Forge--Oakland (Pizza)

For cold beer, good cocktails and a thin-crust, wood-fired pizza, Forge is a good place to go whether you're alone or with friends. Located at Jack London Square at 66 Franklin Street, this is an inviting location right off the water with seats by their outdoor fireplaces. I came to Forge with 9 other people during this particular visit, and even though I made the reservations the day before, they were able to accommodate us very well. This is definitely a place that puts customers first.

http://www.theforgepizza.com/oakland/

Here were some of the things I've enjoyed.


Beer. In the foreground, Heretic Evil Cousin. In the background, Deschutes Jubelale. Both were hoppy and crisp.

Jacks Martini. Made with vodka, ginger, pomegranate and lime, this drink was citrusy and mildy tart.

Dark and Stormy. With dark rum, lime, and house-made ginger beer, this is probably one of the better D&S drinks I've tasted. I would owe it to the fresh ginger taste of their ginger beer.

Sazerac. Not on their menu, but they had everything required to make this, including Basil Hayden's bourbon.

Cheese Curds. Fried cheese; what's not to love? Crispy on the outside and gooey and cheesy on the inside. Also served with their house-made, slow-simmered tomato sauce. Excellent for sharing.

Baby Octopus. I'm still dreaming about this dish. Perfectly (emphasis on the "perfectly") prepared octopus, nestled on a bed of white beans, black olives and some greens, with a light drizzle of chili oil. All of these gave it the perfect balance between, savory, spicy and sweet. So good.

Long Cooked Ribs. Another surprisingly tasty dish. Very tender ribs served with a nice honey-jalapeno red-cabbage cole slaw.

Fat Boy. A combo of fantastic toppings are on this pizza. Bacon, sausage, pickled peppers, red onion and a cream sauce all atop a thin and crispy crust.

Potato. Also a winning combination of toppings with potato, red onion, brussels sprouts, and goat cheese.

Mushroom. These mushrooms tasted like they were sautéed with seasonings before being placed on this pizza. Also in the mix were sausage, onion, garlic and thyme. Delicious.

 

 

I was a bit too full to take part in their desserts, but I'm sure I will next time. Forge is now on my radar for good food, good drinks, a nice atmosphere and friendly service.