Great food servered quickly. So convenient if you're staying at the Kissel hotel. But above all the staff is wonderful. Very friendly and helpful, and giving great recommendations. A special shout-out to Emily C. She was a delight and made our stay extra enjoyable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Quintessa Head
To many bug's flying around. Food was ok.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Brett Riedmayer
Amazing food & Service! BRAXTON was easy to talk with ….Vegetarian options: Great Vegan burger
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Winter B.
I had the worse experience dining this evening. The bartender name Miguel never acknowledged me nor asked if I wanted a drop of water, nothing. In fact when it was my turn to order he decided to take the order of a group of white males. I asked for a manager and he never went to get one. I really dislike going to places where the workers are racist. It's sad. OTTOs your in Oakland let's do better bringing more diversity thinking to the work place.
Randal B.
I really wanted to like this place but I can't recommend it yet. It's like a work in progress. Located off the lobby of the Kissel hotel, the ambiance is really cool on first glimpse. We had reservations that were not needed as there was only one other party there. Upon arrival, it's not clear where to go. They had no greeter or host. If we had not seen pictures on their website, we would have thought it was just a bar. We stood around for a minute or two before the bartender and another employee finished their conversation. We were told to sit anywhere. The bartender asked if we wanted menus and handed us two dinner menus and one drink menu. The drink menu had something greasy or sticky along the side where one might hold it. The tables and seats look cool, but their interior designer made some bad choices. We sat at a table along the side wall that had two chairs and a banquette on the wall. The chairs were comfortable, the bench was not. Because of the size and shape of the chairs made it very hard to get into them because there was not enough room for three tables. They should have just put one chair across from the bench side. How many party of threes do they get? Management should experience getting into these seats. There is zero room to slide a cair out to get in. The large clunky base of the table prevents turning the chair to get in. Seriously, this is an avoidable flaw. There was a sign on the bar that said "Order Here." We weren't sure if that meant diners or drinkers. After a couple of minutes a server did arrive and ask if we were ready to order, not "would you like to order something to drink?" or "Would you like some water?" The menu was confusing. The "Starters" sounded like entrées. My menu had an item called "Airline Chicken" which does not sound appetizing. Who raves about the chicken served on airlines? My wife's menu called the same thing "Organic Chicken Breast." The side dishes were all $9.00 which seems high for things like fries or potato chips. Someone should review the menu from a guest's perspective.The drinks were fine, but they brought out my beer (a tasty IPA) quickly, but waited a good 5 minutes for my wife's cocktail. The bar was empty, so this was odd. Our server promptly went on break. Odd time to take a break at 7:30 on a Saturday night. The food was a mixed result. The burger was perfectly cooked medium-rare and delicious. The fries were also excellent. I ordered the barbecued ribs, which looked great except for being topped with a thick blanket of sauce that was unremarkable. The baby back ribs, a half slab were nice and meaty. Unfortunately, they were not barbecued. I believe they were pre-bolied (a sin) and I think finished in an oven. The cle slaw and cornbread were delicious. When the food came, we had to ask for napkins and silverware. I must say, that one (paper) napkin is not enough for saucy ribs!Overall, Otto's has potential, but need a lot of fine tuning. I really wanted to like this place. Making the reservation, they asked if it was a special event. We wrote that it was our anniversary. They didn't do or say anything about that. A lot of small mistakes that can be easily fixed. I'll probably come back in a few months to try again.
Joe W.
Generally it's a good spot. Downside is they often hire new bartenders that seem to have zero experience as bartenders. I recently ordered a vodka martini and it came in a martini glass only 1/3 full with what tasted like half a shot of vodka and half a shot of vermouth and a single green olive with a pit. I assume it was from an antipasti plate (). 26$. Ambiance is good so I consoled myself with that and it didn't sting quite as bad. I've had their food as well and the steak frites is really good. The bacon old-fashion is fantastic if you get the right bartender whose name is Enku if I remember right.
Corinne Ginet
Quinn made the best house drinks and was such a welcoming and accommodating bartender.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eagle King
Apparently half and half milk for coffee was spoiled and caused stomach upset for rest of
Food: 1
Eric M
We sat down and asked for water and she pointed at the fountain on the bar and said we had to go get it ourselves. I've been to Kissel many times and this was not normal. But apparently it's new policy. I'm sitting here confused because I've never been to a sit down place that makes you get up and get your own water...do we have to get our own food too? We won't find out because we are leaving. There is a reason this place is always empty. Do not come here.
Izumi S.
