Mua Lounge

What can I say that 1200 reviewers haven't already said? Well, I'll just keep it short and sweet. I love the atmosphere, the staff are nice, and the cheeseless mac n cheese is amazing! I also love the green bean sandwich....and their Brussels sprouts are amazing, too. I just wish they were open more often. I can only catch them on Fridays when I am working in Oakland, which is not often.

We made the big mistake of going here for our anniversary dinner. Bad move. Not the right place, not the right scene. Do not go here for food. Drinks and snacks with large group after work, maybe.....

It's a cavernous place with seating for 300, and when it gets packed, it's deafening. It has a DJ and many super-large groups. The menu is mostly small plates with some larger main courses. The place is run by the same folks who used to run Soizic in Oakland and before that Cafe Pastoral in Berkeley, so they really know how to cook well. Those places were pioneers of Cal-Asian fusion cuisine that we used to patronize repeatedly. Thus they should really be ashamed to be putting out the mediocre food that they're putting out.

Oh well, I guess the hipsters don't really care about food quality, do they, as long as they can be seen sipping oh-so-courant cocktails with deafening high decibel dj music pounding.

It's not that the food is terrible, it's just that I felt manipulated by the place. They know what they're doing -- packing in young 20-something hipsters and making money on the bar with so-so small plates food when they could really be putting out much better food that they actually do know how to cook. Too bad, the decline of what once was a really great cooking enterprise.

With almost 1,200 reviews, I can hardly call Mua a "find" in Oakland, but I'm so glad my friends introduced me to this place!  We largely ended up here because they could accommodate our group of seven on short notice on a Saturday night, but how do they only average three and a half stars?  Based on what we had, they're easily worth four!

While the layout of Mua is a little odd (the hostess stand is past the bar), I really like the energy and feel of the restaurant.  "Urban trendy" is how my friend describes the look and the vibe is very lively.  What I liked even better though is the menu - there were so many enticing dishes to order!  I honestly couldn't decide on what to order until the server got to me.

-- CHICKEN LIVER PÂTÉ with Pickled Pears and Onions on a Crostini...$6
(<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/mua-lounge-oakland-2?select=jKO2pwRB8tMVT37Sg8gZXA#Gom8AGc2vDfD5qvOrWyS2A">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>)
Loved this dish!  The portion was generous and the pate was terrific.  Very flavorful, just slightly fatty, and great texture.  The pear and onions were perfect compliments.  Definitely recommended and something I'd definitely get again!

-- THE HAMBURGER - Half Pound Naturally Raised Beef with Aioli, Tomato, Lettuce, Onions, Fries...$13
(<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/mua-lounge-oakland-2?select=jKO2pwRB8tMVT37Sg8gZXA#3cVwiaUSDAtuL4GwoPi8Vg">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>)
While it was still a pretty decent burger, I feel like it could have been better.  The patty was cooked as ordered, but it needed more seasoning/flavor.  The slice of White Cheddar (+$1) and Bacon (+$2) I added helped, but it could have been juicier.

While there are plenty of dishes offered on the menu (both entrées and small dishes/apps), Mua also offers almost just as many types of cocktails and libations to be had.  So whether you're looking for a spot for dinner or just a place to get drinks and some snacks, Mua is an awesome spot.  I'd be more than willing to drive across the bay for them!