Oakland

Population:
Total population: 402,777: 51.7% male, 48.3% female; 31.3% white, 35.7% black, 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 15.2% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 21.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Other, 5.0% mixed

Unemployment rate: 5.5% (March, 2005)

Chamber of Commerce: www.www.oaklandchamber.com

City Government: www.oaklandnet.com

Employment Resources:

Local Job Line: (510) 238-3111 or (510) 272-1142

Youth Employment
(510) 238-4473 (HIRE)
www.employmentspot.com/state/employment/Oakland-ca.htm

Employment Resource Offices and Port of Oakland Job Center
516 Water St.
Jack London Square, Port of Oakland
www.portofoakland.com/jobcenter/erdp.asp

Going There? Find a Hotel in Oakland

Culture/Entertainment:
Know any good entertainment spots in Oakland? Send them to us at newcolonist@newcolonist.com and we'll post them here.

Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California is the kind of museum children grow up in. The permanent exhibits on natural habitats and geography become familiar pleasures and the shifting ones a constant excitement. Street parking can sometimes be difficult and the museum's garage is expensive; the best option is Bart--the Lake Merritt station is directly adjacent to the museum's main entrance.
1000 Oak St.
(510) 238-2200
/www.museumca.org

The Grand Lake Theatre
Owner and operator Allen Michaan has refurbished this historical venue that opened in 1926 as a Vaudeville Show and Silent Picture Theatre. He has even gone so far as to decorate with his own collection of genuine Tiffany's glass and antique film projectors. There are several screening rooms, the largest of which greets Wurlitzer organ performances when you get to the show early. Each of the other theatres are painted buy theme, with bright colors, fine carving and ornate details.
3200 Grand Ave.
(510) 452-3556
Showtimes: www.sfgate.com

The Parkway Theatre
Take a break from the multiplex and see a film from the vantage point of a comfy loveseat or sofa while munching on a tasty, right-out-of-the-oven pizza. Enjoy free screening and discussion groups with local activist and community organizations at the weekly Sunday Saloon. Wednesday night is two for one ticket night. 1834 Park Blvd.
(510) 848-1994
www.picturepubpizza.com

The Paramount Theatre
This National Historic Landmark is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture, designed my Timothy L. Pflueger. After an authentic and extensive restoration in the early '70's, the theatre is now host to the Oakland Ballet, The Oakland East Bay Symphony, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir as well as many performers and films. Near the 19th St. BART Station
2025 Broadway
(510) 465-6400
www.paramounttheatre.com

Bette Art Center
Going from the handwritten will of local artist Frank Bette, the people at the Bette Art Center host readings, workshops and regular art shows that display the rich creative talent of this area of the world. Activities for all ages.
1601 Paru St. Alameda, CA
(510) 523-6957
www.frankbettecenter.org

African American Museum and Library at Oakland
This unique branch of the large Oakland Library System houses an extensive collection of historic papers, books and documents about African American people and movements. On the second floor there is a real gem of a museum where there is always some interesting historical display of art exhibit.
659 14th St.
(510) 637-0200
www.oaklandlibrary.org/AAMLO

Shopping: Tell us your favorite places to shop in Oakland and we will list them here. Email them to newcolonist@newcolonist.com, and we'll post them here.

Oakland has just set up a great website, www.shopoakland.com, that includes detailed information on many of the areas discussed below, plus much more.

Piedmont Avenue
Piedmont Avenue is not only home to some of the top Oakland restaurants, but also some wonderful boutiques and stores. Unique art galleries and local bookstores line this rather upscale street. It is a great place to find things uniquely Oakland; you won't find any chain stores here. Go to peruse the shops then grab a bite at one of the great restaurants, then a movie at the independent movie theatre.

Bay Street (Emeryville)
For more mainstream shopping, head to Bay Street, an outdoor mall with stores like Banana Republic and Godiva. There are plenty of restaurants and a huge mega-plex theatre when you need a break from all the material therapy.

Jack London Square
Jack London Square has an internationally inspired shopping scene. You can buy everything from a genuine African woven bag to a French beret. Go on Sundays for the weekly craft fair and farmers market, which usually features a live band as well. If you have the energy, stay for a night out at Kimball's, Yoshi's, the Metro or one of the many nighttime excursions around the corner.

Grand and Lakeshore Avenues
These two parallel streets are home to some wonderful Oakland shops. A happy mixture of cafes, music stores, bakeries, bookstores and boutiques, there is something for everyone. Walden Books on Lakeshore is a highlight, also the kosher bakery a few doors down. Holy Land Israeli restaurant is nestled between these two streets, and serves some outstanding Israeli lemonade, perfect to rehydrate between stores.

