I’m the worst traveler, really. I drive people crazy. This last fall when Keith and I went to Paris, people peppered us with questions when we got back about crepes and macarons and the Louvre and Notre Dame and Versailles and I had to shamefully admit that we had done none of it. Instead, we spent most of our time people-watching in cafes, smoking cigs and eating onion soup. When I travel, I have very little interest in checking off all the tourist destinations (though we did go to the Eiffel Tower, duh!). I want to know how the people who live there LIVE. Where do they eat? What do they do?
In that spirit, I thought I’d share a little slice of My Oakland in 2018 with you all. These are the places that I frequent all the time as a local. They’re not touristy at all. Just wonderful places that I love and treasure. I tried to keep them all local to Oakland, but there are a couple of places from nearby towns, too. I just couldn’t help it. I hope you love this little list and check out some of my favs if you ever find yourself in the Bay Area. I also look forward to updating this list next year to see what else makes its way into my life.
Entertainment
Oakland As Game – Get yourself cheap tickets to an As game. I love this old stadium. The fans are the best of the bay, in my opinion. My man works here, so I can vouch that at least one of the ushers is handsome as hell.
Grand Lake Theater – I watched Crazy Rich Asians here with my friend Rebecca after a boozy brunch nearby at Shakewell. I love this old school movie venue.
Yoshi’s – I have many a fond memory of Yoshi’s this last year, especially remembering the pure joy on Keith’s face watching his favorite KRS1 perform here. It’s a combo japanese restaurant + venue that brings in great artists, particularly old school artists that you don’t get to see perform as much anymore.
Hotsy Totsy – Is drinking entertainment? This bar is up San Pablo in Albany but I love, love, love it here. The cocktails are superb. Really, some of the best in the Bay in my opinion, but the vibe is super down to earth. Bonus points: there is a damn delicious taco truck parked next door for all your late-night drinking and eating pleasure. Keith’s friends own this bar, so hurray for supporting our friends.
Food
Pizzaiolo – Also known as my very favorite restaurant in the Bay. I come here to celebrate anything important in my life, so this place holds so much sentimentality in its walls. It’s where I took myself on a solo date the night I finished the draft of my book. It’s where I celebrated my 33rd birthday with my love. It’s where I took my best friend when he was in town for a visit and confessed to him while Keith was in the bathroom that I was planning on proposing while we were in Paris. Make sure you get the Pizzaiolo cocktail when you go. It’s bitter and so good.
Souley Vegan – This place is so delicious with amazing vegan soul food that saved me as I was first transitioning to veganism. I love the mac and cheeze. Keith loves the collard greens. The combo plate is my jam.
Cholita Linda – Hands down, the best fish tacos around. I also love the tofu tacos and the ensalada. There is always, always a wait so be prepared.
Shangri La Vegan – If you want something healthy, come here. It’s organic macrobiotic vegan food prepared fresh every day, but with a very limited, set menu for all diners. The food is packed with veggies, but is still really good, comforting vegan food at an affordable price.
Main Squeeze – For acai bowls, smoothies and fresh juices. I love coming here after a good workout and sitting outside in the sun while I devour an acai bowl.
Hog Island Oysters – If you take the Ferry out of Jack London, you can slide off at the Ferry Building in San Francisco and get a table at Hog Island Oysters. This place is pricey, but they are the very best oysters and seafood in the Bay, in my opinion. Their Clam Chowder is what dreams are made of and I’ll never forget my memory of Keith losing his damn mind while eating a super fresh Dungeness crab on one of our dates. I prefer the oysters + a nice Brut Rose. On nice days, we’ll sit outside and watch the ferries pulling up. When it’s colder (let’s be real that’s 99% of the time in San Francisco), we love to grab a seat at the counter bar and watch the cooks churn out an incredible amount of food with such finesse.
Top Dog – Do you like hot dogs? If so, GO here. They’re the best hot dogs I’ve ever had in my life. A true Bay Area institution.
Exercise
Berkeley Marina – I know that most people like to do their walking at Lake Merritt, but I prefer to go to the Berkeley Marina. It’s quieter there. I like to park at the marina and then head to the right and follow the path all the way out to the point. You can see the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day, plus there are tons of little benches for meandering.
Hipline – This place deserves it’s own post on the blog. In fact, I hope to interview the founders one day here in a little series I am cooking up about badass boss women, but I couldn’t mention anything I love about Oakland without waxing poetic about Hipline and what it means to me. Like church, I religiously attend Samar’s 12:45 Shimypop class on Saturdays. It’s my most beloved tradition. They have created a sacred, body positive place for women to go and dance their hearts out. The music is ever-changing, but the choreography is easy to master. I never understood the phrase ‘joyful movement’ until I found this place. If you’re ever in Oakland, I beg you to go! You won’t regret it.
Shopping
Bay Made – I love this little store on Lakeshore. It’s full of great items from local makers and perfectly curated.
Girl Gang Craft – I spent many dollar bills at this craft fair, founded by Phoebe Sherman. It’s such a cool vibe and I love supporting boss women with big dreams.
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