MUAThe Place to Be Seen in Oakland...The space, people, wait-staff and food are all stylish...enough said!!!6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for groupsMy friends and I enjoyed the spacious layout and didn't feel hurried. I'm really appreciative of that. The DJ was playing all the great jams but it was a bit too loud to chat with my friends comfortably.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth going to Oakland, great food!I can honestly say we did not have any issues with anything and my date is a extremely pick eater and he enjoyed it ALL. Service was very prompt and our waitress was very attentive, kind and not pushy. It's nice to feel like your not rushed to chose something so you can eat and get the next guest in; it made our dining experience unforgettable. We tried 5 different small plates, 2 entrees 3 different cocktails and 2 different beers and loved them all!! I will be coming back with a group next time so we can try even more food . Glad we made it worth the 1hr drive.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAn interesting assortmentAn interesting assortment of small plates, some remarkably good, in an entertaining space. Great for people watching.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMMua is a great place after 1st FriMake sure you book a reservation well in advance, so you can have late cocktails and dinner after Oakland's Art Murmur and 1st Friday.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat spot in the neighborhood!This end of Broadway is coming along, and MUA is certainly a contributing factor! Been here a few times now and just love the vibe, the cocktails and the varied menu. Sat outside for the first time on this visit and really enjoyed it!6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe got there and were seatedWe got there and were seated outside as requested in impeccable timing. I love MUA ! My millionth time there and first time using open tables to book on a busy Friday night was a success!6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOld GuyEven though I was the oldest guy in the resteruant and clearly not in the target audience I really enjoyed this happening spot in Oakland. Go with some friends so that you can enjoy more variety in their tasty small plates.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMHip spot, great foodThis is our new favorite restaurant. They have a special menu for allergies and vegans. Fried chicken is amazing!6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMLoud place with Good foodThe place is a large converted, cavernous warehouse. The energy level was very high as well as the volume. The DJ's music was energetic and not intended as background music. We had the Burrata, Beef Bone Marrow, for appetizers. The Burrata was good, but the marrow was rather tasteless. Our entree's were Blackenen Catfish and Fried Chicken. Both dishes were well prepared and cooked to perfection. We had the evening's dessert special...Strawberry Shortcake. The flavors were blended well, but the cake was rather dry. Thankfully, the strawberries and cream sauce provided the needed moistness. The menu is interesting and ecclectic.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMLively spot with good foodSecond time at Mua. Enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Quality food at affordable prices. Extensive cross-section of small plates and larger dishes. Creative drinks with a kick. Efficient, personable service. Lively atmosphere -- somewhat noisy but not chaotically so. Located about 6 blocks from 19th Street BART and the Paramount, about a 10-minute walk. You have a choice of three zones: outdoors (where there are some big, attractive planters); the big, buzzy industrial chic main eating area in the rear of the building; or the comparatively quieter, darker bar area.. Each of the 3 sections has its own vibe and much to recommend it.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways ExcellentWe've been going to MUA since it opened. The excellent food and attentive service remains at the highest level. This is the type of restaurant that is making Oakland a foodie destination.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat all-around Oakland gemThis place shows all the great things about Oakland. It has a good selection of food and drinks, it receives a lot of natural light, there is outdoor seating, and there's even a room available for private parties. It's just a lovable spot!5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMMultiple VisitsWe have had lovely visits to MUA over several years. It's a convenient destination for visits to the Grand/Broadway/Lake Merritt neighborhood. The small plates are creative and delicious. Big fan of the Tomato Bisque and Cheese sandwich! We've sampled others, all yummy. Space is very industrial (former auto garage???), and can be noisy. Too much techno on last visit, but the food was good.... Vibrant bar scene, and company event venue. Definitely on the short list for visits to Oakland!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMPulsing, arty fun with foodLove this place! You have to try the Tincha, especially if you mange a table outdoors on a warm day or night. Caring service, great food selection of small plates, full entrees, fusion cuisine and creative cocktails wrapped up in bright, somehow "noise"-less beats laid down by the DJ. Best Saturday night date in a while!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFoo greatEnjoyed the food. Service was good. Will go to again. Fun place.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a favorite!I have come to Mua many times with a single companion or a small group of friends and I always enjoy it! Reservations are almost always a must unless you come right at 5:30. I prefer ordering smaller plates, the kale salad is heavenly! Excellent beer and cocktail menu. Hip atmosphere with great music and lots of fellow Oaklanders. Highly recommend.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMLiving up to the hypeMy boyfriend & I went to MUA a year ago and loved it! A group of friends came to Oakland and I suggested MUA telling them about the fabulous mac & cheese and the CBQ. Thank you for living up to the legendary rumors. Each friend ordered something different and they loved every bite!!!!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMUpbeat energyGreat experience eating small and large tasty dishes. Flavors were distinct and popped. Excellent service, food came out quick, but we were never rushed; we were there for almost 2:45mins having a fun, relaxing meal.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMYUMMYWe ordered way too much food - and it was all soooooo good. The coctails were interesting too.
