Uptown is part of Oakland’s vibrant downtown scene just north of City Center, and renowned as Oakland’s Cultural District.
Oakland is Wine Destination…
The Punchdown. Natural wine focus. The changing selections can be hard core funky, and perfect for those who are looking for the off-beat and rarely found on a by-the-glass list. Big plus is that you can experiment with half-glass options for every wine. Proprietors DC and Lisa are super knowledgeable and always on the look-out for something interesting to share with their clientele. The austere European ambience is set against cool soundtrack. Small plates include a great cheese plate, particularly the Burrata. The Punchdown also brings in visiting international winemaker events. Big focus is on California, France, and Central / Eastern Europe. These days, luckily you can do takeaway retail or join their wine club. Easy access at 19th St. BART.
Duende. The focus here is all about Spain. While not a wine bar, you can get an amazing glass or bottle of Spanish wine -with a serious Sherry program. Great architectural setting with some tasty food. Unfortunately, closed until Covid gets under control – hope to see it back soon.
PG Faves: Inventive small plates, wine list, the architecture, Sitting at the bar.
Music & Theatre…
Cafe Van Kleef. This bar is the perfect mix of divey, kitschy, and hip. Van Kleef has long-anchored Uptown when no other nightlife was around for blocks. This long narrow bar is fun, down-to-earth, and attracts all ages. It’s also one of the best, intimate music venues around. A nominal cover charge kicks in around 9pm for typically standing room only shows. Arrive early to claim one of the coveted tables. No food service, but they don’t seem to mind if you bring something in from one of the local venues.
PG Faves: Duh. Van Kleef’s signature greyhound.
Fox Theater. Restored music venue in Egyptian Deco. Mostly rock-indie artist. Lit up in dramatic neon, this place is rightfully compelling. On concert nights its sister couch bar The Den is open exclusively for concert-goers.
Piedmont Piano Company. Housed in a cool vintage building, this part of San Pablo Ave. feels very mid-century modern. The retro architecture and gorgeous grand pianos in Piedmont Piano alone would make this spot a worthwhile destination. But cleverly, Piedmont Piano also uses their musical space to host intimate concerts such as that run the gamut from jazz to chamber music. See their Piedmont Piano Calendar for full details.
The Good Hop. Fabulous craft beer spot with myriad changing taps and large retail fridge at the back. Retail focus is on California. Order at the counter – no food but often a food truck out front.
Pastry…
Donut Savant: The name of this shop alone is compelling, and upon entering it is clear that this is no traditional donut spot. The shop has clean, austere lines with a mid-century modern sensibility. The neatly lined donut case is a jewel box of beautifully presented pastry. Nothing in the case really looks like a traditional donut, but is more inspired by the form and runs the gamut of styles from cake to raised to cronut-like. Donut Savant doesn’t seem to feature the off-beat flavor profiles of some artisan donut shops, but instead focuses on classic flavors and sharp presentation. Big bonus points for the many bite-sized options. Disappointing though that they are not open on Sundays – a big day for donut fans. See Donut Savant’s Facebook page for images.
When bars are back…
Classic Cars West. Part classic car sales and part beer garden. This cool space has an indoor bar piping in cool tunes and a parking lot courtyard with wall-to-wall murals by some of Oakland’s best street artists. Hella Vegan Eats busting out of its food truck days, is now the in-house food purveyor. The food is tasty, if heavy – but it allows even vegans to partake of spins on classic comfort foods. Weekend brunch is particularly popular. It’s parking lot Beer Garden is lined with dramatic murals and comfy picnic tables. A trip to this part of town will reward you with an abundance of street art.
PG Faves: Craft beer on tap, Groovy bar vibe, Beer garden murals
Blind Tiger. One of the coolest spots in the ‘hood. Follow the brilliant Ernest Doty mural down into a super hip basement bar filled with picnic table seating under Japanese lanterns and background Anime setting the brightly lit tone. Ambience is king here, but the food is tasty and comes with a robust cocktail and beer list.
PG Faves: Ambience, Ambience, Ambience
Sweet Bar. One of the best bakeries in the Bay Area, Sweet Bar’s counter is stacked with compelling pastries, making choosing just one extremely difficult. This place is the real deal, evidenced by the trays and trays of pastry and breads freshly emerging from the oven. Sweet Bar also has a few great savory options and bakes its own bread. The austere space feels modern with its high-ceiling and walls of windows that look out onto Broadway. The laptop set tend to dig-in and hoard the seating.
PG Faves: Cheese Cake, chocolate chunk cookies w, Roasted Walnuts…and, uh, just about anything else
Classic Comfort
Mua. Mua was the cool kid in the ‘hood long before there were many other contenders in the Uptown nightlife scenes. And it’s still going strong. High-ceilinged warehouse with dramatic skylights and edgy art on the walls. It can feel clubby on the weekends – but in a fun, inclusive way. A DJ spinning amidst the din. Cool 2-story loft design. Mua isn’t just pretty, the food is tasty too. And when you fall in love with your favorites, chance are they are going to stick on the menu. Inventive dishes for vegetarians/vegans too (like no cheese mac & cheese).
PG Faves: Grilled Artichoke & Tarragon Aioli, Crispy Tofu with black bean-weet chili sauce, CBQ veggie burger (chickpea, bulgur, quinoa)
Music & Theatre…
The New Parkway. The original Parkway was early to the game of changing-up the movie-going experience with lounging in couchy seating while imbibing alcohol. It’s original closing traumatized many, so its new home in the Uptown has been a welcome return. Now firmly ensconced in Uptown, The New Parkway has continued its tradition of lounging on couches and eating dinner with a glass of wine or beer while watching movies. Several different movies run each day on its single screen, including second-run, vintage, indie, and documentaries.
Music & Theatre…
Paramount Theatre. Restored Deco theatre on Broadway that hosts a wide variety of events from concerts to its speaker series to vintage movies complete with raffles and old-style live organist. The Paramount is also home to the Oakland Symphony. Its interior is particularly stunning, and Tours are offered twice a month.
Art & Design…
Gone but not forgotten: Flora – Analog – Plum Bar
PG Faves: Carter Beats the Devil cocktail
Plum Bar. Plum, a Daniel Patterson establishment, was formerly two distinct spots, but now only the bar remains. Plum takes classic comfort dishes and turns them on their head – and serves some interesting signature cocktails. Plum’s sleek, hip setting is soothed by its warm wood decor and ambient lighting, as well as Patterson’s signature friendly service. Expect offerings like happy meals and lunch specials – their burger is practically iconic.
PG Faves: Local wines on-tap, the deconstructed falafel with green olives & fried lemons, grilled cheese with jalapeno jam, smoked fries, and charred broccoli with French onion dip.
