Guidebook for Oakland
Drinks & Nightlife
Great spot to grab some of the best bear the East Bay has to offer -- and see some of the magic behind the awesome local craft brewery. Food truck outside is a great bonus, and lots of familiar spots to grab take-out before/after. Happens to be located near the local Walmart, which is a nice bonus if you need to pick up anything you forgot to bring along. Dog Friendly!
22 locals recommend
Drake's Brewing Company
1933 Davis StGreat spot to grab some of the best bear the East Bay has to offer -- and see some of the magic behind the awesome local craft brewery. Food truck outside is a great bonus, and lots of familiar spots to grab take-out before/after. Happens to be located near the local Walmart, which is a nice bonus if you need to pick up anything you forgot to bring along. Dog Friendly!
Another great brewery, located at the foot of Park Street in Alameda -- which is packed with great food and shopping, though you might not look any further than "Monkey King At the Brewery" serving awesome fusion faire out the adjacent alley. Their Island City IPA is one of my favorite beers to fill a growler!
20 locals recommend
Alameda Island Brewing Company
1716 Park StAnother great brewery, located at the foot of Park Street in Alameda -- which is packed with great food and shopping, though you might not look any further than "Monkey King At the Brewery" serving awesome fusion faire out the adjacent alley. Their Island City IPA is one of my favorite beers to fill a growler!
Essentials
My favorite grocery store -- an outlet for name brand groceries, fresh (often organic) produce, quality pet food, beer/wine and random delicacies for a fraction of what you'd pay at conventional grocery stores. Please don't go to Whole Foods while you're staying with me!
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
2179 E 14th StMy favorite grocery store -- an outlet for name brand groceries, fresh (often organic) produce, quality pet food, beer/wine and random delicacies for a fraction of what you'd pay at conventional grocery stores. Please don't go to Whole Foods while you're staying with me!
Getting Around
BART and You're There! Convenient and affordable public transit to all points West (San Francisco/Daly City,) North (Berkeley/Richmond,) and South (Hayward, Fremont, San Jose.) New trains coming in 2018; free and dog-friendly if you know what you're doing ;)
28 locals recommend
Coliseum station
7200 San Leandro StBART and You're There! Convenient and affordable public transit to all points West (San Francisco/Daly City,) North (Berkeley/Richmond,) and South (Hayward, Fremont, San Jose.) New trains coming in 2018; free and dog-friendly if you know what you're doing ;)
Food Scene
Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
3150 24th St
Wise Sons Bagel & Bakery
1520 Fillmore StWise Sons Bagel & Coffee
537 Octavia StGreat food and an awesome selection of beers on tap -- dog friendly patio!
19 locals recommend
SONS OF LIBERTY ALEHOUSE
150 W Juana AveGreat food and an awesome selection of beers on tap -- dog friendly patio!
Located at 4610 International Boulevard -- weird name/sign, but hands-down the best tacos in Oakland!
Taqueria El Paisa@.com
4610 International BlvdLocated at 4610 International Boulevard -- weird name/sign, but hands-down the best tacos in Oakland!
Parks & Nature
I call this "Disneyland for Dogs" -- except it's free and the only lines are of cute dogs at the water fountain (and usually they just go at it!) You really shouldn't skip this stop if you're traveling with dogs, but the Regional Shoreline is an excellent attraction for humans too!
17 locals recommend
Point Isabel Dog Park
2701 Isabel StreetI call this "Disneyland for Dogs" -- except it's free and the only lines are of cute dogs at the water fountain (and usually they just go at it!) You really shouldn't skip this stop if you're traveling with dogs, but the Regional Shoreline is an excellent attraction for humans too!
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardArts & Culture
Museum of the African Diaspora
685 Mission StAfrican American Museum and Library
659 14th St
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StEntertainment & Activities
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand Ave