Guidebook for Oakland

Sachi
Guidebook for Oakland

Food Scene

Known for its wood-fire pizzas and dinner menu, this local favorite is also open for less known "cafe hours" from 7am-1pm. I recommend the savory porridge and "the works". Beautiful baked goodies as well.
194 locals recommend
Sister
3308 Grand Ave
194 locals recommend
Known for its wood-fire pizzas and dinner menu, this local favorite is also open for less known "cafe hours" from 7am-1pm. I recommend the savory porridge and "the works". Beautiful baked goodies as well.
Cool outdoor space that's kid & dog friendly and decorated with string lights, heat lamps and a few fire pits, Drake's is the perfect place for a date-night, casual beer or end of the workweek hang-out. With a menu of excellent beers and everything from pizzas to ribs, it's a great place to kick back and relax.
165 locals recommend
Drake's Dealership
2325 Broadway
165 locals recommend
Cool outdoor space that's kid & dog friendly and decorated with string lights, heat lamps and a few fire pits, Drake's is the perfect place for a date-night, casual beer or end of the workweek hang-out. With a menu of excellent beers and everything from pizzas to ribs, it's a great place to kick back and relax.
Wat Mongkolratanaram, or as people call it "Berkeley Thai Temple," is a local house of worship situated in the more quiet part of South Berkeley. This place is famous for its Sunday lunch, in which buddhists at the temple prepare and serve lunch to residents. It is a really unique eating experience. On Sundays food stalls pop up at the back of the temple and after feasting you can feel good knowing proceeds go to support the temple & community.
45 locals recommend
Wat Mongkolratanaram
1911 Russell St
45 locals recommend
Wat Mongkolratanaram, or as people call it "Berkeley Thai Temple," is a local house of worship situated in the more quiet part of South Berkeley. This place is famous for its Sunday lunch, in which buddhists at the temple prepare and serve lunch to residents. It is a really unique eating experience. On Sundays food stalls pop up at the back of the temple and after feasting you can feel good knowing proceeds go to support the temple & community.

Entertainment & Activities

One of favorite things to do in Oakland is to walk around beautiful Lake Merritt which is a mile from the house (via Marcon Rose Garden — another gem). Once there you can also rent a boat from the Oakland Parks and Rec Boat House (sailing, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats) and then dine al fresco at one of the many lakeside cafes & restaurants.
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt Boulevard
751 locals recommend
One of favorite things to do in Oakland is to walk around beautiful Lake Merritt which is a mile from the house (via Marcon Rose Garden — another gem). Once there you can also rent a boat from the Oakland Parks and Rec Boat House (sailing, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats) and then dine al fresco at one of the many lakeside cafes & restaurants.
This historic theater has been designated as one of the top ten vintage theaters in the nation. It has all the markings of a bygone era where attention to detail was made. It is also one of the most inexpensive place to watch a movie if you come during the day or on Tuesdays.
382 locals recommend
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand Ave
382 locals recommend
This historic theater has been designated as one of the top ten vintage theaters in the nation. It has all the markings of a bygone era where attention to detail was made. It is also one of the most inexpensive place to watch a movie if you come during the day or on Tuesdays.

Drinks & Nightlife

After selecting a near perfect craft cocktail or one of the brews on tap, find a spot under the fairy lights on the back patio and look up at the huge Redwood tree. You'll be glad you came.
34 locals recommend
The Double Standard
2424 Telegraph Ave
34 locals recommend
After selecting a near perfect craft cocktail or one of the brews on tap, find a spot under the fairy lights on the back patio and look up at the huge Redwood tree. You'll be glad you came.
Cato's is a no-nonsense pub style tavern. On weekends and early evenings, you'll find families catching a game, sipping one of the rotating guest beers and dining on the daily special. There is no wait service here, so you order food at the counter, and drinks at the bar. As this was built out of a old home, there are some interesting seats, like alcoves and a converted patio.
48 locals recommend
Cato's Ale House
3891 Piedmont Ave
48 locals recommend
Cato's is a no-nonsense pub style tavern. On weekends and early evenings, you'll find families catching a game, sipping one of the rotating guest beers and dining on the daily special. There is no wait service here, so you order food at the counter, and drinks at the bar. As this was built out of a old home, there are some interesting seats, like alcoves and a converted patio.

Shopping

A row of former horse stables just off Oakland’s 49th street, this alley has become a home for Bay Area 
artisans and designers. Don't miss Crimson Horticultural Rarities, Homestead Apothecary, and Curbside Creamery for a sweet treat.
17 locals recommend
Alley 49
Alley 49
17 locals recommend
A row of former horse stables just off Oakland’s 49th street, this alley has become a home for Bay Area 
artisans and designers. Don't miss Crimson Horticultural Rarities, Homestead Apothecary, and Curbside Creamery for a sweet treat.

Getting Around

164 locals recommend
MacArthur Station
555 40th St
164 locals recommend
16 locals recommend
19th Street Station
339 19th St
16 locals recommend

Essentials

83 locals recommend
CVS
2655 Telegraph Ave
83 locals recommend
66 locals recommend
Piedmont Grocery Co
4038 Piedmont Ave
66 locals recommend
The UPS Store
360 Grand Ave

Parks & Nature

Established over 125 years ago, this botanical garden is as special as it is historic. Spanning 34 ares, there are unique plants from across the globe. Within the span of an hour or two, you can explore a Chinese medicinal herb garden, a garden of old roses, redwood grove and a carnivorous plant greenhouse. There are stunning views of the bay, too.
77 locals recommend
The University of California Botanical Garden
200 Centennial Dr
77 locals recommend
Established over 125 years ago, this botanical garden is as special as it is historic. Spanning 34 ares, there are unique plants from across the globe. Within the span of an hour or two, you can explore a Chinese medicinal herb garden, a garden of old roses, redwood grove and a carnivorous plant greenhouse. There are stunning views of the bay, too.