Oaktown Life
Larger Than Life – Oakland, CA Hot Spots
The Rare Bird
Nov 28th
This past weekend, oaktownman heard from a little bird about the grand opening soiree for a new shop on Piedmont Avenue. A welcome addition, The Rare Bird exemplifies Oakland’s new craft movement, showcasing vintage, re-fashioned, and hand-fashioned art, jewelry, clothing, gift items and more.
Some items on the shelves: Rubber Stamp Sets, More >
Broadway Liquors: Beverage Bargains on Auto Row
Nov 10th
There’s no shortage of liquor stores in Oakland. And it’s gotta be hard to compete with the sale prices at places like CVS and Safeway. But if you’re looking for a good selection and low prices, Broadway Liquors on Broadway Auto Row is a great source.
Beers go on for days and More >
Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe
Nov 8th
Where to get dinner at midnight, and $1 PBR and Olympia cans to boot? Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe across from Emeryville City Hall (and Pixar HQ) is open till 1am every night of the week. You can’t go wrong with the comfort food they serve at this quaint diner.
They offer mouth-watering More >
Los Pericos Market & Taqueria
Oct 26th
Years ago, the City of Oaktown changed the name of E. 14th Street to International Blvd, as indeed it runs through one of the most ethnically diverse residential areas in the world. The funny thing is, E. 14th St was the only numbered “street” that ever made it through East More >
4 Less Smog Check
Oct 25th
When the DMV asks oaktownman to get his ride smogged, he takes it to 4 Less Smog Check up on Broadway. Smogging is all they do — no frills, no decorations (except for the kids chalk-board), and no credit accepted, so have cash or check in hand (or prepare to have More >
Taqueria El Farolito
Oct 20th
Many consider El Farolito one of the best taquerias in San Francisco’s Mission District. In fact, it is such a Mission institution, that what a surprise it can be to find out that they operate a location in Oakland’s Fruitvale district as well.
Those familiar with the S.F. locations will feel right More >
Arrowhead Marsh at the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Park
Oct 13th
Sitting in between the Colosseum and the Airport, the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline is a stretch of parkland that surrounds what used to be known as the San Leandro Bay. This scenic park has some interesting features both manmade and natural.
The Arrowhead Marsh is a short walk from the More >
Colonial Donuts 24-7
Oct 13th
Since 1970, Colonial Donuts on Lakeshore has been satisfying Oaklanders with tasty fresh donuts and classic donut shop coffee 24 hours a day.
Smart of them to allow Lakeshore patrons to pass through their shop after parking in the the free public parking lot, providing constant temptations for these gluttonous treats. They More >
Lucky Goldfish
Oct 7th
Since 1986, Lucky Goldfish has provided Oaktowners with an outlet for exotic pets and pet supplies for fish, birds, and reptiles. The staff is very nice and helpful and the store is spaciously laid out making it very easy to find what you’re looking for.
If you need to feed your small, More >
Cavernous Mua
Oct 6th
Mysterious Entrance to Mua
From the outside, Mua Restaurant & Bar looks like a hole in the graffiti-decorated roll-up wall. But after walking through the cute foyer and stylishly attractive downstairs bar…
The cute and cozy downstairs bar
…a multi-tiered cavern of a restaurant unfolds before you.
The place is abuzz with candlelit tables and More >
“Dumb Friends” Bench in Alameda, NOT Attributed to Jim Morrison
Oct 1st
Hanging out in Alameda over the years, oaktownman kept hearing the story of the inscription on this bench that sits at the end of Jackson Park, which reads “In Memory of my Dumb Friends”. oaktownman kept hearing that this bench was donated to the city by Jim Morrison. The legendary More >
Mexicali Rose — an Oaktown Classic
Third Thursday Art Walk on Piedmont Avenue
Inaugural Spirit Airlines Flight at Oakland International Airport
Breads of India
Nathan & Co. on Piedmont
Luka's Taproom & Lounge
Skyline Gate at Redwood Regional Park
The Trappist — Beer Tasting in Old Oakland
Union Point Park on the Estuary
Scottish Rite Temple
Oakland Museum's White Elephant Sale
Half Price Books in Berkeley
Tao Yuen Pastry — Chinatown's Most Popular Bakery
