The definition of a neighborhood favorite, Sunset Cantina is a lively, upbeat spot with killer tacos, tostadas, and — of course — margaritas. The Playa del Carmen is perfect for summer: tart housemade hibiscus syrup with Tequila CAZADORES Reposado and lime. Best yet, it’s available to-go, in double and quadruple beach-friendly mason jars, with a garnish of dried hibiscus and dehydrated lime wheel on the side. 

Burgers, cocktails, bowling: what’s not to love? Mission Bowling Club always has been a destination for food and drink, as well as the obvious entertainment. The cocktail list deserves particular attention, and its outdoor patio, with its living plant wall and airy, rustic vibe, is an ideal summer hang. Even better, MBC donates $1 from the sale of select menu items to a different community nonprofit each month; most recently, the restaurant gave to an organization working against mass incarceration.

With a killer rooftop and a menu that bridges Californian, Latin, and American soul food influences, Oeste is a place that celebrates the dynamic culture of Old Oakland. (Co-owners Sandra Davis, Lea Redmond, and Anna Villalobos all have deep roots in the Bay Area.) Their summer cocktails are particularly noteworthy, like the house-favorite Mango Habanero Margarita with Tequila CAZADORES, perfectly balancing spicy and sweet. Enjoy it to-go, or on their recently reopened rooftop. 

Bold, colorful, and a little escapist, Sobre Mesa is a stunner of a downtown Oakland spot where tapas-sized bites reflect chef Nelson German’s culinary style. (The drinks and ambiance reflect German’s “Dominican roots and African ancestry,” according to the Sobre Mesa team.) Sophisticated cocktails, some currently available via delivery, echo the menu’s Latin and Afro-Caribbean influences; the Spiced Mango Margarita, with mango, lime, and habanero bitters complementing the PATRÓN, is perfect for summer.

Southern soul food, Oakland-style: Chef-owner Tanya Holland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen is a true highlight of the East Bay’s culinary scene. One bite of the fried chicken, or the bacon-cheddar biscuits, and you’ll understand. Cocktails are available for takeout and delivery — we recommend the Blacker the Berry, featuring BACARDÍ Superior, house-made blackberry shrub, Pimm’s, mint, and lime.

Another hotspot from Dominican-American chef Nelson German, this uptown Oakland eatery draws from a variety of influences — Caribbean, Cajun, Latin, Japanese. And its easy-to-love cocktails are equally bold in flavor, like the Cherry Cosmo, with GREY GOOSE, lime, cherry liqueur, cranberry, and the unexpected twist of limoncello. Best sipped on the airy patio. 

This laid-back Midtown Sacramento tavern is home to low-key but tasty food and drink. We suggest pairing your fish & chips or nachos with The Dragon: a specialty cocktail combining BACARDÍ Dragonberry Rum, lemonade and cranberry. Their outdoor patios have never been a more appealing summer destination.