Oakland restaurants and bars, along with other businesses statewide, were allowed to relax some COVID-19 restrictions following a state rule change that began Sunday.

With continued restrictions and less students on campus due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, bars and restaurants in Oakland have had to adapt in a number of new ways.

Many bars do not see how they can profit under the ever-changing county and state orders. Popular Oakland spots such as Garage Door Saloon and Hemingway’s Cafe are currently closed. Mario’s Oakland Saloon joins Gene’s Place and Thirsty Scholar in offering takeout drinks, and Bootleggers currently offers outdoor seating options.

Move over, Villanova — there’s a new bracket winner in town. Gene’s Place, located on Louisa Street in Oakland, won the Barstool Pitt #PittMadness bracket challenge April 11, beating out student...