Everything Else
If you have a dog, this is just a couple blocks away. At the end closest to Claremont Ave & Hudson is Hardy Dog Park.
23 locals recommend
Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt
5500 Claremont AveIf you have a dog, this is just a couple blocks away. At the end closest to Claremont Ave & Hudson is Hardy Dog Park.
Food Scene
Sunday mornings until 1pm there is a Farmer's Market in the DMV parking lot just a couple minutes walk from the bungalow. There are fish mongers, butchers, bakers, purveyors of organic fruit & vegetables, prepared food stands, live music and Blue Bottle Coffee making it to order.
96 locals recommend
Temescal Farmer's Market
5300 Claremont AveSunday mornings until 1pm there is a Farmer's Market in the DMV parking lot just a couple minutes walk from the bungalow. There are fish mongers, butchers, bakers, purveyors of organic fruit & vegetables, prepared food stands, live music and Blue Bottle Coffee making it to order.
A warm, cozy and bustling restaurant that redefines the tavern for a modern clientele while not at all losing the casual friendliness. Like most top establishments in the SF Bay Area, Wood Tavern offers a menu defined by California's exceptional seasonal offerings with a wine list to match. There is also a full bar with a good mix of the bespoke and the standards.
122 locals recommend
Wood Tavern
6317 College AveA warm, cozy and bustling restaurant that redefines the tavern for a modern clientele while not at all losing the casual friendliness. Like most top establishments in the SF Bay Area, Wood Tavern offers a menu defined by California's exceptional seasonal offerings with a wine list to match. There is also a full bar with a good mix of the bespoke and the standards.
The first of Chez Panisse alum Charlie Hallowell's restaurants, Pizzaiolo is not just a pizza shack. It's a cullinary treatise to the seasonal offerings of California, the roots of it's founder and his passion for the kitchen. You will not be disappointed by this warm and giving gem of North Oakland.
237 locals recommend
Pizzaiolo
5008 Telegraph AveThe first of Chez Panisse alum Charlie Hallowell's restaurants, Pizzaiolo is not just a pizza shack. It's a cullinary treatise to the seasonal offerings of California, the roots of it's founder and his passion for the kitchen. You will not be disappointed by this warm and giving gem of North Oakland.
I've eaten ramen all over Japan from Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo, up to Sendai and even further on up to Hakodate, Sapporo and much smaller and more remote locations. This is possibly the best Ramen outside of Japan. Go early! There are no reservations and the wait can be long. When we finally got in on our fifth attempt, I so wanted to hate this place and for it not to live up to hype it had received localy. Sadly and happily, my desires were smashed by their perfection of Japan's simple soup. Soul food to millions on the other side of the world made with care and respect in Oakland. :)
112 locals recommend
Ramen Shop
5812 College AveI've eaten ramen all over Japan from Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo, up to Sendai and even further on up to Hakodate, Sapporo and much smaller and more remote locations. This is possibly the best Ramen outside of Japan. Go early! There are no reservations and the wait can be long. When we finally got in on our fifth attempt, I so wanted to hate this place and for it not to live up to hype it had received localy. Sadly and happily, my desires were smashed by their perfection of Japan's simple soup. Soul food to millions on the other side of the world made with care and respect in Oakland. :)
The first of kitchen pals Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz restaurants, Doña Tomás blends traditional Mexican dishes with the bounty of California and the San Francisco Bay Area. This is not a burrito joint! This is food made slowly and with great care. Please sit down, stay a while and enjoy one of the best meals you will have without crossing the border or jumping a wall. ;)
74 locals recommend
Doña Tomás
3770 Piedmont AvenueThe first of kitchen pals Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz restaurants, Doña Tomás blends traditional Mexican dishes with the bounty of California and the San Francisco Bay Area. This is not a burrito joint! This is food made slowly and with great care. Please sit down, stay a while and enjoy one of the best meals you will have without crossing the border or jumping a wall. ;)
The best kind of Sushi Shop, Uzen is small with only a few tables and an ample counter/bar. The owner/chef is there most evenings. The fish is fresh and the Kara Age is hot, crispy and juicy.
10 locals recommend
Uzen
5415 College AveThe best kind of Sushi Shop, Uzen is small with only a few tables and an ample counter/bar. The owner/chef is there most evenings. The fish is fresh and the Kara Age is hot, crispy and juicy.
The North Oakland location of the SF Hipster favorite. It really is good. Try the fermented tea leaf salad - salty, pungent, fresh and crunchy.
458 locals recommend
Burma Superstar
309 Clement StThe North Oakland location of the SF Hipster favorite. It really is good. Try the fermented tea leaf salad - salty, pungent, fresh and crunchy.
Ici Ice Cream
2948 College AvenueThe best local, organic, hand made ice cream in the East Bay!
Great bakery Items and a chicken sandwich that draws a line of customers wrapping around the block on weekends.
