Guidebook for Oakland
Arts & Culture
The Grand Lake Theatre is a grand dame among theatres! A short walk away, you can enjoy some of the latest movies while not having to drive at all. Nice for a day off from sight-seeing.
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Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand AveThe Grand Lake Theatre is a grand dame among theatres! A short walk away, you can enjoy some of the latest movies while not having to drive at all. Nice for a day off from sight-seeing.
The Oakland Museum is a great asset to our city! Every Friday eves they have local food trucks and music which isn't to be missed! You can easily get there by bus or walk around the Lake.
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Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StThe Oakland Museum is a great asset to our city! Every Friday eves they have local food trucks and music which isn't to be missed! You can easily get there by bus or walk around the Lake.
Food Scene
Arriving late? Pizza is always an option! LaneSplitter makes some of the best. You can walk to their location or have it delivered.
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Lanesplitter Pub & Pizza
536 Lake Park AveArriving late? Pizza is always an option! LaneSplitter makes some of the best. You can walk to their location or have it delivered.
Great meals and variety of options. Staff is friendly. This has been a local fav for many years! Price is right and certainly will get a hardy meal to last for most of the day!
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The Coffee Mill
3363 Grand AveGreat meals and variety of options. Staff is friendly. This has been a local fav for many years! Price is right and certainly will get a hardy meal to last for most of the day!
If you are a Peets fan, there is one just a short walk away. In the heart of the Lakeshore shopping district, you can pick up some baked goods, gifts, clothing, or prescriptions nearyby.
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Peet's Coffee
2124 Vine StIf you are a Peets fan, there is one just a short walk away. In the heart of the Lakeshore shopping district, you can pick up some baked goods, gifts, clothing, or prescriptions nearyby.
If Starbucks is a must for you, there is one just a short walk away! In the heart of the Lakeshore shopping district, it is also near a Noah's Bagels.
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Starbucks
3347 Lakeshore AveIf Starbucks is a must for you, there is one just a short walk away! In the heart of the Lakeshore shopping district, it is also near a Noah's Bagels.
Yum is all I have to say! Great co-op bakery owned by employees. They also sell pizza by the slice and half-baked that you can take home.
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Arizmendi Bakery
3265 Lakeshore AveYum is all I have to say! Great co-op bakery owned by employees. They also sell pizza by the slice and half-baked that you can take home.
If Jamaican cuisine is what you crave, then head out to Kingston 11! Some of the best Jamaican food in the area along with great atmosphere and often live music! You will have a full belly and maybe relive some memories of Jamaica at this delicious restaurant.
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Kingston 11 Cuisine
2300 Telegraph AveIf Jamaican cuisine is what you crave, then head out to Kingston 11! Some of the best Jamaican food in the area along with great atmosphere and often live music! You will have a full belly and maybe relive some memories of Jamaica at this delicious restaurant.
Extremely popular restaurant for breakfast, lunch and more, be sure to schedule a little wait time. The food is lovingly prepared and worth the wait. Just a couple blocks from your home away from home.
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Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt
576 Grand AveExtremely popular restaurant for breakfast, lunch and more, be sure to schedule a little wait time. The food is lovingly prepared and worth the wait. Just a couple blocks from your home away from home.
One of my favorite sandwich shops in the area, you get a lot for your money. Not only food but flavor! Right next to the Grand Lake theatre, this is a place I frequent before or after a movie. A small area for eating, you can grab and go as well.
Modigliani Cafe
3208-3210 Grand AveOne of my favorite sandwich shops in the area, you get a lot for your money. Not only food but flavor! Right next to the Grand Lake theatre, this is a place I frequent before or after a movie. A small area for eating, you can grab and go as well.
A popular sandwich spot near Broadway, this is a good but doable walk when you are feeling adventurous. I have had many sandwiches and they all are good. There isn't much indoor space for eating, but tables outside or grab and go.
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Ike's Sandwiches
2204 BroadwayA popular sandwich spot near Broadway, this is a good but doable walk when you are feeling adventurous. I have had many sandwiches and they all are good. There isn't much indoor space for eating, but tables outside or grab and go.
Perch is a lively coffee shop with great breakfast and sandwich options. It's a good place to get out and be around people to work, meet, or just enjoy a cup of coffee. They have indoor and outdoor seating and pretty decent wifi.
