Captain & Corset

Ate here 2x and was very impressed both times. Excellent, friendly service. We decided to try lots of things and share and they were all large enough to share, and extremely satisfyingly well prepared.
Lamb tacos, grilled shrimp, bone marrow, arugula salad, kale salad, mussels, pork conserva, snap peas, bacon pasta, chips n dip, tuna — I’m sure I’ll try everything else in time… big fans of the Scurvy! and ice cream sandwiches.

I had some time to kill and discovered C&C last Friday. Great happy hour and loved the chips and whatever sauce came with. Best of all, the Big Lebowski was playing on the monitor. Love that film.
C&C is fairly new, so I expect with the food they are working out the kinks. But I could tell the staff was excited and into their place and you just have to give these places some time to settle in. I for one welcome them to our neighborhood!

Ambience: Good lighting, nice décor, airy space, nautical themed, clean bathroom.
Food: The Cast Iron Roasted Mussels were overcooked and tiiiiiny. The Spicy Bacon & Trofie Pasta was under-​seasoned. However, the Mustard Custard Bone Marrow was meaty and delicious. Overall, the dishes did not give so much of that «wow factor.»
Drinks: The cocktails were well-​made, however not so memorable.
Service: Our waiter was charming and interactive. He did go on a smoke break outside without having a back-​up in place. He may have realized this mistake (and our disappointment with the food) and provided complimentary desserts.
Captain & Corset has a lot of potential. I would like to see them improve their dishes and service.

I’m a Bay girl, born and raised, but these days I call DC home. While it usually results in major food envy, I’m always reading about new joints that open up in my old stomping grounds and I add them to my list of must-​eats when I return to California.
On my most recent trip home, Captain & Corset was on the top of the list. Located in Uptown and opened by the geniuses behind Ike’s Place with a menu by Chef Sophina Uong of Pican, I was quite excited.
First, let me speak to their service: personable and attentive. Their bartender was very knowledgeable. When I couldn’t find a cocktail that tickled my fancy, he was up for the challenge and tailored one just for me. Early into our meal, one of the owners stopped by our table to greet and share some wine with us. So lovely.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-​gritty. Their plates are great for sharing and we ordered six for our table of three. What made the list? C&C Caesar, Fennel Salt Crusted Tuna, Deviled Gulf Prawns, Cast Iron Roasted Mussels, Mustard Crusted Bone Marrow and the Crispy Pork Shoulder. The C&C Caesar is not your typical caesar salad, it’s chopped and the avocado makes it so buttery and creamy. This salad was so good that we had two! If you’re up for something rich and decadent, the bone marrow will satisfy. And what of the Deviled Gulf Prawns? Well, they’re battered, light and citrusy with a bit of a kick! The Crispy Pork Shoulder is perfection with it’s caramel flavor. Absolutely melts in your mouth. The accompanying chickpea cake reminds me of a polenta cake and is a nice contrast to the pork shoulder.
I left with a full and happy belly. Can’t wait to come back. and this time I’ll leave some room to try Sugar Knife’s Mignardise Plate!

I’ve had better service at DMV. Really.
We walked in on a Saturday at 5 pm and the lounge was fairly empty. We stood there for a few minutes, waiting for someone, anyone to tell us if we should seat ourselves or wait for someone to seat us. Finally, someone from the back shouted «go ahead and seat yourselves».Okay. So we sat ourselves and then a waitress with bangs and blondish hair handed us menus and muttered something about someone being with us shortly. «Shortly» turned into ten minutes and we weren’t feeling the warm welcome, but whatever, we want food and drinks and really don’t care about obsequious service. However, some kind of service, any service would have been appreciated. After a few more minutes of nothing – no «we’ll be with you in a moment», no water, no eye contact – we left. Such a shame that customer service was so lacking that we didn’t even get a chance to try anything. Get your act together.