I absolutely love this place! I had a hard time figuring out how to get into the cafe as I could see the inside of the cafe from the outside but couldn't find the door... After circling around for a few minutes, I got help from someone working at the Kissel Uptown Oakland Hotel, and he told me to enter from the hotel front. As I walked through the hotel's automated door, the cafe was located right on the left side of the lobby space, no additional doors or anything. The space was huge! Very bright, aesthetic interior, with plants spread out across the space. There were multiple cushiony seats near the windows and the walls, and there were seats in rows in the middle, divided by wooden segments. Despite being connected to a hotel lobby, the space felt very cozy and private.I wasn't sure how to order so I went up to the person working at the bar counter at the very back, and asked me if I wanted a lunch menu or a cafe menu, so I said cafe. I ordered the house made mini doughnuts and a cappuccino, and sat down at one of the seats in the middle. After a little bit, a server brought over my doughnuts and cappuccino and they were so good! The doughnuts were slightly grainy and the dough itself was a little less sweet than I originally imagined them to be, but they balanced well with the coffee. I tried dipping the chocolate sauce that it came with but was too viscous to dip, so I suggest to pour the sauce on the doughnuts instead.I only got desserts this time, but would be intrigued to try the food there next time!Note: Otto's coffee + donuts + beer is the same location as Otto's Uptown Kitchen which was very confusing at first.
Excellent brunch, way above our expectations. We looked for a place with chicken and waffles, and even though it was in a hotel we're so glad we ate here! The county line Morning Bowl, plus smoked salmon, was great too. We had a cappuccino and a latte and thanks to the barista well beyond what is typical hotel coffee. Coffee and food also are available to go. The ceilings are two stories high and yet the table arrangement offer sufficient privacy for all plus outdoor tables by the sidewalk.
Clarence E.
Sitting in the lobby restaurant, while it didn't have the warm ambiance of a bistro, the food was solid. After a long day traveling, Otto's was a good dinner and drink option. Service was friendly and attentive especially having just one person that I saw. The ribs were fall-of-the-bone with a twang sauce. Not the best ribs and I wanted more smoke but really enjoyable! Fish sea bass I believe and duck were on my consideration list but glad to have gotten the recommendation that ribs were her fave. Topped off with a Lagunitas made it a meal. Didn't get to finish the slaw and corn bread, neither my favorites but if the only had good fries, I would be raving now. Enjoy!
Chelsea M.
Came here for lunch with a friend, good vibe and good food! The service was great, bartender was soo friendly and gave us a taste of a new drink he was working on. I will be back frequently!
Carl
Terrible atmosphere with blaring junk tv. No wonder it’s dead empty. Needs a serious atmosphere adjustment.
Tanner Burke
I’m loving this great new option. I need to remember to come here more often.
Great food servered quickly. So convenient if you're staying at the Kissel hotel. But above all the staff is wonderful. Very friendly and helpful, and giving great recommendations. A special shout-out to Emily C. She was a delight and made our stay extra enjoyable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
To many bug's flying around. Food was ok.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Amazing food & Service! BRAXTON was easy to talk with ….Vegetarian options: Great Vegan burger
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the worse experience dining this evening. The bartender name Miguel never acknowledged me nor asked if I wanted a drop of water, nothing. In fact when it was my turn to order he decided to take the order of a group of white males. I asked for a manager and he never went to get one. I really dislike going to places where the workers are racist. It's sad. OTTOs your in Oakland let's do better bringing more diversity thinking to the work place.
I really wanted to like this place but I can't recommend it yet. It's like a work in progress. Located off the lobby of the Kissel hotel, the ambiance is really cool on first glimpse. We had reservations that were not needed as there was only one other party there. Upon arrival, it's not clear where to go. They had no greeter or host. If we had not seen pictures on their website, we would have thought it was just a bar. We stood around for a minute or two before the bartender and another employee finished their conversation. We were told to sit anywhere. The bartender asked if we wanted menus and handed us two dinner menus and one drink menu. The drink menu had something greasy or sticky along the side where one might hold it. The tables and seats look cool, but their interior designer made some bad choices. We sat at a table along the side wall that had two chairs and a banquette on the wall. The chairs were comfortable, the bench was not. Because of the size and shape of the chairs made it very hard to get into them because there was not enough room for three tables. They should have just put one chair across from the bench side. How many party of threes do they get? Management should experience getting into these seats. There is zero room to slide a cair out to get in. The large clunky base of the table prevents turning the chair to get in. Seriously, this is an avoidable flaw. There was a sign on the bar that said "Order Here." We weren't sure if that meant diners or drinkers. After a couple of minutes a server did arrive and ask if we were ready to order, not "would you like to order something to drink?" or "Would you like some water?" The menu was confusing. The "Starters" sounded like entrées. My menu had an item called "Airline Chicken" which does not sound appetizing. Who raves about the chicken served on airlines? My wife's menu called the same thing "Organic Chicken Breast." The side dishes were all $9.00 which seems high for things like fries or potato chips. Someone should review the menu from a guest's perspective.The drinks were fine, but they brought out my beer (a tasty IPA) quickly, but waited a good 5 minutes for my wife's cocktail. The bar was empty, so this was odd. Our server promptly went on break. Odd time to take a break at 7:30 on a Saturday night. The food was a mixed result. The burger was perfectly cooked medium-rare and delicious. The fries were also excellent. I ordered the barbecued ribs, which looked great except for being topped with a thick blanket of sauce that was unremarkable. The baby back ribs, a half slab were nice and meaty. Unfortunately, they were not barbecued. I believe they were pre-bolied (a sin) and I think finished in an oven. The cle slaw and cornbread were delicious. When the food came, we had to ask for napkins and silverware. I must say, that one (paper) napkin is not enough for saucy ribs!Overall, Otto's has potential, but need a lot of fine tuning. I really wanted to like this place. Making the reservation, they asked if it was a special event. We wrote that it was our anniversary. They didn't do or say anything about that. A lot of small mistakes that can be easily fixed. I'll probably come back in a few months to try again.