College Ave. (Rockridge)
Rockridge is arguably the best shopping area in the city. It has a small town feel and really interesting shops the run over two miles of College Avenue. There's a gourmet food mall, a women's sports specialty store, handmade kids clothes and toy store, several bookstores, eyeglass stores, all kind of clothes store and restaurants. College Avenue brings back the old-time feel of buying items from specialty stores, from people who really know about what there product is. A wonderful alternative to huge mega stores.

Dining
Oakland, like its foodie neighbor San Francisco, has many great places to eat. With easy access to fresh ingredients, grown, cured, churned, and fermented locally, these choices represent a smattering of the best. The diversity that abounds in this city is clearly represented in its restaurants. From cheap hole-in-the-wall eateries to top-notch cuisine, these are the highlights of Oakland eating.

Mama's Royal Café
4012 Broadway
Oakland
A fixture of Oakland dining, Mama's is the natural alternative to a diner. Instead of tang or minute maid, the OJ is fresh squeezed Valencias. The crab sandwich is made not of fake crab, nor even canned or frozen crab, but of real, freshly steamed king crab. If you can stand the wait, up to an hour on weekends, you can sample their famous Dagwood sandwich, a towering mass of fried egg, several types of cheese, avocado, smoked turkey and the works. Bring cash along because they don't accept any plastic.

Barney's Gourmet Burger
5819 College Ave and 4162 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 601-0444
Barney's is the burger place. In fact, two whole walls attest to this fact, covered with 'Best of the Bay' and other winningest hamburger awards. But even a vegetarian or pescatarian can be satisfied with their unparalleled salmon burgers and selection of inspired veggie burgers. You can choose from curly or skinny fries, and if you really want to complete the picture, grab a frosty Turkish coffee shake, a thick and sweet delight to rival that of Fenton's (see below). Lunch and dinner are served daily, but watch out for lines during rush hours at either location.

Fenton's Creamery
4226 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 658-7000
The legacy of Fenton's has reached its 110th year, and the crowds are still coming. Aside from the classic banana split, there are fanciful sundaes and ice cream flavors like coffee cookie crunch and apple pie, all made in house. Favorites include strawberry, Swiss milk chocolate, pumpkin and pistachio. Stay away from the "95% fat free" flavors, they just don't hit the same mark. During dinnertime you may have to wait, but the ice cream is far superior to the food, so opt for the counter rather than waiting for the booth.

TJ's Gingerbread House
741 5th St.
(510) 444-7373
TJ's is a grand restaurant, like none other. Crouched beneath the BART tracks and the 880 Highway, the location has remained through Oakland's many incarnations. Decorated like a living ginger bread house, both inside and out, TJ herself has created a dream-like paradise, and a menu to set it apart. Reservations are necessary for several of the dishes, like the Louisiana Fancy Fine Jumbo and the Catfish Etouffe. Each meal comes with several courses. The best thing on the menu is the sassy cornbread, possibly the best in the world, which comes with any order. Gingerbread houses are made during the holidays, but you can get the cookies, even chocolate chip ginger cookies, all year long.

Everette and Jones BBQ
126 Broadway in Jack London Square
also 2676 Fruitvale Ave.
(510) 663-2350
These are the ribs of all ribs. The spicy BBQ sauce is a family recipe generations old, that drips into every slow-cooked morsel of meat. Be prepared for an après-dining bath! The sides are good too, and the Sista Ale, but nothing is prepared without meat, or meat juices, so don't try to bring your vegetarian friends along, unless they don't mind munching on corn bread and sipping ice tea while taking in some of the best blues in the bay at Q's in the back of the Jack London Square location.

Le Cheval
1007 Clay St.
(510) 763-8957
Every shade of skin from every ethnicity can be found chowing down on this authentically delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Great cheap lunch deals, Monday through Saturday, and clay pots for nightly dinner, make Le Cheval's the clear favorite for Vietnamese in Oakland. The salt and pepper prawns and famous carrot chowder are a must. Le Cheval is a staple of dining out in Oakland.

