NIDO’s BackYard bills itself as the Bay Area’s first margarita garden, an open-air Mexican restaurant and agave bar at 104 Oak Street on the eastern edge of Oakland’s Jack London Square. The family behind Nido and Odin Mezcalería runs it, and locals come for frozen and shaken margaritas, seasonal Mexican plates, and long afternoons outdoors in Oakland’s mild weather.
A rainbow serape marks the entrance and leads into a sprawling patio built for groups. The kitchen follows the seasons with modern Mexican cooking. The bar works through a curated list of tequila, mezcal and other agave spirits, plus beer and house cocktails. The house motto, “Mi BackYard es su BackYard,” shows in the crowd: kids and dogs are welcome, and the separate seating areas host birthdays, anniversaries and even weddings. More than a thousand Yelp reviewers back its 4.5-star reputation.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Sunny weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so arrive early or aim for a weekday after-work round. The space sits outdoors, so check the forecast and bring a layer for cool Bay evenings. For private events or large groups, call ahead at (510) 500-9757 or book through the official site. Lake Merritt BART is about a 10-minute walk away. Jack London Square’s Amtrak station and the San Francisco Bay Ferry terminal are also within walking distance, which makes it easy to skip driving after a few margaritas.
