Guidebook for Oakland
Food Scene
Great coffee, good place to cozy up inside on a weeknight or sit outside in the sun on a Saturday
55 locals recommend
Farley's East
33 Grand AveGreat coffee, good place to cozy up inside on a weeknight or sit outside in the sun on a Saturday
This one's a 10-minute drive, but the coffee is top-notch and they have an outdoor patio. A good place if you need to get in wifi and work.
105 locals recommend
Highwire Coffee Roasters
2049 San Pablo AveThis one's a 10-minute drive, but the coffee is top-notch and they have an outdoor patio. A good place if you need to get in wifi and work.
Artís Coffee
1717 Fourth StAbsolutely excellent coffee
Kiraku
2566B Telegraph AveCozy space with excellent sake and Japanese tapas.
Good coffee (wine and beer as well); nice space to get some laptop work in (and open until 10pm).
15 locals recommend
BAR 41 OAKLAND
308 41st StGood coffee (wine and beer as well); nice space to get some laptop work in (and open until 10pm).
Excellent coffee from Four Barrel and Sightglass; nice place to sit in the sun with a friend.
40 locals recommend
Subrosa Coffee
419 40th StExcellent coffee from Four Barrel and Sightglass; nice place to sit in the sun with a friend.
Duende
468 19th StTapas
Xolo
1916 Telegraph AveMy roommate's favorite taco shop.
Well known for their sandwiches in San Francisco as well as Oakland.
44 locals recommend
Ike's Sandwiches
2204 BroadwayWell known for their sandwiches in San Francisco as well as Oakland.
A nice space connected to the associated bar. They've done a rebranding recently, and I haven't been since, but had a very nice dinner here prior.
36 locals recommend
Plum Cocktail Bar
2216 BroadwayA nice space connected to the associated bar. They've done a rebranding recently, and I haven't been since, but had a very nice dinner here prior.
Drinks & Nightlife
My favorite neighborhood bar. Awesome cocktails - try the Ember, or the barrel-aged Manhattan or anything on the menu with Mezcal. Great ambiance, weeknight evenings and weekends alike.
36 locals recommend
Plum Cocktail Bar
2216 BroadwayMy favorite neighborhood bar. Awesome cocktails - try the Ember, or the barrel-aged Manhattan or anything on the menu with Mezcal. Great ambiance, weeknight evenings and weekends alike.
A low-key venue that often hosts local DJs. Check the event page to see what music might be on for the weekend.
26 locals recommend
Somar Bar and Lounge
1727 Telegraph AveA low-key venue that often hosts local DJs. Check the event page to see what music might be on for the weekend.
Era Art Bar & Lounge
19 Grand AveGood cocktails, good music some nights
Fauna
1900 Telegraph AveA nice space with a fair selection of cocktails.
Mockingbird
416 13th StA cozy New American restaurant.
A new bar and beer store with an extensive selection of craft brews.
16 locals recommend
The Good Hop Bar & Bottle Shop
2421 Telegraph AveA new bar and beer store with an extensive selection of craft brews.
A little more divey than some of the cocktail places recommended, but just a few steps away; two small dance floors with decent local DJs on certain nights.
14 locals recommend
The Legionnaire Saloon
2272 Telegraph AveA little more divey than some of the cocktail places recommended, but just a few steps away; two small dance floors with decent local DJs on certain nights.
This pub has been endorsed by my English manager. I've never been but heard lots of good things.
27 locals recommend
CommonWealth
2882 Telegraph AveThis pub has been endorsed by my English manager. I've never been but heard lots of good things.
Sightseeing
The gem of Oakland. Go for a run around the lake mid-day (about 3 miles), or go for a stroll with a friend on the weekend.
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardThe gem of Oakland. Go for a run around the lake mid-day (about 3 miles), or go for a stroll with a friend on the weekend.
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
230 Bay PlAll your organic goodies, a few blocks away.
A local favorite and alternative to Whole Foods if you've a car and are seeking organic.
371 locals recommend
Berkeley Bowl West
920 Heinz AveA local favorite and alternative to Whole Foods if you've a car and are seeking organic.
Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveExcellent farmer's market on Saturdays until 2pm.
The closest supermarket with a large selection of Asian grocery items.
18 locals recommend
KP Asian Market
2370 Telegraph AveThe closest supermarket with a large selection of Asian grocery items.
This liquor store has a large selection and is open late, in case you're looking for something nicer than what might be on stock at a corner store.
6 locals recommend
Broadway Liquors
2860 BroadwayThis liquor store has a large selection and is open late, in case you're looking for something nicer than what might be on stock at a corner store.
This corner store has a large selection of items not typically found at a corner store, including Califia almond milk, etc. The owners are great. They even started stocking Kevita upon my request.
Telegraph Quality Market
2429 Telegraph AveThis corner store has a large selection of items not typically found at a corner store, including Califia almond milk, etc. The owners are great. They even started stocking Kevita upon my request.
Arts & Culture
The New Parish
1743 San Pablo AveAnother great local venue. Check the event page for listings.
Local movie theater with an engaging independent selection. The seating area is made up entirely of comfy armchairs and couches.
156 locals recommend
The New Parkway Theater
474 24th StLocal movie theater with an engaging independent selection. The seating area is made up entirely of comfy armchairs and couches.
Everything Else
A nice gym with great staff and a great vibe. If you haven't been before, you can request a free 3-day pass.
15 locals recommend
FITNESS SF - Oakland
600 Grand AveA nice gym with great staff and a great vibe. If you haven't been before, you can request a free 3-day pass.
Cleveland Cascade
Lakeshore AvenueA great place for a stair workout.