The Golden Lotus
1301 Franklin St.
(510) 893-0383
This all-vegetarian restaurant is a true gem. No meat, no poultry, no egg, no MSG?and all a bargain! Don't be confused by menu options like beef broccoli or kung pow chicken, it's all soy, though your taste buds would have you believe otherwise. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Bay Wolf Café and Restaurant
3853 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 655-6004
Ranked 4th in the prestigious SF Gaurdian's annual 'Top 100 Restaurants of the Bay', Bay Wolf has been quietly creating culinary magic for almost 30 years. A seamless blend of Mediterranean and Californian cuisine, the highlight is certainly the tender rack of lamb and the unimaginably delicious deserts. Any guy who takes his gal here is a keeper.

Arizmendi's
3265 Lakeshore Ave.
(510) 268-8849
Every day there is a new, exciting flavor of pizza and an original loaf of bread. Toppings include everything from yams to shallots to walnuts, and yes, this is real Californian pizza, so don't go expecting deep dish Chicago (go to Zachary's on College Ave. for an attempt at that). A blend of cheese and herbs on crispy thin crust makes each interesting combination worth a try. The breads are just as good; bring home the cherry corn scones, or try a 'chocolate thing' for a sweet tooth breakfast. Pizza is served from 11am. Closed Mondays.

Phnon Penh House
251 8th St. 94607
(510) 893-3825
This is Cambodian at its best. Phnon Penh is not just another hole in the wall, it's the one that leads to a treasure chest of tasty treats. Cambodia's hot weather and abundant produce influence the cuisine in a refreshing way. Light zesty palates and flavorful vegetarian dishes mix with an assortment of curries, mostly steeped with coconut milk. The salads are a real winner, and cheap too. If you've never had Cambodian, you have to try it, and this is exactly the place to do it.

Soul Brother's Kitchen
5239 Telegraph (at 51st)
(510) 655-9367
The relaxed, unhurried atmosphere of Soul Brother's carries over to the slow-cooked grits and simmered down collards. This place has all the classic dishes, and offers the best down home breakfast in town, no bells and whistles, but complete with hush puppies.

Baja Taqueria
4070 Piedmont Ave.
(510) 547-2252
For a dolled-up Mexican meal, this is the place to go. With so many great authentic Mexican restaurants in town, there is one for each mood. This is the fancier version, serving fresh lobster in its burritos and scrumptious fish tacos Piedmont style. It's a winner even if you aren't a seafood fan.

Cactus
5642 College Ave
(510) 658-6180
www.cactustaqueria.com
This is the diet Mexican place. All the entrees are prepared super low fat style, extra skin is taken off, fat dripped off, no lard in this place. The crispy chicken tacos are delightful, but the fish tacos don't hold a candle to Baja's. The salsa here is some of the best around. When they say spicy they mean it!

Oliveto
5655 College Ave.
(510) 547-5356
Another of the SF Gaurdian's top restaurants this year, Oliveto is a chic College Avenue restaurant, flaunting new incarnations of classic Italian fare. The menu constantly changes; it is based on what is in season today, what are the freshest ingredients for that moment. Reserve tables in the dressed-up upstairs or walk in for a more casual meal downstairs. The diners are sublime, but the weekday lunch and a Sunday breakfast both pull their weight. Oliveto's is right on point.

La Taza de Café
5761 Thornhill Drive
(510) 339-7400
This new tapas place is a great way to enjoy chic gourmet foods for less moolah. Most of the dishes are under 12 dollars. Another plus is La Taza hosts hard-to-find Cuban salsa every Thursday night, and belly dancing on Fridays. Try the pincho beef or the chicken squewers, both served on arepas (traditional corn cakes). This place is sure to lift your spirits--just make sure you have enough energy to last the night!

Mijori
3260 Grand Ave.
(510) 465-8854
Cheap, fresh sushi, served in imaginative ways. That is the bottom line here at Mijori's. Believe it: even at the low prices, this place has very high standards of freshness, so dive into the raw! The chefs have invented several crazy specialty rolls I've never seen before. It's a great place for diner followed by a movie at Grand Lake; try not to get too carried away with their creative dishes or you'll miss your show.

Restaurant Peony
388 9th St.
(510) 286-8866
Enshrined by a beautiful stained glass entryway, this place spares no favors to Western diners. The menu has every part of seemingly every animal, even whole suckling pig. All the more authentic, I say, though it should be noted that that means next to everything has pork in it, or some bi-product. This is a great dim sum place that fills up pretty quickly come Sunday. Look around at all the passing carts before you grab, they are constantly switching, and you don't want to miss the sesame buns, the egg custard or the steam shrimp fritters. On weekdays, the crispy duck is essential.

Jade Villa
800 Broadway
(510) 839-1688
Although the Restaurant Peony makes a pretty good case, some would bet their life that Jade Villa is the best dim sum in the Bay. Between the sticky sweet pork buns and the steam prawn stuffed green peppers, you'll have to just go and see for your self.

