Entertainment in East Bay
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A
Albatross
A block north of University Ave, Albatross is one of the most inviting and friendly pubs in the entire Bay Area. Some serious darts are played here, and poker games and Trivial Pursuit will be going on around many of the worn out tables.
reviewed
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B
Fox Oakland Theatre
Downtown Oakland has plenty of buildings adorned with art nouveau or art deco details; unfortunately, many now stand empty and are in need of care, particularly those further out from City Center. One success story is the 1928 Fox Oakland Theatre, once the largest cinema west of Chicago. A two-year renovation ended in 2009, and now the theater hosts the likes of Sonic Youth and Kylie Minogue; it also houses the Oakland School of the Arts.
reviewed
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C
Kona Club
Despite the tiki bar’s return to vogue, there ain’t many around, which is why we love Kona. Think low-fi tiki – no pineapple-shaped glasses or torches, but rattan walls, a good pool table and paper cocktail umbrellas compensate.
reviewed
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D
Heinhold's First & Last Chance Saloon
Heinhold's First & Last Chance Saloon, in Jack London Sq, is a lopsided quake survivor and National Literary Landmark; open daily for inspirational drinking. Yes, your beer is sliding off the counter.
reviewed
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E
Cafe Van Kleef
Every square inch of wall space is covered with knickknacks and garage-sale leftovers at this Oakland staple, which has live music on weekends, lip-smacking freshly squeezed Greyhounds (gin and grapefruit) and a party-down crowd.
reviewed
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F
Pacific Film Archive
The PFA is internationally renowned for daily screenings that explore the art of film-making, including rare, new and historic prints from around the globe. The box office (11am-5pm) is at 2621 Durant Ave.
reviewed
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G
Uptown
Local rock bands and occasional celebs play this mammoth bar with a big outdoor smoking patio. You never know who might appear – Green Day came unannounced in 2009. Schedule varies; call ahead.
reviewed
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H
Grand Lake Theater
One of the last remaining 1920s movie palaces to show first-run films. On Friday and Saturday evenings, certain films are preceded by performances on the mighty Wurlitzer organ (check the website).
reviewed
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I
Ruby Room
Two red floodlights are the only clues that this dive exists. Bartenders pour wicked-strong drinks, DJs spin pop to punk, and the red lighting makes everyone look hot.
reviewed
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J
Alley
The Alley draws a wacky mix of hams and crooners, who come to sing by the piano (Tuesday to Saturday evenings). No beer on tap, but cocktails are strooooong.
reviewed
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K
Ashkenaz
Ashkenaz is a 'music and dance community center' attracting activists, hippies and fans of folk, swing and world music who love to dance (lessons offered).
reviewed
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L
Caffe Strada
University students get wired on caffeine on the giant outdoor patio and study, ardently talk philosophy or make eyes at each other. Good pastries.
reviewed
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M
Starry Plough
This comfy Irish pub is more of a neighborhood dive (no fake decor) with a varied lineup of local and touring rock, jazz, country and blues bands.
reviewed
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N
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
Smart programming explores the regional styles of traditional, acoustic world music. Think fiddle, folk, strings and soul. No alcohol.
reviewed
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O
Triple Rock Brewery & Ale House
One of the country's first brewpubs, the house beers and pub grub are quite good, and the antique wooden bar and rooftop sun deck are delightful.
reviewed
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P
Stork Club
It seems every budding Bay Area indie-rock band plays the Stork at least once. The crowd skews young and loves loud bands.
reviewed
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Q
Pacific Coast Brewing Company
Right in the heart of Old Oakland, this place serves full meals alongside its own tasty brews (try the Gray Whale Ale).
reviewed
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R
Ivy Room
The Ivy Room boasts live country, blues and rockabilly bands and an excellent jukebox of classic 45s.
reviewed
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Cato's Alehouse
For beer fans, Cato's Alehouse, off Broadway, has a large selection of microbrews, plus pub food.
reviewed
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Ben & Nick's
For beer fans, Ben & Nick's in Rockridge has a large selection of microbrews, plus pub food.
reviewed
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S
Shotgun Players
America's first solar-powered theater, it showcases classic works and innovative new plays.
reviewed
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T
Yoshi's
Yoshi's is one of the country's major jazz clubs; pretty-good sushi too.
reviewed
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U
Club Mallard
This place has outdoor seating, tiki torches and hourly pool tables.
reviewed
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V
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W
Zellerbach Hall
The concrete-box acoustics inside this vintage-1970s hall are terrible for non-amplified classical, but Zellerbach is the premier East Bay stage, and it showcases top-flight dance and music performances by international ensembles.
reviewed
