Guidebook for Alameda
Food Scene
Pretty standard Mexican taqueria, but it has one of the highest Yelp reviews on the island for Mexican food and it's only a block and a half away. So, really great if you're a bit tired and need something hearty to eat before turning in.
8 habitants recommandent
El Caballo Wraps
1108 Lincoln AvePretty standard Mexican taqueria, but it has one of the highest Yelp reviews on the island for Mexican food and it's only a block and a half away. So, really great if you're a bit tired and need something hearty to eat before turning in.
Probably don't need to say much, but if you're not from the West Coast and want to check-out what all the fuss is about we have one just a short drive away.
13 habitants recommandent
In-N-Out Burger
555 Willie Stargell AveProbably don't need to say much, but if you're not from the West Coast and want to check-out what all the fuss is about we have one just a short drive away.
One of the best restaurants for Dim Sum in the entire San Francisco Bay Area and it's only a 15-20 minute walk from the house. Dim Sum is only served at lunch, but it's still one of the better Chinese restaurants in general so a great option for dinner.
25 habitants recommandent
East Ocean Seafood Restaurant
1713 Webster StOne of the best restaurants for Dim Sum in the entire San Francisco Bay Area and it's only a 15-20 minute walk from the house. Dim Sum is only served at lunch, but it's still one of the better Chinese restaurants in general so a great option for dinner.
The area around her might seem a bit seedy, but it's actually not too bad relative to other parts of Oakland. Chai Thai Noodle is probably the most popular Thai restaurant in Oakland. My family can't get away from ordering the Papaya Salad, Rice Salad (if you love carbs and never had it, then it's a must try), and Crab Fried Rice.
44 habitants recommandent
Chai Thai Noodles
545 International BoulevardThe area around her might seem a bit seedy, but it's actually not too bad relative to other parts of Oakland. Chai Thai Noodle is probably the most popular Thai restaurant in Oakland. My family can't get away from ordering the Papaya Salad, Rice Salad (if you love carbs and never had it, then it's a must try), and Crab Fried Rice.
This is my "go to" spot for Korean food and probably one of the most popular Korean restaurants in the East Bay. The lunchtime menu is a great deal because you get complimentary pickled side-dishes called banchan and the BBQ dishes are around 30-40% off compared to dinner prices. Generally, one could get full from the banchan and take home most of the actual main dish, all for around $15/person.
But, night is when the crowds come out and it's a nice lively restaurant.
If you're not familiar with Korean food, then go Seafood Pancake, a bim bim bap (hot stone rice), and a BBQ plater. For dinner, it's be about $60 for those three dishes, but decent leftovers.
25 habitants recommandent
Jong Ga House
372 Grand AveThis is my "go to" spot for Korean food and probably one of the most popular Korean restaurants in the East Bay. The lunchtime menu is a great deal because you get complimentary pickled side-dishes called banchan and the BBQ dishes are around 30-40% off compared to dinner prices. Generally, one could get full from the banchan and take home most of the actual main dish, all for around $15/person.
But, night is when the crowds come out and it's a nice lively restaurant.
If you're not familiar with Korean food, then go Seafood Pancake, a bim bim bap (hot stone rice), and a BBQ plater. For dinner, it's be about $60 for those three dishes, but decent leftovers.
Please be aware that Fruitvale is not a tourist spot. In fact, for people not used to "big cities," they might not feel secure or safe. Nonetheless, Reem's California was just named the best new restaurant in the USA by Food & Wine Magazine. They serve traditional "Arab Street Food" and so the menu is unfamiliar to most, including me, but something to experience for foodies.
Hint: you'll feel safer going during lunchtime and don't leave anything in the car. Not even old CDs, sweaters, etc.
12 habitants recommandent
Reem's California
1419 34th AvePlease be aware that Fruitvale is not a tourist spot. In fact, for people not used to "big cities," they might not feel secure or safe. Nonetheless, Reem's California was just named the best new restaurant in the USA by Food & Wine Magazine. They serve traditional "Arab Street Food" and so the menu is unfamiliar to most, including me, but something to experience for foodies.
Hint: you'll feel safer going during lunchtime and don't leave anything in the car. Not even old CDs, sweaters, etc.
