Day of the Dead Guide: Pub Crawls in Oakland, The Mission and More

By Meesha Halm

Once the parade and late-night Halloween festivities are over, don't despair. Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 and 2, which means there's more drinking and dining fun to be had in the Bay Area. Here are our top picks.

Espolón Day of the Dead Friday Night Pub Crawl in the Mission: The spirit of choice – tequila – will be the star of the show on Thursday fans of agave recreate their own procession through the Mission during this free pub crawl organized by Espolón Tequila. The crawl starts at Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem and will wend its way to Doc’s Clock and end at the Elbo Room where there will be a live music show. Each bar will offer special cocktails throughout the night (Friday, 8 PM- 12 AM).

Dia De Los Muertos Uptown Oakland Thursday Night Bar Crawl: Espolon Tequila is also hosting a free Day of the Dead pub crawl over in Oakland. The event starts at Make Westing, and then meanders to Dogwood and Pican, ending at Luka’s Taproom at 10 PM. In addition to tequila-based bargain cocktails, expect face painting, temporary tattoos and giveaways (Thursday 7 PM onward, more info online).

Day of the Dead Drinks and Meals at Copita: No need to wait until after dark to start in on the festivities. Joanne Weir’s Sausalito’s cantina and tequileria Copita will be offering a special all-day a la carte Dia De Los Muertos-inspired menu with the likes of spit-roasted turkey and Oaxaca-style tamales and a special ponche cocktail featuring cinnamon, hibiscus, tamarind, apple, raisins, prunes, pineapple, guava and anejo tequila (11:30 AM- 10 PM, 739 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415-331-7400).

Thursday and Friday Fetes at Day of the Dead at Comal: On Thursday and Friday, the notable Berkeley newcomer Comal will be feting the holiday with freshly painted skulls on the front door and a make-shift altar featuring sugar skulls, marigolds and photos of passed loved ones. The kitchen will be serving the regular menu, but sending diners home with a loaf of Pan de Muertos, a special sweet egg bread adorned with “bones” on top baked by local panderia Casa Latina Bakery. On Friday, starting at 8 PM, the proprietor of Casa Latina will also be spinning tunes that pay homage to the theme of death (2020 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 510-926-6300).

Friday Night Soul Cocina’s Day of the Dead Feast at La Victoria: Soul Cocina’s chef Roger Feeley will be preparing a six-course Day of the Dead-themed dinner at La Victoria Bakery on Friday night (Two seatings 6 PM and 9 PM, $55 for omnivores, $48 for the vegan version, reserve tickets online).