Oakland is cool. It always has been, it always will be. It's just a fact. But if we had to choose the coolest 'hood in Oakland, we might have to go with the
Temescal District. As one of Oakland's oldest and most eclectic districts, Temescal has it all: blue skies, warmer temperatures, and an undeniably hip-slash-gritty vibe. It’s the ideal place to spend a day browsing laidback local shops, beautifully decorated coffee bars, and the savory fare of a top-tier restaurant scene. Shall we?
Eat + Drink
Via Cafe Colucci's Facebook
Café Colucci
6427 Telegraph Ave. // Whether you're an Ethiopian food pro or a newbie, Café Colucci is the perfect spot to indulge your cravings. Instead of eating with your hands, you’ll be mopping up the spices and sauces with injeras (a.k.a. sourdough-risen flatbread). We love their vegetarian options, especially the veggie sampler for two.
Kingfish Pub & Cafe
5239 Telegraph Ave. // You can’t get more local than this authentic little bar that sits just spitting distance from its former location. That’s a story all it’s own: to keep the building from being torn down, the owner moved the entire establishment - lock, stock, and barrel - to the opposite side of the street. Be sure to take advantage of the patio and free popcorn!
Bakesale Betty
5098 Telegraph Ave. // Yes, there’s a line - but it moves fast! This popular lunch spot stands out with its buttermilk batter fried chicken (or fried tofu for the vegetarians) on top of an Acme-baked torpedo roll. (YUM.) Make yourself comfortable at one of the quirky tables made from old ironing boards.
Via Pizzaiolo's Facebook
Pizzaiolo
5008 Telegraph Ave. // This wood-fired pizza spot has been quietly gathering something of a cult following in recent years. Open at 8am, Pizzaiolo serves breakfast until noon before getting into the pies and unmissable pasta dishes. Sit on the garden patio or pick a spot inside their cozy interior.
Roses' Taproom
4930 Telegraph Ave. // A taproom by any other name... Roses’ Taproom serves all sorts of beers in a warmly decorated room teeming with plants. You can enroll in their monthly membership program that includes a mug, discounts on beers, and more perks. Although you won’t find any dining options here, you can snack on delicacies such as homemade bread from the neighboring Pizzaiolo.
Via Temescal Brewing's Facebook
Temescal Brewing
4115 Telegraph Ave. // It's always time for a beer on the patio! Bring your friends, kids, and doggies to this wonderful Oakland hotspot on a sunlit day. With awesome food trucks, first-rate beers, and an impossibly hip vibe, what else could you possibly want?
Burma Superstar
4721 Telegraph Ave. // This famous Burmese spot isn't just for San Francisco anymore. Burma Superstar’s Temescal location boasts mouth-watering soups, tofu noodle plates and much more. If you know someone who’s been to this place, there’s a very good chance you heard them sing the praises of the fermented (and low-key legendary) tea leaf salad. But its reputation precedes it, so call beforehand to guarantee a table.
Via Aunt Mary's Cafe's Facebook
Aunt Mary's Cafe
4640 Telegraph Ave. // Get ready for a fine serving of creative American comfort food, homemade breads, biscuits, cornbread, pastries, and desserts at Aunt Mary’s Cafe - all sourced from fresh local ingredients and smelling fantastic, no less. This cute hotspot offers Southern platters for breakfast and weekend brunches.
Julie's
4316 Telegraph Ave. // Looking for a yummy brunch in a sun-drenched patio or tea garden? Go to Julie’s! We recommend the hash brisket and chai latte. Don't forget to take a look at the rotating selection of art inside, much of which is made by local artists.
Via Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack's Facebook
Arthur Mac's Tap and Snack
4006 Martin Luther King Jr. Way // Just outside Temescal and right across from the MacArthur BART station is one of Oakland's newest hip beer gardens. Constructed from shipping containers and developed by the same team responsible for Berkeley’s Westbrae Biergarten and Drake's Dealership, Arthur Mac’s is a welcome addition to Temescal’s beer culture.
Hawk and Pony
4210 Telegraph Ave. // This chill spot feels like the coolest co-working space you’ve ever seen, so don’t be surprised when three-quarters of the patrons are hunched over a laptop. No work? No problem! Get cozy in Hawk and Pony’s comfy sofas and treat yourself to a piece of vegan carrot cake. Also, kudos to whoever makes their playlist. Keep playing King Krule.
Do
Via Temescal Alleys' Facebook
Temescal Alleys
49th Street between Telegraph Ave. and Clarke St. // Temescal Alleys is a must! Formerly a Victorian stable block, the popular alley now houses a row of trendy boutiques. These are some of our favorites:
- Plant moms and dads can bliss out at Crimson Horticultural Rarities, where you'll find rare succulents, terraria, artwork, and other curiosities.
- Add some glam to your wardrobe with a few Ali Golden pieces. You might even bump into this Bay Area designer in person, as she tends to drop into the shop.
- Find your next big read at Book/Shop! They also sell furniture, small goods, prints, art prints, and kitschy lamps.
- Snag a truly unique piece of jewelry at Esqueleto, designed by Bay Area native Lauren Wolf.
Down at Lulu's
6603 Telegraph Ave. // Go all the way to the top of Temescal to find this glittering and undeniably unique spot. Down at Lulu’s you can find a hairdresser, vintage shop, record store, and clothing shop with a pink, kitschy interior.
Antique Centre
6519 Telegraph Ave. // This is not your average antique store filled with estate sale clutter. Owned by some of the sweetest people we know, Antique Centre is the place to find hidden gems like old tea cups, cheap plant pots, or a vintage coffee table. They often let customers fill a basket for only $5! Go crazy.
Temescal Street Fair
Sunday, June 10 // Go enjoy live music, great food (including some from the restaurants we just recommended), beers, and more at the free Temescal Street Fair between 41st and 51st Streets. Call it a Temescal tradition.
East Bay forever. Do Oakland like a pro with our guide to the best East Bay breweries and beer gardens and enter to win our Burger Boogaloo giveaway.
Written by Gloria Mathys