Sichuan food is still pretty rare, even in the San Francisco Bay Area where there's such a large Asian population. The location feels a bit seedy, it's next door to probably one of the last remaining adult "bookstores," but plenty of people frequent this spot to make it secure enough.
If you're not familiar with Sichuan food, then keep in mind that it's spicy! You can tell them to keep the heat down, but to a certain degree you're missing the point then. A nice beginner friendly dish is called Dan Dan Noodle, sometimes spelled Tan Tan Noodles.
17 habitants recommandent
Spices 3 Restaurants
370-372 12th StSichuan food is still pretty rare, even in the San Francisco Bay Area where there's such a large Asian population. The location feels a bit seedy, it's next door to probably one of the last remaining adult "bookstores," but plenty of people frequent this spot to make it secure enough.
If you're not familiar with Sichuan food, then keep in mind that it's spicy! You can tell them to keep the heat down, but to a certain degree you're missing the point then. A nice beginner friendly dish is called Dan Dan Noodle, sometimes spelled Tan Tan Noodles.
Haven't tried the new Poke craze yet? You're in luck because this is a great spot. This is the first and still the best on the island. After trying other Poke at other spots, this place still reigns supreme. Hint: do half crab chips and half rice as your "base." It'll make more sense when you go there.
Poke Koma
1354 Park StHaven't tried the new Poke craze yet? You're in luck because this is a great spot. This is the first and still the best on the island. After trying other Poke at other spots, this place still reigns supreme. Hint: do half crab chips and half rice as your "base." It'll make more sense when you go there.
A very local/neighborhood Chinese Restaurant. No frills, but extremely popular with families in the neighborhood. We're new fans and it's one of our "go to" Chinese restaurants. They seem to only have one chef so make sure to either order in advance or go during off-times.
7 habitants recommandent
Little Joe's
1410 Encinal AveA very local/neighborhood Chinese Restaurant. No frills, but extremely popular with families in the neighborhood. We're new fans and it's one of our "go to" Chinese restaurants. They seem to only have one chef so make sure to either order in advance or go during off-times.
Easily one of West Alameda's most popular restaurant. They had spent years in Oakland Chinatown and decided to move to our lovely island; very lucky for us. They serve Cambodian food, but many dishes overlap with Thai and Vietnamese. Closed Sundays, but extremely popular during Friday and Saturday nights, so prepare to wait or visit during off-hours.
19 habitants recommandent
Phnom Penh House
1514 Webster StEasily one of West Alameda's most popular restaurant. They had spent years in Oakland Chinatown and decided to move to our lovely island; very lucky for us. They serve Cambodian food, but many dishes overlap with Thai and Vietnamese. Closed Sundays, but extremely popular during Friday and Saturday nights, so prepare to wait or visit during off-hours.
Best known for their Asian inspired chicken wings, I'm actually a fan of their Spicy Crab Fried. Except for barstools, there really isn't much indoor seating. There are a few picnic tables out front, but many do a grab and go.
Monkey King At The Brewery
1708 Park StBest known for their Asian inspired chicken wings, I'm actually a fan of their Spicy Crab Fried. Except for barstools, there really isn't much indoor seating. There are a few picnic tables out front, but many do a grab and go.
Let me start by stating that I've never been here because it's simply to expensive for our family. The reason it's so expensive is because it's the only East Bay restaurant to receive 2 Michelin Stars from the guide. Chef James Syhabout, an alum of El Bulli in Spain, received his first star in 2010 and second star in 2016. If you are a follower of the Michelin guide, then it'll be hard to deny that Commis is the finest dinning experience in the East Bay.
53 habitants recommandent
Commis
3859 Piedmont AveLet me start by stating that I've never been here because it's simply to expensive for our family. The reason it's so expensive is because it's the only East Bay restaurant to receive 2 Michelin Stars from the guide. Chef James Syhabout, an alum of El Bulli in Spain, received his first star in 2010 and second star in 2016. If you are a follower of the Michelin guide, then it'll be hard to deny that Commis is the finest dinning experience in the East Bay.
This is might be one of the most famous food trucks in the world after Anthony Bourdain gave it a visit long ago, but even after all these years it's still holds up to scrutiny by most Mexican-American food lovers. Oh yeah, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a fan.
