Mixé
If you liked stopping into Calavera for an upscale Mexican meal or a mezcal tasting, the restaurant’s closure at the beginning of this year might have come as a blow. Luckily, Calavera’s successor is bringing vibrant, smoky flavors back into the building: Mixé, a mezcal and espresso bar inspired by the culinary traditions of Oaxaca, will celebrate its soft opening on Friday, Dec. 6. The bar is named for the Mixé (pronounced “mee-hay”), a group of indigenous people from Oaxaca, and for its first week will only serve dinner, but lunch service will pick up starting Dec. 13. Mixé, 2337 Broadway, Oakland
Moonglow at Gold Palm
Bar Shiru owners Shirin Raza and Daniel Gahr recently opened Gold Palm at the former Floral Depot building on the corner of 19th and Telegraph Avenue. This Wednesday, the duo will unveil Moonglow, a “secret bar” inside Gold Palm. The bar features a long Mahogany bar as well as Art Deco-inspired lighting. If you’re a fan of the acoustics at Bar Shiru, then you’ll love the high-end sound system at Moonglow. The cocktail menu includes a mai-chai-tai with Oaxacan rum, an espresso martini made with tequila, a lychee martini and other specialty cocktails. Once inside, no photos or video are allowed. Moonglow will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. — Azucena Rasilla. Moonglow at Gold Palm, 1900 Telegraph Ave., Oakland
Terra Bella Kitchen
Terra Bella Kitchen, a casual eatery serving Mexican comfort food, recently opened its doors on East Oakland’s International Boulevardd. Burritos, tacos and quesabirrias appear on the menu, but you’ll also find vampiros, the crispy, gooey-cheese-coated grilled tacos first crafted by Sinaloan street food vendors. Terra Bella Kitchen, 7912 International Blvd., Oakland
Ramen Hiroshi
Nine months after Shiba Ramen’s departure from Public Market, ramen is rejoining the lineup at the Emeryville food destination. The E’Ville Eye reported that Ramen Hiroshi opened in the former Shiba stall on Nov. 15, serving its signature Hakata-style broth alongside fan favorites like chicken karaage, gyoza and takoyaki (fried octopus ball topped with dried bonito flakes, seaweed powder and pickled red ginger.) Ramen Hiroshi also has locations in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Francisco and Alameda. Ramen Hiroshi, 5959 Shellmound St., Emeryville
Sipeos Cafe & Bar
Move over, mocktails — at Sipeos Cafe & Bar, the latest addition to Walnut Creek’s nightlife scene, mindful indulgence comes in the form of zero-proof and low-ABV cocktails that look and taste just like the real deal. (The term “mocktails” is going the way of the dinosaurs, owners Dhruma and Hetal Shah recently told SF Eater.) Instead of serving sugary, juice-based alternatives to alcohol, Sipeos serves cocktails that aim to pay homage to their boozy counterparts in both taste and presentation: there’s the nonalcoholic espresso marti-no, a twist on the classic espresso martini, and a nonalcoholic Negroni made from a spirits alternative. Guests can pair their beverages with a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring mezzes, flatbreads and grilled skewers. Sipeos Cafe & Bar, 126 Broadway Lane, Walnut Creek
