For purposes of organizing this list, downtown covers City Center and environs east, and Old Town south to Jack London Square region.
Downtown Oakland: City Center
Downtown Wine Merchants
There aren’t many places these days that make you feel as welcome as this vibrant, yet relaxed wine bar. Staff can make you feel like you’re the only one in the bar, while watching the room to make sure everyone has what they need. Suzanne, the proprietor, sets the friendly tone and knows all her regulars by name. The wine bar is set in a fabulous vintage architectural space, but the interior space is warm with clean modern lines. DTWM has a large selection of interesting wines by the glass from around the world and serve up creative, comforting small plates. True to their name, the Wine Merchants also sells their bottles retail at affordable prices. Sign up for their newsletter to keep up on winemaker events or on Instagram to keep up on daily specials.
Downtown Oakland: East of Broadway
Abura-ya has transitioned from pop-up status and can now be found anchored down on 17th Stree. I have it on several good authorities that their Japanese fried chicken is out of this world. I was just thrilled that they had satisfyingly delicious vegan version. Abura-ya also features quite a large menu of outstanding soul food style side dishes.
Analog
A cozy and hip hold-in-the way that serves amazing sandwiches on an addictive focaccia bread. And maybe the best vegan sandwiches around. Analog has a small, but excellent craft beer selection on tap. Order at the bar and then hope you can find a table in this rightfully-popular spot. Analog has a laid-back vibe, cool low-lit ambience, and spins some great vinyl tunes.
Along Webster Street, between 12th and 17th, you’ll find some amazing murals and interesting graffiti art.
Pt.2: has transitioned from the Athen B. Gallery and moved next door. Looking even more sleek and upscale, Pt.2: still offers owner Brock Brake’s same well-curated approach that puts on great shows every couple of months featuring and nuturing interesting local artists. For now, the Athen B site is still up and contains some good background info on many of the amazing large-scale murals that you’ll see around town. Follow former Athen B partner, Sorell Raini-Tsui at ABG Projects for large scale murals in the region.
