Guidebook for Oakland
Drinks & Nightlife
Baggy's By the Lake
288 E 18th StGreat neighborhood dive bar within walking distance
Love this spot...beer garden/outdoor area and pool, pinball and great gritty folks to hang with.
52 locals recommend
Heart & Dagger Saloon
504 Lake Park AveLove this spot...beer garden/outdoor area and pool, pinball and great gritty folks to hang with.
This is a lively bar and cafe -on sunday it turns into a lively and popular salsa club from about 4pm until 8pm.
54 locals recommend
CAÑA Cuban Parlor & Cafe
530 Lake Park AveThis is a lively bar and cafe -on sunday it turns into a lively and popular salsa club from about 4pm until 8pm.
An Oakland landmark, this funny bar has a professional piano player named Ron Dibble leading karaoke 5-6 nights a week. You have to see this place if you are in the area!
60 locals recommend
The Alley | Piano Bar & Restaurant
3325 Grand AveAn Oakland landmark, this funny bar has a professional piano player named Ron Dibble leading karaoke 5-6 nights a week. You have to see this place if you are in the area!
Food Scene
Serves great beers, including local brewers, and has delicious pub grub (gastro-yummy). Also has a backyard outdoor area with heaters and a view of the lake.
105 locals recommend
Portal Oakland
1611 2nd AveServes great beers, including local brewers, and has delicious pub grub (gastro-yummy). Also has a backyard outdoor area with heaters and a view of the lake.
Rooz Cafe
1918 Park BlvdNice neighborhood cafe with local artwork and a beer selection.
Merritt Bakery
3355 E 18th Stget the chicken and waffles!
Food is ok, but the dock seating is a great place to grab a cocktail and look at beautiful Lake Merritt and Oakland Hills.
136 locals recommend
Lake Chalet
1520 Lakeside DrFood is ok, but the dock seating is a great place to grab a cocktail and look at beautiful Lake Merritt and Oakland Hills.
Worker-owned bakery and cafe, this place has lots of vegan and gluten-free options too.
198 locals recommend
Arizmendi Bakery
3265 Lakeshore AveWorker-owned bakery and cafe, this place has lots of vegan and gluten-free options too.
Shopping
Out of the Closet - Oakland
238 E 18th StGreat cause, great thrift store
Sightseeing
Parks and Rec program where you can rent various types of boats. The lake isn't very deep and hosts an array of birds, both seasonal and native.
26 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Boating Center
568 Bellevue AveParks and Rec program where you can rent various types of boats. The lake isn't very deep and hosts an array of birds, both seasonal and native.
Entertainment & Activities
HIlarious story-telling comes to life! There's even a train!
140 locals recommend
Children's Fairyland
699 Bellevue AveHIlarious story-telling comes to life! There's even a train!
Everything Else
I love going into this meta-physical shop and soaking up the spirituality. Go on a saturday and chat with Rha!
6 locals recommend
The Raven's Wing Magical Co.
536 Grand AveI love going into this meta-physical shop and soaking up the spirituality. Go on a saturday and chat with Rha!
Oakland Public Library: Lakeview Branch
550 El EmbarcaderoBeautiful library, small and nearby.
Oakland Public Library
5205 Telegraph AveBig local central library
Chinatown
you can get anything you need here, from dim sum to flip flops!
Jack London Square
472 Water Stgreat tourist spot and great for locals too.
Jack London Square station
245 2nd Stclosest train station
Bay Area Bikes
2400 Broadwaya reasonably priced bike rental spot
Bikes 4 Life Bicycle Shop
1600 7th Stanother bike rental