This place has potential. Is in a nice (if not random) location in Oakland. The space itself is amazing, and I like the industrial/artist-loft vibe it's got going. The long bar is cool and their drink menu seems diverse (nice beer selections at fair prices). Not a big fan of the backless bar stools, but that's just my preference. I had some smaller plates here recently, and while the food was good, it wasn't impressive. The chantrelle crostini were ok, but not terribly flavorful (minus the goat cheese, which stole the limelight from the shrooms). I was prepared to be blown away by the mac 'n cheese, but to be honest, it wasn't much different than something I could get at Whole Foods. The crispy tofu was good, but again, nothing extraordinary. I had a cocktail with prosecco, that was served differently than the night before (on the rocks versus shaken martini-style). Wouldn't hurt for them to be a bit more consistent. Service was slow and a bit "new". I'd advise them to pick up the pace. It wasn't very busy, otherwise I'd be more forgiving. But when you do pay more for their "wares", you expect a little more TLC. I'll come here again for drinks, and maybe give the burger a try, since it's in my hood. Maybe check out the dancing. But it will be more of a drink and occasional snack joint, rather than a culinary experience. Maybe once they work out the kinks and tackle the growing pains this place will be more appealing. read more

I starting coming to Mua before it became a staple in Oakland's limited but growing nightlife and it became a go-to spot to chill with friends. I love the visual contrast between the raw walls and the glitzy bar which is definitely true to the East Bay vibe. I don't usually make it before the kitchen closes but I can credit Mua for my discovery of brussels sprouts and my obsession which their butternut squash mac and cheese. Small plates are the way to do it if you're going to eat. The drinks are creative and although it is packed on the weekends I'm always able to get a smooth drink in my hand before I notice I've had to wait at all. Ask bartender Mike to make you a "Lake Merrit", one if his recent inventions. My only criticism is the lack of a dance floor... read more

There are two things that are consistent about MUA in all the times I've visited. 1. The drinks are amazing. 2. The food is not. I am always impressed with the space itself and it is a great place to get your friends together for a few after dinner drinks but seriously, my food experiences there have not been good. The Pasta is really, really bad. It tastes like the ground turkey pasta I used to make when I was twelve and I didn't know how to make pasta yet. The salmon in the ceviche tasted frozen. The chickpea burger was alright...and the mac and cheese is only appealing because it doesn't have cheese but it almost tastes like cheese. I do like their fries though...but I like everybody's fries so I'm not sure if that means anything. The barstaff are nice, helpful and cute. The Rialto is delicious. Oh, and try the Joe Smash but ask them to make it with whiskey instead of vodka. Thank me later. read more

This is by far one of the coolest places in Oakland. I stopped by with a few friends after a movie at the New Parkway down the street. I was a little skeptical at first because of its location (right on auto row!). It looks pretty janky from the outside, but you're going to have to trust me on this. It's one of those places where you walk in and it feels like you've gone through a portal in space and time. The atmosphere alone is worth a stop in, the candlelight makes it look positively magical! A giant warehouse with an intimate, whimsical vibe. Drinks were fantastic. One of my friends follows a gluten free diet, so she usually is very limited in terms of drinks. But there were great ciders and even Crabbie's ginger beer (!) for her, which was a huge plus. They had a respectable wine and beer list, and some wonderfully creative cocktails. I had a rosemary martini with junipero gin...I am always happy with a well-made gin cocktail. A little expensive but very strong. Next time I plan to try the ginger julep. Mmm. The food was pretty good, too. This is where Mua loses a star...while I am a fan of the tapas style menu, the dishes were a little hit and miss. The calamari was pretty mediocre, as were the garlic prawns. The burrata, brussel sprouts, ribs, and kale salad were to die for. I think most people would be happier with a slightly smaller selection of dishes that were all amazing, rather than a huge selection of mostly good items. In general, I'm all for smaller menus. Fresher food, faster service, and better prices. For dessert, a flourless (gluten-free) almond cake with grapefruit brulee, vanilla bean gelato, and an earl grey reduction sauce. Holy moly, I almost died. The grapefruit slices had a sweet, crusty sugary layer on the outside (like creme brulee but with grapefruit!) and it paired absolutely perfectly with the almond cake, vanilla gelato, and earl grey flavors. The presentation was beautiful. I'd go back just for this dessert. $100 for four of us, plus a $20 tip. They were happy to split it on two cards. The service was impeccable, very down to earth, friendly, and warm. This is Oakland's best kept secret. Give it a try, I'll probably see you there. read more

Delicious! We had multiple appetizers and drinks and everything was delicious but very original at the same time! I can't say enough good things about the food and drinks here! read more