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Perch Coffee House
440 Grand AvePerch is a lively coffee shop with great breakfast and sandwich options. It's a good place to get out and be around people to work, meet, or just enjoy a cup of coffee. They have indoor and outdoor seating and pretty decent wifi.
We are so lucky to have this popular Ethiopian restaurant just blocks from home. Enssaro offers some of the best Ethiopian food in Oakland. If you haven't tried it, it is a must. Do be prepared for a wait, depending on when you go.
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Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant
357-A Grand AveWe are so lucky to have this popular Ethiopian restaurant just blocks from home. Enssaro offers some of the best Ethiopian food in Oakland. If you haven't tried it, it is a must. Do be prepared for a wait, depending on when you go.
A short drive or Lyft/Uber ride away (about 5-8 minutes), Copper Spoon is a stylish restaurant with a spectacular bar and magnificent dishes for a lovely brunch or night out. If you are just wanting to spend some down time locally but enjoy a few good drinks and/or a meal, while getting out to another part of what Oakland, you definitely want to check this place out. One of my favorites.
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Copper Spoon Cocktails & Kitchen
4031 BroadwayA short drive or Lyft/Uber ride away (about 5-8 minutes), Copper Spoon is a stylish restaurant with a spectacular bar and magnificent dishes for a lovely brunch or night out. If you are just wanting to spend some down time locally but enjoy a few good drinks and/or a meal, while getting out to another part of what Oakland, you definitely want to check this place out. One of my favorites.
Lake Chalet is located on the shores of Lake Merritt. It is a favorite of mine primarily for Happy Hours. On a warm day, it is fantastic to get seated on their pier with a nice glass of wine or a cold beer, and have lunch or enjoy Happy Hour. On a cool or rainy day, getting seated in their upstairs area, near the fireplace if you can, is also a treat. Sometimes it's a nice reward, when rounding a walk about the Lake!
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Lake Chalet
1520 Lakeside DrLake Chalet is located on the shores of Lake Merritt. It is a favorite of mine primarily for Happy Hours. On a warm day, it is fantastic to get seated on their pier with a nice glass of wine or a cold beer, and have lunch or enjoy Happy Hour. On a cool or rainy day, getting seated in their upstairs area, near the fireplace if you can, is also a treat. Sometimes it's a nice reward, when rounding a walk about the Lake!
This European style bakery has some of the most delicious breakfast and dessert treats! Whether something for yourself or to pick up for an event, you can't go wrong with any selection here! They also have sandwiches, quiche and more. Definitely treat yourself for breakfast here. Another favorite or mine!
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Fog City Bakehouse
3249 Grand AveThis European style bakery has some of the most delicious breakfast and dessert treats! Whether something for yourself or to pick up for an event, you can't go wrong with any selection here! They also have sandwiches, quiche and more. Definitely treat yourself for breakfast here. Another favorite or mine!
Looking for a delicious treat? You may want to go by Pietisserie! This bakery sells favorites and fusions that are sure to make your palate sing! Whether a slice or a whole pie, I've not had anything from Pietisserie that I didn't enjoy. Be careful or you may go home with more than just a few souvenirs!
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PieTisserie
1225 Fourth StreetLooking for a delicious treat? You may want to go by Pietisserie! This bakery sells favorites and fusions that are sure to make your palate sing! Whether a slice or a whole pie, I've not had anything from Pietisserie that I didn't enjoy. Be careful or you may go home with more than just a few souvenirs!
If you have a taste for cajun seafood, then you can't lose at Rockin Crawfish! The menu offers a variety of options, from jambalaya and shrimp to crawdads, clams and oysters, to gumbo, buffalo wings, chili cheese fries and more. Satisfy that hankering for New Orleans fair right here in Oakland near the Lake!
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Rockin Crawfish
211 Foothill BlvdIf you have a taste for cajun seafood, then you can't lose at Rockin Crawfish! The menu offers a variety of options, from jambalaya and shrimp to crawdads, clams and oysters, to gumbo, buffalo wings, chili cheese fries and more. Satisfy that hankering for New Orleans fair right here in Oakland near the Lake!
Essentials
Trader Joe's is also a short walk way. Here you can buy everything from fresh fruits, meets and veggies, to wine and cheese. In the heart of the Lakeshore shopping district, there is shopping here too
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Trader Joe's
3250 Lakeshore AveTrader Joe's is also a short walk way. Here you can buy everything from fresh fruits, meets and veggies, to wine and cheese. In the heart of the Lakeshore shopping district, there is shopping here too
Safeway is straight down Grand. If you are a walker, its a longer walk. A bike or car might be preferred, but guests have done it. You can get all you need here at reasonable prices.
