Lemon Tree

2542 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda

Thank you, Lemon Tree, for your oldschool rock wall façade, affordable drinks and excellent throwback vibe. This was the preferred final destination on any Alameda dive bar tour. The downtown bar a half block off Park Street wasn’t big on fancy updates and windows to the outside world, which made it a wonderful place to escape. Bill and Nancy Bolton made their bar a welcoming spot, and the spacious interior gave patrons the choice to be alone or join the regulars. The Boltons closed in July because of the mounting rent, but in a Facebook message they didn’t rule out reopening if an opportunity emerges.