196 locals recommend
Bakesale Betty
5098 Telegraph AveGreat bakery Items and a chicken sandwich that draws a line of customers wrapping around the block on weekends.
La Farine Boulangerie Patisserie
6323 College AveGreat bread!
Everything prepared over an open hearth! Local bounty prepared with care using old school methods of live fire. Warm and delicious!
http://www.caminorestaurant.com/
45 locals recommend
Camino
3917 Grand AveEverything prepared over an open hearth! Local bounty prepared with care using old school methods of live fire. Warm and delicious!
http://www.caminorestaurant.com/
Another from Charlie Hallowell. With influences from Charlie's roots in Sicily, Andalusia, and Moorish North Africa, the best of California's seasonal offerings are prepared family style. Share a great meal with your loved ones. :)
http://penroseoakland.com/
77 locals recommend
Penrose
3311 Grand AveAnother from Charlie Hallowell. With influences from Charlie's roots in Sicily, Andalusia, and Moorish North Africa, the best of California's seasonal offerings are prepared family style. Share a great meal with your loved ones. :)
http://penroseoakland.com/
This is no typical burrito joint! It's the fourth culinary venture of Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz ( Doña Thomas, Tacubaya, Flora, Xolo and Fauna).
It strays from the typical SF Bay Area, Mission style burrito faire. There are no choices of beans, rice, meat or size. The burritos are always the same size and there are only a few composed burrito options, for example:
The Pollo, my favorite, which contains achiote marinated chicken thighs, black beans and an avocado salsa.
The Machaca, a braised beef wonder - beautiful beef stew wrapped in a tortilla.
The Chile Relleno burrito, which is exactly a perfectly deep-fried chile relleno snuggled into a burrito.
http://xolotaqueria.com/
41 locals recommend
Xolo
1916 Telegraph AveThis is no typical burrito joint! It's the fourth culinary venture of Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz ( Doña Thomas, Tacubaya, Flora, Xolo and Fauna).
It strays from the typical SF Bay Area, Mission style burrito faire. There are no choices of beans, rice, meat or size. The burritos are always the same size and there are only a few composed burrito options, for example:
The Pollo, my favorite, which contains achiote marinated chicken thighs, black beans and an avocado salsa.
The Machaca, a braised beef wonder - beautiful beef stew wrapped in a tortilla.
The Chile Relleno burrito, which is exactly a perfectly deep-fried chile relleno snuggled into a burrito.
http://xolotaqueria.com/
Sandwich goodness! The best meatball and pulled-pork sandwiches around!
http://southieoakland.com/
40 locals recommend
Southie
6311 College AveSandwich goodness! The best meatball and pulled-pork sandwiches around!
http://southieoakland.com/
Very intimate, French influenced California farm-to-table. Sake cocktails and wines by the glass you actually want to drink!
http://venusrestaurant.net/
25 locals recommend
Venus Restaurant
2327 Shattuck AveVery intimate, French influenced California farm-to-table. Sake cocktails and wines by the glass you actually want to drink!
http://venusrestaurant.net/
Just straight up some of the best California farm-to-table food prepared with much care and attention to ingredients without the pretense. A modest but extremely well curated wine list. Now with live music and cabaret!!!
http://www.revivalbarandkitchen.com/
35 locals recommend
Revival Bar + Kitchen
2102 Shattuck AveJust straight up some of the best California farm-to-table food prepared with much care and attention to ingredients without the pretense. A modest but extremely well curated wine list. Now with live music and cabaret!!!
http://www.revivalbarandkitchen.com/
This is by far the best taqueria in the SF Bay Area. It's the second restaurant from Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz ( Doña Thomas, Tacubaya, Flora, Xolo and Fauna). No Burritos here. You'll have to go to Xolo for that. My girlfriend and I have agreed that if we could only eat one thing for the rest of our lives, it would be the black beans and rice from Tacubaya. A slice of avocado on the side every once in awhile would be icing. But they also have the most amazing tacos, tortas, enchiladas, and chilaquiles! http://tacubaya.net/
60 locals recommend
Tacubaya
1782 Fourth StThis is by far the best taqueria in the SF Bay Area. It's the second restaurant from Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz ( Doña Thomas, Tacubaya, Flora, Xolo and Fauna). No Burritos here. You'll have to go to Xolo for that. My girlfriend and I have agreed that if we could only eat one thing for the rest of our lives, it would be the black beans and rice from Tacubaya. A slice of avocado on the side every once in awhile would be icing. But they also have the most amazing tacos, tortas, enchiladas, and chilaquiles! http://tacubaya.net/
A long time favorite of UC Berkeley students and townies alike. Coffee and espresso drinks, pastries, pizza, sandwiches soft drinks, beer and wine. A large cafe with plenty of seating. Wi-Fi available.