It's part food truck and part restaurant. You order at the food truck counter and your order is prepared inside the truck, but some there is actually outdoor and indoor seating available, though I've always just taken out.
Please note, while the restaurant is a relatively safe place, the surrounding area is not. It's not the worse that Oakland has to offer, but it's certainly not the best. So, don't wonder off too far.
31 habitants recommandent
Taqueria Sinaloa
2138 International BlvdThis is might be one of the most famous food trucks in the world after Anthony Bourdain gave it a visit long ago, but even after all these years it's still holds up to scrutiny by most Mexican-American food lovers. Oh yeah, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a fan.
It's part food truck and part restaurant. You order at the food truck counter and your order is prepared inside the truck, but some there is actually outdoor and indoor seating available, though I've always just taken out.
Please note, while the restaurant is a relatively safe place, the surrounding area is not. It's not the worse that Oakland has to offer, but it's certainly not the best. So, don't wonder off too far.
Zachary's has maybe my most favorite pizza of all time, but the only way to describe it is "heavy." If you're not familiar with Chicago style pizza, then i suggest you do a quick search to see what you're in store for. My wife and mom really can only eat one slice. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I can probably have 1/3 in one sitting.
UC Berkeley students frequent this location, so it has a lively atmosphere and can get really crowded at peak times.
247 habitants recommandent
Zachary's Chicago Pizza
5801 College AveZachary's has maybe my most favorite pizza of all time, but the only way to describe it is "heavy." If you're not familiar with Chicago style pizza, then i suggest you do a quick search to see what you're in store for. My wife and mom really can only eat one slice. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I can probably have 1/3 in one sitting.
UC Berkeley students frequent this location, so it has a lively atmosphere and can get really crowded at peak times.
This is one of the most famous pizza parlors in the San Francisco Bay Area and I would almost call it a real California pizza. They use only fresh, local, organic ingredients, and other than diary, it's a vegetarian pizza. They only serve one type of pie a day so you basically only go up to the counter and order a slice, half a pie, or a whole pie. (Don't forget to order a drink) Nonetheless, between Zachary's, this is also one of my top pizzas I have ever had.
Very limited seating and the line goes out the door just about everyday, but the line is fairly fast. It's near UC Berkeley, so many broke college students in line, but it's a real Bay Area experience.
317 habitants recommandent
The Cheeseboard Pizza
1512 Shattuck AveThis is one of the most famous pizza parlors in the San Francisco Bay Area and I would almost call it a real California pizza. They use only fresh, local, organic ingredients, and other than diary, it's a vegetarian pizza. They only serve one type of pie a day so you basically only go up to the counter and order a slice, half a pie, or a whole pie. (Don't forget to order a drink) Nonetheless, between Zachary's, this is also one of my top pizzas I have ever had.
Very limited seating and the line goes out the door just about everyday, but the line is fairly fast. It's near UC Berkeley, so many broke college students in line, but it's a real Bay Area experience.
One of the best Mexican-American restaurants in the Bay Area, period. If you go to their original location in Oakland, then you'll see a line outside the door most of the time. For whatever reason, the Alameda location does seem to have that type of traffic, but the quality of food is exactly the same.
They specialize in tacos and sandwiches, such as the Cubano and Papito. I can't speak for the sandwiches and how they compare to other places, but the tacos are fantastic.
What makes them different is the freshness and there is a nice lightness to it. Most mexican restaurants serve real hearty food, but here it's definitely more of contemporary twist.
173 habitants recommandent
Cholita Linda
4923 Telegraph AveOne of the best Mexican-American restaurants in the Bay Area, period. If you go to their original location in Oakland, then you'll see a line outside the door most of the time. For whatever reason, the Alameda location does seem to have that type of traffic, but the quality of food is exactly the same.
They specialize in tacos and sandwiches, such as the Cubano and Papito. I can't speak for the sandwiches and how they compare to other places, but the tacos are fantastic.
What makes them different is the freshness and there is a nice lightness to it. Most mexican restaurants serve real hearty food, but here it's definitely more of contemporary twist.