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Safeway
3747 Grand AveSafeway is straight down Grand. If you are a walker, its a longer walk. A bike or car might be preferred, but guests have done it. You can get all you need here at reasonable prices.
Whole Foods offers more upscale and great quality shopping experience. They also offer a variety of delicious hot foods, from BBQ to sushi. They have free wifi, coffee shop, & indoor/outdoor seating.
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Whole Foods Market
230 Bay PlWhole Foods offers more upscale and great quality shopping experience. They also offer a variety of delicious hot foods, from BBQ to sushi. They have free wifi, coffee shop, & indoor/outdoor seating.
Shopping
In case you require prescriptions to be filled, medical or beauty supplies, there is a Walgreens next to the Trader Joe's. Again, all within walking distance so a car is not required.
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Walgreens
2801 Adeline StIn case you require prescriptions to be filled, medical or beauty supplies, there is a Walgreens next to the Trader Joe's. Again, all within walking distance so a car is not required.
If you are in need of jeans, clothing, a jacket, etc., The Gap is in the heart of the Lakeshore district and a short walk away. Great option if you don't feel like going into SF.
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Gap
3277 Lakeshore AveIf you are in need of jeans, clothing, a jacket, etc., The Gap is in the heart of the Lakeshore district and a short walk away. Great option if you don't feel like going into SF.
Everything Else
Rated as one of the best Farmers Markets in the US, and certainly locally, it is held every Saturday morn from 8ish to 2pm, but don't wait that long! The best will be gone! Also local handcrafts.
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Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveRated as one of the best Farmers Markets in the US, and certainly locally, it is held every Saturday morn from 8ish to 2pm, but don't wait that long! The best will be gone! Also local handcrafts.
If you are a bagel fan or want to grab a quick breakfast, Noah's Bagels are baked fresh & are a short walk away. If driving to a location, be forewarned that Lakeshore is popular so allow time to park
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Noah's Bagels
3351 Lakeshore AveIf you are a bagel fan or want to grab a quick breakfast, Noah's Bagels are baked fresh & are a short walk away. If driving to a location, be forewarned that Lakeshore is popular so allow time to park
There are many gyms and yoga salons in the area. This is just one to get you started. Drop ins are welcome for a fee. Great way to work the kinks out pre or post a long flight!
Monkey Yoga Shala
3215 Lakeshore AveThere are many gyms and yoga salons in the area. This is just one to get you started. Drop ins are welcome for a fee. Great way to work the kinks out pre or post a long flight!
You will notice this place by the great smell! A short walk away, you can purchase spices to cook with or as a gift for family or friends.
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Oaktown Spice Shop
546 Grand AveYou will notice this place by the great smell! A short walk away, you can purchase spices to cook with or as a gift for family or friends.
Drinks & Nightlife
Sidebar has great food! Its a bit more on the pricey side, but if you'd like a good glass of wine or drink with your meal. Or just drinks & appetizers, its in the area, near the Lake. Great option!
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Sidebar
542 Grand AveSidebar has great food! Its a bit more on the pricey side, but if you'd like a good glass of wine or drink with your meal. Or just drinks & appetizers, its in the area, near the Lake. Great option!
One of my favs, they offer non-standard pizza options, along with with various other dishes. Drinks are great. Pricing is on the higher side, but makes for a great night out. Services is awesome too!
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Sister
3308 Grand AveOne of my favs, they offer non-standard pizza options, along with with various other dishes. Drinks are great. Pricing is on the higher side, but makes for a great night out. Services is awesome too!
Just a few blocks from the home is a wonderful wine bar. Great for tastings, meeting friends, or just getting out for a bit. The service and staff are friendly. It's a great way to spend a few hours while discovering some new favorites!
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Bay Grape
376 Grand AveJust a few blocks from the home is a wonderful wine bar. Great for tastings, meeting friends, or just getting out for a bit. The service and staff are friendly. It's a great way to spend a few hours while discovering some new favorites!
This wine bar is closer to the Grand Lake theatre. Another wonderful place for a daytime tasting, or an evening out. Located in the Grand Avenue district, it also offers another area to explore for a few hours that is a short walking distance from the home. Update: Ordinaire was added to Food & Wine Magazine’s list of the very best wine bars in these United States! Stop by and see why!
