Laura's Guidebook

Laura
Laura's Guidebook

Faves - I’m probably there right now.

More than a wine shop, a welcoming happening spot for a glass or a (very generously poured) flight. Right around the corner. Focused on biodynamic wines from small producers without being stuffy about it. Great selection of really good wines under $15.00 in the center of the shop.
6 現地メンバーのおすすめ
OAKLAND YARD Wine Shop
420 40th St
6 現地メンバーのおすすめ
More than a wine shop, a welcoming happening spot for a glass or a (very generously poured) flight. Right around the corner. Focused on biodynamic wines from small producers without being stuffy about it. Great selection of really good wines under $15.00 in the center of the shop.
This tricked out shipping container is an inspired taco spot, Bon Apetit short listed for best new restaurant. Hand made tortillas to order. Always vegan on the changing seasonal menu. Great patio and parklet. The whole place has verve. The fried egg taco is perfection. But it’s the tortillas. The best. Pro tip: on cold or rainy nights, order to go and take tacos down to Oakland Yard Wine Shop.
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Tacos Oscar
420 40th St
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
This tricked out shipping container is an inspired taco spot, Bon Apetit short listed for best new restaurant. Hand made tortillas to order. Always vegan on the changing seasonal menu. Great patio and parklet. The whole place has verve. The fried egg taco is perfection. But it’s the tortillas. The best. Pro tip: on cold or rainy nights, order to go and take tacos down to Oakland Yard Wine Shop.
A beautiful experience with food and wine. Seasonal, well thought out, each ingredient intentional, food that has finesse, yet is approachable, experimental, highly personal from a chef with an amazing background. Like an elevated chef owned tapas bar you’d find in Spain. I’m obsessed! Wait is long so we pre-game at North Light. See below. 👇🏻
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Snail Bar
4935 Shattuck Avenue
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
A beautiful experience with food and wine. Seasonal, well thought out, each ingredient intentional, food that has finesse, yet is approachable, experimental, highly personal from a chef with an amazing background. Like an elevated chef owned tapas bar you’d find in Spain. I’m obsessed! Wait is long so we pre-game at North Light. See below. 👇🏻
Back patio. Super great drinks and bar bites. My fave for early Friday happy hour.
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
North Light
4915 Telegraph Ave
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Back patio. Super great drinks and bar bites. My fave for early Friday happy hour.
An institution and a wonderful restaurant that was an early and integral part of the Temescal food scene. Everything here is good; fresh in season organic local ingredients on a changing menu, great patio, home made tonics for their cocktails, everything intentional. Best pizza within walking distance if you like the wood fired Neapolitan style. They also sell provisions including delicious bread from the wood oven. In their words “a love letter to Northern California.”
237 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Pizzaiolo
5008 Telegraph Ave
237 現地メンバーのおすすめ
An institution and a wonderful restaurant that was an early and integral part of the Temescal food scene. Everything here is good; fresh in season organic local ingredients on a changing menu, great patio, home made tonics for their cocktails, everything intentional. Best pizza within walking distance if you like the wood fired Neapolitan style. They also sell provisions including delicious bread from the wood oven. In their words “a love letter to Northern California.”
Just fantastic. The vibe, the drinks, the food, the decor. I highly recommend the brunch, especially if you are in the mood for a boozy one.
Sobre Mesa
1618 Franklin Street
Just fantastic. The vibe, the drinks, the food, the decor. I highly recommend the brunch, especially if you are in the mood for a boozy one.
An institution. Jazz in a supper club vibe (sushi!). The best artists make a stop at Yoshi’s. It’s swinging.
136 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Yoshi's Oakland
510 Embarcadero West
136 現地メンバーのおすすめ
An institution. Jazz in a supper club vibe (sushi!). The best artists make a stop at Yoshi’s. It’s swinging.
Outdoor private hot tubs, fiberglass but wrapped in redwood. Not fancy. Kind of a throwback in a good way. Soak those bad vibes away. Always booked up in advance on the weekends.
25 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Piedmont Springs
3939 Piedmont Ave
25 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Outdoor private hot tubs, fiberglass but wrapped in redwood. Not fancy. Kind of a throwback in a good way. Soak those bad vibes away. Always booked up in advance on the weekends.
💸 But you won’t regret it. Best collection of contemporary edgy artisan jewelry anywhere.
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Esqueleto
482 49th St
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
💸 But you won’t regret it. Best collection of contemporary edgy artisan jewelry anywhere.
Daytrip is one of our new faves. Food that is bright, alive, interesting and just craveable. Do not miss the celery salad or miso butter pasta, or anything, really. Small focused menu, beautiful wines that have been selected for their food, easy charming service. One of Bon Appétit’s 10 best new restaurants of 2022. And right around the corner!
DAYTRIP
Daytrip is one of our new faves. Food that is bright, alive, interesting and just craveable. Do not miss the celery salad or miso butter pasta, or anything, really. Small focused menu, beautiful wines that have been selected for their food, easy charming service. One of Bon Appétit’s 10 best new restaurants of 2022. And right around the corner!