I have to admit I have a bias for this place. It's the combination of decor, a dj, the location, the drinks, the service, and the food. I always start with their don Julio jus margarita because it's always perfect. Please never change. Then me and my friends just get almost every little plate in their appetizer/ sides menu because we want all of it. Buttery Brussel sprouts, beat salad, Mac and cheese, garlic prawns, shiitake mushrooms on toasted bread, and someone ordered the ribs. My only complaint is they need to put come breadcrumbs on their Mac and cheese, and those who ate the ribs wish it had more meat on it. The dessert was awesome, bread pudding!! Have it with their Irish coffee, BANG! read more

Excellent restaurant and atmosphere for a night out. Great for groups or out oftown era who want to share a slice of Oakland. High ceilings and a large space. DJ's spin on weekends. read more

I like it. It's hilariously loud in here. The food is fance and the decorations are a little unnerving.

I saw the program "Check Please" on TV. They raved about this place. I was so excited to experience Mua for myself. I ordered the mac & cheese, beef bone marrow, veggie burger and a fruity drink. The mac & cheese tasted like cardboard - flavorless. The bone marrow was awful, it was oily and tasteless - like eating spoonful of lard (and I love bone marrow) this was truly bad. I literally wanted to throw up. The veggie burger was so bland, the fruity drink was very, very sweet. I was truly disappointed. Too bad. Definitely will not go back again. read more

My friend had hi birthday there and as I recall the food was divine, the place was a real kick decoration wise and the party was a success. I'd go there again. read more

This place is poppin'...even on a Wednesday night. I definitely suggest making reservations. Pro tip: they won't seat you until your whole party arrives. This place is hip, modern and loud. Great atmosphere for casual drinks and delicious food. Their food menu is massive and there is something for everyone. My favorites were the mac n' cheese, spareribs and brussel sprouts. This place is about bold flavors and food to share. Come here with your close friends for a few drinks after work. I can't wait to come back and try their other dishes! read more

This was my absolute worst experience I have ever had. I have never been so compelled to write a bad review for a place. I have had better service at amusement park snack booths than at Mua tonight. This was my first time with my girlfriend and 2 friends, and I will never be back. After sitting down and waiting about 20 mins before the waitress came over to take our order, she finally came around. She rushed through taking our order, and walked off before we were done ordering. Drinks took another 15 minutes before they arrived. Fine. Except she forgot a drink we had ordered. When we asked her the status of the drink, we watched her go straight to the register and punch it in. No surprise she didn't put it through... she walked off while we were ordering. At this time, we ordered a second round after we noticed how long the service was taking, hoping to get the second round sometime with the main course, or even with dessert at this rate. Another 15-20 minutes go by, and finally our food arrives... only after they tried delivering it to the table next to us. After giving them a few minutes to deliver all of our food, they were missing a dish: the grilled prawns which were the main course for my friend. Again, we asked about these. No apology, no explanation, nothing. We witnessed the waitress go right over to her register and key it in. This is after the other 3 of us had already received our food 10 minutes ago and began eating. My fiend walked up to the waitress to confirm whether or not the prawns were in fact coming, or if she forgot and was only then punching in the order for them. She had indeed forgotten and was punching them in. My friend told her not to worry about it, since we were almost done. We didn't want them, and we didn't want to be charged for them. Not ten minutes later, the prawns arrived. We were done eating. After all of this back-and-forth, the waitress comes over and says "I see they delivered the prawns. Would you like to me leave them, and charge you? Or take them from your table?" I couldn't believe this statement. Where is the customer service, even as a gesture of apology? I asked for the check immediately. I couldn't get out of this place quick enough. The manager comes over, and begins explaining to me that they're short staffed, backed up, blah blah blah. With all due respect, that's you're problem, not mine. No apology, no sympathy. Just reasons why it wasn't the waitresses fault. I work in management, and Operations at that. The biggest thing you can do is communicate with your patrons. Had we sat down, and they alerted us that they were backed up, this would be a completely different review. Keep in mind this is not a negative review for the wait time... it is for the awful service. He goes on about how it was not the waitress' fault, and I respectfully disagreed. Had she taken 30 seconds more with each table, and gotten the orders correct the first time, I wouldn't be writing this review... which is exactly what I told the "manager". Had she not walked off while I was still ordering, maybe we would have gotten our drink and dish that never came. Had she communicated that they were backed up, this would be a different review. Had she apologized and been honest with us about forgetting, or checked in with us, this would be a different review. Finally, after almost having to pry the final check from the "manager", I left my card to pay. My card came back, and I was told they accidentally charged me a tip when typing in my security code, or something. I'm not entirely sure how this even happens. This has never happened to me before. The cherry on top. I signed, left, and still my second round of drinks was no where to be found. Terrible customer service and management from a reputable, up-and-coming establishment. Very disappointing, and none of us will be back. read more

