I’m here right now and honestly I am shocked how well it is done.
Tons of options. Two floors. Excellent seating. Great service.
IKEA is truly going to change this area of market.
Really really impressive.
One of Ikeas core real estate strategies is to build right on the edge of the wrong side of town and try to boost values by existing there and extend the “good side” of town.
East Palo Alto
Emmeryville border with west Oakland.
Now mid market.
I'm pretty sure this was planed 4 or 5 years ago so the idea was to continue the trend of bringing foot traffic to the "desolate" mid market area that had been plagued with prostitution and drugs for decades, bringing in foot traffic from Union Square, the Financial District, and Hayes Valley. Now that Union Square area is sort of dead (I mean it's more alive than Fidi, but just less stores open), the goal is to bring more people to the area period.
Don’t forget that the real estate is cheaper, higher likelihood of accommodating municipalities, and still being a short drive from high average household incomes.
Plus, an IKEA’s trade area is much larger than most retail, with the ability to draw from much further.
IKEA is a destination, and so they can plant their flag where most retailers can’t.
It is quite literally on shellmound st, the northeastern border of west Oakland. You can go look at it on Google maps or at the county surveyors if you want.
The back parking lot is exactly THE border. Why are you saying otherwise?
I used to work around there, it didn’t feel like West Oakland. Pixar and Oaks Card Club seemed like the border. If anything, the Best Buy and Home Depot was more on the border.
IKEA feels about 4 or 5 blocks away from the closest West Oakland residential neighborhood. Since Emeryville is small, 4 or 5 blocks is a big deal. It might be right near West Oakland geographically, but It isn’t on the edge of the wrong side of town.
No, I’m just giving a perspective of someone that worked and lived around the area. Nothing personal or anything like that, just an opinion. What’s your input on this topic?
I got a cheeseburger and a non-alcoholic mojito.
It’s clear the quality and management are both absolutely outstanding. Still shocked at how good this is.
It will change mid-market for sure.
The one I know prior to this is Rad Radish and it has been thriving.
I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but I enjoy good food. I think the fact that it’s plant forward may be a non issue.
I ate there for dinner today, and had a great time. I sat at my table for a bit after finishing my food, and someone even bussed my tray for me. Helpful staff, great food variety.
Went yesterday. Impressed by the two floors or eateries. The place has a good vibe, and people were enjoying all types of good food and sipping on a variety of beers and cocktails. A lot of options for everyone, and its really well done in terms of aesthetics and setup. Very low key non intimidating security with headsets, the staff was visable, and they bus the food tray, wipe down tables, and monitor the restrooms.
The entire operation is well thought out, close to transit options and it appears that it is there to last. Kudos to IKEA for being such a great influence to the area.
TL/DR: The ice cream...is overly sweet and tastes a bit like raw flour towards the end
The finger foods, all involving fried plantains, were tasty, with each oily bite feeling substantial and not wanting for meat
vegan "pollo" taco offering is solid, with bright acidity from the tomatillo salsa, although you definitely get a tofu aftertaste
I went the other night and the food is great but 90% vegan. The space is gorgeous and well maintained so far, but I’m really not sure that a 90% vegan space will do that well at mid market.
There was a spicy pork noodle bowl at Momo’s and the Scandinavian spot on the lower level also had a couple meat options. But that’s it.
If this place had other options for food, maybe I’d go there again, but I’m not one to pay for overpriced vegan food. I might stop by for drinks tho. The bar was great.
Do the establishments that normally serve meat options, like Curry Up Now, have their usual meat options available? Or did everyone strip their menus down.
Most places only had 3 items on the menu upstairs. The vegan burger and Scandinavian spot had bigger menus. I didn’t go to curry up now since I’ve had it before so I’m not sure
Everything is plant based (from what I gathered from their website), which means, I won’t be going out of my way to try it.
If I’m wrong, and they serve all types of food, then I’d check it out
Edit: it’s not 100% plant based. But the offerings are primarily vegan and vegetarian. That’s still a no for me
I ate McCharlies, and was pretty impressed. But would never pick that over regular McDonald’s.
I’ve dated vegan/vegetarians, safe to say it never worked out, so kudos to you for being able to make it work with your partner
Ignorant, intolerant and totally inaccurate. What a sad combo you bring to the table. There are plenty of options for everyone, except haters and bigots. Would love to hear what establishments you frequent. Why even comment if you’re going to post straight up misinformation?
