Guidebook for Oakland
Drinks & Nightlife
Ruby Room
132 14th StDark little dive with cool bartenders and relaxed vibe.
Disco Volante
347 14th StGreat live music and DJs, good food - fun spot.
Fun, casual bar with great DJs (especially on Thurs), cheap drinks and usually no cover.
33 locals recommend
The Layover
1517 Franklin StFun, casual bar with great DJs (especially on Thurs), cheap drinks and usually no cover.
I've only been here for Ships in the Night (queer ladies dance night every 1st Saturday), but it's a great space - 2 rooms of DJs plus a big outdoor area. Usually $5 cover.
Oasis Restaurant & Bar
135 12th StreetI've only been here for Ships in the Night (queer ladies dance night every 1st Saturday), but it's a great space - 2 rooms of DJs plus a big outdoor area. Usually $5 cover.
Radio
435 13th StGreat drinks, cute bartenders, good DJs, no cover.
Club BNB
2120 BroadwayFun queer dance club
The Uptown Nightclub!
1928 Telegraph AveCool bar, fun DJ/dance nights.
Paradisco Lounge
Cool, chill club/bar.
Cute, chill wine bar with friendly owners, yummy nibbles and an awesome wine list! A few blocks from 19th St BART.
The Punchdown Natural Wine Bar
Cute, chill wine bar with friendly owners, yummy nibbles and an awesome wine list! A few blocks from 19th St BART.
Cute, unpretentious bar (at least during the week) with bocce ball, great cocktails and outdoor seating.
1741 Telegraph Ave
1741 Telegraph AvenueCute, unpretentious bar (at least during the week) with bocce ball, great cocktails and outdoor seating.
Cafe Van Kleef
1621 Telegraph AveCute and popular bar.
Era Art Bar & Lounge
19 Grand AveBeautiful bar and lounge space.
Essentials
Nature's Best Foods
1431 Jackson StGreat little family-run organic grocery.
Trader Joe's
3250 Lakeshore AveThe closest TJs.
Whole Foods Market
230 Bay PlThe closest Whole Foods.
Food Scene
Great little cafe with friendly staff, wifi and lots of yummy breakfast and lunch wraps, salads, sandwiches, etc.
Brown Couch Cafe
Great little cafe with friendly staff, wifi and lots of yummy breakfast and lunch wraps, salads, sandwiches, etc.
Fresh & Best II
1428 Alice StCute and comfy little Vietnamese lunch spot with coffee, tea, wifi, etc.
Golden Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant
1301 Franklin StYummy, super affordable, vegan Chinese!
The keyword is "spices" - lotsa spicy (and non) options on their extensive (and super cheap) menu. Recommended.
17 locals recommend
Spices 3 Restaurants
370-372 12th StThe keyword is "spices" - lotsa spicy (and non) options on their extensive (and super cheap) menu. Recommended.
Spice Monkey Restaurant & Bar
1628 Webster StAsian-y, Spanish-y, fusion-y goodness.
Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe
1805 Telegraph AvenueHipster but yummy diner.
Lovely spot with great lake views on the patio and good happy hour specials. But CAVEAT: If you're looking for good food at reasonable prices. this is not the place to find either!!
136 locals recommend
Lake Chalet
1520 Lakeside DrLovely spot with great lake views on the patio and good happy hour specials. But CAVEAT: If you're looking for good food at reasonable prices. this is not the place to find either!!
Luka's Taproom & Lounge
2221 BroadwayBusy restaurant with delicious food and killer cocktails.
Adorable little cafe that features dishes made with sustainable, locally grown ingredients.
22 locals recommend
Caffe 817
817 Washington StAdorable little cafe that features dishes made with sustainable, locally grown ingredients.
14th Avenue
14th AvenueJust opened, so I haven't eaten here yet, but it always smells amazing.
modern coffee
411 13th StCute little coffee shop with friendly staff.
Great cafe/coffee shop for lunch, studying, or watching live music in the evenings.
55 locals recommend
Farley's East
33 Grand AveGreat cafe/coffee shop for lunch, studying, or watching live music in the evenings.
Everything Else
24 Hour Fitness
2050 Webster StGym
US Post Office
1954 Mountain BlvdSuper close.
Oakland Public Library
5205 Telegraph AveAlso super close.
The closest pharmacy, plus there's also a Walgreens catty corner across Broadway.
9 locals recommend
Rite Aid
1400 BroadwayThe closest pharmacy, plus there's also a Walgreens catty corner across Broadway.
Great local winery. Free tastings in their tasting room on weekends.
12 locals recommend
Urban Legend Cellars
1951 Monarch StGreat local winery. Free tastings in their tasting room on weekends.
Sightseeing
Beautiful! Take a stroll around it on a beautiful day. But maybe not if you hate geese.
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardBeautiful! Take a stroll around it on a beautiful day. But maybe not if you hate geese.
Splash Pad Park
746 Grand AveBig farmers' market on Saturdays, 9am-2pm.
Big square with a movie theater, tons of restaurants and bars, and a big weekend farmers' market.
213 locals recommend
Jack London Square
472 Water StBig square with a movie theater, tons of restaurants and bars, and a big weekend farmers' market.
Arts & Culture
Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph AveBeautiful concert hall.
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand AveMovie theater.