Sure, the Alley’s impressive rep among locals is rightly attributed to Rod Dibble, the crusty piano man who has been tickling the ivories through booze-soaked renditions of “These Foolish Things” and “Summertime” for the past five hundred years or so. But the lovable dive is more than just a place to tie one on and howl through the show tunes; it also turns out some of the tastiest bar food in the East Bay. This might be the beer talking, but the blissfully greasy cheeseburgers and assorted deep-fried goodies that are born in the “Alley Galley” are unrivaled in the world of drunkard snacks. When you get a little cocktailed, it’s almost impossible not to fall prey to the enticing aromas wafting from the galley. One bite of that scrumptious, cheese-covered fryer food and you’re hooked — for a measly $3.50, you’ve stumbled into your temporary nirvana.
Readers’ Pick:
Cato’s Ale House
3891 Piedmont Ave. Oakland, 510-655-3349
MrCato.com/chome.htm
