Wood Tavern is very popular and hard to get a reservation. But the restaurant's great reputation is well deserved. Service is very attentive and friendly, and the food is geat. There are about 8 main courses and a number of small plates. For our main courses we opted for the Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast with a citrus green peppercorn pan sauce and the Grilled Double Cut Pork Chops in a marsala cream sauce served with Yukon gold potatoes and brussels sprouts. Both of the these dishes were excellent. Our starters included crispy pork belly and a cheese board of 4 cheeses, 2 cow, 1 goat, and 1 sheep. There is an artisan cocktail list including Scotch, Rye, and Bourbon base drinks. An extensive wine list includes approximately 20 wines by the glass. Seating is cozy and comfortable with banquettes along the wall, but tables are pretty close together. There is also a Chef's table for close-up view of the action.

My friend took me there for lunch. We arrived before the lunch hour but already busy. Wait was not long. We ordered soup & sandwiches. The soup was delicious with pork in the lentil soup. The sandwiches were huge. Took half home. The sides were excellent as well. The place was crowded so there was a bit of a din. Will return definitely. Their place next door (Southie) is small but is suppose to be very good for breakfast & lunch, too.

Wood tavern
Context: we've been to wood tavern five or six times for both lunch and dinner. I am going to write a review that incorporates all of those visits. Let me say first that we really, really like it.
Atmosphere: wood tavern is small with a few tables in the windows, two rows of tables leading to the back and bar seating. I'd say they maybe can seat close to fifty. Tables are small and it does not look like a good place for larger parties. It is also loud and tables are close together so it's cozy eating. If you want a bit more space ask for tables In the middle aisle or in the windows. In the daylight, the place keeps a decent amount of light but not much sun because of the big awnings. Decor is dark wood, a nice bar, high ceilings, simple. The place is very busy, but people take their time and there is no sense of rush.
Service: service is friendly and highly competent. Last time we were there, we sat toward the back where I could see staff getting food, wiping down plates before serving and running up checks. People were easily and smoothly helping each other out and making sure customers were getting their food quickly and accurately. Even though the place is always, always busy, I never feel rushed.
Food: everything we've had, we've liked or loved. I don't like chicken, but their brick chicken is outstanding, moist and flavorful. The menu is always changing but they have very nice starters, always some cheese. We had a lovely ricotta on crunchy toasts with a fig jam and for lunch we had a lentil pork stew that was one of the most flavorful soups I've had at a restaurant (next to the onion soup at esin). Emphasis is on simply prepared but highly flavorful food and some intriguing combinations. We've had a nice lamb ragu, a pastrami sandwich, a dungenous crab bruschetta and the burger, which is great. Sandwiches don't come with fries, but the fries are worth ordering, like traditional French frites, small and crispy. The desserts we've had have also been very good. A pumpkin panna cotta one time was excllent, though wasn't too fond of the chocolate cake things served with it.
Drinks: small wine by the glass menu, artisan cocktails that change throughout the day, and a few beers. Cocktails are executed well and always have a few unusual choices with an emphasis on traditional foundations.

Went here with 3 friends and we all agreed it was one of the best meals we'd had in a while. I had the duck which was tender but not greasy like duck can sometimes be, and it was on a bed of squash pure with white beand and greens - delicious. Service was great, restaurant is small and intimate with contemporary rustic decor. A must try in Oakland.