Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe | Emeryville, CA

During a recent visit to San Francisco, we elected to spend our overnight hours across the bay in Emeryville, a small industrial city sandwiched between Berkeley and Oakland. Although it is popularly known as the home to Pixar Animation Studios, Emeryville offers a lot more to its visitors. For instance, it has always been a haven for developing artists and artisans to exhibit their wares, but lately, the city's free-spirited qualities have turned it into a burgeoning hot spot for shopping and dining.

One reason why we'll keep coming back is due in part to such unique eateries like Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe, a 50s styled diner that's been "serving E'ville" with a punk rock attitude since 2002. From the moment we stepped through the front doors, we were in awe of its neon lighting and unique decor where original wall-art meets Barbie and Ken. But certainly what stood out the most, especially once our orders were taken, was the food. From dinner specials that included Blackened Catfish and BBQ Pork Ribs to a selection of 18 different burgers such as the Monster Burger, Chupacabra Burger, the Cajun Big Blue Burger, and the Portobello and Goat Cheeseburger. And if you're just one to pepper your table with appetizers, they have plenty of those too. Our recommendation, try their sweet potato fries, the Buffalo Tofu, and the housemade chili.

There's a little bit of everything for everyone at Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe, including choices for discernible vegetarian or vegan diners. Needless to say, when we were ready to roll, we left with smiles on our faces. Stopping for the night in Emeryville was certainly one of the best decisions we ever made that day.

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe
4081 Hollis Street
Emeryville, CA 94608