Food scene

Perfect restaurant. Ambiance, food, bar, all lovely. Quiet but with a happy buzz. Date night, sitting single at the bar, family dinner...all good here. Stellar wine list. The best mussels and frites.
50 現地メンバーのおすすめ
À Côté Restaurant
5478 College Ave
50 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Perfect restaurant. Ambiance, food, bar, all lovely. Quiet but with a happy buzz. Date night, sitting single at the bar, family dinner...all good here. Stellar wine list. The best mussels and frites.
Just really good. Don’t miss the Wicked Buns. Service is lovely.
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Co Nam
1653 Polk St
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Just really good. Don’t miss the Wicked Buns. Service is lovely.
Amazing Fried Chicken sandwiches eaten on an ironing board. If you are there before 11:30, you might miss the line. And hella good baked goods as well. A Temescal institution.
196 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Bakesale Betty
5098 Telegraph Ave
196 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Amazing Fried Chicken sandwiches eaten on an ironing board. If you are there before 11:30, you might miss the line. And hella good baked goods as well. A Temescal institution.
James Woodard catered our wedding before he got this spot, after I spotted his smoker at a festival, so we believe! So good. Authentic. Sides are bomb. Brisket is beyond. Giant smoker in the back parking lot let’s you know it’s for real. Fun cocktails, casual sports bar vibe.
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Smokin Woods BBQ Cafe
4307 Telegraph Ave
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
James Woodard catered our wedding before he got this spot, after I spotted his smoker at a festival, so we believe! So good. Authentic. Sides are bomb. Brisket is beyond. Giant smoker in the back parking lot let’s you know it’s for real. Fun cocktails, casual sports bar vibe.
Not in the news. But an absolutely perfect little Italian restaurant, like a small spot you would stumble into in Italy when the recommended spot was closed. Beautiful pastas and wine. Quiet. A gem. Not sure if this is meaningful, but also very good looking waiters.
Enoteca Molinari
5474 College Ave
Not in the news. But an absolutely perfect little Italian restaurant, like a small spot you would stumble into in Italy when the recommended spot was closed. Beautiful pastas and wine. Quiet. A gem. Not sure if this is meaningful, but also very good looking waiters.
Always a line. Tiny. Almost as many people working here as they can seat. Fresh sushi for ridiculously approachable prices. Not at all fancy. Order from the notes tacked to the wall.
46 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Geta Japanese Restaurant
165 41st St
46 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Always a line. Tiny. Almost as many people working here as they can seat. Fresh sushi for ridiculously approachable prices. Not at all fancy. Order from the notes tacked to the wall.
Super good Burmese. The baby kale tea leaf salad sounds like a post hipster joke, until you try it, and come back for more.
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Teni East Kitchen
4015 Broadway
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Super good Burmese. The baby kale tea leaf salad sounds like a post hipster joke, until you try it, and come back for more.
Chef Smelly. Google him. Follow him on Instagram, @chefsmelly. Garlic noodles, seafood, he’s an inspiration. Voted best East Bay chef a couple of years back and he didn’t even have a restaurant. But there was always a line. Now that he is at Au it’s easier to get a spot. Pay no attention to the photos above. Pro-tip: portions are huge. Splitting an order might make you look weak to the chef, but that’s what we do.
AU Lounge
2430 Broadway
Chef Smelly. Google him. Follow him on Instagram, @chefsmelly. Garlic noodles, seafood, he’s an inspiration. Voted best East Bay chef a couple of years back and he didn’t even have a restaurant. But there was always a line. Now that he is at Au it’s easier to get a spot. Pay no attention to the photos above. Pro-tip: portions are huge. Splitting an order might make you look weak to the chef, but that’s what we do.
Utterly sublime. Elegant beautiful restaurant with gorgeous food. Oh - and vegan.
57 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Millennium
5912 College Ave
57 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Utterly sublime. Elegant beautiful restaurant with gorgeous food. Oh - and vegan.
A double mention (see breakfast). Not just for beignets. A SF institution now open a few blocks away. Po’boys, Fried Chicken, sides. Super good. Usually a line - order at counter. Outdoor patio, or bring it home!
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Brenda's
4045 Broadway
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
A double mention (see breakfast). Not just for beignets. A SF institution now open a few blocks away. Po’boys, Fried Chicken, sides. Super good. Usually a line - order at counter. Outdoor patio, or bring it home!
Produce! Crazy! Aisles and aisles with insane level of varieties. Who knew there were 15 types of oranges, or potatoes, or eggplant? A must for anyone visiting from out of state. Seafood selection fresh and huge. Cheese area as big as the apartment. Prices reasonable.
419 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Berkeley Bowl
2020 Oregon St
419 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Produce! Crazy! Aisles and aisles with insane level of varieties. Who knew there were 15 types of oranges, or potatoes, or eggplant? A must for anyone visiting from out of state. Seafood selection fresh and huge. Cheese area as big as the apartment. Prices reasonable.