My friend celebrated her birthday here and my first thought was "I really don't want to go to Oakland", but she is a great friend, so I'm going. I wanted to park safe, but it's next to a high end Auto Dealership, so good deal. Well lit and there are people around. Walk in and I like the vibe. The DJ was playing cool music mostly R&B/Hip-Hop from the 90s and early 2000s. The place is huge, two stories with high ceilings, pipes running around, big mirrors, and abstrakt art. Reminds me of a true San Francisco place, but the crowd was different. I thought the East Bay people were hot like tamales. Yumm! Let's talk about the food. I ordered one of their specials, Mussles in a tomato broth and french fries with aioli. Soooo good. read more

Sat down on the stickiest chair on earth. I stood up and the chair literally lifted with me. I had a thick coating of whatever was on the chair caked onto my butt and shirt. It is way too loud and the staff was way too busy to remember checking on us or putting in our orders multiple times. I asked for a drink refill five times before I got up and took my glass to the bar. The restrooms were the highlight of my experience. For some reason there was a girl going around completing a scavenger hunt and I happened to be on her list. The thick paper towels were pretty useful and did a good job cleaning the chair goo off my clothes. Our table ordered burgers, skewers, and ribs. The food was pretty good, but overshadowed by the poor service, obnoxious atmosphere, and chair covered in invisible barbecue sauce. read more

I WENT AGAIN AND I'M STILL WAY INTO ITTTTTTTTTT Order 5 plates of Brussel Sprouts and tell no one. read more

Been wanting to check this place out for months and it did not disappoint. Very chill, industrial vibe to the place. Love the couches and upstairs seating. Never had to wait long at the bar though it got crowded. The drinks were fantastic. Ginger strawberry lemonade, Pineapple martini. I'm a fan. My only complaint was the DJ but lack of dancing. This is not the place to go if you want to dance. We did dance but it was lame. The only other people dancing were this big group of Brazilians. Also the dance floor is really just this strip of floor space by the stairs and bathroom. Really small and not conducive the serious grooving...as evidenced by my jacking a girl in the face with my elbow on accident! Next time I'm going for dinner! read more

Part 1: I first discovered Mua on the teevee show "Check, Please!" a KQED. Public broadcast station serving the San Francisco Bay Area. As within each episode, it was one of three restaurants featured, each introduced as a favorite by each of the three guests, who comprise a wide demographic range, albeit, each seeming to earn - or their parents, in the case of students on a "budget", high- 2 or 3-figure salaries, as in each case of the restaurants featured, one need to be committed, it seems, to dropping at least $30 per person to enjoy the show, the food, the beverage options. Granted, San Francisco and the surrounding gentrified neighborhoods around The Bay, the real cost of exceptional, fresh ingredients, preparation and sanitary kitchens, serious impacts the reality of y/our way of life. My wife, family and I rarely eat out; it is a real treat to step into one of these tapestries of culinary delight so many seem to take for granted as they encompass each succulent bite, on a daily basis, for some, it is all three squares. I am truly honored to have been served by the Mua staff last night...: the representation by "Check, Please!" was quite true and Mua did not disappoint. I was a bit surprised at how dark the restaurant was as the video representation, albeit filmed mostly during the day, if my memory serves me, considering the demographic ranged from those who would appreciate intimate dim, mood lighting, to families including younger children: Mua serves the entire community, including the beer guzzler who wants to unwind after a week of work. When we arrived, we were asked if we wanted to sit upstairs in a loft-like area: I wonder if it was more brightly lit? I was a bit taken back by this offering, as we made it clear it was our first visit, experience: was there something more representative in the loft area? Did the staff discern that that area would serve US better? We were seated at a small, two-person table, inserted within a row along a wall: our table was a bit tightly positioned next to a 4-person round; very close to another two-person. While the previous party-of-two sitting next to us was leaving, allowing for my friend and I to engage in our customary free-form discussions, the next couple who occupied the same table may have been put off at times by our candid remarks: they seemed to be engaged in a more romantic evening out and I did pity them at times, as I was no doubt distracting to them, indicated by glances over to us time to time... There were many small, rounds, vacant, in the middle of the large, open restaurant plan, set up for parties of four, which would have been ideal and much more suitable in our case but we were not offered any of them. I was not going to put the staff out, as no doubt, they had plans for the tables for four, and, out of respect and as a courtesy, I didn't want our first time to be at all confrontational. Our support staff person was terrific; our wait-person exception, kind, thoughtful, making real suggestions, based on a comprehensive approach. However, when our first two dishes, starters - more on them, soon - arrived, as we were sharing them, I mentioned to the server that we were sharing them, implying they should be positioned in the center of the table parallel so we could access each dish. His response was astonishing, but also very humorous: "That's great" - with absolutely no sense of his role in making that arrangement happen, as if I was telling him about the recent wedding my wife and I had (imaginarily, purely as an example, here,) attended: "Would you like to see some images on my iPhone?" I did not (also, imaginarily,) actually offer them up to the server to view... I didn't mind that the music was loud - I think my friend did, as he was really interested in one desert item after the main course, but suggested we bow out and find a quiet spot for conversation, elsewhere. I liked the music selection, although, I was more focused on our conversation, so do expect me to tell you anything about the music. Considering they are spitting distance from Another Planet Entertainment's The Fox Theater, I would hope Mua has tapped into the well of amazing and diverse Modern music that venue does serve up to ITS audience... Let me back up a bit: parking: Following Apple's Siri to get from West Berkeley, near 4th Street, to Mua, I opted to take MLK Drive rather than get immersed in the traffic flow on a Friday night on 580. That was a really great idea, dropping us about half a mile from Mua. What is a bit odd is the placement of the building on the block: it appears as if one is encouraged to drive up, onto the sidewalk, between two, white, posts, to park among an assortment of, coincidentally, only, Audi, Mazda, other narrowly-pearched Auto brands... As it turns out, Mua, a former Auto Repair site, sits next to a mini row of independent Auto dealers - or just one, with multiple brands. I thought I saw what appeared to be... read more

