Guidebook for Alameda

Daniel
Guidebook for Alameda

Food Scene

Best known for their Asian inspired chicken wings, I'm actually a fan of their Spicy Crab Fried. Except for barstools, there really isn't much indoor seating. There are a few picnic tables out front, but many do a grab and go.
Monkey King At The Brewery
1708 Park St
Best known for their Asian inspired chicken wings, I'm actually a fan of their Spicy Crab Fried. Except for barstools, there really isn't much indoor seating. There are a few picnic tables out front, but many do a grab and go.
Easily one of West Alameda's most popular restaurant. They had spent years in Oakland Chinatown and decided to move to our lovely island; very lucky for us. They serve Cambodian food, but many dishes overlap with Thai and Vietnamese. Closed Sundays, but extremely popular during Friday and Saturday nights, so prepare to wait or visit during off-hours.
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Phnom Penh House
1514 Webster St
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Easily one of West Alameda's most popular restaurant. They had spent years in Oakland Chinatown and decided to move to our lovely island; very lucky for us. They serve Cambodian food, but many dishes overlap with Thai and Vietnamese. Closed Sundays, but extremely popular during Friday and Saturday nights, so prepare to wait or visit during off-hours.
A very local/neighborhood Chinese Restaurant. No frills, but extremely popular with families in the neighborhood. We're new fans and it's one of our "go to" Chinese restaurants. They seem to only have one chef so make sure to either order in advance or go during off-times.
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Little Joe's
1410 Encinal Ave
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A very local/neighborhood Chinese Restaurant. No frills, but extremely popular with families in the neighborhood. We're new fans and it's one of our "go to" Chinese restaurants. They seem to only have one chef so make sure to either order in advance or go during off-times.
Haven't tried the new Poke craze yet? You're in luck because this is a great spot. This is the first and still the best on the island. After trying other Poke at other spots, this place still reigns supreme. Hint: do half crab chips and half rice as your "base." It'll make more sense when you go there.
Poke Koma
1354 Park St
Haven't tried the new Poke craze yet? You're in luck because this is a great spot. This is the first and still the best on the island. After trying other Poke at other spots, this place still reigns supreme. Hint: do half crab chips and half rice as your "base." It'll make more sense when you go there.
Sichuan food is still pretty rare, even in the San Francisco Bay Area where there's such a large Asian population. The location feels a bit seedy, it's next door to probably one of the last remaining adult "bookstores," but plenty of people frequent this spot to make it secure enough. If you're not familiar with Sichuan food, then keep in mind that it's spicy! You can tell them to keep the heat down, but to a certain degree you're missing the point then. A nice beginner friendly dish is called Dan Dan Noodle, sometimes spelled Tan Tan Noodles.
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Spices 3 Restaurants
370-372 12th St
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Sichuan food is still pretty rare, even in the San Francisco Bay Area where there's such a large Asian population. The location feels a bit seedy, it's next door to probably one of the last remaining adult "bookstores," but plenty of people frequent this spot to make it secure enough. If you're not familiar with Sichuan food, then keep in mind that it's spicy! You can tell them to keep the heat down, but to a certain degree you're missing the point then. A nice beginner friendly dish is called Dan Dan Noodle, sometimes spelled Tan Tan Noodles.
Please be aware that Fruitvale is not a tourist spot. In fact, for people not used to "big cities," they might not feel secure or safe. Nonetheless, Reem's California was just named the best new restaurant in the USA by Food & Wine Magazine. They serve traditional "Arab Street Food" and so the menu is unfamiliar to most, including me, but something to experience for foodies. Hint: you'll feel safer going during lunchtime and don't leave anything in the car. Not even old CDs, sweaters, etc.
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Reem's California
1419 34th Ave
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Please be aware that Fruitvale is not a tourist spot. In fact, for people not used to "big cities," they might not feel secure or safe. Nonetheless, Reem's California was just named the best new restaurant in the USA by Food & Wine Magazine. They serve traditional "Arab Street Food" and so the menu is unfamiliar to most, including me, but something to experience for foodies. Hint: you'll feel safer going during lunchtime and don't leave anything in the car. Not even old CDs, sweaters, etc.