12 locals recommend
Espresso Roma
2960 College AveA long time favorite of UC Berkeley students and townies alike. Coffee and espresso drinks, pastries, pizza, sandwiches soft drinks, beer and wine. A large cafe with plenty of seating. Wi-Fi available.
Good coffee and espresso drinks, sandwiches and soft drinks. Hipster staff and better than average tunes playing over the house sound system - a healthy bias toward indie and underground artists of the KALX variety vs. live 105. There is a decent amount of seating and Wi-Fi is available.
26 locals recommend
Gaylord's Caffe Espresso
4150 Piedmont AveGood coffee and espresso drinks, sandwiches and soft drinks. Hipster staff and better than average tunes playing over the house sound system - a healthy bias toward indie and underground artists of the KALX variety vs. live 105. There is a decent amount of seating and Wi-Fi is available.
Parks & Nature
Lake Temescal
Trails to walk or run and a lake in which to cool off.
Redwood Regional Park
7867 Redwood RoadHiking and running trails, playground...
Joaquin Miller Park
3300 Joaquin Miller RdHiking trails, dog friendly...
Chabot Park
Hiking and running trails
Hiking and running trail, dog friendly...
18 locals recommend
Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
Leona TrailHiking and running trail, dog friendly...
Tilden Park Merry Go Round
Lake Anza RoadMerry Go Round, arboretum, hiking and running trails
Essentials
Trader Joe's
3250 Lakeshore AveSafeway
6310 College AveWhole Foods Market
230 Bay PlThis is a collection of shops under a single roof.
Market Hall Produce,
Market Hall Bakery,
Market Hall Foods (formerly the Pasta Shop),
Paul Marcus Wines,
Hapuku Fish Market,
Marin Sun Farms Butcher,
Highwire Coffee Roasters,
The Flower and the B
40 locals recommend
Market Hall Foods Oakland
5655 College AveThis is a collection of shops under a single roof.
Market Hall Produce,
Market Hall Bakery,
Market Hall Foods (formerly the Pasta Shop),
Paul Marcus Wines,
Hapuku Fish Market,
Marin Sun Farms Butcher,
Highwire Coffee Roasters,
The Flower and the B
Ver Brugge Meat-Fish Poultry
6321 College AveButcher and Fish counter
Yasai Produce Market
6301 College AveProduce Market
Walgreens
2801 Adeline StPharmacy
Drinks & Nightlife
Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph AveThe best and most beautiful music venue around!
It's an institution and it's fun! Our state's governor, Jerry Brown, used to stop in for a night cap when he was Oakland's mayor.
120 locals recommend
Cafe Van Kleef
1621 Telegraph AveIt's an institution and it's fun! Our state's governor, Jerry Brown, used to stop in for a night cap when he was Oakland's mayor.
Plank
98 BroadwayFood, drinks, beer garden, bowling, games, etc.
Ye Old Hut
5515 College AvenueHipster dive bar, DJ, shuffleboard...
Kona Club
4401 Piedmont AveTiki bar with a pool table in the back.
Right between two restaurants by the same owners, Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz ( Doña Thomas, Tacubaya, Flora, Xolo and Fauna), this is a cute bar with fine drinks and a wonderful aesthetic.
19 locals recommend
Fauna
1900 Telegraph AveRight between two restaurants by the same owners, Dona Savitsky and Thomas Schnetz ( Doña Thomas, Tacubaya, Flora, Xolo and Fauna), this is a cute bar with fine drinks and a wonderful aesthetic.
Getting Around
Right in the center of Rockridge, above tree-lined streets. Pittsburg/Baypoint and SF/SF Airport lines only. Can connect to other lines one stop away on SF lines at MacArthur station.
Several major ACT bus lines can be caught here as well on either side of College Ave just below the elevated train lines.
Emeryville's free shopper and commuter shuttles, Emery Go Round, can be caught here as well.
127 locals recommend
Rockridge Station
5660 College AveRight in the center of Rockridge, above tree-lined streets. Pittsburg/Baypoint and SF/SF Airport lines only. Can connect to other lines one stop away on SF lines at MacArthur station.
Several major ACT bus lines can be caught here as well on either side of College Ave just below the elevated train lines.
Emeryville's free shopper and commuter shuttles, Emery Go Round, can be caught here as well.
This is a major hub for just about every line running through the East Bay. A number of major ACT bus lines can be caught here as well.
15 locals recommend
MacArthur BART Station
This is a major hub for just about every line running through the East Bay. A number of major ACT bus lines can be caught here as well.
Entertainment & Activities
Rialto Cinemas Elmwood
2966 College AveA good mix of first-run, art house and foreign films.
A good mix of first-run, art house and foreign films.”
59 locals recommend
Landmark's Piedmont Theatre
4186 Piedmont AveA good mix of first-run, art house and foreign films.”