Finally a very urban but posh place to come hang out with friends for some appetizers or drinks in Oakland! I was really excited that my friends wanted to go have dinner here. I've heard about it and always wanted to try it. So when the Husbby and I arrive to the location, we almost missed it since it was pretty blend in between two other business, so keep your eye open for it, and the black doesn't help =) We walked in to our surprise of how big it REALLY was. Didn't look like it from the outside at all! So there was about 10 of us, we got seated about 20 mins after our reservation time and they were jammed packed. The inside was very artistic and urban. I love it! We all ordered a bunch of small plates..Grilled Shrimp ( It was good, but nothing special) Mac and "Cheese" (Pretty Good!) Ahi Tuna (Really good) Mussels (Pretty good) Tomato Bisque with grill cheese sandwich (Bisque was to sour for my taste, but sandwich was pretty good) Fried Tofu with a Sweet hot Chili Sauce (YUMMMMO! My FAV) and Beef Carpaccio (Super soft) We also tried out their HALF POUND burger with bacon, it was nicely cooked served with fries that are prepared like the In and Out fries. It was a hefty burger...but good. Be prepare to kind of yell across the table to have a conversation, because it can get pretty loud in there with everyone else's convo echoing in the room. Overall I had a good experience...good atmosphere, good service and good food. I would come back again to hang out for some small plates and drinks =) read more

Woah dude, have you tried the hidden gem in oakland? MUA, This place is everything a restaurant should be, and so much more. The price, quality, and selection is top notch. Food quickly and properly made with a beer selection anyone should be happy with. We ordered the marrow (must try) mussels with Parmesan fries (Drools), and the cheese less Mac. All were delicious, they even had grapefruit sculpins!! A+ in my book and recommended by many read more

Amazing food and atmosphere. We sat at the bar because we arrived early. We tried their calamari with a beer. It was excellent. We sat at our table And ordered the cucumber caipirinha. It was very good. My daughter had the pork ribs with the mac and cheese (no cheese in it). The Mac and cheese was amazing. I want the recipe!! I ordered the mussels plate that comes with fries. Wow!! It was to die for it. Great service. I was celebrar my birthday so they brought a cream brûlée to celebrate. I will visit again! read more

*** LOUD *** LOUD *** LOUD *** Seriously, crazy, unpleasantly LOUD. One of the LOUDEST restaurants that I've eaten in, Interior designed to reflect and amplify every conversation and noise. Earplugs and ASL required. Service was slow and minimal, we were seated quickly but basically ignored for the first 35 minutes until flagging down a manager. Food was good: catfish was cooked perfectly - crunchy batter, soft and moist inside; Brussels sprouts were good, chicken salad was great. Crab cake was ok, a bit mushy and missing that crab flavor and texture. Overall: if you like LOUD, its fun. Otherwise, plan on yelling a lot, or using ASL,or paper (you'll also need flashlights), bring earplugs or suffer hearing loss. read more