Purple Plum
4228 Park Blvd.
(510) 336-0990
Chic and soulful, the Purple Plum takes traditional soul food recipes and gives them a Californian twist, from the posh interior to the vanilla ginger glaze on their sweet potatoes. This place gets packed during dinner hours. Luckily they offer carry out! Another dish to try is the cider-soaked pork chops. Southern Soul Food at its trendiest.

Blackberry Bistro
4240 Park Blvd.
(510) 336-1088
A great spot for writers--or readers. This is the place for a superb solo breakfast with the laptop or newspaper. The breakfast pastries are all baked in house, served with crème anglais and warm fruit coulis. Out of this world with some of their French roast coffee. Right around the corner (down at the bottom of Wellington) is the Lions pool in Dimond Park, where three bucks will get you a swim to burn off the hugely portioned shrimp and grits. (Don't worry, the pool is always kept at 83 degrees).

Tanjia
4905 Telegraph
(510) 653-8691
For a full-throttle Moroccan experience, the five-course prix fixe at Tanjia should do the trick. The exquisite décor and live nightly belly dancing, combined with the spiced traditional entrees, are a trip to the other side of the world.

Mexicali Rose
701 Clay St.
(510) 451-2450
This a true Mexican joint, with out the healthy or fishy gimmicks that carry the clientele at Cactus or Baja. Mexicali Rose is open until the wee hours, serving piping hot chiles rellenos and bean and cheese burritos to die for. The chicken is soaked in a rather spicy marinade, so unless you are made of steel, don't go adding on a pile of fresh roasted jalepeños (seeds left in) without some serious consideration.

El Huarache Azteca
3842 International Blvd.
(510) 533-2395
For yet another twist on Mexican, try the delicacies of the center of the country. Aztec-inspired poblanos, huaraches and hacoyos should be part of every Mexican lover's vocabulary. And since the prices are so low, why not also taste the sweets from Toluca and the gorditas from Que Retaro?

Nightlife

Oakland Metro
www.oaklandmetro.org
201 Broadway in Jack London Square
(510) 763-1146
The Oakland Metro houses everything from the "Tourettes without Regrets" poetry slam and MC battle, to the Oakland Opera to theatrical performances. With a wide array of shows and a full bar, it's an outing not to be missed.

Mama Buzz Café
2318 Telegraph Ave. (at 23rd)
(510) 465-4073
Coffee and art house by day, live performances by night, this fringe-style café hosts the hot and the hip.

The Stork Club
2330 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 444-6174
For an intimate experience with hard rock, head over to the Stork. There are usually two bands each night, the softer of the two performing first. Listen to improv jazz or heavy metal while you sip reasonably priced drinks and brush up on your pool skills. Don't let the funky décor fool you; these digs are privy to some pretty sensational sounds.

Heinhold's Last Chance Saloon
48 Webster St. in Jack London Square
(510) 839-6761
Top-notch people watching mixes with local history in this genuine pub, frequented by Jack London himself back in the day.

Luka's Tap Room and Bar
2221 Broadway (at Grand)
(510) 451-4677
Luka's is one of the many signs of rejuvenation in downtown Oakland. Serving Lunch, dinner, and home to 16 beers and a snazzy dance floor, this place offers a complete night out. You might even catch a glimpse of one of Oakland professional athletes.

Kimball's Carnival
522 Second St.
(510) 444-6979
When you are feeling a bit more well to do, check out Kimball's where great dancing and fancy drinks mingle with an energetic atmosphere. Go on Wednesdays when they have free salsa or swing classes before the live band picks up.

Mile High Club
3629 MLK Jr. Way
(510) 655-6161
Home to some of the best blues in the East Bay, this small and funky venue looks like a southern roadhouse, but has the goods inside.

The Ruby Room
132 14th St. (at Madison)
(510) 444-7224
Step back in time into the 50's at this art deco lounge, where cheap drinks abound. On Monday nights at midnight Old Crow shots are only 1 dollar. Honky tonk tunes, punk, and an eclectic assemblage of tunes spin between the pleather seating and an exposed rock wall.

Oasis Restaurant and Bar
135 12th St.
(510) 763-0404
If you are in an outdoorsy mood, this is a dream come true. Choose to take in the blend of reggae, house and soul from the twinkling back patio or the cocktail bar inside. This place is totally down to earth, whether you are chillin on the thrift store couches or grooving on the dance floor. Come for happy hour and stay for the West African delicacies served until 10pm.