For a little over $100 (including tax and tip) Two of us had a combined 2 coctails 1 beer 3 small plates 2 large plates. and were so full we could barely move, but the food was so good it was hard to stop eating before putiing it in the to go boxes!
We are definitely coming back to try all the things we had such a hard time choosing between. The only negative - the noise level is loud, at times very loud - so lean in, swap forkfulls of yumminess, smile, nod, and enjoy!!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful atmosphere & Great foodOutstanding steak and wonderful blackened catfish. Only good things to say about this restaurant.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMJust goFood is excellent, service is super, cool,funky place. Great drink,options. Leave the kids at home, not many options.
Pork lettuce wraps are wonderful and my rib eye was huge and real tasty.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't let your first impressionDon't let your first impression of the place put you off.. its not much to look at from the outside but once you get past the bar the space opens up into a warehouse style large back room. Very eclectic. We decide to just share a series of starters: an arugula salad with feta, quinoa and pear, fried calamari nicely uplifted from normal fare with deep fried shallots and jalapeno slices, beef Carpaccio with some good texture contrast with the pine nuts and manchego cheese and a side of fries. We washed this down with some beer (good selection) and a malbec. To finish off the meal a surprising light flourless chocolate cake. The place was buzzing, service was attentive but not overwhelming - a real good nite.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMTry the Mac & CheeseThis was my first time eating at Mua and I loved every second of it! The food was AMAZING!!! I am craving that mac and cheese big time and cannot wait to go back to have some more. We also had the kimchi pancakes which were delicious, bone marrow, fries, fried peppers and strawberry shortcake. It was all good and I want to go back just to try more!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMEarly dinner at MUAMy husband and I had a drink at the bar while waiting for the rest of our party. The bartender was engaging, and they have drinks other bars don't.
Dinner was wonderful. We split appetizers and salads, then each had an entree. Everyone was happy, and the bill, minus the bar tab, was $36 per person.
We'll be back - I'm looking forward to Peach Bellinis and Apperol Spritzers!.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMMUA is a wonderful experience.MUA is a wonderful experience. What a great way to convert an industrial space. I ate there twice now. The food was even better the second time. Outstanding!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent foodAll of the smaller plates we fantastic: calamari, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, and the clam po' boy was great too. It's a fun atmosphere and the drinks are creative. It can get a bit loud around 8pm, but with a 6:30 reservation, we had no problems having good conversation and enjoyed the energy.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMFun place to go in the "new"Fun place to go in the "new" Oakland. Best with a larger group of people. The small pates are the best, go with several and share with the table instead of the large plates. Absolutely try the cheeseless Mac & Cheese.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat casual neighborhoodGreat casual neighborhood spot. Got a reservation at the last minute, had a few small plates and a glass of wine. Perfect for what I wanted that evening.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMYes, this itFun atmosphere. In an unexpected location, we weren't sure or GPS navigator had given us the right directions! Try the "mac n (no) cheese", it was the hit of the food items we ordered.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMEat Drink, Be Merry at MUAI'm not a drinker, so restaurants that boast a nightlife or great drinks need something else to attract me. MUA wins in many ways--the environment is artistic and fun--the configuration gives you choices--more intimate up stairs or be part of the crowd downstairs. The menu is small and interesting. We had every type of good needs in our group: vegan, foodie, etc and everyone found more than one choice. Standouts: Brussel Sprouts, Fried Chicken, Grilled Shrimp. The salads could use a little more work (what happened to the green bean salad?) --they are a little flat. Service was attentive, the waiter made sure we were satisfied on every level. Always a go to place4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMA Night out at MUAGreat atmosphere, delicious food and outstanding service!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMFunky warehouse scene with flairThis is a very interesting place funky warehouse scene with upscale food and drinks. I love taking people there for the first time beause they are always impressed and want to go back. Now top that!!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMMy girlfriend and I were veryMy girlfriend and I were very impressed by the quality of the food at Mua. At first glance, they don't appear to have a consistent type of food that the specialize in, but the variety does not come at the expense of taste! We had kimchi, mac'n'cheese, burrata, and guacamole, and every single item was good. Oh, and the cocktails were fantastic as well.
