Daytrip Opens Thursday in Temescal With Funky Wine and Fermented Focaccia

With the arrival of Daytrip, Oakland’s trendy Temescal neighborhood just got a whole lot funkier. In a July interview with the Chronicle, co-owner Stella Dennig described the wine bar and restaurant vibe as a “soft disco drunken dinner party”. Given the literal disco ball marking the entrance to the bathroom; the myriad of funky, affordable wines; and the food menu that almost defies description, it would seem they’ve hit the mark.

Daytrip is slated to fully open to the public this Thursday, October 21, but tested the waters with a soft opening over the weekend. The space is vibrant and welcoming, with ample booths and tables and a loungey area kitted out with mod, 70’s-inspired seating. A large, angular bar is the main feature of the space, and its multi-colored glass pane front catches and reflects the setting sun, adding to that hazy disco vibe.

David Matesanz

The well-curated wine corner is a vital part of the restaurant and manages to be both funky and accessible at the same time. Prices are marked both for retail and dine-in (eliminating any awkward corkage fee surprises), and most bottles are under $60, with many coming in around the $35-$45 range for dine-in — a real treat for those looking to expand their wine horizons without breaking the bank. There’s even a magnum of Beaujolais from winemaker Nathalie Banes for $68 — ample juice to truly get the party started.

The by the glass offerings are equally well-thought-out, a highlight being a nutty, funky red rice sake for $10. Denning and Daytrip co-owner and chef Finn Stern hired Jenny Eagleton (The Punchdown Natural Wine Bar) to oversee the beverage program. Eagleton is eager to talk with diners about her selections, and the whole staff is well-versed in the list.

On the food side the funk continues with fermentation playing a key role in many of the dishes. The sourdough focaccia comes with olive oil dotted with various fruit vinegars, while the pasta shines with pumpkin miso, kelp, and poblano peppers. An appetizer of rockfish dip presents as tartare-like, arriving topped with roe and with spiced Amanoya rice crackers.

Oakland certainly isn’t lacking for mission-driven wine bars and exciting dining options, but Daytrip brings the two concepts together under one roof, creating an experience that can serve as either an intimate date night or a regular Friday outing with friends. Diners should expect some funk, some fun, and go with the (disco) flow.

David Matesanz

David Matesanz

David Matesanz

Daytrip is located at 4316 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland and opens on Thursday, October 21. Hours will be 4-9 p.m. Thursdays and 4-10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For more information and updates follow Daytrip on Instagram.