I’m amazed at some of the reviews that I read for this place. What are people expecting from restaurants, that delicious food, kind service and a cool atmosphere can’t suffice.
I went in with an associate. We sat at the bar. We allowed the bartender (young blonde female) to choose three dishes that we «have to try». Her service was perfect. The wines were perfect, and they even shared an older bottle of Pommard with us.
I will DEFINITELY be coming back.

4.5 Stars
Solstice was delicious-​great balance of citrus, sweetness and booze!
Frothy Seas was presented well and tasted fine but not my go to
Bone Marrow-​an explosion of flavor and texture, prepared well
Cashews-​a sad miss, the chinese sausage was an odd addition that didn’t make sense with the dish
Chicken Palliard-​great portion, packed with buttery flavor goodness, tender and moist, overall a good dish
Lovely ambiance to take someone out on a date or a causal hangout spot with friends
Overall Thoughts
I will definitely come back to see if they can be bumped up to a 5 star!

I was thoroughly impressed with Captain & Corset. It is a great date place. Cocktail menu is spot on. Their wine list is expansive. Service is stellar. My server was so calm and collective, polite and very observant. They project cool movies on the wall. I love the seating in front of the window, cool rustic décor, and outside dining place. I didn’t even get to the food.
I’d recommend their mussels to share with a friend. I loved the bone marrow, with pickles and toast. Their pan seared ahi met my high expectations. The lamb taco was so tender and dressed perfectly.
HAVE TO TRY: Sugar Knife Mignardise plate. The little cubes of fruit candy are a perfect nightcap to the dinner and oh-​so unique dessert.
I’ve come back to Captain & Corset for a beer and it’s also a chill spot to just escape the crazy crowd of first friday.
I’ll be coming back to try their other seasonal tapas plates.
VERY IMPRESSED

Watch out now, new kid on the block located uptown of Oakland.
Usually when a new restaurant opens, there are some kinks to be worked out; but at Captain & Corset? I was quite impressed.
Party of 6 please! It’s Leo season and its time to celebrate birthdays with good food and great friends. Décor had a dim effect-​wooden tables and high counter top stools. Avant garde & hospitable staff. I would like to first mention Greg the restaurant manager was awesome. Catered to my party of 6 and quite entertaining. Thank you!
Captain & Corset offers a menu tapas style, from small plates to big entrees to be shared with everyone. The dishes listed are of American cuisine and frequently changed to what the executive chef feels should be in season.
For starters we chose 2 orders of the: WILD ARUGULA SALAD
Cumin oil raisins, carrots, crispy quinoa, honey mustard vinaigrette and C&C CAESAR Chopped kale, anchovy dressing, garlic, avocado, sunower seeds, Parmesan-​both excellent choices. Note portion sizes are small thats why we ordered 2.
CAST IRON ROASTED MUSSELS-​Melted butter & sea salt. OMGEEE typically Mussels are either sauteed or cooked in white wine or some white sauce but being served on an iron roasted skillet w/​sea salt made it delicious! I thought it would be dry but it was cooked to perfection. We actually devoured each mussel LOL.
Main Entrees:
PAN ROASTED SEA SCALLOPS: Morel & shiitake mushroom quinoa ‘risotto,’ Campari peach relish, fried shallots. The scallops were soft fleshy texture and delicately mild sweet flavored. Sharing between 6 is tough, but made lots of room for our next meal.
MUSTARD CRUSTED BONE MARROW-​Seasonal pickles, crostini. Life cannot get any better. I love bone marrow, we scraped it to the bone. You know the term finger licking good? Yes that’s how we felt, I even told the chef please do not remove this from the menu! It was a hit.
CRISPY PORK SHOULDER-​chickpea our cake, split pea, peach & scallion herb salad, Vietnamese black pepper caramel. Tender and juicy. You would think we need a knife to cut through the pork, but it one nip of the meat fell right off. Great innovative flavors that pieced well with their chickpea cake and sauce.
Dessert: CURBSIDE CREAMERY ICE CREAM SANDWICH
We ordered all 3 types of their choices: Vanilla & Gingersnap cookie, Short bread cookie & Thai ice tea ice cream, and Oatmeal raisin cookie & shoot me because I forgot! LOL
Did I mention since it was our besties bday, we had complimentary champagne?
Thank you again Captain & Corset for making our dinner very exceptional and satisfying. We will be back.

