Black Oak on Fifth

Black Oak on Fifth is one of those neighborhood spots we kept meaning to try and somehow never did, despite living nearby for a while. After finally stopping in, it turned out to be a great place to grab some solid comfort food in a relaxed setting. The vibe is simple and cozy, nothing flashy, just an easygoing atmosphere that makes it perfect for a casual dinner. Prices are also very reasonable for the area. Food wise, the margherita pizza was the standout. It hit that perfect balance of fresh, cheesy, and satisfying without trying to overcomplicate things. The meatballs were another highlight and definitely worth ordering to share as an appetizer. They were flavorful, tender, and felt very homemade in the best way. Overall, this is not a place trying to be trendy or over the top, and

Everything was great. The food was 10/10. I love the steak, eggs and potatoes. The pancakes were very fluffy and good but it does have a hint on lemon in them. But overall everything was great.

Gloria took the best care of us at the bar. I can't stop thinking about how perfect our experience was here. I loved that not ALL TV's were on sports; I was a big fan of the woodworking channel that was on while we ate. I had the mac (with buffalo and bacon) which I will have dreams about in the future. This was the BEST mac and cheese I've ever had. It changed me, truly. My husband had the steak and eggs, which was equally delicious (he says); I was too deep in my mac and cheese to even think about his food. This place was incredible, so much so that we plan on returning tomorrow before going back to TN. Get here now, and if Gloria is at the bar, PLEASE sit with her as she's amazing, sweet, and super knowledgeable about the area's goings on.

I came here for brunch with high hopes and a growling stomach. The service was excellent—attentive, warm, and genuinely kind—but the food felt like a missed opportunity wrapped in marinara. I ordered the Eggs in Purgatory, which looked like it wanted to be shakshuka’s Italian cousin but forgot to bring the flavor profile. The sauce lacked depth, the egg was fine but unremarkable, and the whole dish landed somewhere between “comfort food” and “well, that’s… food.” The side of crostini was serviceable, though it didn’t really help elevate the dish. Now, credit where it’s due: the Bloody Marys were killer—spicy, bold, and honestly the highlight of the meal. If I come back, it’ll be for the drinks and the friendly staff, not the food. I wanted to love this place. I gave it a real shot. But

Nice place, good food, good service, great for celebrations. We had an issue with our bill and they solved it quickly and were very kind. Would definitely come back!