The Tribune Tower is one of the iconic and historical buildings in Oakland, California.  It was the home of the local newspaper, the Oakland Tribune, until 2006 and is a symbol of the city.  Another interesting fact about the building is that in 1923 magician Harry Houdini demonstrated his skills by escaping from a straightjacket while dangling upside down from the ninth floor of the building. (It took him five seconds to escape.)   Today on the ground floor, which used to serve as the newspapers “local room” where  reporters all worked side-by-side, is housed the Tribune Tavern.

The Tribune Tavern has a true tavern feel.  The large columns of the traditional building still frame the room which is filled with dark wood tables and a big welcoming bar.  They embrace the history of the building in both the feel of the space and the décor.  Because of its location, great food, and awesome drinks, it is a bustling space mixed with locals, business folks that work nearby, and even some tourists that come visit to experience a piece of Oakland history.

The Tavern’s daily happy hour runs from 3-6 pm and includes several drink and food specials.  On a recent trip, the ID2T crew was able to partake in some of the offerings.  The classic margarita, made with Espolon tequila, agave, and lime, is nice and refreshing and a great deal at only $5.  Actually all of the happy hour drinks are $5 and you can even get a pitcher of Margaritas for $15.  The Mai Tai, made with Angustora rum, orleat, lime, and curacao, was also a winner.  But the best drink we tried was a special pitcher found on their regular cocktail menu for $18, it’s called Punch In The Mouth!  With a name like that, we had to try it.  It is made with aged rum, rhum agricole, oolong tea, apple and clarified milk.  Ok, it sounds a bit weird, but we can tell you that the taste is as classic and historic as the building the Tavern sits in.  We loved it!

As far as bites, they have a diverse menu of cool bar food and gourmet dishes ranging from chicken wings, a tavern burger, and guilty fries (fries smothered with beer/cheddar fondue and pulled pork) to a pork belly rillette and a potted salmon rillette.

If you happen to be in the Bay Area and have time, we highly recommend you stop by the Tribune Tavern.

~I’ll drink to that