Analog

My boyfriend’s band was playing a show next door at the Golden Bull. Gorgeous sandwiches suddenly appeared at my friends’ table. They told me they were from the place next door and were as delicious as they looked. I decided to check the place out for future reference, though I wasn’t too hungry. Both the meat and vegan sandwich selections looked great, and I thought I could nibble one and eat the rest tomorrow. I went with a Hail Seitan BBQ so I could share it with the boyfriend. God damn was that sandwich a culinary masterpiece. I haven’t encountered such a compelling sammich since having authentic muffulettas in New Orleans. I ate a little, he ate a little, and before we knew it it was gone. The seitan was a fantastic texture — thin slices, a little chewy, a little juicy. The dressing and slices were a perfect level of spicy, salty, and umami «meat» flavor. Bits of pickle and cabbage added crunch and sourness. We wanted to come back the next day for another, but it was closed on Sundays. We kept talking about it all the next day. Hell of a sandwich. Also, the super nice server was very friendly and delivered it to our table next door at the Golden Bull!

My stars are for the vegan sandwiches, which blow me away. Big sandwiches; well worth the $ 10 price tag.
The space is insanely small, so I wouldn’t bring a bunch of people in to dine-​in, and even coming with just one other person is hit or miss as to whether or not space will be available, but the sandwiches are delicious.
They take a while to make, so my best advice if you’re taking it to go is to call ahead with your order.

UPDATE: My initial infatuation with this place has worn off. Went here for lunch on the weekend, only to find out that they don’t open until 6PM on weekends. And they’re closed Mondays too. I decided to branch out and try another vegan sandwich — the vegan buffalo wing sandwich. The «meat» was tough and spicy sauce was, well, unpleasant. The space itself is a dive and I wouldn’t actually eat here. You should expect to wait about 15 minutes or longer for your food if anyone is ahead of you. That being said, I will be back for the Rachel. (My co-​workers liked the meat based sandwiches a lot.)
I didn’t realize this place is a vegan sandwich shop! Yes, they have meat options, so the non-​compassionate can eat here too. But the star is the vegan menu. The Rachel was amazing. I mean seriously better than any of the vegan sandwiches at Ikes and on par with Butcher’s Son in Berkeley. The housemade seitain is slightly grilled and comes with a delicious sauce and pickled red onions. This is one of the best sandwiches I’ve had. At $ 11, it’s pricey, but the portion was pretty big so I felt like there was decent value. If you want healthy vegan, go down the street to Core Kitchen — but if you want comfort food, come here!
Oh, they don’t open until Noon, and you can’t call before then.

Great sandwiches decent prices. Small place but full of life and a bit more on the healthier side. I enjoyed the Jive Turkey full of flavor.

Good sandwiches but the «sides» were super small. Décor was fun but the small potato salad cost this place the last star, and the beverage selection was not what I expected for a place open so late. But they have late hours.

The Rick Rubin is a pretty damn good sandwich. Inside is a bit small
Service is good

Let me start this review by explaining that I’m not a sandwich person. I don’t crave them and I’m never too excited when they’re served somewhere. I had noted that Analog was nearby to my home and had great reviews, but then I also noted that it was categorized as Vegan, so I figured only vegans were rating it this way and that I would probably wouldn’t be into it (even though I can appreciate vegetarian food).
But then a friend of mine was craving a turkey sandwich. I was aware that Analog did have some options for carnivores, so I suggested we go. As predicted, he ordered the Jive Turkey, and I ordered the Roast Beast. As usual when ordering a sandwich, I wasn’t expecting much. But now I’m a convert who can’t stop thinking about Roast Beast sandwiches. Omg, is Analog good…
At least part of the magic is in the Acme bread, which is somehow simultaneously crispy and chewy. Then there’s the little touches in the condiments. They don’t dress their Roast Beast sandwiches with «red onions,» but with «sweet pickled red wine onions.» They don’t throw a slice of cheese and mayo on it, but spread it with garlic herb goat cheese and roasted garlic aioli. These little things add up to a big difference in flavor.
As if this weren’t enough, Analog has a fun theme. The walls are lined with old LPs and VHS tapes, and lots of people try their hand at playing the old Nintendo while they wait for their food. I’m not a beer person, but I noted they had some diverse beer selections on tap. They are also open late Tues-​Sat, which is like finding a unicorn in this part of Oakland. My only worry now is that it’s TOO nearby my house, and it’s going to be hard to stay away…

Really enjoyed The Rachel sandwich with potato salad. The sandwich was rich and delicious, and the thinly sliced, griddle-​fried seitan was amazing. The sandwich was dripping with juices and the salted foccacia provided a robust counterpoint to the filling. It went great with a scoop of vegan sweet potato salad and a beer. Strong flavors are my favorite and Analog more than provides.
Loved seeing more vegan options than non-​vegan options.
I will return!

