Bay Area Dining Is Fun Again: 4 Playful Restaurants Having A Good Time

Published December 4, 2025, at Virginia Miller’s Substack

If Waffle House were gourmet, Jewish delis were a drink, bold color dominated and fish and fried chicken were a theme

ARTICLE: https://virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-dining-is-fun-again-4-playful

Shuggie’s front dining room

Reviewed this issue:
If Waffle House Were Gourmet: Chicken Fried Palace
Glorified NY/NJ Diner Menu & Cocktails: Super Mensch
Upcycled, Retro-Bold, Climate Positive Restaurant Like No Other: Shuggie’s
Fish & Fried Chicken, Chartreuse & Wine: Sirene, Oakland