A favorite with locals, Comal opens at 5:30 p.m. and is usually full by 6 p.m. However, there is usually room in the open-air covered beer garden/dining area in back. An industrial decor and high ceilings blend with another excellent Meyer Sound system from the renowned Berkeley audio engineering company.

Drink options include draft beers and selections from a library of Tequilas and Mezcals, but cocktails are king. One of the most delicious is the sublime Comal Swizzle—a tropical combination of Tequila, pineapple, passion fruit, and lime. The Mexican menu emphasizes Oaxacan cuisine designed for sharing. A spit-roasted whole brined chicken and a wood-grilled whole fish are popular. For appetizers, the guacamole is great but the sikil pak—a mix of grilled eggplant and habanero chiles topped with toasted pumpkin seeds—is primo.

Note in lieu of a tip, a 20% service charge is added to all checks.

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  Photo by Carole Terwilliger Meyers