The near perfect Unilocal reviews lured me to this place last week during lunch. The place was pretty empty when I arrived so I happily ordered the Rick Rubin and patiently waited for my order. The gal who took my order was pleasant enough though her short term memory appear to be shorter than most. She came back to me after putting my order to check on which sandwich I ordered and repeated the wrong drink after I just said it.
The place was pretty chill. I like the rows of VHS tales upstairs and the 27 inch non HD television playing White Men Can’t Jump. There were a few people after me who came, ordered, and waited. The gal calmly took all orders and in between choose music to play in the record player.
I waited patiently as everyone who came before and after me got their food. I finally received it thirty five minutes after I ordered. The cook said it takes awhile because it’s grilled. The forgetful gal had to be reminded of the drink that I never received and which kind.
On my way out, late to my work meeting, I vowed never to return. Alas, opening the bag and tasting such a delicious sandwich and sweet potato salad, I knew immediately that was a lie. But for sure, next time, I will call in my order and check for accuracy before leaving the place.

This place lost my business before I could even step inside. I’m a chef and am always looking for new vegan or vegetarian joints in the city. Their hours posted on their door and on Unilocal both say they are open by noon on Fridays until late night.
So I went after work, paid an hour and a half on the meter so I could enjoy a beer and some food off the menu. They put up a sign today saying they won’t be open from 3−5pm. Okay, emergencies happen. I killed 45 mins since I came all the way downtown for this place.
I then go sit outside at 4:55pm patiently waiting. The employees are going in and out and keep blocking the entrance with chairs. OK, I can wait til 5pm exactly. I ask one of them if they’re going to open at 5. He said he didn’t know. At 5:05 they are still not open. They are blasting music and drinking beer and eating at the bar. I asked from behind the blocked entrance if they were open yet. He just looked at me and said no, not yet.
Seems like a bunch of little kids running a «business» that could give zero f*cks about customers. They’ll see soon that it won’t last with that attitude. They could of at least open the door at 5pm and say they still need some more time but feel free to sit and order a beer. Nope. Didn’t even cross their minds.
Hopefully they learn first impressions are everything– but then again they’re probably too full of themselves to care.

Love this spot! Everything I never knew I was missing.
Tried coming here once in a Monday which apparently is pop-​up night; super disappointing as we had previewed the menu and were hoping to get some sammies):
Came back the next night and I’m so so SO glad I did! My cousin and I split 2 sandwiches and the staff was willing to pack our to go boxes with half and half of each sandwich. Thanks guys!
The Young and The Breastless: 3.5÷5
— vegan buffalo «chicken» with housemate vegan ranch dressing and fresh citrus slaw
— super flavorful, but the fake chicken seemed a little overdone and was hard to bite into
VHS Vegan Sandwich: ⁵⁄₅!!!
— sweet potato purée, housemade vegan pesto, white wine sautéed crimini mushrooms, avocado, mixed greens
— POSSIBLY THE BEST SANDWICH OF MY ENTIRE LIFETIME?!
— I honestly loved everything about this sandwich from start to finish. Delicious, fresh tasting and a wonderful combination of flavors. I dream of this sandwich!
Analog, please stay alive forever. I love you.

I’ll be honest — I don’t understand the passion for VHS tapes and 80s media formats but — the sandwiches are incredibly delicious! I got «Young and Breastless» five times in a row before I branched out to try other sandwiches. I have brought non-​vegans here — who ordered vegan sandwiches — and they also have provided rave reviews. The seitan is incredible! Their potato salad is super deluxe and yummy. Analog has great beers on tap — I look forward to going here at least a couple times a month for the rest of their tenure in this location!
I have visited for the Monday night Hella Vegan pop up — and it’s pretty tasty, too — but it’s always a different menu. The Sunday brunch by Paragon was ok but seemed a bit pricey for what I got (and not nearly as good as the Analog sandwiches).

Totally random hole in the wall place, but their sandwiches were great! We took some friends from out of town here and we all enjoyed the food.

SEITAN!
Seriously guys, the pastrami seitan at Analog might be my favorite thing to eat late night in Oakland. It’s SO GOOD. The owners, staff and patrons are all friendly, and you can watch interesting videos on the dome screen tv above if you feel like ignoring whoever you’re sitting alongside. In addition to a menu of vegan sandwiches, the other side features meat, so your friend who absolutely can’t live for 20 seconds without stuffing turkey in their mouth can join you here. They have a handful of beers on tap to guzzle, and are close to some other fantastic bars downtown, and even Bart!

I ordered a jive turkey sandwich with turkey. so good and it’s so big. Yummy. It’s pretty tight in here as far as space but the atmosphere is really nice. They have a few selections of beer so that’s good. The the people are nice friendly & helpful if you are indecisive such as myself
Just found out they’re new here. 1 year.
Amazing job.

I had the vegetarian bahn mi (ish) sandwich. It was nothing like a bahn mi (focaccia bread???) but it was effing good. Also had a solidaritea, which may be one of the best bottled teas I’ve ever had.

