842ft - Piedmont Home, Piedmont Schools, Serene...

My husband and I have gone to the same pub, Cato's Ale House, on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, for the past four years. He had been going alone before that for six years. Weekly. He's built up great relationships with several of the bartenders and wait staff. Tonight, we went to the pub and my husband ordered a Sless Oatmeal Stout from Jeff, the general manager, but instead got a different drink - same price, but stronger and a smaller quantity. He mentioned this politely to Jeff, who blew him off and started serving other people. At the end of the evening, my husband politely mentioned again to Jeff that he was a bit disappointed that he'd got the wrong drink and then been blown off. Also he'd been overcharged by a dollar. Jeff said "What do you want?" My husband replied that he'd like to pay for what he'd been served. "So what do you want?" "Well, I'd like to pay the $13 the drinks were priced rather than the $14 you charged me." Jeff then banned him for three months, saying that he was rude and demanding and cold towards him and other staff members. So he was served the wrong drink and then banned for three months when he politely pointed that out. My husband never even raised his voice. He even said "Thank you" in response, since he now knows how management likes to treat its customers - even its regulars - if they step out of line or dare to question Jeff's mistakes. We calmly walked out. For the record, we'd been disappointed with Jeff for months, since he serves people in the wrong order (usually the female customers first), and spends time chatting or drinking when there are people waiting to get drinks. We hadn't said anything before, but felt that tonight might be a good opportunity to politely mention something. It's such a shame since all the other staff members BAR NONE are wonderful, amazing folks with whom we've built up relationships and memories over the years. But now we will be finding somewhere else to take our weekly business, at least until Jeff leaves.

Its got that we don't care how we look, because we know we're good vibe. Very kind ppl working there, scratch your name on the table, and remember not to sit down first thing. They won't ask you what you want anyways. Order up front first thing. My Hallelujeah sandwich made me say just that, and it came with cheese fries. The girl at the front even sliced avacado on it!!! MMMMmmmm

Best place for beer and food on Piedmont Ave. $2 Tacos on most Tuesdays. Always lively. Not a 5 star because it's so loud most of the time.

Great food, great beer selection. Great for watching the game or hanging out with your laptop and working for a few hours (free wifi). Family friendly.

Really laid back bar with super tasty food and a ton of beer. They have music there now and then - last time I went there was a great gypsy jazz band.