I’ve been here a few times and was so excited to have a neighborhood place so close to my office. It used to be really really good! I heard the chef was fired, or most likely quit – come to think of it everyone who opened this place is gone. I smiled when I read that previous review about all the salt, the original chef was actually from Pican.
I’m really disappointed the quality of food is lackluster now, was definitely better than food at Ume. The drinks have lost spark, and the vibe is even a little boring sometimes. The mussels are still the best around, the lamb taco with peanuts is delicious, sometimes the tortilla is stale and too bad they still only have one dessert.
The hours they stay open are inconsistent too. I’ve come in hungry with money in my pocket to burn and have left since I could tell they wanted me out so they could close. I really hope they don’t close like the other places that have been here, but things aren’t very tasty now.

I went here for drinks with my sister. We had both been wanting to try the place but were pretty disappointed. Our bartender was super nice but the manager was off-​putting and lacked hospitality. We both ordered a glass of wine (which was decent) and the chips and dip.
I absolutely agree with some of the other posts that mention the ratio of Chips and Dip being off. There was about a handful and half of chips and maybe a teaspoon of dip. The manager refused to give more dip without charging $ 3 because the aioli was made in-​house. For a new restaurant that should be concerned about word of mouth, you would think that they could spare a little dip without the extra charge.
I’m giving the place 2 stars instead of 1 because of our bartender and the decent wine but will not go back because of management’s attitude and policy about the food.

GREAT AMBIANCE/​SERVICE/​DRINKS. CRAPPY FOOD.
As a dedicated foodie I was disappointed enough in the food here that I would leave a one-​star review, but the design, atmosphere, and service were good. Our bartender was friendly and attentive, and she made us some pretty creative cocktails that work around the limited liquor license (Frothy Seas and Solstice). Not the world’s best drinks, but
As for the food, it is limited for the vegetarians. Quite limited. I would have liked to see vegetarian versions of some of the meat dishes, which could be done. I eat fish, so I had more options than my honey. I tried:
–C&C CAESAR, which was a kale Caesar. While normally these are my favorite – I love kale and am lukewarm on romaine, this left so much to be desired. Well, everything. First of all, it tasted like a bowl of salt. Seriously. Oh, plus overripe avocado. We were on a really tight schedule AND I was starving. So I ate what would have been a sendback. I can’t describe how horrible the salt + overripe avo combo is. BAD. I don’t know whether a chef there just oversalts everything or whether someone spilled the salt shaker while mixing up the dressing or what. But SALT SALT SALT.
–CHIPS IN DIP: Creative/​cute concept, with chips standing upright in a bowl of dip, but the chip to dip ratio was SUPER-​off. About 2 oz. of dip and a relative pile of chips. Cute. Not bad. Not good. Just there.
–CALAMARI SALAD: The calamari didn’t taste fresh or grilled. It was rubbery like the frozen stuff rather than tender like the fresh farmers market stuff. Otherwise the salad was quite tasty – nice balance of crisp veggies, summery flavors, and peppery kick. But the «main attraction» was flawed. Bummer. This has potential.
–CHILLED SNAP PEAS: The Holy Grail of the night. So amazing, so good. I would return just for these. A generous plate of chilled, fresh, delicious snap peas in a VERY light oil (or water? – they were wet) sprinkled with toasted quinoa and queso fresco. WOW. Perfect combination of flavors, textures, and colors. YUM. Well done.
In summary, with local references, if your palate is attuned to Mua as a favorite area go-​to you would like this as a quieter alternative. If you palate is more attuned to Pican or Flora, you would probably not dig this.

Loved this place, but i notices Carlos and Enrique arent here anymore. I had my usual: mussels, lamb tocos… IPA’s and cocktails… but the cocktails werent as good as the way Enrique used to make them. They have a nice outdoor seating area, and on colder nights they provide blankets.