This is my "go to" spot for Korean food and probably one of the most popular Korean restaurants in the East Bay. The lunchtime menu is a great deal because you get complimentary pickled side-dishes called banchan and the BBQ dishes are around 30-40% off compared to dinner prices. Generally, one could get full from the banchan and take home most of the actual main dish, all for around $15/person. But, night is when the crowds come out and it's a nice lively restaurant. If you're not familiar with Korean food, then go Seafood Pancake, a bim bim bap (hot stone rice), and a BBQ plater. For dinner, it's be about $60 for those three dishes, but decent leftovers.
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Jong Ga House
372 Grand Ave
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This is my "go to" spot for Korean food and probably one of the most popular Korean restaurants in the East Bay. The lunchtime menu is a great deal because you get complimentary pickled side-dishes called banchan and the BBQ dishes are around 30-40% off compared to dinner prices. Generally, one could get full from the banchan and take home most of the actual main dish, all for around $15/person. But, night is when the crowds come out and it's a nice lively restaurant. If you're not familiar with Korean food, then go Seafood Pancake, a bim bim bap (hot stone rice), and a BBQ plater. For dinner, it's be about $60 for those three dishes, but decent leftovers.
The area around her might seem a bit seedy, but it's actually not too bad relative to other parts of Oakland. Chai Thai Noodle is probably the most popular Thai restaurant in Oakland. My family can't get away from ordering the Papaya Salad, Rice Salad (if you love carbs and never had it, then it's a must try), and Crab Fried Rice.
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Chai Thai Noodles
545 International Boulevard
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The area around her might seem a bit seedy, but it's actually not too bad relative to other parts of Oakland. Chai Thai Noodle is probably the most popular Thai restaurant in Oakland. My family can't get away from ordering the Papaya Salad, Rice Salad (if you love carbs and never had it, then it's a must try), and Crab Fried Rice.
One of the best restaurants for Dim Sum in the entire San Francisco Bay Area and it's only a 15-20 minute walk from the house. Dim Sum is only served at lunch, but it's still one of the better Chinese restaurants in general so a great option for dinner.
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East Ocean Seafood Restaurant
1713 Webster St
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One of the best restaurants for Dim Sum in the entire San Francisco Bay Area and it's only a 15-20 minute walk from the house. Dim Sum is only served at lunch, but it's still one of the better Chinese restaurants in general so a great option for dinner.
Probably don't need to say much, but if you're not from the West Coast and want to check-out what all the fuss is about we have one just a short drive away.
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In-N-Out Burger
555 Willie Stargell Ave
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Probably don't need to say much, but if you're not from the West Coast and want to check-out what all the fuss is about we have one just a short drive away.
Pretty standard Mexican taqueria, but it has one of the highest Yelp reviews on the island for Mexican food and it's only a block and a half away. So, really great if you're a bit tired and need something hearty to eat before turning in.
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El Caballo Wraps
1108 Lincoln Ave
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Pretty standard Mexican taqueria, but it has one of the highest Yelp reviews on the island for Mexican food and it's only a block and a half away. So, really great if you're a bit tired and need something hearty to eat before turning in.
Let me start by stating that I've never been here because it's simply to expensive for our family. The reason it's so expensive is because it's the only East Bay restaurant to receive 2 Michelin Stars from the guide. Chef James Syhabout, an alum of El Bulli in Spain, received his first star in 2010 and second star in 2016. If you are a follower of the Michelin guide, then it'll be hard to deny that Commis is the finest dinning experience in the East Bay.
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Commis
3859 Piedmont Ave
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Let me start by stating that I've never been here because it's simply to expensive for our family. The reason it's so expensive is because it's the only East Bay restaurant to receive 2 Michelin Stars from the guide. Chef James Syhabout, an alum of El Bulli in Spain, received his first star in 2010 and second star in 2016. If you are a follower of the Michelin guide, then it'll be hard to deny that Commis is the finest dinning experience in the East Bay.
