Editor’s note: Nosh covers food and restaurant news across the East Bay, and each week we publish one article covering all the restaurant openings and one article covering closings. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here.
Flora & Ferment
Flora & Ferment, an Albany bottle shop focusing on ciders, has permanently closed without ceremony. Beverages like Mexican lagers, hibiscus mead and chocolate cherry cider were just some of the goods you’d find here, and the shop often hosted events like drink and draw nights and an annual hot dog fest. Flora & Ferment was located at 1122 Solano Ave. (at Kains Ave.) in Albany.
Friends & Family
In a blow to the East Bay’s queer community and, well, honestly everyone, Oakland’s iconic, highly-decorated sapphic bar Friends & Family announced that its legendary reign will come to a close on Dec. 30. Home to famed carrot cake slices, dreamy martinis, and sought-after events like queer speed dating and bingo nights, Friends & Family has served as a boon for community, connection, and award-winning food since it opened in the throes of the pandemic. Just this week, Friends and Family was nominated by Nosh readers for the Best Bar in the East Bay for 2025.
The bar’s untimely closure comes after a “devastatingly slow” summer and broader economic struggles, but owner Blake Cole said she will continue hosting private events and private dinners into the new year until the lease is sold. In the future, she and chef Gaby Maeda hope to open another concept together — so stay tuned for developments. Friends & Family was located at 468 25th St. in Oakland.
