Palmetto

Palmetto is a downtown Oakland spot that looks plucked right out of a Miami hotel bar—there are tropical palm fronds everywhere, bright pink and teal accents throughout, and, of course, a neon sign glowing above the art deco bar. The fact that it’s right across from the Fox Theater is a big reminder that you’re far away from Florida. We use this spot for post-concert drinks while waiting for the Uber surge to die down, but it also works for vibey catch-ups with friends in town and first dates with someone you keep flirtatiously DM-ing on Instagram. The American-ish dishes, like cornbread and mussels with chorizo, are mostly pretty forgettable. So use this photogenic spot as a bar first rather than a place to devour a full meal, and you’ll leave satisfied.