date:Sep 21, 2012
neighbor's backyard.
The crowd: Groups of friends and couples of all ages share the long patio tables and benches. The early evening hours see a fair share of families with small kids.
Best seat: Outside is the place to be. The large beer garden - complete with umbrellas and heaters - looks out over Lake Merritt. If the weather is bad, a seat at the backlit bar indoors is a sweet spot in its own right.
Killer app: Portal does pickles right. The pickle plate ($6), with its ever-changing offeri