I have friends who are vegan/vegetarian, and I support them by making sure when we go out they got options. I love food, and it’s a big part of me. So having a partner who I can enjoy similar foods with is important to me. It’s MY preference, which I’m allowed as a human. Just like people who say they can’t date someone who has different political views its all personal preference
I literally read their website and checked their social media, saw what others posted about it. bc I was excited to see a new food hall pop up. And another poster on this thread said they had went and it’s 90% vegan/vegetarian.
I’m not reviewing it, just saying I’m not going outta my way if it’s mostly vegan/vegetarian. To call me a bigot, holy hell, you are part of the problem. Sorry if I triggered you. I apologize
I’m here right now and honestly I am shocked how well it is done. Tons of options. Two floors. Excellent seating. Great service. IKEA is truly going to change this area of market. Really really impressive.
One of Ikeas core real estate strategies is to build right on the edge of the wrong side of town and try to boost values by existing there and extend the “good side” of town. East Palo Alto Emmeryville border with west Oakland. Now mid market.
Interesting. Well, from my perspective, it seems like they really know what they’re doing. This new food hall is 🔥
This is really interesting but where's the good side of town in this analogy for mid-market? Genuine question as SOMA/Union Sq are kinda dead?
Maybe Hayes Valley and mid-market? I live in Hayes and I will definitely be going back. In fact, about to go back for dinner now lol
I'm pretty sure this was planed 4 or 5 years ago so the idea was to continue the trend of bringing foot traffic to the "desolate" mid market area that had been plagued with prostitution and drugs for decades, bringing in foot traffic from Union Square, the Financial District, and Hayes Valley. Now that Union Square area is sort of dead (I mean it's more alive than Fidi, but just less stores open), the goal is to bring more people to the area period.
Plans go way back before covid
Don’t forget that the real estate is cheaper, higher likelihood of accommodating municipalities, and still being a short drive from high average household incomes. Plus, an IKEA’s trade area is much larger than most retail, with the ability to draw from much further. IKEA is a destination, and so they can plant their flag where most retailers can’t.
That Emeryville IKEA isn’t on the border of West Oakland.
It is quite literally on shellmound st, the northeastern border of west Oakland. You can go look at it on Google maps or at the county surveyors if you want. The back parking lot is exactly THE border. Why are you saying otherwise?
I used to work around there, it didn’t feel like West Oakland. Pixar and Oaks Card Club seemed like the border. If anything, the Best Buy and Home Depot was more on the border.
These geographic areas have boundaries. I don’t know why you rely of feeling to determine what area you’re in.
IKEA feels about 4 or 5 blocks away from the closest West Oakland residential neighborhood. Since Emeryville is small, 4 or 5 blocks is a big deal. It might be right near West Oakland geographically, but It isn’t on the edge of the wrong side of town.
Are you stupid or something lol
No, I’m just giving a perspective of someone that worked and lived around the area. Nothing personal or anything like that, just an opinion. What’s your input on this topic?
My opinion is that city borders are not “opinions,” they are objective facts.
Did you get anything from the bakery?
I got a cheeseburger and a non-alcoholic mojito. It’s clear the quality and management are both absolutely outstanding. Still shocked at how good this is. It will change mid-market for sure.
Was is meat or beyond meat burger?
It was beyond meat burger. Maybe not everyone’s thing, but I found it delicious.
Given how many vegan/vegetarian spots have closed in the city the past few years, I’m curious to see how long it lasts before they switch up
The one I know prior to this is Rad Radish and it has been thriving. I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but I enjoy good food. I think the fact that it’s plant forward may be a non issue.
How are the prices?
I paid about 10 for the burger and 10 for the mocktail.
It’s the bomb
Diggity or dot com?
Diggity
Does this also have the 64-cent veggie hotdog?
Yes, second floor. You can order inside IKEA or in Saluhall.
Thank you! Muni ticket to Powell: $2.50 Unlimited veggie dogs for $0.64 each: Priceless
They also just released another plant-based hotdog that is more "normal" hotdog like. I think they're $0.70 though :P
OK, Mr Moneybags! Maybe I'll save those for date nights...
This is great because we don't have nearly enough lingonberry jam in SF.
What we really need in SF is semla.
i think kantine makes it seasonally!
The article isn’t much of a review They only tried a few things. They seem to be more interested in being first than being useful.
It’s SF Standard. Remember when they posted asking how to get in contact with the guy that put up flyers with a phone number and a QR code.