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Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar
3354 Grand AveThis wine bar is closer to the Grand Lake theatre. Another wonderful place for a daytime tasting, or an evening out. Located in the Grand Avenue district, it also offers another area to explore for a few hours that is a short walking distance from the home. Update: Ordinaire was added to Food & Wine Magazine’s list of the very best wine bars in these United States! Stop by and see why!
The Paramount is one of the oldest theatres in Oakland. A doable walk, but transportation is recommended for evening or night events. A variety of events are hosted here - from live music performances to black and white movies. Beautiful architecture, it is best to check the schedule for events.
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Paramount Theatre
2025 BroadwayThe Paramount is one of the oldest theatres in Oakland. A doable walk, but transportation is recommended for evening or night events. A variety of events are hosted here - from live music performances to black and white movies. Beautiful architecture, it is best to check the schedule for events.
The beautifully restored Fox Theatre is host to a variety of music and other events. The architecture is incredible, and the acoustics quite good. Popular music acts, both local and internationally known perform here. Best to check the schedule for events while you are in town.
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Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph AveThe beautifully restored Fox Theatre is host to a variety of music and other events. The architecture is incredible, and the acoustics quite good. Popular music acts, both local and internationally known perform here. Best to check the schedule for events while you are in town.
389 is a great local bar/pub that is a couple blocks away. If the Warriors or Raiders or any other sport event is playing, 389 is a great spot that is walking distance to enjoy it. They have limited food, but often there is a food truck parked outside.
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389 Grand Ave
389 Grand Avenue389 is a great local bar/pub that is a couple blocks away. If the Warriors or Raiders or any other sport event is playing, 389 is a great spot that is walking distance to enjoy it. They have limited food, but often there is a food truck parked outside.
This is actually a restaurant and Sports Bar. It is quite large. Most likely will be busy during major sports events so you may want to get your seat early. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a sports event that is about a 6 - 8 block walk, check it out. This particular area is close to many other restaurants, the First Fridays Art Walk/Art Murmur, the Paramount theatre and more.
The Athletic Club Oakland
59 Grand AveThis is actually a restaurant and Sports Bar. It is quite large. Most likely will be busy during major sports events so you may want to get your seat early. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a sports event that is about a 6 - 8 block walk, check it out. This particular area is close to many other restaurants, the First Fridays Art Walk/Art Murmur, the Paramount theatre and more.
Parks & Nature
Lake Merritt offers a trail estimated at 3.8 miles around the exterior. Currently undergoing some path renovations, it is also a great place whether a casual run or walk. Along the way you will note places to eat, an amphitheatre which often has music and other events during the Spring and Summer, the ability to catch a Gondola near the Lake Chalet restaurant for a romantic rendezvous, or you can now rent a boats as well to go out on the Lake. There is also a beautiful Bonsai garden that is worth a visit.
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Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardLake Merritt offers a trail estimated at 3.8 miles around the exterior. Currently undergoing some path renovations, it is also a great place whether a casual run or walk. Along the way you will note places to eat, an amphitheatre which often has music and other events during the Spring and Summer, the ability to catch a Gondola near the Lake Chalet restaurant for a romantic rendezvous, or you can now rent a boats as well to go out on the Lake. There is also a beautiful Bonsai garden that is worth a visit.
Located at 700 Jean Street (which is a side street off of Grand Avenue) you will find the lovely Rose Garden. You will know you have arrived at the main entrance as a lovely pergola is there to welcome you and opens up to literally thousands of roses! This is a great place to just sit and enjoy, do a workout, read a book, or just meander through aisles of roses. Built in 1932, it is a piece of Oakland's history that is minutes from here and worthy of a visit if your time allows. It's at least 15 - 20 blocks away so bus, taxi or car may be recommended, or use the walk as your workout!
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Morcom Rose Garden
700 Jean StLocated at 700 Jean Street (which is a side street off of Grand Avenue) you will find the lovely Rose Garden. You will know you have arrived at the main entrance as a lovely pergola is there to welcome you and opens up to literally thousands of roses! This is a great place to just sit and enjoy, do a workout, read a book, or just meander through aisles of roses. Built in 1932, it is a piece of Oakland's history that is minutes from here and worthy of a visit if your time allows. It's at least 15 - 20 blocks away so bus, taxi or car may be recommended, or use the walk as your workout!