Brigid's Guidebook
Food scene
Everything. And I mean everything. Is SO GOOD here. Particularly fun for the palate seeking new flavors- all of their soups and seafood dishes are fantastic!
51 locals recommend
Phnom Penh
3912 MacArthur BoulevardEverything. And I mean everything. Is SO GOOD here. Particularly fun for the palate seeking new flavors- all of their soups and seafood dishes are fantastic!
Cronuts, mini cronuts(!) delicious items made from scratch! Impeccable service. There is often a line on the weekend but it moves fast!
14 locals recommend
Donut Savant
3000 38th AvenueCronuts, mini cronuts(!) delicious items made from scratch! Impeccable service. There is often a line on the weekend but it moves fast!
For extra spicy opt for “Laotian hot”! This has been a favorite to-go spot for us since we moved to Oakland!
19 locals recommend
Vientian Cafe
3801 Allendale AveFor extra spicy opt for “Laotian hot”! This has been a favorite to-go spot for us since we moved to Oakland!
Offering easy-to-heat meals made from scratch, this place is perfect to pick up a nice heathy dinner or lunch. To offset the healthfulness of many items, try their deviled eggs! They offer high quality wines at budget friendly prices (for the Bay Area that is). Around $22 for a proper Rosé or $18 for a red Rhône blend. You won’t be disappointed by their options!
35 locals recommend
Communitē Table
4171 MacArthur BlvdOffering easy-to-heat meals made from scratch, this place is perfect to pick up a nice heathy dinner or lunch. To offset the healthfulness of many items, try their deviled eggs! They offer high quality wines at budget friendly prices (for the Bay Area that is). Around $22 for a proper Rosé or $18 for a red Rhône blend. You won’t be disappointed by their options!
Solid BBQ right off of the High Street 580 exit! Get the spicy BBQ chicken dinner!
21 locals recommend
Everett & Jones BBQ
4245 MacArthur BlvdSolid BBQ right off of the High Street 580 exit! Get the spicy BBQ chicken dinner!
This place is beloved in the Laurel District for a reason! Home made breads, amazing seasonal hashes, the top quality coffee and juices we hope for but rarely find. Cute little spot that has a serious line most days so plan accordingly
101 locals recommend
Sequoia Diner
3719 MacArthur BlvdThis place is beloved in the Laurel District for a reason! Home made breads, amazing seasonal hashes, the top quality coffee and juices we hope for but rarely find. Cute little spot that has a serious line most days so plan accordingly
This amazing new spot in the Laurel, just two doors down from Sequoia, boosts an esteemed Chef with an incredible colorful and authentic expression of Thai cuisine. A little pricey but well worth the indulgence. Try their famous Phuket Fizz, a purple cocktail uniquely balanced with Mezcal, coconut, and the mysterious sweet pea tea that turns everything it touches purple.
11 locals recommend
Jo's Modern Thai
3725 MacArthur BoulevardThis amazing new spot in the Laurel, just two doors down from Sequoia, boosts an esteemed Chef with an incredible colorful and authentic expression of Thai cuisine. A little pricey but well worth the indulgence. Try their famous Phuket Fizz, a purple cocktail uniquely balanced with Mezcal, coconut, and the mysterious sweet pea tea that turns everything it touches purple.
Sightseeing
We love the water, being near the water, and the juxtaposition of industrial meeting old school Oakland!
29 locals recommend
Jack London District
We love the water, being near the water, and the juxtaposition of industrial meeting old school Oakland!
A beautiful place to spend a morning walk or sunset! Local food trucks often available and plenty of to go options nearby!
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardA beautiful place to spend a morning walk or sunset! Local food trucks often available and plenty of to go options nearby!
Beautiful trails galore and plenty of open space, unique buildings and surprising structures. Stunning views of the Bay Area!
214 locals recommend
Joaquin Miller Park
3300 Joaquin Miller RdBeautiful trails galore and plenty of open space, unique buildings and surprising structures. Stunning views of the Bay Area!
While generally a cooler temperature beach, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Alameda shoreline, just 15 minutes or so from our Fairfax neighborhood!
38 locals recommend
Alameda Beach
2351 Shore Line DrWhile generally a cooler temperature beach, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Alameda shoreline, just 15 minutes or so from our Fairfax neighborhood!
City advice
Customs and culture
Tailgating and Aggressive Drivers
Unfortunately one thing Oakland is known for is some aggressive drivers on the road. Sometimes it’s best to pull over or avoid cars driving fast- especially High Street or any high traffic road you come across!
Getting around
Parking & Auto theft
Please keep in mind that there is a lot of auto theft and damage seen everywhere in Oakland. It’s a major issue so be extra careful -don’t leave valuables in your car at all, ever! Try not to even leave spare bags on the seat or in plain sight. International and High street have the bulk of incidents near our neighborhood.