Post by Regina Moreno, Unity Council Staff
Some days it feels like the quarantine has crushed my spirit. However, it hasn’t crushed my appetite. Food and familiar flavors are often a source of comfort in times of hardship, and what says comfort better than good food and supporting your local businesses? These are The Unity Council’s staff picks of best food stops in Fruitvale!
- Los Mexicanos Bakery. Nothing makes my work morning better than a cafecito and a concha. You are missing out if you haven’t tried the pan dulce from Los Mexicanos. This is my favorite panaderia in Fruitvale, not only because of the tasty orejitas, but also because of their friendly staff and affordable prices. Start your day with the right foot go and get some of that pan dulce, and don’t forget to bring cash (it’s cash only)!
- Emil’s Burger and Breakfast. Located at the Fruitvale Transit Village, Emil’s is one of our staff’s favorite picks for lunch. If you’re craving an omelet, a burger, or a milkshake, then that’s the place to go. Not sure what to get? Housing Coach, Emmanuel Sanchez recommends their chicken burger, it’s delicious!
- Los Cocos. This is the go-to spot of Development and Communications Associate, Noemy Mena-Miles. Her pick? The pupusas de loroco, queso y frijoles. “You can tell heart is being put into each one – the pupusas are loaded with high-quality cheese and the outside of it is crispy. […] This place does not disappoint!” Next time you visit, keep in mind this business is cash only. Enjoy their crispy pupusas and great customer service!
- Nieves Cinco de Mayo. One of the best things about the Fruitvale BID is that you can find anything you’re craving. So once you’re done with that chicken burger from Emil’s, get some homemade ice cream at the Public Market. Cinco de Mayo has flavors you can’t find anywhere else! Ice cream is not your thing? Get one of their refreshing raspados!
- Nyum Bai. I was introduced to this spot by my work buddy. Nyum Bai was the first restaurant I visited in Fruitvale and it was also my first time eating Cambodian food. Our staff’s opinion? “I like eating there because when I traveled to Cambodia I had some of the best food I’ve ever had, and I think it’s awesome that Nyum Bai is so successfully bringing those flavors to Oakland. Also because they are an awesome local business and one of our tenants!” Word says their fried chicken is exquisite!
Regina Moreno Hernandez, Small Business Improvement Coordinator, is part of the Fruitvale Business Improvement District (BID). The BID works directly with over 350 locally owned businesses and property owners. We work to create clean and safe streets, offer community-building activities and attractions, and build business skills among our small business owners to support sustainable growth. These ongoing services result in increased economic activity, a lowered perception of crime, and a greater sense of pride in the community.