Breakfast

Been an Oakland b’fast institution for decades. Not fancy. Lines. Bill Russell has been spotted here.
52 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mama's Royal Cafe
4012 Broadway
52 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Been an Oakland b’fast institution for decades. Not fancy. Lines. Bill Russell has been spotted here.
Best bagels within walking distance. Wise Son’s make their bagels and they get it right, boiled then baked. The egg dishes, and sandwiches are so so good.
122 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Beauty's Bagel Shop
3838 Telegraph Ave
122 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Best bagels within walking distance. Wise Son’s make their bagels and they get it right, boiled then baked. The egg dishes, and sandwiches are so so good.
Shrimp and grits and roof top patio with a bumping scene. Anytime is the right time for Oeste.
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Oeste - Bar
722 Clay St
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Shrimp and grits and roof top patio with a bumping scene. Anytime is the right time for Oeste.
Those waffles.
173 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Blue Bottle Coffee
300 Webster St
173 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Those waffles.
Beignets. Ok? 3 blocks away are hot beignets.
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Brenda's
4045 Broadway
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Beignets. Ok? 3 blocks away are hot beignets.

Cafés

Recommended by a guest - good coffee, lots of outlets, chill vibe.
Burlap Coffee
511 40th St
Recommended by a guest - good coffee, lots of outlets, chill vibe.
Coffee mecca. Pristine. Everything stellar. Obsessed with the sweet waffle they hand you wrapped in a coffee filter. All of the bites are good here.
173 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Blue Bottle Coffee
300 Webster St
173 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Coffee mecca. Pristine. Everything stellar. Obsessed with the sweet waffle they hand you wrapped in a coffee filter. All of the bites are good here.
The name is enough to get me there. Cozy. Yummy. Amazing coffee and chocolate goodies and drinks.
16 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery
5427 College Ave
16 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The name is enough to get me there. Cozy. Yummy. Amazing coffee and chocolate goodies and drinks.
Great little outdoor patio, wonderful coffee, drinks, and small bites. 3 blocks from home. They also have their own blends. Fun welcoming vibe. Also a bar, so this is a good bet for a boozy coffee drink. Also listed in fave bars with a drink recommendation.
Mother Tongue Cafe & Bar
Great little outdoor patio, wonderful coffee, drinks, and small bites. 3 blocks from home. They also have their own blends. Fun welcoming vibe. Also a bar, so this is a good bet for a boozy coffee drink. Also listed in fave bars with a drink recommendation.

Fave bars

Hi Fidelity LP listening bar in a MCM Japanese Industrial setting. Stylish, quiet, and intimate. Focus on whiskey and really creative cocktails.
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Bar Shiru
1611 Telegraph Ave
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Hi Fidelity LP listening bar in a MCM Japanese Industrial setting. Stylish, quiet, and intimate. Focus on whiskey and really creative cocktails.
Roof top patio and a bumping scene. Anytime is the right time for Oeste.
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Oeste - Bar