THIS LITTLE GEM IS A GEM!
Drove out here from the South Bay on a Monday after work, tired, restless and not in the best mood. However, Captain and Corset completely changed my night around.
They have a great list of beer, wine and cocktails offered. This little quaint space in Uptown Oakland is a great spot to catch up with friends, take someone out on a first date or just to grab a drink. Once it gets dark there’s a screen projection playing a movie, nice innovative decoration idea however, not good if your date is more focused on that than you ha!
The food… I’m craving it right meow, and waiting for the day I get to go back!!!
LAP CHEONG SPICED CASHEWS — a good starter to munch on if you are waiting for more people to arrive.
MUSTARD CRUSTED BONE MARROW — Absolutely the best. I’ve had bone marrow at Father’s Office in LA and it cannot compete with this! It is juicy and crispy — two adjectives i love in food.
LEMON HONEY & POPPY SEED ASPARAGUS– our meal was meat heavy, so ordering some greens was a good idea
CRISPY PORK SHOULDER — yum, like PATE but with solid meat.
SPICY BACON PASTA — This was very unique. Love that touch of spicy and the pasta is hand-​rolled. A must order.
CURBSIDE CREAMERY ICE CREAM SANDWICH — Where have you been all my life. I don’t like ice cream sandwiches and i don’t like mint favor (someone else ordered this), but when i had a bit of this i just wanted moaaarr. We ordered the vegan mint chip with chocolate shortcake sandwich. This dessert was fresh, no food coloring to make the mint ice cream «look» mint. Waiting for the day I get to have this again — Curbside Ice Cream you will see me soon.
SERVICE: The owner came out to help us with our menu. He also brought out each of our dish and gave us more in –depth description of our dish. It felt like fine-​dining. Great energy, you will see me again.
If you’re in the neighborhood or looking to try something new, come here! I highly recommend it.

Came out to celebrate my friends birthday a month and 3 days late. I knew this would be a great location cause it’s right off of Bart and walking distance home so we could have the option to black out and still get home fairly easy. Then we find out they still don’t have a liquor license. But let me tell you, that does not stop this restaurant from being a hell of a good time.
The mood was pretty set with a movie staring a sexy young Sean Penn in the background and some good music running through the speakers.
Our server was Amy and she was super amazing with us. She helped a couple of old fools navigate the menu and was very attentive and rolled with our sense of humor. When you come here, do as Britney Spears says and seek Amy.
It’s all small plates, and perfect for sharing with one other. We had the coca cola pork, shrimp, and pork shoulder. If anything, this place is worth coming to just for the pork shoulder. It’s so crispy on the outside and tender and awesome on the inside. This pork is so good, even a rabbi couldn’t deny it.
I can’t wait to eat here again. It won’t be for another hot minute or special occasion. So somebody hurry up and have a birthday so I can go!!!

As a first time here and being so new, I must say I was impressed. I love the ambiance, the vibe was great.
A group of 5 of us came in for dinner. For starters we got the bone marrow, prawns and mussels. Presentation: beautiful. I loooove how the mussels come out and you can sear them yourself! The only thing that I might add is, the bread that comes out with the bone marrow was definitely way too salty and too hard. I semi felt like my brain shook when I took a bite, hehe! That’s not a complaint, just a suggestion that might make a big difference.
We all devoured our entrees. I had the pasta and it was just enough spicy. It was so delicious!
For dessert. OH MY GOD. ice cream cookie sandwiches?! Sign me up!!! Holy moly. You must get them. Each flavor! My mouth is watering now.
We also received 3 glasses of complimentary wine to try. I’m a huge wine-​o so if you give me free wine… we are officially besties. He gave us an ’86 blend, I believe a ’94 blend and 1 other. They were all tasty.
Our server conversed with our table, got to know us and was so personable. This was a wonderful first time at a new place. It’s always iffy to try something new but I worked in the food industry for years and I believe to always give it a chance!
Thank you Captain & Corset!