This is might be one of the most famous food trucks in the world after Anthony Bourdain gave it a visit long ago, but even after all these years it's still holds up to scrutiny by most Mexican-American food lovers. Oh yeah, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a fan. It's part food truck and part restaurant. You order at the food truck counter and your order is prepared inside the truck, but some there is actually outdoor and indoor seating available, though I've always just taken out. Please note, while the restaurant is a relatively safe place, the surrounding area is not. It's not the worse that Oakland has to offer, but it's certainly not the best. So, don't wonder off too far.
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Taqueria Sinaloa
2138 International Blvd
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This is might be one of the most famous food trucks in the world after Anthony Bourdain gave it a visit long ago, but even after all these years it's still holds up to scrutiny by most Mexican-American food lovers. Oh yeah, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a fan. It's part food truck and part restaurant. You order at the food truck counter and your order is prepared inside the truck, but some there is actually outdoor and indoor seating available, though I've always just taken out. Please note, while the restaurant is a relatively safe place, the surrounding area is not. It's not the worse that Oakland has to offer, but it's certainly not the best. So, don't wonder off too far.
Zachary's has maybe my most favorite pizza of all time, but the only way to describe it is "heavy." If you're not familiar with Chicago style pizza, then i suggest you do a quick search to see what you're in store for. My wife and mom really can only eat one slice. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I can probably have 1/3 in one sitting. UC Berkeley students frequent this location, so it has a lively atmosphere and can get really crowded at peak times.
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Zachary's Chicago Pizza
5801 College Ave
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Zachary's has maybe my most favorite pizza of all time, but the only way to describe it is "heavy." If you're not familiar with Chicago style pizza, then i suggest you do a quick search to see what you're in store for. My wife and mom really can only eat one slice. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I can probably have 1/3 in one sitting. UC Berkeley students frequent this location, so it has a lively atmosphere and can get really crowded at peak times.
This is one of the most famous pizza parlors in the San Francisco Bay Area and I would almost call it a real California pizza. They use only fresh, local, organic ingredients, and other than diary, it's a vegetarian pizza. They only serve one type of pie a day so you basically only go up to the counter and order a slice, half a pie, or a whole pie. (Don't forget to order a drink) Nonetheless, between Zachary's, this is also one of my top pizzas I have ever had. Very limited seating and the line goes out the door just about everyday, but the line is fairly fast. It's near UC Berkeley, so many broke college students in line, but it's a real Bay Area experience.
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The Cheeseboard Pizza
1512 Shattuck Ave
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This is one of the most famous pizza parlors in the San Francisco Bay Area and I would almost call it a real California pizza. They use only fresh, local, organic ingredients, and other than diary, it's a vegetarian pizza. They only serve one type of pie a day so you basically only go up to the counter and order a slice, half a pie, or a whole pie. (Don't forget to order a drink) Nonetheless, between Zachary's, this is also one of my top pizzas I have ever had. Very limited seating and the line goes out the door just about everyday, but the line is fairly fast. It's near UC Berkeley, so many broke college students in line, but it's a real Bay Area experience.
One of the best Mexican-American restaurants in the Bay Area, period. If you go to their original location in Oakland, then you'll see a line outside the door most of the time. For whatever reason, the Alameda location does seem to have that type of traffic, but the quality of food is exactly the same. They specialize in tacos and sandwiches, such as the Cubano and Papito. I can't speak for the sandwiches and how they compare to other places, but the tacos are fantastic. What makes them different is the freshness and there is a nice lightness to it. Most mexican restaurants serve real hearty food, but here it's definitely more of contemporary twist.
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Cholita Linda
4923 Telegraph Ave
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One of the best Mexican-American restaurants in the Bay Area, period. If you go to their original location in Oakland, then you'll see a line outside the door most of the time. For whatever reason, the Alameda location does seem to have that type of traffic, but the quality of food is exactly the same. They specialize in tacos and sandwiches, such as the Cubano and Papito. I can't speak for the sandwiches and how they compare to other places, but the tacos are fantastic. What makes them different is the freshness and there is a nice lightness to it. Most mexican restaurants serve real hearty food, but here it's definitely more of contemporary twist.