Parks & Nature
On a sunny day, this is really one of the best spots on the island. Weekends can be a little too busy for my taste, but it always reminds me of how awesome it is to live on Alameda.
63 habitants recommandent
Crab Cove Visitor Center
1252 McKay AveOn a sunny day, this is really one of the best spots on the island. Weekends can be a little too busy for my taste, but it always reminds me of how awesome it is to live on Alameda.
Before the turn of the century, Alameda was actually known as the Coney Island of the West. Crown Memorial is a bit of a Bay Area secret, but during hot sweltering weekends the beach is filled with people from all over the East Bay. During weekdays, one almost has the entire beach to themselves and is actually a great place to relax.
106 habitants recommandent
Plage d'État Robert W. Crown Memorial
Otis DriveBefore the turn of the century, Alameda was actually known as the Coney Island of the West. Crown Memorial is a bit of a Bay Area secret, but during hot sweltering weekends the beach is filled with people from all over the East Bay. During weekdays, one almost has the entire beach to themselves and is actually a great place to relax.
Sightseeing
I actually haven't been on the tour yet, but I've taken pictures of this WWII Aircraft Carrier on several occasions. If you're here during Halloween, then they actually have a haunted tour. Ghost Adventurers has done an episode aboard the ship.
88 habitants recommandent
Musée USS Hornet - Mer, Air et Espace
707 W Hornet AveI actually haven't been on the tour yet, but I've taken pictures of this WWII Aircraft Carrier on several occasions. If you're here during Halloween, then they actually have a haunted tour. Ghost Adventurers has done an episode aboard the ship.
This is best view for the San Francisco Skyline. Whenever I drop out-of-town visitors back into San Francisco, I always make sure to stop here to take photos.
For the best photo, make sure you're either coming here on a cloudy day or at magic hours, sunrise and sunset. Night shots are of course great and a tip is to use the concrete ledge to place your camera rather doing a hand held shot.
65 habitants recommandent
Treasure Island
This is best view for the San Francisco Skyline. Whenever I drop out-of-town visitors back into San Francisco, I always make sure to stop here to take photos.
For the best photo, make sure you're either coming here on a cloudy day or at magic hours, sunrise and sunset. Night shots are of course great and a tip is to use the concrete ledge to place your camera rather doing a hand held shot.
Despite being born in the San Francisco Bay Area, it took me until the age of 38 to visit Sutro Baths as an adult. My mom said I was there as a child, but I have no recollection of it.
To be honest, my wife and I didn't take the walk down all the way down. We viewed the sunset from the Cliff House Restaurant.
Like most landscape photography, come during sunrise , sunset, or a cloudy day for the best photos.
246 habitants recommandent
Bains Sutro
1004 Point Lobos AveDespite being born in the San Francisco Bay Area, it took me until the age of 38 to visit Sutro Baths as an adult. My mom said I was there as a child, but I have no recollection of it.
To be honest, my wife and I didn't take the walk down all the way down. We viewed the sunset from the Cliff House Restaurant.
Like most landscape photography, come during sunrise , sunset, or a cloudy day for the best photos.
The best spot to overlook the city of San Francisco, specifically downtown. Unless you're an Iron Man athlete, you'll need some kind of motorized transport to get to the main overlook, which is Christmas Tree Point Road.
If you notice that it's too foggy, then it's best to skip this spot since you may literally see nothing. So go for cloudy or clear days. Night view is the best, but only stop if you see that there's plenty of other tourists around since there has been some violent crimes during the dead of night at this location.
Christmas Tree Point Road
Christmas Tree Point RoadThe best spot to overlook the city of San Francisco, specifically downtown. Unless you're an Iron Man athlete, you'll need some kind of motorized transport to get to the main overlook, which is Christmas Tree Point Road.
If you notice that it's too foggy, then it's best to skip this spot since you may literally see nothing. So go for cloudy or clear days. Night view is the best, but only stop if you see that there's plenty of other tourists around since there has been some violent crimes during the dead of night at this location.
Essentials
Safeway, Trader Joe's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Kohl's, Pet Co., and plenty of restaurants.
26 habitants recommandent
South Shore Center
South Shore CenterSafeway, Trader Joe's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Kohl's, Pet Co., and plenty of restaurants.