So had a man-​date. Wait…
With a guy I met at a gay party. Wait…
We were the only two straight guys there, and he and his girlfriend were dressed like Bojack Horseman and Princess Caroline. How could I not become friends with these people.
Well they are vegan…
Anyways, hadn’t hung out with this couple since Halloween and wanted to reach out. His girlfriend was sick, so it’d just be us, and knowing his dietary concerns went to the Unilocal and found a vegan friendly spot to grab a beer or sandwich right next to the BART and down the road from him. Perfect! Well, minus the huge downpour that happened.
The place is cozy — only like 3 or so tables and a few seats at the bar. But the fun staff, selection of VHS tapes, great music selection, and solid beer choices make this worthwhile to hang at. Ended up with a pilsner and an interesting herbal ale. I thought about a sandwich, but as I had to ride BART back home, figured La Corneta would be better. Oh, I also had something cheap out of a can for the ride!
Looking forward to coming back.

Analog, I love everything about you! Even the lackluster service, limited seating, and crappy bathroom. It all adds to the charm of this hole-​in-​the-​wall, under-​the-​radar spot with tons of amazing vegan options. My coworker called Analog «aggressively hipster,» and that’s so accurate. Bored employees; VHS tapes like Barbarella, Alien, and 2001: A Space Odyssey; vegan food; and music choices ranging from Tom Waits to Cake to 80s pop.
The Rachel is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had, and not only because it has the world’s greatest name. The homemade corned beef seitan is incredible. I could eat POUNDS of it. The rustic bread is fantastic, the vegan chipotle mayo is perfection, and the thing is HUGE. The Hail Seitan is also really great (and really huge), and the muhamara sandwich is the best choice if you’re not prepared to eat ¹⁄₆ of your body weight.
I’m picky about beer, but lately they’ve had Morpho on tap from Woods just down the street, which is a fantastic sour made with yerba mate. Naturally caffeinated alcohol! Yaaay!
I don’t get out to Oakland much anymore, but it’s a guarantee that I’ll stop by every single time I’m in town!

Normally we don’t do bars for date night. However when said bar does Vegan food, we’re inclined to go see what all the fuss is about.
It took awhile to dawn on me the relationship to the interior decorations. Actually my sweetie had to point it out. That was a «duh» moment for me. The interior is scattered with VHS tapes, Nintendo, tube televisions, and other remnants from a bygone era. They even play loud music from a record player. Very hipster stuff going on there at this punk rock bar.
The service was non-​existent, but it’s an order from the counter dive bar. What more could you expect? They spend more time selecting and changing out records than anything else, which is fine since it wasn’t very busy.
The beer prices are pretty good, and the selection outstanding for what little that they have. Sculpin and Old Rasputin on tap during this visit. Happy Hour is a generous 4 hours from 5−9pm which scores you a $ 1 off your pint. And yes, they pour full pints here at the same price you might get a 12oz goblet at other bars and breweries nowadays.
If it’s drenched in Buffalo Sauce, I’m ordering that up no matter what. The playfully named «Young and the Breastless» was calling my name. It comes on an Acme focaccia type bread that really enhanced the flavor and texture of the sandwich. Great choice in bread! The Gardein like strips were generously doused in a tasty buffalo sauce that got mixed in witt the ranch, creating a creamy buffalo dressing that went well with the slaw that was used as a tasty filler. I would go back again and again for this sammich alone. For $ 10 it is a fair price, even better that all their prices include tax. A little on the salty side, but perhaps that’s what makes it so good. All the more reason to wash it down with another beer.
The small portion of Sweet Potato Salad that comes with the sandwiches is forgettable at best. Not a fan of it, but they only give you a tablespoon or so, so it’s no big deal.
We ordered the «Taco to the Hand» dish which came out as three tiny tacos. Despite being priced at $ 10, this is more of an appetizer than an entrée. It wasn’t bad, especially the Chipotle Sweet Potato and the Crimini Mushroom tacos. I would suggest to either add a taco, increase their size, or decrease the price in order for this to be a viable option.
I hope to be able to make it to Hella Vegan Eats’ Monday pop up dinners at Analog. Although the house menu is pretty good from what I tried so far and the bar much less busy than I’m sure it can get during the pop up. It’s a more creative take on the standard pub menu that you can find anywhere else in town. For that, they earn my business. The great beer selection is an added incentive to check it out.

First off, pure Oakland hipster. VHS tapes on display, and LPs and tattooed servers. The whole 9 yards.
Better yet, a menu with as many vegan items as not! I haven’t been here during the Monday night Hella Vegan Eats popup, sadly — even though it’s only an entire block from where I work, they start sometime after I finish work. But now that Nerd Nite’s location has moved to Club 21, which doesn’t have food options like The New Parkway, I might try it out.
Anyway, the reason I hadn’t come here for lunch earlier is that I hadn’t even noticed it was open for lunch — I usually take mine before 12, and they take a bit of time opening up. I had the «VHS», which proved to be a monster pesto based sandwich. Bit pricey at $ 11, but I had plenty left for a snack that evening.
Will definitely be back to try the rest of the vegan menu. Now, where did I put my fixie?