Drinks & Nightlife

The SF Bay Area has a handful of Tiki Bars scattered around, but we have one of the East Bay's most popular one just 3.5 blocks away. For a fairly popular spot, it's rather low-key and has a bit of a neighborhood feel to it. They have a very strict ID policy, so be sure to bring ID.
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Forbidden Island
1304 Lincoln Ave
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The SF Bay Area has a handful of Tiki Bars scattered around, but we have one of the East Bay's most popular one just 3.5 blocks away. For a fairly popular spot, it's rather low-key and has a bit of a neighborhood feel to it. They have a very strict ID policy, so be sure to bring ID.
One of the main live music venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and only a 12 minute drive away. Past performers include G-Eazy, Beach House, Robert Plant, The Go-Gos, and much more.
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Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph Ave
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One of the main live music venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and only a 12 minute drive away. Past performers include G-Eazy, Beach House, Robert Plant, The Go-Gos, and much more.

Sightseeing

I actually haven't been on the tour yet, but I've taken pictures of this WWII Aircraft Carrier on several occasions. If you're here during Halloween, then they actually have a haunted tour. Ghost Adventurers has done an episode aboard the ship.
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USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
707 W Hornet Ave
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I actually haven't been on the tour yet, but I've taken pictures of this WWII Aircraft Carrier on several occasions. If you're here during Halloween, then they actually have a haunted tour. Ghost Adventurers has done an episode aboard the ship.
This is best view for the San Francisco Skyline. Whenever I drop out-of-town visitors back into San Francisco, I always make sure to stop here to take photos. For the best photo, make sure you're either coming here on a cloudy day or at magic hours, sunrise and sunset. Night shots are of course great and a tip is to use the concrete ledge to place your camera rather doing a hand held shot.
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Treasure Island
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This is best view for the San Francisco Skyline. Whenever I drop out-of-town visitors back into San Francisco, I always make sure to stop here to take photos. For the best photo, make sure you're either coming here on a cloudy day or at magic hours, sunrise and sunset. Night shots are of course great and a tip is to use the concrete ledge to place your camera rather doing a hand held shot.
Despite being born in the San Francisco Bay Area, it took me until the age of 38 to visit Sutro Baths as an adult. My mom said I was there as a child, but I have no recollection of it. To be honest, my wife and I didn't take the walk down all the way down. We viewed the sunset from the Cliff House Restaurant. Like most landscape photography, come during sunrise , sunset, or a cloudy day for the best photos.
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Sutro Baths
1004 Point Lobos Ave
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Despite being born in the San Francisco Bay Area, it took me until the age of 38 to visit Sutro Baths as an adult. My mom said I was there as a child, but I have no recollection of it. To be honest, my wife and I didn't take the walk down all the way down. We viewed the sunset from the Cliff House Restaurant. Like most landscape photography, come during sunrise , sunset, or a cloudy day for the best photos.
The best spot to overlook the city of San Francisco, specifically downtown. Unless you're an Iron Man athlete, you'll need some kind of motorized transport to get to the main overlook, which is Christmas Tree Point Road. If you notice that it's too foggy, then it's best to skip this spot since you may literally see nothing. So go for cloudy or clear days. Night view is the best, but only stop if you see that there's plenty of other tourists around since there has been some violent crimes during the dead of night at this location.
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Twin Peaks
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The best spot to overlook the city of San Francisco, specifically downtown. Unless you're an Iron Man athlete, you'll need some kind of motorized transport to get to the main overlook, which is Christmas Tree Point Road. If you notice that it's too foggy, then it's best to skip this spot since you may literally see nothing. So go for cloudy or clear days. Night view is the best, but only stop if you see that there's plenty of other tourists around since there has been some violent crimes during the dead of night at this location.