Our second time here. I continued to be amazed by all the ingenious ways they pair ingredients to create their wonderful dishes. Staff is fun and attentive. It’s definitely the spot to try if you’re a foodie.

This corner of Oakland is so hot it’s hard to keep up: the Punchdown was replaced by 2212, which has now been replaced by Captain & Corset. The space is sleek & modern, a balance of classy & comfortable; apparently there will also soon be outdoor seating on the patio (!). C&C caters to a diverse crowd, from families of 5 to tattooed skateboarders to ladies sipping (lots of) wine at the bar (ahem!!). And to add to the class, a touch ‘o fun — Christopher Walken movies projected onto the back wall. (Did anyone else forget that he was in Batman Returns???)
We liked it so much we stayed for dinner. We tried: the chicken paillard with caramelized onion gravy, french beans & fingerling potatoes; lemon honey asparagus with hazelnuts; & wild arugula salad with raisins, carrots, crispy quinoa & honey mustard vinaigrette. I was admittedly wary of this seemingly fancypants new menu, but the food was outstanding. Every single bite of it. The (organic, free range) chicken was perfectly cooked — tender & juicy, with a sauce that was salty & sweet & so good we licked the plate clean. I didn’t think I could stomach anything more, but somehow we ended up with Curbside Creamery ice cream sandwiches — mint-​chocolate-​chunk ice cream between chocolate cookies, & cinnamon ice cream between snickerdoodles. Honey, these’ll break your heart. If I could’ve fit another 8 in my belly, I would’ve. Best part: they come from the lady on the curbside (literally) who sells ‘em from her Oakland ice cream cart.
I’m not sure what the best part of C&C is. The staff rocks & service is top notch, the quality of the food is outstanding, the dishes are delicious & affordable, the wine selection is sophisticated without being snooty & well-​paired with the food, & the ambiance is the perfect combo of casual, fun & classy. I’m not sure what more one could ask for.
Welcome to Oaktown, Captain & Corset — we hope you’re here for the long haul!

A great addition to the neighborhood. The newly remodeled interior features metal framed wooden tabletops, a stylin grey cement bar, and perfectly dimmed lighting. There is also a little table in the front where you can watch the world go by.
The food was really delicious– the strawberry and gorgonzola toast arrives in little rectangular pieces arranged like lincoln logs into a small stack. This is sublime in and of itself, when paired with wine, over the top. The grapefruit salad is accented with little sliced radishes, asparagus, and seasonal vege/herbs…delish and so fresh! The cast iron muscles arrive on a sizzling hot tray and are flecked with sea salt with a side of melted butter. Their smoky/​sweet flavor was memorable.
Great wine selection. Well priced. Pair nicely with many of their food options. Friendly and knowledgable Staff who seem really genuine. The place has a nice and relaxed atmosphere that I am sure will attract many people to it.

Welcome to the neighborhood! Walked by tonight and saw they were doing an undercover soft opening. Had to go in. I think they’re going to do well.
The old Punchdown space (R.I.P.) has been renovated just enough to create a new theme. It’s still a nice narrow but open space, with a huge bar. But now it’s a restaurant. And the opening night food selections were great.
Cast-​iron mussels were the real standout. Haven’t seen this dish around the Bay Area in years (used to make it at home sometimes), but here they turn it into a signature, with the smoke and sear, sweet butter, and salt blending into a great appetizer. Braised lamb tacos, sold as a snack, are just awesome. A grilled asparagus salad was cooked and dressed perfectly. Pasta with bacon, cheese, and greens was good, but suffered from niblets and perhaps not enough of the bacon and cheese.
The liquor selection was limited due to licenses still in the process, but the wine selection was decent and moderately priced. Opening night service was great, considering that they hadn’t done any of this before. I appreciated the earnestness and genuineness of the staff – I think they really want to make something nice here in the neighborhood.
Good luck, and I look forward to a return visit.