The atmosphere is very hip, but on a Sunday night there were plenty of families and baby boomers enjoying the place as well. Mua is basically a warehouse with two levels that looks like it played host to a modern art show. Even on Sunday they had a DJ playing all sorts of fun and upbeat music. It would probably get pretty loud on Thursday/Friday/Sunday.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMA Great Experience!The food at MUA is divine, the service is good and the ambiance is amazing. This is the best spot to have a lively conversation with friends and loved ones and to just enjoy all the energy that Oakland has to offer. The Macaroni and Cheese (made with NO CHEESE) is every lactose intolerant girls DREAM. All of the food is spot on and the drinks are even better. I definitely recommend for foodies!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat vibe and interestinggreat vibe and interesting cross-section of people -- can get very expensive, very quickly (small plates at large prices)4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMReal diversified placeMUA is the place where we go for special occasion and this past Saturday was one. We had great experience at the restaurant. The food was great and staff is awesome. I'll recommend this place to all people I know.
We will be back soon.
A++++++++4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMLove to take friends here!Love to take friends here! The food is terrific and the setting is fun.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is very good, space isFood is very good, space is lively and creative, but incredibly noisy.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMLove MuaI've eaten here so many times. With larger groups and smaller 1:1 time. Each time the food is great and so are the cocktails. This was a birthday celebration with a positive outcome. We had one eater with many food restrictions. Our server handled the questions very well and was super nice. Drinks were a little slow to come out, but overall we had a great time.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMMy friends and I shared aMy friends and I shared a bunch of the small plates - they were all great. I specifically liked the garlic prawns and my friends liked the chicken wings. The desserts were really tasty - the espresso over the gelato was delicious and the adult float too.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSecond time at Mua. OrderedSecond time at Mua. Ordered collard greens and mussels which was served like a poutine, swimming in rich creamy tomato sauce, topped with skinny fries and white cream sauce or cheese. All good, as was the first experience. Sitting upstairs seems to temper the volume of the place.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a wonderful time here.Had a wonderful time here. My boyfriend and I went out to dinner before a concert at the Fox Theater nearby. The food is wonderful, each course was great. The ambiance is slightly hipster, slightly artsy, and all together great. We were seated right away and had a really nice and attentive waitress. Would definitely recommend.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall a great meal. TheOverall a great meal. The specialty cocktails were delicious. The art loft feel of the place made for a fun atmosphere. I would recommend it to a friend, and will definitely go back.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a great time. Loved theHad a great time. Loved the food, energy and service.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and the serviceExcellent food and the service was outstanding. The waitstaff is young and a little crazy - in a good way. They honestly seem like they're having fun most of the time. Among a big table, we shared chicken wings, fried chicken, lamb cheeks, brussel sprouts... and I forget what all else. The dishes were all excellent, like hip soul food. The chicken wings and the fried chicken in particular are outstanding.
One note: There's the main floor area, with high ceilings and high noise and high energy, then there's the main upstairs area, and then there's a separate dining room upstairs with maybe 8-10 tables. That separate room is a lot quieter and more intimate.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner was great but be carefulDinner was great but be careful where you park. Got to my car and back window was smashed. Kind of ruined the evening.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is outstanding but IFood is outstanding but I was really disappointed with my cocktails especially since they are $10. I would have expected a much tastier and larger drink.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMOriginal reservation was movedOriginal reservation was moved to a table with a separate reservation for a larger party4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely fantastic.We love this restaurant. The food is excellent and the waiters and waitresses are always super friendly. They need to be complimented on making the dining experience so fun. We are recommending it to all our friends. Look forward to returning! Our 18 year old daughter and 22 year old son love it too!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AM