722 Clay St
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Roof top patio and a bumping scene. Anytime is the right time for Oeste.
Swanky fun. Live music. Mid-century vibes all the way.
16 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
3343 Lakeshore Ave
16 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Swanky fun. Live music. Mid-century vibes all the way.
Strong drinks, small plates, a great happy hour.
25 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Bar Cesar
4039 Piedmont Ave
25 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Strong drinks, small plates, a great happy hour.
No one orders coffee here. Not a cafe. If a guy was collecting a lot of random stuff and dropped a lot of acid, then perfected a Greyhound by fresh squeezing grapefruit juice to order, and then opened a dive bar several decades ago - that’s Cafe Van Kleef. Owner was a legendary figure, bar carries on in his memory. Giant bouncers. Try and get there before or after the music starts. Always a terrible band. In a town of great musicians. Must be part of the mystique. Not to be missed. Seriously, order a Greyhound.
120 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Cafe Van Kleef
1621 Telegraph Ave
120 現地メンバーのおすすめ
No one orders coffee here. Not a cafe. If a guy was collecting a lot of random stuff and dropped a lot of acid, then perfected a Greyhound by fresh squeezing grapefruit juice to order, and then opened a dive bar several decades ago - that’s Cafe Van Kleef. Owner was a legendary figure, bar carries on in his memory. Giant bouncers. Try and get there before or after the music starts. Always a terrible band. In a town of great musicians. Must be part of the mystique. Not to be missed. Seriously, order a Greyhound.
Motown Mondays! Get your week started by dancing to the beat - downtown. Follow #momoak on Insta for the DJ lineup. Also Urbano Sundays - 1st Sunday of the month, daytime Latin dance party.
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Hello Stranger
1724 Broadway
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Motown Mondays! Get your week started by dancing to the beat - downtown. Follow #momoak on Insta for the DJ lineup. Also Urbano Sundays - 1st Sunday of the month, daytime Latin dance party.
This is the little bar that could. Opened a few days before the shut down, pivoted to drinks to go and now this delightful inclusive place with amazing drinks was named one of the top 50 bars in the world. Nestled into the gallery district in Uptown, this place is pure happiness. Besides drinks there are bites and snacks, and if you’re lucky, cake!
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Friends & Family
468 25th Street
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
This is the little bar that could. Opened a few days before the shut down, pivoted to drinks to go and now this delightful inclusive place with amazing drinks was named one of the top 50 bars in the world. Nestled into the gallery district in Uptown, this place is pure happiness. Besides drinks there are bites and snacks, and if you’re lucky, cake!
Great little outdoor patio, wonderful drinks and small bites. 3 blocks from home. Fun welcoming vibe. Highly recommend the martini with the smoked trout toast. Kind of a perfect bite. Also listed in cafes!
Mother Tongue Cafe & Bar
Great little outdoor patio, wonderful drinks and small bites. 3 blocks from home. Fun welcoming vibe. Highly recommend the martini with the smoked trout toast. Kind of a perfect bite. Also listed in cafes!