Generally it's a good spot. Downside is they often hire new bartenders that seem to have zero experience as bartenders. I recently ordered a vodka martini and it came in a martini glass only 1/3 full with what tasted like half a shot of vodka and half a shot of vermouth and a single green olive with a pit. I assume it was from an antipasti plate (). 26$. Ambiance is good so I consoled myself with that and it didn't sting quite as bad. I've had their food as well and the steak frites is really good. The bacon old-fashion is fantastic if you get the right bartender whose name is Enku if I remember right.
Quinn made the best house drinks and was such a welcoming and accommodating bartender.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Apparently half and half milk for coffee was spoiled and caused stomach upset for rest of
Food: 1
We sat down and asked for water and she pointed at the fountain on the bar and said we had to go get it ourselves. I've been to Kissel many times and this was not normal. But apparently it's new policy. I'm sitting here confused because I've never been to a sit down place that makes you get up and get your own water...do we have to get our own food too? We won't find out because we are leaving. There is a reason this place is always empty. Do not come here.
I absolutely love this place! I had a hard time figuring out how to get into the cafe as I could see the inside of the cafe from the outside but couldn't find the door... After circling around for a few minutes, I got help from someone working at the Kissel Uptown Oakland Hotel, and he told me to enter from the hotel front. As I walked through the hotel's automated door, the cafe was located right on the left side of the lobby space, no additional doors or anything. The space was huge! Very bright, aesthetic interior, with plants spread out across the space. There were multiple cushiony seats near the windows and the walls, and there were seats in rows in the middle, divided by wooden segments. Despite being connected to a hotel lobby, the space felt very cozy and private.I wasn't sure how to order so I went up to the person working at the bar counter at the very back, and asked me if I wanted a lunch menu or a cafe menu, so I said cafe. I ordered the house made mini doughnuts and a cappuccino, and sat down at one of the seats in the middle. After a little bit, a server brought over my doughnuts and cappuccino and they were so good! The doughnuts were slightly grainy and the dough itself was a little less sweet than I originally imagined them to be, but they balanced well with the coffee. I tried dipping the chocolate sauce that it came with but was too viscous to dip, so I suggest to pour the sauce on the doughnuts instead.I only got desserts this time, but would be intrigued to try the food there next time!Note: Otto's coffee + donuts + beer is the same location as Otto's Uptown Kitchen which was very confusing at first.
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent brunch, way above our expectations. We looked for a place with chicken and waffles, and even though it was in a hotel we're so glad we ate here! The county line Morning Bowl, plus smoked salmon, was great too. We had a cappuccino and a latte and thanks to the barista well beyond what is typical hotel coffee. Coffee and food also are available to go. The ceilings are two stories high and yet the table arrangement offer sufficient privacy for all plus outdoor tables by the sidewalk.
Sitting in the lobby restaurant, while it didn't have the warm ambiance of a bistro, the food was solid. After a long day traveling, Otto's was a good dinner and drink option. Service was friendly and attentive especially having just one person that I saw. The ribs were fall-of-the-bone with a twang sauce. Not the best ribs and I wanted more smoke but really enjoyable! Fish sea bass I believe and duck were on my consideration list but glad to have gotten the recommendation that ribs were her fave. Topped off with a Lagunitas made it a meal. Didn't get to finish the slaw and corn bread, neither my favorites but if the only had good fries, I would be raving now. Enjoy!
Came here for lunch with a friend, good vibe and good food! The service was great, bartender was soo friendly and gave us a taste of a new drink he was working on. I will be back frequently!
Terrible atmosphere with blaring junk tv. No wonder it’s dead empty. Needs a serious atmosphere adjustment.
I’m loving this great new option. I need to remember to come here more often.