If your idea of a good time is eating lobster tail in a funky warehouse with an awesome jukebox playin' in the background, consider the Warehouse Cafe in Port Costa, in the East Bay Area. The menu is small, and you will leave full. King Crab legs, Surf & Turf, NY steak, Prime Rib, Shrimp Scampi and lobster all come with surprisingly good chili and clam chowder, as well as a salad bar stocked with the usual suspects-romaine, olives, pasta salad, etc.
It's easy to overeat at the salad and soup station, so be careful. Just because it's all-you-can-eat doesn't mean you have to bust your gut. Save room for the baked potato with a thick side of real full-fat sour cream (such bliss!) and butter, and sauteed mushrooms. For sweet endings, there's ice cream or one house dessert such as cheesecake that tastes homemade.
Wine selection is minimal and the pours can be scant. Stick to the specialties: sample one or more of the Cafe's 400 plus beers from all over the world. If it's nice out, enjoy the outdoor patio, with views of the Carquinez Straight. There's cans for cigarette butts and the benches and tables are flea market hodgepodge, but comfy.
Although the Warehouse Cafe has been around for forty years, it hasn't changed much (if at all) in the twenty years I've been going there. They still have a massive polar bear, as well as other curiosities (posters, pictures, signs) with dark wood everywhere. The feel is circus meets David Lynch's wild dream meets the Old West. It's likely fellow diners will include a little bit of everything-from Harley riders, to families, and the occasional yuppie couple. Wear jeans and leather rather than fancy attire. It's a casual, friendly spot. Service helps set this tone, and the staff are genuine and smile often. There's usually never a wait for a table, since it is a warehouse with lots of space.
Warehouse Cafe, 5 Canyon Lakes Drive, Port Costa. 510-787-1827.
Although the Warehouse Café has been around for forty years has not changed much (if any) in the twenty years I've been there.
Posted by: rambo knives | November 23, 2011 at 04:48 AM