The Alley
3325 Grand Ave.
(510) 444-8505
If you are into Karaoke, and have a penchant for old standards and even older pianos, than this is the place for you. In the center of this interior decorator's conundrum the bar sits, attached to an old piano. Nightgowns hang from the walls, that is, where the business cards aren't taking over. Go for a cheap steak dinner before a round of singing, served until 10pm. Oakland at its friendliest.

Cato's Ale House
3891 Piedmont Ave. (at Vista Ave.)
(510) 655-3349
This place exemplifies the laid-back tavern. Free wi-fi and live bluegrass accompany the wide assortment of microbrews. There's never any cover charge, and most Wednesdays and Sundays bands play everything from Latin to Folk and everything in between. Tuesdays certain beers are featured, a great time to save a buck and try something new.

The White Horse Inn
6551 Telegraph (at 65th)
(510) 652-3820
The oldest gay bar in California is now a local haunt for every gender and sexual orientation. With a fireplace, great theme nights, big screen TV's, video game and no room for quick judgments, this is one of the most fun places to go at night in Oakland. Come before 9pm to get in for free, or on Thursdays with you college ID.

Community:

Laurel Village Association
www.laurelvillage.org

Port of Oakland
www.portofoakland.com

Jack London Square Neighborhood Association
www.jlna.org

Redwood Heights Improvement Association
www.redwood-heights.org

Millsmont News
www.millsmontnews.com

Hillcrest Estates Improvement Association
www.hillcrestestates.org

Sequoyah Hills Home Owners Association
www.sequoyhhome.org

East Oakland
www.eastoakland.com

San Antonio Community Development Corperation
www.california.com/%7Esacdc

Rockridge Community Planning Council
www.rockridge.org

Piedmont Avenue Neighborhood Improvement Association
www.panil.org

North Hills Phoenix Association
www.nhphoenix.org

Piedmont Pines Club
www.piedmontpines.org

Glenview Neighborhood Association
www.glenviewneighborhood.org

Dimond District
www.dimondnews.org

Fruitvale's Unity Council
www.unitycouncil.org

Oakland-Hanover Ecovillage
www.ecovillage510.org

Northlake Neighborhood Group
www.northlakegroup.org

West Oakland Network
www.westoaklandnet.org

West Oakland Neighborhood Alliance
/www.oakcal.com/wdna

Transportation:

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
www.bart.gov
Bart is the award-winning rapid transit system serving the East Bay, Peninsula, and downtown San Francisco areas. There are many stops in Oakland, including a convenient air-shuttle connection to get to Oakland International Airport. Using a BART card (available from vending machines in each station), you can purchase fares ranging from 1.25 to 5.60 depending on what stop you get off at. You can carry your bike on BART providing it isn't during rush hour (7:05-8:50am and 4:25-6:45pm).

AC Transit
www.actransit.org
AC Transit is the East Bay's bus system. It is fairly expensive, and there are several lines that don't run very often. When you are buying your ticket, for which you will need exact change, and make sure you get your transfer then and not later! To get to San Francisco use the transbay bus, costing 3.50, but if you can take BART instead I would highly recommend it.

Transit Information
www.transitinfo.org
All relevant Bay Area transit information is on this website. On a local phone, dial 511 for exact schedules and routes for any destination in the Bay, including carpooling info. 511 makes it extremely easy for anyone to use a combination of Bay Area public transits as an alternative to driving. Also consider taking the ferry to San Francisco, a beautiful way to avoid Bay Bridge traffic and steep charges for cruises. It is the cheapest way to get out onto the Bay.

Fly Oakland
www.flyoakland.com
Oakland International Airport is a less-crowded, often cheaper alternative to flying into San Francisco.

Amtrak
www.amtrakcalifornia.com
There are Amtrak stations in Oakland, Emeryville, and other points in the Bay Area.

Best Neighborhoods: What are the best neighborhoods to live in? Send your comments and suggestions to newcolonist@newcolonist.com and we'll post them here.

Downtown
East Lake
Piedmont
Glenview Village
Lake Merit
Rockridge
Waterfront
Temescale

Going There? Find a Hotel in Oakland

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Editor for this page is Serena Bartlett
Having lived and traveled in over 20 countries, Serena Bartlett is passionate about city life. As a freelance writer and publicist hopeful, she divides her time between book tours and wine tours, while trying to fit in as many ski days and hikes as possible. Even after all her journeying, she is always happy to return home to Oakland, about which she is currently writing a unique tour guide.

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