text: Being a vegetarian in Oakland ain't easy, but for a relatively quick (as opposed to table service) meal, Red Oak Cafe hits the spot.  I've found all the vegetarian sandwiches to be tasty (though I fail at eating them neatly--so eat alone or with a friend who you're not too self-conscious around if you get a sandwich).  I usually like vegetable chips, but I'm not a fan of the ones at Red Oak.  Go for the vegetable of the day instead, as the vegetables are tastier (and better for you, too).  The vegetarian bean & grains plate and veg-blue plate special are good, but as another reviewer said, they're not too exciting.\n\nThe omnivores I've brought here like this place, too--my mother pronounced her corned beef reuben as one of the best she's ever had (not too shabby for a New Yorker).  \n\nMaybe I hyped up the oatmeal smoothie in my mind too much, but I found it a little too fruity (grape/cranberry-ish?) for me.  Still, not bad for a good-for-you breakfast in a hurry.\n\nUsually I have no complaints about the service, but I did feel awkward when I grabbed a bite to eat here one Friday evening.  The employees were already cleaning the tables even though the place was open for another hour and a half, and chatting really loudly with each other.  I felt rushed.  I guess I can't blame them entirely, as it was a gorgeous day out and it was Friday.