamese fare such as noodle soups, salads, rice plates and stews. Additional Pho Huynh Hieps can be found in Daly City, San Francisco, Concord and Walnut Creek; the Oakland location first opened in 1994. Thanks to Nosh readers for the reopening tip. Kevin’s Noodle House/Pho Huynh Hiep, 1402 E 12th St. (at 14th Avenue), Oakland
Mango & Mint
It’s a bountiful spring week for Vietnamese openings, including this newcomer to Alameda. Mango & Mint features a menu of refreshing smoothies, rice bowls, spring rolls, vermicelli salads and banh mi, among many appealing options. The Vietnamese cafe took over from permanently departed Left Field Dogs. Mango & Mint, 1606 Webster St. (near Lincoln Avenue), Alameda
three.one four
If all goes to plan, Westbrae’s long-awaited new upscale pizzeria inside the former Lalime’s restaurant space opens its doors March 28. Nosh had the story on the opening back in 2022; the restaurant’s progress has since been closely followed by Berkeley locals (though admittedly most of it has been shrouded in mystery). The date-night-worthy bar and lounge features a focus on wines and rustic Italian dishes and pizza from chef Mario Vollera. The opening marks the first of several hotly anticipated spring and summer openings down the Gilman Street corridor. We look forward to the first reports. Three.one four…a swanky pizza lounge, 1329 Gilman St. (between Neilson and Tevlin streets), Berkeley