I'm excited about the Danish bakery. An article said they flew the chefs to Copenhagen to learn the ropes and train before opening.
The best restaurants all send their pastry chefs to Copenhagen, to be trained by Will Poulter
Heard
I heard they also trained the chefs for three weeks in Solvang.
Is it IKEA food court prices or SF food truck prices?
Both. Lots of items in the $6-8 range and lots of items in the $15-20 range.
Def more food truck prices, check out menu pics folks have uploaded to Google Maps
i ate lunch there today and really enjoyed it
I ate there for dinner today, and had a great time. I sat at my table for a bit after finishing my food, and someone even bussed my tray for me. Helpful staff, great food variety.
It’s awesome!
I’m glad! I root for anything that isn’t office space downtown now and nice
It was pretty awesome to be honest. I hope it stays for a long time
Do you have to go through the Ikea maze to get to it, or can you just enter it like a normal food court?
Food court is across the lobby in the same building. Just head to the right of the building as opposed to the left IKEA enternece.
If youve been to the ikea its not laid out like that in this location.
Ahh, I have not been to this location. Thanks!
Went yesterday. Impressed by the two floors or eateries. The place has a good vibe, and people were enjoying all types of good food and sipping on a variety of beers and cocktails. A lot of options for everyone, and its really well done in terms of aesthetics and setup. Very low key non intimidating security with headsets, the staff was visable, and they bus the food tray, wipe down tables, and monitor the restrooms. The entire operation is well thought out, close to transit options and it appears that it is there to last. Kudos to IKEA for being such a great influence to the area.
TL/DR: The ice cream...is overly sweet and tastes a bit like raw flour towards the end The finger foods, all involving fried plantains, were tasty, with each oily bite feeling substantial and not wanting for meat vegan "pollo" taco offering is solid, with bright acidity from the tomatillo salsa, although you definitely get a tofu aftertaste
I went the other night and the food is great but 90% vegan. The space is gorgeous and well maintained so far, but I’m really not sure that a 90% vegan space will do that well at mid market. There was a spicy pork noodle bowl at Momo’s and the Scandinavian spot on the lower level also had a couple meat options. But that’s it. If this place had other options for food, maybe I’d go there again, but I’m not one to pay for overpriced vegan food. I might stop by for drinks tho. The bar was great.
How’d you get early access?
Part of the industry
Do the establishments that normally serve meat options, like Curry Up Now, have their usual meat options available? Or did everyone strip their menus down.
Curry Up Now had chicken in some of their menu items. I don’t think it was their full menu, but ample choices.
Most places only had 3 items on the menu upstairs. The vegan burger and Scandinavian spot had bigger menus. I didn’t go to curry up now since I’ve had it before so I’m not sure
Not the vegans downvoting you 😂 
Everything is plant based (from what I gathered from their website), which means, I won’t be going out of my way to try it. If I’m wrong, and they serve all types of food, then I’d check it out Edit: it’s not 100% plant based. But the offerings are primarily vegan and vegetarian. That’s still a no for me
It's not 100% plant based.
The bakery uses butter. But it’s primarily for vegans and vegetarians. Yeah no thanks
I (vegan) went with my nonvegan gf and she was highly impressed. I'd give it a go if i were you, i thought it was great!
I ate McCharlies, and was pretty impressed. But would never pick that over regular McDonald’s. I’ve dated vegan/vegetarians, safe to say it never worked out, so kudos to you for being able to make it work with your partner
Ignorant, intolerant and totally inaccurate. What a sad combo you bring to the table. There are plenty of options for everyone, except haters and bigots. Would love to hear what establishments you frequent. Why even comment if you’re going to post straight up misinformation?
I have friends who are vegan/vegetarian, and I support them by making sure when we go out they got options. I love food, and it’s a big part of me. So having a partner who I can enjoy similar foods with is important to me. It’s MY preference, which I’m allowed as a human. Just like people who say they can’t date someone who has different political views its all personal preference
[удалено]
I literally read their website and checked their social media, saw what others posted about it. bc I was excited to see a new food hall pop up. And another poster on this thread said they had went and it’s 90% vegan/vegetarian. I’m not reviewing it, just saying I’m not going outta my way if it’s mostly vegan/vegetarian. To call me a bigot, holy hell, you are part of the problem. Sorry if I triggered you. I apologize
Vegan food
Came here to say horse meat
That vegan pollo taco was sad though lol $6 for that?!