Guidebook for Oakland
Food: Eating and drinking
The bar is front and center in this neighborhood restaurant. Grab a seat, order a burger, and get to know the locals. Always lively and fun. Great food and drinks. (Order a Caged Heat cocktail and tell them that Linda and Gordon sent you.)
58 locals recommend
Sidebar
542 Grand AveThe bar is front and center in this neighborhood restaurant. Grab a seat, order a burger, and get to know the locals. Always lively and fun. Great food and drinks. (Order a Caged Heat cocktail and tell them that Linda and Gordon sent you.)
THE breakfast/brunch spot everyone's talking about. You can expect a line out the door, especially on the weekend. The secret is to go for dinner -- they have a seasonal dinner menu that's amazing -- and usually no wait! And they have a full bar too -- try the boozy slushy!
117 locals recommend
Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt
576 Grand AveTHE breakfast/brunch spot everyone's talking about. You can expect a line out the door, especially on the weekend. The secret is to go for dinner -- they have a seasonal dinner menu that's amazing -- and usually no wait! And they have a full bar too -- try the boozy slushy!
Don't tell the owner, John, but I had no idea that this retro spice shop would even last a year. Boy, was I wrong! It's been a blow-out success. I'm an avid cook, and they always have what I need on hand--and they ship nationwide. Their gift boxes make great souvenirs and presents.
34 locals recommend
Oaktown Spice Shop
546 Grand AveDon't tell the owner, John, but I had no idea that this retro spice shop would even last a year. Boy, was I wrong! It's been a blow-out success. I'm an avid cook, and they always have what I need on hand--and they ship nationwide. Their gift boxes make great souvenirs and presents.
This literally is a "mom and pop" wine shop. Josiah and Stevie recently celebrated the birth of baby Foxen. They know their wines, so you can be confident in their recommendations. Plus, it's a community gathering spot. You can purchase bottles to take to go or open any bottle in the shop, learn a bit about it, and enjoy it with friends or neighbors for just $5 corkage on top of the retail price. They offer a small selection of wine-friendly snacks that can be enjoyed picnic-style at the communal table.
24 locals recommend
Bay Grape
376 Grand AveThis literally is a "mom and pop" wine shop. Josiah and Stevie recently celebrated the birth of baby Foxen. They know their wines, so you can be confident in their recommendations. Plus, it's a community gathering spot. You can purchase bottles to take to go or open any bottle in the shop, learn a bit about it, and enjoy it with friends or neighbors for just $5 corkage on top of the retail price. They offer a small selection of wine-friendly snacks that can be enjoyed picnic-style at the communal table.
If you're here on Saturday, you're in for a treat! The East Bay's largest farmers market is just a few blocks away on Saturday mornings. There are tons of local fruit and vegetables, but even if you don't feel like cooking, it's worth checking out. Also many food vendors, so stay for lunch or breakfast!
197 locals recommend
Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveIf you're here on Saturday, you're in for a treat! The East Bay's largest farmers market is just a few blocks away on Saturday mornings. There are tons of local fruit and vegetables, but even if you don't feel like cooking, it's worth checking out. Also many food vendors, so stay for lunch or breakfast!
This is Adam's Point neighborhood bar with affordable cocktails, wine, and beer in the afternoon/evenings, and coffee drinks and pastries in the mornings. Watch local sports indoors and people watch in the parklet.
56 locals recommend
Room 389
389 Grand AveThis is Adam's Point neighborhood bar with affordable cocktails, wine, and beer in the afternoon/evenings, and coffee drinks and pastries in the mornings. Watch local sports indoors and people watch in the parklet.
Shopping
You probably don't need an introduction to Whole Foods. I'm listing it here because it's sooooo convenient to your apartment. If you only need a few things, grab a shopping bag or cart in the kitchen closet and walk to WF, which is often easier and quicker than parking.
553 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
230 Bay PlYou probably don't need an introduction to Whole Foods. I'm listing it here because it's sooooo convenient to your apartment. If you only need a few things, grab a shopping bag or cart in the kitchen closet and walk to WF, which is often easier and quicker than parking.
Trader Joes is the antithesis of Whole Foods. Between the two, your shopping needs should be fulfilled. Parking here is a big challenge, so grab the shopping bag or cart from the kitchen closet and take a stroll.
582 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
3250 Lakeshore AveTrader Joes is the antithesis of Whole Foods. Between the two, your shopping needs should be fulfilled. Parking here is a big challenge, so grab the shopping bag or cart from the kitchen closet and take a stroll.
Entertainment & Activities
This iconic theater has been designated as one of the top ten vintage theaters in the nation. Winner of the East Bay Express Reader Poll as the “Best Movie Theater” almost every year, it offers the Bay Area's best movie-going experience at a reasonable price. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is played before Friday and Saturday evening shows in the Main Auditorium. What a retro treat!
382 locals recommend
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand AveThis iconic theater has been designated as one of the top ten vintage theaters in the nation. Winner of the East Bay Express Reader Poll as the “Best Movie Theater” almost every year, it offers the Bay Area's best movie-going experience at a reasonable price. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is played before Friday and Saturday evening shows in the Main Auditorium. What a retro treat!
Parks & Nature
Lake Merritt is called the jewel of Oakland for a reason. Over the past several years the city has invested in adding a pedestrian bridge, landscaping, and upgrading the walking/running trails which circle the lake. Take a picnic. Go for a walk. Check out the botanical gardens. Stop for a drink at the Lake Chalet.
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardLake Merritt is called the jewel of Oakland for a reason. Over the past several years the city has invested in adding a pedestrian bridge, landscaping, and upgrading the walking/running trails which circle the lake. Take a picnic. Go for a walk. Check out the botanical gardens. Stop for a drink at the Lake Chalet.
The Gardens at Lake Merritt, a seven-acre collection of themed gardens, is located in the heart of Oakland at Lakeside Park, our nation’s first wildlife refuge.
16 locals recommend
The Gardens at Lake Merritt
666 Bellevue AveThe Gardens at Lake Merritt, a seven-acre collection of themed gardens, is located in the heart of Oakland at Lakeside Park, our nation’s first wildlife refuge.
Arts & Culture
It's an easy walk around the lake to visit the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). It's is one of the top-rated Bay Area museums to explore California art, history, and natural sciences.
547 locals recommend
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StIt's an easy walk around the lake to visit the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). It's is one of the top-rated Bay Area museums to explore California art, history, and natural sciences.