I had the opportunity to go to Mua, at the suggestion of a friend. Having grown up in Oakland, I'm always willing to support the businesses there. So, I was a bit excited about the experience, until I got there. Walking in, it was extremely loud and crowded. I didn't make a reservation because of the policy (see Open Table). Our party of two waited, approximately, 40 mins for a table. They have a thing about placing your name on a wait list, assigning you a time "guesstimate" and you checking back at said time. While waiting, I took in the atmosphere. It seemed like a very "interesting" space. Though, I'm not quite sure what vibe they're seeking. It seems to be "warehouse chic" meets American-French fusion cuisine? Although there were different types of people there, you can definitely tell that gentrification is in full effect. To me, the food, on average, was just okay. We had the calamari, as an appetizer. The crab poboy was ruined by the cole slaw that they placed on the sandwich (I thought it came as a side). I know good New Orleans cuisine, and that missed the mark. My friend enjoyed the mussels, and the desserts helped redeem the meal, somewhat. The drinks were good but small. I think, I understand what Mua is trying to do, but Oakland is NOT San Francisco; it will never be, no matter how much you try to "sanitize" it. I could see where some folks (i.e. Black folks of a certain ilk) were getting the "side eye" by some of the employees. There's a pretentiousness and loftiness that makes me detest businesses like this one. I won't be back. read more

Just Go!!! Bone Marrow, Lamb Cheeks, and Crap Cakes make a great meal. read more

Service was fine, but the food was very mediocre. Got a burger and it was not as good as Barney's, but costed twice as much. Large speaker overhead and I couldn't have a conversation. Had to move tables. Not to be a pretentious snob either, but i'm not sure if anything was organic, local etc, but the prices sure indicated that it was. The bottom line is that there are so many other places out there with better food for less money. There is no reason to come here. read more

Great place to meet friends on a Saturday night. Bartender mixed a sweet concoction of gin, elderflower, and lemon. Super bustling and crowded on Saturday nights -- now can we put in some more bathrooms so the said crowd doesn't amass in front of the WCs? read more

Get a mojito at 10pm with a friend and you'll understand my 5 stars... this is our favorite place for mojitos! But definitely pricey.

I really like going to this place when im visiting the Oakland area. Food is great and the staff is friendly. They dont really allow special request if you dont like something that the plate comes with but that wont stop me from going. Parking can be a bit difficult but also another thing that wouldnt prevent me from going. read more

The food is not what's amazing... the drinks, environment and vibe are. Service were great, and their drinks topped it off for us. Do try their MIN MOJITO. Food was okay, but as far as Oakland goes, it's better than most. I guess you can't ask much from Oakland??? (hope nobody gets on me for stating that ... i'm just spoiled from Frisco's foods). read more

Hipsters rejoice! This place is for you! Great array of unique drinks and full bar - large wine and beer menus too. The food was good but nothing fabulous. A-ok: Tuna small plate - its not tar tar, its a fried roll Beet salad - good, not a ton of beets brussell sprouts, buttery and pretty good. grilled artichoke - aioli inside it is good, but there is A LOT (ask for a side) V Good: Mussels with fries - great sauce and salty fries, yum mac & cheese - Very good and it has no cheese! The burger - big and juicy. I would come back more for drinks and the loungy upstairs area. Maybe a basic dinner, now that I know what to skip! read more

Very classy restaurant! I enjoyed their beef selections and drinks. Interesting interior design. Staff was friendly and food was served at the perfect temperature. read more

Mua, what can I say besides a good selection of mua-ximizing your desire to have drinks and a few appetizing appetizers. Not a bad place for light night out. read more

I like the vibe in this place. I'm not really a club/lounge kinda guy, but Mua is on the mellower side, and I like that. As cocktails go, I recommend the Crazy Pisco. I also ate a crab po boy that was pretty tasty. I hear the owner makes all the art and lives in the apartment upstairs. I want to know, how does he get any sleep? Must be nocturnal. read more

I definitely like the scene at this place. I came on a Friday night for dinner and the place was packed. They even had a bull riding machine outside which was FREE! I didn't have the guts to go on it though, haha. FOOD on the other hand was good, but nothing that makes me go "OH MY GOD...". The only thing that really caught my attention was the BEET SALAD. It had goat cheese in it, and I usually HATE goat cheese, but this wasn't as strong and the way it was made was delicious! I think that had to be my favorite dish of the night! PS. Try their bread pudding too. TASTY TASTY mouth-watering goodness! read more