Wednesday, February 1, 2012

ABC Wednesday: C is for Can't Fail Café

(Rudy's) Can't Fail Cafe is located in Uptown on Telegraph Avenue next to the renovated Fox Theater.  It is easily distinguished by its blue neon sign and giant palm tree in front.  Even just ordering a coffee guarantees you a warm welcome and friendly chit-chat.  The decor is kitschy and fun.  Along one wall is a 20 foot case filled with Barbie and Ken dolls wearing a blue and black uniform and a button saying "I am Rudy."  Closer inspection reveals that many of the dolls have been "modified" to include masks, C3PO heads, Wonder Woman lariats, feathers, and other amusing details.
The tables on the other side of the cafe are essentially shadow boxes with themes including Star Wars, rock and roll, and children's game pieces.  In the rear of the cafe is the back end of an Air Stream trailer that has been hollowed out to house a private booth.
I didn't order anything to eat, but in the brief time I was there several more parties came in for a late lunch.  So the food must be good and the Yelp crowd generally approves.  I hear it's a hipster scene at night which is both bad and good depending on your point of view.
 For more takes on the letter "C" be sure and visit ABC Wednesday.
Posted by Oakland Daily Photo at 12:01 AM
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18 comments:

  1. RandyJanuary 31, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    That looks like a fun place to hang out!

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  2. Leslie:January 31, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Is this in Oakland near San Francisco? It looks like a really cool place and I'd love to drop in sometime.

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  3. Chubskulit RoseJanuary 31, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Awesome!

    Crystal Palace & Carousel

    Chubskulit, ABC Wednesday Team

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  4. LinneaJanuary 31, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Very creative place!

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  5. 黄清华 Wong Ching WahFebruary 1, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    Wonderful find ! A place for the families !!!!

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  6. Roger Owen GreenFebruary 1, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    This is a cool, classy place, and I would go next visit to the Bay area.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  7. John @ Beans and I on the LooseFebruary 1, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    Anyone who wanted to start up a new food business like this should could learn a lot from this cafe with its decor. Then just serve good food and it Can't Fail. Neat place, thanks for showing it.

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  8. UnknownFebruary 1, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Now, this is the kind of place I would not miss. So very cool! Fantastic sign and decoration.

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  9. Genie -- Paris and BeyondFebruary 1, 2012 at 9:09 AM

    If I get to Oakland again, I will meet you there and we can be hipsters for lunch! I absolutely love the decor starting with the red sign out front... What a clever display of "altered" Barbies and Kens!

    Bises,
    Genie

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  10. photowannabeFebruary 1, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    What a fun and eclectic place. I think I would like to try it sometime. Great choice for C.

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  11. cieldequimperFebruary 1, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    Absolutely a place I would love!

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  12. ArtandArchitecture-SF.comFebruary 1, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    I am sooooo checking this place out, just love it. You keep this up, you are going to have to start a whole other blog just about restaurants in Oakland.

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  13. Louis la VacheFebruary 1, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    You are probably aware that this is their second café, the original being at Hollis and Park Streets, Emeryville, where most of the same decor ideas (but no Airstream) are also used. «Louis» hasn't tried the new one. He has eaten at the original some three times. His experience is the food promises more than it delivers... (sigh)

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  14. Spare Parts and PicsFebruary 1, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    Looks like fun. The Barbie / Ken display is a hoot! I also like the building architecture on the outside... looks like a nice old building, well preserved.

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  15. JackFebruary 1, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    What a cool place, Carolyn. You need to go back when you have more time, so you can give us a review.

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  16. Volvo Dealer OaklandFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    Very original name and decor/styling for a cafe; seems very quirky and fun. A perfect place for a casual hangout with friends. I'll have to sop by there some time soon!

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  17. TashFebruary 7, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    I love this place! You did a fantastic job photographing it. The dolls really wow'd me. I've been toying with an idea of an art project with dolls...not quite formed yet...in an audio book (Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult) I recently finished, there is character - a Native American woman who creates custom-made Barbie's (PMS Barbie, etc.) - very funny, and very clever.

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    isabel marant sneakers Bag designing patterns from historical really are taking theirselves at developing a lot more impressive running footwear to accomplish the actual moyen desires of customers.

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