Entertainment in Oakland
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Cato's Alehouse
For beer fans, Cato's Alehouse, off Broadway, has a large selection of microbrews, plus pub food.
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Ben & Nick's
For beer fans, Ben & Nick's in Rockridge has a large selection of microbrews, plus pub food.
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Yoshi's
Yoshi's is one of the country's major jazz clubs; pretty-good sushi too.
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Raiders
Also playing at the McAfee Coliseum are Oakland's NFL team, attracting a particularly rabid brand of fan.
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Kimball's East
In Emeryville, northwest of Oakland, this huge jazz supper club books big-name musicians and the occasional comedy act. The club's in the Emerybay Public Market; from I-80 take the Powell St exit.
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Parkway Speakeasy Theater
Two blocks east of Lakeshore Ave is this great, laid-back movie-going experience. It shows quality second-run films in a comfy setting and serves beer, wine, sandwiches and pizza.
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