If you're not family with Target, then it's a very large general purpose store. They have everything from clothing, groceries, home goods, electronics, household cleaning, pharmacy, etc.
267 habitants recommandent
Target
2675 Geary BlvdIf you're not family with Target, then it's a very large general purpose store. They have everything from clothing, groceries, home goods, electronics, household cleaning, pharmacy, etc.
Our former tenant of almost 4 years used this laundromat exclusively, despite many other choices on the island. Yelp users also seem to agree as it has some of the highest scores on the island.
7 habitants recommandent
RAG's Coin Laundry
645 Central AveOur former tenant of almost 4 years used this laundromat exclusively, despite many other choices on the island. Yelp users also seem to agree as it has some of the highest scores on the island.
A guest who stayed with for eight months used this location's wash and fold service his entire stay. He found it to be the most affordable on the entire island.
Laundry Time Laundromat
650 Central AveA guest who stayed with for eight months used this location's wash and fold service his entire stay. He found it to be the most affordable on the entire island.
United States Postal Service
1415 Webster StThe closest full-service US Post Office.
Entertainment & Activities
We're so lucky to have not only the historic movie theatre, but also a modern cineplex connected to it. I've heard other movie theaters in Oakland get a really rude crowd, but I've never experienced it here.
87 habitants recommandent
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
2317 Central AveWe're so lucky to have not only the historic movie theatre, but also a modern cineplex connected to it. I've heard other movie theaters in Oakland get a really rude crowd, but I've never experienced it here.
One of the main live music venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and only a 12 minute drive away. Past performers include G-Eazy, Beach House, Robert Plant, The Go-Gos, and much more.
264 habitants recommandent
Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph AveOne of the main live music venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and only a 12 minute drive away. Past performers include G-Eazy, Beach House, Robert Plant, The Go-Gos, and much more.
We have this little-known basketball team called the Golden State Warriors. LOL. Before their move to San Francisco proper, the Warriors call Oracle Arena their home.
It's a costly experience, but one most people do not regret.
Oracle Arena is also one of the larger concert venues. My wife and I have seen Depeche Mode, Arcade Fire, Jay-Z, Smashing Pumpkins and more. If you need ticket advice, then feel free to ask.
83 habitants recommandent
Oracle Arena
7000 Coliseum WayWe have this little-known basketball team called the Golden State Warriors. LOL. Before their move to San Francisco proper, the Warriors call Oracle Arena their home.
It's a costly experience, but one most people do not regret.
Oracle Arena is also one of the larger concert venues. My wife and I have seen Depeche Mode, Arcade Fire, Jay-Z, Smashing Pumpkins and more. If you need ticket advice, then feel free to ask.
Current home of the Oakland Athletics and Raiders. Raiders will most likely move during the 2019-2020 season.
My wife and I go to Oakland Athletics games quite often. They are relatively cheap tickets and a way to sit and relax for 3 hours.
Parking is $20, but if you don't mind walking, then you can park at the Oakland Coliseum BART station during night games. Also, they allow food and sealed water bottles into the stadium.
61 habitants recommandent
RingCentral Coliseum
7000 Coliseum WayCurrent home of the Oakland Athletics and Raiders. Raiders will most likely move during the 2019-2020 season.
My wife and I go to Oakland Athletics games quite often. They are relatively cheap tickets and a way to sit and relax for 3 hours.
Parking is $20, but if you don't mind walking, then you can park at the Oakland Coliseum BART station during night games. Also, they allow food and sealed water bottles into the stadium.
I've actually only been to AT&T Park during a benefit concert, but this is the home of the San Francisco Giants, which has won three baseball championships in the last decade, but is now terrible! I'm an Oakland Athletics fan so, you know.
But, I had one guest tell me a story about how his girlfriend's most favorite part of her trip was going to a Giant's baseball game. And several other people have told me how fantastic it is, even during the last few terrible seasons.
The really good part is that by second hand ticket websites, you can see games for as low as $10/tickets, though I'd probably upgrade to better seats.
596 habitants recommandent
Stade Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays PlazaI've actually only been to AT&T Park during a benefit concert, but this is the home of the San Francisco Giants, which has won three baseball championships in the last decade, but is now terrible! I'm an Oakland Athletics fan so, you know.
