5 Reasons to Add Viridian Bar to Your Itinerary

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ir8EQjTaNro

If you are like me, you are fully vaccinated and ready to explore the post-COVID world. While things haven’t fully opened up in San Francisco, I stand eager to traverse the Bay Area to bring you a glimpse into what has survived the pandemic and what is just starting to thrive.

My first spot is a bar/restaurant which opened in February 2020, mere weeks before the shutdown; my friend Tricia and I attended the soft reopening of Viridian Bar, at 2216 Broadway Street in Oakland, California.

Tricia’s friend, Will Tsui, previously of Lazy Bear and Rich Table, co-owns the bar and boasts a stunning farm-to-glass list of specialty cocktails, with a delectable menu of Asian-American-inspired cuisine.

Here’s why it’s a must try:

1) The cocktails are fresh and unique.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit how mammoth is the index of drinks I’ve tried in my life. That being said, Viridian’s cocktails impressed Tricia and I with their creativity and originality. During our visit, we tested five different drinks, all of which delivered new and welcomed tastes. Our favorite: The Tomato Beef.

The drink is at once rich and delicate — the name coming from the fact that the original recipe called for the tequila being fat washed. While that is no longer the case, the drink retains a voluminous quality that fantastically complements the fresh hints of tomato. Even Tricia, who normally dislikes tequila-based drinks, called for a second glass.

But, don’t wait to try it! Viridian’s cocktails, carefully curated by Will and Alison Kwan, GM, previously of True Laurel and Moongate Lounge, are reported to be highly seasonal and might not be there for long.

2) It’s easy to get to.

Viridian bar is only an eight minute walk from the 19th Street BART station, making it extremely accessible.

3) The Asian-American influence in their small plates is on point.

The food at Viridian Bar evokes memories of my childhood, while maintaining a modernized, elevated flair.

I grew up in the Richmond District of San Francisco, an area renown for its Asian-American cuisine — particularly on Clement Street, affectionately referred to locally as “the other Chinatown.” And, their menu manages to capture familiar flavors, reimagining the usual tastes with a contemporary style.

My favorite was their Chicken Wonton Katsuo, …

… while Tricia favored the Crispy Rice Fish Tartar.

4) The bar is fully homegrown.

It’s important to point out that the bar’s co-owners, currently also serving as bar manager, operations manager, and creative director, were all born and raised in Oakland, California. Will Tsui even intimated that his mother is annoyed that he has been using her house for extended bar storage, as she is close by — a fact I thoroughly enjoyed.

I am always a fan of locally-based businesses, especially while exiting a pandemic that has shuttered so many.

5) It’s trendy, with a fun, engaging atmosphere.

The first thing you’ll notice is the striking green facade of this Bay Area treasure. When you enter, you’ll be greeted by a veritable jungle of leafy green plants, which according to Will owe their gargantuan proportions to the full year they’ve been cared for during the pandemic. Beyond that, it’s a sea of colorful lights and bright dividers to keep patrons both energized and safe.

Why go?

If you would like some unique drinks, enjoy supporting local businesses, and want Asian-fusion delights in a radiant atmosphere, add Viridian Bar to your list of places to visit!