Parks & Nature

Before the turn of the century, Alameda was actually known as the Coney Island of the West. Crown Memorial is a bit of a Bay Area secret, but during hot sweltering weekends the beach is filled with people from all over the East Bay. During weekdays, one almost has the entire beach to themselves and is actually a great place to relax.
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Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
Otis Drive
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Before the turn of the century, Alameda was actually known as the Coney Island of the West. Crown Memorial is a bit of a Bay Area secret, but during hot sweltering weekends the beach is filled with people from all over the East Bay. During weekdays, one almost has the entire beach to themselves and is actually a great place to relax.
On a sunny day, this is really one of the best spots on the island. Weekends can be a little too busy for my taste, but it always reminds me of how awesome it is to live on Alameda.
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Crab Cove Visitor Center
1252 McKay Ave
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On a sunny day, this is really one of the best spots on the island. Weekends can be a little too busy for my taste, but it always reminds me of how awesome it is to live on Alameda.

Arts & Culture

This museum is well overlooked since it's not in San Francisco, but our family found it a great way to spend 2-3 hours. As the name implies, the main topic is California History and consists of three levels. There is also a pretty hidden garden on the grounds that is perfect for a picnic.
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Oaklandin Kalifornian museo
1000 Oak St
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This museum is well overlooked since it's not in San Francisco, but our family found it a great way to spend 2-3 hours. As the name implies, the main topic is California History and consists of three levels. There is also a pretty hidden garden on the grounds that is perfect for a picnic.

Essentials

The closest full-service US Post Office.
United States Postal Service
1415 Webster St
The closest full-service US Post Office.
A guest who stayed with for eight months used this location's wash and fold service his entire stay. He found it to be the most affordable on the entire island.
Laundry Time Laundromat
650 Central Ave
A guest who stayed with for eight months used this location's wash and fold service his entire stay. He found it to be the most affordable on the entire island.
Our former tenant of almost 4 years used this laundromat exclusively, despite many other choices on the island. Yelp users also seem to agree as it has some of the highest scores on the island.
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RAG's Coin Laundry
645 Central Ave
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Our former tenant of almost 4 years used this laundromat exclusively, despite many other choices on the island. Yelp users also seem to agree as it has some of the highest scores on the island.

Shopping

If you're not family with Target, then it's a very large general purpose store. They have everything from clothing, groceries, home goods, electronics, household cleaning, pharmacy, etc.
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Target
2675 Geary Blvd
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If you're not family with Target, then it's a very large general purpose store. They have everything from clothing, groceries, home goods, electronics, household cleaning, pharmacy, etc.
Safeway, Trader Joe's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Kohl's, Pet Co., and plenty of restaurants.
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South Shore Center
South Shore Center
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Safeway, Trader Joe's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Kohl's, Pet Co., and plenty of restaurants.
Yep, the "San Francisco" Premium Outlet is located 1 hour outside of San Francisco, but about a 30 minute drive during off-peak hours from Alameda. During peak traffic hours, it'll take one hour from Alameda as well. But, this outlet does stand apart from many in that it has high-end retailers such as Armani, Barneys NY, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Furla, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Longchamp, Salvatore Ferragamo , Ted Baker London, Tod's, Tory Burch, and Versace. It's still expensive, but I guess it's cheaper than their normal retail outlets.
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San Francisco Premium Outlets
2774 Livermore Outlets Dr
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Yep, the "San Francisco" Premium Outlet is located 1 hour outside of San Francisco, but about a 30 minute drive during off-peak hours from Alameda. During peak traffic hours, it'll take one hour from Alameda as well. But, this outlet does stand apart from many in that it has high-end retailers such as Armani, Barneys NY, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Furla, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Longchamp, Salvatore Ferragamo , Ted Baker London, Tod's, Tory Burch, and Versace. It's still expensive, but I guess it's cheaper than their normal retail outlets.