But, I had one guest tell me a story about how his girlfriend's most favorite part of her trip was going to a Giant's baseball game. And several other people have told me how fantastic it is, even during the last few terrible seasons.
The really good part is that by second hand ticket websites, you can see games for as low as $10/tickets, though I'd probably upgrade to better seats.
If you've got money to burn, then this is the best stadium experience the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. The home of the San Francisco 49ers and some of the biggest concerts, such as Beyonce & Jay-Z, Coldplay, etc.
It's also the most expensive stadium experience in the Bay Area. Parking is usually a minimum of $30 and that still requires a 1/2 mile walk.
But, it's truly a fantastic stadium with a crazy amount of food options.
398 habitants recommandent
Levi's Stadium
4900 Marie P DeBartolo WayIf you've got money to burn, then this is the best stadium experience the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. The home of the San Francisco 49ers and some of the biggest concerts, such as Beyonce & Jay-Z, Coldplay, etc.
It's also the most expensive stadium experience in the Bay Area. Parking is usually a minimum of $30 and that still requires a 1/2 mile walk.
But, it's truly a fantastic stadium with a crazy amount of food options.
Getting Around
This is the closest BART station if you're heading into San Francisco. It's about a 15 minute drive if you take Uber/Lyft from our house, though I usually like to be dropped off at the West Oakland Station if I'm heading into San Francisco since all three BART lines pass through that one station and so wait times are the shortest.
104 habitants recommandent
Lake Merritt Station
800 Oak StThis is the closest BART station if you're heading into San Francisco. It's about a 15 minute drive if you take Uber/Lyft from our house, though I usually like to be dropped off at the West Oakland Station if I'm heading into San Francisco since all three BART lines pass through that one station and so wait times are the shortest.
The absolute "best" way, though it's neither fast nor cheap, to get into San Francisco is by ferry. It is a commuter ferry and during rush hour you'll see plenty of regulars and have a hard time finding parking, but during the weekends and off-peak hours it's the most pleasant and stress free way to get into SF.
You pay once you're onboard, inside towards the front of the boat. You'll see the line. It's ran by the US Coast Guard so if you don't pay they'll throw you in the brig.
It'll make a quick stop in Oakland and, depending on the day, it'll either go to the San Francisco Ferry Terminal or Fisherman's Wharf first, but it'll make both stops either way.
41 habitants recommandent
Alameda Main Street station
2990 Main StThe absolute "best" way, though it's neither fast nor cheap, to get into San Francisco is by ferry. It is a commuter ferry and during rush hour you'll see plenty of regulars and have a hard time finding parking, but during the weekends and off-peak hours it's the most pleasant and stress free way to get into SF.
You pay once you're onboard, inside towards the front of the boat. You'll see the line. It's ran by the US Coast Guard so if you don't pay they'll throw you in the brig.
It'll make a quick stop in Oakland and, depending on the day, it'll either go to the San Francisco Ferry Terminal or Fisherman's Wharf first, but it'll make both stops either way.
If I'm heading into San Francisco and want the shortest wait between trains, then the West Oakland Station is the best option. But, the West Oakland neighborhood is one of the most dangerous of all the city and so do not wander beyond the station parking lot.
79 habitants recommandent
West Oakland station
1451 7th StIf I'm heading into San Francisco and want the shortest wait between trains, then the West Oakland Station is the best option. But, the West Oakland neighborhood is one of the most dangerous of all the city and so do not wander beyond the station parking lot.
Drinks & Nightlife
The SF Bay Area has a handful of Tiki Bars scattered around, but we have one of the East Bay's most popular one just 3.5 blocks away. For a fairly popular spot, it's rather low-key and has a bit of a neighborhood feel to it. They have a very strict ID policy, so be sure to bring ID.
71 habitants recommandent
Forbidden Island
1304 Lincoln AveThe SF Bay Area has a handful of Tiki Bars scattered around, but we have one of the East Bay's most popular one just 3.5 blocks away. For a fairly popular spot, it's rather low-key and has a bit of a neighborhood feel to it. They have a very strict ID policy, so be sure to bring ID.