Brewery and beer gardens

Patio! Great beers! Bring the kids and dogs. Super chill spot. The watermelon salad an unexpected treat! Slices good too.
38 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Arthur Mac's Tap and Snack
4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way
38 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Patio! Great beers! Bring the kids and dogs. Super chill spot. The watermelon salad an unexpected treat! Slices good too.
Fun, great beers, sometimes live music, outdoor seating.
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Woods Bar & Brewery
1701 Telegraph Ave
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Fun, great beers, sometimes live music, outdoor seating.
Their own fresh brews, food trucks and pop-ups, patio. Their motto is “fresh beer no jerks”.
74 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Temescal Brewing
4115 Telegraph Ave
74 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Their own fresh brews, food trucks and pop-ups, patio. Their motto is “fresh beer no jerks”.
Fire pits and amazing brew and flatbread.
165 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Drake's Dealership
2325 Broadway
165 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Fire pits and amazing brew and flatbread.

Culture

Plan ahead and get some tickets.
127 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
2025 Addison St
127 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Plan ahead and get some tickets.
Small theater featuring up and coming playwrights.
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Aurora Theatre Company
2081 Addison St
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Small theater featuring up and coming playwrights.
A gem of a museum.
171 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
2155 Center St
171 現地メンバーのおすすめ
A gem of a museum.
Performing Artists from all over the world get booked here. Stellar.
32 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Cal Performances
101 Zellerbach Hall
32 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Performing Artists from all over the world get booked here. Stellar.
A treasure! Really terrific programming featuring interesting composers and guest musicians. And the performances are in the beautiful historic Paramount Theater in downtown Oakland.
Oakland Symphony
1440 Broadway
A treasure! Really terrific programming featuring interesting composers and guest musicians. And the performances are in the beautiful historic Paramount Theater in downtown Oakland.
Local treasure. Focusing on California. Special exhibits have featured Dia de Los Muertos, Ray and Charles Eames, and the Art of Burning Man. Check out the Friday Nights at the Museum events. Outdoor maze like sculpture garden is great and open to the public for no fee.
547 現地メンバーのおすすめ
カリフォルニア・オークランド美術・博物館
1000 Oak St
547 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Local treasure. Focusing on California. Special exhibits have featured Dia de Los Muertos, Ray and Charles Eames, and the Art of Burning Man. Check out the Friday Nights at the Museum events. Outdoor maze like sculpture garden is great and open to the public for no fee.
Explore the cool little art district in Uptown. First Friday is wild, a total scene, food trucks, live music, etc. Saturday Stroll is when you can actually get a foot into the galleries to enjoy the art. Follow @oaklandartmurmur
Oakland Art Murmur
416 26th St
Explore the cool little art district in Uptown. First Friday is wild, a total scene, food trucks, live music, etc. Saturday Stroll is when you can actually get a foot into the galleries to enjoy the art. Follow @oaklandartmurmur
An observatory! In Oakland. Cool exhibits and a planetarium. The laser light shows are hella popular.
122 現地メンバーのおすすめ
シャボット・スペース & サイエンス・センター
10000 Skyline Blvd
122 現地メンバーのおすすめ
An observatory! In Oakland. Cool exhibits and a planetarium. The laser light shows are hella popular.
World class and fun science museum with a spectacular view. An East Bay treasure.
65 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Lawrence Hall of Science
65 現地メンバーのおすすめ
World class and fun science museum with a spectacular view. An East Bay treasure.
Fun night of stand up! Food and drinks are pretty good at the venue, The Washington Inn. No drink minimum, easy ticket prices.
Comedy Oakland
495 10th St
Fun night of stand up! Food and drinks are pretty good at the venue, The Washington Inn. No drink minimum, easy ticket prices.